Blood and Winter

Chapter XI

Breathing heavily, Robb collapsed onto one knee, digging his sword into the ground and using it for support as he surveyed the field. The battle was in its final stages, only a few dozen pockets of resistance still fighting, but with the reinforcements from the Vale, they were being picked off with ease.

"Your grace! Are you alright?!" Brienne asked urgently, Olyvar moving forwards to help Robb to his feet.

"I'm fine, Brienne, do not worry." Despite his words, the deep cut in his shoulder and the numerous others littering his blood that leaked blood said otherwise. Even so, Robb remained firm, not allowing an ounce of pain to show upon his face. "However, see to it that Ser Robar and Patrek receive proper medical attention immediately. They saved my life, it's the least I can do for now."

Brienne nodded her head, moving to do as Robb had ordered. "I want all our wounded taken back to the Antlers. Send a messenger to Lord Piper and Ser Brynden, they are to ensure that the main force is to do the same."

"And what of the prisoners?" Olyvar asked.

"If they surrender, we will give them quarter. But they are of secondary priority to our own. Their survival is in the hands of the Gods now." Robb's words caused a pause, not only in the enemy soldiers nearby who had surrendered, but also in his own. But much like before, his orders were given and they were received, his soldiers carrying them out as he instructed.

"Alright lads, ye heard the King, move ye asses!" Smalljon shouted and not for the first time, Robb appreciated the new Lord Umber for his ability to get people moving.

Robb was a man that had garnered and created a reputation as the Young Wolf that instilled a sense of respect and even fear into both enemies and allies alike. It was Robb's actions and strength of character that created loyalty and camaraderie. Every time he entered a room, the bustling lords and ladies, deep in argument would go silent. Even without saying a word, his presence demanded respect and silence, each one of his nobles waiting to hear what he had to say.

That was the type of man he was.

He was not like his father, he acted with honour towards those loyal to him, but was ruthless to his enemies. Even if it besmirched his honour, Robb was willing to do what was necessary to win this war and save his family.

And some of the decisions he had to make caused his lords and ladies to pause in thought. Each of them trying to figure out if this really what Robb wanted, if this was what they wanted to do. But like always, House Umber, perhaps one of his most loyal vassals, would always get the nobles moving. Their large frames, fearsome battle presence and large, booming voices made it so that his orders were carried out.

Even the most hesitant of lords would be unwilling to stay behind in case of incurring the wrath of the Lord of Last Hearth.

Robb gave Smalljon and nod, a show of thanks that Lord Umber returned with one of his own. It was then that a detachment of riders from the Vale arrived and at the head of them, was the same man wearing the colours and coat of arms of House Baratheon and a helmet with antlers coming out of the side. In one hand, he held a bloody Warhammer, and many looked to the man in confusion.

To them, it looked like Robert Baratheon was back once more.

"Who are you?" Robb questioned and the knight lifted his helmet showing the face of a young man. He looked a great deal like Renly with a squarer jaw and bushier brows. "You must be one of Robert's bastards."

"Yes, your grace. My name is Gendry Storm."

Robb looked to the Vale soldiers working in conjunction with his own soldiers transporting injured soldiers and watching the captured enemy soldiers. "I don't know how you did it, but I thank you for rallying the Vale to our side. I had thought initially that you were matching south to aid the Lannisters. A messenger would have been nice."

"There were riders dispatched in secret, but they never returned which was the plan." Robb shook his head at the bastards words.

"No riders reached us." The implications of what this meant did not go unnoticed by any of them. 'That means someone intercepted them. They knew the Vale were marching to aid us and kept it from us. But why? Did they know my plan and hoped that by keeping it from me I could potentially lose my life in doing so? That does make sense, but who did it? It can't have been the Lannisters, if so, they would have retreated upon learning of the Vale's true loyalty. So, who? Is it the Vale?'

And as Robb began to think upon this further, he was left with more questions than answers. He didn't know who it was, and it frustrated him.

"Well, I thank you for coming to our aid." Robb winced out as the throbbing in his shoulder grew. "Olyvar, help me to a horse."

Robb had learned early on that for a King, appearances were everything.

A King with injuries could be seen as weakness, especially for a King like Joffrey. But for a warrior King like himself, injures could prove to be the very thing to enhance his image. To show that he had not cowered behind his army, but fought in the front by their side and survived. It not only served to make his enemies fearful of himself, but also inspire his own followers.

That despite his injuries, Robb still stood strong, overseeing the aftermath of the battle.

It told more than words ever could and in most cases, could improve the morale of his army more than any fanciful speech could. But even so, it was a double-edged sword, too many injuries could raise doubts to his odds of survival. That he could die from them and that doubt could lead to insurrection and even rebellion.

While his injuries weren't as severe as some others, they were beginning to affect him. His battle against the Mountain and the numerous Lannister and Golden Company soldiers had dulled his sense of pain and allowed him to keep fighting, but the injuries had added up.

The moment in which the Mountain was brought down had signalled the end of the battle. The Lannisters upon seeing him defeated had served to shatter their already low morale. At that point, the only ones still fighting were the Golden Company, but they were overwhelmed with only a few pockets remaining. This had allowed Robb to remain where he was, recovering his breath and surveying the battlefield. Unlike many soldiers, his duties and responsibilities didn't end when the fighting stopped.

And this act of stopping, of allowing his body to rest meant that eventually, his dulled sense of pain disappeared and he could feel it all. Every movement and even breath made his body burn and flare with pain.

He had managed to take command, issue orders here and there, it allowed him to stop thinking of the pain his body was experience.

"Yes, your grace." His former squire turned knight, Ser Olyvar responded.


Running one hand through his hair, Eddard released a low sigh as he sat in his chambers. The rain outside pattered against the stone balcony, creating a soothing sound that helped him focus on the reports before him. He had almost forgotten how difficult it was to read them, to see the numbers of death that they detailed.

Overall, the Lannisters army had all but been completely decimated.

Over the course of the eight days that had formed the Battle of the Bloody Antlers, the Lannister army numbering nearly fifty thousand men had been reduced to just over twenty thousand by the final day. Robb's on the other hand had been reduced from near thirty thousand too around a similar number.

It was in the final conflict that saw the bloodiest fighting out of the entire, eight-day battle. The final charge resulted in the Stark losses rising by another ten thousand men, but the Lannisters saw even more devastation, barely seven thousand still lived. Many had scattered after the Valeman had revealed their true nature, their already lowered morale – a result of the Stark armies own high morale – shattered.

Despite that however, the Valeman had only lost barely five hundred men in the overall conflict. Most of their losses actually being a result of the secondary conflict between the Golden Company, the Lannisters and the Stark army.

'Their numbers may have been small, but their skills cannot be understated.' Ned thought to himself as he thought back to the reports on the Golden Company. And what was most worrying was that the Golden Company were still out there. Plus, considering their actions, not only did they turn against their employers, but then attacked someone who was effectively no longer their enemy anymore.

According to Gendry, they had with just two hundred men had held off five hundred Lannister elites and a further five hundred from the Stark army. Despite the fact the three had been fighting one another, according to Robert's bastard, the Golden Company seemed to have been gaining an upper hand.

That wasn't overly surprising, in Westeros the soldiers spent their time outside of war either as farmers, carpenters, builders, etc. The Golden Company were dedicated soldiers, a mercenary band that sold their talents to the highest bidder and fought in bloody conflicts again and again. They spent their lives and all their talents towards improving themselves.

That was why they were so expensive and also why Ned was worrying so much.

Robb had accomplished a truly, monumental achievement with his actions at the Battle of the Bloody Antlers. And while the Golden Company didn't possess a commander on his level, they did possess superior quality of troops. Soldiers dedicated and trained for years to work as a cohesive unit.

To have that force moving about with unknown allegiances was not something that he wanted. Especially not when they were this close to ending the war. All it would take now was marching south, claim King's Landing and secure Cersei, Joffrey and Tommen, that would take out both the Lannisters and Dornish out of the war. This meant they could take soldiers north, take out the Ironborn, Bolton-Dustin Rebellion, Stannis and if need be, the Wildlings as well.

A dull throb in his leg made him lean down to massage the stump that had once being his right leg. After escaping from Kings Landing, they had taken a rowboat out to a merchant ship about a few miles out from Blackwater Bay.

There sail from the Blackwater Bay up the Narrow Sea towards the Vale had been through choppy waters and cold weather that had only worsened the injury of his leg. The infection spread and Ned had feared he would die upon the journey. It would be a cruel twist of fate to escape with his daughters and be on his way to reunite with his family only to be taken from them when he was free.

Despite that, he survived, though with his worsening condition, he had been bedridden and in and out of consciousness for weeks on end. Eventually he had awoken to find his leg had been removed, a measure that the Maesters had taken to save his life.

He didn't mind, just glad to be alive and well to see his daughters and family grow up. But first he had needed to gather his strength and secure the Vale to ride to Robb's aid. But then news of his wife being taken captive and forcibly married to Ramsay Snow and his youngest sons being held captive as well had nearly forced Robb to move earlier and risk revealing everything.

A knock on the door disrupted Ned from his thoughts. "Come in." He called, turning to see the door open and instep a handsome, sandy haired young man, Harrold Hardyng. The cousin of Robyn Arryn and current heir presumptive of House Arryn and the Vale. Considering the current situation, it was very possible he would be the future Lord of the Vale.

"Lord Stark." Harrold bowed and Ned just shook his head at that.

"Harry, has the meeting being called?" Ned asked just getting a sigh from Harry, entirely frustrated with the entire ordeal.

"Yes." It hadn't been easy, many of the Riverland and Reach lords had been begrudging to agree. Many had believed this was the Vale Lords coming in at the last moment and attempting to take over. They, including many northern, Westerland and Crownland lords and representatives had wanted for the King to awaken before holding a meeting. "But it was only due to Lord Umber, Karstark and Ser Garlan Tyrell speaking to the other lords that the meeting was agreed."

'I don't know whether I should be worried that they want Robb to lead them for their own agendas and personal means. Or proud that he can inspire such loyalty.'

"They're all assembled in the Great Hall." Harry said.

"Then let's go." Ned replied, Harry moving forwards and taking the handle of Neds chair.

Harry after a momentary pause, decided to ask the question that had been on his mind for a while. "My lord, have you thought on anymore on my proposal?" He asked nervously. "To marry Sansa?"

Ned sighed. "To be entirely honest, Harry, I am still unsure. You are not Joffrey and you are in fact, an honourable man and will make a good husband to my daughter, but I don't want to give my daughter away just yet. Look at what's happened when I gave my daughter away to Joffrey, I'd rather not have my family split apart any further just yet."

"I know, my lord." Harry said.

"Do not lose hope, Harry. My daughter seems quite taken with you, even if she is withdrawn." Ned replied. "I'm sure that in the future, she will be more than happy to accept your proposal, and so will I."


As the guards pushed open the door to the Great Hall, Harry wheeled Ned Stark into the room only to be struck the tense silence within the room. Even as all the eyes in the room turned to him, Ned himself taking a moment to notice the clear divide beginning to form.

The Lords and representatives of the North, Riverlands and Reach were gathering around on the right-hand side of the table, close to the head of the table. Across from them, the Lords of Vale sat, narrowed eyes and arms crossed over their chests. That was where the tension was coming from, the Lords and representatives of the Crownlands and Westerlands sat at the bottom end of the table looking entirely unbothered by the tension in the room.

"Milords, thank you for coming on such short notice." Ned spoke as Harry pushed him to the head of the table before he took the leading seat to his left, across from Ser Garlan Tyrell. "Right now, we are close to finishing the war and I believe we should head south, capture Kings Landing and Cersei Lannister as soon as possible."

"Lord Stark is right." Yohn Royce concurred. "The war has gone on long enough and there are still enemies in the North to deal with. Stalling down here any longer would not be the wise move to make."

Smalljon scoffed, his large frame leaning forwards onto the table. "Ye speak as if ye've been fighting in this war from the beginning. Don't forget that his highness asked for yer aid long ago and ye refused. So don't think that ye can come along now and start calling the shots, we should wait for the King to awaken before making any decision."

"You would allow the North to remain divided?" Harry asked, shocked by the very notion.

"There's no need to move." Dacey spoke up. "Lord Stark and Mallister have ensured that the North is in a stalemate. The Ironborn, the Boltons, Stannis, none of them can make a move without leaving themselves exposed to others. We're in no rush."

"Besides, even if we needed to, we still have our own problems to deal with." Garlan said. "We still have the Dornish and their force of twenty thousand stationed at Princes Pass. If we make a move north without first securing the south, they could cause havoc to our endeavours. Not only that, but we have the Golden Company to worry about, they turned on the Lannisters at the end, but then turned on us as well."

Ned nodded his head. "Do we have any reports on where they're stationed?"

"Some of my scouts reported them moving south towards Kings Landing a few days ago." Brynden Blackfish murmured. "And we also picked up reports of the Dornish doing the same."

"So its more than likely that the Dornish and the Golden Company are allied?" One lord spoke up earning mutterings of agreement. "Then it seems matters in the south aren't finished after all as you Valemen seem to believe."

The little jab did not go unanswered, and Ned watched as the table erupted into arguments. Voices raised and insults shared on all sides. 'If the Golden Company and Dornish are allied, they may not even need to fight us at all. At this rate, we will fall apart from the inside.' And as he looked around, he noticed just how young the people in this room where, there were very few faces still around from the time of Roberts Rebellion or the Greyjoy Rebellion.

"Milords, please, let us not argue amongst ourselves." Garlan urged, but his words went unheeded.

"Alright, ye fuckers, be quiet!" Smalljon shouted, slamming his fist down on the table. "Lord Stark, ye called this meeting, what do ye suggest?"

Ned didn't answer right away, looking to Yohn Royce who shook his head. "We shall send ravens to Kings Landing and the Dornish to try and gain an understanding of where their loyalties lie. In the meantime, we should prepare our forces, we'll march south in three days."

"Forgive me, Lord Stark, but while I agree that we should send ravens to Kings Landing, I believe we should wait till the King awakens before marching south." Rodrick Forrester murmured, much to the discontent of the Vale Lords. "We have come this far under his command and as much as I respect you, I would prefer to finish this war under the command of someone who has led us from the beginning, not someone who has only just arrived."

His words earned many mutterings of concurrence and Ned felt a frown come upon his face.

"Eddard Stark is the Lord of House Stark, the Lord Paramount of the North, have you forgotten where your loyalties lie?!" Gilwood Hunter exclaims.

"Lord Paramount of the North he maybe, but Robb Stark is the man we proclaimed as King in the North." Daryn Hornwood shot back.

Lord Piper's words were spoken in agreement. "Nor did we of the Riverlands proclaim Ned King, I too concur with Rickard Karstark. Send the Ravens south, but we shall wait for Robb to awaken."

"The Lords of the Reach agree also." Garlan concurred and just like that, the plan was both agreed and disagreed upon. And for the first time, Ned began to realise the type of situation he was a part of now. The Lords would not move without first being told to by Robb, his word and his reputation did not hold the same weight it once had, overshadowed by his son. And because of that, they were not stuck, unable to make a move.

"Yet it was that very same King who would have you charge to your deaths nought but a few days ago, was it not?" Yohn Royce calmly pointed out, arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face at the disrespect being shown toward Edward. Certainly the explosive morale of the Stark army had been impressive, but they would have never won't that battle if it wasn't for the Vale.

"Ye would insult our King?!" Smalljon roared and more than fe words flinched away in terror when the Lord of the Last Hearth shot to his feet. Even Yohn Royce couldn't help but clench his fist around an imaginary blade in the face of his anger.

"I meant no insult." Yohn continued on, despite the heavy lump in his chest at the murderous look sent his way by Smalljon. If he didn't say something now to rectify the situation he imagined it would get much bloodier. Possibly even become violent as more than a few lords loyal to Robb also began to rise to their feet's. "I simply wanted to point out that your King, while admirable and certainly worthy of praise a hundred times over for his accomplishments in this war, only succeeded in the Battle of the Bloody Antlers due to our intervention."

There was a tense pause before the silence broken by a booming laughter from Smalljon. This was further followed by much laughter from many of the other North and Riverlands lords, each of them young.

This act caused a few angered mutterings to fill the chambers along with the laughter as the Vale lords took this as an insult against Lord Royce and by extension, themselves. "Forgive me, Lord Royce, we meant you no insult." Garlan uttered after a moment of levity. "But you speak as if our plan was simply to perform one last suicidal charge."

"Was it not?" Harry the Heir questioned.

"Far from it." Garlan replied. "I may not have known your son as long as you, Lord Stark, but I do believe that I have a better understanding of the man he has become than you. Now, I wouldn't go so far as to say that he is in love with my sister, but he certainly desires to have more children to repair his broken family." Those words earned a few chuckles and lewd smiles as men thought of the Queen Margaery. "Not only that, but I know he wants nothing more than to see his child so I can assure you that a suicidal charge while not comptlelg off the table, was not our aim during that battle."

"Then what was it?" Edward asked.

"Quite simple, take Kings Landing and with it, the Lannister Queen and her children that lay within."


Moving down the corridor at a slow, steady pace, Garlan spared a glance over at his shoulders as the gathered Lords made their way out of the Great Hall. Their numbers were too great to all be held in the war room of the Antlers, a sign of just how influential and powerful the new Stark dynasty had become.

But it wasn't secure.

'The Vale, they want Eddard Stark to be King, not Robb.' Garlan had nothing against Lord Stark, in fact he respected the man, but he knew that for the future of his family, Ned could not be King.

The Reach Lords were all firmly behind Robb, as was many of the younger northern and Riverland lords. However, Garlan wasn't so sure on where the loyalties of the Westerland, Crownland and the older northern and Riverland Lords lay. Right now, the balance was firmly behind Robb, Ned only having the support of the Vale Lords. But depending on where those other Lords decided to place their loyalty, it could shift the tide in either way.

Even more so if Lord Blackwood and Ser Brynden Blackfish placed their support in Ned. They commanded massive respect between the Lords of the Riverland and could very well get just a few Lords to support Ned.

'While the war continues, another front opens.' Garlan thought to himself, watching as Smalljon and Marq Piper moved towards him. And so, he moved to one side, waiting for the two to come to a stop beside him. "It looks we were right; the Vale intend to make Ned the King."

"Aye, the bastards have been trying to call the shots ever since they arrived." Smalljon spat out angrily.

"I'll speak with Lord Blackwood, see who he intends to support." Lord Piper murmured quietly; eyes flickered around to make sure no one was in ear shot. "Smalljon, you should do the same with Lord Karstark. If we can secure the support of the majority of the Riverland and northern Lords, we can ensure Robb remains King."

Smalljon nodded his head. "Good, the Reach Lords are firmly in support of Robb, I'll have Dickon look into the Westerland representatives while I speak with Crownland Lords." Garlan informed and then paused, noticing Ned Stark being wheeled out by Harry the Heir and Lord Yohn Royce.

For a moment, the three young men watched as the other three men turned round the corner, making sure not to speak on the matter until they were sure they were out of range. "In the meantime, I think we should be looking more closely at Robb's personal guard. Especially Robar Royce, we don't know where his loyalties lie either and he could feed information back to his father."

"And if he is?" Lord Piper asked.

"We kill him, simple as that." Smalljon muttered quietly. "War's a dangerous place can never know who's yer ally or who's yer enemy. Sure there's plenty of spies amongst us, what's to say one of them isn't an assassin as well?"

And slowly, the three men nodded their heads in agreement.


As the sun rose higher and higher into the sky, the birds chirping and wind beginning to pick up, Robb sat upright in his bed and looked out to the world from the balcony. He waited silently, contemplating everything yet also nothing. On his lap, various scrolls and letters detailed recent reports sprawled out before him.

He didn't want to think like this, but Robb couldn't help but feel like finally things were looking up. Like he could see the sun peeking through the clouds as a show that the war was reaching its end.

Of course, he knew that the Golden Company were still a threat, but they were moving south towards Kings Landing and were also vastly outnumbered by his own forces. There was also the Ironborn, Boltons and Stannis to the north. But the biggest threat, the Lannisters were removed, most of Westeros had submitted to him and it should be an easy ride from here on out.

With the losses taken from the Battle of the Bloody Antlers, Robb was looking at only ten thousand of his original force still remaining. But if he was to march south now, he'd also have nearly forty thousand Vale reinforcements and a further forty thousand men camped at the Manders. In total, it brought his forces to ninety thousand and if he decided to abandon Casterly Rock and bring Lord Randal Tarly south, then he would have over a hundred thousand men in a single force, nearly five times the numbers that the Golden Company possessed.

And even if the Golden Company linked up with the Dornish forces as Robb and no doubt many others suspected so as well, then they would still the hold advantage by nearly four to one. But Robb had no intention of allowing Casterly Rock to go free, he wanted the Westerlands fully secure and if he took the seat of House Lannister, then he would accomplish just that. Furthermore, he hoped that the defeat of Tywin Lannister and his forces would also mean that the defenders holding out would capitulate in short order.

That would mean a further twenty thousand men would be free to be moved wherever Robb wanted. He could take them south with him or he could send them north, for the first time, Robb had spare troops and options within which to use them.

As the door to his chambers opened, Robb was broken from his thoughts and looked to see Garlan entering. "Your grace." He greeted, giving a small bow before moving towards the table to take a seat.

"How did the meeting go?"

"About as well as expected." Garlan answered, helping himself to an apple from the bowl of fruit placed upon the table. "But our plan is working, I've got a pretty good idea of which Lords are loyal to you and which have other loyalties."

Robb nodded his head, pleased that it was bearing some results. The plan itself had been simple, Robb had been injured in the Battle of the Bloody Antlers, but not enough to be a huge cause for worry, yet they had spun the tale of it being otherwise. This was being spread and then, in the meeting today, it allowed Garlan the chance to see who was loyal to who. Which is exactly why Garlan had suggested the plan in the first place and the reason why Robb had agreed to it.

"Well, I can assure you that all the young lords and heirs are staunchly loyal to you." Garlan began upon seeing the pointed look Robb gave him. "However, I'm not certain on the older lords and they themselves could shift the tide of the younger lords if we're not careful. The Crownland and Westerland lords are neutral for now, I haven't managed to get much on them. But as for the Vale lords they, much like I expected, intend to name your father as King, or at the very least, intend to make him the leader of our army."

"Brilliant, so close to ending it all and now we have internal problems to deal with." Robb sighed out frustratedly. 'Why can't people put aside their greed just for one moment. I didn't go to war for power, I did it to save my power. I didn't accept being King for power, I did it to give our cause a figurehead. And now when we're so close, greedy lords are going to fuck this up.'

Garlan didn't look too surprised having expected this from the beginning. "Your control and power over Westeros has grown, more and more lords have flocked to your banner because you're winning. And each lord has their own agenda. They were united against you because your enemies were the Lannisters and also the Greyjoys, Boltons and Stannis. None of which are particularly well-liked. But those enemies are weakened and on the verge of defeat in many cases. The Lords are beginning to look out for their own interests in other ways now, rather than simply being the loyal bannermen they once were."

"This is why I never wanted to be king." Robb told him, pushing aside the furs over his body and stepping out, stretching off his tired body. "In a few days, call a meeting once more, we'll deal with this then. I want there to be a very clear leader put in place before we march once more."

Nodding his head, Garlan went to leave only to pause, a question upon his mind. "Who will that leader be?"

There was a pause.

"I don't know." Robb eventually answered and while he didn't voice it, Robb wouldn't care if some other lord was named King. He had never wanted the position in the first place, nor did he like the responsibilities that came with it. All he wanted was to return home, to have his family brought back together and to see his child and wife again.


As the boat rocked in the choppy waters, Tyrion closed his eyes as he avoided the splashes of water that splattered onto him. His clothes were torn and bloody, a result of the numerous bodies that had been killed in their attempt to escape from Kings Landing and as he looked out at the others sat in the boat, Tyrion was reminded that it had not been easy.

There were but five in the boat, a meagre number compared to the twenty men that had originally been under his employment. Two were rowing the boats, Podrick was looking out back at the Kings Landing while Bronn himself sat, bloody sword held in one hand.

It had happened quick and suddenly, the Dornish host once positioned at the Princes Path in order to keep them in Reach host at the Manders at bay. Them arriving was certainly surprising, but with the news that had arrived a few days prior about Tywin and his host being defeated, they had opened the gates. Looking back on it now, Tyrion could admire the irony in what had happened as in a move reminiscent as to how the Lannisters had invaded Kings Landing during Roberts Rebellion.

They rushed in and began slaughtering what few Lannister soldiers were standing guard. Tyrion himself had been enjoying his time in his chambers with Shae when the attack came. Luckily, Bronn and Podrick had come bursting in, telling him of the assault. Then, led by Varys himself, had made their way through the Red Palace and down onto a small beach where a boat was waiting.

There they had set sail, making their way out to where Varys told them a ship was waiting to take them to safety. But it hadn't been easy and as Tyrion locked down at his blood-soaked hands, the sight of a young woman flashing before his eyes as a blade pierced through her chest.

Clenching his shaking fists, Tyrion looked out over the ocean to see dozens of large war galleys sailing into the port of Kings Landing, each of them emblazoned with the flag of House Targaryen.


As the guards pushed open the door to the Great Hall, Garlan and Marq stepped into the room. Already many of the lords had gathered, a dull murmuring filling the room as they chatted amongst one another. He didn't stop, instead moving towards where Smalljon was stood beside Rodrick Forrester and Dickon Tarly.

"So, Robb really intends to go ahead with this?" Rodrick asked and Garlan nodded his head.

"I've tried to convince him otherwise, told him that we named him King, not anyone else. But he is determined to avoid internal strife within the court." Garlan informed him.

"Understandable, but I don't like the idea of these Vale men coming in and taking over." Smalljon muttered angrily, a glare on his face as he looked at a few of the lords in question. "We've been fighting this war since the beginning, now they come along and try to take over, it ain't right."

"Agreed." Marq nodded his head in agreement, all pausing when they noticed the door open and in come Ned Stark, pushed in by a large, muscular young man clad in the colours of House Baratheon. Beside him was Yohn Royce and the heir apparent of the Vale, Harold Hardyng. "But it is the Kings decision, and we must abide by it. At least this way, just as we've had little time to gather votes, so has the Vale lords."

"Well, we've had more time to prepare ourselves considering we were informed of this decision, unlike the others." Garlan pointed out and there were a few shared nods. That was a positive considering this meeting was a spur of the moment decision to many of the lords. However, to Garlan and the others they had only a handful of days to make some moves, but it was more time than anyone else had.

But even then, it wasn't as much as anyone of them would have liked. Especially considering there were still many lords they were ensure of who they would vote for.

However, before anymore could be said, the doors opened once more and in stepped the Young Wolf himself. A hush fell over the room as he strode across the room, completely dismissing everyone and everything before taking a seat at the head of the table. At his side, Grey Wind followed him and by the light snarls it gave every so often, went a long way in showing the mood Robb was in.

It was something many of them knew but didn't fully understand. There was an unexplainable connection between Robb and Grey Wind. One that allowed people to gain a reflection of Robb's thoughts and feelings due to the actions of his Direwolf. And by the snarls Grey Wind gave, the King was not in a happy mood.

And as Robb sat at the head of the table all the lords and representatives did the same. This time, the table was truly divided, the Vale lords on the left with Ned sat closest to Robb and the North, Reach and Riverland lords to the right, Garlan directly across from Ned and closest to Robb. But even then, as it seemed like the table was split evenly, Garlan knew that was far from the case.

He knew that the Reach houses would follow his command and that meant voting for Robb. As would many young North and Riverland house representatives, but he did not about the older ones. Nor was he fully certain about the Crownland or Westerlands.

"It has come to my attention, that despite being so close to ending the war, we now have other problems to face." Robb said quietly. "So close, yet because incessant greed, we could lose it all."

There was a few shifts and murmurs of discontent from many around the room, unsure of why Robb was saying such things. Robb meanwhile remained silent, gaze trailing across each man and women, making sure each were aware of the scrutiny he was giving them before moving onto the next.

"So, before we make any decisions about the war, let us make one thing clear. Who is in command of this army? I'm not requiring an answer, that is something we're going to solve right here, right now." Robb told them all clearly, leaving no room for misunderstanding. "We're going to put it to a vote, everyone around the room, in a calm, orderly manner will voice their suggestion. Olyvar, take note of the names put forward and how many votes they get."

"Yes, your grace." Olyvar muttered, bowing his head, having already been informed beforehand and now here, holding a quill and paper ready.

"Your grace, is this wise?" Tytos Blackwood asked, similar concerns were being raised all around. "It could cause a large amount of division amongst us all."

"That is true, but at the same time, there will be a clear leadership, that no one can question." Robb replied. "Anyone that does, well, they're welcome to leave." That challenge alone triggered many reactions, from those who had served under Robb for a long time, they remained silent. However, for those newer to Robb and his leadership, there was anger that was expressed in shouting.

And like always, Lord Umber silenced it all, one hand smashing onto the table shocking many. "Be quiet."

"Thank you, Lord Umber. Now then, if we're done, let us begin." Robb looked to Garlan who remained silent for only a moment. Many of the lords and representatives looked to him as well, wondering where his vote would go.

"My vote will be for the man who has led us since the beginning, Robb Stark." Garlan nodded to the young man.

"Here, here." Smalljon agreed from his side.

A few more lords voted, all of them young lords that each voted for Robb. But then they reached the first of the older lords, Rickard Karstark. There was a pause, he looking out at all the lords and studying each of them, though his gaze was mostly focused on Robb Stark and Eddard Stark. "My vote, is for Robb Stark."

This word sent a ripple of mutterings across from the room. Many of the Vale lords looking to him in shock, but the two men in question that people looked to, was Robb and Ned themselves. Neither gave away anything, just remaining silent.

And soon after, Maege Mormont put in her vote as well. "Robb Stark."

"Robb Stark." Galbert Glover followed.

"Robb Stark."

"Robb Stark."

"Robb Stark."

"Robb Stark." As the last of the northern lords gave their vote, each for Robb Stark.

"Eddard Stark." That was Lord Darry of the Riverlands who spoke, and this change caused another murmur to fill the room. And then the Riverlands went, that was when the split started to form with most voting for Robb, but a few put the name of Eddard into the mix. Then the Reach lords went, a unanimous vote for the Young Wolf. But again, that changed when the Crownland and Westerland lords came, a mix between the two Starks. Before finally reaching the Vale lords, much like with the Reach, it was a unanimous decision, but for Eddard Stark.

'So it has been decided.' Eddard though to himself, looking around at the lords at the table, each of which looked to him for his decision. Not that it would matter much, the vote for who would lead had already been decided, his vote wouldn't make a difference. 'You truly have, accomplished a great deal.' Eddard turned to his son who looked out at the hall, before turning to him. 'I'm proud of you, Robb.'

"Robb Stark." Eddard said, and with that last name, the vote had ended.

Robb Stark, the Young Wolf was now the undisputed King.


"Robb Stark." As soon as the words left his mouth, Eddard knew there was no taking them back. It wouldn't make a difference either way, the majority had voted in the favour of his son, but his acknowledgement of his son meant that there would be no dispute as to possible successors. His vote meant that any claim he had to the throne was renounced, not that Eddard had any desire for kingship.

He had simply sought to remove the burden from his sons shoulders, to allow him time to be a boy again. To be with his wife and son rather than fighting on the battlefield and waging a war.

There was a momentary pause in which Ned noticed Robb looking at him, his face giving nothing away. But then Robb turned away, looking out at the other lords he didn't say anything about he vote, dismissing what had happened as if it never happened in the first place.

"Ser Brynden, have riders been dispatched to Kings Landing?" Robb asked.

"They have your grace." The Blackfish replied. "Nothing has been reported just yet. Though I suspect that the Dornish and Golden Company are allied and have taken Kings Landing for themselves."

"Is there anything else to report? Any rumours or suspicions?" The last part was directed to Garlan who paused momentarily.

"There have been rumoured sightings of a Targaryen Fleet arriving at Dragonstone." Garlan replied. "But I don't believe we to worry about another battle. We have Tywin Lannister, Jamie Lannister and the Mountain. It's very possible that we could provide them as a gift and gain a peace treaty possibly even a trade agreement. They don't have the numbers to wage a prolonged war, we do, and we also have the resources. A war with us is something that they will not want, nor would they realistically do."

"I want messengers dispatched to Dragonstone. Find out if its true that the Targaryens have arrived and if they have, I want to know their numbers and troop distribution. Same for the Dornish. If it comes to war, I want to know everything about our enemies." There was nods around the room from everyone, some looked disgruntled, but no complaints were raised.

"And if they're willing to negotiate?" Harry the Heir asked.

Robb turned to him. "Then we negotiate. But I'm preparing for the possibility that they either do not wish to negotiate or demand too much. In those situations, war will be inevitable and I'm ensuring that we are prepared for it.

Rising from his seat, Robb exited the Great Hall without so much as another word or backward glance. The lords remaining each looking to where he had left in confusion, then to one another in order to try and figure out what had happened. Ned was one of those people and he turned to Gendry.

"Gendry, if you wouldn't mind."

"Y-yes, milord."


Hearing the door to his chambers open, Robb didn't turn to look, he could already tell who it was by the rolling of the wood against the stone floor. Instead he remained silent and continued to look out at the dreary world through the window.

"Thank you, Gendry." Ned said to Roberts bastard and a moment later the door closed, leaving both father and son sitting at the table in silence. "Do you intend ignore me the entire time?"

"I just have nothing to say."

Ned gave a short laugh, finding that hard to believe. "No questions? Nothing?"

"What do you want me to say?" Robb asked. "Do you want me to ask you why I never heard you were alive? Why you never sent a messenger? Why despite everything I went through, you were safe in the Vale and left me to deal with it all? Is that what you want me to ask? Or is there something else?"

Ned nodded his head, frowning at the anger he could hear in his son. It was an understandable thing to feel and one that Ned had expected when meeting his son once more. "I understand. But do not blame your sisters.

"I won't." Robb answered. "But why did you never send a raven, or a messenger?"

"We couldn't. Many of the Lords of the Vale are in debt and Little Finger has been using that to manipulate them. We later discovered rumours that Robyn Arryn is actually the child of Baelish himself." Ned began and Robb listened intently, fist clenching slowly on the table. "He controlled the Vale and Yohn Royce was being smothered in his attempts to gain influence."

"You couldn't send messages because you weren't certain of who you could trust." Robb correctly summarised and Ned nodded his head.

"It took time, but we had to take our time and gather the Vale lords to our side. If we didn't, the Vale would have been marching to the aid of the Lannisters." Leaning forwards with a deep sigh, Robb placed his heads in his hands. "Even then, I can't count on the loyalty of them all. Robb, you may be angry at me, but you need to understand that I will always help you."

Ned looked out the window.

"We're surrounded by enemies and those who have their own agendas. And we, you," Ned corrected. "Will be the tool they use to advance themselves. I don't want you to become like Robert or the Targaryens. I want you to remain the man you are and see your family grow old like I failed to do."

"You shouldn't worry. I may not be politically savvy, but I know how to keep people in line." And after a few moments, Robb looked to Ned. "If you would please, I would like to be left alone."

Ned paused, but eventually nodded his head sadly. As much as he wished their reunion would not be like this, he could understand why it was the case. Robb needed time and space, Ned would not force him after everything he had been through, he could only hope that eventually Robb would forgive him.

So here we are, a new chapter and sorry about how long it took to come out and for the lacklustre ending, but I had a little problem with starting this off and finishing it off as well. I tired myself out with the last chapter and the big battle that I struggled to make a good follow up to it. But here we are and hopefully you enjoyed it. But as you can see, things aren't perfect now that Tywin has been defeated. The Dornish and Golden Company are in cohorts, taking Kings Landing for themselves. A Targaryen King has ascended to the Iron Throne once more.

Meanwhile Robb's court has grown and there's clear divides and factions forming. Internal strife and political schemes are being put into place and throughout it all, Robb was named King once more. But above all else, Robb and Ned reunite and it's not a happy reunion. Now I feel like I should clarify upon this further, but basically, Robb is stressed.

He's seen everything in his family crumble to the ground. First he was left unknowing of what fate had befallen Ned, Sansa and Arya all the while trying to fight a war. He had the weight of two Kingdoms upon his shoulder while his hands were been stained with the blood of thousands, both his own and his enemies armies. Then he was betrayed by Theon, a man that despite the being wary of, still loved as a brother. Then with every passing day and no sign of Ned, Sansa or Arya, began to believe they were dead and so, fought the war with only the thought of revenge on his mind. And again, he then learned that the Bolton's betrayed him, his mother being married to Ramsay and his brothers held captive. Then receives the fingers of his mother only to later learn that much like Ned, Sansa and Arya, that Catelyn, Brandon and Rickon were nowhere to be found (though we know the truth that he does not of what happened to Catelyn). Throughout all that, he was only content with the knowledge that Jon still remained loyal and was alive and that he found some measure of happiness with Margaery.

And on top of all that, he's only seventeen years old. Furthermore, he contents himself with the knowledge that he may die before seeing his child born and still goes ahead with his plan purely because he must. Only to then learn that throughout all that, his father was alive and in the Vale. You're damn right he's angry, hell he's downright furious but it's not a rational anger. What makes it worse is that Robb knows and understands why Ned couldn't tell him and that's what makes Robb angrier is because he doesn't have a target with which to direct his rage at. So irrationally, he directs at the closest person to him, Ned.

Now that's cleared up, let's get onto the questions:

Black 'Victor Cachat: Glad you recognised that. A lot of times in books and shows, they believe that like chess, the moment you take the King it's all over. But that's not the case and in the case of Robb, his legacy and dynasty was secure with his child. Sure there's a possibility that it's not a boy, but even if it's a girl, it represents opportunity that the greedy lords can't let slip them by.

kopol: It was a final ditch effort charge to break through the Lannister army. The Lannisters like they attempted to do, would flank and surround the Stark Army only causing them to create a huge swarm that the Vale men couldn't manoeuvre around easily causing them to get stuck. Robb meanwhile would break through with this army and charge towards Kings Landing. If need be, having Richard Karstark lead the infantry to stall the combined Vale and Lannister cavalry and later their infantry as long as possible.

The Stark cavalry would continue on, take the relatively undefended city of Kings Landing with ease. If the Lannisters didn't surrender or if Cersei and her children somehow managed to escape then Tytos Blackwood would lead the defence of the city from the besieging Lannister-Vale forces. Robb meanwhile would break off before reaching Kings Landing and ride to the Manders. There he would take command of the forces and engage the Dornish forces if need be. Then march to liberate Kings Landing. All the while the Redwyne Fleet would help provide food and supplies to Kings Landing ensuring they could withhold a siege for months on end. Ensuring that Robb would defeat the Dornish Army and Randall Tarly could take Casterly Rock and march south.

That was all if the Lannisters didn't surrender which Robb expected they would, especially if Cersei, Joffrey and Tommen were taken captive.

roxasghifari: Yeah, it's been explained in this chapter, but if you're still a little confused read the review above.

Moshi: Not necessarily. Sure in the show she is, but in the books it's more complex than that. There are of course characters you can characterise as villains, but honestly, with the way Martin has written ASOIAF no side is truly evil. Much like in real life, each side is the hero in their own story so to characterise a character as good and evil doesn't work for ASOIAF. And you're right, she'll be seen as a conqueror, but so is Robb, so was every major Lord in Westeros. How do you think the Starks rose to power and held it for so long? They weren't good guys and I'm not going to fall into the trope of characters being good or evil. Much like Martin, I intend to write each character as the hero of their own story.

Besides, I subscribe to the theory that the Azor Azhai is not a singular being, I believe that there were dozens of them that over time, were seen as a singular being. Numerous heroic legends being compiled into a singular being so to speak, if that makes sense. Anyway, I also believe that both Jon and Daenerys are the Azor Azhai, one in he West (Jon) and one in the East (Daenerys). If you look at what Quaithe says, "To go north, you must journey south. To reach the west, you must go east." There's more, but focus on the last bit, "to reach the west, you must go east."

I believe Quaithe is talking about the Grey Waste which is a frozen desert in the Far East. I believe the both the Land of Always Winger and the Grey Waste is connected. In fact going by the first bit, I believe that the land of Sothoryos beyond the Southern Mountains and into the Great Desert of the South is connected to the Land of Always Winter and the Grey Waste. I don't think there's three continents, but one big continent that is so vast and large, no one has truly mapped it out fully. Which is exactly why Sothoryos is believed to be the land without end. So I believe she is an Azor Azhai who could possibly become a villainous character later on, but either way, that's what I believe, you're welcome to disagree.

Guest: You'll have to wait and see.

Guest: Yeah I know, but you never know, Martin could change his mind. There's not many hints of it in the books and it's not like Targaryens are actually immune to fire either. That's something the show made up, it's not actually in the books. Daenerys surviving the fire in the book was an act of magic, a 1 in a million chance sort of miracle. All the stars lined up and that's why she survived, so Martin could change his mind, there's not enough clues in the book that it could quite easily be changed.

Scillacci: Basically what happened was that Tywin only actually managed to pay for Smallfolk and that was with what little food they had left in storage. Meanwhile, Tywin promised the Sellswords the right to raid and pillage the Reach, Riverlands and the North for anything of note. This lured many of the Sellsword bands that came to his side. As for the Golden Company, well they pretended to be lured by this promise also, but as you can see from this chapter, they had a different agenda.

What I'm saying is, Tywin didn't have the money to pay for his army, therefore he didn't have the money to pay for food. It was the promise of free reign to raid and pillage two of the richest kingdoms in Westeros like the Reach and the Riverlands without repute or interference from the Lannisters that lured many Sellswords to his cause. The Smallfolk were lured by the promise of food for their families and the Golden Company, well they were here for different reasons entirely.