Chapter 10 (Revamped)

House Frey, a fairly young House by most standards had reigned for nearly 6 centuries before they were brought low by the might of Erlend 'the Fierce' and their Banners. 

Their origins could be traced back to a commoner who had gained noble status and was awarded a decent plot of land. The reasoning for their ennoblement is disputed to this day, though Lord Frey would end up building a bridge spanning the Green Fork, with construction only being finished during the reign of his grandson.

House Frey would end up causing its destruction after they betrayed their liege Hoster Tully during the 'Battle of the Trident', many a great lord would fall that day due to the actions of the Freys, sowing the seeds that would see their downfall.

Excerpt from 'A Tale of Mudd and Steel' by Maester Alyn Feld

======

(Jason Mallister, On the March)

Stone Hedge had finally capitulated, while Jonos still insisted on putting up a fight after word of the 'Battle of Stoney Sept' had spread, it was more of a token effort than any actual resistance.

The farce only continued for a few days because the man insisted that he'd only surrender to Jason or Lord Ryger, much to the displeasure of just about everyone involved.

Still, after he finally surrendered, the Blackwood and Bracken duo almost immediately began to bicker, even though Jonos was technically a prisoner. No one saw fit to stop either, mostly because everyone was fed up with their nonsense.

He would've insisted on putting him in chains but that would've made things harder for his good nephew and there was no reason to get on Erlend's bad side.

Of the Houses sworn to the Freys, only House Haigh remained loyal to their overlords, both Charlton and Erenford had risen against them and sworn themselves to Erlend; they had been busy harassing the Frey lines ever since the start of the war.

Charlton sought freedom from the vassalage his House was forced into centuries ago and Lord Erenford feared for his newborn daughter who Walder Frey had taken an unhealthy interest in.

That man's perversions knew no bounds.

Erlend's Banners would soon meet them at the Twins, having secured control over all the Riverlands, excluding Riverrun and the Twins.

The Vance's had been neutered with the children of previous Heads now placed as wards under Erlend or his trusted confidants. The same happened with their fellow Lords, at least those that survived.

Theomar Smallwood had been spared for following his liege lord though that was mostly due to his ties to the Swanns who held high positions in the Storm Lord's court, rather than out of any sense of mercy.

There was word that conflict was brewing within the Westerlands and the Reach, but Jason couldn't bring himself to care any less about them as long as it didn't spill over to the Riverlands.

He could only sigh as the 23rd argument between Tytos and Jonos began, Seven have mercy on his soul.

…

(Erlend Mudd, The Twins)

Say what you will about the Freys but their seat was quite impressive, this was further strengthened when one considered the fact that the northern host has yet to breach through its thick walls.

Then again, to be able to properly take either Castle, one would have to besiege it from both sides, and the North lacked a proper fleet that would've allowed it to do so. 

Unironically, Brandon 'the Burners' actions still haunt the North to this day.

A foolish move that continued to haunt the Starks for most of their rule after the aforementioned fucker messed everything up.

Two identical stone castles stood on the Green Fork, its waters were deep and rapid, making crossing the margin quite harrowing without a bridge or boat.

High-curtained walls could be seen, with deep moats around them. Both castles were practically Islands on their own as channels had been dug to allow the moat to form around them.

The high towers within each castle made it so that any host intent on taking the twins could be seen long before they arrived.

The most important part of the Twins was its smooth gray bridge made out of rock and arched between its two castles. It was wide enough for two wagons to cross snuggly. Being the only crossing point over the Green Fork, ensured great wealth would flood whoever held it.

The Freys were one of the main reasons House Tully was never able to properly make use of its position and status as Lords Paramount of the Riverlands. While most Frey lords had been subtle about their undermining of their overlord.

Walder Frey cared little for subterfuge, instead choosing to blatantly abuse his position. The man was by no means a genius, only pushing the tactics and methods his family has used for generations to the utmost extreme.

He had greatly increased the power House Frey wielded but at the cost of making enmity with nearly every House in the region and even the houses outside of it.

Erlend had no intention of allowing this to continue since there was no doubt in his mind that even If he spared the Freys and allowed them to keep their seat, they would simply go back to their old ways, albeit more discreetly.

Harrenhal, the Twins, and Riverrun would all become core parts of the plans he had made, while the plans were now greatly changed thanks to the destruction of canon. They still could be implemented if Erlend wanted to secure his own House's reign.

He was beyond happy that the Vances, Freys, and Whents had chosen to act against him, giving the perfect casus belli to deal with them as he wished. 

House Frey's had rendered its marital connections to other Houses useless due to their treachery in the Trident.

Had Erlend attacked any of the major houses indiscriminately, taking the Riverlands would've been much more difficult, let alone holding it. Yet, his enemies were unknowingly pushed and stirred by the Shadow Wardens that were placed within their Households, quietly pushing them to fulfill their roles. Roles that would prove crucial to the success of this invasion.

House Whent had given up all rights to Harrenhal when they chose to stand against him, saving Erlend a lot of headaches in the future. The question was whether to restore the cursed castle or to tear it down.

The Durrandons and the Hoares, even in their prime, continued to make the same mistake every time they conquered the region, never being able to hold it past a century or two.

That mistake was that they held little to no actual presence within the Riverlands to properly administer it. The lack of presence and cultural ties also made it difficult to instill any sort of loyalty in their already rebellious subjects.

House Hoare realized this issue, hence leading to Harrenhal's construction. The issue was not only did the Hoares refuse to keep their reavers in line, but they also nearly destroyed the kingdom in their 'efforts' to subjugate it using the fearsome castle.

For all their constant infighting, the Riverlands had some of the best warriors, and when push came to shove they would prove to be a formidable foe, one that would be nurtured to be loyal to him and House Mudd.

The Riverlands was his in all but name, his most troublesome enemies had effectively neutered themselves. Now all that needed to be done was to make it official and unfortunately for the Freys, they were standing in the way of that.

"My Lord, a messenger has arrived, he claims to be from the Northern host" Raymond approached him. His expression remained unchanged as always.

"I assume they want to open negotiations?" Erlend said.

As a man of few words, Raymond merely nodded his head in response.

"Well then, let him in."

…

(Western Encampment)

"They're feasting?" Erlend said.

"Aye my Lord, it seems they're confident that you won't breach their walls." Edmund nodded.

Edmund was the Captain of the contingent of Shadow Wardens sent to infiltrate the Twins, his insight was crucial in breaching the walls.

"They're unaware of the breach we've made, I reckon a contingent could easily sneak through it." He prompted.

"It's quite arrogant of them to believe they'd come out of this unscathed." Jason Mallister said.

"The fools probably believe their marriage ties will protect them." This time it was Symond who spoke.

"That is indeed what Walder and his progeny hope, my Lord," Edmund confirmed.

Edmund was a grim man, like his brother Raymond, the two Feld brothers were twins who had proved themselves during the naval battle against the Pirate Fleet and had been steadfast in serving Erlend ever since.

Erlend believed his words were true, as his imprints had already confirmed his words. Walder Frey was an arrogant man, confident that his marriage ties would save him from too harsh a penalty.

Yet he would not let this slide, this was the fool that had ruined many of his plans even if the old fuck didn't realize it, and he would pay in blood.

…

(Benjen Stark, Eastern Encampment)

"Should we trust the Mudd?" It was a thought that all of them worried about, yet someone had to say it.

"Both his cousin and uncle were killed in Trident, I believe he would want to work with us to avenge them," Wyman said.

"What proof do we have that he cared for them?" His father-in-law was still suspicious of Mudd's intentions.

"He agreed to protect the Vale from pirates and raiders," Rickard put forth.

"He'd had no choice, it would've affected his trade if they were allowed to harass it." William pointed out.

"Regardless of whether he cared for them or not, I doubt he'll spare the Freys; not when all his lords are out for blood." This time it was Maege who spoke up, looking annoyed that this conversation was even occurring and wanting it to end.

Galbart seemed to agree, as he voiced his thoughts on the matter "What did he even want from us?"

"Just to launch an attack on his signal," Benjen answered.

"That's it?" Maege looked surprised.

"Aye."

"Then what the fuck are you all arguing about, he's just asking us to keep doing what we've already been doing, no harm in that." She looked rather put off by the discussion.

The gathered lords seemed to agree, though there was quite a bit of grumbling, making Maege roll her eyes. 

While Benjen was worried about the Mudd's ambitions, that didn't mean he wouldn't support whatever plan they had to end this Siege. Otherwise, they'd be stuck besieging this damned castle for god knows how long. Which could hamper their ability to govern their lands and stop the people of the North from starving to death.

Already bandits and deserters were becoming a nuisance to the north and they couldn't let them run rampant for much longer.

He also wanted to be there for his child's birth and to make sure Bethany was alright and had enough healers around her.

…

(Erlend Mudd, Western Encampment)

The plan was simple as it was risky. 

A raft carrying two teams led by Edmund would move down the river towards the bridge where they would climb the western castle using grapples and ropes.

The area they would climb would be guarded by the contingent of shadows who had already infiltrated the castles as Frey guards.

As of right now, rumors have already been spread around the castle of Walder planning to sell off some of his children as scapegoats to be hanged, spreading discord from within as everyone did their best to save themselves.

While the various factions fight amongst themselves, both the western and eastern castles have been besieged by the Banners, and the northern host spread panic among the garrison.

The contingents within would use this chaos to open up the gates and swarm the panicked guardsmen. What is important is that his men manage to secure the bridge, preventing either garrison from reinforcing the other.

As for why he doesn't just destroy the twins is rather simple. Erlend wanted this castle intact, not as a toll bridge but as one of the primary strongholds that would guard the Riverlands, from any northern incursions.

As honorable as the Northerners are, it's no secret that they hold great disdain for Southerners. They've shown consistently throughout the centuries that they could play a deciding role on the battlefield and he wants his descendants to be ready for any such risk.

The Twins alongside many other fortresses would play a key role in defending his future realm and Erlend had no intention of letting it go to waste. Was it paranoid of him, perhaps… but history has shown time and time again that just because a ruler proved competent and skilled. That does not mean their descendants followed suit and he wanted to be prepared for such a scenario.

The plan was already in motion, now they just needed to wait for the signal.

…

The signal appeared, and his men quickly began launching the attack, on the east, as the northerners made their move as soon as they saw the signal.

Trebuchets kept launching large heavy stones at the walls. Unnoticed by all, quite a few of these stones would be guided by Erlend to kill specific targets, and commanders who were in charge of the defense quickly found themselves turned into a paste as the stones hit them.

Chaos was spreading more than it already had been, discord among the various spawns of Walder Frey ensured that the loyalty of the garrison would be divided. Their often conflicting priorities made them inefficient and vulnerable to the attack, easy prey for his men on the inside and for the archers on the outside.

Ladders were lined up among the walls, and many of the Bannermen succeeded in climbing on top of the walls and top of the castle, as the garrison desperately tried to hold them back.

A huge creaking sound could be, the bridge was being raised. With little hesitation his men rushed to the now open gates, slaughtering the bewildered garrison with no mercy.

Leading the charge was none other than Ser Symond Templeton, the man was cutting through swathes of men, and the bloodthirsty expression on his face was spreading fear among their ranks as he was finally able to avenge his brother.

Was it cruel? To most people, it would appear so, but this was war and war often brought out the worst in men.

"Look alive men, we have a squib to bring to heel" Was all Erlend said, charging into the fray.

…

(The Twins)

"They're on their last legs, my Lord," Raymond remarked.

The Freys or at least what remained of them had locked themselves up in the great hall of the eastern castle.

Alongside the Banners and surrounding any possible exit were the northerners, wary of any potential attack from his side. Though some were relieved that the siege would soon come to an end.

"Prepare yourselves, it's time we end this farce," Erlend said, signaling for his men to bring down the doors.

…

The Frey's betrayal had ignited something in the men that were gathered here from the three kingdoms. Frey men and their soldiers were cut down with little to no mercy throughout the great hall.

The hatred and fury they had far outstripped whatever desperation the Freys had to survive. 

While the death of his maternal Uncle and Cousin hadn't affected him personally. Erlend was still furious that their actions had destroyed years of preparation and planning. Hence he took a bit of satisfaction from killing them.

Soon enough they approached the Old Squib, who was sitting on his throne, next to him was the frightened form of his latest wife, Bethany Rosby.

A dozen guardsmen stood in front of him, trying to look intimidating and firm. Yet their quivering forms and their deathly pale skin said otherwise.

Looking amused at their defiant figures, Erlend calmly walked towards them with Ardent clear for all to see, his guard following close behind.

The northerners made no move, choosing to watch in interest at what would happen next.

Despite the fear in his eyes, Old Frey didn't hesitate to take the perceived opportunity, "KILL HIM, YOU FOOLS!"

One of the guards, a burly-looking man charged at Erlend, swinging his blade towards him. Ducking his strike, the young Lord cut the offending arm and stabbed him deep through the guts. As his intestine tore violently, the man fell to his knees with a scream of pain and terror.

Three guardsmen proceeded to attack, not wanting to give the Mudd any chance, Erlend parried their strikes before cutting the head of one. Only to spin around and avoid another attack from the second soldier, grabbing his sword arm and cutting his throat. 

The third guard dropped his sword and collapsed on the ground, signaling his surrender, lest he meet the fate of his fellows.

The other guards meanwhile found themselves outmatched and quickly put down by his household guard. The observing northerners froze in shock at the display.

Whether it was out of respect or hope that one of the guards would get a lucky hit, Erlend cared little for their response.

His armor was drenched in the blood of those who garrisoned these castles, only made worse by the guards he had just killed. Older Walder looked ready to piss himself, staring at his opponent, while his wife had already fainted.

"So you must be the miserable Walder Frey," Erlend spoke amicably as if he hadn't just slaughtered his men right in front of him.

"Who the hell are you?" Despite the disrespectful tone he had, the squib was shaking.

"Erlend Mudd, this region's new Ruler,"

The old fool froze at that.

"I.. I.. I'll kneel, my… my House will be loyal." Walder stammered, desperation on his face. Oh, how quickly did the tune change?

"Will you now? and I suppose the freehold will rise from ashes and the Dornish will go celibate." Erlend replied with a bland tone. 

Turning his attention to Raymond, he waited for him to report the present situation.

"Well?"

"Stevron Frey and Emmon Frey have been captured, as well as all the others that haven't perished during the Siege," Raymond said.

"I thought Emmon was in the Rock." He looked confused at that.

"It seems his wife kicked him out." The commander's tone was rather dry.

"Well then, I guess I don't have to make any visits to the Rock" Erlend muttered. "Secure both castles, it's time we show Westeros what happens to turn cloaks." 

…

The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. If you would take a man's life, you owe it to him to look into his eyes and hear his final words. And if you cannot bear to do that, then perhaps the man does not deserve to die.

Good old George certainly had a way with words, it's a shame it took him ages to release a damn book.

Erlend forced the old fool to watch, as the primary conspirators behind the betrayal were executed by his hand. Naturally, these fools didn't make any move to hide their deeds and with a bit of testimony and reports from the Trident, their guilt wasn't that hard to prove.

Their deaths depended on the severity of their actions, some had their throats slit, others would be left to bleed out and some would go through the rather gruesome method of being hanged, drawn, and quartered, taking into consideration the other crimes they committed over the years alongside their treachery.

By the end of all of it, House Frey was a shadow of their mere self, Only Stevron and his line who had stood against betraying the rebels were spared and allowed to keep their name. Royce and Blackwood managed to get their innocent kin spared, though they would have to forgo all claims they had and take up their maternal name.

Walder Frey was on his knees, looking rather pathetic, the tears in his eyes were probably some of the first he'd ever shed, and there was snot on his face. 

It would arouse pity in you the hearts of those who did not know better.

Granted, Erlend did make him watch as he killed a significant portion of his house, but the old man really should've expected it, with the number of enemies he'd made over the years.

"Well, that's done and over with." Turning his attention to the miserable squib.

Sensing the apathetic gaze on him, Walder immediately began begging for his life. "Have Mercy... I.. i... I'll ChAngE PlEAsE!".

Benjen, who had been standing there watching the executions in silence, roared in anger "YOU DARE!!" 

The wolf pup roared, before unsheathing his blade and pounced on the miserly old lord, knocking him to the ground, and stabbing him right through his heart.

He looked quite deranged if Erlend had to be honest, motioning for the men to let it happen as they were about to interfere.

The spectating lords looked satisfied as Walder screamed in pain. Benjen merely snarled in response, pulling out his dagger and stabbing him right through the guts. Finally Walders struggling body gave out, as his entrails came out and the man let out one last shriek of pain before going silent, his body ceasing all movements.

Raising his eyebrow at the rather gruesome event, all Erlend could say was, "Looks like the pup has some wolf in him after all."