AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm back (finally!) First, I cannot apologise enough for the long wait you have all endured from my last update to this one. I cannot thank everyone enough for their patience and understanding, as well as the messages of support and encouragement and the continued reviews, favourites, and alerts. It kept me determined to keep writing.

A very huge thank you (as always) to my wonderful beta reader who has been incredibly understanding about the big wait for this chapter. HarryLee94, I dedicate this chapter to you for all your amazing help and support.

Without further ado here s chapter 19... And a new POV for you all.

Jon

Jon Stark sat upon his horse and looked upon the view of the Twins in the distance with a heavy heart.

"He will not allow you to pass without a price, Jon," his mother told him from her place at his side. Jon turned to face her and hoped the smile he was giving her was reassuring rather than strained.

"I do not doubt it mother," he replied. "But we need that bridge. Father remains in the black cells, and Sansa is in the hands of the Lannister's, I cannot allow the situation to remain so." Catelyn Stark went to speak up, but he carried on wearily. "Sansa's letter made no mention of Arya, Mother. We know nothing of her fate, good or bad, so we must remain hopeful. Arya is more resourceful than you give her credit for. I am sending you to treat with Lord Walder, you have a better gage of the man than the Northern lords or myself do." His mother showed no shock at the order, and Jon smiled one of his first genuine smiles since news had reached Winterfell of his father's arrest. "You knew I would ask you."

It was not a question, and Jon watched as his mother turned to face the Twins once more. "You are my first born Jon. For the first year of your life I was everything to you, and you were everything to me. Never underestimate how well I know you. Now come, your men await."

Your men. The words sounded foreign to Jon, for they had always been his father's men. But, in his father's absence, Jon was now Lord of Winterfell, and as such, had the right to call the Northern banners to his cause. He was about to go to war, if he was not at it already, and even with his mother beside him, Jon felt truly afraid and alone. Ghost was his only source of relative comfort, despite his mother's tireless support. The direwolf had grown large and fierce, as had his brothers. Of his sister Nymeria, Jon did not know, but the day Lady's bones had been returned to Winterfell had been a bleak one. Ghost, Shaggydog and Summer, as Bran had called his direwolf upon his awakening, had howled and roared all through the night, their anger and sadness for their gentle sister obvious to the entirety of Winterfell.

Jon and his mother returned to the area his bannermen had occupied while his lady mother would treat with Lord Walder. As his father's heir, Jon had been visiting all the Northern strongholds since he was old enough to know his courtesies, and he could give a name to the face of every Lord, but leading men who were hardened in battle while he still had to experience his first taste was a daunting task. Every decision Jon made was being judged by his bannermen, and he was only too aware of this.

Apart from Sansa's letter, they had no news from the capitol. One moment his father and sisters had been relatively happy and safe in King's Landing, and the next King Robert was dead, his father had been arrested for treason, and his sisters were prisoners. Jon remembered the day they had received the raven telling those in Winterfell of the breaking of Sansa's betrothal to Joffrey, and her new betrothal to Prince Robb. Jon, his mother and brothers had been delighted at this turn of events; the Crown Prince had continually rubbed Jon up the wrong way during his stay at Winterfell, and he had never believed that Joffrey Baratheon was good enough for his beloved sister. Robb, on the other hand, had become a firm friend in a short period of time, and Jon knew he would be a good husband to Sansa.

The news of King Robert's death had saddened Jon, although he had no time to dwell on his passing due to his father's uncertain fate in King's Landing. The entire situation seemed wrong. Jon knew his father would never betray his friend, but exactly what that betrayal was Sansa had not said. Or rather, Cersei Lannister had not said. Although the letter was in Sansa's hand, his mother had seen immediately that the words were those of the Queen.

"You cannot go to King's Landing," she had told her eldest son. "You will never be allowed to leave."

The burden Jon had felt in that moment was crushing. His father would have know what to do, but he had never expected to become the figurehead for the North at such an age. He still had so much to learn. Yet, he had known that he could not leave his family to their fate in King's Landing. Calling the banners had been the natural step; the Northern houses had always been immensely loyal to their liege lord, and they had proved it once again by answering Jon's calls.

"My lord," came a voice from behind Jon, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Your mother departs for the Twins." The voice was that of Dacey Mormont. She was some five years older than Jon, but he knew her well from visits to Bear Island. House Mormont was fierce, and every woman born into the family had grown to be strong and loyal, although it was only Dacey and her mother, who were of an age to join Jon on his Southern campaign. Dacey was tall, with dark hair and startling green eyes. Her presence was reassuring here, as was that of Smalljon Umber and the other sons who had joined their fathers when they had ridden to Winterfell in anger at their liege lords imprisonment. Jon would never forget the moment it had dawned on him just how well loved his father and family were, and he had never been more thankful to be of Northern stock.

"Thank you, my lady," he replied. Dacey nodded as him and retreated out of the tent. Jon grabbed the sword he had left lying against his bed, tying it around his waist as he strode from his tent. His mother was perched on her horse, ready to ride to the Twins and treat with Lord Walder.

"Good luck, mother," Jon smiled. He had complete faith that his mother would do everything in her power to get their Northern host that bridge, he was just nervous about the price the Lord of the Crossing would demand. The man was no fool, and would know he had the higher ground when arranging the alliance terms. But his father and sisters were held in King's Landing, and any price would be worth their safety.

"I will be back as soon as I am able," Catelyn Stark promised her eldest son, praying she would have relatively good news to deliver upon her return.

Jon was sending an armed escort with her, and as he watched Wendel Manderly, Dacey Mormont and Smalljon Umber depart with ten others, he knew she would be well protected.

LINEBREAK

It was well into the evening when the party returned. As per his mother's request, Jon ordered bowmen to scatter themselves around the Twins and shoot down any ravens that may be set loose. Lord Tywin could not know of their movements, and his mother had told him that if Lord Walder suspected he had more to gain from selling Jon's position to the Lannister lord, he would without a second thought. However, it seemed as though his mother had persuaded him to join their cause, for no ravens had appeared from the Twins.

Upon hearing the news of their return, Jon galloped out to meet his mother, Ghost racing beside him. "It is done," his mother said evenly. "Lord Walder will grant you crossing. You also have his swords, minus the 400 men he would see remain at the Twins. I suggest you leave 400 of your own men, under the command of someone you trust; a mixed force of archers and swordsmen, Lord Walder can hardly deny you leaving men behind to hold the defence of his keep. Yet, they will also be useful should Lord Walder need help in keeping faith."

"As you say, Mother," Jon nodded, thinking of how to leave in charge of the forces at the Twins. "Helman Tallhart, is more than worthy of the command," he decided.

He watched his mother break into a soft smile. "An excellent choice."

"And what did Lord Walder want from us for our crossing?" he went on to ask, nervous at what his mother's reply would be.

"I have agreed to take on two of Lord Walder's grandsons as wards; some swords to escort them to Winterfell would be appreciated. They are both named Walder, I believe, and they will grow alongside Bran and Rickon, I pray they all get along."

"Is that all? Two fosterlings does not seem so bad a price," Jon said cautiously, aware that everything his mother had told him of the Lord of the Crossing made it unlikely that this was all he would demand.

"His son Olyvar shall ride with us," continued Catelyn. "He shall serve as your squire, Lord Walder would like to see him knighted in time. When we are reunited with Arya, she shall wed Elmar Frey, Lord Walder's youngest son. They are of a similar age and will marry when they come of the correct age."

Jon grimaced. "Arya won't like that," he muttered, dreading the task of telling her she had to marry, and worse: she had to marry a Frey.

Lady Stark spoke stiffly, agreeing with her son. "No, she will not, but in time she will understand that all of this was done to get to her, Sansa and your father. We are lucky that King Robert sent word to the entire kingdom of Sansa's new betrothal and Joffrey's need for a new wife, I believe the only reason he never once mentioned her was the fact that she was still betrothed to a Prince of the Seven Kingdoms."

Jon thought of Sansa and Robb then, but decided to wait until he and his mother were only before voicing his thoughts on that matter.

"And you shall wed one of Lord Walder's daughters. A daughter of your choosing once the war had been won, as per his consent, although he mentioned that there are several who may be to your liking."

"I see." Jon felt stunned. He knew he would have to marry some day, but did not expect to become betrothed so suddenly. But he knew it had to be done, and he would at least be able to choose a bride, that was some comfort.

"Do you consent?"

He nodded solemnly at his mother, feeling his lordship as heavily as he ever had so far. "I consent."

LINEBREAK

Jon had called his mother to his pavilion. First, he must play the Lord and tell her of his battle plans, but he was also eager to talk to her son to mother about the fate of Sansa.

"Tell me of your plans," Catelyn Stark ordered, and Jon admired the woman his mother was. Her husband and daughters were facing uncertain fates, and she had chosen to join Jon on his southern march, to see the war won and return to Bran and Rickon in Winterfell as a family when the time came. She had been taught well, and Jon knew she could remain impartial to him if need be. If his plans were less than immacualte she would tell him so.

"The Lannister's have formed two hosts, in response to my calling of the banners," Jon began. "Jaime Lannister commands the first, and he is marching towards Riverrun. We have received no news of any battles having taken place there, but I fear it will not be much longer before we do. Lord Tywin commands the second, larger host, and it is coming around from the south. Lord Tywin had closed off the kingsroad, and is now marching towards Harrenhal, burning as he goes. Days ago I entrusted a small group of riders to make their way to Greywatch Tower. People say the stronghold of House Reed moves, but they were commanded to unfurl my banner when the time was right; Howland Reed would find them if they could not find him. Should the Lannisters come up the Neck, the Crannogmen will bleed them every step of the way. Galbart Glover believes Lord Tywin to smart for this, as does Roose Bolton. He'll stay close to the Trident, they believe, taking the castles of the river lords one by one, until only Riverrun stands alone."

Jon sighed, knowing that his mother would not like what he was about to say. "We must march south to meet him."

Jon saw fear in his mother's eyes for the briefest of moments, before she steeled herself and looked at him. "Is that wise? You are in a strong position here. It has been said that the old Kings in the North could stand at Moat Cailin and defend themselves against hosts ten times the size of their own."

"Now that Lord Manderly's sons have joined us, we must march south. We cannot live of this land, and our food supplies are running low as it is."

"Very well," Catelyn nodded. "But what do you mean to do? Marching south is all well and good, but you must have intentions having chosen this course of action."

Here Jon hesitated. "The Greatjon believes we should surprise Lord Tywin and take the battle to him, yet the Glovers and the Karstarks feel we would be wiser to bypass his army and join up with Ser Edmure against the Kingslayer. Both plans have their advantages and disadvantages. We risk being caught between both Lannister armies if we attempt to swing around Lord Tywin's forces."

"You must be certain here Jon, hesitancy in front of your men will not be ignored. Your plan must be set in stone, with no opportunity for men to shout over you," Catelyn stated.

Jon took a breath, looking at the map laid out before him. He thought of what his father might do, or even what King Robert might have done. He made his decision. "I will leave a small force here at Moat Cailin, mostly archers, and send the rest marching down the causeway. Once we are below the Neck, I will split out forces in two. Our foot soldiers will continue down the kingsroad, while horsemen cross the Green Fork at the Twins." He put a finger on the map, tracing the actions to be taken by each force to his mother. "Word will reach Lord Tywin that we have come south, and he will march north in order to engage our main host, leaving our riders free to hurry down the west bank to Riverrun." He looked at his mother then, his plan set in stone. She would test him, he knew. But he was ready for her questions and worries.

"You would put a river between your army?" she asked, frowning.

Jon allowed himself a small smile. "Yes, between my army," he allowed. "But also between Lord Tywin and Jaime. There is no crossing on the Green Fork above the ruby ford, where Robert won his crown. Not until the Twins, all the way up here, and Lord Frey controls that bridge. We have just sealed our alliance with him, despite his duty to your family. If Lord Frey wishes to marry a daughter to me and a son to Arya, he will hold his bridge."

"Do not think to place trust in Walder Frey, Jon. Not even now. He will hold his bridge against the Lannisters so long as he stands to gain more from you than Tywin Lannister, that his how the man works. But, for now, I agree that he would hold against Lord Tywin," Catelyn told her son. "Which force would you command?" she proceeded to ask.

"The horse," Jon answered immediately.

His mother smiled. "Just like Ned," she murmured. "And who would you have command the foot?"

"The Greatjon is a fearless a man as I have ever met, and he was made no secret of his desire to smash Lord Tywin and his host."

"The Greatjon is fearless," Catelyn allowed. "Your father is not fearless. He is brave, but that is very different to being fearless."

Jon paused for thought. His mother was right, and he knew that he himself was not fearless, in fact he was the opposite. "The eastern host will be all that stands between Lord Tywin and Winterfell," he said, uncomfortable with the thought. Bran and Rickon remained at Winterfell, along with the household he had grown up with. "I don't want someone fearless, do I?" he questioned his mother.

"No," she answered. "You want cold cunning I would think, not courage."

The answer was obvious to both of them, Jon knew. "Roose Bolton. The man scares me, and has much experience of commanding battle forces."

"Then let us pray he scares Lord Tywin as well" Catelyn said."

Jon rolled up the map. "I will give the commands," he said. "I would still prefer that you return to Winterfell, I can arrange an escort to accompany you," he said again, hoping this time his mother would concede.

"No, I am needed at Riverrun. Bran and Rickon are safer in Winterfell than I shall be at Riverrun, and no matter how much I want to be with them, you are also my son. My brother and father need me also. I go with you south."

"So be it," Jon sighed, putting the issue to rest before moving onto the subject of Sansa. The situation his sister was in unsettled Jon greatly.

"Everything we have heard so far tells us that Sansa is still in the capital," he began. "I might have gone so far as to say that she would be relatively safe there, so long as Robb was with her. We have heard nothing about Robb, and even if Cersei Lannister had dictated Sansa's letter, no harm would have come from mentioning Robb in any sense. I do not believe he is in King's Landing."

"You have no proof of that Jon," his mother told him immediately. "His father has just died, his brother has ascended the Throne, and war is brewing."

"Everything going on in King's Landing feels wrong to me, mother," Jon argued, which brought him onto his next point. "No matter what way you look at it, alliances will only strengthen our cause. We have the Frey's, but Lord Renly is marshalling the combined forces of the Stormlords and Highgarden, and we have not heard anything from Lord Stannis on Dragonstone. From what I've heard about King Robert's brothers, that is particularly odd. You, Father, and even Robb have all said that Stannis Baratheon will do his duty no matter what. For whatever reason, Renly has declared himself King. Perhaps he believes himself a better candidate for the Throne than Joffrey, and on that matter I am inclined to agree; no good can come from Joffrey ruling the Seven Kingdoms."

"You mean to say that Renly is our best option for an alliance?" Catelyn questioned her son.

"Based on numbers, yes," Jon began. "But he has no claim to the Iron Throne. That is Joffrey's by rights, and I have no interest in overthrowing him. All I wish is for the release of father and the girls. In regards to Stannis; he is a skilled tactician in the battlefield and has an admittedly unyielding personality which I believe would benefit us. He would never stand for the Iron Throne to be usurped from Joffrey as the true heir but I hope that he will consent to an alliance with us once our intentions are made clear. I want to know what's happening on Dragonstone and would send you to treat with Lord Stannis. I trust no one more than you mother."

Jon watched as his mother to gage her thoughts. "I will not fail you," came her reply, expression hardened.

Hours later, as Jon and his forces rode over the bridge he had become betrothed for, and without his mother by his side, he knew that the decisions he had made today would have long reaching consequences. He only prayed that the fates of his family and bannermen had not been sealed by them.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: There we have it. Thanks for reading, I truly hope it was worth the wait.

Coming up next chapter: another brand new POV and hopefully a significantly shorter amount of time between this chapter and the next.