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[Back at Robb's camp, inside his tent we see Robb and his men plotting.]
"The scouts report Lord Tywin moves north. We need to get him on broken ground, put his Knights at a disadvantage."
"No, we need to get around him and break Jaime Lannister's siege of Riverrun. Do that and the River Lords will join us."
"To do either we need to cross the river and the only crossing is at The Twins."
"Lord Frey controls that bridge. Your father's bannerman, my Lady."
"The late Lord Frey, my father calls him. At the Trident, he didn't appear until the battle was done. Some men take their oaths more seriously than others."
"That isn't unexpected. Aerys was still King and the Riverlands army were rebels. Anyone would have second thoughts about joining the rebels. Like my Lord Father or the Iron Islands had. Or even the North during the Dance of The Dragon" Tyrion pointed out.
"The North joined after the harvest was done and all matters were settled," Rickard said stiffly.
"Doesn't change the fact that they came in late to the cause of the Blacks now does it?" Tyrion said with a smile. "There are a multitude of other reasons for us to hate Lord Frey I'm sure. This one doesn't seem too fair."
The Northerners did not take it kindly and were not shy about showing it.
"The greybeards came and changed the course of that war. Even late it was thanks to the North that it was the Blacks that won the Game of thrones and what was the thanks the North got for it! Naming Cregan Stark The hand of King and than revoking it after a week and handing it to the Lannisters who supported the greens, clearly the Targaryens have a habit of insulting the North." Jon Snow said as he looked towards Rhaegar and the Lannister family.
The Stark's had a big smile on their face after hearing Jon's reply while the Lannisters and Rhaegar Targaryen turned mute.
[Meanwhile, outside a few Stark men captured a scout, leading him to Robb's tent.]
"Robb's right. We need that bridge."
"So what's it going to be? Do we move against Jaime or Lord Tywin?"
"Your pardon, my lords. We've captured a Lannister scout."
[Theon covers the map with pawns]
"Don't worry, lad. He won't be leaving this tent with his head."
"Where did you find him?"
"In the brush above the encampment. He looked to be counting."
[Robb walks towards the Lannister scout.]
"How high did you get?"
"20,000. Maybe more."
"You don't have to do this yourself."
"Your father would understand."
"My father understands mercy when there is room for it. And he understands honour and courage. Let him go."
"Robb."
[Robb looks over his shoulder with a stare. Catelyn understands and looks down in regret.]
"Tell Lord Tywin, Winter is coming for him. To find out if he does shit gold."
"Yes, My Lord. Thank you, My Lord."
"Are you touched, boy?! Letting him go?"
"You call me boy again."
[Greatjon Umber wants to taunt Robb. But frustrated, Greatjon Umber walks out of the tent.]
Ned made a noise under his breath. While he was proud of Robb for showing mercy, he wasn't sure he agreed with what Robb did. And then there was the way he spoke to his bannermen. That will foster dissatisfaction in the ranks. And that in wartime was suicidal.
[Meanwhile, in the Throne room, new roles are being announced by Grand Maester Pycelle. Cersei calls upon Ser Barristan.]
"Your Grace, I am yours to command."
"Rise, Ser Barristan. You may remove your helm. You have served the Realm long and faithfully. Every man and woman in the Seven Kingdoms owes you thanks. But it is time to put aside your armour and your sword. It is time to rest and look back with pride on your many years of service."
"Is the damned woman jesting?" Robert asked flabbergasted. "The vow of a Kingsguard is for life!"
"I don't think she is" Stannis muttered crossly.
"Perhaps she's creating a loophole to free her lover from the vow as well" Renly pointed out.
All three brothers turned to Jaime Lannister at once, and all three saw the look of shock and disbelief on the man's face.
"Your Grace, the Kingsguard is a sworn brotherhood. Our vows are taken for life. Only death relieves us of our sacred trust."
"Whose death, Ser Barristan? Yours or your King's?"
"You let my father die."
"Someone shut that bastard up before I rip his tongue out" Robert growled, moving on from the Kingslayer and his lover to the bastard on the throne.
"In time you may do so as you please, brother. But for now, remain patient please" Renly said gently.
Tommen and Myrcella watched the King with palpable fear. If he was planning on killing their brother, what would he do to them?
"You're too old to protect anybody."
"Your Grace..."
"The Council has determined that Ser Jaime Lannister will take your place as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard."
"Of course, the 'council' had decided on it" Ned spat in disgust. The council was after all a group of men licking Lannister ass.
"The man who profaned his blade with the blood of the King he had sworn to defend!"
"Careful, Ser."
"Truth hurts, doesn't it" Oberyn chuckled. Eyeing Jaime from the corner of his eyes. The man did not seem fazed. But the viper did not doubt that the Kingslayer was holding his emotions back.
"We have nothing but gratitude for your long service, good Ser. You shall be given a stout Keep beside the sea, with servants to look after your every need."
"A hall to die in and men to bury me. I am a Knight. I shall die a Knight."
"A naked Knight, apparently."
"Even now I could cut through the five of you like carving a cake!"
"He could" Jaime stated calmly. Even age had not dulled the Bold's blade.
"Here, boy! Melt it down and add it to the others."
"An insult delivered as if a compliment?" Doran raised a brow with interest. Could he recruit Ser Barristan to his side in any way? Perhaps if Robert were to die... No, killing Robert wouldn't do him any favours. Especially if the threat beyond the Wall. He couldn't ignore it, no matter how much he desired to.
The best course of action... would be to forge an alliance with Robert Baratheon. But how would he do it without the King having an heir?
Doran's eyes strayed on Jon for a moment. Perhaps...