52 - ||

This was clearly a cruel jest of the seven.

"I see you are amused by my humiliation," He said, clenching his fists in anger.

"That's right, bard... Since as I remember, you also enjoyed the humiliation that you gave my nephew Edmure, with your song of the Floppy Fish," Brynden said with satisfaction when he saw the haughtiness disappear from his gaze. It seemed he was about to retort, but Brynden had little time for pleasantries.

"Save it… are you ready?" Brynden asked, now completely serious and was pleased to see the bard adopt the same face.

"Yes, my lord, your men can go to my tent; there are outfits aplenty; and instruments as well," The bastard said seriously.

"Well ... Fortunately, the Freys have not closed the floodgates, so we can use them for a few men to carry our weapons and then escape through the canal when we finish the mission ..." Brynden said determinedly.

"Yes, the information you gave us about the construction of the castle was essential to formulate this plan. We also prepared chains for our guest, and some of us will stay to take care of the horses and a caravan for the prisoner," Said one of the men.

Brynden just nodded.

-------------------------------

After cutting his beard and changing into the minstrels' doublet, Brynden was persuaded to have his hair painted a dark blue like a Tyroshi by one of his men; that way, the guards would not recognize him.

"If it doesn't work, I'll throttle the bastard who suggested it ... Before I'm executed", Brynden thought sheepishly.

They appeared before the gates of Riverrun, their home in the guise of bards though the Frey guards eyed them with suspicion as the Lord of the Castle hadn't summoned any bards, it seemed as if they would be discovered, and many began to reach for their daggers, but Tom quickly played the Rains of Castamere, and so they were allowed to enter.

As soon as they entered the Keep, Brynden was repulsed by the fact that the arms of his family and the various statues of the Riverlords had been removed and replaced with the Gold and Crimson of Lannister and the Blue and Grey of Frey.

"I swear by the seven, I will tear these banners down." Brynden thought, in anger, regretting not being able to resume Riverrun at that time.

Their intention was to reach the Great Hall where large councils are held, and the high seat of the Tullys sits. There is a private audience chamber above the Great Hall with another high seat for the lord and a bell to ring for servants.

But before they could begin their task, they must have their weapons; the men who sneaked through the canal should already arrive any moment.

And so they did; a group of six men quickly appeared from the shadows drenched in water and some stained in blood.

"We are sorry for the delay, but there were some guards ... We had to dispose of the bodies ..." One of them said the oldest.

Brynden just grunted because if they discover the bodies before they begin, it will all be over.

"Here are the weapons," Said another of them, pulling out swords, daggers and bows.

Brynden, the bard Tom and the others took it all and the now prominent group split in two, the archers going up some stairs to reach the top of the Great Hall while the others entered the room and began to play.

Brynden, in particular, sat near Genna Lannister and her husband, thankfully no one glanced at him twice because of his painted hair, and from there, he could see what the couple had done to their home.

If the rest of the castle seemed under the control of the Lannisters and the Freys, the Great Hall was the worst; Brynden wished to vomit.

It was full of tapestries; each showed the exploits of House Lannister, and a small one showed the founding of "The Twins" along with some statues of famous heroes of the House Lannister or some other ancient King of the Rock.

"Building the Twins was the only thing that legion of weasels did well." Bryden thought with anger.

The large dining room table was filled with floral decorations, food, wine and noblemen; in the centre was Genna Lannister; by all accounts in her youth, Genna was shapely, always threatening to overflow her bodice. However, as she aged, she became fat. She now has a square figure and an enormous bosom with a broad and smooth face. Next to her was her husband Emmon Frey was a fretful man with nervous hands. He might have weighed ten stone ... but only wet and clad in mail. He was a weed in wool, with no chin to speak of, a flaw that the prominence of the apple in his throat made even more absurd, more akin to a ghastly ornament than a man.

At that moment, everyone got up from their seats, although many did so reluctantly and had expressions of disgust and loathing.

It didn't take Brynden long to figure out why

Petyr Baelish, the true instigator of the War of the Five Kings, the newly appointed Lord Paramount of the Trident and Lord of Harrenhal, had arrived

Escorted by two men, Petyr had been slight and short for his age as a boy, and he is still a short man of slender build nearing his thirties. Petyr has sharp features, a small pointed beard on his chin, and dark hair with threads of grey running through it. He had laughing grey-green eyes like a cat; he wore a plum-coloured doublet with a mockingbird embroidered on the breast in black thread and a silver cape patterned with mockingbirds.

Brynden could scarcely restrain his temper and the desire to go and strangle that traitorous worm, especially when he saw the Chesire grin plastered on his weasely face. He revealed in the praise of those who had once called him a mere pauper.

"Enjoy it while you can, Petyr; soon you will be begging to have never crawled from your whore mothers cunt", Brynden thought in anger.

He could tell that while Emmon Frey seemed to get along with Littlefinger while his wife didn't really seem interested in conversing with him except out of the strictest courtesy. Apparently, the lioness didn't look kindly upon the lowborn whoremonger; it seems Genna was far more affable than her brother.

That's when someone else came along, someone Brynden didn't expect to see there ... In fact, it was the last person he expected to see; his mere appearance caused Brynden some misery.

His nephew Edmure.

They had bathed and groomed him for the wedding dressing him in fine silks embroidered with the colours of the Tully, those clothes were worthy of his standing, but that did not mask his deplorable appearance; Edmure was pale and emaciated his twinkling blue eyes had lost their lustre.

"What is Edmure doing here?… He was supposed to be marching towards Casterly Rock," Brynden thought with worry.

"Petyr?" Edmure asked, surprised to see Littlefinger in that place.

"Husband, do you know anything about this?" Genna Lannister asked in a hoarse voice ... But that did little to hide her disgust; she had little love for Edmure Tully, but this mockery of her Lord was in very bad taste.

However, Emmon Frey only put on a mocking smile and nodded.

"Yes, dear wife... My Lord Father decided that since Lord Edmure was the previous owner of this castle, it was appropriate that before spending his life locked in the dungeons of Casterly Rock, he should attend one last wedding, But I think it was worth it in the end, "Said the weasel raising a glass towards Edmure in a mocking way while Brynden could hardly contain his anger.

"This complicates everything ... Brynden thought, worried about his nephew.

"Petyr ... You have to help me ..." Edmure begged Littlefinger, but Baelish gave no indication he had heard him, arousing Edmure's ire.

"So this is how it will be? .. Is this about Brandon Stark? .. So you take revenge on my family and me?" Asked an irate Edmure.

"Lord Edmure, I'm sorry to see you like this, but I'm afraid the King's justice must be served when ones entire family rebels against the Iron Throne, "Littlefinger said in a soothing tone.

"Damn you, Petyr and damn the day my father accepted you into our halls "now you usurp my father's title and dine with those who murdered my sister whom you so loved, may the seven curse you", Edmure finished spitting at Petyr's feet, however with a gesture from Emmon Frey, one of the guards hit Edmure so hard in the fact that he broke his lip.

"Now, Lord Edmure, that was very rude; we brought you here so that he will enjoy good food and drink before going to Casterly Rock just for you to spit on the ground ... Well, in that case, perhaps we should instruct you on proper decorum," Emmon said with a sickening smile.

Brynden was getting increasingly worried watching the scene since, despite his plans, he could not let something happen to his brother's son.

Luckily Genna Lannister didn't seem willing to allow blood to be shed in the high hall.

"Why have you stopped my fun?" Emmon asked, looking at his wife fearfully.

"You know very well why ... This is in bad taste, we are at a wedding Emmon ... Behave, I will not tolerate this behaviour in this castle ..." Said Tywin Lannister's sister with fire in her eyes and the weasel that she had for a husband cowered in his seat.

"I did not plan to do anything to him ... Remember that he is married to my sister Roslin, he is my beloved relative of mine ... Very well, take Lord Edmure to the end of the table and serve him whatever food and drink he wants," Said the Emmon cowering before his wife.

Brynden could only breathe in relief that he hadn't had to ruin his plans to save his nephew as he watched the amusing display while holding back his laughter at how useless Walder Frey's second son was.

"Something tells him that Genna Lannister will not feel particularly unhappy about the inevitable death of her husband" Brynden thought with some mirth.

At that moment, the wedding couple entered, causing Brynden to look away from Edmure for a few moments, and when he saw the newcomers, he raised an eyebrow .. Daven Lannister and his betrothed A young Frey that Brynden was sure had not yet blossomed.

"There is no doubt that Daven Lannister is a much smarter young man than he seems, better to wait for a maiden to blossom to discover that Black Walder was ahead of him" Brynden thought, holding his laugh as all the music began to ring through the Great Hall.

The couple walked all the way to the Lord's table, where the Septon responsible for sealing the union. He was a bald old man who was sweating through his silks.

At his side were different maidens, seven to be exact; in addition, each of them had a special oil, oil for each of the faces of the seven.

"Dear children, we have gathered here in the light of the seven to unite these two proud people in the bonds of matrimony."

Brynden had to restrain himself from displaying resentment, and he was not the only one; Emmon Frey, along with his wife and Littlefinger, seemed to have no desire to witness this dull affair and busied themselves with drinking and eating.

After a few tedious minutes of the ceremony, it concluded, and Daven leaned down to kiss his new "wife", whom he would never bed.

"Good men in bad families and serving bad causes," Brynden thought pragmatically to ward off regrets.

After the marriage, the typical food and drink feast continued in which the Lannister men and Freys drank and ate their fill.

"Keep drinking, keep getting clumsy ... Just like my niece's son and his men before they were killed ... Brynden thought with resentment as he carefully watched where his nephew was sitting though it seemed Edmure was content to stare at Littlefinger as if his anger would cause the weasel to burst into flames.

For several minutes Brynden and his men continued to watch the alcohol run along with the music and food until he saw some gentlemen stumble from their drunkenness and decided that he had waited long enough; with a signal, he and his men played a new song. One that those in the room knew all too well.

The rains of Castamere Cat had developed a morbid sense of humour or a twisted sense of justice. This song marked the beginning of the first "Red Wedding" It will now mark the second Red Wedding.

Quickly a part of those at the high table turned to see him irritated, but Genna Lannister and Littlefinger had a nervous expression in their eyes as if they sensed what was about to happen.

At that moment, everything began; an arrow loosened by Angus embedded itself in Daven Lannister's chest, and he fell to the ground stone dead.

Screams of terror permeated the hall, and Brynden signalled the archers, and more arrows were loosened, killing numerous of the guests; in a short time, what had been a festive party became a slaughter as countless Freys met their end.

Amid the confusion, Brynden quickly ran to Edmure and drew his sword to dispatch the guards attending his nephew.

"What? .. How?" Edmure asked in surprise.

"Edmure, it's me ..." Brynden said.

"Who ... Uncle?" Edmure asked, amazed to recognize him.

"I don't have time to explain everything. I need you to help me. Can you fight?" Brynden asked frantically.

"Yes ..." Edmure said with a quick nod, and Brynden handed him a sword.

"Help me catch Littlefinger ... He must not escape ... And don't kill him", Brynden ordered his nephew, who agreed.

And so uncle and nephew went to look for Littlefinger, who had already disappeared from the table.

Knowing that Littlefinger could not be allowed to escape and that an army would soon arrive, Brynden incited his nephew to join the fray.

One by one, the guests in the dining room were shot to death by arrows; even the hopeless Emmon Frey was killed when one of the brotherhood men threw an axe into his chest.

Genna Lannister was protected by guards flanking her on all sides as the terrified woman stared at the carnage around her in shock.

Brynden noticed that Littlefinger's men were taking him out of the Hall, and he set off as he couldn't let the cockroach escape, Brynden rushed to meet them and cut down another Lannister footmen and several Freys before blocking Baelish's way.

"Leaving so soon ... Petyr?" Brynden said softly.

Hearing that familiar voice Petyr Baelish quickly turned his gaze to the stranger; he felt he knew him, but he couldn't recall from where.

"Ser Brynden?" Petyr asked, confused as his guards got nervous when they realized that before them stood the legendary Blackfish.

"In the flesh, I know this new look is puzzling, and I especially loathe it ... But it served its purpose," Brynden said with a savage grin.

"Purpose? .. Ser Brynden, I'm afraid there is confusion, I did not take part in the" Red Wedding "... I .." The vermin began to stammer, but a look from the Blackfish silenced him.

"I know that very well; I know you had no part in that monstrous affair; no, what brings me here is something different ..." Brynden snarled.

"It won't accomplish anything; despite the chaos you and your men caused, they won't be able to get Riverrun back. If you want to take me hostage, then you can't murder me…." The upstart said with a cheeky smile.

"Murder? ... Petyr, you have misunderstood; I am not going to kill you ... You are going to come with me; someone is dying to see you... All this was to avenge my dear niece and all the harm that befell our family because of you, "Brynden said, drawing his sword before a horrified Littlefinger.

"Are you going to kidnap me?" Asked the vermin, scared.

"I'll take you to an old friend of yours, then I shall reclaim my family's seat," Brynden said bitterly at the thought of leaving his home in the hands of the fucking Freys, but he knew that he couldn't take it back this way although that didn't make him feel better.

"You decide Baelish, you come by hook or by crook ... Although I think on second thought ... There is only that method ..." Brynden said, throwing himself towards Littlefinger's bodyguards, and to his surprise, they had some skill with a blade clearly they were true knights, The distraction was used by Baelish to flee, but at that moment Edmure appeared before him and threw him to the ground.

"You don't know how I'm going to enjoy this ..." Edmure snarled before he savaged the mockingbird.

"Damn Edmure ... Brynden thought, frustrated with his nephew as he kept fighting until luckily some of the brotherhood appeared and restrained Edmure before he could beat Baelish to death.

"Good ..." Brynden said more calmly now that Littlefinger was in his hands.

Their sortie was accomplished now; they had to escape before Walders extended family came for a midnight spar.

At that moment, Edmure realized that his uncle was fighting and with a sureness never seen before in him, he threw the dagger that his uncle had lent him and pierced the eye of one of Littlefinger's bodyguards.

"Finally!" Brynden yelled and quickly dispatched the other guard by piercing his heart through the vulnerable juncture of his breastplate.

"Sorry, Uncle," Edmure said sadly.

"Boy, one of these days .." Brynden said with a sigh.

"You can reprimand your nephew later; now we have to retreat before the men camping outside come in", Said Tom, who was quickly recognized by Edmure, who gave him a look of contempt.

"May I know what this Bard is doing with you, uncle?" Edmure asked with animosity while Tom merely grinned.

"Helping me catch Littlefinger and for the mercy of the gods to free you, now boy don't do anything stupid, we must flee quickly through the channel ... Now!" Brynden yelled in a tone that brooked no arguments, and Edmure nodded.

At that moment, Littlefinger decided to speak.

"No matter what you try, Brynden, you will never leave this Castle alive the Lannisters are too great in number now; perhaps if you let me go, I will show you mercy even allow your nephew to go free ", Though his ramblings were cut short when Edmure struck his face and broke his nose.

"Save your viper's tongue Lord Baelish ... You will be able to beg for mercy very soon, until then ... Someone gag him," Brynden ordered, and instantly, Petyr Baelish was gagged as he glared at all of them with hatred.

"Then let's go…." The bard said, and Brynden nodded.

-------------

Fleeing Riverrun was much more complicated than entering the Lannister men came thick and fast and guarded the bridge. Brynden and Edmure's knowledge of their home saved them as they dove into the channel and made a run for; unfortunately, they were seen fleeing into the channel, and they lost two men in the fighting.

However, they managed to escape in the end either by luck or by a favour from the gods ... Be that as it may, none of them intended to waste it.

All the way back to the Littlefinger Brotherhood lair, using his silver tongue, he tried to buy the men who were guarding him by promising gold and land in Vale if anyone freed him and, unfortunately, two of the Brotherhood found this highly amicable and Angus was forced to put an arrow in their hearts lest they alert the Lannister hunting party now they were down to six companions.

Edmure also wanted to know where they were going and if his uncle had any plans to reclaim Riverrun, but Brynden took his nephew aside and told him he had no plans to reclaim Riverrun unless they could petition Lysa for aid.

Hearing his sister's name, Edmure made a sneer.

"She didn't help us, not once ... She let them take everything from us ..." Edmure said, clenching his fists.

Brynden sighed and, in a rare moment of brotherly impulse, put a hand on his nephew's shoulder.

"Lysa ... is your sister Edmure, I know she's disappointed us for refusing to fight, but she has a child, the only thing she has in this world ... She's just afraid," Brynden said with bitterness as if he didn't honestly believe that.

Edmure looked like he would retort, but instead, he sighed and nodded with a grim expression.

During the following days, the fatigue due to the lack of food and the little rest began to take its toll on them; only the desire to be safe led them onwards to Hollow Hill.

------------------------

After a few days of travel, the company reached Hollow Hill, and upon entering, Brynden quickly stopped Edmure.

"Uncle?" His nephew asked, confused.

"Listen, Edmure ... We have come this far, to the lair of these people ... But their leader ... By the seven, their leader is someone we know very well ..." Brynden said, not knowing how to tell Edmure about what happened to his sister Catelyn.

"Who is it about?" Edmure asked curiously.

"Your sister ... Catelyn," Brynden said hoarsely.

At first, the expression on Edmure's face was incredulous, and in other circumstances, Brynden would have found it amusing, but after a few minutes, Edmure recoiled in disbelief.

"That is not possible ... She and Robb along with many of our men ... The Freys forced me to watch as they threw their corpses in the river," Edmure said with tears in his eyes.

"That damn legion of weasels ... They will pay for every insult made against our House," Brynden thought with fury.

At that point, Brynden began to recount to Edmure his journey after their parting.

He told him how he was captured by the Brotherhood Without Banners and how he discovered that their leader after the death of Lord Beric Dondarrion was none other than a resurrected Cat who was more akin to a corpse than a woman, but she was healing rather slowly.

Hearing about his sister's grotesque new appearance, Edmure's eyes filled with tears and his face in shock as he clenched his fists in anger and outrage.

"Is it true? ... Beric Dondarrion revived my sister using the favour of his red god?" Edmure said, unsure how to feel.

"Yes ... I'm afraid I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it for myself, they are powers, dark powers that I never believed existed ... And now we are indebted to them ... As terrifying as this prospect is," Brynden said morosely.

"It's like Stannis Baratheon and his red priestess…." Edmure said, remembering the stories about the woman who came from Ashai.

"The person responsible for everything is Thoros of Myr ... He and your sister are waiting for us inside ..." Brynden said, ready to continue.

"That drunk? ..." Edmure asked, confused.

"Not anymore ... During the war he experienced ... A ... spiritual renewal after resurrecting Beric Dondarrion for the first time ... He is not the same as before," Brynden said.

"Very good ... If they are good allies ..." Edmure started to say.

"Don't get your hopes up ... After we take care of Littlefinger, we will go to the Vale with hostages and plead with Lysa for her aid, and if that fails, force her hand", Brynden replied sternly, and Edmure nodded quickly.

"There is one more thing you should know before continuing our intention in ruining that wedding at Riverrun was to capture Baelish Cat wants him alive," Brynden said.

"Why?" Edmure asked, confused by all the trouble everyone has gone into to bring Littlefinger to Catelyn.

"Because she wants to kill him herself", Was Brynden's reply, and he continued walking, followed by a confused Edmure.

"Why would my sister want to kill Littlefinger? ... True, he is an enemy, but I think he will be more useful to us ..." Edmure said, entering the cave with his uncle.

"Because Littlefinger was the true instigator of the War of the Five Kings," Brynden said, looking at the face of a shocked Edmure who quickly stopped his uncle.

"How?" Edmure asked, barely believing what his uncle said.

Sighing, Brynden made Edmure sit on the floor and told him for the next few minutes the story Catelyn had told him during their reunion how Baelish claimed to have taken the maidenhood of both Tully sisters due to his belief that his first encounter with Lysa had actually been with Catelyn and how Petyr had claimed the dagger that had nearly claimed Bran's life once belonged to Tyrion Lannister. After several minutes Brynden concluded his tale, and they sat in silence.

Then Edmure suddenly stood up, cursing Petyr while shouting that he regretted that Brandon Stark had not killed him in their duel.

To be blunt, Brynden was sorry too.

"Enough nephew ... It's time for you to see your sister ... Surely the men already told her about our arrival, she will undoubtedly want to see you," Said the Blackfish.

"I want to see her too ..." Edmure said with a slight smile.

"But remember that she is not the same anymore ... Her death and resurrection have changed her a great deal," Brynden said sternly, and Edmure nodded.

Both uncle and nephew entered the cavern and were greeted by the sight of the Brotherhood tending the wounded; they met Thoros of Myr, who was satisfied to see Brynden return.

"Welcome, Blackfish…" said the Red Priest jovially.

"Thoros…" Said the old Knight by way of greeting.

"Thoros of Myr?" Edmure asked, surprised at the new appearance of the old drunk who only smiled at the expression of the Lord of Riverrun.

"Lord Edmure… I'm glad to see you free from the Freys; it was certainly a surprise to find you at Riverrun," Thoros said with a slight bow.

"My niece?" Brynden asked sharply when Edmure was about to answer.

"In your chambers ... I see your sortie was fruitful," Thoros said with relief.

"Yes, thank the gods the impromptu rescue of my nephew was achieved as well as the capture of Littlefinger ... Although surely you already know that we lost some men in our flight and we also had to execute some others when they tried to free Littlefinger, "Brynden said humorlessly as Thoros sighed.

"Yes ... Trust and loyalty are increasingly rare these days, especially among outlaws, I'm afraid," The red priest said sadly.

"I want to see my sister," Edmure said authoritatively, and Thoros nodded.

"Lady Stark is expecting you both ... She wants to speak to you, Lord Edmure and she want you to be with her when she speaks to Baelish," Thoros said in a disapproving tone.

With that comment, both uncle and nephew shared a look and, having a chill at imagining Cat's intentions, they both nodded.

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At last, she would have her revenge against the bastard that had betrayed her, the one that had lied to her and used her to start a war, a war that taken her beloved Ned and their children, Catelyn thought, shedding tears of sadness when she remembered that now she was alone, without her husband and children.

But soon, she will have her revenge against Petyr Baelish, the same Petyr who had once been like a brother to her, the same Petyr who fought Brandon for her hand and nearly died, the same Petyr who had spun his web of lies all for the sake of his own glory caring not for the blood price of his folly.

Thinking of her family, Catelyn had to use all her strength not to weep.

Her beloved Ned beheaded, Bran and Rickon murdered by those savage Ironborn, their daughters, Sansa and Arya, had disappeared from Westeros, and Catelyn feared they were dead as well.

Arya had been missing since Ned's execution, and Sansa disappeared after the mad lion's demise, and none knew of her whereabouts.

But the gravest calamity befell her poor Robb, her beloved Robb, her first-born, her pride and joy cut down by those he had once called brothers paraded about like a prize for the delight of the fucking Lions.

Just remembering that causes pain and sadness to turn into anger and a desire for revenge, revenge against the Freys, the Boltons and the Lannisters.

For this, she lived now, for revenge and for the seven, that she would obtain it after all, not even death could hold her ... Besides, she has nothing left to lose.

The vermin's silver tongue and honeyed words are far more dangerous than the Lannisters or the Freys, and so Cat would cut out his poisoned tongue.

Catelyn wouldn't make stupid mistakes this time.

Now she just waits for her brother Edmure and her uncle Brynden so that they, the Tullys who helped that lowborn beggar rise above his station, are the ones who return him to the dirt.

It was then she heard footsteps nearing and quickly covered herself; she looked up to see her uncle Brynden and her younger brother Edmure.

"Cat? ... Is it really you?" Edmure asked, approaching.

"Edmure…" She said hoarsely but happily seeing her younger brother.

"Praise the gods," Her brother said, trying to get closer, but she moved away.

"Cat?" Edmure asked, surprised by his sister's actions.

"Please, brother ... Stay away ... My appearance ... Is ..." She said, suppressing a sob.

"Cat…" Her uncle Brynden said sadly.

"Our uncle already told me about what happened to you, sister .. . I don't care, when the Freys told me about what they did to you at the Red Wedding ... I wept for you, for Robb, for what had happened; to everyone For months, I was a captive of the Freys who threatened to hang me unless our uncle surrendered and the damned Kingslayer said that should my child be born he would deliver it to me with a catapult I'm truly grieved knowing I ran from our home like a coward."

Catelyn cut him off at that moment.

"Edmure, tell me… What are the words of our House?"

"Family, Duty and Honor," Edmure said sadly.

"It's true ... Family, Duty and Honor ... And you chose your son in the first place, your family... You are not a coward, just a father protecting his son Edmure.. Don't be shamed by your choice," said Catelyn with some joy.

"Cat…" Edmure said, shedding tears.

"I see you already speak better, niece ..." Her uncle Brynden said with a slight smile.

"Yes ... my wounds have begun to heal ..." Catelyn replied.

"Please, sister ... Let me see your face," Edmure asked again.

A reluctant Catelyn clenched her fists and reluctantly began to show her face to her brother; she certainly no longer looked like the walking corpse she was when she was resurrected ... But still, she could hardly be compared to the beauty she was before her death.

Although starting to grow back, her hair was still brittle and had not yet regained its former lustre. The flesh holes still did not close completely, and her skin was still milky, but the most prominent feature, the wound across her throat, was still discernable against her pale skin ... The reality was that that wound would never fully heal; perhaps it was because she inflicted it on herself amid pain and madness or just because the Red god wished it not to heal for some sense of amusement.

But be that as it may, Catelyn showed her younger brother what she had become, and his expression was one of horror and sadness; for a moment, Edmure appeared as if he would flee, but he only wept more fiercely.

"By the gods ... is this Rh'llors mercy?" Edmure said, looking at his sister and uncle.

"That remains to be seen ..." Brynden said, lowering his gaze slightly.

"Edmure, my brother ... It's time ... It's time to impose our revenge ... For Ned ... For my son Robb ... And for the misfortune of our House and all who have died in this conflict," Catelyn said, shedding tears of anger and hatred, in those moments acquiring the ghostly and terrifying appearance that she had when she was resurrected by Beric Dondarrion.

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Petyr Baelish had been unlucky for many months, starting when Sansa, his eventual queen, fell into the sea in the middle of a terrible storm that had befallen them.

Petyr had never felt so frustrated as at that instant; he had planned the escape of Sansa Stark for months, and a storm ruined everything, Cat's daughter was the key to the North ... And the damned sea had parted them.

Drowning the girl or taking her to the open sea where she will surely have died of hunger and thirst ... A horrible way to die without a doubt what a waste of beauty and potential.

He had planned to bring Sansa to Eyrie, introduce her as his bastard daughter and then marry her off to Harrold Hardyng; then, he would claim Winterfell with the Knights of the Vale and rule both kingdoms as her protector and advisor.

But the rough sea and the incompetence of his men ruined his plans, and worst of all was that he was still married to that air-headed bitch Lysa, he did not know what more vexing losing Sansa to the sea or being married to a dullard like Lysa.

The love that Lysa had for him had been beneficial, and despite everything, Petyr was not an ungrateful man ... He had planned for his wife a sweet death without suffering ... Throwing her through the Gates of the Moon it was quick and clean, but in light of what happened with Sansa, he needs Lysa for now.

Without Ned Stark's daughter by his side, no one will believe that he had commendable intentions. Lysa's protection keeps him from the headsmen, especially Lord Yohn Royce, Lady Anya Waynwood, Lord Gilwood Hunter, Lord Horton Redfort, Lord Benedar Belmore, head of House Belmor, and Ser Symond Templeton.

The lord of the Vale shadowed his every step, eager for his fall from grace; the only reason he has not been cast out is the displeasure Lysa would feel towards the offending house.

At the moment, he had started paying the debts of the Waynwood House, which made that dour old woman indebted to him, which was necessary since there was something that Petyr needed ... A marriage.

Harry, "The Heir", would marry Lord Yohn Royce's daughter, Ysilla Royce.

She was a beautiful young woman, and in her father's words, the Brightest Jewel of the Vale, and although Petyr considered Lord Royce's words mere exaggeration, the former master of coin knew she would arouse Harrold's interest. The trouble is that Lady Ysilla has the same character as her father, cunning and distrustful.

Yohn Royce was a cautious man the moment Petyr proposed that marriage; it was enough to see his expression to know the Lord of Runestone distrusted his intentions despite the prestige it would bring his house. And Ysilia was also not enthusiastic about the potential match as she was aware of the reputation of Harrold; he has already fathered a bastard daughter, Alys Stone, on a lowborn servant named Cissy and has another bastard on the way by a different woman, Saffron.

That cooled the young Lady's enthusiasm for marrying the heir to the Vale, and Petyr knew full well that this impromptu marriage was somewhat risky for giving the Royces far greater say in the governing of the Vale, but he was desperate since he had lost Sansa.

After all, it was well known in Vale that the Royces were the power behind Eyrie's seat ever since Jon Arryn went to serve as Hand of the King.

However, all that is pointless since, unlike his father, Lord Royce's first-born son, the young Andar is somewhat more ... Meek; he also knew perfectly well that despite his doubts, Lord Royce would end up agreeing to the match even if he had to urge his daughter the man would be a fool to no see his daughter become Lady Arryn.

Just a few weeks after they celebrate that marriage, Yohn Royce will suffer a tragic and unfortunate accident while hunting and his heir Andar will develop a close friendship with him.

So numerous schemes to enact... And he ended up being caught by the "Blackfish" with the help of Beric Dondarrion's band of outlaws at the Frey wedding, being taken to his lair and tied from head to toe to prevent his escape. .. Luck is a funny thing.

But he can't stay here ... Now he just needed ...

In those moments, the sounds of footsteps were heard throughout the place, interrupting his thoughts until Petyr looked up and contemplated three people, two of them he knew very well, they were the Blackfish and his nephew Edmure, but the third visitor was concealed by a black cloak.

"Ser Brynden, Lord Edmure ... You finally honour me with your presence," He said in a soft tone.

Edmure instantly pounced on him but stopped his uncle as he tried to throttle the arrogant little shit.

"Let me kill him, uncle!" Edmure barked.

"Calm down, Edmure! ... This worm will pay for everything he has done to our family ... But the privilege of killing him ... It does not belong to us ... Now calm down ..." Said the Blackfish.

"But…" the former Lord of Riverrun began to say.

"Leave us. I wish to speak to Petyr alone," The hooded figure said hoarsely, and for a few moments, and Petyr could swear he knew the stranger but from where he couldn't guess.

Hearing those words, both Tullys stopped their fight and looked at the hooded figure in surprise.

"Are you sure?" Brynden said.

"I am ..." The figure said.

"surley you jest?," Edmure said.

"His pretty tongue will not save him anymore... I must do this myself ... It's a matter between him and me," Said the hooded figure, which piqued Petyr's interest.

"Do she know? ... Who is she? ... She is definitely a woman,... Thought the Lord of Harrenhal, trying to discern the identity of the woman.

Both uncle and nephew were silent for a few minutes, but eventually, Ser Brynden sighed.

"Alright, we'll be around in case you need us...Come on, boy ..." Brynden snapped.

"Uncle .." Young Tully said.

"Go, Edmure... Go get those things ... This won't last long ..." The hooded woman said.

"Very good," Edmure said, only to give Petyr a hateful look.

Finally, uncle and nephew walked away, and Petyr and the hooded woman were left alone; they both stood face to face.

"Well, my Lady, now we are alone ... I must assume that you want something from me ..." Petyr said, speaking in the tone he used to negotiate, hoping to convince that woman to let him go.

But that woman gave no sign of hearing him and just remained motionless without making a sound.

"My lady?"

"You still don't recognize me ... do you?" The hooded figure asked, causing Petyr to raise one of his eyebrows.

"Should I?" Baelish asked, intrigued.

"Perhaps, after all, I have many memories of you ... As for example, I remember how once Lysa and I made mud cakes, which you ate, which caused you to be ill for a week or when we played kissing in the Riverrun Gods Forest, and you were trying to stick your tongue in our mouths, but I stopped you." The stranger said.

As soon as he said that, Petyr's eyes widened in surprise, and his heart began to pound as if it wanted to break his bones.

"It's not possible ... You're dead... The Freys .." A terrified Petyr began to stammer until the hooded one uncovered her face revealing the gaunt, partially mutilated face of Catelyn Stark, his Cat, who now resembled a corpse.

"Yes, dear Petyr, I died at the Twins when I clawed at my own throat in a fit of madness betrayed by those I called friend I lost everything I loved, my husband, my children, my home ... Because of the war that you began to ascend to power ... "She said approaching him, and Lord Baelish recoiled.

Cat was alive ... If that could be called that, a terrified Petyr could not believe what he saw, he never considered himself a man of faith ... But this, this defied all reason.

Struggling to speak despite his horror and shock, the Lord of Harrenhal overcame his terror and uttered a single word.

"How? .." He struggled to speak and broke into a cold sweat ... When Cat If it was still, Cat smiled sinisterly.

"I do not know, by the will of powers that are beyond my understanding and that revived me for some reason that I still do not know ... I only know that I died, I remember that I left this world in the midst of pain and betrayal and once again I am here, to take revenge against all those who harmed my family, "said Cat walking away again.

At that moment, Petyr woke up from his shock and realized that he was in real danger ... He needed to get out now or at least convince Catelyn that she could still trust him.

"Cat ... I don't know what they told you, but I swear I've always been your friend, you've known me since we were children ... I even fought for your hand! .." said petyr trying to appeal to those memories of a friendship that was long dead.

At that moment, she approached him and kicked his nose hard, breaking it Petyr could only contain a groan of pain.

"Yes? ... Then answer me this.. My friend, on my trip to the Vale before the start of the War I learned of an enthralling rumour that you told about me in the Court of King's Landing ..." She said with such hatred that Petyr wished that the earth would swallow him.

"It must have been the Imp, only he could have had the courage to have told her that story without fear of any retaliation, damn it," Baelish thought fear.

At that moment, Cat approached and took him gently by the face, tenderly caressing the wound she had caused him ... As if they were lovers and whispering in his ear in a honeyed tone.

"Apparently, you know the softness of my breasts, of my lips perfectly even though none of our kisses was real. So Petyr, now that we are both together, do you still want me? ... you have desired me for so long; you have me to yourself now... Are you happy? " She said, now looking into his eyes, and with that, Petyr could see the enormous hatred and disgust she had for him despite the softness of his touches and honeyed words.

"Please ... I swear to the gods that nothing is true ... I am Petyr, your friend ... I told you about Tyrion Lannister's Valyrian steel dagger ..." He said frantically, trying to think of some plan to get out of there alive.

"Ah yes... About that, the Kingslayer told me something very interesting about that dagger; apparently, you did not lose it to Tyrion Lannister, you lost it to Robert Baratheon since he was the only one who bet on Ser Loras Tyrell in that tourney, I would not have believed that man without honour except that his story was exactly the same as the one his brother told me and the two had eachothers company other in over a year, even Jaime Lannister told me about that same disgusting rumour that you started about us in the Court the Imp bet on his brother and lost" Suddenly releasing him as if his skin burned her.

"Wait ... Please wait, I cared for Sansa in King's Landing ..." Petyr stammered.

"No one has heard from her since the death of King Joffrey ..." Catelyn said, staring at him relentlessly.

"Because I took her out of the City in the middle of the chaos ... She's in the Vale with me, and Lysa", Petyr lied frantically, hoping that Cat would believe his lie.

"How?" She asked, approaching him and Petyr knew he had it in his hands.

"I used one of my spies .. Ser Dontos Hollard, escort her from the wedding and safely abord my galley, and we sailed for the Vale she is alive," Petyr said with a smile.

"Really? ... And tell me, how did you know the wedding would turn into chaos?" Said a familiar voice, and Petyr realized that Edmure and Blackfish had returned their expressions were of fury.

"Answer the question, Lord Baelish," Lord Hoster's brother said with his arms on his shoulders.

Petyr said nothing.

"You did it.. you murdered Joffrey Baratheon.. correct?" Catelyn said again, moving away from him, standing next to her family.

"Besides being a trickster and a rat ... you're a regicide," Edmure said, looking at him with disgust.

"You let Tyrion Lannister be blamed ... Twice, for your crimes, you fucking snake," Ser Brynden snarled in anger.

"And you risked my daughter's life in your manoeuvre... But do you know something, Petyr?" Cat said, approaching him, and in the light of the torches, he could see all the wounds that marred her beautiful face.

"I don't believe you at all... You were always clever even as a boy and often knew what to say to save yourself, but no more," Catelyn said in a sinister tone.

At that moment, Petyr finally understood it ... He would not come out of that cave alive.

"What will you do with me?" Petyr said, struggling to contain his cry of fear.

"Clearly kill you; I would like to do it slowly for days ... But I already know the power of your silver tongue ... Damn reptile ... But my brother, my uncle, and I will make sure your death is poetic," She said with a wicked smile.

"Please, Cat," He said as the first tears came to his eyes, but she cruelly kicked his face.

"At least die like the man you weren't ... You have no inkling of the hatred I hold for you, you damn liar and traitor ... You used me, and I'm sure you used my husband too ... You took him to his death ... Why? ... Why did you do all this? " Cat said, now crying with anger and indignation.

That's where Petyr's sanity was shattered as the fear of death drew out the accumulated resentment and anger of more than a decade since his humiliating defeat at the hands of Brandon Stark.

"Because I wanted to start a war ... You and your husband were my best puppets ..." Petyr said now with fear but disguised of courage.

"Why did you want a war? ... To lead the kingdom to chaos? To obtain power? ... You took thousands to their grave, me among them, my family Thousands of innocents to be buried in pits while thousands more are now carrion for crows," Cat snarled in anger.

"Chaos is not a pit, my sweet Cat; chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try it again. The fall breaks them. And some are given a chance to climb. They refuse. They cling to the realm or the gods or love. Illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is." Petyr said with an effortless grace as if he had recounted this speak a hundred times before.

"So at last, you show yourself as you are ..." Cat said after a moment.

"You wanted me to be brave ... didn't you?" Petyr replied softly.

"It's the courage of a cornered dog ..." Catelyn said, full of hatred.

"Sometimes I really don't understand how easy it was to use you for all this ... I mean ... Did you really think I cared about you after so long?" Petyr said now with a sick smile on his face.

"You fought for my hand ... You were like my brother ..." Catelyn replied.

"After the death of Brandon Stark, I sent you a letter that you never answered. Not once in nine years did you try to contact me, but you called me your brother; did you truly think I would help you after all this time? " Baelish enquired, his eyes dancing with mirth.

She did not answer.

"Well, now look at how things have changed ... Your dead family, your House stripped of your titles and honours... And you in the company of some outlaws ... While I, who was born with practically nothing, am one of the men most powerful of Westeros with the titles of your family And the best part is that you are responsible for your own misfortune for your arrogance and naivety… "Petyr said, starting to laugh maniacally at a shocked and furious Catelyn.

"ENOUGH!" Catelyn yelled, now crying and hitting him again.

"The best part is yet to come, sweet Cat ... You were right; what I told you about Sansa was a lie ... But only half," Petyr said wickedly.

"What are you talking about?" She asked, scared.

"I helped your daughter escape from King's Landing to take her to Vale, but I did not arrive because, unfortunately, she fell off the galley into the sea in the middle of a storm and was adrift ..." Baelish said with some glee.

"You're lying ..." Edmure said, taking his sister by the shoulder.

"No, what good would it do me? I'm going to die anyway, so I shall tell you of my schemes. I planned to take Sansa to Eyrie and pass her off as my bastard daughter. to hide her identity, then arrange a marriage with Harrold Harryng so that when he will inherit the Vale after the death of Robin Arryn, he will help his wife now the Lady of the Vale regain her ancestral home"Petyr said, satisfied.

"With you as her trusted advisor ..." said the Blackfish.

"Yes.. for a while, if that plan had been carried out, I would control The Riverlands, The North and the Vale ... But a storm ruined my plans ... Curious how things turn out... Sansa and I would have come far in this great game tis such a shame," Baelish sneered.

At that moment, Catelyn began to cry as she collapsed on the ground, comforted by Edmure while Petyr looked at her with a smile, and Bryndens patience was at an end.

"Catelyn ... Get up, don't give this snake the satisfaction of seeing you on the ground ... We talked enough, it's time to end this nephew ..." Brynden said as Edmure helped Catelyn to her feet.

"Come on ..." Edmure said with an anxious expression on his face as Cat contained her crying for her daughter and looked at Petyr with anger, anxiety and hatred.

"I understand you married my sister, and now you reside in Vale, Good brother..." Cat said with a dark smile.

"Cat ..." Petyr said, feeling the fear again.

"I understand House Arryn has a taste for hawks and eagles ..." She said with an evil smile on her mutilated features.

"What are they going to do to me?" Petyr said, now looking for a way to free himself.

"Let's see what you look like as a Petyr eagle ..." Ser Brynden said.

----------------------------------

Petyr was taken to the cavern and left in the centre, where the whole Brotherhood watched him with contempt ... It was clear that everyone already knew that this snivelling rat was responsible for the war that had claimed so many lives.

Petyr was beaten in front of everyone ... But that was nothing compared to what happened shortly:

His hands and legs remained tied to prevent escape or sudden movements.

Then without a word, Edmure stabbed him through his tailbone and into what he was sure was his rib cage. For several torturous minutes and as each rib cracked, Lord Hoster Tully's youngest son meticulously separated the ribs from the spine with a loaned axe, exposing the internal organs of a horrified Petyr.

At that moment, the Blackfish rubbed salt on the open wound. After slicing off all of Petyr's ribs in question and spreading them out like grotesque, giant fingers, the legendary Knight fiercely plucked out Petyr's lungs so that it appeared that Petyr had a pair of monstrous wings draped over his chest.

In this way, the blood eagle, an ancient form of torture of the First Men, revealed in all its glory before the terrified Brotherhood, and although some looked with satisfaction at the death of the person responsible for such misery, others lost their stomachs and puked in disgust.

Lord Petyr Baelish, the Lord of Harrenhal, had become a mockingbird with fresh wings begging for his death.

Cat approached him and removed his gag, allowing Petyr's screams and cries to be heard throughout the cavern.

"If you have some words say them now ... Your poison no longer affects us ..." She said, looking at him with a sick satisfaction and gathering the last of his strength. Littlefinger looked for the first time with hatred at the only woman he had "loved. ".

"If you go ... to the Vale of Arryn Cat ... Say hello to my wife ... I'm sure what Lysa will tell you ... You'll love it ..." Littlefinger said, spitting in the face of Lord Hoster's eldest daughter.

Edmure was going to hit him, but his sister stopped him.

"Leave him, Edmure, let him suffer ... He will stay like this ... Until his death which unfortunately will not be soon enough," Catelyn said, wiping her face.

"Come on ... Thoros said he wanted to talk to us when we were done with this ... He said it was important," Brynden said, looking at the dying Petyr with satisfaction.

--------

The Tullys trio looked to the red priest who stared in amazement at the horrible death that the Lord Protector of the Valley had and looked at the Tullys with apprehension.

"I hope you feel satisfied now .." He said fearfully.

"He deserved worse ... But everything else will kill him faster," Catelyn said, covering her face again while Petyr's screams were still heard.

"What did you want to tell us, Thoros?" Brynden said, and Thoros sighed.

"I had a vision in the flames." And Edmure looked confused as Catelyn acquired an anxious look.

"Vision in the flames?" Edmure asked.

"We red priests as servants of the Lord of Light are trained to see visions in the flames of our night fires. These visions can be about the past, the future, or things that happen far from our location. However, the flames only show what the Lord of Light wishes to show us, and although our visions are never wrong, it is not always easy to see the vision… But this one I had… It was very clear… "Thoros said with an expression. tired

"What did you see in your fires?" Catelyn asked anxiously.

"I saw you arrive in Vale and then head with an army towards a castle covered in snow ... with skinless men ruling, then I saw a deer on fire fighting them ... But losing the battle ..."

"The emblem of House Bolton is a flayed man, and Roose Bolton was appointed Guardian of the North after the Red Wedding," Brynden said.

"And the burning stag is Stannis Baratheon's heraldry ... Will Stannis fight the Boltons?" Cat asked out loud.

"Why?" Brynden asked.

"Wait ... How do we know that this red Priest's words are true? ... Seeing the future in the flames makes me feel foolish ..." Edmure said, looking at Thoros suspiciously.

"What Lord Edmure says has a certain degree of truth since it takes many years of training to see the forms beyond the flames that the Lord of Light shows us, and even more to learn to distinguish the visions about the past and visions about a certain future and a possible future. Even after such long training, it is still tricky, and we priests can still be wrong in our interpretation; many priests have been branded as liars for making an incorrect interpretation, "Thoros said with annoyance.

"But are you sure what you saw?" Cat asked who had a certain respect for the former drunk's powers.

"Yes ... But I also saw more ... I saw a wolf come from the North and two wolves come from the West to that snow-covered castle, and with them, there was a litter of wolf cubs; also there was a strange creature that looked like a mixture of wolf and dragon in front of the wolves and they're young ... I never saw anything like this ... "Thoros said before the three confused Tullys.

"That castle must be Winterfell, and did you say the dragons were returning?" Brynden asked.

"Yes, but I didn't see anything else ... My visions stopped there ... I just know that you three will be in the middle of all this ... You will go to the Vale, and then you will go North to fight the Boltons where they will meet those wolves ... I am sure... But I really understand my vision so you should have an open mind, that's all... Now with your permission, I will go to rest because I can no longer bear the screams of Lord Baelish. Then I'll let you decide what to do, "Said the red priest leaving the three Tullys, Catelyn and her uncle thinking about their next step while a distrustful Edmure did not pay much attention to the priest, although he did not discard his words since the resurrection of his sister had changed his view of the gods.

"Something severe will happen ... And soon ... This war was just the beginning ... It was the thought that ran through the minds of Catelyn and her uncle Brynden.