Chapter 13-A Bloody War Part 2

(King's Landing-Red Keep)

Varys had to be exceedingly cautious these days. The Mad King's successor/rebirth had come in the form of Joffrey Baratheon and was considered worse than Aerys already at such a young age. If not for the fact the boy was NOT Robert's seed, the Spider would have found the situation ironic. The Mad King reborn in the son of the man who took his throne. Part of him almost wished it were true if it wasn't so horrible to imagine.

And unlike the previous Mad King, this King was in complete control of his madness. He didn't talk to any imaginary people around him. He didn't let his body's hygiene be less than desired with unkept hair, long nails, and scabs from the Iron Throne. No, this boy was mad, cruel, and occasionally acted stupid due to his youth. The madness would grow though, he had seen it already, and knew the boy would be just like Aerys, only without the imaginary voices talking to him.

Another reason to be cautious was due to Joffrey already seeking a reason, an excuse, however minor, to replace the Spider with someone who could do his job yet was loyal to the King. The boy's mother only feeding the notion while no one was willing or courage enough to speak up for Varys on his behalf. Tyrion might, but Varys knew any such support from Joffrey's uncle would be limited due to the boy would seek to unleash his sadistic streak on him too. The boy King saw anyone who voiced a different opinion or thought an offense punishable by either intense torture or death. Sometimes it was both.

Varys could only sigh knowing his time in King's Landing might be coming to an end. One way or another with the latter most likely involving his head being severed from the rest of his body.

His thoughts on the issue soon ended after reaching his quarter when a pair of hand grabbed each of his arms and a blade pressed to his neck. If it was anyone else in his position, they would have soiled their breeches by now, crying, pleading for mercy in the hopes the blade would not cut into their flesh and spill their blood all over the place. By Varys was not like normal people who would do such things in his situation, as he had long since controlled his emotions and mastered his fears, for what few they were to him.

"The Grandmaster demands answered Lord Varys. You let Lord Stark die. You could have saved him and smuggled the man out of the city. Yet you did not. Why?" asked the Lin Kuei warrior holding the blade to the fat man's neck.

"There are few in the city who could do it. The new King would be overly paranoid. His mother more so and would blame me instantly. Whether I was the one to do it or not. This Mad King is not like Aerys. He does not care for the consequences or understands them. He does it and expects others to deal with the fallout of his action without a care of what happens," replied Varys with the three Lin Kuei assassins now giving the other glances.

"You sacrificed Lord Stark to keep your position," said the Lin Kuei warrior.

"One I wish I didn't have to do. But my position is valuable to the Lin Kuei and his allies marching on this false King. If I am removed from the board, the power and influence I wield as the Master of Whispers will be given to the Master of Coin. The man's position is already dangerous right now with the backing of the crown despite his crimes, but to give him what I have will make things even worse. There was no other choice before me at the time," said Varys while waiting a moment to see how these three men would act.

"We will relay your message to the Grandmaster. If he finds it wanting, you will die, and no one will find your body afterwards," said the Lin Kuei warrior before removing the blade from Varys's throat and the Master of Whispers found himself free of the other two before all three Lin Kuei warriors vanished into the shadows.

(Street of Silk-A Pleasure House)

Petry Baelish was not happy. He should be happy to some degree. His plans, while delayed or having to be altered, were moving forward nicely. Lord Stark was dead. His love's husband was dead, and he could move in to make his beloved Cat his wife. The dream would become reality soon. All he had to do was stay in good favor with the current King and his mother. Easy enough. Find the things they like for their personal pleasure and supply it with a steady amount of it coming in for them to partake. Wine, food, women, men, it didn't matter so long as Petyr made them happy.

And when the time came to call in his heart's desire, not even the King with all his madness would deny Petyr what he wanted. Once said desire was secured, it was only a matter of time before removing said King and his power hoarding Dogwar Queen from their position, as well as any other contenders for the Iron Throne out of the way, he would use several high lords in his pocket to call for a Grand Council to determine who would sit on the throne to rule. Once done, bribery, blackmail, threats, and a few slit throats from well-paid assassins would ensure Petyr sat on the might chair symbolizing absolute power with Cat by his side.

After that, the real fun would begin for he would need to sire an heir to his name. Something he would try day and night with Cat to ensure there was another Baelish on the Iron Throne. Cat was still young and beautiful in his eyes and given her track record of giving birth to five children already, even if they were Stark children, the chance of her giving him a child, even at their given age was still good.

He just had to remove the current obstacles standing in his way.

First, the remaining Stark children. Proof of Lord Stark's marriage and bloodline existing long after his death irked him dearly. As far as Petyr was concerned all members of House Stark needed to die. Even if they were Cat's children. They were not his children with Cat and any child from her not born from his own seed needed to be removed. Fortunately, the war gave him plenty of leeway to set that in motion for things to happen that usually expect in a war.

People dying left and right whether on the battlefield or a blade in the dark.

Second, would be the Baratheon brothers. The youngest one, Renly, was already clamoring to be the next King, despite the rules of succession saying otherwise. Stannis, being the eldest of the two after Robert's death had not yet made the claim, either because he was unwilling to make it and decided to support Renly, which was unlikely, or there was something else entirely.

The third obstacle was Jamie Lannister, though he was easy enough to deal with given the boy was not as clever or smart as his now late father. A father the son killed. A Kingslayer and kinslayer now, it was only a matter of time before the Lords of the West betrayed the lion for one of less dishonor and shame the West had the not so great privilege of calling one of their own. Most likely Tyrion, but even that was a stretch considering the imp's deformity wasn't exactly inspiring despite young Lannister's high intellect that could have rivaled Tywin's if the old lion had chosen to nurture it.

His loss, Petyr's gain.

The fourth obstacle was the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. The man was a slippery one. His agents even more so, as he trained them to be unseen, unheard, and practically impossible to find. Even if one were to be found and captured, they were fanatically loyal to him, as one such event involved an attempt at the capture of one such agent. Only for said agent to slit his throat before the City Watch could stop him from doing it. A raid of his home by the City Watch and Lannister men in Flea Bottom turned up nothing, as the hovel was empty, as if it had never been lived in from the start.

Almost like a ghost.

The final obstacle was surprisingly the most troublesome. The fact Lord Stark had even said it before his death made things even worse for Petry because the words were no doubt true. That Prince Rhaegar Targaryen had a second trueborn son all this time, was nearly full grown, and kept a secret without anyone knowing was a blow to Petyr's pride. Looking back on it, he cursed himself and the Gods for not seeing the truth of it sooner. Lord Stark returning with a "damaged" sister, his supposed "bastard child" in his arms, and the fact Ser Arthur Dayne had not killed Lord Stark's men in Dorne had made sure no one connected the dots. Not only that, but Lord Stark was considered so honorable that he would never deny a child of his, legitimate or not, the right to being raised beside his family.

To think Jon Snow was actually Rhaegar's son. From what Petyr saw of him, the boy didn't even look like a Targaryen! The boy had more Stark features than anything. Perhaps that was what sold the lie. Stark features hiding the Targaryen ones that no doubt lay beneath the surface.

"And now my opportunity to remove him early has been wasted!" exclaimed Petyr to himself within his own personal chambers before sighing at the loss of a one in a lifetime opportunity here.

His only saving grace was Holster Tully, despite his old age, was still a predictable shit for a man, and had no love for bastards. Even less for Targaryens given him ambitious military nature. The man had wanted Tully blood tied to the Iron Throne, either in his lifetime or the next, which was why he had hoped the marriage to Ned Stark to Cat would do the deed after Brandon was killed. Robert made Lord Stark his brother by choice, despite having two brothers by blood already, and Holster knew the Stag King would want to tie his house to Lord Stark's.

Once that happened, House Tully could have what it couldn't with the Targaryens because the Kings of old would not allow it. Despite previous Tully Lords being loyal to the dragon, the binding of their two Houses together would not happen. The Mad King had made that clear to Holster at one point during the early stages of the madness So, Holster being Holster, decided a new type of King with a claim to the Iron Throne could make it happen.

Only for time to go by and it had not.

Petyr knew Holster had tried to get Robert to consider the idea, not that he needed much prodding to do it, but the Lord of House Tully was becoming increasingly impatient with the King he had supported. It was only when Lord Arryn died did Robert finally get off his fat ass to consider the idea and propose it to Lord Stark, which Holster was pleased about when news reached him, but still irked it happened so late in his life.

But now things were spiraling out of control and Lord Tully needed to take his pain out on someone who no one would mind suffer for the slight of his House. Add to the fact Lysa Tully was now detained with her son in the Vale for her plot to kill Jon Arryn only made Holster even angrier.

And Petyr knew Holster had the perfect person to take it out on. The hidden dragon. Even if Holster did not know of the boy's true origin, he would have thrown the Targaryen in the dungeon or killed simply because of his bloodline. All Petyr had to do was send a message to Holster, tell him the truth, and just watch things fall into place with the death of the last male Targaryen. The one true threat capable of challenging the Mockingbird for the Iron Throne and the woman he wished to be his Queen when the time came to put on the crown.

It actually made him happy that the attempted assassination of the man using slow acting poison he tried to have Lysa use on her father 5 years ago had failed to take root. No one suspected good obedient Lysa of poisoning her father, which is why it worked so well on Jon Arryn. At least to a point before the Lin Kuei got involved in the investigation. Petyr had clearly underestimated them and their network. Not to mention he suspected the Spider was aiding them or dragging his silent feet in finding their various members throughout the city.

Sadly, for him, he would never get to write said message.

No sooner did he reach for the ink and quill to write on the blank parchment, did the Lin Kuei assassins in the room descend upon the Master of Coin. How they got into the room, Baelish did not know. How did they know to find him here, again, Baelish did not know. Petyr made it a habit of being slippery as the Spider himself, knowing it would keep people guessing when trying to pin him down.

The next thing he knew, Petyr was in a dark room, his shirt had been removed after the struggle to get him out of his brothel to their underground location. They had landed several blows to his body, leaving noticeable bruises, his mouth gagged with a piece of cloth, and a bag of his head tied tightly at the neck which they could tighten to choke him if he got out of line. He didn't know how long they were walking, only that it was long, hard walk, moving this way and that with no sense of direction. Petry suspected this was done to prevent him from trying to figure out the location of the hidden base should he try to somehow track his movements following capture.

Once the gag was removed; Petyr knew he had to act fast. Talk his way out of losing his head. Appeal to their baser human instincts. Gold, women, a chance for power beyond being mere assassin foot soldiers for their beloved Grandmaster. A chance to rise higher than they ever could under the command of one such as that foreigner.

"Please, let me go. Let me go and I can make sure you are rewarded beyond measure. Beyond what the Grandmaster could offer you," gasped Petyr while finding it hard to breathe due to his torso being sore from the bruises these men dealt him.

"You think us to be fools? You think us weak willed? That we would be goaded into taking such bribes and believing in false promises from the likes of you, Lord Baelish?" asked the Lin Kuei interrogator, as he stood in the shadows watching the man clearly afraid for his life.

"I can make it happen. You just need to free me, and it will be done," said Petyr while mentally wishing each man in the room a slow and painful death he would have the King unleash on them, once freed.

"Your promises are hollow. They are false at worst and laughable at best. You would never honor any so called promises unless it benefitted you in the long run. Which in this case, it does not. We are not here to hear, deny, or accept any deals you wish to make Master of Coin. We were sent to retrieve you for a single purpose," said the Lin Kuei interrogator who moved from the shadows and picked up a nasty looking jagged edged knife designed to tear through flesh.

"And what do you want from me?" asked Petyr while seeing the light from the candles in the barely lit room reflect off the metallic blade in the interrogator's hands.

"Everything. Everything you have ever done since the time you could speak, walk, and think about being more than what you are in life. We want to know about all the lives you have ruined, deeds done to see you rise higher with each passing day, and all the sins you committed to make sure no one could contest your rise," said Lin Kuei Interrogator before walking over to the man and placing the flat of the blade against Lord Baelish's right shoulder.

"I have powerful friends. The King above all. He will not take this happening to me lying down. He will tear King's Landing apart to find me. Is that what you want? Innocent people to die?" asked Petyr in the hopes they had some sense of honor to hesitate long enough for him to capitalize on it.

"What makes you think we are still in King's Landing? Furthermore, what makes you think the King cares enough to tear the city apart for a flesh peddler like yourself? A man who used his position to bankrupt the realms and left the current King to deal with such a financial debt? A debt that will only grow under your guidance? And as for your so called 'powerful friends'? I doubt they will be your friends after they find out your head had been removed from its body. The secrets you know dying with you and thus the need to do your bidding when called upon is no longer required," said the Lin Kuei Interrogator while letting the knife dig into the man's flesh.

"You know nothing. Even if I told you everything, it is too late to stop the war that is to come. It cannot be stopped. My only regret is not seeing the chaos that will unfold and the death of those I hate in the process," said Petyr knowing his time was running short now and wished to be as spiteful as possible.

"We already know that. Our Grandmaster has known that for quite some time. He could see it all during Robert Baratheon's rule. Which is why the Lin Kuei has been growing in strength all these years to keep the chaos you want to spread out into the Seven Kingdoms to be contained. To ensure the damage done is not beyond repair," said the Lin Kuei Interrogator while Baelish grit his teeth.

"Your Grandmaster is too late. Nothing he does or the Lin Kuei do will stop the chaos from reaching its maximum potential. The realms will bleed, chaos will cast down the weak, and the people in it will be consumed by the thousands," said Petyr with a glint of insanity in his eyes while hoping beyond hope that everyone he wished to die in this would die slow deaths.

"Perhaps, but fortunately, for the world, you will not live long enough to see it. Now, let's begin," said the Lin Kuei Interrogator before going to work on the Master of Coin.

And let the near empty room be filled with screams echoing in the darkness.

(With Ser Barristan and Ser Arthur)

How long had it been since they had road together? Fought together? Bled together, as members of the Kingsguard brotherhood? Too long in Ser Barristan's opinion. To think he would ride side by side with the Sword of the Morning once more brought up old memories. Some painful. Some not. But they were there and despite the bad ones, they were memories the old knight wouldn't trade for anything.

They had met on the road heading to meet up with the hidden Prince. Or was it King now? Either way, the duty of the Kingsguard was to protect the King. Joffrey was not one and his Robert was a Usurper to the Targaryen crown. When the two met on the road, it had been a tense couple of minutes, namely due to the fact Ser Arthur had arrived when Ser Barristan was fighting off a small force of Lannister men seeking to catch up with the Stark men heading North for the Riverlands. Ser Barristan had already taken out most of the men trying to end him, only for Ser Arthur to come in and take out the rest within a few seconds.

Afterwards, the two simply looked at each other for the briefest of moments. Ser Barristan looked at Ser Arthurs amor showing the three headed dragon symbol on it. The message being clear to whoever saw it and Ser Barristan simply nodded saying he understood.

What pleasantries they could have shared were ended when one Lannister man was seen crawling away and the two decided to interrogate the man for answers before ending him quickly. Once obtained, the two men mounted their horses and rode North to the Riverlands knowing their King was there.

"You knew this entire time," commented Ser Barristan while they rode on their horses North from their current position.

"I did," replied Ser Arthur curtly.

"Yet you stayed away," added Ser Barristan while looking at Ser Arthur with almost accusing tone since it was not like the man to ignore his duty.

"Not by choice. The argument to keep the King safe from the Usurper was compelling. Queen Lyanna also commanded it. She felt it best that I protect Princess Rhaenys in Dorne. Being close to the King would have raised suspicion among those seeking the heads of the remaining dragons," replied Ser Arthur with Ser Barristan sighing.

"Had you told me the truth, I would have done the same," said Ser Barristan while sighing again and wondered how things got so twisted.

"And raised even more suspicion if two of the most loyal Kingsguard since the time of the Old King left the brotherhood? While I despise the reasons for the mummery, in my heart, I knew it was the only way to protect my King. Ironic really," said Ser Arthur with Ser Barristan nodding.

"Aye, in order to protect the King, the Kingsguard cannot be near him. Truly an ironic form of protection if there ever was one," said Ser Barristan knowing it was indeed a strange way to protect the King.

"However, the time of being away from him has ended. We can now stand by his side," said Ser Arthur while Ser Barristan nodded.

"I have longed to serve a good King. I had hoped to do so when Rhaegar was crowned, but…," said Ser Barristan while wincing at the memory of seeing Robert swing his weapon and smashing Rhaegar's chest in with it.

All due to a simple loss of footing near the Trident riverbank.

"The Gods can be cruel as they can be just in their actions Ser Barristan. While we will never know how Rhaegar would rule as King, we can at least believe he would have been a good King, and see his son sit on the Iron Throne long enough to succeed him in that," said Ser Arthur before an arrow flew nearby with a message tied to it.

Both men had nearly drawn their swords when they notice this. Cautiously, they sheathed their swords and Ser Barristan grabbed the letter tied to the arrow. After reading it, the older of the two knights gave the message to Ser Arthur, who upon reading the parchment looked infuriated beyond measure.

The Fish Lord of the Riverlands holds the hidden dragon in chains. Does not know the truth. Hates him due to the believed lie. Though signs are there it could be the opposite. Locked in dungeon. Fish seeks to smash the egg before it can hatch into a proper dragon.

"They have our King," said Ser Barristan angrily and Ser Arthur looked infuriated.

"Soon they will have spilled blood," whispered Ser Arthur with his eyes filled with rage.

"Aye, their own," said Ser Barristan knowing they would do everything in their power to protect their King as their duty demanded it of them.

Even if it meant riding into the very heart and seat of House Tully's powerbase with their swords drawn to spill trout blood for this outrage.

(Northern Encampment-Riverlands)

While they made good progress over the Trident, they were still not close enough to Riverrun to speak to Holster Tully about what happened with arresting young Jon. Along the way, they had met Lannister forces, the army itself while bigger than most armies in the Seven Kingdoms, was divided into multiple smaller, yet no less intimidating portions and commanded by different members of House Lannister. This was done to ensure the overall army was flexible when required to fight the opposition.

However, this was also a disadvantage for House Lannister in this particular case, as they were fighting the Northern army as well as the Riverland army. Word had reached the Lords of the Riverlands of the North crossing the Twins. Knowing their lands better than anyone, the River Lords used their scouts to find where the Lannister forces were nestled before they sent secret messages to the Northern one to let them know.

Before long, the combined might of the Riverland and Northern armies had been able to pin down the Lannister forces in several pincer movements. All which had annihilated the lions in their army in each battle, causing casualties within the Lannister's side to grow. And while they were victories, they were against the small portions of the Lannister forces, which was done to weaken the grip the Western army had on the Riverlands long enough for more its Lords to rally their bannermen.

Yet they had a long march to go.

"Securing the Riverlands will take time my Lord. But with the Riverland armies growing in number with every place we free from the golden shits here, we can expect our deeds to bear fruit," said Howland Reed while Robb nodded since it would take time to get where they wanted to go.

"It can't be helped Howland. We need the men. For every Lord here we free, more men will come to our aid and fight for us and the Riverlands," said Robb while speaking to the man and the other Northern Lords.

Only to hear a quick ruckus outside and saw member of House Umber dragging a slightly beaten looking Lannister scout into the tent. The scout in question was truly terrified, mere minutes away from pissing or even shitting himself now. There was no pride in this man, only fear.

And rightfully so.

"I beg your pardon my Lords. I saw this one hiding in the bushes. He was looking over our encampment with keen eyes. If I were a betting man, I'd say he was counting our numbers so he could bring it back to the Kingslayer," said the Umber bannerman while holding the man at the shoulder.

Nearby, Theon moved to cover the map showing their positions on it.

"Don't bother with that Greyjoy. This lad won't be returning to his fellow golden shits anytime soon," said Greatjon while looking eager to gut the scout right there in front of everyone.

"Hold Lord Umber. Let's ask the scout a few questions first. Perhaps he would answer them truthfully, in exchange for leaving here alive," offered Robb knowing the man would gladly tell them what he wanted if it meant getting out here intact.

"I would my Lord," replied the scout weakly while feeling the angry bloodthirsty eyes of the North upon him.

"Is it true Tywin Lannister breathes no more?" asked Robb since he heard as much but wanted it to be confirmed.

"Aye, my Lord. Died in his sleep he did. At least, it is what I heard. Though I…also heard different," said the scout nervously.

"Different? How?" asked Lord Karstark with the scout glancing from him to Robb.

"I heard whispers. Rumors. I don't know if they are true," replied the scout while afraid they may see what he told them as a lie and therefore lose his head.

"Tell it to us anyway," said Robb while motioning the other Lords to hold their tongues.

"The dark rumor I heard is Lord Tywin was killed. Murdered, by his son, Jamie Lannister," said the scout while the Northern Lords and Ladies are started shouting at once.

Only to be silenced when Robb slammed his fist int to table in front of him.

"If these rumors exists, even true, why do the Western Lords follow Jamie Lannister? Why would they follow a kinslayer?" asked Robb while the scout struggled for a moment to speak.

"Fear and disbelief my Lord. Some either believe the rumor to be false. A lie spread by Northern spies to make the men abandon Lord Jamie. Others are afraid of him. Fearful of it being true. For if Lord Jamie could kill his own father, what would he do to them if caught trying to desert his army?" asked the scout with many of the Northern Lords nodding.

"Do you believe it's true?" asked Sub-Zero while the scout glanced at the Grandmaster with a great deal of fear in his eyes.

"Yes, I do. Gods forgive me, but I believe it to be true. I want to deny it. I truly do. But Tywin Lannister was still too strong a man to die in the middle of the night, in his sleep no less," said the scout while the Grandmaster simply nodded to him before nodding to Robb.

"Let him go. Let him return the Kingslayer. Or maybe he can flee back to the Westernlands and never look back. The choice is his own at this point," said Robb while the Umber bannermen grumbled at bit before dragging the Lannister scout out of the tent.

"Not to question you on this Lord Stark, but why let him go? We didn't ask him about troop movements or possibly the Kingslayer's plans," said Roose while Robb sighed and sat down.

"Because the man doesn't know any of it. He was clearly sent here to spy on us and quickly return. His position is so low in rank we could kill the scout and he would not be missed," said Robb knowing the man would run back to Jamie and tell him what he knew.

"But that would mean the Kingslayer will know everything about our plans from when he came in here," said Lord Umber in confusion.

"He only saw the map briefly and didn't see the exact numbers of our forces. Information we can use to our advantage," said Sub-Zero knowing they could use this to misdirect Jamie.

"But if the scout reveals he was captured by us and let go, the Lannisters will know something is amiss," said Lord Glover with a frown.

"Considering the scout doesn't want to die, I have a feeling that piece of information will never reach Lord Jamie's ears. The scout will tell him only what he knows, but not everything that happened," said Sub-Zero with Robb nodding.

"Which means we can plan accordingly for our next skirmish," said Robb with the other Northern Lords looking eager to spill more blood.

"At the moment, the man most likely only spotted what he feels is several thousand of our men here. The others are elsewhere but the scout probably saw this as the main part of the army. No doubt the Lannisters will send a large force to 'deal with us' soon," said Lord Umber with the others nodding.

"Which is why we will meet their force with a small one like they were expecting. While the main bulk of our forces attacks another encampment for an even bigger prize," said Robb while laying out the map again and redoing the pieces to show his plan of attack.

"You'll need 2,000 good Northern men willing to give their life for this plan Lord Stark," said Roose with a knowing look in his eyes as he watched Robb nodding with a heaviness in his eyes.

"Aye, I do. Pains me to say it, but you speak the truth, Lord Bolton. To make this work, I need to sacrifice roughly 2,000 good Northern men for this to work. Something I don't wish to do, but know I have to do it in order to achieve victory over the Kingslayer," said Robb while looking down at the map.

"I can lead them," offered Sub-Zero with Robb and the Northern Lords looking at him in shock.

"But you'll be killed! Jamie Lannister will send a heavy force against these 2,000 men. If you die, it will be a serious blow. Who will lead the Lin Kuei should you die? Who will teach Jon? He still has much to learn from you," said Robb while Sub-Zero raised his hand to silence any further protest.

"I am well aware of the risk here Lord Stark. If I were not around, the painful truth would be the men you sent into this trap would all die. But I am also well versed in the ways of strategy to the point where the environment and the terrain I am fighting on is my weapon. And while it is true Jamie Lannister did learn from me along with your Father and others prior to Robert's Rebellion, he was, admittedly, not the best of students. He is still many years too young to challenge me in that field. I doubt he ever will be able to challenge me. Give me command of these men and I will see to it that most of them come back alive," said Sub-Zero knowing he could win with a well devised strategy and if the men he led into battle trusted him to obey his orders.

"Truly?" asked Robb with a hint of disbelief.

"Truly. Besides, I still have to complete teaching you as well as Jon. I have no intention of letting a thing like a possible death in a war stand in my way," said Sub-Zero while Lord Umber laughed at that.

"You hear that, Lord Stark? This man here maybe foreign, but he's got the fighting spirit of the North in him," said Lord Umber knowing anyone who could stare into the face of the Stranger when against such impossible odds and not blink was a good man in his book.

Even more so when they fought for the North.

"If the Grandmaster wishes to prove his worth, we should not stop him," said Roose in his usual calm tone, though Robb was sure the man was eager to see the Lin Kuei warrior die.

If only to get some form of revenge against the man for his involvement in getting Ramsey executed by Eddard Stark.

"May the Old Gods protect you. I pray that they will," said Robb while Sub-Zero nodding.

"You should pray for the enemy. They will be the ones dying," said Sub-Zero before he left the tent to prepare.

"By the Gods that man terrifies me to no end, Lord Stark. I'm sure glad he's an ally," said Lord Karstark while Robb nodded.

"On that my Lords and Ladies of the North, is something we can all agree on," said Robb with a smirk while they laughed.

(Northern Encampment-Later on)

"I know why you are here. I'm not going to change my mind," said Sub-Zero while in meditation to clear his mind.

"You know Lord Bolton baited you, yet you allowed it. Why?" asked Robb while seeing the man looking so calm despite everything.

Had this man seen so much in his lifetime that a war within the Seven Kingdoms did nothing to effect his mind?

"Because I have been sitting on the sidelines for too long. I need to be out there. To show I can do more than just give advice and teach others on how to make war. So far, I have only used words. Now, I must practice what I preach. Lord Bolton just gave me the opening I needed," said Sub-Zero with Robb giving him a small frown.

"He's hoping you will die. With this plan, there is a chance of that happening," said Robb knowingly.

"I know. It is because I helped expose his bastard son, Ramsey, of doing horrible things to people on Northern land, and what he tried to do to your aunt Lyanna," added Sub-Zero with Robb nodding.

"Answer me honestly Grandmaster. Can you win with so few numbers against an enemy with so many?" asked Robb with Sub-Zero looking up from his meditation.

"While rare, it can be done. If done right," said Sub-Zero with Robb nodding.

"The men chosen have all been told you will be leading them. I made it clear that they are to trust you and obey your orders in this. With the Gods willing, many of them will come back alive," said Robb with Sub-Zero standing up.

"I will do everything I can to ensure that happens Robb Stark. On this, I promise you," said Sub-Zero before walked out of the tent.

(King's Landing-Red Keep-Small Council)

King Joffrey was not happy. Not happy at all. Why? Because out of everyone on the Small Council loyal (supposedly) to the (his) crown, Petyr Baelish was missing. No one knew where he was or what he had been doing since seen last by anyone. No one had seen the man in days. He had just vanished! Poof! Gone! Disappeared into thin fucking air!

"Are you telling me that no one here knows where Lord Baelish has gone?" asked Joffrey while he was looking at what was left of the Small Council.

"He might have decided to flee your grace. After all, finding the Lin Kuei in the city has proven difficult to do, even for one as ambitious as Lord Baelish. It is possible the man feared your wrath for failing him so soon," said Varys while knowing full well the man was dead.

The pin in the shape of the Mockingbird stained in blood placed in the Varys's quarters was (and would most likely be the only) proof enough of that.

"A failure you and he share Spider," said Joffrey in a hissing tone.

"True, your grace. But Lord Baelish was rather boastful about going after the assassins. The fact he has not shown up for a Small Council meeting either means he has fled to avoid being punished, or the man has been slain by the Lin Kuei for attempting to find one of them," replied Varys with Joffrey sneering at him while drumming his fingers on the table.

"Lord Baelish was able to help secure the crown by using the City Watch to help apprehend Lord Stark when he tried to remove his grace from the Iron Throne. Perhaps, Lord Varys's belief in the Lin Kuei ending him for making such boastful claims at being able to find them has merit," said Lord Tyrion while hating the idea of pandering to his nephew since he had almost wished Lord Stark had succeeded in the act.

"They are rats. A plague on this city. My city! Infestation! Yet no one here knows how to remove them from here," said Joffrey with his anger and madness growing.

"Perhaps we need to bleed the city a bit. Kill a few dozen of the smallfolk," offered Cersei since she had no love for the smallfolk and hearing them scream, if not die, was always something they could do to pass the time.

"My Queen, such a move would be most unwise," said Lord Varys cautiously while the other members on the Small Council shifted nervously.

"Why? Are you calling my mother an idiot for proposing such a pan?!" asked Joffrey with his eyes glaring at Varys.

"Not at all your grace. But the idea of 'bleeding the city' is not a move we should consider acting on at this time unless absolutely necessary. The people are still getting use to your time as King. If you were to consider this idea, much less carry it out, the people would rebel against you, weaken your forces, and strengthen your enemies in the process," said Varys while seeing the boy King snarling at the idea of his version of "fun" being denied because the people were against it.

"A lion does not care for the opinion of sheep, Lord Varys," said Cersei while quoting the words of her late father.

"Perhaps, my Queen. But that is usually because the sheep do not have claws or teeth to challenge the lion. If you recall during the Dance of the Dragons, the city went into open rebellion against the crown when they had actual dragons and the City Watch. It did not end well for the crown," warned Varys, as he knew history could repeat itself with such things should the numbers of the city's people decide to take up arms in a united front.

"There is also the possibility of said sheep aiding those with teeth and claws aimed at the lions," added Tyrion knowing if the people in the city did not go up in arms, they would definitely aid those outside of the city who did and would take the city from House Lannister.

"All the more reason to keep the sheep down as much as possible. I want the people to fear me like they did my grandfather in his prime. I will crush anyone and everyone who is my enemy and an enemy to my House. I will put their heads on pikes myself!" declared Joffrey with an evil sadistic look in his eyes at the idea of doing that to people.

Regardless of whether they were his enemies or not.

"We could propose harsher punishments on crimes your grace. The people of this city need to know that while the crown is merciful when it counts, the mercy itself has limits," said Lord Commander of the City Watch Janos Slynt since he wanted to flex his "muscle" when it came to his newfound authority.

"Before that is even considered, we should really focus on the war effort," said Tyrion knowing that the war was more important over getting Joffrey hard in his breeches over the idea of hutting people.

Tyrion wondered if this was what his father had to go through with the Mad King during his time as the King's Hand.

"Yes, we should. How does the war go? Has Jamie finally ended the Northern heathens and the other rebellious Houses?" asked Cersei while glancing at the Spider.

"Sadly, my Queen, the Lannister army has not succeeded in obtaining many victories against the North as we would wish. For one, the Northern army has crossed the Twins without opposition from the late Walder Frey. Namely due to the man no longer being alive, thanks to being his end at the hands of Robb Stark, and Lord Frey's heir is not as greedy or ambitious as his father. After crossing the Twins, the entire Northern army has been working with House Tully's bannermen to repel Lannister forces one region at a time. In doing so, the Lords and smallfolk in those lands rally to the cause, adding to the enemies forces, and pushing the army back," said Varys while deciding to keep the Grandmaster out of the conversation for now.

"Impossible! Jamie is a born commander. He has the skills with a blade that no one alive can match. Are you telling me these Northern heathens and the Riverland filth are capable of besting, it not outsmarting him?" demanded Cersei angrily at Varys.

"Jamie is contending with multiple people who are just as skilled as him. You forget who is backing Robb Stark in his camp. The Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei trained Jamie, and I have no doubt the young wolf is getting the same training right now," said Tyrion while Cersei stiffened at the mentioning of the Lin Kuei assassin.

Cersei had been so paranoid with the idea of the Lin Kuei assassins coming into the Red Keep that she ordered most of the Lannister men to be garrisoned around it with the most guard around the royal chambers. She had the servants rotated out and watched carefully for signs of them having blades or spiking her food or drinks with some lethal concoction. The Dogwar Queen made sure all the food and drink that Joffrey and she ate was tested before eating it. Cersei was getting so paranoid that she felt it was impossible to trust anyone in the Red Keep, not even Lannister bannermen, she had protect them from such threats.

It got to the point where she was ready to point fingers art some random guard or servant and order them tortured and killed for treason. Whether they were guilty of it or not.

"I want that abomination killed. Do you understand? I want that man killed and his head put on a pike!" exclaimed Joffrey angrily like a petulant child while glaring at the members of the Small Council.

It took considerable effort for its members to not roll their eyes. Mainly because they knew the whiny King in front of them would order said eyes ripped out.

(Riverlands-Aftermath of a battle)

Robb Stark looked at the battlefield before him. Or rather, what was left of one. He was staring at it in shock and awe. Not because it was the first battle he had seen. He had seen plenty of it in this war and knew this would not be the last in it. But what surprised him was the fact the outcome of it should not have happened and the guilt that would have lingered was not so great as it should have been.

For the Northern force of 2,000 men had come out victorious against the much larger force of 7,000 Lannister men aimed against them. The losses on the Northern side was roughly 300 men either dead or injured from the battle. Some of those injured would not live after the next few days, others would be treated long enough to pick up a sword again to fight another day.

As for the Lannister side and there casualties? The losses they suffered were much higher. Very much higher.

Robb always knew the Grandmaster was a true warrior. His father said as much. The knowledge the man wielded when teaching was too great to call him a craven or mummer. This man was not someone who could speak about it but never participate in the actual deed of fighting or killing. He wasn't a bard or a storyteller who exaggerated what was spoken in a flowery way to make the deeds seem noble.

No, the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei was also a true master of war. The devastation left behind was all the more proof of it.

Bodies upon bodies of Lannister men lay dead on the ground. Some had their bodies frozen. Some not. Some had ice piercing their armor in the front, the back, and the sides of the body. Some had no heads. Some had no limbs. Those who among the injured Lannister forces whimpered, long since pissing, and shitting themselves out of fear or pain this man inflicted upon them. Even when Sub-Zero walked by a few of them, these once proud men with the Lannister banner held high now had their heads bowed low in fear of his presence.

"Robb! Look who we captured!" exclaimed Theon while dragging the bound man toward Robb.

"And who is this?" asked Robb after turning to see Theon push the Lannister to his knees in front of him.

"Kevan fucking Lannister. Tywin Lannister's younger brother. Put up a good fight for an older fuck. He was able to injure two of Lord Karstark's sons when we came to cut off his retreat. They will live and have a few scars as a result of it," said Theon while seeing Robb's eyes narrow at the Lannister man in front of him.

"Anything to say for yourself Lannister," said Robb angrily while the man in front of him looked like he had seen better days.

The man was dirty. Covered with blood, dirt, sweat, and his eyes were filled with fear. Understandable considering what he no doubt saw the Grandmaster do to his men.

"Send him to the Gods, Robb!" goaded Theon while Kevan tried to compose himself.

"I wish to parlay," said Kevan knowing it was the only thing he could do at this point.

"And why would I do that? You have nothing to offer me. Or the North, except your head. I might even be generous enough to send it back to your nephew, the Kingslayer, instead of having my dire wolf eat as much of it as possible before having it buried somewhere in some unmarked grave," said Robb while the Lannister in front of him was desperately thinking of how to survive from this.

"Killing me will accomplish you nothing Lord Stark. Even if it was justice for the North and your father. It would be a small victory for your side considering your true target," said Kevan knowing he needed to direct the wolf's eyes toward the one responsible for it.

"Your sister fucking nephew and that inbred shit you call grandnephew who sits on the Iron Throne who ordered my father's death because he discovered the truth about his parentage. A false King sitting on a throne the boy does not deserve nor should he have when considering the truth of things," said Robb with Kevan wincing since Tywin had told him about it before his death.

Like Tywin, Kevan didn't want to believe it. The idea of his brother's children acting like the Targaryens and having three children as proof of it made him nauseous. But after Tywin shared it with him, Kevan could not deny the truth of things. Added to the fact Jamie spoke to Tywin and for Tywin to mysterious die supposedly a short time later, made Kevan all the more certain of the truth.

The only reason Kevan, like the other Lords of the Westernlands did not abandon his nephew now was due to the fear of the young lion killing them too. The boy was a kinslayer. He had no problem ending his own family. Which meant he would possibly kill Kevan, Genna, and any other Lord with their children if necessary. Tywin made have done horrible things, but he did them for reasons that were less horrible by comparison.

Not by much, but still less by comparison.

"I know. Sadly, we all know the truth of it," said Kevan admittedly.

"And yet you still serve them. Your inbred grandnephew on the Iron Throne and your nephew leading the Lannister army," commented Robb with Kevan nodding.

"I do," replied Kevan.

"Why?" asked Robb with Kevan looking up at him.

"Because they are family. Even if one killed my brother and the other is Aerys reborn, I cannot go against them," said Kevan knowing he would gladly abandon them if it was for the fact they were tied by blood.

"You admit Jamie Lannister killed his father? That he is a kinslayer?" asked Robb with a hint of surprise in his voice.

"My brother would not fall so easily to the Stranger's embrace. I know he spoke to Jamie after returning from speaking with your father in King's Landing. Soon after, my brother supposedly died of natural causes. I am not an idiot Lord Stark. I know what really happened and my brother did not die of natural causes like the cowardly Maester in the tent when I came into it to see things for myself would have me believe," said Kevan angrily knowing his brother died at the hands of his own son.

"The question now is what do we do with this one. Being Jamie Lannister's uncle does give us a tactical edge in having a valuable hostage," said Sub-Zero while walking up to the small group.

And making Kevan Lannister very afraid. All things considered; the Lannister had every reason to feel terrified. Seeing men being frozen and shattered to pieces before your very eyes can so that.

"But how much value does he have considering the Kingslayer killed his own father?" asked Robb with Sub-Zero narrowing his eyes at the defeated Lannister.

"True, but that was because Tywin no doubt threatened Jamie's children in some manner. As far as he knows, Kevan doesn't know the truth of things. Or at the very least, only suspects something, but is of the belief his uncle will not say or do anything about it," said Sub-Zero with Kevan snarling a bit.

"Jamie is no nephew of mine. He killed my brother. Had an incestuous relationship with his sister while having three children as a result of it. One of which is now the supposed King on the Iron Throne and acting like he was the Mad King reborn. The only reason I do not kill him personally is prevent myself from becoming what he is now," said Kevan angrily.

"Cursed is the kinslayer," remarked Robb with Kevan nodding.

"I am many things. So was my brother. But neither of us would go that far," said Kevan knowing even his brother had his limits, rare as they were, and would not cross them.

"This still leaves us nowhere on what to do with him," said Robb while Sub-Zero was deep in thought.

"A hostage for now. After this is over, we will need to have some practical Lannisters running things in the Westernlands to make sure there is stability. Like it or not, House Lannister needs to be in power to prevent any internal problems in that area," said Sub-Zero with Robb grimaced but could see the reason for it.

Namely to prevent what the Grandmaster called a "power vacuum" where everyone is moving to fill the spot left behind by the previous power. Sub-Zero even referenced what it meant to pull out a very large and deeply rooted tree from the ground.

Imagine an ancient House like yours, the Targaryens, or even House Lannister as a large tree, deep roots running underground. Now imagine it being uprooted. The ground itself would have a massive hole deep farther than the eye can see. Now imagine everyone and everything trying to plant their own tree in that hole to become the new tree in the old one's place. It will take years, decades for the tree to take root, much less fill the hole left behind by the previous one.

"Put Lord Lannister in chains but separate him from the rest of the prisoners. We can't risk him escaping with their help," said Robb while two Stark bannermen lifted him up and took Kevan away.

"A great victory was won here today, Robb. You should be proud," said Catelyn while Robb just scowled further at her words.

"It wasn't my victory, mother. It was the Grandmaster's victory. He prevents most of the 2,000 Northern men here from dying. The victory is his to claim," said Robb knowing he would never take the victory from those who had deserved it.

"I am just sad I could not prevent more deaths on our side," said Sub-Zero knowing casualties were to be expected.

"You prevented all of them from dying Grandmaster. I won't forget this. Nor will the Northern Lords and ladies who are fighting in this war. Nor the bannermen here who get to live to see another day because of it," said Robb with Sub-Zero nodding.

"And this war is far from over. Even if we gain allies from the other Seven Kingdoms, it will not be easy to keep them when this is all said and done," said Sub-Zero with the man knowing the truth of things about Jon and who he really was would soon come to light.

And not everyone would like what they heard.

"We need to get to Riverrun. Holster Tully and I will have words with him about throwing members of my family into his dungeon simply for being born," said Robb coldly while Sub-Zero.

"Both of us will have words with him. And if necessary, more than that. Consequence be damned," said Sub-Zero knowing the man had done a great insult to Jon, the Lin Kuei, and the Grandmaster himself.

An insult that would not go unchallenged.

(Essos-Astapor)

"I don't know which Free City in Essos is worse. Qarth with their betrayal of each other for my dragons. Or this city where they make a slave army," said Daenerys while walking through the city to meet with the so called Master who handled the training of the Unsullied.

After they had confronted the Thirteen, they found out the House of the Undying had done the deed in taking the dragons for their power. That because of the dragons return, magic had returned fully to the Warlocks there, giving them the means to betray the remaining Thirteen. Daenerys and her entourage had to fight their way out of the meeting when the Head Warlock of the Undying had tried to capture her.

Fortunately, Smoke was up to the task of moving with incredible speed and killing the solid illusions that were so real you could touch them. When it was over, she, Smoke, and Ser Jorah had made their way to the House of the Undying to take back the dragons. It nearly went sideways on them, but Daenerys had proven herself the strong, as her dragons would not tolerate their mother, much less themselves, being chained up. They fought back and successfully burned the House of the Undying to the ground with their group paying a visit to the one man who was not among the Thirteen when they were slaughtered.

Xaro Xhoan Daxos. The man had conspired with the Warlocks from the House of the Undying. All so he could be the "face" of Qarth. And lying next to him in his bed, was Daenerys's handmaiden Doreah. She had betrayed Daenerys by letting Xaro know when the best time to strike had been when they were out.

When discovered in his bed, it was clear how Doreah had been part of the conspiracy by the other two in their part to enslave the dragons and their mother. Doreah had pleaded for mercy from her Khaleesi, but Daenerys was not in a forgiving mood with either of the two. One betrayed her for titles and power, and the other had betrayed her for the wealth the former had and the occasional fucking in his bed. It was intolerable in Daenerys's eyes and would not tolerate such a traitorous act by someone she had once trusted and protected from others who preyed on women.

An example had to be made.

Hence why she ordered Xaro's vault be opened, only to see it was empty. Meaning his so called wealth and title of second most richest man in Qarth was a lie. The man was a living, breathing, walking lie, and had tried to deceive others for the power he had no right to in the first place.

She threw them both into the vault and sealed it shut. Since the two were so close as it is, Daenerys felt it was only fitting they could die together in each other's arms. Provided they didn't kill each other first for being caught in the conspiracy to enslave her.

After that, what remained of Daenerys's entourage had pillaged and took what they could from Xaro's home despite knowing the items there were as fake as him. Fortunately, the Captain of the ship they acquired to take them to Astapor didn't know that, nor did the man have the mind or wit to check the items to see if they were worth anything of value.

Possibly because the presence of the Lin Kuei and three young dragons helped distract him.

Now, they were here in the Free City of Astapor, where the slave soldiers were born, trained, and cruelly conditioned to be obedient to their slave owners. To do what was commanded of them without any form of hesitation, without fear, and without conscious thought beyond total obedience. Here, the slave soldiers of Astapor were trained to fight, kill, and destroy all who stood in the way of their master's path no matter the reason.

This was the birthplace and training ground of the feared Unsullied. Eunuch slave soldiers trained under the most harshest of conditions to the point where they either became Unsullied…or they died.

There was no in-between.

"I hate this place. It screams suffering and death. It reminds me of a few marketplaces in Outworld," remarked Smoke while wondering how something like this could happen in a society.

"I take it Outworld is not a nice place to visit," added Ser Jorah with Smoke nodding.

"It's a realm literally unto itself that was once ruled by Onaga the Dragon King. He was later killed by his successor Shao Kahn, who ruled cruelly over the people when he came to power. The realm itself is filled with all sorts of beings, creatures, and many other exotic things. This city reminds me of one of the places there where the markets were similar to this one," said Smoke while seeing slaves being pushed around by their owners.

Some of the slaves were openly belittled. Others pushed. Smoke saw one slave being struck down and hit again when on the ground before being spit on by the apparently wealthy owner.

It made Smoke want to gut this place and the rulers of it with a sharp blade.

"It seems even different realms beyond our own, slavery is a part of life. How depressing," said Daenerys sadly while she saw the slaves crucified in the hot son, lashed repeated, blood running down their wounds.

"Slavery is a sign of strength in some societies Khaleesi. The weak are put into chains to serve the strong and the strong become stronger for it. The more chains there are, the more strength the slavers and the slave owners wield," said Ser Jorah with Daenerys scowled at the thought.

"And where is the slaver's strength, much less the owners of said slaves without the chains, Ser Jorah?" asked Daenerys looking from one of the crucified slaves to the Northern man.

"Diminished, but not gone Khaleesi. Some slavers either know how to wield a sword or have the wealth to hire those who do. You could break the chains of a thousand slaves, but their owners would find a way to see you do not live long enough to enjoy it," warned Ser Jorah with Smoke nodding.

"Ashamed as I am to admit it, he has a point. Still, I would rather die knowing I saved a thousand slaves from this kind of life over living a long time while doing nothing to save them," said Smoke while seeing the woman walk up to one dying slave and offer him water.

"You shouldn't waste water on them Khaleesi. Mercy and kindness is cruelty here. Giving them either at this point in their suffering only prolongs their life in slavery. To them, in this state, death is a blessing and mercy," said Ser Jorah sadly while Daenerys was touched the face of the dying man, who used what strength he had to nod at her.

Whether it was to acknowledge the gentleness she had given the man or Ser Jorah's own words, the Targaryen woman did not know.

All she knew at this point was slavery was a foul, cruel thing, and Daenerys hated it with a passion.

"We need to go speak to the so called 'Master' who runs this place. He is supposed to give us a tour and show off his 'stock' of Unsullied," commented Smoke while glaring at Ser Jorah for suggesting this place.

"We should not keep the man waiting," said Daenerys coldly while she focused on bottling up her rage in order to keep it from impeding her from what was to come from the meeting with the "Master" of the Unsullied.

(Westeros-Riverrun-Seat of House Tully)

To say Robb was not happy was an understatement when he arrived at Riverrun to see his mother's side of the family. While he was greeted warmly, no question, by his Granduncle Bryden "Blackfish" Tully, it was not enough to cool his anger when the subject of Jon came to the forefront of the conversation shortly after they entered the castle. Bryden had been a bit upset about seeing Jon, given the boy's former status as a bastard, and yet proof of Ned's betrayal to Cat.

While Bryden knew war did that to men when drowning in bloodlust, it still hurt to know his sister's husband had a child with another woman. But the fact remained said former bastard had made sure Cat's two daughters made it safely to Riverrun when he could have abandoned them to their fates in that damn city of vipers. Despite the Lannister army being so dangerously close on their side of things and avoiding them until they were safely within Tully controlled lands with the risk of anyone getting into the castle to harm them being minimal.

To that end, Bryden respected Jon enough to admit his own perceptions of the boy, and the anger he had felt toward him at first was wrong. While a member of the Lin Kuei, Jon had clearly no intention of doing anything nefarious to House Tully or the Riverlands despite what Holster believed. Though Bryden felt the reason for the boy's imprisonment was something else entirely, given how his brother was now acting. The Blackfish could not prove it, not yet at any rate, but seeing Robb with his Lords, bannermen, and the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei told him things were not going to go over smoothly once this came to crashing down for all to see.

Which was clearly about to happen when Robb practically stormed into Holster's solar where the man was sitting with Edmure standing beside him.

"Where is my brother? Where is Jon?" asked Robb immediately.

"The bastard is in the dungeons of Riverrun. Where he belongs," said Edmure while Robb glared at him to the point where it made the Tully heir flinch.

"I wasn't talking to you uncle. I was talking to your clearly deranged father. Now, answer me, why is he in the dungeons?" asked Robb before focusing on Holster.

"He is there because I ordered it. He is there until I say otherwise," said Holster with a snarl on his aging face.

"Why? Why is he there? What crime has Jon committed to be sent there?" asked Robb while Holster grunted for a moment before drinking some wine.

"He is a bastard. Your father's bastard. Proof of his unfaithfulness to his wife. My daughter. The boy is lucky I didn't take his head upon his arrival," said Holster while glaring back at Robb.

"He is my brother. Legitimized by the late King Robert himself. You have no right to call him that," said Robb with glaring harder.

"King Robert is dead. So is your father. I can call that boy a bastard all I want. Who is going to stop me? You? This isn't the North! I am the Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. My word is law here," said Holster while glaring at Robb.

"I see, so you don't won't respect the late King nor my father in this, correct?" asked Robb with Holster nodding.

"So long as the boy lives or is not sent to the Wall, he is a threat to you and the rest of my daughter's trueborn children. I won't tolerate his existence in this world unless he is removed from the board one way or another," said Holster while Robb narrowed his eyes at him.

"My brother saved his siblings from Lannister men looming over your lands. It is because of him that they are not hostages of the Lannisters in King's Landing. Yet you spit on him and his deeds as if Jon had done the opposite!" exclaimed Robb while Holster's glare increased.

"You think I care about his supposed noble deed? I don't! I would rather have both my granddaughters be hostages of the Lannister over being saved by their bastard brother! I don't want him here and I do not want his tainted sinful presence infecting them!" exclaimed Holster angrily before glancing at Sub-Zero.

"Jon is of the North. So am I. Which means you either release Jon from your Seven damned dungeons and publicly apologize to him in front of everyone in this castle, or I take him from you. I take him from you, and I take my army back North, where we will watch as the Lannister forces put the Riverlands to the torch," said Robb while Holster looked livid while Edmure snarled and Bryden scowled.

"You would betray me? Your Grandfather? Your Granduncle? Your uncle and heir to House Tully? Your own mother? Your family by blood! All for that bastard brother of yours? Have you no shame boy?! No honor?! No duty to your family?!" demanded Holster angrily.

"The shame is yours Grandfather! Your own House motto is Family, Duty, Honor, is it not? Where is the honor in what you do here? You shame your family for this act without cause. There is no noble duty in detaining someone who saved a member of your blood simply because he was born on the wrong side of the sheets. I came here to defend my mother's side of the family, but I will not forget my father's side in the process, and Jon is a member of my Father's House. My mother is Tully, but I am, above all things in this world, a Stark. I will not abandon a fellow Stark simply because you don't like him for one reason beyond his control," said Robb while Holster was seething at him, and it was clear the older man wanted to say something to him.

Only for the Grandmaster to intervene.

"Robb, leave the room. I need to speak Holster, alone," said Sub-Zero with Robb looking from Holster to him and back to the Lord of House Tully.

"Are you sure?" asked Robb with Sub-Zero nodding while keeping his eyes on the angry Lord.

"Yes. All of you must leave," said Sub-Zero calmly, yet coldly.

"You maybe my teacher growing up, but if you think I will let you stay in the same room as my father without guards presence, then you have gone mad," said Edmure while glaring at Sub-Zero.

"You forget yourself Edmure. You will either obey my command, or I will see to it the next Lord of House Tully is nothing more than a crippled broken man," said Sub-Zero with his eyes glowing an icy blue that made Edmure flinch.

"Out! All of you. I will speak to the Grandmaster alone," replied Holster at last before everyone left the room until only two remained.

And they stared at each other in silence.

"We both know your hatred of the boy is not because of his former bastard status," said Sub-Zero at last while Holster slumped in his chair at being seen so clearly while he continued to glare at him.

"No, it is not the reason. It's just a cover. I don't want people to know my real reason for what I did. Not yet," said Holster while clenching and unclenching his hands.

"Your daughter told you. She sent you a message," said Sub-Zero while not wanting Robb to know what he really suspected when the news of Jon's imprisonment was made known to him.

"Aye, she did. Right before the war. Cat sent a message from the Vale. At first, I thought it was from Lysa given where it came from. Only to find it was Cat's and explaining things to me about the boy. About you fighting for the Imp during his Trial by Combat. About how your actions there resulted in my daughter being imprisoned in the Vale for the supposed role she played in killing her husband and the legitimacy of the child she birthed being called into question," said Holster while clearly angry the Grandmaster had done things that brought shame to House Tully.

"You did this to not only strike at Jon for his true parentage, but also me for what I did to expose the sins of your daughter. Even though the evidence obtained proves without question she did it and is guilty of the crimes," concluded Sub-Zero with Holster nodding.

"That boy could claim the Iron Throne. He could seek to make his claim and the loyalist would back him without question. Where would that leave me? My House? I betrayed my oath to the dragon for the stag to become the new King. As a result, my House rose higher than ever. But if the boy becomes King of the Seven Kingdoms, it will fall. I won't allow it!" stated Holster while Sub-Zero frowned for a moment while figuring things out.

"And your daughter's crimes against Jon Arryn? What of them?" asked Sub-Zero while Holster grunted.

"What of them? Jon was a good man, true. But he was blinded by his love for wanting sons to call his own. Foster fathering or not. If Lysa killed him, it means nothing to me. My blood would rule over the Vale and strengthen my House. Or rather it would have ruled, if not for your actions there in revealing her crimes," said Holster while Sub-Zero felt no pity for this old man seeking to use his own children and grandchildren to his advantage.

"Lyanna told me she left a message for her brother Brandon the last time she was here. Right before Rhaegar had supposedly 'kidnapped' her. Only Brandon never received it. If he did receive such a letter, the man wouldn't have gone South to confront the Mad King. What did you do to the letter? Do you still have it? Or did you burn it?" asked Sub-Zero with Holster twitching slightly.

"I don't know what you mean," replied Holster before drinking some wine.

"Don't bother lying to me Holster. I saved your life once. I won't spare it again. Not when I am the one with the blade in hand at the ready to do the deed," said Sub-Zero coldly with Holster feeling the chill in the air and glared at him.

"It's true. I burned the letter. Lysa found it and gave the message to me. Once I read it, I knew instantly what would happen. I knew Brandon Stark's temper. His impulsiveness when pushed. I also knew he had a habit of being around women who caught his fancy. Not unlike Robert. Unbefitting of a man to marry my daughter despite the agreement I made with the man's father on the matter," replied Holster while Sub-Zero narrowed his eyes further.

"In other words, Brandon Stark was a man you couldn't control. Either through intimidation or your own daughter he was about to wed. Eddard Stark on the other hand…," said Sub-Zero with Holster grunting again.

"The boy grew up believing in honor and doing what was right. I knew he would do right by my daughter when I pressured him into marrying her after Brandon died," replied Holster heartlessly with Sub-Zero releasing more cold air into the room.

"Resulting in a war where people lost their lives for your ambition. Let me guess, a future Tully tied to royal blood and on the Iron Thone once the rebellion ended with the Targaryens losing. A future where one of Robert's sons married one of Eddard's daughters and thus made your family rise even higher," remarked Sub-Zero angrily.

"I made my choice. I won't regret it or feel shame over it . I helped start a war which the side I backed was victorious. The dragons may have risen my House high during the height of their power, but I knew backing the stag in his rebellion would raise me even higher. That is what matters most to me. Backing the side that will benefit my House. Nothing more!" stated Holster with Sub-Zero looking murderous at him.

"And your daughters? Do the mean anything to you?" asked Sub-Zero with Holster scoffing.

"They did their part. That is enough. Even if one of them is a failure in controlling things in the Vale. With any lucky, Cat will be able to convert her eldest to the Seven faith and cast out the heathen religion of the North. If not, she can try to marry him off to one of my loyal Houses and have their children take over," said Holster while not truly caring about his children since they were all a means to an end to him.

"And what of Jon?" asked Sub-Zero with Holster narrowed his eyes.

"He has two choices. Death or the Wall. I won't have him threatening my House's position by making a claim for the Iron Throne," said Holster with Sub-Zero looking more livid with him.

"Or I can have him set free with my Lin Kuei agents on hand to do it," said Sub-Zero while Holster glared at him.

"You so much as twitch a finger in his direction and I will make sure you regret it! I will see the boy dead before you can do anything to stop me," threatened Holster before he was blasted back and nearly out of his chair by an intense cold generated by the Grandmaster.

"I don't think you truly understand the reality of things Lord Tully. So, allow me to reeducate you on this matter before it goes any further," replied Sub-Zero before he began covering the room in ice and made it move slowly toward the elderly looking man.

"Stay back! I mean it! Guards! Guards!" exclaimed Holster while looking behind Sub-Zero to see the door behind him was completely frozen in ice.

"They can't hear you, Holster. The ice is too thick. Even if they did hear, the door is frozen shut. No one will come to help you here. No one will come to save you. Not your brother. Not your son. Not your daughters. None of your bannermen. None of your grandchildren. No one! I may have saved your life five years ago from being poisoned but given how things are now, letting you live beyond today is not possible. You are a threat to the Lin Kuei and a threat to my student. Had you simply backed Jon in claiming the Iron Throne, all past misdeeds would have been forgiven with a swearing of fealty to him once crowned King. But you chose to let fear and paranoia rule your aging mind. You use your children as pawns to advance your House. You hold no love for them. All you care about is rising high and to try supporting anyone who will make it happen. You are no better than the late Walder Frey," said Sub-Zero coldly while he walked slowly to the old man.

"I will not tolerate this insult in my own House. In my own castle," said Holster with some gritting of his teeth and reached for a dagger on his person.

Only for Sub-Zero to move in front of him, grab the hand reaching for the weapon, and slowly freeze the elderly man in front of him. Normally, the Grandmaster would not do this considering what it might do in terms of the war effort against the Lannisters. But in truth, House Tully was not as strong as it would make other believe, as some had been truly loyal to House Targaryen during Robert's Rebellion, and it was only when Holster asked Robert for mercy on their behalf did they finally fall in line with the overall changing of the crown. Those that had marched for Robert during the war had only done so because House Tully had ordered it, some even being uncomfortable when the time came to decide on which who to fight for when the fighting started. But deep in their hearts, these Lords of the Riverlands, even those who marched for the stag, were loyal to the dragon, and wished to see them back on the Iron Throne.

Sub-Zero knew this. His time spying on so many Houses through the Lin Kuei allowed him the means to know who would fight for the dragon should his student make a claim for the Iron throne and wo would oppose him. No one wanted the stag on the Iron Throne anymore. The time of Robert managing things, or rather his lack of managing things had shown the replacement of the dragon had not been a good thing like they were promised. Instead of having a Mad King who laughed while people burned, raping his sister/wife/Queen soon after the act was done, they had a King who drank, hunted, whored, and was spiteful to anyone who was even remotely connected to the previous dynasty. Everything built by House Targaryen, everything it had created, good or ill, was destroyed or completely crippled beyond measure when Robert took the throne. The man had no concept of responsibility or how to run things due to his own immaturity from his youth all the way up to his eventual death.

Granted, killing Holster would not go over well with the man's family, but at this point, he no longer cared about such things. The man's eldest daughter had been impeding things during the war with the Lannisters on what she felt was considered honorable. The second daughter helped cause problems by killing her husband at the behest of her secret lover for a power hungry flesh peddler. The man's only son was arrogant and had been slacking over the years in his training. The only good Tully among the House was Bryden, but Sub-Zero was not sure how the man would react to the death of his brother.

There would be fallout from this, but the truth of things would make sure the blow wasn't as severe if it said truths were not brought to light.

"Damn you to the Seven Hells," gasped Holster while his body became covered in ice.

"Whatever level of Hell awaits me in death, whether it's one, seven, nine, or even twenty of them, I do not know. But I will accept my punishment from the Elder Gods if they do wish it. The only thing you should worry about at your end Holster Tully, is the number of Hells awaiting you for your own sins," said Sub-Zero before he consumed the man completely in ice.

And shattered the Lord of House Tully's body moments later.

After letting his power withdraw, the Grandmaster left the dead man's solar, the cold air within the room flowing out of there with him. The guards outside the room shivered in fear, paralyzed, and powerless to do anything to avenge their Liege Lord. What could they do? Fight the man who could command ice in such a way that it could kill you slowly, as well as painfully? This man had killed the Mountain who Rides, one of the most scariest people in the Seven Kingdoms. Even the whispers of him defeating the Lannister army several times the size of the Northern one he was given command of in the last battle had made its way to Riverrun.

This was a man you did not cross or fight. Holster Tully had done the former when throwing a member of the Lin Kuei into the castle's dungeons simple for being born. If anything, Holster Tully has signed his own death warrant!

When Sub-Zero made his way to the courtyard, he ignored Catelyn Tully's eyes, her wondering what had transpired between him and Holster. No doubt the answer she was about to get would make things worse, even if the reason for it was justified. More than that since it was Cat's own actions in telling Holster the truth about Jon's parentage that set this in motion. Arresting him for being a former bastard of Ned Stark and being a Lin Kuei assassin in training was just an excuse for him so no one would be able to truly protest. It would be beneficial for her to leave soon to treat with Renly Baratheon and have an ally in fighting the Lannisters, though even that may prove difficult with the young Baratheon trying to make himself King now that Robert was dead.

"I take it you have settled things with my brother," commented Bryden while Sub-Zero glanced at him before he focused on Robb and his aunt Lyanna.

"In a manner of speaking. If you would be so kind as to free my student from his unjust imprisonment, I would appreciate it Bryden," said Sub-Zero with the man nodding since he knew his brother's decision was stupid on multiple fronts.

"You killed him, didn't you?" asked Robb in a whisper so his mother didn't hear.

"Yes, I had to do it. The man wasn't doing it for the reasons he claimed. Your mother told him the truth about Jon's parentage. She sent the message when we were in the Vale shortly after dealing with your aunt Lysa for her role in Jon Arryn's death," said Sub-Zero with Robb wincing and shaking his head.

"Why did she do that? What possessed her to do that?" asked Robb while Sub-Zero glanced at Cat off in the distance trying to see them and hear more about their conversation.

"To make him less angry, perhaps? To make him stop hating Jon for the lie that was his status since birth? Hard to say. But he made it clear Jon would be in his cells unless killed or sent to the Wall. He made it very clear that he would not tolerate anyone with strong Targaryen blood or claim to the Iron Throne sit on it. He was afraid any such person would bring the fall of his House since he backed Robert Baratheon during the rebellion. His House rose high thanks to the dragons and was afraid their return would bring about the opposite. He even admitted to me that his actions helped start the rebellion with the aid of your aunt Lysa destroying the message Lyanna left for your uncle Brandon explaining things," replied Sub-Zero while Robb looked shocked by this before hearing something happening nearby.

"You can explain it to me later on. Something is happening at the gates," said Robb before they both focused on the commotion at the gates of Riverrun.

And what the two saw was interesting to say the least.

For at the gate was none other than Ser Arthur Dayne himself with Ser Barristan the Bold, with their swords drawn and blood spilled with several Tully bannermen on the ground badly injured. One of them looked like he would meet the Gods soon with his throat sliced open. The fact the soon to be dead man was close to the Sword of the Morning only proved who did the deed. Between the two members of the legendary Kingsguard brotherhood, Ser Barristan was the calmer looking of the two men, but no less serious. As for Ser Arthur, the man's eyes were filled with rage, burning with very fires of Dorne itself in them.

Not surprising since they knew the King they wish to serve and pledge their lives to was in danger of being killed.

"Ser Arthur. Ser Barristan. Welcome to Riverrun. I see you have taken it upon yourself to greet the locals in your own unique way," remarked Sub-Zero with both members of the Kingsguard looking at him.

"Grandmaster, I would welcome you warmly, but our duty to the King compels me to do otherwise," Ser Arthur while knowing the man would never allow Jon, or rather Aegon to suffer and be put in danger.

"I assure you Ser Arthur, he is not in any danger. My agents have made sure of it while Jon was taken away unjustly by Lord Tully. We only just arrived and Bryden Tully is getting him out of the dungeons as we speak," said Sub-Zero with Ser Arthur calming down a bit while Ser Barristan looked relieved.

"I would have words with Lord Tully on this," said Ser Arthur and everyone around the man knew when the man said words…he meant steel cutting into flesh.

"I'm afraid I must disappoint you Ser Arthur. I already did," replied Sub-Zero with Ser Arthur looked a tad upset since he felt it was his duty to deal with this as a member of the Kingsguard.

Still, the Sword of the Morning would let it go all things considered. The Grandmaster proved he was a good man and true despite not being a member of the Kingsguard himself like himself or Ser Barristan. In fact, Ser Arthur knew his King was alive, healthy, and strong thanks to the Grandmaster being there at the Tower of Joy that day to save Rheagar's second wife when giving birth to the boy.

"We know you are not a member of the Kingsguard, but all the same, I thank you for protecting the boy all these years. I just wish you or someone you could trust had told me the truth of things regarding Jon's parentage," said Ser Barristan with Sub-Zero bowing his head in apology.

"Sadly, those who already knew the truth could not risk it at the time. Too many enemies and too many unknowns which could have put Jon in danger. The hand could not be tipped without great risk of being found out too soon," said Sub-Zero with Ser Barristan nodding.

"I understand. Does he know?" asked Ser Barristan with Sub-Zero shaking his head.

"Not yet. Lord Stark was supposed to tell him the truth about everything, but with his death…," said Sub-Zero while Ser Arthur closed his eyes in mourning for the man who had done what he could to protect his King.

"Lord Stark said in the event of his death, you could tell me the truth of things. About whom my mother was and everything else," said Jon, as he was escorted over to the group by Bryden Tully.

"By the Gods, is that truly you Ser Arthur?" asked Bryden while the Sword of the Morning nodded.

"It has been sometime Bryden," said Ser Arthur calmly while his hand tightened on Dawn and his eyes were watching the Blackfish's every move while near his King.

"Why are you here? And with Ser Barristan? He is a member of the Kingsguard. Why is he here instead of standing watch over that Lannister cunt they call a King at the Capital," remarked Bryden while Ser Barristan was calm about it since he knew how some felt about the Kingsguard protecting Kings who were not worthy of the crown yet held it all the same.

"Fortunately, the 'Lannister cunt' as you called him has removed me from my post. I convinced him that I could not in good conscious protect him due to my aging body. I was released from my vows and was told by a certain spymaster in King's Landing of one I should follow when the time comes for war," said Ser Barristan before he looked at Jon intently.

"Ha! The one good thing he did as King and it's going to bite him right in the ass," remarked Bryden with a smirk knowing Ser Barristan removed from protecting Joffrey was a major blow.

"As it stands, we have come here to swear our vows as members of the Kingsguard to the true King of Westeros. The one who was our King the moment he was born and sadly after his half-brother died at the hands of the Mountain," said Ser Arthur before he and Ser Barristan kneeled before Jon who was in shock by this.

"I, Ser Arthur Dayne, hereby pledge myself as a member of the Kingsguard to one Aegon Targaryen, who is born of late King Rhaegar Targaryen and his wife, Queen Lyanna Targaryen. My sword, my body, and very life are his to command. To carry out any order he wishes, and to protect him from harm against any and all foes," said Ser Arthur while presenting Dawn in his hands.

"I, Ser Barristan Selmy, hereby pledge myself as a member of the Kingsguard to one Aegon Targaryen, who is born of late King Rhaegar Targaryen and his wife, Queen Lyanna Targaryen. My sword, my body, and very life are his to command. To carry out any order he wishes, and to protect him from harm against any and all foes," said Ser Barristan while presenting his sword to Jon.

"I…I don't know what to say. Why are you kneeling to me? Why are you calling me Aegon? What is going on Master Liang?" asked Jon, or rather Aegon when he looked from the two men kneeling in front of him to the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.

It drew quite a crowd and plenty of whispers.

"It is time my student. It is time you learned the truth. Not just about your parents, but everything else that happened leading up to the rebellion," said Sub-Zero before he motioned everyone with them to follow him to the stables where they could talk.

(A/N: YAY! Another update for all of you. Hope you liked it. I know the death of Holster seems a bit…off to you but remember Sub-Zero doesn't play by the rules. He knows things and therefore could act on things where others would not. He has spent nearly 20 years building up the Lin Kuei from nothing since the time of Aerys, building up a spy network, knowing things about every House and Lord throughout the Seven Kingdoms. He knows knowledge is power and has gathered a lot of it during his time living in Westeros. Plus there is the fact Lyanna is alive in this fic, and is able to provide information about her actions which led to the whole rebellion in the first place. More on the way though it will take time. Busy with many things in life. FYI, if you haven't seen House of the Dragon, which is a prequel to GoT, watch the show. Season 1 was awesome! Looking forward to season 2. If you have read GRRM's book Fire and Blood, you know its going to get bloody and messy. Until next time…PEACE!)