Chapter 238

"Need I remind you Ser Jamie that Lord Bolton is still under my guests right." Lord Stark said.

"True. But Lord Bolton claimed that he could cut me from balls to brain where I stand." He said "I would like to see if he is as good as his boasts or if he's only good at running away like a girl."

"I would fight you Ser Jamie…" he said with a smile "But there is really nothing in it for me. If you win, then I'll die. And if I win and you die, then I'll earn the Queen's wrath and the King's displeasure. Who knows, even Lord Lannister might be a little displeased."

Jamie Lannister didn't seemed to want to give up this easily "What do you want then? Gold. Women. Gold and women."

"I have both gold and women, thank you very much." He said and then thought about Jamie Lannister's offer a bit more seriously and continued "But… there is something we can bet in this fight."

"What?" Jamie Lannister asked.

He took out Lily from it's sheath and showed the Valyrian sword to everyone in the courtyard

"A bet of the century." He said "A Valyrian Steel blade for Valyrian Steel. The winner takes both."

"The Lion's claw is bigger than Lily." Jamie Lannister said.

"You're also bigger than me." He replied "And more experienced. I think the bet is fair. Unless you want to fight Varko in my stead."

"I would gladly be your sword my Lord." Varko added from behind and Jamie's face curdled before he nodded.

"Very well then. I'll fight against you. A Valyrian sword for a Valyrian sword. Who will officiate this duel?"

He looked around and said "This is Lord Stark's castle. And despite his breaking my betrothal with Sansa without even consulting me, I still believe he is an honorable man. He can officiate this duel."

He then put Lily back in it's sheath and took out the belt before handing it one of his men who passed it on to Lord Stark.

Jamie did the same and handed Lion's claw to Lord Stark as well.

Lord Stark looked at the two Valyrian swords that had been handed to him and nodded "Clearing the courtyard, giving proper burial to these men and compensating their families comes first." He said "The duel will be held at evening. Any objections?"

"No." Jamie replied.

"None at all." He said with a smile.

"Good then. I don't want any act of violence in Winterfell until then. Anyone who starts as fight will answer to me." Lord Stark said before turning to him "Lord Bolton, follow me and his grace. And ask your men to bring the Ice Sword."

He nodded and gave the bottomless pouch which held the Ice sword stuffed inside a runic Weirwood box to Ygritte.

"Have the men send it to me in a few minutes." He said "And be mindful of the Lannisters. Don't let them catch you alone…"

"And be near Varko." She said with a smirk and took the Bottomless bag "Don't worry. I got this."

He nodded, looking at the people surrounding the courtyard and then he declared. "The family of any Stark man who died fighting for me today will gain 100 gold dragons. The ones who fought for me but are still alive will gain 20 gold dragons. Let it not be said that I don't reward those who help me in my hour of need."

Then he nodded to Lord Stark who gave him an exasperated look even as his men cheered in the background. Then Lord Stark motioned him and King Robert and went toward the Main Keep.