ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀꜱ ʙʏ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ

08

Robb III

Even at his advanced age, Ser Brynden Tully was still a very intimidating figure. Tall and lean, his once-auburn hair had now gone grey. He was clean-shaven, but his facial features were wind-burnt and craggy. Donning black fish-scale armor, he lived up to the name most of Westeros knew him: The Blackfish.

The old knight led a small host of a few hundred riders. Not a true threat to the Kingslayer, the Blackfish and his men had been a thorn in the man's side as they raided and burned the Lannister supply lines, killed scouts, and intercepted messengers. Because of the Blackfish's years of experience, he had stayed one step ahead of his opponent, much to Ser Jaime's annoyance.

Standing in front of the man, Robb felt like little more than a child. After all, Ser Brynden was a veteran of half a hundred battles. He was not as renowned as others his age, like Ser Barristan Selmy or Tywin Lannister were, but he was still a very dangerous opponent and a man whom Robb was extremely grateful to have as an ally.

"Uncle." Robb greeted as the Blackfish and his seconds rode up to the small party of Northmen. The young stark was surrounded by his commanders and a few guards. Just a few miles back, the northern cavalry rested.

"Robb." he greeted strongly, bringing his horse to a halt in front of the group. He flashed a small smile to Robb's mother. "Cat."

Lady Catelyn smiled happily at her uncle. The two had always had a great relationship, even if the relationship between her father and the Blackfish had been strained. He had acted as her confidant during her girlhood and the two frequently shared letters over the years after Catelyn became Lady of Winterfell and Brynden became the Knight of the Gate.

"Uncle Brynden. I am glad to see you doing well," she said happily, unable to keep a relieved smile off her face.

"As well as I can be," the old knight grunted. "I'll be a whole lot better when Riverrun is safe again. I am surprised to find you here Nephew. I thought you were on the other side of the Twins?"

Robb grimaced. "We struck a deal with Walder Frey."

Ser Brynden frowned. "What did the old bugger want?"

"What's done is done, Uncle," Robb said, shaking his head. "We're here now and there are enemies that must be dealt with."

"How many men do you have?" Ser Brynden asked.

"I have the entire northern cavalry with me and my infantry and archers are not far behind," Robb answered firmly.

The two men behind the Blackfish shared excited looks, and even Ser Brynden's grim demeanor cracked a little. Obviously, he had not been expecting help for some time. Now he has thousands of northmen to help him free his home.

"The reinforcements are welcome, Nephew, but Tywin still sits at Harrenhal. He will not sit idle if his golden son is attacked." Ser Brynden pointed out.

Robb grinned. "Not if he is not at Harrenhal," he countered. "I have sent two thousand men under Lord Bolton to distract the old lion. Bearing banners and banging on drums, it will look as if the entire northern host is marching upon him."

The Blackfish raised an eyebrow. "Good thinking." he praised, surprised that a boy of Robb's age had come up with such a ruse.