8 What do you mean they're Dead?

(Erlend POV, Summerswind Manor)

Everyone was dead, Robert, Eddard, Uncle Jon, Cousin Denys, and even the Tully brothers were all dead, I'm pretty sure even the stranger was taken aback by the number of high-profile deaths that occurred that day.

Who's to blame one might ask themselves, well it was none other than Walder 'Squib Lord' Frey, the ambitious rat, having decided to join… on the crown's side.

Does this mean that the Targaryens won? God no, good old Bobby managed to kill the delusional 'last dragon' and with him went down all hopes for the Targaryens, because no one wanted to fight for King Scab, nor his remaining mad son.

Speaking of the Old Geezer, he didn't fare too well either, apparently, due to a bit of miscommunication, a raven was sent to the Old Lion informing him of the rebel's victory over the crown, and you know the story from there.

Except you don't… because Fate was a very naughty girl because unlike in Canon, little Jaime was too late to stop the Mad Kings wildfire plot, and down went Old Lion and his mad friend, as well as a significant portion of the Westerlands able-bodied men.

Elia and Rhaenys survived, little Aegon did not so much. Before my shadow wardens could get her out, they had to cut through swathes of panicked and confused Lannister men, fleeing civilians and the princess didn't help either, having refused to heed my shadow's warning till it out too late and little egg became yoke, it was only her thanks to her maternal instincts that she decided to follow the shadows to save her remaining child.

Westroes was screwed, with a significant portion of its Leaders dead, and with them my long-term plans.

Not all was lost for standing in front of me was a potential answer to my shredded plans. Ser Nestor Royce, Ser Vardis Egen, and Ser Marwyn Belmore.

"Let me get this straight, you three on behalf of the Lords of the Vale, have decided to name me the Lord Paramount, what about Denys Child?" Staring at the three, I couldn't help but look confused.

"He and his mother, unfortunately, passed away from the sickness, My Lord" Taking the lead, Nestor was the first to respond.

"What of the Hardyng brat, I doubt the Waynwoods would approve of their kin being skipped over."

This time Egen responded eagerly "A mere child of a knight cannot be expected to rule especially within these Chaotic times, My Lord".

"Not to be too presumptuous My Lord, but you also have the closest blood claim to the Vale, with the late Lady Aemma's blood running through your veins" this time Belmore spoke.

It made sense I suppose, the vale was all about honor and prestige, as for religion, ever since my grandfather married Celia Tully, House Mudd had converted to the seven for practicalities sake though our faith was still heavily influenced by the Old Gods, my father's marriage to my mother certainly helped.

As far as the vale nobility were concerned, I was a follower of the seven who merely had heavy sympathies to the old gods like the royces and I saw no reason to deny that. Combine that was House Mudd's prestigious legacy and fortune and my strong blood claim, was it a wonder they would push for my ascension over that of distant cousins and a child, not wanting one of their own to gain too much influence.

The Vale of Arryn had never been my target, but with my plans all but destroyed, it was the best way for me to go into the seven kingdoms without facing too much backlash or outrage that could doom my line. My powers were unlikely to be inherited by my children and they would need firm support to maintain any seats they would hold.

My thoughts would be broken by Nestor's following comment "My Lord, we only await your command, the Lords of the Vale have already agreed upon this decision and we would be honored if you would Accept".

"Well since put it that way, then I'm duty bound to accept your decision, I simply can't allow the work of my mother's ancestors to be destroyed" Was my response shameless, it was but I'd be damned if I wasn't going to take the lifeline given.

…

(Catelyn Tully POV, Riverrun)

"Are you sure about it?" I asked worriedly.

"Unfortunately I am, My Lady, it's unlikely he'll survive the moon's turn" was the Maesters response.

Angry, afraid, and more than a little mournful, in just a few days, my house had been reduced to only 3 members, and if the Maester was correct, Sweet little Edmure would follow suit, leaving only me and Lysa.

It seemed those treacherous Freys had been planning the betrayal of my house for far longer than just the trident. Yet, what could I do, House Tully barely had enough men to defend our lands from bandits, raiders, and deserters, let alone go after the fortified Freys.

The only good news was that nearly all seven kingdoms, were still reeling from the devastating 'Battle of the Trident', and the devastation that was King's Landing, with both loyalists and rebels scrambling to secure their territories. The Tyrells the only great house that had come unscathed had retreated to Highgarden, wary of their fellow Reachman.

Well aware that this peace was only temporary, eventually the neutral houses would decide to take advantage of the chaos. Not to mention the Ironborn wouldn't stay still for too long.

The Maester coughed, getting my attention, "My Lady, a raven just came in that might interest you".

I raised my eyebrow at that, having been too deep in my thoughts to have noticed him leaving and returning.

I eyed the parchment in his hand, before opening it. The news it carried shocked me, it seems that my distant cousin, Lord Erlend Mudd had been unanimously declared Lord Paramount of the Vale, with the Hardyng child named his heir till he had his own.

Staring at it, she couldn't help but think on the matter, my cousin had approximately 20,000 seasoned veteran soldiers at his command, combine that with what remained of the Valemen that survived the 'Battle of the Trident' and he had nearly 30,000.

Lord Mudd now had what could arguably be the strongest army within Westroes, combine that with his fleet and he was now the most powerful noble within the seven kingdoms.

One could argue the Tyrells were more substantial, but that they lacked both the experienced commanders outside of Lord Tarly and Rowen and veteran soldiers, not to mention it was unlikely that many of the northern Reach Lords would even obey the Tyrells, what with the Targaryen's being all but destroyed.

"Lord Erlend, he's currently unwed isn't he?" I asked the Maester.

"Indeed My Lady, it's said that Lord Mudd had been primarily focused on dealing with the Dothraki incursions and considered weddings to be distracting".

Staring at the parchment, I pondered the words of her house, 'Family, Duty and Honor', there was only one way House Tully would survive this mess and I couldn't show hesitation in taking it.

"Might I trouble you for a raven? Some letters need to be sent and people to be contacted."