Chapter 18 – Retaliation
Westerlands –Casterly Rock – 3rd Month of 277- Week 1- Day 7
The next morning dawned and Karlyn woke finally several hours after sunrise. She ignored the fluttering maester who had come in shortly afterwards and dismissed him to
dress and eat from a small tray Mira brought,
She chose her outfit with extreme care. She was a wolf, and today she would show that. She studied the dresses in her wardrobe and with Mira's help drew out a gown of black and silver, with direwolves along the hem. It was made in southern material but it
showed her family clearly.
Once dressed and her hair pulled back from her face by two silver combs, she slid her feet into shoes that would shock the court. They were soft ankle boots with a low heal.
She normally only wore boots when riding, but today was different. A wolf didn't cower. A wolf prepared for attack and made sure she could attack those that had threatened her. And Karlyn was not going to allow it to go unpunished.
Sweeping from her bedroom, Ivory at her side, and her daggers in prominent display on her sash, she sensed two of the wolf guards fall in behind her. Never in her time at Casterly Rock had they ever done that. She had been safe. Now, danger seemed to stalk.
As she descended to the lower levels of the Rock, a servant appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "My lady, Lord Tywin is in his Study."
Inclining her head, Karlyn turned at the foot of the stairs and headed along a gallery towards a room, she had only been in once before.
Outside the door, two Lionsguard stood, back's straight. When they saw her and Ivory and one opened the door and announced her
"Lady Karlyn Stark, My lord"
Tywin was standing behind his desk. It was a large mahogany desk with red leather and gold accents. His big chair behind it was set back from it casually.
Leaving her Wolf's guard outside with the Lionsguard, Karlyn stepped in and stopped as she curtseyed to the Lord of the Rock. Then her gaze was drawn to the window Where
a man stood, backlit by the morning light. It was the large dire wolf at his feet which gave her the best clue to the man's identity. "My lord." She said to Tywin then added "Hello Father."
Rickard Stark, Warden of the North turned from the window. He and Tywin exchanged a glance and he strode forward. "Karlyn."
She hesitated but then threw impropriety to the wind and flung herself into her father's arms. As his arms wrapped around her she bit her lip to stop herself from crying. She drew
back and smiled at him. "This is a surprise. Seems to be the week for them," She curtseyed to her father and then turned back to Tywin. "Mira informed me that you wanted to speak with me about yesterday My Lord"
Tywin nodded. "Yes. Both your father and I would like to know what happened."
Karlyn took the indicated chair and looked at her father. "I was unaware that you were coming to Casterly Rock." When she sat, Ivory moved to sit beside her sire, who was
laying by the window, watching the two men in the Study.
"I was due to be here two days ago, in time for your name day but there was a bad storm while we were at sea, and we were delayed. My ship arrived this morning." Rickard Replied. "Now tell us what happened."
Karlyn took a breath. "I was outriding with Lord Jaime and Lord Tyrion, and Jaime and I had a race. As I reached the tree line, arrows came down behind my horse, and I lost
control of it. Next thing I remember is being lifted from my saddle and then someone was forcing milk of the Poppy down my throat. I remember waking up bound and hooded on the cart and the two men talking, I noted that they had not bound my legs."
"Do you recall what they were saying?" Tywin asked as he and Rickard sat down, Tywin behind his desk and Rickard beside his daughter.
"One was very concerned about being hung for kidnapping me, and the other told him not to worry. They were delivering me to a man at an inn. He would then take me to
Kings Landing." Karlyn said. "I take it they will be dealt with?"
Both lords nodded.
"I made a sound and they stopped the cart. One came back to check on me. When I got the chance, I ran. Then… Jaime and Lord Tywin arrived. With Ser Brynden Tully." She frowned at Tywin. "Why is the Blackfish here?" Karlyn asked.
The two lord Paramounts exchanged looks and Karlyn rolled her eyes. "Please My Lords, why is he here?"
"Lord Brynden Tully arrived here with his nieces and nephew and Lord Tully's Ward to warn us about what happened to you." Lord Tywin stated. "They arrived too late of course."
"Have they not heard of Ravens?" Karlyn asked.
"They were being watched and Lord Tully has a long reach apparently." Rickard said, having sat through the conversation with Brynden already that morning, and the subsequent conversations with Caitlin and her siblings and the Ward, Petyr.
Karlyn took a breath. "So, the Tully's."
"yes." Tywin said, "Along with Lord Baelish of the Fingers, it seems it is revenge for what
happened 4 years ago."
"When I cancelled the betrothal between Catelyn and Brandon." Rickard supplied.
"And now he is going to marry Barbrey." Karlyn frowned. "And so, Lord Hoster Tully thought it was an idea to kidnap the daughter of the Lord paramount of the North, from the
custody of the Lord Paramount of the West. Well, aren't they rather stupid." She placed her hands in her lap. "And now?"
"Your Father and I have been discussing it." Tywin replied.
"I sent a raven to Winterfell, Brandon is there, he will gather the banners just in case." Rickard added
"And Jaime left this morning to set up a camp for our banners at the Golden tooth" Tywin said softly.
Karlyn took a breath and then she looked at them both. "I want to go with you,"
They stared at her. And both spoke at the same time. "No."
Karlyn calmly stared at them. After a quiet moment she said "Please let me explain my reasons. Lord Tully attacked me. He chose the wrong lady and I want him to know it." She
stood. "I am not staying here My lords. I am a Wolf of Winterfell and that fat trout has bitten off more than he can chew. I am going to Riverrun, with my father, with my Betrothed and his father and our banner men behind us and that Trout will find himself in a net that he will not get out of." She looked between the men and for once, her father was grateful did not use her eyes on him.
Tywin didn't smile, instead he looked at Rickard. "You were correct."
"Indeed." Rickard replied, remembering the words he had written to Lord Tywin nearly 5 years before when he had first broached the subject of the fostering that Karlyn would be as strong a lady as any in the Lannister line.
Knowing she had won, she chose to depart graciously, Karlyn merely dropped a curtsey to them both "I will go pack. When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow" Tywin said calmly. "We are not going to fight him Karlyn. We are going to," and here he smiled "escort his children home with their uncle."
"You'll forgive me if I feel at all charitable towards the Fish of Riverrun My Lord." Karlyn said. "Wolves eat fish."
"So, do Lions."
Karlyn paused "And what about the Iron Born?" She remembered why Tywin was in Casterly Rock instead of being in Kings Landing.
"Kevan is dealing with them." Tywin replied. "He left this morning."
Rickard looked at Karlyn. "Are you sure you wish to do this? It will be a long ride to Riverrun
and …" he stopped at his daughter's look.
"Yes." She stated flatly. "Ivory, come on, we need to pack." She curtsied again and at their nods, she left the study, her wolf at her heels.
Leaving the two Lords Paramount to talk and discuss the situation.
Riverrun – 4thMonth of 277- Week 1- Day 3
The Party that arrived at Riverrun's gates weeks later was larger than the party that had left months before Lords Stark and Lannister road at the head of the Vanguard with their heirs beside them.
Beside Jaime Lannister, rode his betrothed, in the colours of her house, grey and silver which contrasted to his Red and gold surcoat.
Beside Brandon Stark, rode his betrothed Barbrey Ryswell, who was dressed in the same colours as Karlyn Stark but with the cloak of her house, in red and bronze over her shoulders.
Miling between the horses were the three direwolves, Magnar, Eyron and Ivory. And behind them banners extended road a mix of North and Westerlands Lords, all resplendent in their surcoats. All bristling with silent anger.
And there between the Lords Paramount and their Bannermen, road the Tully's, Ser Brynden in the lead, his nieces and nephew behind them with the Ward bringing up the rear. The past few weeks had bee rough on the children Brynden knew but they bore it well. Catelyn had been silent. Lysa had grown waspish the whole time, Edmure had tried to be brave but he had stepped back in retreat when he had tried to speak with Karlyn Stark and Jaime Lannister to plead his family's case and found nothing but a growling Direwolf and the tip of a sword held by the Lannister heir. Petyr was the only one in any sort of high spirits. He had been making friends apparently, and when Catelyn had told him to stop, Petyr had replied with how they were innocent of their father's crimes. Lysa and Catelyn had both said three words in response to that "Reynes of Castermere" before leaving him alone for the remainder of the journey.
Lord Stark and Lord Lannister sent a page to the gate. Who announced in a piping voice
"Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord Paramount of the Westerlands and Hand of the King, Lord Rickard Stark, Lord paramount of the North and their bannermen do entreat Entry to the House of Tully."
The un-worded "or Else" went unsaid.
The gate opened almost laboriously and the outsiders, banners clearly shown and hands on hilts of swords road in ahead of the vanguard.
When Karlyn at Jaime's side rode into the courtyard, she noted that Lord Hoster Tully sat on a throne like chair and beside him, stood a weaselly looking man, who she assumed was Lord Baelish. If these men thought themselves better than the two families entering their gates, then she could just see how badly this would end.
No one dismounted. Tywin and Rickard moved to the front of the group and looked directly at Hoster.
Who chortled. He chortled, Karlyn could not believe that he had chortled at her father and Lord Lannister.
"Ah Lords Lannister and Stark!" he grinned. "What brings you both to my keep?" but before they could answer he held up his hand. "I would not dismount my men will have you riddled with Arrows before your feet touch the ground."
Jaime looked at Karlyn who merely glared at the fat trout.
"You threaten the Hand of the King Lord Tully." Tywin said almost conversationally.
"No. I threaten two upstart lords who come to my keep with an army at their backs!" He spat to the side. "And for what reason?" here he sneered "Because your bastard daughter got herself in trouble Lord Stark, tell me, is she pregnant from her time in the brothel?"
Karlyn growled low in her throat. She was trueborn, as were all her siblings. The gall of that fat trout. Beside her horse, Ivory also growled low and snapped her jaws warningly.
Baelish however had been assessing the mood. "Lord Tully." He said warningly.
"Shut up Baelish. I am winning here."
"No father, you are not."
The turned as Catelyn Tully rode from the group, her face set. "You dishonour our house Father. You arranged for the kidnap and imprisonment of Lord Starks daughter, who you have just called a Bastard when all of Westeros knows she is Trueborn. You started a war between us and House Stark and House Lannister!" She dismounted as she spoke.
"HOUSE STARK STARTED IT!" Hoster roared at his daughter "WHEN HE!" Here he pointed a stubby finger at Rickard "BACKED OUT OF OUR AGREEMENT! FOR WHAT? SO HE CAN MARRY HIS SON TO SOME," Here he sneered at Barbrey "A NORTHERN HORSE?"
Rickard merely watched in stoic silence while Brandon calmly placed a hand on Barbrey's arm. They were both fuming. But they kept the peace. They had all discussed it. The needed Hoster to confess, which is what he was doing and they needed him to do it without their response.
Catelyn turned to Lord Tywin. "My Lord Hand" She said carefully. "It is clear to me now that my father cannot function as Lord of Riverrun. He has clearly lost his wits. I ask that you, as Lord Hand, remove him from his role as Lord Paramount of the Trident and the Riverlands."
Tywin nodded and snapped his fingers.
The guards of Riverrun did not move, they knew they were beaten, as a quick glance outside the walls had shown that the Westerlands and North were uniting before their moat.
Men moved from the group dismounting and heading for the Lord of Riverrun and his ally.
Tully glared at his eldest daughter "YOU DISHONOR ME!" he yelled at her.
The 12-name day of girl merely inclined her head. "You have caused ramifications for our family which will haunt us for generations."
Brynden moved to stand beside his niece and watch as his brother was hoisted from the chair and dragged to the foot of the steps. And forced to kneel before the Hand of the King.
Tywin studied him for a moment and then looked at Lord Stark. "Sentence?"
Rickard had debated asking for Hoster's head, but he merely let his lips curve slightly "Exile" he stated. "Him and his cohort there" He pointed disdainfully at Lord Baelish who was being dragged to kneel beside Hoster.
Tywin pretended to consider it. "Ser Brynden."
"Yes My Lord Hand." Brynden stepped up.
"As the eldest remaining Tully, you are hereby named regent of Riverrun until your Nephew, turns of 18 name Days." Tywin said coldly.
"Yes My Lord Hand."
"You are granted custody of Ladies Catelyn and Lysa until they are properly wed, and I am sure their father ensured their dowers."
Brynden nodded "And the Ward?"
Tywin looked at Petyr Baelish who was silent beside Edmure Tully. "Send him to Essos with his father and Hoster Tully" Afterall, what did Tywin Lannister care about a young child of the smallest fingers.
Lysa gasped and Catelyn bit her lip. Edmure was silent as he stared at the boy he had spent the last 2 years with.
Rickard snapped out orders and things swung into motion. His men prepared a Cart for Hoster Tully and the Baelish's. Servants gathered belongings and food and several were sent with their now former lord into Exile. They were sent to Seaguard to take boat to Essos. And were gone before luncheon was served.
The Lannister-Stark Host spent the evening at Riverrun. And the next morning, as they prepared to leave, the Maester raced down to the forecourt.
"my Lords! A Raven from Kings landing!" He gasped out. He held out the scroll to Lord Lannister.
Tywin took it, read it in silence and handed it over to Lord Stark.
After a moment, Rickard looked up from the scroll and said "Well, that changes our plans."
"Indeed."
Rickard looked at the gathered group. "Prince Rhaegar writes that his father the king accepted invitation to Duskendale, and is being held captive within Duskendale by Lord Denys Darklyn"
Murmurs swept the group. And even as they did, soldiers were already mounting their Horses. Jaime helped Karlyn into her saddle as Barbrey was assisted by Brandon. Two men spurred their horses out of Riverrun to prepare those camped before its walls, a camp that was already broken down ready to move, its just its destination that had changed now.
Tywin looked at Brynden Tully.
"Riverrun will send our banners at once." He said and sent the Maester to do so.
"Have them head straight for Duskendale" Tywin said mounting. "Our king needs us, the Prince already calls banners across the Stormlands and Crownlands."
With that, he rode from the forecourt, as others scrambled into saddles to follow them.
War was coming.
Authors Notes and Review replies:
Thank you to all the new reviews.
No incest will be in this fic, attempted sure but none that will succeed. And No Cersei is not going to get what she wants. That said there are several choices for her to marry and the same goes with Catelyn and Lysa.