"Robb!"
"Quick, look at this!"
Inside Winterfell, an anxious-looking Theon Greyjoy strode into the Great Hall, holding a message that had just arrived from King's Landing.
Eddard's eldest son, Robb Stark, sat in the high seat. His broad black leather cloak accentuated his sturdy frame, making him appear even more imposing. A pair of sharp eyes flickered with the light of a Great Lord, commanding respect.
Though he was only fifteen years old, he already showed a trace of the demeanor belonging to a future warden of the north.
On the table before Robb lay a large map that encompassed most of Westeros, including important regions such as the North, the Westerlands, the Riverlands, and the Crownlands.
Standing on either side of him were the bannermen of House Stark—Rickard Karstark, the head of House Karstark, and Roose Bolton, the head of House Bolton.
These two ancient houses had been loyal to House Stark for centuries. As early as the War of the Usurper initiated by Eddard and Robert over a decade ago, they had swiftly answered their liege lord's call and performed meritorious service in the war.
Now that House Stark was facing a crisis, both Rickard Karstark and Roose Bolton had arrived at Winterfell at the first opportunity to offer counsel for the war that might be imminent.
Seeing outsiders present, Theon's hurried pace slowed, and he slowly lowered the hand holding the letter.
"It's all right. Both lords are my father's most loyal companions. If you have something to say, speak."
Understanding Theon's concern, Robb glanced at the two men beside him and gave a grand wave of his hand.
Nodding, Theon momentarily lost himself as he looked at Robb, whose presence was becoming increasingly similar to Eddard's. He handed the letter over while speaking:
"A letter from Lord Stark. He says the trial in King's Landing has concluded. The Imp could not be sentenced to death due to insufficient evidence. Lady Catelyn's remains are already on their way back to the North."
"He and the two young misses are trapped in the city by the Gold Cloaks and cannot escape. He is trying to find an opportunity for the two young misses to return to the North first."
"The Lord tells us not to act rashly and to wait and see for the time being. We must not be the first to start a war. We should wait until the truth comes to light before making further plans."
Once Theon finished his report, a look of "as expected" appeared in Robb's blue eyes.
He had already anticipated the current situation. The Lannister Family would never hand over the murderer so easily, and given his father's character, he would never initiate a war without complete evidence before him.
He turned and handed the note to the white-haired yet still tall and sturdy Rickard Karstark, signaling for them to pass it around, then quietly asked for their opinions:
"What do you two lords think of my father's instructions?"
"Forgive my bluntness, Robb."
The Lord of the Dreadfort, the elegant-looking Roose Bolton, first patted Robb's shoulder to show intimacy. He carefully read the letter sent by Eddard and said:
"Your father is quite right. Without ironclad evidence to sentence that Imp to death, it will likely be difficult for us to win the support of the other dukes."
"And as you can see, Lord Stark and the two young misses are currently trapped in King's Landing. Once war breaks out, they will naturally become hostages, and we will inevitably be constrained."
"Staying put for now, gathering our forces, and building up our strength is a good method."
After listening carefully to his opinion, Robb merely nodded without responding. His sharp eyes turned to Rickard Karstark:
"Lord Rickard, what is your opinion?"
"To hell with building up strength!"
Compared to the seemingly refined Roose Bolton, Rickard's personality was much more boisterous. He slammed his fists heavily onto the table and began cursing:
"Your father has always had this lukewarm temperament. Even when his wife has been murdered, he still hesitates. What kind of warden of the north is that!"
Facing the young Robb, Rickard did not have the same reservations as he did with Eddard. Instead, he spoke recklessly and without restraint:
"Back then, Eddard was the first to charge into King's Landing. If he had listened to me and taken the iron throne first, Robert wouldn't have had a chance, and today's tragedy wouldn't have happened!"
"In my opinion, we should directly gather our forces and press our armies toward the border. Put enough pressure on King's Landing and the Westerlands to force them to release the prisoners, then welcome Eddard back to declare himself king!"
"The king in the north—what a resounding title!"
As he spoke, he gave a disdainful glance at Roose Bolton:
"This time, I've brought all three of my sons. Once war begins, the men of Karhold will be at the very front of the army, unlike some cowardly fellows who are always overthinking!"
"fuck, what kind of nonsense are you talking about!"
Provoked by him, even Roose Bolton, despite his good temper, could not hold back. He directly drew the sword at his side and cursed:
"Who are you calling a coward, Rickard!"
"During the War of the Usurper, the soldiers from the Dreadfort who died in battle were no fewer than those from Karhold!"
"How dare you speak so arrogantly to me. Do you want to test if the sword in my hand is sharp?"
The hot-tempered Rickard, seeing this, also decisively drew his sword to confront him:
"Your sword is sharp? Is mine not sharp, you coward!"
"If you have the guts, let's duel right here. Lord against Lord!"
"Enough!"
Seeing that their argument was about to escalate into a duel, Robb spoke up to stop them.
His mother had been murdered, and his father and two young sisters were trapped in King's Landing. Rubbing his aching temples, he had truly been exhausted these past few days.
These Northern nobles he had summoned were almost all hot-tempered. They were ready for a real man's fight after just a few words. Calling them barbarians would almost be a compliment.
Looking at the tense Rickard and Roose Bolton, Robb was once again glad he had only called the two of them for the meeting today.
If House Umber and House Bear had been involved, this council chamber would likely have already been a river of blood.
"Lords, please put down your weapons."
Pressing down on their hands that held their sword hilts, Robb looked at them with piercing eyes, showing the firm attitude of the heir to Winterfell:
"We are now facing a very tense situation. As the current temporary ruler of Winterfell and the eldest son of Lord Eddard Stark, I hope you can unite against the enemy instead of engaging in useless internal strife and wasting your strength for nothing!"
"Instead of pointing your swords at your allies, you'd better save your energy to slay a few more enemies in the upcoming war."
His sincere words made both Rickard and Roose Bolton lower their swords and sheathe them, though they still looked at each other with unfriendly eyes.
"My lords, I wish to be alone for a moment to think about our future direction. Please return to your quarters and count the number of men you have gathered so far."
Hearing Robb say this, the two had no choice but to bow to him and take their leave.
"War... is inevitable, Theon."
Watching the two of them depart, Robb's eyes flickered as he murmured to himself.
"Why, Robb?"
Theon was somewhat puzzled. With his mind, he truly had no concept of war. Thinking Robb had been swayed by Rickard's words, he quickly tried to advise him:
"I think Roose Bolton is right. Lord Eddard, Sansa, and Arya are still trapped in King's Landing. If war breaks out, their safety cannot be guaranteed!"
"And do you think their lives are guaranteed now?"
Robb's eyes were bloodshot. He drew the sword at his waist and hacked hard at the table, cutting off a corner. He was panting like a bull, his chest heaving, clearly having reached the peak of his anger.
Over these past few days, he had thought of countless plans to safely rescue his father and two sisters, but none of them were certain.
The feeling of powerlessness and the exceptionally heavy burden made the fifteen-year-old boy feel momentarily breathless:
"Do you know, Theon?"
"These past few days, I have been startled awake from nightmares every day. Blood-stained faces keep flashing before me. My mother... my father... Sansa... Arya!"
"They are all crying out, accusing me of why I didn't protect them!"
Robb rushed to Theon with bloodshot eyes, grabbed him by the collar, and questioned him loudly:
"I've received word that King's Landing has long since fallen under the control of that Lannister heir. It's almost impossible for my father and the others to return to Winterfell!"
"I could not save my mother. Am I to lose my father and sisters as well?"
Having vented his frustration, he let go of the stunned Theon and walked slowly back to his seat. He released his murderous intent without concealment:
"Our only option now is as Rickard said: gather all the forces of the North and press the entire army toward the Westerlands, forcing that old man Tywin to send word to King's Landing to release my father and sisters."
"If even that doesn't work..."
Robb rested both elbows on the table, clenched his fists, and pressed his forehead against them. His voice was hoarse, like a wild wolf about to devour its prey:
"I will lead the entire Northern army and use Lannister blood to pay back this debt in full!"
"I understand, Robb."
Looking at his childhood friend, Theon stepped forward with a determined gaze and grasped his hand:
"Let me help you."
"Lady Stark treated me like her own. Now that she has met with misfortune, I should also share some of the burden for you."
"How can you help me?"
Robb asked, frowning with confusion.
Although Theon had come to House Stark as a foster son, he was in fact a hostage sent after the defeat of the Iron Islands years ago. While he was indeed skilled with a bow, it would be of no use in a war.
"Let me return to the Iron Islands!"
Facing Robb's confusion, Theon straightened his back, a raging fire seemingly burning in his heart:
"I am the sole heir to the Iron Islands, and you need allies."
"Just let me go back and convince my father—Balon Greyjoy—and we can attack Casterly Rock directly from the sea!"
"Robb, trust me!"
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