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Chapter 16
Dark Wings
(King's Landing)
Kevan Lannister walked through their large army camp with a heavy heart and for once didn't greet or acknowledge the bows of many soldiers and officers from their lands. He was not certain of how these men would feel once they learned of the series of catastrophes that had happened in the past several weeks.
He looked in the distance and saw the majority of their army was currently occupied with breaching the Walls of King's Landing, with Stannis's army desperately trying to hold them back.
Four attempts had been made and all had been repulsed with heavy losses by the Baratheon King, even if he was a prickly man...none could deny Stannis was a formidable military commander who had swiftly taken the Capital inspite of Tyrion's heroic defense.
Kevan's nephew had fought as best as he could despite being heavily outnumbered, even destroyed a good portion of Stannis's fleet at Blackwater Bay. However when news of King Jofferey's flight reached the men, many lost hope but continued resisting Stannis's army until Tyrion fell in battle alongside his squire.
With no reinforcements arriving in time, it was the final straw as the City Watch lost all cohesion upon the death of its commander and the flight of its King.
Stannis didn't waste the chance and stormed in to lead a bloody sack of the Capital and had already been battering at the Walls of the Red Keep when the next day Tywin and the armies of the West and Reach finally arrived with 70,000 men hungry for a fight.
Seeing the Tyrell banners in the distance made him grimace, if only Mace Tyrell had not insisted on hosting a feast in Tywin's honor upon meeting him thereby wasting valuable time which allowed the City to fall and leading to Tyrion's death...
Their only solace was that upon realizing the collapse of the Red Keep's gates was imminent, Varys had smuggled Cersei, King Jofferey, Prince Tommen and a small retinue outside of the Keep through secret tunnels built by the Targaryen's and known only to the Spider. It was a risky gamble, but the royal family was safely escorted back into Tywin's hands.
Stannis had gained the city and the crown alongside the Red Keep, but the Baratheon King was now trapped with an army nearly four times his own forces battering at his gates.
His end was near and Tywin would ensure Stannis didn't meet a good fate at all costs for Kevan's brother had stoically looked at Tyrion's corpse with a cold glare before marching off to command their armies.
The Old Lion was even more furious with his daughter upon learning that Sansa Stark had escaped from Cersei's clutches from the Red Keep itself at the hands of a heroic commando unit made up of Northmen, Riverlanders and Valemen under King Robb Stark. Those brave men had fought valiantly and laid down their lives to allow Sansa's escape with the help of the Hound of all people.
Cersei had tried her best to defend her failures alongside Jofferey, but as Kevan carried a fateful letter in his hands only now he realized the dear price of that mistake.
As he entered the command tent, Kevan saw Tywin being surrounded by Cersei, Jofferey, Mace Tyrell alongside a few lords from the West and Reach with most currently occupied with preparing their armies for a renewed offensive to take King's Landing.
"You're late, Kevan" remarked Tywin, and looked at him calmly but his gaze demanded an explanation nonetheless.
"I would like to speak with you in private, My Lord" said Kevan calmly,
Tywin gazed at him for a long moment even as Mace Tyrell blustered about being included in any new news. If only the Fool of Highgarden was as good at commanding armies as his sons Garlan and Loras currently preparing for the attack on the city.
"Lord Tyrell, we will speak on any news soon. Now, I would like to talk to my brother" commanded Tywin,
"Of Course, Lord Tywin. Mayhaps we can have a private meeting later?" asked Mace eagerly,
Tywin merely gave a frustrated nod which only Kevan and Cersei understood as the Lord Paramount of the Reach went out of the tent alongside all the other lords. It was foolish to expect Cersei or Jofferey would leave and Kevan didn't say anything on their continued presence when Tywin himself didn't say anything which only meant he wanted them to stay.
"What news do you bring, Uncle Kevan?" asked Cersei curiously, making Kevan grimace.
Tywin watched as his brother silently walked towards him and presented him a letter bearing the Stark Direwolf Sigil.
"This came from Hayford Castle, similar letters are landing all across the Crownlands and if initial reports are feared then all across the Seven Kingdoms" spoke Kevan plainly,
Cersei and Jofferey both got up from their seats when Tywin made no motion to read it out aloud when he opened the unsealed letter, the boy King having already been given a lashing of a lifetime by his grandfather upon arriving at King's Landing for his failure to defend the City made him keep his mouth shut for now.
Kevan could still remember how Jofferey had nearly threatened to execute Tywin for that insolence only for the Old Lion to ask for a private audience with his grandson. No one learned what happened in that meeting but Jofferey came out unscratched but with the fear of the Stranger in his eyes.
He watched as for the first time in years and only after his wife-Joanna's death, Tywin Lannister was immersed in the deepest fury of hell itself as the Old Lion read the message.
"NO!"
Cersei's howl of sorrow and anguish was heard across half the camp as she collapsed to her knees with tears already falling from her eyes whereas Jofferey looked ready to murder!
"They'll die for this! I will wipe out House Stark till the last man and all those who support them!" threatened Jofferey with a vicious snarl which only made him look even more unstable in Kevan's eyes.
A tight slap to the face made the boy king whirl in shock and collapse pathetically, even bringing Cersei out of her broken despair as she looked at her father in shock for conducting such an action.
"Your stupidity and cowardice...costed us a Capital, the loss of our only remaining valuable Stark hostage and the death of my sons!" whispered Tywin icily, displaying a rage Kevan had never before seen from his ever collected elder brother.
"Father..." pleaded Cersei, only to receive an equally hateful look full of scorn and disgust which made her recoil.
"You are no daughter of mine. There is no doubt your son is a fool, but you are not only a fool but an incompetent Queen who couldn't hold on to one stupid girl in your own Keep. The Starks executed my son and heir, but Jaime's blood lies upon the hands of the two of you!" said Tywin coldly,
The ever proud Cersei Lannister known for her boldness was rendered silent upon that damning remark as she lowered her gaze upon realizing the gravity of losing Sansa Stark.
Jofferey got up in a black rage and opened his mouth to speak only to receive another a tight slap on his face which made him crash again to the ground in another pathetic display.
"Not another word if you wish to remain King, boy! Out, both of you!" ordered Tywin mercilessly, promising an unsaid cruel fate if he was disobeyed making Kevan help Cersei get up on her feet who then silently went towards her son to help him.
She looked at her father to say something but Tywin's cold glare made her stop before dragging a stunned Jofferey out of the tent leaving Kevan alone with his brother.
"My sons are gone. First Tyrion and now Jaime" stated Tywin, as he slowly sat back in his chair making Kevan arrive by his side but still maintain a respectful distance.
"Nobody could have predicted such a drastic step. Arya Stark's death was the trigger that led to this retribution" replied Kevan somberly,
"They have threatened to destroy our House and my legacy forever. My sons are gone, but as long as I remain-House Lannister is not. The Starks will pay for this grave mistake in blood" swore Tywin silently,
Kevan nodded loyally and stepped in front of his brother's view.
"Command us, Brother. And we shall make them pay" promised Kevan, feeling bitter himself for the enemy had two of his own sons captive and if Jaime's fate was any indication...they were as good as lost even if Kevan dearly wished it not to be so.
"Robb Stark and this Jon Snow will now march into the Westerlands, I am surrounded by incompetent fools mostly. Cersei, my grandsons, Stafford, Mace Tyrell...the names go on. The Starks on the other hand have gifted commanders in their ranks, with Stafford's host now destroyed and the Golden Tooth captured...they will move into the Westerlands to destroy our bannermen by taking their Castles and families hostage. It is an obvious target but knowing what we have seen from Robb Stark, however that would not be his only goal. He will march into the Reach as well" declared Tywin seriously,
"Won't that extend his forces too thin?" asked Kevan hesitantly, but Tywin shook his head.
"The Reach not only makes up the bulk of our army but also ensures vital supplies that feed this army. If our logistics are destroyed, we will not be able to maintain our full strength for long. Robb Stark knows this and the boy will make all efforts to destroy it if not taking Highgarden itself. He has made his intentions towards the Reach and its nobility quite clear if they continue supporting our House and the Crown. He is a skilled military commander who understands war if nothing else" explained Tywin curtly,
"Then we must stop him"
"Yes, we must. But we cannot leave the Capital in Stannis's hands and march back to save the Reach or the West, it would only make us look even more weak. This declaration will rankle our allies alongside the news of Jaime's execution...the Starks have made their intent very clear with that. The Reach still has 15,000 reserves that their lords left to protect their lands. I will order Mace Tyrell to assemble those forces at Highgarden and send Randyll Tarly alongwith 20,000 men as reinforcements. Together they will drive out the Starks from the Reach before they inflict catastrophic losses upon our allies"
"Kevan, you must take command of another 20,000 men to retake Harrenhal and march into the Riverlands before the Tully's and Starks fortify their defenses and holds significantly over the territory. The remaining 30,000 of our men will remain here with me to retake King's Landing and finish Stannis once and for all. Once I have put the Crown back into our House's hand and secured the Capital, I will march to your aid and together with the Reach we will trap the Stark armies in the Westerlands. Randyll Tarly will lead his forces from the Reach while you and I march through the Riverlands by destroying the Tully's to finally surround Robb Stark from both sides. Then the boy and his bastard brother alongside their supporters will know the true cost of their folly" said Tywin with cold rage present in his determined voice,
"It is a good plan, my lord. Our men and lords will need to see swift action to not lose faith, this will be the answer" agreed Kevan, earning a nod from his elder brother.
"Who executed Jaime?"
Kevan flinched when he saw nothing but absolute vengeance burning in Tywin's hardened gaze as he demanded an answer.
"Robb Stark gave the order but from most reports that are coming in it was the White Wolf- Jon Snow who carried out the execution in front of their entire army with their ancestral sword Ice" answered Kevan,
"Cersei and her son's stupidity has costed us dearly time and again. The weak fools executed Eddard Stark and flamed this war further, lost both the Stark girls from their custody, dismissed Ser Barristan paving the way for him to join up with the Starks and delivering Stark's ancestral Valyrian sword- Ice...if those two idiots weren't my blood..." whispered Tywin bitterly,
"My lord, once you take the Capital from Stannis- if possible I suggest we look at returning Eddard Stark's bones alongside any from his retinue in exchange for Jaime's bones. He deserves to rest among our ancestors at Casterly Rock" suggested Kevan sadly,
Tywin clenched his fist shut so tightly that Kevan feared his brother would draw blood.
"Very well. We will bury Jaime and Tyrion together at Casterly Rock once we crush the Starks" agreed Tywin reluctantly, and saw a look of surprise on his brother's face which made the Old Lion sigh.
"For all his faults, Tyrion was a Lannister and he died defending our House and my legacy from Stannis. As did Jaime, I could not save either of my sons but I will ensure they rest side by side for I know they cared about each other" explained Tywin,
"I am sorry, Tywin" replied Kevan sadly,
"Leave me"
Kevan bowed respectfully upon hearing that command and started marching towards the exit knowing his brother would grieve for his lost sons in private...but would emerge soon as a vengeful Lion demanding blood of everyone from House Stark and their allies.
(Iron Islands)
Asha Greyjoy couldn't stop the bitter scowl from vanishing off her face even as her Father angrily marched in front of her. The news they had received had thrown the Lord of Iron Islands in a black rage.
"This cannot go unanswered, Father" pointed Asha seriously, making Balon glare at her.
"It won't. The Starks sent my last son and your only surviving brother on a suicide mission and got him killed. To save Sansa Stark, they shed our House's blood" replied Balon fiercely,
"Command us and we will avenge Theon. The Starks will pay for this dearly" swore Asha, making Balon scoff.
"Theon was dead to us the moment they stole him from us all those years ago. I wanted you to launch an Invasion across the North much sooner, but your compassion for your brother's fate made you beg me to only carry out minor raids to test the North's defenses. All good that did as your brother still died" scolded Balon harshly,
Asha had the grace to look away and clench her fists bitterly upon being reminded of that fact.
"Now the North has used that precious waste of time on our part to position thousands of additional forces across almost every major stronghold through which we would have launched an Invasion to seize their lands. How will you counter that?" demanded Balon mockingly,
The new self proclaimed King of the Iron Islands was not expecting his daughter and last heir to fiercely march towards the map of the Seven Kingdoms placed upon his desk.
"Latest reports indicate that Robb Stark and his armies will soon march into the Westerlands. I was never much in favor of seizing the North, it's a wasteland and complete shithole. Our men are of the Sea, let us use that strength to raid and pillage the Westerlands as is our way and whenever we get a chance, we will hit Robb Stark's armies in those lands at the right time weakening them further. Once the Lannister's and Reachmen arrive for vengeance against him, let them battle each other. Whoever survives, their armies will be exhausted and we will destroy whoever is left to secure our independence" proposed Asha with determination,
"I want the North, Asha! The Starks have mocked me and our House for far too long, we will take their lands! That will trap Robb Stark in his armies in the South to be destroyed by the Lannister's and the Tyrells" opposed Balon with equal fierceness in his eyes,
"But-"
"How will you face the Vale cavalry? They march with Robb Stark! One good charge from those heavy horsemen and knights will be enough to butcher our men in an open land battle. As for the Westerlands, we have raided a decent portion of loot and slaves already. I want the North!" demanded Balon,
"How do you think our men will fare better fighting in the frozen North? They hardly have anything much worth looting in that wasteland!" cried Asha in disbelief,
"They can give me vengeance! That is your King's desire!"
"I desire vengeance as much as you, Father. You want the Northern Kingdom and I want its King's head!" demanded Asha bitterly,
"Allow me to offer you both"
Asha and Balon both froze upon hearing that voice and turned back to see Victarion Greyjoy fiercely holding a man from entering the lord's solar.
A face they had not seen in many years.
"I return to your service, My King" said Euron with a devilish grin,
"You dare show your face here again, Euron?" asked Balon furiously, which only earned a smile from his brother.
"I was elated upon hearing you naming yourself as King of the Iron Islands. Now that our people are returning to the old ways once again, I wished to aid my family and House" said Euron with a wicked smile,
"We don't need your help. Now begone from my sight or I'll take your head" warned Balon,
"Atleast hear my idea, Brother. If you don't like it, I shall leave. That is if you wish to avoid what happened to us the last time we rebelled against Westeros" hinted Euron,
"You dare-"
"How would you offer us vengeance against the North and Robb Stark at the same time?" asked Asha hesitantly, much to Balon and Victarion's shock and displeasure. But it was the moment Euron was waiting for and grinned menacingly.
"Why waste precious Ironborn lives from the start to capture the North when we can soften their defenses by throwing their arch enemies upon them" hinted Euron,
"Enough games, Euron! Speak plainly or I'll throw you out" warned Victarion and squeezed his brother's frame harshly but it only made the madman smile even wider.
"A massive Wildling army has assembled beyond the Wall with the intention of marching into the North by crossing the Wall. The savages may fail in taking the Wall, but with our Fleet- we can ferry those bastards through the Bay of Ice to land first upon Bear Island to establish a foothold in the North. From there, we unleash those barbarians against the Stony Shore, Deepwood Motte, Flint's Finger and Moat Cailin. Most of them will be slaughtered but in doing so would considerably weaken the number of Northern defenders, these men will be the North's last standing strength with most of their men down South with Robb Stark. Then we invade with our forces crushing what's left of the Wildlings and Northmen to take their Kingdom" explained Euron with a fanatic grin upon his blue lips,
He was very pleased when all the Greyjoy's looked stunned upon hearing that suggestion.
"You're mad" whispered Victarion in disbelief,
"You think the Wildlings will ally with us?" asked Balon with a scoff,
"They want to get South of the Wall, we offer them our ships to ferry them safely without destroying their army against the Wall and the Night's Watch. Some more incentives and they will fall to our trap" said Euron confidently,
"What of Robb Stark? He won't sit idly by while we do this if it's even possible" denied Asha,
"That is where you come in dear niece, you will continue harassing the Starks in the Westerlands where they are marching. Hit and Run Strikes to slow their campaign making them believe we are focusing most of our strength in the West, even deploy thousands of our men in those lands to give that Illusion while the majority of the Iron Fleet goes North to bring the Wildlings to raid the North" suggested Euron,
"Do you think me a fool who shall give you the Iron Fleet for such purpose, as mad as it is?" scoffed Balon,
"I never asked for it, Brother. Give that honor to Victarion if you wish, but let me talk to the Wildings as this is my idea. If they decline and take my head, you won't lose much and can do whatever you please after that" explained Euron with a shrug,
"What are you playing at with these mind games, Euron? You have no regard for family, your past actions are proof of that" said Balon with a narrowed gaze full of suspicion, earning a cold and merciless glare from the Crow's Eye which made the rest of the Greyjoy's shiver.
"What I've always cherished- Raiding and Chaos. Will you let me honor the old ways and make our enemies fear the name Greyjoy once again?"
(Winterfell)
Bran had tears falling from his eyes as he sat alone in his chair near the Godswood in Winterfell. Their family had just received a raven with great and terrible news at the same time.
His brothers were achieving great victories in the South, but they were still losing the war in a way.
A sister saved and another lost forever.
He was truly happy upon hearing Sansa had been rescued from King's Landing with the help and sacrifice given by Theon and many good men the likes of Lucas Blackwood whose father-Lord Blackwood had just arrived at Winterfell to protect it and received the grave news.
Catelyn had been overjoyed upon hearing of Sansa's rescue while Bran had been saddened upon learning Theon had died for them.
But it was the new information in Robb's latest letter that crushed all of their hearts.
Arya was gone.
Tortured and killed by the Lannister's.
He clenched his fists angrily and bit back a sob, Arya and him had always been close. They often teased and played with each other, with him wanting to become a Knight a long time ago...and her desire to not be a lady and be a warrior against all odds. The thought of her being killed in great pain by their enemies made him angrier than he ever had in life, even more so upon his Father's death at the hands of Lannister's.
Prince Brandon Stark, heir to the Kingdoms of the North, Riverlands and the Vale.
Where was he when his sister was butchered by their enemies? Stuck in a chair as a cripple while his sister died all alone.
His mother was devastated and had wept inconsolably, only comforted by Bran and Rickon with the thought of Sansa coming back to them giving some small comfort. Rickon didn't understand why their family was dying one after another and was always angry.
Robb was a King leading three Kingdoms and Jon was now a respected Commander in their armies, both doing their utmost to protect the rest of their family and avenge their fallen.
Yet Bran couldn't even be with the men he had sent under Robb's direction to protect their Northern vassals from the ever growing Ironborn threat.
Now, they had received another raven from the Night's Watch demanding additional reinforcements urgently as a massive Wildling attack on the Wall was imminent. The hordes were getting closer and unless aided, the Night's Watch won't be able to stop them and the North would be overrun with savages.
Bran felt helpless with every passing day.
It was why he had arrived in the Godswood to achieve some form of peace from the turmoil and grief plaguing his heart.
He placed his hand upon the ancient weirwood tree and prayed to the Old Gods to grant him strength and courage, to take away the pain within his heart, to be brave as his brothers to defend the North from the enemies arriving at their doorstep.
It was then he heard faint whispers all around him.
Winterfell is gone, Robb.
Bran was shocked upon hearing Jon's familiar voice relaying such dreadful news and a hitched breath from Robb.
Our Family? asked the Stark King worriedly,
Bran and Rickon are gone, your Mother and Sansa are taken hostages. The last of our forces are retreating but there is nowhere left to run in the North.
Bran couldn't believe what he had just heard, him and Rickon dead? Mother and Sansa taken hostages, their armies on the brink of complete destruction?
We have won so many battles but lost this war, Jon.
The enemy armies are coming and we are surrounded, Robb. Many of our bannermen have deserted and gone over to offer their surrender, those that still remain loyal won't be able to stop the tide that will crash upon us soon.
It's really over, isn't it?
It is- whispered Jon's voice somberly,
Then find a way to escape North, I'll spare what men I can to aid your escape Jon.
You are our King! Without you, our cause is forever lost!
I cannot escape, not now. It's too late, but as long as you live there is hope for my mother, Sansa and House Stark. I shall stand, fight and...die.
You know there is no way we can escape the encirclement we face, Robb. I shall die with you here.
Jon! You can't!
Our enemies have overrun the North! Hardly any men are left from those vassals that support us! I am just one man and can't retake Winterfell without any support on my own! Our armies and bannermen are gone, if I am to die then let me die by your side.
But-
It's over, Robb! Now let us meet our fate together as the last wolves of the North...
Bran was horrified upon hearing what he had and tears fell from his eyes when he finally saw a haggard and diminished army led by his eldest brothers near the lands of Casterly Rock. They barely had a small fraction of their original strength left and were surrounded on all sides by banners of Lannister's and Tyrell forces.
Greywind and Ghost stood loyally by their side as did Nymeria- Arya's direwolf much to Bran's shock.
He watched his brothers fight a doomed battle with fearless bravery that made his heart twist in the most painful ways.
Greywind died first protecting Robb from a host of spearmen intent upon slaying the Stark King. Robb's cry of despair made Bran's heart fill with rage, but it was nothing compared to the sight of Jon and Ghost being skewered down by a storm of arrows as they tried to shield Robb as their army died around them.
He saw Robb crying as Jon died with a smile in his arms making Nymeria howl inconsolably.
The flags and banners of House Stark burned all over the bloodstained battlefield as a broken King Robb Stark stood up again with nothing but absolute hatred burning in his and Nymeria's eyes.
The Wolf King fought with nothing but vengeance in his heart and cut down many men, but was finally surrounded and cut down by the combined might of several Lannister men.
Nymeria was the last member of House Stark left and watched helplessly as one by one their allies were put to the sword- Greatjon, Maege Mormont, Dacey Mormont, Smalljon...so many more.
With a vengeful howl, the She-Wolf madly charged towards the satisfied form of a man that resembled Tywin Lannister only to be cut down in a hail of arrows mercilessly.
Bran cried out in agony as he watched Nymeria's eyes look at him sadly one last time before closing forever.
He screamed and screamed as both his brother's heads were sliced off mercilessly as were their wolves. In a moment that he would never forget, the enemies strapped his brother's corpses to horses and mounted their dead wolves heads upon their bodies barbarically to parade them across the field even as the Lannister men hacked Nymeria to pieces.
"Make it stop..." he cried helplessly,
Please make it stop...he wished to all the Gods desperately.
But it was not to be as he felt a bone chilling cold envelop his entire body and found himself now standing in the North, with the Wall's large figure visible way down South.
His heart stopped when he saw an army of dead led by the White Walkers victoriously marching towards the Wall as the world of men killed itself in their in-fighting.
The vision came to its final piece when he saw the White Walkers parting respectfully to allow a dreadful being of Ice to walk forward. The creature's eyes burned with a malice that made Bran want to run far away and the cold look upon its face as it looked at the Wall made him tremble.
He awoke with a gasp and found himself back in the godswood and with Summer worriedly nudging him as the wolf tried to lick Bran's cheek full of tears.
"You saw something truly awful, didn't you?"
Bran looked to the side to see Uncle Benjen standing at a distance and looking at him sadly with a knowing look in his tired eyes.
"How do you know?" he asked in a whisper,
"When I was saved by the Children of the Forest from the White Walkers, they took me and my men to their last sanctuary. There I saw a vision of your father's death in King's Landing...I can never forget it. I am the last left of my generation of Starks...My Father, Brandon, Lyanna, Eddard- they are all gone while I remain" confessed Benjen somberly,
"I heard voices whispering of the North's conquest by its enemies, Winterfell taken with Mother and Sansa hostage, while Rickon and I were dead. I saw Robb and Jon die in the South alongwith their direwolves and Arya's wolf Nymeria with my own eyes near Casterly Rock against the combined might of Lannister's and Tyrells. I saw the death of our family, our King and House Stark" confessed Bran miserably,
Benjen came forward to envelop him in a comforting hug making Bran cling to his Uncle tightly. He didn't want to cry anymore after what he had seen but couldn't help himself as the images were still so fresh in his heart.
When they finally parted after several long moments, Bran looked at his Uncle earnestly.
"Is there any activity from the Ironborn?" asked Bran,
"Not since we deployed sufficient reinforcements across the coast. No more raids have been reported" answered Benjen seriously,
"And how grave is the threat from the Wildlings? Lord Commander Mormont seemed desperate for more men in his last letter" questioned Bran,
"It's bad, Bran. The Night's Watch in its current state inspite of receiving reinforcements may not be able to stop them"
"How desperate are the Wildings to cross the Wall? Would they ally with the Ironborn?" asked Bran, making Benjen frown.
"Unlikely, but not impossible. They are running from the White Walkers and their army of dead, the additional men and defenses we have setup along the coast will make it catastrophic for the Ironborn to raid without suffering great losses. But they have a fleet which can ferry the Wildings South. I doubt Balon would even think of allying with them, his pride would never allow it. I doubt they are even aware of the Wildlings intent to go past the Wall" explained Benjen honestly,
"And what do you think of the Wildlings?" questioned Bran,
"The call themselves The Free Folk who hate kneeling to anyone and spit at our customs and culture. They are following Mance Rayder as their King only because the White Walkers are after everyone of them. The lords and people of the North hate them for the raids they have conducted in our lands for centuries, the Night's Watch hate them even more" revealed Benjen with a heavy frown,
"Will they accept as Robb as their King if we offer them a safe passage down South and try to find places for them to settle?" asked Bran curiously,
"I'm not sure, Bran. You must understand the Free Folk are made up of various clans and tribesmen, each have different customs and hate our very guts. The call us Kneelers for our system of Kings and Lords, a desperate few may accept Robb as their ruler if only to save their lives...but most would balk at the offer. They respect Strength, and you are forgetting the Northern lords would balk at even the mere thought of settling Wildlings in their lands" warned Benjen,
"We don't have enough men to keep the Ironborn at bay and fight the Wildlings at the same time if it comes to it!" pointed Bran frustratedly,
"Not quite. Jon sent us a thousand Frey men, we can muster another thousand from the Northern forces we have mustered. If we combine the latest strength of the Night's Watch alongwith the Northmen you sent already to defend the Wall, we can bring up our force upto a combined strength 3,000 to 4,000 men without reducing majority of our strength deployed on the coasts to deter the Ironborn and those stationed at Moat Cailin to send reinforcements should Robb and Jon need it" advised Benjen, as he stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"How many men do the Wildlings have?" asked Bran seriously,
"Their host is more than 100,000 strong by now. But I reckon majority are non-combatants in the form of women, children and elderly. Their fighting force won't be more than 30,000 to 40,000 but they lack discipline, training and unity. Against a professional army, they would suffer many losses" answered Benjen,
Bran paused as he thought about the vision of the White Walkers and the haunting being who led them coming down South towards the Wall. If he placed himself in the Wildling's position, any alternative would be better than joining the army of the dead. Osha had said as much when Robb spared her life.
Even if it involved launching a suicide attack to take the Wall, or to ally themselves with anyone strong enough to help them get South and away from the dead that were following them relentlessly.
"I understand there is great bad blood between our people, but eventually it will be a battle between the living and the dead. Uncle Benjen, you have seen the true enemy and can you truly allow the Wildlings to join that army? Won't that put us in even more danger" asked Bran seriously,
"I am brother of the Night's Watch, Bran. It is my duty to defend the realms of men from all threats beyond the Wall, be they Wildlings or the White Walkers. The Wildlings are not our allies nor will they accept us, muster a force of three to four thousand men like I recommend to defend the Wall. The Skagosi have not answered Robb's call yet, nor did we pressure them considering they are so far away and our relations with them are fragile. But they hate the Wildlings more, they will answer the Stark in Winterfell's call to fight them" explained Benjen confidently,
"How many men can the Skagosi provide us? And are you suggesting we strike the Wildlings first before they attack the Wall or do anything worse like allying with our enemies if made an offer by them?"
"3,000 to 4,000 men is what Skagos can muster at most. But I must warn you, they will mostly not join the army defending the Wall if a Stark isn't leading them. They won't follow me as I am member of the Night's Watch, they will only follow a true Stark to beat back their common foes" warned Benjen,
"Then we must consult Mother and Robb before taking any action in matters of the Wildlings. If neither Robb or Jon can come to aid us with more men, then that leaves me as the Stark in Winterfell. I have not forgotten the Children of the Forest's offer of the potion that will help restore my legs. If I am whole again, I can atleast represent our House even if I cede actual command to you and more experienced commanders in the field" said Bran with determination,
"Bran...I understand you feel helpless in your condition but know this that you shall die in a few years if you take that power to become whole again. After losing Arya, I don't think your Mother or siblings would wish to lose you as well so soon" replied Benjen sadly,
"But-"
"I was in favor of allowing you to make a choice but that was before Robb was made King of three Kingdoms. You are not just the heir to Winterfell now, but a Prince and next in line to the throne should anything happen to our King. The next in line after you is Rickon and he cannot even take care of himself much less any Kingdoms right now. We need you with us, Bran. Now more than ever" urged Benjen sincerely,
"And the Children of the Forest? Can we truly ignore their offer to learn the true threat of the White Walkers and not prepare for them? That would be a mistake" countered Bran stubbornly,
"Consult your Mother and write to Robb thereafter. This concerns not just the fate of his Kingdoms or our family, but the world of men"
Bran was not happy but could not help but remember his promise to Robb before his brother left for War.
That he would be the Stark in Winterfell, look after their family and subjects, their lands.
Robb had trusted him to do what was right as a Stark of Winterfell, it was only right he consulted his brother and King no matter how much he wanted to otherwise.
"Very well, Uncle Benjen. I will do as you ask"