46 Chapter 46: Morning After

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Sansa

The entire room was silent. It took all of Roland will to keep from snapping as he clenched his fist. Beside him Sansa had gone into hysterics, her eyes swimming with tears and hugging her father tightly. Eddard was holding her trying in vain to calm her down. Robb was seething and breathing heavily.

Roland finally turned to Rickard Karstark for an explanation, "How did this happen Lord Karstark?"

Rickard frowned, "from what we are told, Euron attacked Wintertown as a distraction. Catelyn sent some of the garrisons to repel them. With their attention focused on defending the small folk, the Greyjoys snuck inside and attacked the keep. They didn't realize what had happened until it was over."

Roland leaned over the table panting heavily before he swiped the pieces off the map sending them clattering to the ground as he slammed a fist against the table. "I feared this would happen," he muttered, "I warned against leaving Winterfell undermanned."

"What of Bran and Rickon?" Roland asked urgently.

"They are both safe," Rickard assured them, "Gods be good."

Roland nodded, "indeed, I can't imagine what he would do to the boys if he had gotten them."

"Unfortunately the Frey boys, Big Walder and Little Walder were not so lucky. The Ironborn tried to abduct them too. They fought back and manage to kill one but had their throats slit as a result."

Roland paused for a moment and grabbed a goblet of wine and threw it into the fireplace the flames roared with life as the wine fueled its hunger. "Fucking Hell," he roared, "Lord Walder will not be pleased." He turned to Alesander, "write to your family and tell them what has happened. I will write to Winterfell and have them send the bones of Freys returned." His squire nodded and left quickly.

"There is other news," Lord Bolton added, "the Ironborn launched a raid against Bear island and took several of the longships the Mormonts had captured from those who attacked Deepwood Motte. Another raven came saying that the Ironborn are trying to take Torrhen's Square. but so far the attacks have been beaten off.

Roland sighed and shook his head, "Euron had been king for barely a fortnight and was already enjoying more success than his brother ever did. Roland knew this would only be the beginning and now Euron had a way to bargain for his own demands."

Robb slammed his fist in the table causing a couple of wine glasses to topple spilling their contents down the table and onto the floor. "I SWEAR IF THAT ANIMAL TOUCHES HER I WILL FLAY HIM ALIVE MYSELF!"

"Euron will not harm her," Roland assured him, "he knows that she is too valuable to damage." He bowed his head, "though I fear that he may have plans for her."

"We need to ransom her back immediately," Robb urged, "whatever the price."

"With what exactly," Roland asked. "We have plenty of Lannister hostages but no Greyjoys." Robb bowed his head remembering that they once had Theon and now regretted this decision more than ever. Knowing he was thinking this Roland added. "Not that it will matter since Euron would likely sacrifice them rather than lose such a prize hostage."

"Gold then," Robb tried, "Euron is ironborn surely he would want that."

Roland barked out a laugh, "maybe if every lord supporting us emptied their coffers we could pitch in for a ransom. But between the Lannisters and the Tyrells, my brother has all the gold. what little coin we have to need to support our forces."

Robb sighed deeply and Eddard put his hands on his son's shoulders, "we'll get her back son," He assured him, "whatever it takes."

Roland nodded, "whatever it takes," he determined. "I will write to Lord Tywin offering terms of a prisoner exchange. I doubt he will accept but we should at least try to get your mother and sister back. We have several nobles we can trade as well as the Lannister hostages. With any luck that can suffice.

Robb ran his fingers through his hair and grabbed a flagon of wine poured himself a glass and drained it down. He turned to his friend, "do you remember what you said you would do to the ironborn?" Roland nodded and Robb continued, "I'm starting to think that is too kind a fate."

"Now you understand why the Ironborn need to be wiped out, Roland said, "In order to ensure things like this never happen again." Robb shook his head "I need to lie down," he muttered as he left the room Roslin quickly followed her husband. Everyone filed out leaving Roland, Sansa and Lord Stark alone. Roland poured some wine and offered it to Ned who took it gratefully.

"They have my wife," Eddard seethed gripping the hilt of his sword."I can't lose her Roland," Ned said desperately, "Bran and Rickon need their mother." His hands balled into fists and he gripped the goblet hard, "They will burn for this if she dies."

Roland nodded, "there reckoning will come Lord Stark I promise you that. But we have to deal with the situation up North First before we can start planning on that."

"You would leave my mother in the hands of that monster!" Sansa shrieked.

"What would you have me do Sansa?" Roland asked in a defeated tone. "Euron will keep her close so she's likely aboard his ship. The SILENCE could be anywhere and I don't have a Spider with a vast spy network to help track his movements."

Sansa couldn't answer him and Roland turned back to her Father. "There's nothing we can do about Catelyn right now. We need to get rid of the ironborn still in the North and deal with the wildlings. If we back out now we risk two forces raiding the North. We cannot allow the possibility of either of them gaining a foothold. Once that business in the north is settled we will return and hopefully, I can come up with a plan to retrieve Catelyn." He shook his head, "this complicates things," Roland growled. "I wanted to keep Sansa in Winterfell for her safety but since it seems that not even Winterfell is safe I'm not so sure anymore."

Hearing this, Sansa clutched his arm, "you want to send me away?" She asked worriedly.

Roland cupped her face in his hands and smiled," Of course not, but every time we do battle I feel like I'm endangering you. My grandfather has your sister and Euron has already taken your mother I can't bear the thought of them taking you as well."

Sansa returned his smile and clasped his hands into hers. "I'll be fine Roland, I have Lady, Shadow, Dacey and ma father's men as well as yours looking out for me."

Roland sighed, "I know, I know, but it doesn't stop me from worrying, a battlefield is no place for my queen."

Eddard stood up, I know Winterfell is not as secure as other castles Like Storm's End, Casterly Rock or the Eyrie, but it is still safer than most." He clasped the boy's shoulder, "it is best that Sansa returned to Winterfell, Bran and Rickon likely miss her and they will need her with their mother taken."

"Euron has already struck Winterfell and succeeded," Roland pointed out, "Who's to say he can't do so again." He rubbed his temples, though it seems any choice I make presents a great risk to everyone." Finally, Roland nodded reluctantly, "so be it, Sansa will return to Winterfell, It might do good for her to see her younger brothers again.'

"Where do you think Euron will strike next?"

"My brother has married Margaery Tyrell so the Lannister/Tyrell alliance is now official. Spies in King's Landing that the Greyjoys have officially allied with Joffrey as well." Roland studied the map on the table. "Euron is likely rebuilding the Iron Fleet back to full strength. More likely he will scrap his lesser longships to do so. The Ironborn holding Barrowton allow him access to the wolfswood thus he has the supplies he needs to do so. Once that is done, he will head south and strike at the Arbor. That will open Oldtown and Lannisport to trade again.

Roland grumbled, "I must write to uncle Stannis and tell him to return to the Stormlands after Bandallon and Honeyholt have fallen. I will also write to Lord Paxter and tell him to evacuate his people and ships to the Stormlands as well.

"You don't think Paxter Redwyne can hold the Arbor?" Eddard wondered. "His fleet would be larger than Euron's."

Roland nodded, "aye, the Iron Fleet would have 100 ships. But he will likely be supported by his smaller longships as well as ships from Lannisport, Oldtown, the remnants of the Shield Islands fleet and ships from the three sisters. The warships of the Iron Fleet are not as heavily armed as the war galleys of the Redwyne fleet but they are faster and more manoeuvrable. Paxter Redwyne is an accomplished sailor but he is no strategist. I don't like his chances against Euron Greyjoy, he won't be as impulsive as Victarion was. "

"Don't we have more ships?" Sansa asked.

"Between the Redwyne fleet, Dragonstone, White Harbor, and ships stolen from Kings Landing, Gulltown and the shield islands. Altogether, roughly 400 warships in total. But half of them are in the Narrow Sea cutting off Gulltown and King's Landing. They will not make it to the Arbor before Euron is upon them. If he is victorious we will loose out main port in the Sunset Sea as well as a great portion of our naval power."

Sansa nodded in acceptance, it would be nice to see Bran and Rickon. After giving her a kiss Roland had her go to her chambers so he could have a private word with her father. Before she was out of earshot she overheard her father speaking.

Eddard sighed in defeat knowing he was right and collapsed onto the nearest chair, "This war is going to destroy us all before it is over."

Roland nodded and rubbed his temples, "the North burns, the Riverlands burn, the Westerlands burn, the Reach burns, the Stormlands burn. Then there's the walking dead coming to kill us all. I wonder if there will be anyone left to fight them when they arrive."

As Sansa headed for Robb's Chambers, she was confronted by the fire priestess that now accompanied the army. Sansa herself admitted that she knew very little about her only that she worshipped a god different from the Seven or her father's Old Gods. Despite being new she already had a large and loyal following. Though it was easy to see why as her beauty rivalled Queen Cersei's. Even though the weather was getting colder she wore the thin robes of her faith and didn't seem bothered by the cold. Despite her outward appearance, she gave off the feeling that she seemed beyond this world. Sansa was wary of her yet Roland seemed to trust her enough to keep her close so she chose not to judge her.

"Pardon me, my Lady," Sansa said politely.

"You are troubled dear child," The red woman stated calmly.

Sansa nodded, "my mother has been taken and my little sister is missing."

Melisandre nodded, "I know, I saw it in the flames." Sansa said nothing as she continued. "Arya Stark is currently being held in the Red Keep."

Sansa let out a sob and leaned against the wall, "so she is a prisoner as Roland feared."

Melisandre stepped towards her and cupped her cheek, Sansa felt warmth course through her and the hand felt warmer than a hand should. yet somehow Sansa could not bring herself to turn it away. "Fear not for her," she said. "Your sister has made friends that will ensure her safety."

"How can you know this?" Sansa asked, "do you have spies in the capital."

Melisandre smiled, "The Lord of light has many followers in the capital, but none could be considered spies." She shook her head, "no dear child, R'Hllor allows me glimpses of what is and what is to come in the flames."

"Can you see other things?" Sansa asked, "like where my mother is."

Melisandre smiled and guided the young girl to a nearby brazier, she held her hand over the flame and stared deeply into it, Sansa saw the ruby on her neck start to glow and after a moment she answered. "I see a red-haired woman with her flesh laid bare. Her arms and legs are intangles in tentacles, they belong to a twisted silver beast with one red eye and a flock of crows circling him.

Sansa looked between Melisandre and the blazing fire, "I don't see anything."

Melisandre took her hand, "here, let me guide you Sansa," She placed her hands on Sansa's shoulders. "Look closer, Can you see it?"

Sansa's eyes stared into the flames and for a moment she didn't see anything then the flames started to take shape, vague at first but they became more solid seconds after. After what seemed like a lifetime she answered her voice barely above a whisper, "Yes."

Olenna

Cersei, the name made the Queen of Thorn's blood boil like nothing else in the world. A scheming bitch that would do anything to hold unto what power she did have even at the expense of her own family. After the wedding, she learned about Cersei's attempt to undermine her granddaughter's plans to feed the leftovers to the smallfolk. Fortunately, her father was there to ensure the true queen's will was done. Stil,l as much as she despised Cersei, even Olenna admitted that they had two things in common.

One was their utter disdain for each other's families. The royal wedding may have bound their families but there was no mistaking, the Lannisters and Tyrells were rivals through and through. Both houses knew what the other wanted and were evenly matched in terms of resources. The Lannisters had more gold and the Tyrells had more men. Lannisters were better equipped while the Tyrells were better fed. This alliance was born out necessity thanks to her oaf of a son and grandson. Both Tywin and Olenna knew that if they didn't hold this alliance then the Black Prince would be able to pick them off one by one.

The second was their disapproval of the Royal Wedding. Neither of them wanted this at all though for different reasons. Cersei, of course, hated the fact that Margaery was able to influence her son more than she ever could. Add the fact that Margaery's family was as powerful as her own meant that she could not be dissuaded from her principles. Of course, her 'ideal' match was likely some Lannister floozy that Cersei could easily cow into submission

As for Olenna, she hated the fact that her granddaughter had to be married to such a beast. Arya Stark's account and Margaery's first visit to him reinforced the troubling rumours her spies in court heard about Joffrey Baratheon. The boy was a sadist, that much was beyond dispute. Yet there was something else, something in that boy's eyes that unnerved even her. So far Margaery was doing an excellent job with her new husband but how long she could keep this up remained to be seen. Boys like Joffrey could be unpredictable and he may be stupid but he could catch on to what Margaery was doing.

For the longest time, she considered having the boy killed. Unfortunately killing Joffrey was not so simple, not because of his guards or his mother and grandfather. The problem lay in his brothers. Joffrey's death meant victory would be all but assured for Prince Roland as he would be the rightful successor and their own cause would lose its credibility.

They could in theory crown Tommen instead. The youngest of Robert's 'sons' was caring sensitive and sweet and Margaery would be able to do sway him easily. Unfortunately, this would be an unwise move. At only 12 Tommen was too young, too timid, too innocent and worst of all too malleable. Cersei would be just a capable of bending the poor boy to her will as Margaery could to her own.

It didn't help matters that Tommen practically worshipped the ground Roland walked on. All Roland had to do is walk up to the throne and simply ask for the crown and Tommen would give it to him without a moment's hesitation. Even Tywin seemed reluctant to cast Roland aside. Rebel or not he was still his grandson and the one he favoured given that he attempted to arrange for Roland to inherit Casterly Rock. So there was little chance that he would stand in the way should that happen.

And there laid another issue. Olenna was conflicted on whether to stay in the Capital or return to Highgarden. Though her prodigy was talented leaving her alone with Cersei and Tywin was a huge risk. She could handle Cersei easily, but Tywin was a different lion entirely.

Fortunately, Margaery would not be alone though. Accompanying her was her brother Garlan Tyrell and his wife Leonette Fossoway. Olenna had no intentions of leaving her grandaughter undefended and took necessary steps to ensure her safety, from the Blacks as well as the Lannisters.

With Randyll Tarly back in the Reach trying to deal with Stannis Baratheon, Garlan was now in command of the Tyrell forces in King's Landing, a significant force that was rapidly eating though the supplies they had brought to feed the Capital. Once Roland's river fleet was broken trough the bulk of the Tyrell forces would return home leaving 20,000 to defend King's Landing as well as look over Queen Margaery and House Tyrell's Interests. In the Red Keep itself, a hand-selected group of men were placed as household guards. She assigned Ser Willam Wythers as Captain of the Guards with knights Bayard Norcross, Hugh Clifton and the brothers Portier and Lucantine Woodwright to serve as his lieutenants.

This sent a message to Tywin as well as the rest of the Lannisters if Joffrey did anything to Margaery there would be severe consequences. The other concern was Margaery's personal companions. aside from her brother, she also had her cousins Megga, Alla and Elinor along with several ladies in waiting. Alysanne Bulwer, Meredyth Crane, Alyce Graceford, Taena Merryweather, Mira Forrester and Septa Nysterica.

Though she knew none of these women were threats, it was an ironic situation in that many of them had relations fighting for Roland Baratheon and currently raiding their own home-region no less seizing as much of the Reach's harvest as possible. She knew that most of the Reach lords that supported Roland were former supporters of the Blackfyres and saw Roland as a chance to regain what had been lost to them. Nothing like the prospect of settling old scores to sow the seeds of rebellion. Then again one of Margaery's closest companions was from the North.

At the thought of Mira Forrester, Olenna was struck with an idea. Mira wasn't the only northern girl in the Capital. This other northerner was no friend of the Lannisters. Her display during the Royal Wedding in standing up to the King showed her boldness equalled her intelligence and would prove to be a valuable ally. With this in mind, Olenna turned to a servant girl, "sent Arya Stark to me."