Chapter 49: The Journey Home (End)
Moat Cailin
Robb Stark
I could feel myself relaxing as I saw Moat Cailin in the distance, and I could sense the rest of my group feeling the same, though that didn't include the green men. They were odd, and from what I learned over the past few weeks, they were enhanced by their rituals and had access to magic.
The problem was, that most of their magic and rituals required sacrifices. I had been right — the Old Gods weren't like the normal gods I knew from my past life. They were somewhat eldritch, nothing at all like humans.
Still, as long as I gained something from it, I would follow the pact. They didn't ask for much, and I had already benefited greatly from their actions of hiding me from the Scion's gaze, anything more was a bonus. According to Sylvyrn, that wasn't the only thing I'd gain, since I was their direct link to Planetos. The Old Gods would obviously grant me more boons. I just didn't know what they were yet, aside from my skinchanger abilities resurfacing.
I knew from the series that all Stark children were skinchangers, or at least wargs, but since I woke up in this body, I hadn't been able to enter the mind of any animal. Maybe the shard took that, or perhaps I just didn't understand it yet.
But that was in the past. In recent weeks, I'd been having dreams of inhabiting different animals, and I hoped this would work well with Shadow, who should be waiting for me at the moat if Theon followed all of my instructions.
We were still a few miles away from the moat, so I couldn't see everything until we got closer.
Speaking of relaxing, my thoughts drifted to my father. I'd been concerned for his mental health during our travels. I'd seen him wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat and haunted by nightmares, acting somewhat skittish. It was hard to watch him devolve into such a mess, and I couldn't find the right words to comfort him beyond the usual, "It's not your fault" or "This would have happened regardless of what you did."
Thankfully, when we entered the North through the Neck, I could feel him relaxing a bit, and I hoped, from the bottom of my heart, that he would improve with the support Mother, Sansa, and Arya could give him once we reached Winterfell.
It had been so long since I'd seen my sisters, and it was a shame it would be even longer. I needed to stay here to lead the fight against our enemies, and I missed my family. The only thing keeping me going was the knowledge that by doing this, I would make them happier than their canon selves, sparing them the suffering and misery they'd endure otherwise.
As we approached the Moat, I decided to make a grand entrance for our troops. Since the guards would talk and the presence of the green men signaled that the Old Gods were on our side, I needed to put on a show of force to ingrain this into the minds of our soldiers.
For that, I used my insects. Something harmless in small quantities became far more menacing when I ordered the millions of insects under my control to act in unison.
I directed them to buzz as one. The sound, generated by over a hundred million insects, was almost unbearable. It was a warning to the soldiers at Moat Cailin to be on high alert.
I smiled in satisfaction as I watched them panic, yet they didn't lose discipline. Every soldier and commander present moved in unison, working together to mount a defense against the supposed enemies. Soldiers helped each other into their armor, ranging from full plate to hides or chitin.
As we approached slowly, my father and I led the way, with the rest following, Lady Elyse in the center of the group. Over the journey from King's Landing to Moat Cailin, I'd gradually introduced my group to my insects. There was no need to hide anymore, and the more connected I seemed to the Old Gods, the better for the pact.
Their reactions hadn't filled me with confidence, and I feared this would become the norm.
The guards, born and raised in the North and followers of the Old Gods, reacted with zeal. The presence of the green men, whom they'd only heard about in legend, didn't help. They looked at me as if I were the chosen one — and I guess I was, as the champion of the Old Gods. Still, it felt strange to see guards who had watched me grow up now looking at me with reverence, hoping I would lead them to greatness.
The guards loved the North, as did anyone born and raised here. They longed to see it flourish, and they didn't mind risking their lives to be remembered as heroes who fought for what we have. It was moving, but deep down, it scared me.
If every Northerner acted like this, they would place all their hopes and dreams on my shoulders. In my past life, I had been a regular college student, and now I had everything. It felt overwhelming, but it only fueled my desire to succeed.
I would fight, bleed, and cry for the North. Over these years, I'd come to love its people, its lands — everything that made the North ours. It was hard to put into words, but I would do whatever it took to see it prosper.
On the other hand, Elyse tried to keep a calm face after I revealed my powers, but her earlier reaction still made me laugh. I couldn't forget her girlish scream when she first saw so many insects. What scared me was how quickly she adapted, immediately starting to think of ways to use them politically. She revealed herself as a shrewd politician, almost drooling over the potential for blackmail my powers afforded.
She was eager to start working in Winterfell, even if the early months of the war would keep her busy. Maybe she could start teaching her ways to Sansa, who had shown interest in politics the last time I saw her.
Shaking my head to focus on the present, I observed the army. They were prepared for anything, and I nodded in approval. I sent an insect with a pre-written message to Lord Glover, who was still in charge of the moat.
As we waited for it to arrive, we approached the renewed entrance. Everyone capable stood ready, eyeing my group with caution. No one lowered the gates until a commander gave the order.
After a minute, I heard movement, and with the help of my insects, I saw Lord Glover running, giving orders as he approached the entrance.
"Lower the gates!" he shouted. "Lord Stark is back!"
The gates were lowered quickly, and we entered Moat Cailin.
My group marveled at the fortress. It wasn't fully restored yet, but they had made significant progress since I last visited. Over thirty thousand soldiers were present in and around the moat, waiting for us, and I smiled, knowing this wasn't even our full army. Some lords must have encountered delays, and Jon wasn't here yet, which meant he was still on his way.
Everyone was watching us. My group removed their cloaks and gasps filled the air. Most were happy that my father was safe and sound, back in the North. Others (most of them) stared in awe at the infamous green men accompanying us. Their inhuman features left no doubt as to their identities.
"It's a pleasure to see you safe," Lord Glover said as he approached, but before we could respond, a large shadow rushed toward me.
I turned just in time to see my beloved direwolf, Shadow, charging. He didn't slow down, and in a flash, he knocked me to the ground. The last thing I saw before falling was a haggard-looking Theon trying to keep up.
As I fussed over Shadow, my father took command of the conversation.
"It's all thanks to Robb," he said, nodding. "He got me out of the Black Cells after killing many guards himself," he added with a weak chuckle.
"Aye, word of it has reached the North," Lord Glover said, grasping my father's hand in a firm handshake. "It's said the Lannisters are mighty pissed."
"Serves the bastards right," Helman Tallhart exclaimed, and the soldiers around him cheered.
"How do we proceed?" Maege Mormont asked, her eyes on my father.
"I'm not the one you should be asking that, Maege," he replied, shaking his head. "Robb, stop playing," he berated me lightly.
With a laugh, I pushed Shadow off and stood, doing my best to look dignified despite the drool on my shirt and face.
"Father will return to Winterfell," I said firmly. "There, he'll handle everything related to securing the North. He'll take half the army to secure our borders — all of them." I looked him straight in the eyes. "Anyone foolish enough to attack us will face the harshest punishment. Those who surrender will be sent to the Wall. They'll need at least human shields."
Father nodded, placing a hand on his chest, doing his best to show he was obedient to me.
"And the rest, Lord Stark?" asked Lord Glover.
"When the rest of the army arrives and explains why it took them so long, I'll take a small group to secure the Twins. The same will happen there: those who surrender, and the women and children, will be taken care of. Those who fight will die or be sent to the Wall," I continued. "After the Twins are under our control, the rest of the army will follow. We'll unite with Lord Mallister of Seagard and help him protect his lands if the Ironborn starts acting foolish."
Theon tried to interfere, but I silenced him with a look. I would need to talk to him soon, but I preferred to do so in private.
"When our army reaches the Riverlands, we will help them destroy the Lannisters," I said, shaking my head.
"Why should we fight for them? Why not just cross the border and declare independence?" asked Lord Flint of Widow's Watch, his brows furrowed.
"Things aren't as simple as they seem," I said, sighing, as I began to take off my shirt.
Everyone gasped, and I allowed myself a small smile. But before I could continue, Elyndra made herself known.
"Lord Stark is the champion of the Old Gods. That's why we are following him," she said firmly. "The Old Gods have given him a task — the protection of the living."
"What is the meaning of this?" asked Lord Glover, his voice edged with confusion.
"The Long Night is coming," I said with a sigh. "Before I left to secure some alliances in the south and protect my father, I sent Jon and Benjen to the Wall to learn more about it."
"Is it true?" asked Lord Flint, looking conflicted.
"Aye, it's true," I replied. "Jon will bring news, and if we're lucky, proof. That's why we won't move until he returns."
The lords nodded, though I could see they were nervous. I couldn't blame them — if this was true, and I knew it was, it would change everything.
"For now, rest," I said firmly. "We'll continue when we have more information from the Wall. I want the army ready to win a war."
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