A/N: What up invaders! Matthewstaffordlionsfan17 here, and in a couple days it will be Thanksgiving! It's been awhile hasn't it? You may remember the last chapter update was exactly three months ago. To be exact, the last update was August 21st. I believe I owe all of my loyal readers an explanation for my sudden disappearance. First, if you have visited my profile, you would know I live in Tampa, Florida. During the time of the last update, you may remember Hurricane Irma 'hit' Tampa and its surrounding area. The hurricane was projected to be so bad, everyone in my area evacuated, and schools (including my university) was closed. I decided I wasn't going to risk experiencing a potential category 3-4 hurricane, therefore I evacuated. I spent the next week after that hurricane, drafting this chapter. And then, I decided to dedicate my time doing some other things. Different things. These things ranged from an attempt at getting into Twitch streaming, an original novel of my own, Civilization V and Mount and Blade Warband, as well as trying to dedicate my life to university. I was able to do updates frequently back when I was in high school (I started this fanfic in January of my Senior year). I thought I would be able to do the same when I went to university. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I decided to take a hiatus, because this fanfiction took a lot of time and I needed to focus on other items in my life. I literally only got three hours of sleep each night, when I tried balancing all my sporadic aspirations. I am pleased to tell you that I am back, and this time there will not be a three month long hiatus. This chapter is surprisingly long, and to be honest is quite rushed at the end. The chapter attempts to make an alliance between House Baratheon and House Stark, setting up a two pronged assault on Lannister forces with Robb in charge of scouring the Riverlands, and Stafford in charge of continuing to cut off Tywin from challenging Robb by trapping him at Harrenhal. This also will set up the entrances of Dorne, The Reach, and of course the Greyjoys into the war. I will be extensively planning the movement of this novel, using my new knowledge from my classes in college. (I am attempting to become a double major in English and Mathematics) Expect a spike in writing quality, polish, and of course more frequent updates. I have abandoned all other hobbies, besides playing video games and my sport wrestling, to dedicate my new found life to be a writer once more. The hiatus is officially over. The fury has returned.
Tunak23: Like I said, my specialty in writing is High Fantasy and Science Fiction, with a major emphasis on action. The only reason why I include romance in any story is to be a driving force in the action. That being said, when I wrote Chapter 21, it is one of the only times I have actually written romance into characters development. My debut original novel, Schism, which is on Wattpad (I think, I may have deleted it…) had no romance for this reason. I don't know how to handle characters in this way, so I am very sorry for ruining the characters for you. To be honest, the way I drafted up the story makes it so the plot mirrors Robert's Rebellion to the letter. Thus, Stafford was originally intended to be an identical copy of Robert. Robb would act a lot like his father too, however when I experienced early success in viewership, I began to treat this like an actual story that had a round, dynamic protagonist, and not just a flat character, whose only purpose was to be exactly like Robert Baratheon. I am glad you liked the alternative events of the exposition, and hope you stick around to share your criticisms to help improve the fanfiction as it goes forward. Thank you for kind review.
Intemperance22: Well I mean, that chapter wasn't exactly thought out very well. I literally could not tell you what my rationale was for that chapter, therefore I cannot really tell you how it could not turn out differently than that. Anyway, thanks for your review and hope you continue reading as the story goes forward.
LetsseeifIcandothistoo: That plot angle is meant to introduce more drama into the story, which while it seems so drawn out, it is its prime function. I can see why it would be annoying and a turnoff for some readers. However, the exposition is meant to mirror the books as closely as possible, because it meant to set the stage for the war, which is where most of the new plot points are put on the table. Hopefully you gain enough interest to read the later chapters, because it focuses less on this aspect. Thank you for your criticism and review.
Sorry for the extra long blurb this time, and without any more remarks from me, here is the long awaited return from the hiatus.
Enjoy!
Stafford
It took Stafford and his honor guard less than four days of riding to get within sight of Riverrun, the seat of House Tully. While his uncle recommended that they take a slower pace rather than the gallop they rode with, Stafford was sure to make use of what advantages he had with an all cavalry honor guard. Every man in the honor guard was outfitted with horse, armored destriers to be precise. Not to mention, everyone in the guard would be distinguished by the amount of color they had in their armor. Some armors were tinted yellow, some black, and the kingsguard, who were protecting the center the position Stafford occupied in all engagements, were wearing white. While there were only two Kingsguard accompanying the young Stag as he rode through the Riverlands, fording small river crossings, and riding through whatever roads they could use, they were very capable and experienced knights. Ser Cortnay Penrose may have been left behind with Lord Estermont to preside over large army while the main leaders of the army were maintaining their excellent posture against Lord Tywin, but Ser Barristan and Ser Bolling were capable in defending him.
Stafford knew they would have to recruit more members in his Kingsguard, and that was also one of the many reasons why he brought his honor guard with him. His honor guard had many excellent candidates to choose from, and many were highborn and some had been fighting with him since his retreat from King's Landing. However, like usual, Stafford didn't really know a lot about the men, so he was forced to rely on Ser Barristan's judgement on who to name to the Kingsguard. No has seemed to impress Ser Barristan enough, however, and this was one of the many obstacles facing prospective members of his Kingsguard. Ser Barristan had very high standards for filling positions, and to his credit the current members of the Kingsguard were quite good at their job of defending the king. However, there needed to be more bodyguard around the king. This meant that Ser Barristan needed to fill position, and quick, because a three man Kingsguard no matter how powerful would not be able to do their duties of protecting their king to their fullest capability. But the Kingsguard was an issue for another time, in fact before he could be fully entitled to a full guard, he needed to win the crown first. And that issue lay on whether, Stafford could convince the Starks, who seemed to want to create their own independent Northern Kingdom, to trust in unity once more, and fight his own kin the Lannisters and their allies. This with the ultimate goal of uniting the seven kingdoms into a whole kingdom once more, under his rule.
As soon as Riverrun was in sight, one of the front flanks of the cavalry formation they had been riding in, quickly signaled for a halt. Stafford wondered why, until he noticed another set of cavalry men. The did not carry the banner of the black stag on a yellow background, but a fish. Stafford always thought fish were the last thing someone wanted or needed in their coat of arms. They had no menacing qualities like a charging stag, a roaring lion, or even a dragon if you count the Targaryens. Yet they were a powerful house, which controlled the Riverlands, a region when given just the size were larger than the Stormlands. There were towns in the Riverlands too, sprawling with a respectable amount of people, while the people of Stormlands were either living in villages around castles, or in the castles themselves. Quite the contrast in landscape as well, everything in the Riverlands was wet and boggy compared to Stormlands. And that's coming from somewhere where the summer storms can last three to five days. Somehow, the Riverlands had more wetlands, than the stormy Stormlands.
The leader of the host went to the front, and Stafford did not recognize him from anywhere. He had blue eyes light he did, but the tone of the blue was much different from Stafford and Renly's eye color. He had long red hair, which for some odd reason reminded him of the color of Sansa's hair, and a beard. In fact, there was a slight resemblance to his face, and Sansa, which sort of made Stafford feel uncomfortable.
"Ser Edmure Tully, heir to Riverrun. It seems the young wolf sent his uncle to meet our retinue. He's taking us more seriously than I thought," his uncle whispered as they rode up to the front to meet the welcoming party.
"Welcome, Lords Stafford and Renly of House Baratheon, we'd like to welcome to the great castle of Riverrun,"
"It is an honor to be here, Ser Edmure," his uncle stated back, but it seemed like more of a courtesy than anything.
"The honor is ours, my lords. His grace, Robb Stark is expecting you too. Let us not keep him waiting," the knight motioned his men and Stafford's retinue to follow him. The front of the cavalry moved at a slower pace, as the men followed the escort provided by the Lords of Riverrun.
The castle grew closer and closer as they approached it. When they got close enough, Stafford and his horse had to be careful not make any bad judgements, as in front of them was a giant moat. The castle was surrounded on all three sides by water, and the only way inside was to enter through the drawbridge. Most of the men in the honor guard stood in awe as the relatively small castle compared to others towered over them. It was a defensive marble. Like Storm's End, the Rivermen used landscape to make the tower very defensible. But unlike Storm's End, it wasn't one big walled drum, it was a literally a castle in the middle of a body of water. And that amazed Stafford, even more than the castle built in King's Landing. The castle was literally built on water. The castle was a floating fortress.
The drawbridge lowered and it was just big enough for them to cross with their horse. They had to wedge in though to make sure there was enough room for each horse to maneuver without them getting spooked. Stafford didn't want to know what was in the moat, and he would not find out by way of getting thrown off his horse. Besides, swimming in full plate armor was a bad idea, he would just sink. That would be the stupidest way in the history of the Seven Kingdoms to die during a rebellion. I'm sure he wouldn't hear the end of it in the other world from his father, who no doubt would not take kindly to his son dying in such a manner.
The thought of the death of his father could not escape him as they crossed the drawbridge into the giant castle of Riverrun. It came so soon, and the revelation that he was the only legitimate son came as a sudden shock to him as well. Stafford went from the young prince in King's Landing to Lord of Storm's End, and a claimant to the throne. The father that Stafford had known wasn't the same man that he was during his prime. The same Lord of Storm's End, who bought the Targaryen dynasty to its knees. The Lord, who fought a war, because of the abduction of his betrothed. Many had said he looked and acted like his father, but truth be told he had never seen his father before the rebellion. And sadly he didn't want to suffer the same fate as his father. Like his father had told him, he was not him, and he would make his own mark in the world. While he was not much of a father to Joffrey, he was at least present in Stafford's life. It may have actually been their similarities to one another that pushed his father to pursue more of a role in his life. No matter what the reasons were, Stafford was thankful for all of moments he spent with his father, and it saddened him that his mother had apparently been plotting to kill his father to put Joffrey on the throne. But no matter what, he still couldn't find it in him to hate his mother. He wondered what she was thinking now as Stafford waged open rebellion against his brother. But none of the past was important now. Stafford knew he had to live here and now. There was still plenty of war to be fought, and each fiber of Stafford's body itched for battle.
When Stafford and his men entered the castle, they put their horses in the now crowded stable. Stafford and his men were told by Ser Edmure to follow him to the Great Hall. The men were still in their riding leathers and armor, and were probably looking to rest, but everyone including Stafford followed them. Some of his honor guard followed him on foot as they entered the great hall. The rest of the six hundred cavalrymen were sent to the barracks.
Stafford entered the great hall flanked by his two kingsguard members, Ser Bolling and Ser Barristan. His uncle, Renly was by his side, while some of his men in the six hundred man honor guard filled in any of the gaps in the protection. As they entered a herald declared the names and titles of those who had titles.
"Lord Stafford Baratheon of Storm's End, Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and Dragonstone, claimant to the Iron Throne in the south, he is accompanied by his uncle Lord Renly Baratheon, his hand, and Protector of Storm's End and the Stormlands," the herald declared to all in attendance. There were more people than Stafford had expected. Some looked like landed knights, and minor lords, who looked to Riverrun for refuge when the Lannisters were scouring the Riverlands. There was an old bald man right next to what looked like a throne. He looked like he was a fighter even in his old age. Ser Edmure took his position at the left of the throne. Right next him closer to the throne was Robb's mother, who had been an envoy to their cause in Stafford's camp. And finally sitting on his seat was the young wolf, Robb Stark.
Robb had changed since they had met in Winterfell. That seemed like ages ago now. He still had the same thick red brown hair, and blue eyes, much like Sansa's now Stafford had thought about it. Robb might have grown an inch, but he definitely had more of the look of a warrior than he had in Winterfell. He had a real sword on his waist now. He remembered when he sparred with him in the training yards in Winterfell. They were just using dull tournaments. Now they both had steel blades, which were the tools of real soldiers.
"Welcome to Riverrun, Lords Stafford and Renly Baratheon. We would like to personally congratulate you for your victories against Lord Tywin in the battle near Harrenhal," the old knight on the right side of Stafford stated.
"You can thank my uncle for tactical advice, we wouldn't have been able to beat him so handily if it was just me and my nephew doing all the work," his uncle Renly stated referring to his grandfather Lord Eldon, "But as you all know, we're still fighting a war. And that's why were here,"
"Indeed," Robb's mother stated, "Now we all know of all that has happened so far in the war. The Lannisters are far from defeated, and the Seven Kingdoms are still divided."
"Which is precisely the reason for us being here. We have a significant force in the Riverlands, it is in your best interest to become our ally," Renly explained.
"We are not denying that allying with your forces would be a most useful advantage for us. However, how can we be so sure that you will make honorable and trustworthy allies," Robb suddenly spoke up. He had his direwolf at his feet, something that would intimidate most men. In fact Renly looked slightly less comfortable than he had been.
"Because honor is means everything to me. When I promise something to someone, I will follow through with it," Stafford stated in reply.
"Is that what you said to my sister, Arya? Where was your honor when you broke your promise to her," Robb retorted with some venom in his voice. The scene in the Godswood played in Stafford's mind. He had promised to never hurt her. He promised to be by her side. And that day he broke all of those. Renly looked at him, he probably the change of expression in his face. I guess even your worst mistakes catch back up to you.
"Let's not get personal-" Renly tried to begin, but Stafford stopped him.
"Robb. I know this looks bad, I really do. I wouldn't like it very much if someone I barely knew did what I did to my own sister," Stafford began. Robb's expression didn't change, but Stafford felt he had at least been willinging to listen to his explanation, "However, given the circumstances, we must not allow the past to cause us to turn against one another. There is a threat to the stability of the realm."
"I would love to just forget about what you did to my sister, but frankly that just isn't possible. She trusted you to keep your end of the promise, and you failed to do so. How can I know that you are trustworthy enough to keep your promise?" Stafford paused for a moment. He could feel the piercing eyes of all those in attendance in the Great Hall. All of them anticipating his next move, his next words that he uttered, and his ability to back them up. This was the noble court, deadlier than all the battlefields in all the land according to his Uncle Stannis.
"I don't expect you to forgive me for what I did. Frankly, that isn't the point. There is a war. A war between powerful houses, all seemingly throwing armies against one another until one day the war ends and someone becomes King. We could let our personal conflicts take control of our decisions, sure," Stafford declared with a great deal of fervor in his voice. Robb's leaned forward a little, and his direwolf stood up from underneath his throne, "But, if you want to win this war, you need my army, ans much as I need yours." Whispers echoed through the Great Hall, and resounded with such a sound. Stafford and his uncle Renly stood before the self proclaimed King of the North, as they awaited his reply. Stafford noticed that Robb's mother shot her son a look. Robb sighed, and looked straight at Stafford.
"You're right, I probably won't forgive you for your tresspasses against my family. However, you are also correct that an alliance would benefit our forces. Let me consult with my advisors, and you will hear of my decision before you and your men leave," Robb stated.
"Lovely, so does that end our little meeting, Lord Stark?" Renly stated.
"That's King Stark to you, Baratheon," A loud boisterous northman, who Stafford assumed was one of Robb's bannerman boomed.
"Ah that's right you fashioned yourself a crown, but I only recognize one king, and he happens to be standing next to me," His uncle retorted. His uncle would not be intimidated by the man, as he looked at the northman straight in the eye when he said those words.
"Your loyalty is admirable, Lord Renly. However, that topic was about to be what my son and I wanted to discuss next. If we ally with you, and your nephew, would you require my son to bend the knee and dismiss all his claims to an independent kingdom?" Robb's mother stated. His uncle smiled. Stafford knew that this would come up, eventually. Something that he was hoping to avoid, but unfortunately it might not be a possibility anymore.
"Unfortunately the realm will not be the same if we allowed you to separate from the kingdom. There are plenty of things the kingdom has to offer the North, and once all the unrest is settled, and my nephew is on the throne, all your lands and titles will be remain with both House Stark and Tully," His uncle stated.
"Hah! You expect the King in the North to bend the knee so easily?" the loud northman stated again, to some of the resounding cheers of the people in the hall. Others stayed silent, as Stafford and his honor guard stayed in the center of the Great Hall, "Our King has never tasted defeat!"
"So has mine, except there's one thing your king doesn't have that my king does," His uncle Renly stated, "We have close to fifty five thousand men, and a gathering host in Storm's End to act as our reserve. I'd wager your undefeated King of the North has at most thirty thousand men. And one more thing your king doesn't have, that mine does," Renly pointed to himself as he addressed the loud northman. Stafford thought the large man would lunge at his uncle, and by the look on his face, he might have if Robb had not spoke.
"Lord Umber, stand down. Like I said, Lord Stafford, we will factor this into our final decision on whether or not to become your ally," Robb stated.
"Take as much time as you need, your grace," Stafford stated, and as soon as the people in the room heard Stafford address Robb in this manner, shock filled it. Even his uncle Renly seemed to shoot him a look after he addressed Robb in that way, "I haven't been crowned King by anyone, I am but a simple claimant. Whether or not your relinquish your crown to become my ally is up to you."
Robb sat up on his throne, "True honorable words have never been spoken, my lord. Before we adjourn, my mother has something she wants to say to you. Afterward, you are free to roam the halls of Riverrun, and have my servants show you and your hand, Lord Renly to your guest quarters," Stafford nodded, and Lady Catelyn began to speak.
"Lord Stafford Baratheon, as you know my family is very important to me. Blood runs thicker than anything in this realm, and being able to know the safety of any of my family members is of paramount importance to me," She began. Stafford knew where this was leading to before she even began her words, "Which is why I must ask, what are your intentions with my other daughter, Sansa? How do we know that we can trust you will remain true to her, and her well being? How can we know that she is truly safer with you than if she had been in King's Landing?"
Stafford looked around, and thought deep and hard about what he wanted to say back. He felt that some of it would be improper, or some of it would not be the answer that her mother was looking for. In the end, Stafford knew that he had to say what he felt inside, and he knew that the truth was the only thing that would set him free.
"If you choose to believe one thing that comes out of my mouth, and think that everything else is lies, believe what I am about to say now. I love her more than I ever had in my life. I had to hurt people, because of this love, I have had to sacrifice ties to my family, I had to break promises just so I can be with her. While in no way does it excuse anything I might have done, because of my love for her, I want everyone to know that my intentions with her are simple. Through her, I will unite our houses, and if you permit, even if you don't decide to become my ally," Stafford stated. Stafford could tell that Robb seemed to be pondering something on his throne now. Robb looked at Stafford and nodded, like it was a sign of respect. Stafford noticed that his uncle Renly had a grin on his face. Lady Catelyn simply acknowledged his word, and nodded.
"We shall consider all you have said in our decisions. If there is nothing else, please kindly leave us to our deliberations, my lords," Robb stated. Stafford and Renly simply nodded, and accompanied by their guard left the main hall to await the deliberations.
Stafford spent the rest of the day training his skill with his axe. There was a war that needed to be fought, and neglecting training would make him worse on the battlefield. He needed to be a leader. He needed to be warrior. He needed to be everything for his men, because at the end of the day they looked to him for inspiration. The men were fighting for his cause, exclusively his cause. He wasn't going to let all the people, who depended on him down. He would make sure they would be able fight in this war.
"You're absorbing too much pressure from your opponent's blade on the shaft of your battle axe. If you were in a real battle, a strong person would be able to break your axe in half," Stafford heard Ser Barristan say as he blocked a high chop from one of the soldiers he trained with. Stafford had not choice. He trained with whomever he found. They were shedding blood together after all, so they might as well train together. Besides, the people behind the weapons in battle would not be exclusively nobleman. They could be nobles. They could be commoners. They could be anything. If they challenged him in battle, they would have one thing in common: They would be dead.
Stafford followed the advice of Ser Barristan on his next move. A soldier tried to sneak in a blow to the side, but instead of blocking, Stafford met his practice blade with his axe before he the soldier got momentum into his swing. This caused the soldier to stagger backward. An opening.
Stafford quickly hit the soldier with a low sweep with his battle axe, grounding him. The soldier yielded the fight, and Stafford put himself at ease. He could tell some of the soldiers would not try their hardest in battle against him. Being a claimant to the throne made them more cautious about his safety. As much as he hated that sort of treatment, he knew no one wanted to be the one, who severely injured him. Accidents happen, and these soldiers didn't want to be the unfortunate one to cause Stafford to fall victim to injury, or worse death. However, this soldier gave it all he had, but in the end, Stafford managed to make him submit. He offered his hand to the soldier and the soldier in turn accepted it.
Suddenly, Stafford heard someone clapping, and it wasn't from Ser Barristan. Stafford turned behind him, and saw that it had been his uncle, Renly.
"Not bad, it seems you've graduated from beating up Edric, Joffrey, and other young bastards. Let's hope all of the Lannisters fight like common soldiers, and maybe you'll be on the throne in King's Landing before your next name day," Stafford smiled and leaned on his axe. He had mixed feelings about this war. On one hand, he loved the battles, and he loved all the fighting he got to participate in, which he wouldn't be able to in times of peace. There would be no action in times of peace, just sitting on a throne and playing war in tournaments. But with the war going on there was plenty of battle to be fought in the first place. The thrill of battle, the sound of clashing swords, the war cries of the men as they charged the lines, the sound of the cavalry conjuring thunder from beneath them as they rode into a jungle of spears. All of this is where Stafford felt at home. Everything about battle made him thirst for more of it. Many hated what felt like brutish melee when the infantry engaged one another. Stafford felt the struggle made a person better. If you are unable to fight in those conditions, you cannot call yourself a warrior.
"The war's just started Uncle. There is still plenty of fight left, and that is what excites me," Stafford stated, "Life in peace gets so dull, there are no battles to be fought, and while melee's in tournaments may quench my thirst for battle, it leaves me yearning for more."
His uncle smiled, "You know Robert said the very same thing about life during peace. Then again, he nothing to look forward to after the peace, because the very reason he fought the war, sort of died." Stafford knew what his uncle had meant. Stafford didn't know much about the rebellion, and he knew Renly wasn't old enough to remember all of what happened during the rebellion. Stannis talked about this when they had the chance to speak in King's Landing. His father had always fought for his betrothed, who had been kidnapped by Rhaegar Targaryen. And even when he had slew him at the trident, Stafford knew they had both died at the trident, because Lyanna had died. His father could never forget about her, and even his mother had some scorn in that. This is one of the factors he strived to end the war as quickly as possible, because if it went on for long enough, Sansa's safety would be compromised. Stafford didn't want to find out whether it is a Baratheon family tradition to end up getting the ones they loved killed. He remembered what his father had said to him on his deathbed. You are not Robert Baratheon and she is not Lyanna Stark. You control what happens in your story. Live not as I have, but as you want.
"Any news from the Starks?" Stafford asked Renly. His uncle shook his head no. He paused for a moment, as if deep in thought, but then shook his head once again. Stafford wondered what his uncle had thought of.
"They'll make the right decision in the end, don't you worry dear nephew," His uncle stated, "We just have to make sure Robb Stark's honor permits that he bend the knee to you." Stafford understood this. Their realm could not be divided, they must stand united. Joffrey and his stupidity would not cause the realm to disperse into weakness. The realm will remain strong when he comes to power.
Oddly enough, a new thought popped into Stafford's head. It's not exactly the most normal of question, but his curiosity grew more as he thought about it, "Uncle, why did you even support me in the first place? You could have easily called me a bastard like Joffrey and given your relationship with Uncle Stannis, claimed the throne for yourself."
"Now that's a thought isn't it? Truth is Stafford if I did that, I don't think I would be able to forgive myself," His uncle stated.
"Why is that?"
"There are certain people, who are meant to be kings, because they would make good kings. I had been involved in some...things that would try to put the right people in the right place, and send others out of that position. Even if Robert hadn't died like that, I would have supported you as king, because you would be a better king than your brother. Even if your brother hadn't been legitimate," His uncle explained. Stafford didn't know what to think about his reasoning, but he knew his uncle would be loyal to his cause till he got what he wanted. Even if he looked at just what his uncle would gain if Stafford had been king, it would point to a conclusion, which ended in him supporting Stafford anyway. Stafford would have inherited Storm's End as the second child of Robert Baratheon, and Renly would be unable to do anything about it. However with Joffrey and his younger brother out of the question, Renly would have Storm's End to himself and his heirs...if he decided to have any. Stafford would be unable to pass Storm's End to his children until he had it. Not to mention, he had been elevated to become Hand of the King.
"That's interesting-" before Stafford could finish his sentence, a Tully messenger had entered the training hall. Stafford quickly acknowledged the messenger, "What is it?"
"The king would like to speak to you and your uncle about his decision," the herald stated. Stafford looked at his uncle, and they both nodded to each other. Now is the time we find out the decision that would affect everyone.
Stafford felt his potential allies had made their decisions much faster than he had imagined. He anticipated they would tell him of their decision on their final days in Riverrun. However, Stafford felt relieved that he wouldn't have to wait long enough to find out their decision. Stafford didn't care whether or not they accepted, actually he did, but he wanted to find out whether their efforts had been wasted or had bore fruit like he had wanted it to be. He didn't know what Robb thought of when he made the decision. He knew he had much more to lose than Stafford did if he had decided to become his ally. Stafford and Renly had made it very clear he would require Robb to relinquish his claim to an independent northern kingdom. However, he would gain the security of an ally with a significant presence on land and sea. Not only that, but he could cement a mutual partnership for the years to come even at peace. Stafford hoped his actions, and other factors did not dissuade Robb from banding together against a common enemy.
Stafford didn't know how he would handle all the pressure on him as there were literally dozens of people looking at him as he entered the Great Hall. It had been a day ago since they had entered the Great Hall to take his case before Robb. Everyone in attendance seemed to be in attendance now, even the loud boisterous man, who had been trying to intimidate Renly before. Stafford only recognized a handful of the people standing next to Robb as he was seated on what he assumed was his throne. Stafford could only recognize Ser Edmure, who received them when they had first arrived in Riverrun, and Robb's mother, who had been sent as an envoy to his camp near Harrenhal. The heralds announced his arrival, as well as his accompaniment as they approached the presence of the young Lordling.
"Lord Stafford of House Baratheon, Lord paramount of the Stormlands and ruling Lord of Storm's End. You had come before me to propose an alliance," Robb stated as he looked up from the rolled parchment. He would probably the decision they had made very soon. Renly looked as composed as ever, while Stafford, who had not been good in these type of settings tried to remain as calm as he could, "After a careful deliberation with my advisors, family, and the other trusted persons in my court, we have decided to accept the offer of your alliance." Those words rose Stafford's spirit almost as high as if he got to see Sansa again. They would ride against a mad king like their fathers had done before, barring the kidnapped sister part. Luckily, Stafford had done something about that when he escaped King's Landing.
"Good then we sh-" Stafford tried to begin, before he was interrupted by Robb.
"However, we accept under these following terms," Stafford nodded and waited for the terms to be delivered unto him, "First, House Stark and House Tully will not bend the oath of fealty to House Baratheon until you have secured the crown, and show clear intention of uniting the lands into its condition prior to the beginning of the war," Renly was about to say something, but Stafford made sure told him to stay silent for now. As much as both of them did not like this term, it at least shows that they were interested in keeping the kingdom together.
Robb looked back at his roll of paper, "Second, you will return my sister, Sansa to Riverrun where she will stay until the end of the war." Stafford didn't the sound of that at all, but he continued to allow, Robb to continue with his terms.
"Finally, our armies will retain original leadership, and will not combine in terms of units, formations, and generalship. We will work together, but not mix hosts and levies," Robb stated, "In exchange for all of these terms, we will also provide these terms to compensate. First, After everything has been deemed secure in the Riverlands and the time is right, you and my sister are to be wed in Riverrun." It seems some of the terms weren't so bad after all. Stafford could live with this, he wasn't sure that would satiate the appetites of Stannis and Renly however.
"Second due to our lack of a navy, we will allow Lord Stannis Baratheon to control and become the admiral of whatever fleets we have or will create," Robb stated. That seemed like a decent tactical move, and it will help Stannis get behind some of the terms of the alliance, "Finally, I will promise on my honor to support a united seven kingdoms, provided that you become King and are not killed or defeated beyond any hope of victory." Robb handed the roll over to his advisors.
"Seems like a decent set of terms, we don't necessarily like the clause, which lets you decide when to bend the knee, but we'll just have to cross the bridge to get there don't we?" His uncle Renly stated.
"Any questions, concerns or objections to the terms outlined by the statement?" Robb asked Stafford.
"When do we take the field?" Stafford asked him. He was just eager to get back to fighting the war they were supposed to be fighting.
'Soon enough, for now we'll take a fortnight to make preparations. Rest assured, this is more an alliance of necessity rather than past friendship, Prince Stafford." Stafford smiled,
"It's not a question of friendship, it's a question of whether or not we win the is war."