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Chapter 15
Truth
Edmure Tully had been wishing to avoid a fateful encounter for as long as possible, yet he was forced to face it when Jon Snow finally confronted him in his solar at Riverrun. After taking Jaime Lannister's head, the boy's reputation had grown even more including the Rivermen making the guards at Edmure's door dare not stop the White Wolf who had equal number of victories in the war now as their King.
"Lord Edmure, what happened in the Reach and where is Sam?"
Jon's face lost all color when he saw Edmure look away from his piercing gaze, the same guilt as Robb had when he announced Arya had died.
"Sam's gone" admitted Edmure sadly,
As Jon listened to the tale of Edmure being confronted Randyll Tarly and Tyrell soldiers before they could meet the Reach overlord and his main army, he could not help but remember of Robin Flint warning him that he would lose soldiers, friends and even family as the war dragged on.
His fists clenched in anger as he heard of how the once cowardly Sam volunteered alongside a few Rivermen in a doomed delaying action to allow Edmure to run away, if only to not destroy Robb's campaign with the future lord of the Riverlands not getting captured by their enemy.
"He could still be alive. I doubt his own father would execute him" offered Edmure hopefully, upon seeing Jon's heartbreak grow even more upon hearing of his friend's sacrifice.
"His Father warned him never to enter his lands or even near him, otherwise he shall execute him. I doubt a hard man like Randyll would not carry out his threat when Sam clearly attacked his forces to save you" refused Jon in despair,
"Jon..."
"I couldn't save my sister and now I sent another dear friend to his death" lamented Jon, with guilt clearly visible across his distraught face.
"The fault isn't yours, but mine" replied Edmure honorably, as he got from up his seat to comfort the boy only to receive a brief hard stare.
"You went there on my request, Sam did too. I've won every battle...and yet I am still losing all that are dear to me one after another"
Before Edmure could offer some comfort to the young lad whom he had come to respect, Jon turned around and stormed out of his room. One of his guards looked at him sympathetically from the door awaiting his decision which Edmure made quickly.
"Tell the King what has happened and that his brother will need him"
Robb had been in the middle of formulating battle strategies for the upcoming campaign into the Westerlands and the Reach despite it being the middle of the night. It had been a day since Jaime Lannister was executed and he had personally seen the ravens being sent from Riverrun all across the Seven Kingdoms of the fate of Jaime Lannister and his entire House alongside its allies should they continue standing against him.
They had also sent Arya's bones back to Winterfell under an honor guard and once again he wondered how this would affect his family, especially his mother who would be devastated. How could he look her in the eye again after saving one of her daughters and failing to do the same for the other?
The sight of Jon taking Jaime's head gave him some satisfaction, but it wasn't enough. The men that Bryden Tully had sent to locate Arya's direwolf- Nymeria had not yet returned...and he worried if they failed to do so, then his sister was truly lost.
If that wasn't enough, he had received a messenger from Lord Walder Frey who had also learned of Arya's death as of that of his three kinsmen slaughtered at Harrenhal by Tywin's men. The old weasel had strongly demanded Robb to marry one of his daughters urgently, with Arya who was betrothed to one of his grandsons having died thereby nullifying a part of the agreement for his support. The bastard weasel had demanded the rescued Sansa as a replacement for Robb's younger dead sister!
Robb would have taken the lecher's head off for his audacity, but he needed the Frey's and he remembered Torrhen Stark's advise to him to honor his oaths.
He had refused Lord Walder's request to arrange a betrothal between Sansa and one of his sons, for Robb's sister had already suffered enough at the hands of Lannister's for a lifetime. He would not condemn her to a life of misery at the Twins!
He had already agreed to foster more Frey's at Winterfell, alongside a respectful sum of spoils from the Westerlands campaign to the old weasel in honor of his kinsmen who died for Robb. Most importantly, he had agreed to marry Roslin Frey- originally chosen by his mother from the barely eligible daughters of Lord Walder. His only condition was the wedding to be taken place immediately at Riverrun as he didn't have the time to visit the Twins.
His squire Olyvar Frey and Ser Perwyn Frey had been extremely pleased at the news as their sister would soon become Queen of Three Kingdoms immediately and even more should Robb conquer additional Kingdoms.
Still, the Frey's had demanded more for Arya's loss which was why Lord Bolton entered his chambers a few minutes later and gave a short bow.
"Your Grace, you sent for me?" asked Roose in his ever stoic voice,
"Yes, Lord Bolton. I thank you for coming at this hour for I am in need of your inputs" said Robb seriously, earning a nod from the Lord of Dreadfort.
"As everyone will come to know soon enough, I have agreed to marry Roslin Frey here in Riverrun two days from now as the Frey's were worried about my promise to them since Arya has died leaving them with one less betrothal with House Stark. We need their infantrymen currently supporting the defense of the North under Lord Glover as well as their cavalry who helped Jon defeat Stafford's host and are currently still in the Westerlands under the Greatjon" began Robb,
"That is a wise decision, Your Grace. Slighting Lord Walder at such a sensitive time would have been detrimental to our cause" cautioned Roose, earning a nod from the young Stark.
"I thought as much, however he still demands a marriage replacement for Arya. I will never consent to give him Sansa's hand, she is worth far more and has already suffered enough. In return, Lord Frey's messenger suggested I offer him the hand of one of my most prominent lords for marriage to his daughters. He has offered the girl's weight in gold as dowry alongwith a small holdfast near the Twins for their younger children now that our Kingdoms are one" explained Robb,
Roose eyed him for a long moment making Robb nervous but he didn't show a hint of emotion to the former arch enemies of his House.
"That is a generous proposal and you wish for me to take it?" asked Roose, making Robb take a deep breath before replying.
"It is not a command, Lord Bolton. I have not forgotten your assistance in bringing my sister's killers to justice and forsaking your honor for my own. I promised you a good marriage proposal to stabilize your House's future, should you choose to take this offer- you will gain a bride, a good sum of gold and lands for your heirs- trueborn or otherwise basis your personal decision" answered Robb carefully,
"You have thought this through well, Your Grace. I would be honored to accept" replied Roose with a curt nod, earning a brief smile from Robb.
"Then we shall have our weddings together at Riverrun and march together for the next campaign. I assume Ramsey Snow is already on his way South to join us?" questioned Robb,
"He is"
"Good, I would suggest you choose your bride...the messenger has brought rough hand drawn pictures of Lord Walder's daughters and grand-daughters for your choosing" suggested Robb awkwardly,
"I will do so. Thank you, Your Grace" replied Roose with another nod,
"That will be all then, Lord Bolton"
Roose nodded and gave a brief bow before turning around to march towards the exit only to be stopped by Robb's next words.
"I am thankful for your loyal service, Lord Bolton. I will ensure you are given a good command in the next campaign and some opportunities to score good plunder for your House from Tywin's lands. Although I wish you to keep this between us, more importantly your men or bastard son are not to torture the enemies smallfolk or carry out questionable practices without my approval. You have fought for me well so far, continue doing so and House Bolton will see its dues paid in full by its King" said Robb decisively,
"Very well, Your Grace. I am glad you are honoring my House's service to your noble cause, we will continue to support you" said Roose frankly,
Robb gave a thankful nod which made Roose finally leave the room and only then the King slumped in his chair. If dealing with the Frey's was an exhausting affair, then ensuring the Boltons remained loyal was an even deadlier action.
But it was what he had signed up for when he accepted the burden of Kingship.
The Frey's and Boltons had been loyal to him so far, some of his other lords might feel a bit jealous of him granting them a few favors...but it had to be done to maintain their loyalty.
Before he could think of retiring to sleep, he was disturbed by one of the guards sent by his Uncle Edmure telling him Jon needed his help. Robb wanted nothing more than to sleep but his brother had loyally served him and he would be there for him at all costs.
As expected, he found the brooding bastard in the Godswood in Riverrun sitting in a corner near the Weirwood tree with a solemn expression on his face.
His brother looked up when he saw Robb approaching towards him.
"Lord Edmure sent you. He shouldn't have, you have more important things to worry about" stated Jon irritatedly, as Robb came forward to sit by his side.
"We're family, Jon. I'll always have your back" reassured Robb, as he laid a comforting hand upon Jon's shoulder.
"Sam's gone too, Robb"
Robb was surprised over hearing that making Jon finally explain of how he had decided to send Edmure Tully alongwith Sam to the Tyrell's in order to broker an alliance, only for it to backfire and would have probably turned into a complete disaster if Edmure had been captured by Randyll Tarly, if not for Sam's sacrifice alongwith a few of Edmure's soldiers.
While agreeing with his decision of courting the Tyrell's, Robb was not pleased that Jon was willing to broker a marriage alliance for him with them overpassing the one he had with the Frey's...he conveyed his own feelings to Jon without hesitation on that matter.
"I made a mistake...and another friend died for it. Same as Robin Flint at Golden Tooth" confessed Jon miserably, making Robb press his half brother's shoulder comfortingly.
"We all make mistakes, Jon. Being in command of men will many times result in them going to their deaths following your orders. I lost many good men and dear friends in my first victory against the Lannister's...their faces haunts my dreams quite often at nights" admitted Robb sadly,
"Then how do you fight on? Continue believing in yourself when your soldiers, friends and even family fall?" asked Jon hesitantly,
"Because there is no other choice. Sam will not want you to break over his sacrifice, he died for you and would wish you to achieve justice for him. Fight with me to subdue the Reach, it would be the best way you can honor him" advised Robb honestly,
Jon was silent for several long moments before giving a weak nod and looked at his brother gratefully.
"You must be strong, Jon. Should I fall in battle in the future, I want you to continue the war as Bran and Rickon can't lead armies" said Robb, earning a sharp look from his brother.
"You're not dying, Stark. Not on my Watch!" replied Jon fiercely with determination, making Robb smile sadly.
"It's war, Jon. None of us can guarantee it, Tywin will want my head for ordering Jaime's execution and declaring for his House to be stripped of everything. I want to ensure an able Stark is in command of our armies to carry on the fight should something happen to me in battle or by treachery"
"I am not a Stark"
"You will be tomorrow morning on my decree"
Jon was speechless after hearing what he had from his brother's lips even as Robb gave him a genuine smile.
"Robb, I..."
"I had already decided upon it when I was in the Vale. You are my brother and risked everything for our family including your honor and life. I know all your life you wanted to be recognized as a Stark and not as Snow...I will fulfill that wish and would ask you to continue this war as a Stark should I fall by any chance" promised Robb sincerely,
Guilt flooded Jon's heart once again as he remembered he had not yet told his brother about his parents identity revealed to him by Eddard Stark's last letter. He had not even shown it to Robb despite carrying right now- in fear of his brother not looking at him the same way afterwards once he learned the truth.
But he would not betray Robb by concealing this fact any longer, not when his brother wanted to grant Jon his greatest wish.
"Do you really mean that, Robb? Your Mother won't be pleased, as do some of the lords" said Jon worriedly,
"I trust you with my life and our House's future, Jon. You are my Brother, Now and Always. I will give you what you deserve, no matter what the others think including my Mother" swore Robb truthfully,
Jon's eyes became a little moist as he looked away, it was perhaps the greatest moment of his life so far and at the same time one of the most difficult as he chose to not take advantage of his brother's faith and love for him.
The King was surprised when Jon procured a letter from his side and presented it to him.
"Robb, there is something you should know"
The Young Wolf didn't miss the fear or hesitation in his brother's voice as he grasped the letter and was surprised upon seeing a broken seal of House Stark upon it.
"Ser Barristan Selmy was removed by Cersei and Jofferey from the Kingsguard. He made a mockery of Jofferey and would have died had Varys-the Spider not helped him to escape King's Landing. It was Varys who helped Barristan smuggle Ice from the city to deliver to us, but most importantly also a last letter which father had written to you before he confronted the Lannister's over their crimes" confessed Jon, making Robb stare at him in shock.
"Why didn't you tell me this before?" asked the King a little angrily,
"It's because I was afraid"
Robb was now even more worried of what his brother could have truly learned from their Father to make him feel like this.
"I would never harm you, Brother" defended Robb, feeling a little insulted making Jon sigh.
"Read it and we shall see"
Robb grunted irritatedly but chose to accept Jon's wish. As he opened the letter, his eyes became moist upon recognizing his father's handwriting and the fact that he had addressed this to him made his heart clench.
Jon watched in great anxiety within his heart as Robb read the letter as the color drained from his brother's face with every passing moment.
A lone tear fell from the King's eyes as he reached the end and grasped the paper a little tighter.
"Robb..." whispered Jon worriedly, making his brother look at him reluctantly.
"I don't understand...how could he...lie...he...was...the...most...honorable...man..I..knew" muttered the King in disbelief,
"He gave up his honor for his sister and me" admitted Jon regretfully,
"You're my cousin?" whispered Robb in disbelief, earning a grim nod from Jon.
Robb became silent for several long moments which only further increased the tension within Jon's heart until his brother finally spoke.
"If this is true, then you are the rightful heir to the Iron Throne" spoke Robb with a grim realization,
"I don't want it! Who in the right mind wants to be King when it's such a miserable job!" denied Jon quickly and with clear reluctance in his voice which made Robb give a weak grin in return.
"Father wanted me to support Stannis but it's not possible now. He loved you as his own son and gave up his honor to protect you. It's enough to make me see him with a little more respect for he chose his family and friends over his honor in life and until the moment he died. Do you really wish not to claim your birthright? I can only imagine my mother losing her shit once she learns this. It's me usurping your right and not the other way around like she always fears'' said Robb with an amused chuckle,
"There is hardly any evidence except Father's testimony which some may believe, others would not" pointed Jon, making Robb look straight into his eyes.
"Regardless, I believe Father's word above everything- with or without proof. If you wish...I will try my best to see you achieve your right place as King of Westeros, but I am not sure if the Kingdoms sworn to me at present would bend the knee to a Targaryen- not when they were the ones who destroyed that dynasty in the Rebellion alongside the Baratheons. I also wonder if I should call you Daeron or Jon, it's all damn confusing!"
Jon's mouth was open in shock as he heard of what his brother just offered which most men would never even consider in their wildest fantasies.
"You're insane" whispered Jon in disbelief, making Robb finally chuckle.
"I am your Brother, Now and Always. You fought for me loyally, I shall do the same for you if that is your desire" offered Robb without hesitation,
Tears arrived in Jon's eyes as he looked at Robb in shock and disbelief to only earn a reassuring smile and a firm squeeze on the shoulder.
"I thought you would hate me like Lady Stark after learning this, it was why I hesitated in telling you..." confessed Jon,
"I am not her. I am Robb Stark- Your Brother. No matter who gave birth to you, the same Father raised us both and that will never change. Never forget that" reminded Robb calmly,
He smiled when Jon came forward to envelop him in a fierce hug which Robb returned without hesitation. When they parted once his brother was calm again, Robb could see how relieved Jon looked upon hearing what he had promised.
"All my life I wanted to be a Stark, more than anything. A part of me wonders and maybe grieves a little about the Targaryen family I come from, except for Maester Aemon hardly anyone is left of the Dragons. Many in Westeros don't have fond memories of Targaryen's after what the Mad King did, it pains me even more so of learning that one half of my ancestors killed the other half. I chose the Black and swore an oath, I do not wish to be King" explained Jon truthfully,
"Are you certain?" asked Robb once again,
"I am. You have given me more than anyone else ever has, the fact that you were willing to sacrifice your crown for my sake despite of how it would affect our campaign shows you care about me truly. You are my King, Now and Always" swore Jon sincerely,
"If that is truly your wish, then I accept. You shall be a Stark on two conditions" stated Robb with a brief smile,
"What are they?" asked Jon carefully,
"Lysa swore the Vale to me upon the condition I protect Petry Baelish. But from Father's testimony, there is a good chance he betrayed him. You will help me find the truth of his crime and help us achieve justice for Father" said Robb seriously,
"It will me my pleasure" assured Jon fiercely,
"Most importantly, as King I wish to find a way to release you from the Night's Watch. If I am to rule this land, I will need my family by my side. Bran and Rickon will hold the North and will serve as my heirs to the Kingdom until I have children of my own, the Tully's will hold the Riverlands in my name, I will find a way to bind the Vale more firmly to us once I deal with Lysa if she played a hand in Father's death. That leaves the Westerlands which we shall conquer and destroy the Lannister's forever" explained Robb carefully,
"I agree with most of your plan to tie the Kingdoms closer to you, but I am brother of the Night's Watch!" protested Jon, earning a sigh from Robb.
"You bloody fool! You will be more effective to the Watch for the rest of your life with my plan! One man cannot aid the Watch much, but the New Lord Paramount of Westerlands that I appoint will be!" exclaimed Robb in exasperation,
"Who?" asked Jon worriedly, and had a bad feeling in his heart when Robb gave him a smirk and smacked his head.
"You, stupid fool! I will need someone I trust fully to hold those lands in my name once the Lannister's are finished. I can't trust any other lord to do it be they from the current Westerlands nobility- many of whom I fear will also be deposed if they continue to support the Lannisters. Bran will inherit Winterfell and since he can't have children in his condition, our ancestral seat and the North will eventually go to Rickon with myself and my future heirs having to manage these damned Kingdoms! That leaves me with you and if I am to be miserable, then I will ensure you suffer lordly duties as well" teased Robb,
"The lords...your mother...you can't ask..." muttered Jon in a stunned whisper,
"I don't have to. I am the King"
If there was ever any shred of doubt in Jon's heart over Robb's determination, it vanished in this moment as he saw his brother's mind was set on this. He would find a way to make it happen, as impossible as it seemed right now.
It only validated his decision of choosing to abandon any aim for a Crown no matter how tempting, for he had no desire for it. He may have been born for it, but Robb had the will and talent to truly be a good ruler instead.
His brother's next words only lent credence to Jon's thoughts.
"The Reach will be a thorn in my side with or without the Tyrell's in charge if we win the war either by defeating their armies in battle or them abandoning the Lannister's out of fear in the future, if we cause harm to their lands and prestige. I can't trust them fully after what they have done which is why I need a strong ally leading the Westerlands which borders their territory. With some luck and cunning, I will also try to find a way to get the Stormlands and Dorne on our side in the future to pincer the Reach from all sides. To that effect, I have already sent an additional letter to Doran Martell asking for his support and fealty- it's a long shot which may mostly fail but your victory against the Mountain who killed their Princess as well destroying Lannister armies and taking Jaime's head should be a good enough reason to make them join us if they are wise"
"As for the Stormlands, I have already deployed Lord Rickard Karstark and the Vale Fleet to take Dragonstone alongside taking custody of Shireen Baratheon. Should Stannis fall in battle against the Lannister's in King's Landing, I wish to appoint his only daughter to lead her house in the Stormlands. Although it will be next to impossible if Stannis somehow survives his current engagement, but I have ordered Lord Karstark to capture him in such a scenario for a future decision"
Jon could only listen in stunned silence and despite the uncertainties alongside difficult challenges, Robb had a plan to turn this war in their favor.
"This is exactly why you should be King and not me. I don't want to deal with all this mess and politics for the rest of my life" said Jon frankly, earning a tired sigh and nod from Robb at the same time.
"Will you accept?" asked the King decisively,
"Lord Commander Mormont or the Night's Watch may not release me from my oath, Robb" reminded Jon,
"We have already sent the Watch hundreds of men and supplies, so has Bran. I'll send them ten times more as I continue taking prisoners in this War who refuse to kneel before me. The Watch will be hard pressed to decline my offer to get more reinforcements than they have received in half a century for the price of releasing one man. I will send the proposal to Lord Commander Mormont tomorrow itself should you accept my offer. Let's hear what the Old Bear has to say" proposed Robb,
"I will accept your offer and hold the Westerlands for you once we conquer it, but only if I am released from the Night's Watch by the Lord Commander" countered Jon with determination,
"Very well. And you better not chicken out later, Snow. Or I'll get you married to a Frey"
The King laughed heartily upon seeing the instant nod and the sheer look of terror on his battle hardened brother's face.
(Next Day)
Edmure Tully was feeling only a little conflicted with what was happening in front of his eyes, right inside his Castle in front of all the present nobles from the North, Riverlands and the Vale.
His Uncle Bryden didn't seem to care much, maybe even was in favor of it to an extent.
But Edmure knew Catelyn would rage like the fury of winter once she heard of what was happening right now as the bastard son of Eddard Stark knelt before King Robb Stark in the presence of all nobles, many notable army commanders and even common soldiers.
"In recognition of honorable, loyal and faithful service to House Stark, your King and to the Kingdoms under my rulership- I, King Robb of House Stark, First of My Name, King of the North, Riverlands and the Vale hereby declare you- Jon Snow to be recognized as a legitimate member of House Stark from this day forth. You shall be known as Jon Stark till the end of your days" declared Robb seriously, as he laid Ice upon Jon's right shoulder.
"It will be my honor, Your Grace. I hereby pledge my loyal service to you, your future heirs and the Kingdoms under your rulership. I will fight till my last breath for you" promised Jon sincerely,
Robb nodded before turning to the lords around them decisively who had mixed emotions in their eyes upon the decision of their King. But the same could not be said about many commanders and common soldiers who saw it as a man being rewarded for his achievements inspite of his birth.
And Jon Stark had achieved that by killing the Mountain in single combat, capturing the Golden Tooth with a small force and destroying Stafford Lannister's army with less than a third fighting men under his command against the enemy's own forces.
"I shall be marrying Roslin Frey as per my oath to Lord Waler Frey in two days time. Until I have heirs of my own, Prince Brandon Stark is my immediate heir followed by Prince Rickon Stark and Princess Sansa Stark thereafter. Should anything happen to them in this War, then Jon Stark will be my heir and your future King. Should I die in battle or through treachery by any chance, Jon Stark will take command of our armies and will crown my son should I have any by that time to Kingship or fight for King Brandon Stark. Our Kingdom will live on!" declared Robb fiercely,
The roar unleashed by the Northmen was deafening and they were soon joined by Riverlanders and Valemen alike. Upon seeing the ferocious support of their commanders and common soldiers, even the nobles from these lands gave firm nods to their King's decree with many even supporting his decision now that Robb had explained the reasoning behind the same.
Jon couldn't help but admire his brother's quick thinking. Nobles could switch loyalties if their King fell, but many in the army dearly loved Robb. Especially the common soldiers and lower ranked officers from lesser nobility or those that rose from a commoner to Command roles due to their leadership. Any lord wishing to abandon the Stark dynasty in the event of Robb's death would have to answer to their men now that the lines of succession and leadership of their army were so clearly defined and with the fact that their King would soon marry and open the way to having his own heirs to secure the line of succession.
The fact that a bastard was legitimized for his merit would only serve to boost the morale of their common soldiers and junior officers to fight more fiercely for their cause in hopes of getting similar recognition and rewards from their King.
"I have also sent a proposal to the Night's Watch to release Jon Stark from his oath in exchange for further aid to their Order. He will be of more use to our cause here than as a Black Brother. That is my decision!" declared Robb in finality, daring anyone to challenge him.
No one did, not even the Tully's much to Jon's shock even if he saw Edmure looked conflicted but chose to keep his silence like everyone else. Jaime Lannister's execution and the decree of destroying House Lannister root and stem making many nobles dare not question their King, or risk his ire and meet the same fate.
As Jon Stark stood back on his feet and embraced his brother and King, their direwolves- Greywind and Ghost arrived by their side.
Bryden Tully watched the morale of everyone present increase greatly upon seeing the eldest sons of Eddard Stark standing united with their direwolves. It was a sight he would never forget...
The Young Wolf and The White Wolf.
Both had come South to save their family and while they had faced great setbacks including the loss of a Father and one sister and good friends, the brothers had never lost a single battle in their respective campaigns. Now they were more united than ever and about to embark on a truly challenging campaign against the wealthiest realms of the Seven Kingdoms.
Eddard, you truly did raise fine sons.
(Two Days Later)
Ever since returning from the Westerlands- Jon had experienced loss and grief to begin with. First upon learning of Arya's fate and then of Sam's. Their deaths still made his heart clench, but taking Jaime Lannister's head and being finally made a Stark by Robb himself made his resolve harden once more.
For the first time, he had a real direction in his life. As a child he had often wondered if someday he could serve Robb and gain a small holdfast of his own someday, but those hopes were crushed due to Catelyn's dislike of him which made him join the Night's Watch instead to not create unrest in his family for the rest of their lives.
But now everything had changed once again.
Robb hadn't revealed it yet to anyone, but his plans to name Jon as Warden of the West once House Lannister was destroyed made him more determined. His Brother had great plans as he wished to not just erase the Lannister's forever from history, but also all their supporting Houses in the West and Reach. Those lands and Castles especially in the Westerlands will be given to loyal Northern Houses sworn to the Old Gods, alongside a few from the Riverlands and maybe even the Vale Houses to maintain loyalty and parity- all of these newly appointed nobles who will in turn swear themselves to Jon himself as Warden of the West.
Just as Aegon-The Conqueror had written his own history, King Robb Stark would write his own saga.
A part of Jon hesitated, from being known as only a bastard and a Brother of the Night's Watch...his rise under Robb's command had been phenomenal. Just like Orys Baratheon had under Aegon-The Conqueror...
Catelyn Stark and many others from the nobility may still not like this rise, but Robb wanted it as he needed his family in the South in leadership roles to truly secure his reign and not just hold the North for him. A task which Jon would loyally fulfill if Lord Commander Mormont agreed with the same reasoning sent by Robb in his latest letter alongwith an offer of a large army of recruits to truly resolve the Watch's manpower problems.
A brief smile arrived upon his lips on seeing his brother kneeling in front of the Weirwood Tree in Riverrun's Godswood as was the Northern custom of marriage followed by House Stark and many others houses from their ancient Kingdom.
Beside the King, was Roslin Frey who would soon become their Queen and Jon's good sister by law.
Jon was relieved that Robb had honored his oath and was marrying Walder Frey's daughter now that Arya was gone. It would placate the old weasel of the Twins, more importantly it would secure the loyalty of the Frey hosts in the Westerlands and the North which was vital for the War.
Roslin Frey was a little smaller in stature than Jon's brother and looked quite delicate with her pale white skin, small nose and long brown hair which reached her waist. She was pretty as a Southern Flower- according to many Northmen and their King could have done much worse considering the tales he had heard of the Frey women.
Robb neither looked happy or angry but remained stoic as he put their House's cloak over Roslin's shoulders and kissed the girl soon after earning a wave of cheers from all the nobles, especially many of the Frey's who had arrived for the wedding including Lord Walder who had dragged his bony ass to Riverrun to ensure he finally got a King to marry into his House.
A great feat for a bannermen of House Tully.
Jon could only wish that the rest of their family could have been here to see Robb being married, especially their sisters who would have loved the entire affair.
Maybe not Arya who would have scowled at being forced to act like a lady...
Sorrow gripped his heart once more as he lamented his greatest loss and failure which only made him more determined to protect his remaining siblings. It was why he stepped forward towards his brother's side flanked by Ghost when a group of Frey's were about to approach to lift the King upon their shoulders to take him to the Wedding feast.
The sight of the White Wolf with his stony gaze alongside the menacing glare from Ghost made the Frey's pause.
Lord Walder Frey looked at him with great interest, with the weasel having probably learned of Jon's legitimization. It was why the White Wolf met the Lord of the Crossings's eyes without a flinch.
"Allow me and the Northmen the honor to carry my brother and King upon our shoulders, Lord Walder" said Jon diplomatically,
"Yes, yes. I would be a fool to piss off The White Wolf now would I, heh!" croaked Lord Walder with an amused smirk,
The man shut his mouth when Ghost merely growled a little making many Northmen cheer and arrive to help Jon lift their King upon their shoulders as the Frey's and Rivermen did the same for Queen Roslin.
Robb looked at him gratefully earning an amused smirk from Jon.
"I've got your back, Stark"
Author's Notes: End of chapter.
Hope you guys liked it.
This must be one of the few stories where Robb actually marries a Frey if only to keep a hold on their troops vital to two of his crucial fronts. He also works hard to ensure the Boltons remain loyal by keeping his word to Roose in helping the lord secure his House's future. How it would turn out and its impact on the rest of the lords following him from across the Kingdoms, only time will tell.
House Stark trying to establish their domain permanently over an entire Kingdom through Jon Stark will not go unnoticed.
Next Chapter we will dive more into the impacts of the recent turn of events and decisions taken. Most of the story has been focused so far on Robb and Jon, and I am excited to showcase the other characters including their arch enemies across factions who will have their own answers to this challenge by the Stark Brothers.
The Stark succession line is quite clear, so it won't be a cake walk to destroy their cause even if they eliminate more Starks.
Reviews would be welcome.
Until Next Time,
Blackwolf501