Chapter 13. Undercurrents

The wooden door of the study closed, leaving Ned with a serious expression, lost in thought.

"Mother!"

As soon as Robb stepped out, he saw Catelyn standing quietly to the left of the door, holding a tray of supper.

"Robb, do what you want to do. Some things don't need to be reported to your father; he can be a bit stubborn."

Catelyn looked at her tall and handsome son, her face breaking into a smile as she stepped closer to him and said softly, "Of course, this is only if what you do won't endanger our family."

"That's for sure; I just want to protect you all!"

"I trust you. Now, I'll go take supper to your stubborn father."

"Alright, Mother."

Watching Catelyn enter the study, Robb felt a slight relief from his gloomy mood; at least someone understood him.

Ned was indeed an excellent military leader and a just and trustworthy lord, but he was certainly not a competent politician.

The Stark family had previously lived a simple life in isolation, but now King Robert and his entourage were about to arrive at Winterfell, pulling the Stark family into the power struggles of Westeros.

Time was pressing, so...

"Young Lord!"

As Robb contemplated certain plans, he inadvertently arrived at the guardroom, where several fully armed Winterfell soldiers quickly stood at attention.

"Hmm, thank you for your hard work. I'm here to see that female wildling."

"Yes, I'll open the door for you!"

Entering the room where the prisoner was held, the wildling Osha knelt on the ground, still in shackles.

She weakly lifted her head to look at Robb and rasped, "I've already said everything I know."

"Hmm, I believe you. I'm here to make you a deal."

"What deal?"

"Become my brother's maid and protect him at all times. After 3 years, I'll grant you freedom in the North."

Osha widened her eyes in surprise at his words. "Aren't you afraid I'll take your brother hostage? Or harm him?"

"Haha."

Robb chuckled lightly and replied, "You are different from other Wildlings; you're clever! But clever people are always afraid of death.

Being my brother's servant means you'll be well-fed and warm, and in 3 years, you'll be free.

How could you be foolish enough to harm him and then get eaten by my direwolf? Wouldn't you agree?"

"Wow, that's quite a frightening threat.

By the way, why are you so lenient toward me, a wildling? Don't you Southerners usually kill Wildlings on sight?"

As Osha spoke, she suddenly stood up and leaned toward Robb, her tone suggestive as she said, "Are you, like that pretty boy, hoping for me to serve you well..."

The "pretty boy" must be Theon! Only that brat would be interested in Wildlings!

Robb mentally scoffed, stepping back a little as he replied, "Lady Osha, your scent is a bit hard to describe right now. I'll have a servant take you for a bath and change of clothes."

Hearing this, Osha's seductive expression froze, leaving her awkwardly standing in place.

Yes, this Osha was the loyal wildling who had been accompanying Bran and Rickon.

This group of Wildlings should have been exterminated in the Bolton territory, but only Osha and two others had managed to escape into the woods. After wandering in the woods for several months, they encountered Bran, who was just learning to ride after his recovery, and were subsequently captured.

It was evident that the ripples caused by Robb's butterfly effect had already begun to influence the surrounding areas and would gradually reach Westeros, eventually impacting the entire world.

***

Robb's campaign against the Wildlings had been widely circulated among the Northern peasants and passing merchants, allowing the name of the "Young Wolf" to echo throughout the North. Simultaneously, his personal guards, known for their bravery in battle, were referred to as the "Wolfguards."

As the tales spread southward, they became increasingly exaggerated, with some places describing Bloodwind as a particularly bloodthirsty direwolf and Robb as a beast with more animal instinct than human form, delighting in devouring raw meat.

At the junction of the King's Road, the Riverlands Road, and the Vale Road stood a renowned inn at the crossroads.

Because this place was a necessary stop for travelers, the inn thrived throughout the year.

Today, it welcomed a large group of distinguished guests.

With golden hair and an exceptionally handsome face, Jaime, dressed in the imposing armor of the Kingsguards, rode a magnificent horse to the entrance of the inn.

"Clear the inn; we are staying here tonight."

Jaime looked down from his high horse at the inn's servant, ordering him.

"Sir, there are other noble guests in the inn. I can't just go and clear them out!" the innkeeper replied, his expression troubled.

"Hmm?"

Jaime raised an eyebrow, his authoritative presence instantly making the innkeeper tremble, as if he would draw his sword and strike him down at any moment.

"Kingslayer… what? Do you want to kill him?"

Robert, a tall and stout man with a thick head of black hair and a beard, strolled over on horseback, calling Jaime by the nickname he detested.

"No, Your Majesty. I'll clear the inn for you right now."

Jaime gritted his teeth in secret, dismounting without looking back.

"No need; I enjoy drinking with commoners. Only you Lannisters, you wealthy milksops, would think to clear an inn at the slightest whim."

Robert spoke without restraint, saying whatever came to mind. As he lifted his leg, a servant quickly brought over a mounting block, allowing him to dismount easily.

Watching Robb enter the Crossroads Inn first, Jaime's gaze deepened, lost in thought.

"Don't think too much; let's go inside, Jaime!"

As she stepped out of the carriage, the regal and graceful blonde queen walked past Jaime, speaking softly.

Jaime nodded and accompanied her inside, followed by Prince Joffrey, who frowned in disdain, along with his siblings and the Hound.

***

"Really? So many interesting things have been happening in the North lately? Hahaha, I just came from the South and had no idea!"

As Joffrey entered the inn, he spotted his father, surrounded by a group of knights, laughing loudly.

"Yeah! I heard that the Young Wolf's bloodthirsty direwolf eats Wildlings raw at every meal, so it's quite wild and loves to hunt Wildlings."

Hearing their lively conversation, a nearby table of drinkers also chimed in with rumors they had heard.

"Haha, the Young Wolf? Are you talking about Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell?"

Listening to long-forgotten family stories, Robb continued to engage with interest.

"No, no, no! It's Lord Stark's eldest son, Robb Stark."

"Ah? His son? My dear, did you hear that? If only our useless son could achieve as much as Stark's son!" Robert, surprised at first, then turned to Cersei and shouted loudly.

"Yes, yes! Your words truly resonate with me."

"Ah, not to mention Robb; I'd be thrilled if my son could join the Wolfguards!"

Hearing the agreement from those around him, Cersei forced a smile on her face, choosing not to respond as she walked toward the inn's second floor.

Joffrey's face twisted with anger; he clenched the hilt of his sword, feeling a strong urge to draw it and attack.

"Haha, today's drinks are on me. You, tell me more about the Wolfguards."

"Thank you, Your Grace!"

"What a generous and magnanimous King!"

"The Wolfguards are…"

***

In the town of Hornwood, Ramsay walked alone, leading his dog through the foul-smelling alleys of the smallfolk area.

Arriving at a rundown house with red garments hanging outside, Ramsay looked around to ensure no one was watching before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

Inside the room, a figure draped in a hooded cloak sat quietly, waiting.

Ramsay wore a bright smile and bowed, saying, "Lord Young Wolf, your loyal dog sends his regards. Is there something you would like me to do?"