Thanks for the reviews. Now, about Valemen and Freys...

Robb III

"There they are" said, at his right, Lord Edmure. Robb resisted the temptation of slipping into Greywind and focused his human eyes into the horizon. And just like his uncle and Lord of the southern portion of his kingdom said, the top of Twin Towers of House Frey could be seen just above the horizon.

"This is where it really begun for us" said Robb. Just over a year ago he had crossed the Neck and set camp north of the Twins, at the head of a host of eighteen thousand men. He was not even Lord of Winterfell back then. Now he returned, more than six thousand men short, with a crown over his head and a with a trail of hostages he would have been honoured to welcome as guests at Winterfell once. When he marched south from almost the same spot where he was now, a single kingdom spread from the Stepstones to the Wall. Now, barely a year afterwards and in the wake of the Northern march, six kingdoms populated the land.

"It was the Golden Tooth for us" answered Edmure Tully without a hint of reproach in his voice. Robb nodded absent minded. 'Of course, the Riverlands have been at war longer than we. Should I come to their aid the moment Tywin Lannister called his banners? Would Father be alive if I had?' he wondered. He had not been able to save them all. Even more, he had lost too many good men. His father, executed by the Lannisters. Lord Rickard Karstark, avenging him. Lord Manderly's heir and Robin Flint, dead to protect him from the Kingslayer. The Lords Helman Tallhart and Halys Hornwood, killed in the mad war against the Vale when everything seemed to be over. Half the giants of the North, either killed or too injured and battle weary to prove reliable foot. As for the wargs… as he looked behind towards Lyanna Mormont's chained bear and the almost chained girl who warged into him, he wondered how many of them would be able to go back to a normal life. There was a reason why he tried to stay out of Greywind ever since he killed - and ate - Joffrey Baratheon.

"They are already there!" shouted one of the outriders. Human outriders "The host from Riverrun is already there!" 'Good' thought Robb 'And let them grow the fields in the coming days'. In the days after the battle of Harrenhall and considering the vast amount of rich and dangerous hostages taken from the Westerlands, he had decided the last men defending Riverrun were to escort them, as well as his mother, his Queen and younger sister, until they meet up at the Twins. His host carried its own set of hostages: Vale lords taken captive at a great cost when the Knights of the Vale fought their way out of Harrenhall in the wake of the Red Viper's capture of the Gates of the Moon. Lord Belmore, Lord Eon Hunter' sons, Ser Mychel Redfort and several other lesser lords. Ser Lucas Corbray, the last surviving member of the ill fated House was released on Robb's command. With his lands taken by House Harlaw of the Iron Islands, he was nothing but a hedge knight now.

The Northern Crown and the death of Lord Yohn Royce weighted the most upon him. He wondered if his father would have approved his actions. In life Lord Eddard Stark had only but the best words about the Vale Lords, specially about Lord Arryn and Royce, whom Robb had met two years before, when he escorted his son Waymar to take the Black - one of the few families in the south which still valued the Night's Watch.
Upon hearing about the Red Viper's take over of the Gates of the Moon, the Bronze Yohn had personally led a host of a thousand men to retake the old keep. Unknown to Robb at that time, the Bronze Yohn had been kept out of the war by his aunt because he actually wanted to support him in the war against the Lannisters. Unknown to the Bronze Yohn, the Ironborn fleet which took Heart's Home and opened the way towards the Gates of the Moon had gone back north to pick reinforcements from White Harbor. Led by Ser Marlon Manderly, the host turned south towards the Royces instead of the Sisters as he had planned. Soon enough, the Bronze Yohn found himself under attack from his northern flank. And as his lines held the attack, the Red Viper led a foray from the Gates of the Moon, catching the Royces from behind. The Valemen were thrown into disarray and the Bronze Yohn died days later from the wounds inflicted on him while he fought at the front of his men.

At the same time, all the Lords of the Vale in the Riverlands except for the Corbrays evacuated Harrenhall in force, as Robb expected they'd do. Much to his displeasure, the Blackfish had asked him to be discharged from fighting his friends and Robb, considering the vast services provided by Ser Brynden, didn't dare to refuse. Lord Edmure led the attack from the North while Robb attacked the Knights of the Vale from the south. Both forces were matched and thick woods prevented him from making proper use of the heavy horse. It turned into one of the hardest battles he fought. The knights at the Vale charged at his force with everything they had, hoping to take him captive and escape. Lord Tallhart left his life at the battlefield, along with almost a thousand of other men. A dozen skinchangers had to discharged, after they broke down from the dead of their animals. Four giants were killed and five more were so injured they were no longer able to fight. Of those, three had to be killed as they didn't let the field surgeons tend to their wounds. It was no victory, although no side would consider it so. The Knights of the Vale broke away before Edmure's hammer could smash it into the smashed anvil that were Robb's forces. The Knights of the Vale made their way into the Mountains of the Moon where, despite the lack of fortifications until the Gates of the Moon, a few hundred men could very well hold their ground against thousands.

Fortunately, Lord Tully had taken his fair share of prisoners while Robb held the southern flank and the remaining Vale Lords decided to sue for peace. The terms let Robb with a sour taste - yet there was nothing to be done about it. After storming Harrenhall and with the Night's Watch still calling for his attention, he couldn't afford an expedition against the highly defensible Vale of Arryn. House Harlaw would take Heart's Home while the North would return the holdfasts in the Fingers, taken by the Manderlys in the final days of the war. The Dornish and Ironborn would abandon the Gates of the Moon. In return, a young lad called Harrold Hardying, grandson of Lord Jasper Arryn and second cousin, or something, of Robert Arryn, would take the Arryn name and became Lord Protector of the Kingdom of the Vale until - if - King Robert Arryn became of age. Apparently the now Prince Harrold had distinguished himself in the breakout from Harrenhall and was knighted on the field of battle. If Robb saw him during the heat of the battle, he couldn't possibly remember. It may be that it was true, it may be that it wasn't. In any event, Prince Harrold would marry one of the Red Viper's daughters - it was up to him to choose which one. Dornish products, specially wine, would get ten years of customs exemptions at Gulltown. A marriage pact between either a Dornish or Ironborn noble and the Graftons of Gulltown was also agreed. Robb's aunt and her husband were to join the Faith and the Watch, respectively, or exile if they so wished. Neither had agreed to it, so Prince Harrold had replaced the Red Viper as the besieger of the Eyre, only this time in King Robert Arryn's name. Robb had no concern about treachery about it. The Red Viper had taken Lady Waynwood hostage, and Robb held his own set of prisoners, should the Vale Lords broke their word. Furthermore, Prince Harrold's position was dependent on the ousting of Lady Lysa and Littlefinger. If that sounded like treason, it was Prince Harrold's problem, not his.

Robb musings were ended by one Ser Stevron Frey, quickly galloping to his left "Your Grace, do we have your leave?" he asked

"You do Ser Stevron. Feel free to speed towards the Twins to celebrate and honor the fallen. And tell your father I mean to see him before the day is over"

"Aren't you coming to the feast, Your Grace?"

"As much as I appreciate the House Frey's hospitality Ser, there is not enough room at the Twins for all my men. And if my men can spend the night with only a canvas over their head, so can I"

Ser Stevron nodded and rode towards the Twins. Soon enough, more than three thousand men followed him in. Robb' squire, Ser Olyvar Frey, remained at his side. "You're a knight now, Olyvar. Sure you don't want to continue squiring" told him Robb

"Well, no, Robb. But if you can spend the night under a canvas, so can I, at least until you march north towards Winterfell. Besides, I'd like to meet up with my sister after all this time"

"Then let's set up the camp!" said Robb, smiling. Even if it was only for one night, setting everything up took its time. The men of House Frey, thousands in number, were scattered among the supply wagons, foot and horse. On both sides of the Green Fork, thousands of men from all over the Riverlands and the North formed a moving city and many of them were saying their farewells to fellow comrades in arms and, more often than not, camp followers.

By the time Robb's command tent was set up, he sneaked a view from Greywind's eyes and noticed his mother and the procession of Lords and hostages that were the declared reason for the army in the southern bank walking through the archway between the twin towers. Their march caused further delays, as hostages were split up and sent towards their future hosts. He also expected they'd be delayed with feasts and toasts at each of the towers. With Catelyn came Roslin, Arya, the Lords Bolton and Reed and Lady Maege Mormont with all her entourage. The Blackfish had remained at Riverrun to govern the Riverlands in Edmure's name until his return.

Finally, the hostages split and each of the Lords going their own way, Robb's mother and wife made their way into his tent. Olyvar received his sister Roslin with a warm embrace and Edmure did the same for Catelyn until both women took their turns to greet him. "Where is Arya?" finally said Robb when introductions were over.

"She wanted to stay at the Twins for the feast. Elmar is there with her" confirmed Roslin

"So she doesn't hate him? Those are good news" said Robb "Unfortunately, I need her in the camp. Not here if she doesn't want to, but in the camp. Olyvar, bring her here… she's not going to like it. Maybe Howland Reed can help you" finished Robb in a command tone and stopped at the shocked looks he was receiving from Catelyn and Roslin. 'Family' he reminded himself 'I can't just command them around. They don't know, though'

Olyvar left the tent and Robb found himself trying to find something to say when Edmure came to his rescue "He's right, Cat, even if my little niece doesn't like it. On other news, it seems there is wedding to plan! How did it happen? Dacey Mormont and the Imp?"

Neither his mother nor wife seemed deceived by Edmure' sudden turn of conversation but, without other option, Roslin explained "Maester Vyman suggested to give Lord Tyrion some limited freedom of the castle once Robb decided he'd became the next Lord of Casterly Rock and seems they got acquainted. She isn't attracted to him, but they are in friendly terms"

"And from Casterly Rock, Dacey has far more resources to keep the Ironborn in check than what she'd ever have in Bear Island. In a sense, she's protecting her lands" completed Catelyn "And, talking about marriages, how are you proposing Lord Bolton to marry a lowborn wildling skinchanger? Son, House Bolton is as old and proud as House Stark"

"And yet, he's willing to accept" said Robb

"If the dowry is big enough"

"It will be. As for why, because of services rendered in war. We arrange rewards for lowborn men who distinguish themselves in battle, marriages included sometimes. The same applies here. Besides, she's also one of the few people able to make Lord Bolton's skin crawl." said Robb. 'That, and because a quiet land and a quiet people is the best way to avoid indiscretions'.

"That should be quite an accomplishment. It seems we're going all the way to Winterfell only to go back south again. I think Bran should stop for the Imp's wedding on his way to Storm's End." said Catelyn, casually sipping some wine "From there, I want to continue south to Sunspear to say farewell to my daughter and prepare her for what is to come" that last part was in a not veiled at all accusing tone "And then I will go to the Eyre to have a chat with my sister"

Robb could see Edmure's face, preparing for the gathering storm. Fortunately, Olyvar Frey chose that moment to enter into the tent "Robb, Your Grace, Lord Reed took Arya and Elmar out of the Twins. He's telling them a story, or two."

"Good. And your father?" asked Robb

"He says he'd be happy to receive you at the Twins, but feels he's too old to be forced to walk all the way down and then up to the Twins back again… Your Grace"

Edmure raised an eyebrow at that "And how am I supposed to expect him to rule his lands for me if he can't even get out of his own keep, let alone travel through them? Ser Olyvar, your father's liege lord commands him to leave the Twins and come to this tent" he said, to Olyvar and Roslin's aggravated looks. Olyvar Frey, however, nodded and marched back to the Twins. Edmure finally helped himself some food and turned to Catelyn "I'm going to the Eyre as soon as our business here is completed, sister. If Lysa chooses the Faith over exile, I'll intercede to the High Septon to have her serving at Riverrun, at least for a while."

Catelyn looked confused at Edmure's explanation and Robb knew it was his turn to continue. 'First Jon, then Sansa and Arya, now Mother. And for all I know, Bran and Roslin too' he thought. "Mother, I need you to remain in Winterfell"

"What?"

"I'm not stopping at Winterfell. I'll gather a hundred men from each Northern House and I'll continue north to the Wall. Your suggestion about Bran going to Tyrion's wedding is a sound one, and Roslin and Arya should go as well. But you can't"

"What do you mean I can't? Bran and Sansa are my children. Your siblings, and you sent them away!"

"It's their duty to get married for the betterment of the North. By the Old Gods sake, Bran is becoming a King!" said Robb standing up "I need you to rule the North while I'm away"

"Rodrick Cassel has been running the North for a year. He can keep doing it, or he can go to the Wall to lead the men in your place"

"Mother, you know he can't. He's a Master of Arms. A very good one, but a Master of Arms nonetheless. We have engulfed the Westerlands, he have Ironborn on the Narrow Sea now, the Tyrells at the south and we influence in Dorne and the Stormlands now. A Stark must not only be at Winterfell right now, a Stark must be the one to rule from Winterfell."

"Then send Rodrick to lead the men against the wildlings"

"This isn't about the Free Folk mother. Jeor Mormont spoke of wights. Jon sent word of tales of White Walkers among the Free Folk. It was a Stark who raised the Wall against them, it has to be a Stark who leads the fight against them. I'm not the King of some flowery seat in the South. It has to be me."

"I don't want to. Not know" said Catelyn, to Robb's surprise. Or not 'I should have known. Father's death, Bran and Sansa's departure. The fear I'd die in battle'. It had been too much for her. Still, she had to. He knew there was one thing he could say to make her stay, he just didn't want to. Instead, he tried to reason with her "Mother, a Stark must rule from Winterfell and a Stark must lead at the Wall. Rickon and Arya are too young and Roslin, I'm sorry, but you don't yet know the lands or its people. Who else is there, mother, but you?"

Catelyn remained speechless and it was Roslin who broke the silence "Maybe you can call back your brother then"

Robb fought the urge to embrace his wife on the spot. As he expected, those were the exact words he needed to keep his mother from leaving, and he didn't want to be the one to say them. "Brother?" muttered Catelyn

"Jon" said Robb "He has not taken the vows yet. I made him a Stark in name, as he was always one in blood, and he is old enough to rule the North in my name. In time, he'll also teach Roslin everything she needs to know about the lands and people, so she can rule in my place when needed, just like you did for Father"

"It doesn't seem she needs to learn much more already" said Catelyn loathing. But by the looks of her face, Robb knew she would remain at Winterfell. And he may have just pushed away yet another relative. Finally Olyvar returned, and announced that Lord Walder Frey was slowly making his way out of the Twins "Good" said Robb "And Olyvar, whatever you choose to make of your life, Winterfell will always have her doors open for you. Your sister and I will both look to that. Now let's go, we'll meet Lord Walder on the way"

Edmure and him strolled out of the tent, quickly followed by Catelyn and Roslin. To Robb's surprise, Roslin embraced him as they walked through the camps. She also took her time greeting the men, high Lords or not, as they walked past them. He deeply missed Jeyne, but part of his mind couldn't stop thinking how good of a Queen Roslin could end up becoming, and how unlikely she was to turn into a loving wife.

In response, men raised and cheered the five of them in their walk through the camp. He could already spot Lord Frey walking with a cane and helped by his son and heir, Ser Stevron Frey, on his way. Around them, Mallister and Northerner Lords and retainers were gathering. The remaining men of the Riverlands were either inside the Twins if they were Freys or in the other side of the Green Fork, but news would reach them soon enough.

"Lord Frey!" called Edmure when they were some fifteen paces away. Robb could see Arya and Howland Reed approaching among the crowd and both the GreatJon and Lord Bolton looking with mild interest

"Lord Tully" answered back Walder Frey, appearing to make an effort to use the cane. Robb wondered if he needed it at all. In any event, looking at Edmure's stern expression, Walder Frey finally added the "My Lord"

"Lord Walder Frey" retorted back Edmure Tully, now face to face with the Lord of the Crossing "Over a year ago you have received ravens from the Lord of Riverrun, commanding you to raise your armies in defense the King's Peace and our very own lands. Your host refused to march" Walder Frey was about to protest, but Edmure cut him with a hand gesture "Even more, when the armies of the North came to us in our hour of need, you extorted two marriage pacts from them. Your own terms to Lady Catelyn Stark made it clear you considered your obligations towards your Liege Lord were conditional to an allied Lord agreement upon your terms.
Months later, you went as far as to pretend you haven't received my orders to put the marriage between the King in the North and one of your daughters on hold while an alliance with the Tyrells of Highgarden was negotiated." Walder Frey tried to protest again, but Edmure cut him with a gesture again "As a result, you directly sabotaged an alliance between the Kingdom of the North and the richest region in Westeros. Actions which led directly to the short and bloody war with the Kingdom of the Vale and would have led with a war against the Reach if Mace Tyrell hadn't died. In short, Lord Walder Frey of the Crossing, your refusal to carry on your duties condemn you, on your own words, on charges of treason against the Realm"

The men around them erupted in stupor. Ser Stevron made a move for the hilt of his sword, but was stopped by the sudden unsheathing of hundreds of Northern and Mallister swords. Robb wondered if none had seen this coming. The Northern camp was pretty much about to raise. The Twins and the Southern camp across the river were oblivious to the news, but it wouldn't take much to let the men of Riverrun know. Amidst the noise, a single scream filled the air, more important than any and all of them "NO!" shouted Roslin Stark "Lord Tully, have mercy. I command it!"

Edmure Tully, however, seemed imperturbable and didn't even move for his sword "It is your own kingdom your father has betrayed, Your Grace. I do not mean to let the bravery of House Frey go unrewarded, though"

"What?" said the Queen in the North

"Your father's actions prove my father was wrong when he let his so-called delay at the Trident go unpunished, all those years ago. Yet if I've seen anything in this last year it was the honor and bravery of every other Frey of the Crossing. Your Grace, from the Sunset Sea to the Blackwater Bay, since the Whispering Woods up to Harrenhall, your kin have fought and bled for our cause ever since your father unleashed them. It because of your brothers, your cousins, your uncles and all the brave men who live in this prosperous land that your father's actions can not tamper the undeniable honor of House Frey. It's because of them, and your request, that I'm willing to grant him mercy, should he chooses to join the Night's Watch"

"My father is an old man, what's the Watch be able to use him for?" asked Ser Stevron

"Their Lord Commander will know" answered Edmure, fully aware that there was no Lord Commander yet

"Robb?" asked Roslin

Robb simply shook his head "They are Edmure's subjects" he said. Around him, he could notice many of the assembled Lords realized the Twins were surrounded on both sides of the Green Fork and while the men outside had been busy setting up camp, those inside were already drunk from their feast "If anyone is willing to assist Walder Frey in his service with the Night's Watch, you're free to join" As he expected, nobody took the offer. By the next morning, Ser Stevron Frey was the new Lord of the Crossing and Tommen Baratheon was no longer the only highborn recruit headed to a life of service at the Wall.