The Mountain of Ice and Fire

The Westerlands scout team, caught between two enemies, quickly lost their ability to fight back. Soon, all ten were shot down.

Blackfish Brynden Tully jumped off his horse. The brothers first seized the Westerlands scouts' horses, then lined up the bodies of the Westerlands scouts on the ground. Brynden noticed that the right shoulders and upper right arms of the Westerlands scouts uniformly lacked heavy armor, using either light leather or close-fitting soft armor instead. This unprecedented small change puzzled Brynden Tully, but he didn't dwell on it.

He noticed that every scout's armor was like this: the right shoulder and upper right arm were not protected by the best plate armor.

Two of the Westerlands scouts were not yet dead.

Theon Greyjoy loudly demanded military intelligence from them. The two scouts didn't hesitate much, telling Theon everything they knew about the number of troops, commanders, and vanguard generals in the Westerlands army. Theon was very satisfied with their cooperation. He asked in detail about the military deployment, but unfortunately, these two scouts didn't know the current specific troop deployments. They had been heading north on their mission for many days.

Theon drew his short sword and cut the throats of the two Westerlands scouts.

His movements were quick and clean, catching everyone off guard. Brynden squatted down to examine the changes in the Westerlands scouts' armor, and Theon had already killed the two prisoners.

"Lord Robb's orders are not to kill prisoners," Brynden Tully said, very dissatisfied.

"I know, but these two guys are already injured, it's better to kill them. Otherwise, we'd have to have a maester heal them, they'd eat our food and drink our wine, and we'd have to carry them around. I can't stand it," Theon laughed, as confident and nonchalant as ever!

Brynden Tully gave Theon a cold look: "The captured Westerlands warhorses are ours, and we will continue south to scout. You can take the armor and weapons back. Also, pay attention to House Frey's Twins, and station the best archers to ambush along the Green Fork. Any ravens flying south from House Frey should be shot down."

"A very cautious idea, but I agree. We must prevent House Frey from informing House Lannister," Theon laughed. "Rest assured, my lord, leave this to me. When you return, we'll eat roasted Frey ravens with wine."

*

Catelyn Tully, though dressed in durable, rough linen, couldn't hide the noble aura carefully cultivated from her upbringing in a ducal family.

She rode her horse beside Robb Stark, half a horse's length behind, her hood pulled up, covering her head and face. Her hidden gaze remained fixed on Robb.

Ever since Robb met Wyman Manderly, he had changed completely. From someone who was forcing himself to stand tall, he had become confident and assured. His face was radiant, and he spoke more, his words and actions becoming more cheerful and humorous.

What did Wyman Manderly say to Robb?

Catelyn Tully knew she couldn't find Wyman Manderly to ask clearly—because Robb, after meeting Wyman, believed that his overly obese body was not suitable for charging into battle. Yesterday, he ordered Ser Wyman to return to White Harbor with a few attendants to garrison it.

Wyman Manderly complied!

What exactly did Wyman say to Robb?

Curiosity welled up in Catelyn's heart. She decided to find a suitable opportunity to ask later. Her son was now the ruler, the commander-in-chief of the Westerlands army, the supreme commander. Catelyn had to maintain her son's dignity and authority at all times. If there was anything to say or ask, she would be very mindful of the occasion if it was of great importance.

If it were something that could be said casually, Robb would have told her already. Robb had been tight-lipped about his meeting with Wyman since his return, which indicated that what Wyman had told him was very unusual.

Ahead, the sound of rushing water could be heard. A magnificent castle and a dark, looming bridge spanning the Green Fork came into view.

Catelyn went forward: "Robb, I don't see Uncle Brynden?"

"I asked Lord Brynden to take a scout party south last night," Robb politely turned back and said to his mother.

"Last night?"

"Yes, in the early hours of the morning."

"So late?"

"The night is the best cover, and I didn't want to alarm anyone else."

Catelyn glanced back at the earls and the seemingly endless column: "I think you've become more cautious."

"One must be in awe of war and act carefully."

Catelyn's heart stirred. Her son seemed to have gained some powerful support. Despite his cautious words, his tone was full of confidence, as if he had suddenly grown up and had a better grasp of his actions.

"Well said. Although Lord Wyman is very fat and disrespectfully called 'Lord Merman,' he is a respectable knight. This time, his army and two sons have come, and his loyalty is beyond doubt."

"Yes, Mother."

"He asked you to see him yesterday. What did you talk about?" After going around in such a big circle, Catelyn finally asked what she wanted to know.

"He apologized to me, saying that he was too fat and had been sick with a fever ever since he left. Someone who comes in a sedan chair can't possibly go into battle. He hoped not to affect the morale of our troops. He asked for my forgiveness and hoped that I would allow him to return to garrison White Harbor."

Catelyn looked at her son's face, which was not good at lying. She could hear a hint of 'I'm lying' in every word Robb said. She knew Robb too well.

Robb was lying, but Catelyn was unwilling to force him. If he thought it was inappropriate to tell her, then let him keep the secret in his heart.

"Robb, ahead is House Frey's Twins. Yesterday, we also received a distress letter from Riverrun. Have you thought clearly about what to do?"

"We'll split into two groups. I'll lead the cavalry across the Green Fork and launch a surprise attack on Riverrun, catching Jaime off guard."

"What about facing Duke Tywin's army? Who will command?"

"I've already decided, Lord Roose Bolton."

"Why Roose Bolton?"

"The main purpose of facing Tywin's army is to defend and contain them, making Tywin believe that all our troops are heading south to fight him. Lord Umber has a fiery temper and is suitable for charging into battle as a vanguard; Lord Glover's prestige is slightly insufficient; Lord Karstark is rigid and inflexible, not suitable for standing alone; the other earls are either irritable, brave, or timid. Only Roose Bolton is calm, composed, unhurried, and suitable for defensive containment warfare. If it were a charge, he would have more reason than courage."

Catelyn was both surprised and delighted to hear this. Every sentence of her son's analysis touched her heart, making her look at him with new eyes.

Catelyn wanted to praise her son, but seeing the smug look on his face, she forcibly restrained herself.

"Robb, the Frey's bridge is not so easy to cross," Catelyn warned.

"I know. Walder Frey is a calculating man. He is cautious and will always choose to stand on the side of the victor. When it is unclear who will win, he will not give us a good look unless there is enough profit to tempt him. House Frey of the Twins has been able to become wealthy in hundreds of years by building this long bridge over the river and charging expensive tolls. He not only charges the people crossing the river on the east and west banks, but also charges all the ships going up and down the river."

Catelyn was surprised to hear this. Robb was so knowledgeable about House Frey as well.

"What will we do if Frey doesn't let us pass?"

"Simple, give him what he wants. Lord Walder won't be able to refuse."

Catelyn nodded repeatedly. Robb had a secret meeting with Wyman, and his understanding of the situation became clearer, as if he were a different person from a few days ago. Clearly, he had received guidance from some expert.

Catelyn felt greatly relieved. In times of crisis, someone was secretly assisting the North.

Only if the Northern army wins the war can Eddard, Sansa, and Arya, who are being held in King's Landing, be safe.

"Report!" A cavalryman responsible for patrolling the perimeter came to report, "Lord Theon annihilated a Westerlands scout team. He needs you to send him a team of longbow archers to ambush along the Green Fork to prevent House Frey from sending ravens to Tywin in the Westerlands. Lord Theon will arrive soon."

"Granted! Lord Rodrik, pass down my order to select the best archers from the ranks to form a small team and give them to Theon Greyjoy."