Game of Thrones: Knight's Honor-Chapter 341: The Oathkeeper Robb

Compared to the other noble houses in the Seven Kingdoms, Robb received the battle report from King's Landing several days later. The delay was due to the report first being sent to Riverrun, and only then relayed overland by fast riders to the Crag.

From every angle, the contents of this report were good news for Robb. If he could seize the opportunity, he could launch a two-pronged assault on the Westerlands army stationed in the Riverlands and either annihilate them completely or drive them out.

But Robb couldn't take advantage of this opening—not just because Stannis had declared him a rebel in his proclamation, naming Robb as the next target, but more critically because problems had arisen within the Northern coalition itself. If left unresolved, those issues would fracture the alliance.

"Lord Rickard, your unauthorized execution of captured Westerlands soldiers sparked a revolt among the surrendered troops, leading to needless casualties on our side. I have no choice but to punish you." Robb, recently recovered, still looked pale. Seated and trying to keep his posture upright, he fixed a stern gaze on the tall Rickard Karstark in front of him and spoke solemnly.

"My two sons died fighting for you on the battlefield. I lost all my heirs. I must have revenge," Rickard replied, eyes wide as he stared at Robb Stark, his jaw clenched tight.

"I grieve deeply for the deaths of Lords Torrhen and Eddard, and I understand your sorrow. But that doesn't justify killing prisoners." Robb rose from his chair, though his unsteady legs made it difficult to stay upright. Jeyne Westerling immediately stepped forward to help him, but he pushed her away. After doing so, he seemed to realize it was too harsh and glanced at her apologetically. Then he turned back to Rickard, his expression once more stern. "In the name of the King in the North, Rickard Karstark must be punished for killing prisoners. All the spoils his forces bring back into the North will be confiscated and redistributed among the lords whose troops suffered losses during the prisoner riot."

Rickard paused, stunned. He looked at Robb with disappointment in his eyes, then glanced around at the other Northern lords without saying a word. Silently, he turned and left the council chamber.

"That old man's never going to change. His temper's as unyielding as the Wall itself," said Greatjon Umber. "If Your Grace doesn't want him killing more prisoners, then you should send him back to the North."

The other Northern lords nodded in agreement.

They all sympathized with Rickard's grief. Any of them, in his position, might've done the same.

But the fact remained: Rickard's actions had started to seriously impact the war effort. Previously, when they faced Westerlands troops, those enemies were still willing to surrender. The resistance hadn't been overly fierce. But ever since word spread of Rickard's massacre of prisoners, every Westerlands force they encountered fought to the death. Their casualties had skyrocketed. They'd even lost Banefort, and now the villages and towns along the road to Casterly Rock had all fortified themselves, making any further advance in the Westerlands extremely difficult.

Just yesterday, the prisoners held in Ashemark had staged a revolt and nearly recaptured the castle. Luckily, young Jon Umber, who was garrisoned there, noticed the signs early and suppressed the uprising. Had the Westerlands army managed to retake Ashemark, their entire retreat route would have been cut off, trapping them deep in enemy territory.

That was why none of the lords had spoken up for Rickard when Robb issued his punishment.

"No. Every army is critical to us right now. We're already stretched thin. If we send the Karstark forces back to the North, our numbers will be even more insufficient," Robb Stark said, shaking his head. Then, with a serious expression, he added, "It's no longer the right time to press our attack on Casterly Rock. We should use Stannis's assault on King's Landing to tie down Tywin's forces, stopping him from reinforcing the capital. Once Stannis takes King's Landing, Tywin's army in the Westerlands will be powerless to threaten us."

Someone spoke up with concern, "But Stannis isn't exactly our ally. Once he defeats Tywin and takes King's Landing, what happens to us?"

Robb answered firmly, "That's a problem for later. Right now, our enemies are King's Landing and the Westerlands. We'll deal with them first—then worry about the rest."

Everyone nodded in agreement and began preparing to return to their camps and organize the withdrawal from the Westerlands.

Just then, Black Walder Frey spoke up, stopping everyone. He looked at Robb Stark with a grave expression and said, "Your Grace Robb, House Frey has honored its commitments and given everything to your cause. We've provided food and supplies for your army, and sent troops to fight alongside you from the start. Even my grandfather, Stevron, died in battle for your cause."

Robb immediately sensed something was off. His voice low, he replied, "The contributions of House Frey are well known. Once the war is over, House Frey will be justly rewarded and honored—none will dispute that." frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

"I believe in Your Grace's kindness and generosity, and your commitment to your vows," Black Walder said with a faint smile. "But I do have one small request. I'm still unmarried, and I've yet to find a noble lady worthy of being my wife," he said, gesturing to Jeyne beside him. "Until I saw Lady Jeyne of House Westerling. She is the wife I desire most. I hope Your Grace, considering House Frey's loyalty and sacrifices, will grant me Lady Jeyne..."

"No." Robb Stark cut him off before he could finish.

Black Walder looked at Robb with feigned confusion and asked, "So the sacrifices House Frey has made aren't even enough for Your Grace to grant me a noble lady from a Westerlands house that's just surrendered to you? It seems we haven't paid enough for Your Grace's oaths and promises. One heir dead isn't enough—how about two?"

"I've seen the sacrifices House Frey has made, and I remember them well. Your house will be properly rewarded. But Jeyne..." Robb said, his tone uncharacteristically grave.

Black Walder dropped the pretense and cut straight to the point. "But Lady Jeyne is already Your Grace's wife, isn't she?"

Robb's face darkened. "Walder Frey, if you already knew, how dare you speak like that just now?"

"What did I say?" Black Walder sneered. "I was merely making a suggestion, and you couldn't stomach it. But what about your insult to House Frey? Tell me, Your Grace, what happened to the oath you swore to our house—"

"What kind of oath do you owe a weasel?" Greatjon suddenly cut in mockingly.

The other Northern lords burst into laughter, though a few frowned slightly.

Black Walder scanned the room coldly before turning back to Robb. "Your Grace Robb, if you dissolve your engagement with Lady Jeyne now and choose one of my cousins to marry and fulfill your vow, we'll act as though this breach never happened and continue to serve you..."

"No need to say more. I will not break my engagement with Jeyne," Robb said firmly, reaching out and taking Jeyne's hand.

Black Walder's face turned dark, but he quickly composed himself. He gave Robb a slight bow. "Since Your Grace Robb has chosen to break his oath, then House Frey will no longer fight for you. We wish you continued success in battle."

With that, he led the Frey men out of the council hall without so much as a glance back.

"Even without weasels, we'll still win. The Westerlands army is just a flock of soft sheep!" one Northern lord scoffed.

Others quickly chimed in. Their recent string of victories had left the Northern lords convinced that the Westerlands forces were far weaker than expected—just like the old tales said: one Northman could fight ten Southerners. Their confidence soared, and they believed winning this war would be no great feat.

Robb, too, felt some regret over House Frey's departure. But like the others, he believed the war would end in their favor, so he didn't dwell on it.

Even so, the exit of House Frey still affected the morale of the Northern coalition. That shift prompted Robb to hasten his return to Riverrun to prevent any disruption to the retreat.

...

Meanwhile, Roose Bolton's army had already passed through Riverrun and reached the eastern bank of the Green Tea River, where they joined forces with Dacey's Bear Island troops.

"Lord Bolton, you're planning to attack Harrenhal?" Dacey looked genuinely surprised after hearing Roose Bolton's objective. She cautioned, "Kevan may have taken a good portion of Harrenhal's garrison, but the castle itself is still a fortress. I doubt your current forces are enough to take it."

"Countess Dacey, there's no need to worry. I've already laid out a complete plan—nothing will go wrong," Roose Bolton replied with a confident smile. Then he added, "But to be safe, I'll still need you to secure the rear."

Dacey nodded. "I'll station an elite force at the key crossings. If you fail, they'll hold off any pursuers and help cover your retreat."

Roose Bolton blinked. "Aren't you personally staying in the rear, Countess?"

"I just got in touch with Lord Yohn Royce of the Vale," Dacey explained. "He promised that if we help the Vale retake the Bloody Gate, he'll send troops to join the Northern campaign against Lord Tywin."

"The Vale's wildling rebellion—has it already been put down?" Roose asked.

"Not yet," Dacey shook her head. "But Runestone, Strongsong, and Redfort have been stabilized, and they can spare a few thousand men. The numbers may be small, but their joining our campaign signals the Vale's stance—and that message is more valuable than sending more troops straight into battle."

"I see." Roose Bolton paused, then raised an eyebrow. "But the Lannisters have stationed four thousand troops at the Bloody Gate. And with the defenses there, taking it may not be any easier than me taking Harrenhal."

"You don't have to worry about that, Lord Bolton. I have my own way of taking the Bloody Gate with ease," Dacey said, shaking her head. "Who knows? Before you even capture Harrenhal, I may have already taken the Bloody Gate. Perhaps I'll even be the one bringing the Vale's army to support you."

"Well then, all the better." Roose Bolton smiled, though the smile was more like a serpent baring its fangs—cold and unsettling.

Dacey's brow furrowed slightly, but she quickly composed herself and asked, "How do you plan to cross the river? All the bridges have been dismantled, and the boats burned. Even if you try building rafts, the Trident's current is fast—rafts could easily capsize. Plus, the Westerlands patrol the far side regularly. I'm afraid moving a full army across will be..."

"No need to worry, Lady Dacey," Roose said, oozing confidence. "I already have a method. It'll catch them completely off guard."

"Very well then..." Dacey nodded, about to ask when the crossing would take place, when suddenly her adjutant burst into the tent. Not realizing others were present, he blurted out, "My lady, we've found Lady Catelyn and Lady Brienne!"

"You found them? Where are they?" Dacey asked at once.

"In the mountains, about three leagues from here," the adjutant reported quickly. "Our scouts returning from the Bloody Gate spotted them. They were being chased by a group of wildlings. Lady Brienne appears injured—Lady Catelyn is in better shape. They're being brought back now."

Roose Bolton clapped his hands. "That's excellent news. When I visited The Crag, Lord Robb was still deeply worried about Lady Catelyn's safety."

"Good thing they're safe," Dacey breathed a sigh of relief.

Because of Catelyn's arrival, Roose Bolton delayed his departure and waited half a day in Dacey's camp. Only after seeing Lady Catelyn in person did he resume his march south.

As the adjutant had said, Catelyn looked exhausted but bore no serious injuries. Brienne, however, was in rough shape—wounded in several places, with a fresh scar across her face that made her already uncomely features even harsher.

When Catelyn heard from Roose that Robb had fallen ill, she grew anxious and insisted on returning to him immediately. She didn't linger in Dacey's camp.

Brienne also chose to leave. She said she had sworn to return Catelyn safely to Robb and would see that vow through.

Though Dacey was eager to know what had happened at Storm's End—how Renly had died, why Brienne and Catelyn had fled—she knew this wasn't the time to ask. Instead, she assigned a unit of soldiers to travel under Brienne's command and escort Catelyn to reunite with Robb Stark.

Just before leaving, Brienne suddenly pulled Dacey aside and asked her about Lynd—specifically, about the mages under Lynd's command.

When Brienne had left Summerhall, Lynd hadn't yet formed any groups like the Mage's Association, so she knew little about the magical forces under him.

Unfortunately, Dacey didn't know much either and couldn't offer any useful answers. Still, she had a strong sense that Brienne's question was somehow connected to Renly's death.