Casterly Rock. The primary source of wealth and resources of House Lannister. The home of mighty Tywin Lannister. The heart of the Lannister dynasty. All in the hands of the Stark army now. Robb smiled, feeling a bit overwhelmed as he looked around him in the great hall. It was a perfect display of the Lannister wealth.
The towering walls were adorned with rich tapestries and golden chandeliers, casting a warm glow over the hall. The Lannister lion was everywhere, a constant reminder of the house he had bested. Robb walked towards the high table, where Tywin Lannister once held court. Now it was his turn.
"Your Grace," said one of his commanders, interrupting his thoughts. "The men are securing the lower levels. We've encountered little resistance."
Robb nodded. "Good. Ensure the prisoners are treated well. We're not here to spill unnecessary blood."
"Yes, Your Grace."
The battle had been bloody, but it had been over surprisingly soon. With Tywin in the Red Keep and a significant part of the Lannister army securing King's Landing, Robb had managed to catch them off guard. Surely, Tywin hadn't thought he would be foolish enough to try something so daring.
"Robb?" Jon called as he entered the hall. "It seems that we got a lot of Lannister hostages."
Robb turned to face his brother. The bond between them had only grown stronger through the trials of war. Jon looked weary but resolute, Ghost at his side. Grey Wind was already in the hall, vigilantly observing Robb's every movement.
"How many?" Robb asked, his voice steady.
"At least a dozen high-ranking Lannister knights and several lesser lords," Jon replied. "They're being held in the dungeons for now."
Robb considered this. Hostages of such rank could be valuable bargaining chips. "We'll need to decide what to do with them. Their fates could impact the next steps in this war."
Jon nodded. "What about the smallfolk and the servants? Many of them are terrified. They fear retribution."
"We will treat them fairly," Robb declared. "They are not our enemies. Ensure they are fed and sheltered. Let them know they are safe."
Jon gave a slight smile. "A good decision, brother. That will earn their loyalty."
Robb glanced back at the high table. He imagined Tywin Lannister's reaction to the Stark banners now draped across the hall.
"We need to send word to King's Landing," Robb said, turning back to Jon. "The Lannisters there need to know that Casterly Rock has fallen. It might force them to rethink their strategy."
"Your Grace!" Rodrik Forrester's voice called as he entered the hall with a few soldiers. The soldiers were, quite roughly, bringing two young women into the hall. Robb frowned.
"What is this?"
Rodrik bowed as the soldiers shoved the women to their knees.
"We found these two in a barricaded chamber." He paused, nodding towards the woman who had the familiar golden blonde locks. "This one must be a Lannister."
The other woman with dark brown hair spoke up before Robb managed to reply.
"Please, my lord, please show some mercy," she pleaded, clearly terrified. "My lady is blind; she is no threat to you."
Robb's eyes widened as he stared at the blonde. She seemed strangely calm considering the circumstances.
"And who is your lady?" he inquired.
"Lady Elara Lannister, my lord, the daughter of Ser Jaime Lannister."
Robb frowned, knowing that Jaime Lannister had never been married. "A bastard?"
"A legalized bastard," the girl stated, her voice clear and calm. "I am blind, my lord, not deaf, so feel free to address me directly. And may I ask who I have the honor of speaking to?"
Robb's eyes narrowed as he assessed the young woman. "I am Robb Stark, King in the North."
"Hmm," she hummed, unimpressed. "Tell me then, King in the North, are you brave enough to kill a blind girl and her handmaiden yourself, or will someone else do that for you?"
Robb was momentarily taken aback by her directness. "I have no intention to harm you, my lady," he stated.
She inclined her head slightly. "Could you be so kind then and leave us be? You are scaring my handmaiden."
"I'm afraid that is not possible, my lady. You, as well as every Lannister here, are my prisoners now."
"Oh dear," she sighed. "Off to the dungeons then, I suppose. Would it be possible to ask you to show my handmaiden some mercy? I can assure you; she does not have a drop of Lannister blood in her."
"No, my lady," the handmaiden protested before Robb managed to reply. "I won't leave you."
Lady Elara smiled and reached for her handmaiden's hand. "As much as I appreciate your loyalty, Gwen dear, I believe we both know you would not last a day in the dungeons."
Robb looked at them, conflicted. The handmaiden, Gwen, was clearly terrified while her lady seemed oddly unbothered by everything happening around her.
"Well, I don't see any reason to send you to the dungeons," he stated. "I believe you can stay in your chamber, kept under guard, of course."
"Thank you, my noble lord," Gwen gasped. "Thank you."
"That's His Grace," Rodrik corrected firmly.
The handmaiden's eyes widened as she quickly bowed her head. "Yes, of course. Please, forgive me, Your Grace."
"I am sure His Grace understands your confusion," Lady Elara stated. "We have so many kings these days."
Robb's jaw tightened slightly, but he chose to let the comment pass.
"Escort them back to the lady's chamber."
"We had to break the door, Your Grace," Rodrik replied. "They were barricaded inside."
Robb frowned, turning his attention back to the women. "What were you doing in that chamber?"
"My handmaiden and I were hiding, as any sensible person would do when their home is under attack," Lady Elara said evenly. "But I can assure you, Your Grace, we pose no threat to you or your men. You have no need to fear us."
Robb's eyebrows furrowed at the hint of sarcasm in her voice. "I'm curious, my lady, do you always speak so freely?"
"Have I somehow offended you, Your Grace?" she inquired, smiling.
Robb studied her carefully, noting her indifferent demeanor despite the circumstances. "Not offended, no. Merely surprised by your candor."
"Hmm. I suppose we have both experienced surprises today then. But I do apologize if you have found my behavior improper. My handmaiden and I appreciate your… hospitality."
"Where shall I take them, Your Grace?" Rodrik asked before Robb managed to reply.
Robb paused, considering his options. "Escort them to a guest chamber. Surely, they have many of those here."
"We do," Lady Elara stated helpfully. "Gwen can show you. I would do that myself, but she has better eyes than I do."
Rodrik glanced at Gwen, who nodded nervously. "I'll show you the way, my lord."
Rodrik nodded and motioned for the soldiers to lift the women to their feet. Robb watched as Rodrik and the soldiers escorted the two women out of the hall, Gwen leading the way with hesitant steps. He turned to Jon, who had been quietly observing the exchange.
"Well… wasn't that something," Jon stated. "Jaime Lannister's daughter."
"Indeed," Robb replied dryly. "Apparently, the Kingslayer does know how to find company outside of his sister's bedchamber."
Jon didn't bother to hide his amusement. "I wouldn't have believed it without seeing her myself. What do you make of her?"
"Hard to tell yet. She could be a valuable hostage. At least, she has a sharp tongue."
"That's true," Jon replied, amusement still clear in his voice.
"Keep a close watch on them," Robb said. "I want to know everything about this Lady Elara and her handmaiden. We can't afford any surprises."
Jon nodded. "Of course. Do you think they might have valuable information?"
"Possibly," Robb replied. "Or they might simply be what they appear to be: a noblewoman and her servant caught in the middle of a war. Either way, we can't take chances."