The crunch of earth under Swiftwind's hooves and the rustling of leaves was almost deafening to Torrhen's ears as he rode through the woods among the assembled soldiers. The only thing that seemed louder were the whispers from various corners of the army. Whispers of prayers, of reminiscence, and of casual conversation in order to distract from anxiety about upcoming events. He saw the Hornwood boys, Daryn and his younger brother Martyn, conversing quietly. Torrhen could imagine Daryn boasting of all the treasure and glory he would bring back to his intended, Alys Karstark. Torrhen thought that Lord Rickard had found a good match for his daughter in the Halys Hornwood's eldest son. Though he also lamented that this battle would ultimately dispel the young man's naiveté and shatter any illusions he had about war as his were in the mountains of the Vale, which seemed almost a lifetime ago. Riding to the front and saluting Renly, Rickard and the Greatjon, he brought Swiftwind alongside Dacey. She looked focused and determined, no trace of anxiety or nerves on her face. 'I suppose one has to grow up quickly on Bear Island,' he thought as he studied her.

"How are the men?"

"Anxious, but ready."

"Let's hope so. A lot depends on this battle, including your father's life."

"You're absolutely right. If we can capture Jamie Lannister, we could have the best leverage in the Seven Kingdoms. His father would anything short of abandoning Casterly Rock to get his heir back.

"You think he would release your father for his son?"

"I have to believe he would."

"Then I'll believe with you." She took her hand in his, bringing a small smile to his face at the warmth emanating from it. "Is this your first battle?"

"No. I fought with Ser Renly against the hill tribes on the road to the Eyrie. They had attacked my mother's party and the two of us rode in to help fight them off. I can't remember how many I killed that day, but I remember afterward feeling a mixture of elation and disgust. It was the strangest feeling, like I enjoyed it while I was in the thick of it only to feel like the whole thing was just…pointless."

I think I understand. I remember my first fight, back on Bear Island. I must have been fourteen, at least."

"What happened?"

"I was off playing on the north coast of the island with Aly. There was a raiding party of wildings that had managed to slip past the Shadow Tower and most of the men were gone fishing. By accident, we found a small party of them on the beach. I left Aly behind to get a closer look, but one of them managed to sneak up behind and grab her. When I went back to take her back home and warn mother, I found her being dragged back towards the camp by the huge ugly bastard and I was fortunate that he didn't see me. Aly was keeping him occupied with trying to scream and bite him. Suddenly, I jumped out of a bush and hit him in the head with my morningstar. When he hit the ground, I grabbed Aly and ran back home to sound the alarm. Later, after we drove them off, I found where he had fallen. The smell wasn't too bad, but I could see where I had split the skin and bone. I could even see his brains, all gray and mushy. It was a strange feeling; I was proud of what I did to protect my family, but at the same time I wondered if I could have done things differently."

"Gods, that's quite the story. I suppose it is the questioning that separates people like us from, say, Gregor Clegane. Men who kill but never bother to ask why."

"I certainly glad it does." Suddenly, the philosophical musings were interrupted by loud barking. Rhaegar came running in, racing up to Torrhen. As he approached, Torrhen could hear his heart begin to pound in his ears.

"They're coming. Rickard, Renly, get word to the other captains. Tell them it's time." The two men nodded and rode off to prepare the troops while Torrhen looked down at Rhaegar, panting with his tongue hanging out. "You ready, boy?" Barking his confirmation, the wolf and the man gazed out into the clearing. Suddenly, a distant rumbling could be heard which grew louder and louder until hundreds of riders came charging by, their horses churning the waters of the Tumblestone as they made their way north. Torrhen thought he could see the Blackfish at the head of the column, but he couldn't be certain. He had no time to call out to him and even if he did, it could put the whole plan in jeopardy. Then silence returned to the wood as quickly as it had been broken. While it may have only been moments, to Torrhen it was an eternity.

"Please let this work." Torrhen's whispered prayer was quickly answered as the thundering hooves returned, but this time accompanied by the crimsons and golds of the Lannister knights. As they passed, Torrhen found himself holding his breath. Thankfully, their undivided focus on their prey blinded them to what surrounded them. Until it was too late. With a hand gesture, hundreds of archers rushed forward and formed long lines along the river. Then, arrows were knocked and strings drawn. With another gesture the arrows were launched in a graceful arc, followed by the cries of men and the screams of horses as targets were found. This was followed by another salvo and more shouts.

"Prepare to charge on my command!" Torrhen's command spread through the lines as he nudged Swiftwind forward, emerging from the tree line with Dacey right beside him while the archers withdrew to the trees. Then, over the tops of the tree, a single flaming arrow raced upwards. This was the signal. The time had come to close the trap, as he could begin to hear the distant sounds of horses, clashing swords and shouting men.

"Advance!" Torrhen drew his sword and held it high as he and Dacey trotted forward, followed by hundreds of northern horsemen. "Troop to the right and form lines!" His command was quickly carried and with practiced precision, the horsemen had drawn up in two long lines. "Sound the charge!" With that, a cacophony of horns blew a long, low note that reverberated through the valley and made Torrhen's teeth rattle and his heart pound. They were joined by Rhaegar's howling, which raised the hairs on the back of his neck as well.

"The gods are with us!" Dacey cried out exuberantly, waving her Morningstar above her head. To Torrhen, she looked absolutely beautiful. But then, he set his eyes forward, dropped his sword, and took a long deep breath.

"CHARGE!" And just like that, the thunder of their charge filled the world. Like a great wave, they surged forward with the neighing of horses, random shouts and whoops and a dozen assorted war cries all mixing into a wall of horses, men, steel and fury. But strangely, Torrhen didn't feel scared whatsoever as they closed the distance and the chaos of battle loomed ahead.

He was exhilarated.

"WINTERFELL!" His roar joined the others as they slammed into the Lannister flanks, his sword cleaving through red armor, flesh and bone of a rider before slicing through the sword arm of another without breaking stride while Dacey's morningstar shattered another rider's jawbone. And then he was in the middle of the churning mass, men fighting and dying all around him. In the distance, he could see and hear the Greatjon laughing as he cleaved his way through the masses, having the time of his life. 'Doesn't take much to please that old beast.', he thought as he parried a sword blow before jamming his blade through his attacker's throat. He also saw Rickard and Renly holding their own while Rhaegar had managed to latch his jaws onto the neck of a beautiful chestnut stallion while its rider struggled to both hold on and remove the offending beast. All his efforts proved for naught as a knight of the Freys rode up behind him and drove an ax into the weak spot at his neck, leaving the slain man to fall lazily from his horse as blood spurted out. To add insult to injury, his panicked horse then proceeded to stamp upon its former master's corpse while Rhaegar still hung on doggedly. Despite the carnage, a small grin came to Torrhen's lips unbidden.

"Press them, sons of the First Men! Hold the line!" He roared over the din, as the Northmen gave no quarter to their beleaguered foes. "Keep up the advance! The Old Gods are with us!" Despite the chaos and blood and screams, he let loose a cry of jubilation. He began to understand how Robert Baratheon felt at Summerhall, when three armies fell to him in a single day. But suddenly that feeling turned to dread as his eyes fell upon none other than Ser Jamie Lannister, astride a white horse in resplendent red and gold armor, hewing and hacking all around him with an almost artistic grace as he rode across the battlefield...straight towards Robb. Kicking Swiftwind into a gallop, he raced to intercept him. Torrhen and Eddard Karstark beat him to it, both seasoned warriors of many years each, only to be cut down by the Kingslayer in a flurry of steel and blood. Then young Daryn Hornwood, covered in blood and dirt, charged against him. Despite being unable to be heard over the tumult, Torrhen screamed; First in fear, as he tried to warn the young man away, and then in horror as the heir to Hornwood first lost his sword hand and then his head with his killer moving on before his body fell to the dirt. Then, a lucky spear pierced the neck of the horse upon which Robb rode, throwing him to the ground. Watching the scene unfold, Torrhen raced for his brother but realized that he would not make it in time. So, turning towards the Kingslayer, he sheathed Dark Sister and pushed Swiftwind harder than he had ever done before. Then, in an act of utter madness, he stood up in his saddle and flung himself at his target while Swiftwind turned away at the last minute. With a great roar, he slammed into Ser Jamie's torso, sending him flying from the saddle. The two men fell to the ground in a pile, with Torrhen rising first and drawing his sword just in time to catch a rider wearing the purple unicorn of House Brax in the chest. Making his way to the dazed rider, he cut the man's throat and grabbed his war hammer before turning to face his enemy, now recovered from his fall and with sword in hand. As the chaos of battle surrounded them, the two warriors faced each other in silence, without the boasts and stirring words found so often in the songs and tales of such bloody days. But upon Jamie Lannisters' face was a calm smile, holding malice just underneath the surface while his eyes seemed…bored as if this battle had somehow become unworthy of his attention. But Torrhen cared nothing for what Ser Jamie thought, for over his shoulder he saw that Robb had risen and was now in the thick of the fighting, covered by Theon and his men-at-arms. Assured of his brother's safety, he returned his attention to the man before him. With silent prayer and raised weapons, he advanced and met Lannister steel with his own. Blades rang against each other as the two men did their lethal dance, each looking for an opening in the other's defenses. Torrhen was younger and faster, while Ser Jaime was stronger and more experienced. Torrhen wielded two weapons and had greater range, but Jamie could deliver more power to his blows with both hands on his sword. But Torrhen had two advantages; he had Dark Sister, a legendary weapon, and he recognized his opponent was the better fighter. So, despite the blood pounding in his heart, he willed himself to keep control and make his opponent come to him, to use his strength and wait for the right moment to strike.

"I'm impressed, boy. You have talent. A shame it will come to naught on this field." Ser Jamie's words, though full of confidence, could not hide his growing exhaustion.

"This battle is not over yet, Kingslayer, and neither is my time in this world!" Torrhen shouted as he sidestepped a sword thrust and caught the blade with his hammer, watching the confidence fade from the Kingslayer's face as he realized his mistake. Torrhen rewarded him for it as he carried the blade overhead, bringing it away from his body and leaving his opponent open before slamming his fist into his face. Though he could not be sure as he staggered, he hoped that he at least broke his nose. A fine distortion to his supposedly perfect features. And then he pressed, blow after blow, giving no chance to recover. But then he swung wide and was rewarded with a blow to the gut, driving the wind out of him. A moment's disorientation allowed the Kingslayer a golden opportunity, raising his blade to bring down on Torrhen's head. A small comfort was derived from the fact that, like Daryn Hornwood, death would come quickly. Suddenly, a black blur crashed into Ser Jamie, knocking him to the ground. Rhaegar had seized one of his arms in a terrible grip, while Ser Jamie writhed on the ground and screamed as he tried to dislodge the beast. Only with a fist swung at his eye did Rhaegar release him, whining in pain as he was tossed aside. When Torrhen saw this, an inhuman fury overtook him.

"NO ONE HURTS MY WOLF, YOU BASTARD!" After burying his hammer in the eye of a Westerling man, he grabbed Dark Sister's hilt with both hands and launched himself into Ser Jamie. Blow after unrelenting blow, howling like a madman as he hammered at his defenses. For a moment, he thought he could see something flash across Ser Jamie's face. Could it be fear? He didn't know and didn't care as he parried a thrust and grabbed Ser Jamie's wrist. Suddenly, like something only heard of in story or song, Torrhen brought down his blade with a great roar and sliced through the Kingslayer's sword with a sound that could have been mistaken for the crack of lightning. Looking up, he could see genuine shock on the face of his opponent, as if he couldn't believe what had just occurred. He made sure he believed with a solid kick to his chest, sending him tumbling over the legs of a fallen Lannister soldier. Before he could rise with his dagger, Torrhen was upon him with Dark Sister at his throat and a boot on his wrist. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever imagine this moment, but here he was. he had just beaten the youngest Kingsguard in history in single combat. Glancing upward, he saw the remaining Lannister forces begin throwing down their arms and raising hands in surrender. Returning to his prize, he tightened his grip on his sword and said the first thing that came to mind.

"Ser Jamie Lannister of Casterly Rock, Knight of the Kingsguard, you have been beaten and your life is now mine. Yield and you will live to be ransomed. Refuse and you will join your fallen companions with the worms." Rhaegar joined him, snarling down at the fallen knight.

"What say you? Will you leave this field a captive…or a corpse?" It was quite fascinating to watch the emotions change across his face: Surprise, anger, and finally resignation. He uncurled his fingers and the knife fell to the earth with a dull thud.

"A captive, Lord Stark. I am your prisoner."

"Good answer."

(-)

As the sun finally broke over the horizon, Torrhen marveled at the tranquility of the field where there had been chaos only moments ago. Ser Jamie and the rest of the prisoners were bound and led away while the enemy dead were slowly stripped of their valuables, and those who had lost those dearest to them found their bodies and mourned. Rickard Karstark howled and wailed at the gods for taking his sons while Martyn Hornwood wept over the headless body of his brother. Grey Wind's howls carried over the field, a mournful sound that fit perfectly with the mood. While it was a victory, it was a bloody one. 'My first real battle. Gods, how can men enjoy this?' He thought as recalled his earlier excitement, now feeling so wrong and unnatural, as Rhaegar nuzzled his hand to give some comfort to his master. "I'm alright, boy. How about you? Is your eye alright?" He knelt to get a closer look and was rewarded with a barrage of licks.

"Torrhen!" Dacey's voice pricked his ears, filling his heart with joy as he stood up. He turned and saw her striding towards him, face and armor both caked in dirt and blood with her morningstar at her side still dripping with water from cleaning. "There you are!"

"It would seem so, and in one piece. Are you…?", Dacey's lips stole whatever words, and the air needed for them, from his mouth. After a moment's surprise, he reciprocated her passion. For what seemed like an eternity but could have been only moments, the two held each other tightly, only separating when the need for air became greater than the need for each other.

"Well, not that I'm complaining, but what was that?"

"I saw you tackle the Kingslayer from his horse and I feared the worst. So, now that you're alive and well, I didn't want to wait in case I never got another chance."

"Well, feel free to take as many chances as you like." Dacey's face broke out into a huge smile.

"Oh, I intend to." Closing the distance between them, she took his face in her hands and kissed him with Torrhen holding on to her waist.

"Torrhen!" Renly's cry ended the moment and the two separated, their eyes promising to continue…whatever this was later while Renly and Rickard came riding up, with Renly holding Swiftwind's reins.

"Renly! Glad to see you're still in one piece. You too, Rickard." He took the reins from Renly and stroke the side of Swiftwind's head, relieved to see his steed alive and well while others weren't so lucky.

"Not for the lack of trying, mind you. These Westermen are damn good fighters."

"They certainly are. Any prisoners?"

"A few men of Houses Brax and Greenfield. We ever found a Dornishman in their company. A sellsword named Mallor.

"After what happened to Elia Martell, it's hard to imagine anyone from Dorne fighting for the Lannisters."

"Gold can make a man do many things, even betray their own morals. Then again, you can't eat morals. What else?"

"Lady Mormont here disarmed Lord Quenten Banefort and took him captive, along with ten of his men. Of course, we all knew who you captured." Torrhen could not help but blush at their grinning faces.

"I got lucky. That's all."

"Remind me to lecture you about modesty when we're alone." Torrhen found himself silently cursing the gods as his blush deepened at the innuendo behind her words, while simultaneously enjoying the attention.

"I look forward to it. So, where's Robb?"

"He's with the prisoners. I'm sure he's waiting for you."

"Well then, I had better be off. Will you come with me?"

"Of course." Torrhen vaulted into the saddle, then pulled Dacey up behind him. Feeling her arms tighten around his waist, he set off towards the edge of the woods where the prisoners were being assembled. Among them, he could see Robb and Theon, along with the Umbers and other lords, watching over them. As they approached, a cheer broke out among the men as Torrhen passed by. Apparently, news of his fight with the Kingslayer had spread through the ranks like wildfire. He could even hear a few men calling him 'Swordbreaker', which brought a smile to his face. To earn an epithet like that was no small accomplishment, but he had to remind himself that it had been earned at a bloody cost. No time was wasted on formalities as he dismounted and grabbed Robb in a tight embrace, relief washing over the both of them.

"You're a sight for sore eyes, brother."

"So are you. When your horse went down, I thought I felt my heart in my throat."

"So did I. I saw what happened to the Karstarks and I thought the same had happened to you."

"Well, aren't we a lucky pair?"

"Indeed. Jon did say we Starks are hard to kill."

"Well, let's not put that to the test." Just then, the sound of pounding hooves caught their ears as their mother and her escort came riding in. After dismounting, her composure broke, and she rushed to her sons. As a noble lady, she might be dissuaded from such a gesture, but as a mother, it was only natural to tightly cling to her two eldest children. Far from being embarrassed, Torrhen welcomed the embrace. He wasn't in a hurry to do away with all trappings of childhood just yet.

"Are you both alright?"

"We're fine, mother. A few scratches, but we're still in one piece."

"By the time they knew what was happening, it had already happened. They never had a chance."

"How many men did you lose?"

"We haven't made a full count, Lady Stark. But from what we can see, our losses were few. Less than two hundred."

"It was incredible. Not since the Field of Fire has there been such a victory. Ten Lannisters dead for every one of ours!" Theon's exuberant declaration was shared by many, as their roars rang across the field.

"But each one was a friend or dearest blood. Karstark lost two of his sons and young Martyn Hornwood must bury his older brother. I can only imagine the grief Lord Halys will feel when he receives the news."

"He asked me permission to dam the White Knife and take a holdfast his grandfather lost. I was planning to give it, though I doubt his firstborn's life would be part of the price for it." Robb's downcast look showed just how much the responsibility of rule was weighing on him. Torrhen didn't envy him.

"At least he has another son. Some of them aren't so lucky." Catelyn's eyes, full of sympathy, darkened when they fell on the Kingslayer, covered in mud and blood, some of it his own. Robb followed them, and when they saw where they landed, motioned to the Greatjon to hoist the knight up and bring him forward. He obliged, dropping him unceremoniously at her feet with a great clunk.

"Ah, Lady Stark. What a pleasure to make your acquaintance again. I would offer you my sword, but thanks to your son I seem to have lost it." His words, full of sarcasm, pricked at Torrhen. How dare he make light of what had happened to him and to his men.

"I don't want your sword, Ser Jaime. I want my daughters back. I want my husband back!" The steel in her voice rang loud and clear.

"I've lost them too, I'm afraid." The smugness in his voice was nearly infuriating.

"Kill him, Robb! Send his head back to his father!", Theon cried out. "He cut down ten of our men, including Karstark's boys. You saw it and so did you, Torrhen!"

"Kill him, and we might as well be cutting father's throat ourselves. Keep him alive, and we'll have Tywin's balls in a vice. He won't do anything that puts his golden boy in danger, Robb, and that gives us options"

"Torrhen's right, Theon. He's worth more to us alive than dead." Theon let out a little sigh of childish disappointment, at which Torrhen rolled his eyes while Catelyn continued to fix him with an almost lethal glare.

"Take him away and put him in irons." With a nod from Robb at her command, the Greatjon hoisted Ser Jamie onto his feet.

"Wait! We could end this war right now, boy. Save thousands of lives."

"How?" At Robb's question, he drew himself up to full height and tried to look as noble as possible despite his appearance. Torrhen silently commended him for at least trying.

"Single combat. You fight for House Stark, I fight for House Lannister. Swords, lances, knives, teeth, whatever you wish. Choose your weapons and let's end this here and now." Silence fell over the army as Robb contemplated the offer before fixing the knight with a cold, steely gaze.

"If we did it your way, Kingslayer, you'd win. We're not doing it your way." At Robb's declaration, a small smile broke out on Ser Jamie's face, impressed by his bravery at admitting his limitations. Torrhen was impressed as well. If only Daryn Hornwood could have made such an admission.

"Come on, pretty man." Greatjon's gruff command sent cheers through the army, watching as the great Jamie Lannister was led off like a whipped dog. The remaining prisoners followed under the watchful eyes of the guards. Meanwhile, Robb did not join in the cheers and had the most morose expression on his face that Torrhen had ever seen. The realities of war had dawned on him and there would be no going back.

"Gods forgive me for this. I sent two hundred men to their graves here today, and who knows how many more on the Kingsroad."

"The bards will sing songs of their sacrifice." Theon's joviality was irksome to the brothers as they contemplated what had happened here, which was as far from glorious as any man could possibly be.

"Aye, but the dead won't hear them," Robb said as he made his way to a small rise from which to look upon his men, with Torrhen and Theon at his sides. Looking from side to side, he began to speak. No words of glory, only truth and purpose. "One victory does not make us conquerors. Did we free my father? Did we rescue my sisters from the Queen? Did we free the North from those who want us on our knees? No. This war is far from over. Now we must make for Riverrun and break the siege. We must free my uncle Edmure and make the Lannisters rue the day they ever set foot in the Riverlands. Those who can ride and fight, follow me!" A great cheer went up among the men as those who had strength mounted their horses and began to compose themselves. "Uncle Brynden, take your men and ride across the Tumblestone. Strike the northern camp and scatter them. I will lead the assault on the western camp. Ser Rodrik, remain with my mother and return to our camp." The two men nodded and made their way off the field, with Catelyn looking back forlornly at her sons riding off to another battle. Torrhen silently hoped that whatever prayers she had made to the gods that morning would carry through the day.

"No man could ask more of you this day, Torrhen, but I must. Will you come with me?"

"No need to ask, Robb. I am with you to the end."

"Then come, brother. There is much work to be done before the end of this day." As they mounted their horses, with Robb's new mount being formerly Ser Jamie's, the two brothers made their way off the field. Those who had not returned with the wounded and the captured followed, still covered in dirt and blood but it mattered little. Their hearts were lifted by victory and strengthened by resolve, a resolve that would take them to the walls of Riverrun. Despite his previous melancholy, Torrhen found himself elated. He had won his first battle, captured a knight of the Kingsguard in single combat, and now he and his brother were leading an army to liberate his mother's home.

Word of what they had done here would spread across Westeros and men would know his name. They would know Torrhen Swordbreaker.

This took longer than I thought it would, but dammit I did it! So glad to have this chapter finished, and one step closer to the end. As always, thank you for your support and stay safe and healthy during this rather bizarre time we are all living in right now.