The Iron Throne of Ice and Fire

"Uncle and grandpa..."

After a moment of silence, Robb spoke slowly: "At that time, when I led the troops through the gate of Riverrun, I thought of Black Walder. Before Jenny was poisoned, his behavior was the most abnormal, and he seemed to be It's like venting some kind of dissatisfaction after drinking, but..."

He rubbed his face: "At that time, I realized something was wrong... Everything was too sudden, and the enemy didn't leave us any time to react. Uncle Edmure died in front of my eyes, and then my wife."

The firelight in the fireplace swayed, and Robb's blue eyes seemed to be burning with flames: "Uncle and grandpa, blood debts can only be paid with blood. I must avenge my family. This is my obligation."

Duke Brynden had hidden sadness on his face, and he kept his voice as calm as possible: "My son, a king cannot live in hatred alone, but a king who cannot avenge his family will not be recognized by others... … That man is his own king.”

After a pause, he stretched out his big hand and patted Robb on the shoulder, and said solemnly: "Robb Stark, as long as you can promise to take revenge and never forget that you are a king, I will fully support you. I Even if there are seven hells ahead, I will charge forward. This is the oath of an old knight."

Robb moved his lips and said in a hoarse voice: "Thank you, uncle and grandpa."

Duke Brynden, whose face was full of wrinkles, smiled kindly. He patted Robb again and said, "My son, the blood of trout and wolf runs in your body. You inherit the Tully family and the The wisdom and courage of the Stark family. I believe that hatred will only make you stronger. I have always believed that you can be a good king and defeat all enemies and enemies."

Robb nodded solemnly, this was his promise and a silent oath.

Brynden Tully smiled slightly, spread his hands, and said: "Then...please give the king an order. The old knight is at your disposal.

Hearing this, Robb couldn't help but smile.

After a pause, he said: "Uncle, our enemy must be the Lannister. The real murderer who poisoned Edmure Tully and Jeyne Westerling is Lord Tywin."

His fists tightened: "Then, at the appropriate time, I will sincerely apologize to Marquis Frey, and request a re-marriage, and marry the young lady of the Frey family as my new queen."

Duke Brynden opened his mouth and said: "I have to remind you that Old Frey is very cunning. He will not trust you easily. This is very dangerous."

Robb leaned on the back of his chair, was silent for a while, and said: "This is the least expensive way I can think of. Uncle and Grandpa, the North and the Kingdom of the Trident cannot bypass the Twins."

Duke Brynden thought for a while, then shook his head slightly and said: "Trouts should not jump into fishing nets, and wolves should not jump into hunters' traps. King Robb, even if we declare that Lannister is the murderer, Old Frey won’t... nor can he believe your sincerity.”

He frowned and said, "We need a more reliable method..."

Robb looked at the sword crown placed on the table and said slowly: "Sure...if...we want to make a safe plan, it means that it will take more time, but my kingdom will not be left to I have more time.”

After another period of silence, Duke Brynden had to agree with Robb's idea: "Tywin Lannister will not fail to see the value of the Twins to the entire war situation, and he will never give up on wooing the Frey family. . If the war goes against him, Old Frey will definitely turn to Lannister. Perhaps their private connection has never been broken, or perhaps it is because of Lannister's retreat that the Frey family dared to do the poisoning. .”

Robb clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms and veins popping out.

After slowing down, he said: "Yes, Marquis Frey has been 'prepared' to surrender to Lannister at any time."

After a pause, the corner of his mouth curled up slightly in mockery: "Marquis Frey is very greedy, he is greedier than anyone else, so... even if Fule breaks out, he will not give up easily and be promoted to the queen family's 'dream'. Granduncle, as long as we make good arrangements, he will not easily abandon my kingdom."

Duke Brynden nodded: "The location of the Twins is indeed important, but it is also surrounded by the North and the Riverlands. Therefore, unless there is a fundamental change in the war situation, Old Frey will not make the final decision. choice, he will huddle in the city and quietly watch the situation change."

He asked Robb, "What are you going to do? What is my mission?"

Robb stood up, came to the long table covered with maps, stared down for a while, then raised his eyes and said: "Uncle, I need to win a victory on the battlefield. Only in this way... will Marquis Frey be willing to believe me. 'Sincerity'."

Duke Brynden also walked to the table. He glanced at the map and said, "You already have a battle plan?"

Robb tapped his chin and pointed his finger at the location of King's Landing on the map: "Here, uncle and grandpa."

Ser Brynden seemed a little surprised: "King's Landing?"

Little Running Wolf nodded slightly. Although his fingers were placed on King's Landing, his eyes were fixed on the position of Harrenhal.

The next day.

In the morning after the rain, everything seemed particularly fresh and bright, and the air in Riverrun was filled with the fragrance of earth and the smell of... shit and urine.

"Your Majesty the Duke."

Standing on the high platform of the training ground, Duke Brynden turned his head, nodded, and said: "Earl Jason."

The person who came was a tall, thin man with a clean shave, a clear face, brown hair mixed with white, and a pair of blue-gray eyes.

His name is Jason Mallister, the Earl of Seaside City in the Riverlands. The coat of arms of House Mallister is a silver eagle with outstretched wings on an indigo background, and their motto is: Unattainable.

Jason Mallister stood next to Duke Brynden, looking at the soldiers practicing archery below, and said: "Lord Brynden, I received news that the king is gathering all the cavalry in Riverrun."

Seeing that Duke Brynden just nodded but did not speak, he hesitated and said: "I am a little worried about the state of His Majesty the King. He is a young man who has just lost his family. His burning anger can easily make him impulsive. Maybe, Together we can persuade the king."

After a pause, Earl Jason's eyes moved slightly, looked at Duke Brynden, and said: "Or, let me go on an expedition with the king."

"You have to trust our king."

Duke Brynden patted Earl Jason's arm and continued: "Our mission is to guard Riverrun, and Patrick will protect King Robb's safety. King Robb has already made arrangements, and he left all the infantry behind. us."

Patrick Mallister is the son and heir of Lord Jason Mallister and one of King Robb's personal guards.

Earl Jason did not ask about the specific arrangements. He paused and said, "Lord Brynden, will the knights of the Frey family go on an expedition together?"

The wrinkles on Lord Brynden's forehead deepened: "Did you hear something, Earl Jason?"

Earl Jason glanced at Duke Brynden and said, "I heard that only a few Walders were making preparations for the expedition. Black Walder's voice was very loud, and I was not the only one who heard his voice."

Lord Brynden sighed: "Let Black Walder stay in Riverrun and guard the home with us."

He sighed again: "After all, it was our young king who broke the engagement with the Frey family for a girl with the Westerling family. As long as Black Walder doesn't go too far, I believe King Robb won't... care too much. .”

Earl Jason heard the regret in Duke Brynden's words. His eyes trembled and he said: "My lord, the Frey family...may have some intentions..."

After hesitating for a while, he said directly: "They are not reliable."

"Thank you for your advice."

Duke Brynden stared into the distance and continued: "But they have the Twins, and you know its importance very well. Saying this will make people sound unhuman, but..."

He sighed again: "Queen Jane has passed away. This is a fact. As the king's great-uncle and his family, I have the obligation to remind him of his responsibilities as the king of the North and the Trident River. "

At this time, Roose Bolton's voice suddenly sounded behind them: "Yes, this is also your duty, Duke Tully."

Duke Brynden and Earl Jason turned their heads and looked over. Earl Luce stroked his chest and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't see your guard, so I came directly."

He nodded slightly: "Please forgive my presumption, Duke Tully, Earl Mallister."

Duke Brynden shrugged and said, "It doesn't matter. It's just the emotion of an old knight who is not afraid to be heard."

After the ceremony, Earl Luce stood on the other side of Duke Brynden and said: "If the Twins are willing to open the city gate, the 4,000 soldiers I brought from the north can fight with King Robb."

Earl Jason's eyes moved slightly and said: "Earl Bolton, I heard that you gathered the long shield soldiers of the Karstark family? I also heard that Earl Rickard's eldest son, Harion Karstark, was under the influence of the twins. Bolton Barracks north of River City.”

Count Luce glanced at Count Jason with his light eyes, and replied: "They are all from the North, and so am I."

Earl Jason added: "Harion Karstark should be handed over to King Robb's care."

Count Luce's voice was still small: "He is not a sinner."

"Earl Bolton, he is very dangerous." Earl Jason was not satisfied with Earl Luce's answer.

Earl Roose first stared at Earl Jason for a while, and then said: "Have you forgotten that Duke Eddard is still in Winterfell?"

Duke Brynden raised his hand to stop Earl Jason who was about to speak, and said, "Ed and Robb, father and son, need to meet each other as soon as possible. Obviously... the Twins City has become more important."

He added: "Old Frey is a stubborn guy, I hope my sincerity can impress him."

Earl Luce's eyes moved slightly and said: "Duke Tully, sincerity alone is not enough. We must prepare for the attack in advance. Only fear can make Marquis Frey believe in King Robb's sincerity again."

…………

…………

"damn it!"

boom!

Cersei Lannister, who had just returned from the Great Sept, returned to Magta's dormitory, grabbed the wine glass and smashed it against the wall.

Jaime Lannister waved his hand, signaling the others to leave.

He closed the door and said, "Cersei, there is no need for you to be angry."

Queen Cersei said coldly: "Captain of the Kingsguard, why are you still staying in the Queen Mother's chamber?"

Sir James shrugged, picked up an empty glass and poured wine, and said: "I'm worried that someone is ambushing the Queen Mother's bedroom. I have to stay to protect your safety. This is my duty."

After speaking, he handed the wine glass to Queen Cersei.

Queen Cersei snorted coldly, took the wine glass, took a sip of summer red, and said, "James, you are too slow. Didn't you hear who those untouchables were talking about?"

Hearing this, Sir Jaime poured himself a drink and thought about it, saying, "The little rose of Highgarden, Margaery Tyrell?"

Queen Cersei held the wine glass, glanced sideways at Sir Jaime, and said, "Thank the gods, at least our Sir has a pair of ears that can still be used."

Sir Jaime didn't mind the sarcasm in Queen Cersei's words. He smiled brightly and said, "It's enough that I only pay attention to you, you know, Lady Cersei."

Queen Cersei looked at Ser Jaime suspiciously. She felt that he seemed to be different in some way, but she didn't think much about it. At this time, she was filled with anger because of Margaery.

After thinking for a while, Queen Cersei said: "The Tyrell family bought the untouchables of King's Landing with bread. She has not yet married Joffrey, but her reputation has already surpassed that of my son."

She declared: "I really underestimated Margaery. She actually wanted to control Joffrey in her hands."

After Queen Cersei's words fell, Sir Jaime couldn't help but persuade him: "Cersei, if another person gave bread for free, the people of King's Landing would also promote that person's kindness and generosity. With you and father, no one can surpass you. Push Joffrey around."

Queen Cersei said angrily: "What do you know?! Haven't you seen Margaery's desire for power? I know my son. He won't like this kind of woman. What he wants is a well-behaved wife."

Sir Jaime spread his hands and said: "The marriage contract between Joffrey and Margaery is a condition of the alliance between the Lannister family and the Tyrell family. This is an unchangeable fact."

After a moment of silence, Queen Cersei walked up to Sir Jaime, looked directly at him with her head raised, and said coldly: "Go kill her."

Ser Jaime frowned and said, "Cersei, this is not funny."

Queen Cersei stared at him motionless: "I'm not kidding, for you and my son, and for me, my Jaime."

There was a warning in Sir Jaime's voice: "Margaery is the daughter of the Duke of Highgarden. She is Joffrey's future wife. You have no reason to hurt her."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became solemn.

Queen Cersei and Ser Jaime stood looking at each other, neither one choosing to back down.

After a while, Queen Cersei suddenly smiled, gently tapped Jaime's breastplate with her slender fingers, and said, "You are getting more and more boring, Ser Jaime."

Seeing this, Sir Jaime finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Cersei, I have asked about Margaery Tyrell a little bit, and I think she will make a good queen for Joffrey."