A New Hope (Books I - VI)

Chapter 11

The Twins - Year 300 - Four Hours Later

Robb, Elia and their men were in the tent, discussing more strategy when Lady Catelyn returned with Walder Frey's terms.

"If we do that, they'll never get back across." The Greatjon was saying when Lady Cat walked in.

"Well? What did he say?" Robb said, impatiently.

"Lord Walder has granted your crossing. His men are yours, as well."

"Huh."

"Less the four hundred he will keep here to hold the crossing against any who would pursue you."

"What does he want in return?"

"You will be taking on his son Olyvar as your personal squire. He expects a knighthood in good time."

"Fine, fine. And?"

"And Arya will marry his son Waldron when they both come of age."

"She won't be happy about that. And?"

"And when you and Elia give birth, your first born, wheter it be boy or girl, will marry one of his children, or grandchildren, which ever you choose and is of the closest age."

"I see." Robb said, looking over at Elia in despair. He never wanted this for them, she knew that. So she nodded at him, giving her consent.

"Do you consent?"

"Can we refuse?"

"Not if you want to cross."

"Then we consent." Robb growled out, before exiting the tent, giving the order to his men to strike camp, they would be leaving within the hour.

The Trident - One Week Later

Elia, Cat, and Rodrik were overlooking the Trident from a hill a safe distance away from the battle that Robb was leading. Elia wished she could be out there with him, but when he discovered her pregnancy he had insisted that she not fight. That their child was too important to loose for one extra sword.

"We should go My Ladies." Rodrik said nervously, as his men looked around for danger.

"No!" Elia snapped, not moving her eyes away from the place she knew Robb would come through if he survived.

"My Lady-" Rodrik started, but was cut off by cheering and the sounds of hooves as Robb led his men through the trees and up the hill to his women. And he came bearing gifts.

"By the time they knew what was happening, it had already happened." Robb said, grinning proudly and covered in blood.

"Lady Stark, Princess. I'd offer you my sword by I seem to have lost it." Lord Jaime said from his knees in front of them.

"It is not your sword we want. Give me my daughters back. Give me my husband."

"I've lost them too I'm afraid."

"Kill him Robb. Send his head to his father. He cut down ten of our men. You saw him. " Theon said, annoying Elia to no end.

"Quiet Greyjoy before I make you be quiet!" Sh snapped out, and Robb quickly moved to her side and grabbed her hand in his, trying to calm her.

"He's more use to us alive. Take him away and put him in irons." Robb said calmly, trying to be the Lord he now was.

"We could end this war right now boy, save thousands of lives. You fight for the Starks, I fight for the Lannisters. Swords or lances, teeth, nails - choose your weapons and let's end this here and now."