Chapter 21: The King Of The North

Apologies for the longer wait this time. To make up for it I made the chapter longer. Anyway, read review and enjoy and I hope this was worth the wait.

Arya

A fortnight had passed since Arya had escaped King's Landing. Since then she had lost a lot of weight. In her haste to get away, Arya had forgotten to get any food or a change of clothes. Now she was more filthy than she had been in her entire life. She was living on what ever she manage to find, which usually came from fruit trees and farms. Water was another story. Bane had led her to the God's Eye so Arya was hardly thirsty.

A storm was coming, so Arya took shelter under a stone bridge. In her hand was a bunch of turnips that she had stolen. She nuzzled close to Bane to keep as warm as possible. The big horse didn't seem to mind and laid it's head on her lap. Eventually weariness overtook her and she fell asleep.

Dawn came too soon for Arya, Though she didn't want to get up, she knew that the sooner she made it to Riverrun the better. As Bane drank from the lake, Arya munched on a turnip that she took from a farm nearby.

"Seven blessings," A voice called out. Arya bolted to her feet and wheeled around her hand clutching the hilt of her sword. The voice came from a man on a horse and carriage. Beside him was a young girl that Arya guessed was his daughter.

Her hand instinctively reached for Needle. "What do you want?" She asked defensively.

The farmer gave a small smile. "This is my land, and if I'm not mistaking those are my turnips."

Arya looked down in shame. "I-I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't want to I just-."

The Farmer waved it off. "It's all right," He said gently. "Not like you burned the whole field like the Lannisters have been doing." Looking around he leaned in closer. "Where are your parents?"

Arya scrambled through her head looking for a believable story. There was no way she could tell them her true parentage. They would not believe her. but then she remembered the tales that had been said at court. "Dead," she said quietly. "Along with my brothers at the Mummers Ford."

The Farmer's expression changed to shock and pity. Everyone in the Riverlands knew of the horrors that occurred at the Mummer's Ford. Giving a sad smile he looked into the distance for a moment before turning to Arya again. "A storm is coming, you'll need a roof. I have a small barn for your horse to sleep. My daughter Sally can make rabbit stew just like her mother."

"I don't want to impose," Arya objected. Though she was cold and hungry, She didn't want to take anything from these people when they had so little to spare.

The Farmer shook his head. "I will not hear it, We may not have much but I will not leave an orphan out in the cold." After a moment Arya agreed.

"What is your name?" He asked."

Arya thought for a moment before responding. "Bella," she said.

Arya never felt happier to be back indoors. It was a far cry from Winterfell or even the Red keep but at the moment no castle ever felt so luxurious. Sally loaned her one of her outfits to wear while Arya's clothes would be washed. Arya was more than happy to get out of her clothes after weeks they must of truly reeked.

At dinner the farmer said a prayer to the Seven and the three began eating. Arya let the farmer, who's name was Simon and Sally take their share from the pot first before helping herself. Despite her hunger Arya didn't ignore her table manners. They ate in silence for a few minutes until Simon broke it.

"Your horse is beautiful," he told her. "Was he your father's?"

Arya shook her head . "He was my elder brother Calon's, he found him as a colt and reared him for his own."

Simon sighed and placed his hand over hers. "We heard what happened at the Mummer's Ford. Gods it seems the Lannisters have not a shed of honor. Now bandits are swarming the Riverlands burning, looting and raping."

"How old was your brother?" Sally asked.

"Eighteen," Arya answered quickly. "He gave me Bane and told me to flee while he held them off. I saw my younger brother Kem get split in half by some giant."

Simon squeezed her hand. "I'm so sorry," he apologized.

Arya shook her head. "It's not your fault, if the gods are just, it's the Lannisters that will be sorry."

Simon agreed, "hopefully 'King' Roland will give them what they deserve."

This caught Arya's attention. "Roland?" she wondered.

Simon nodded. "Yes, have you not heard?" The Starks and Tullys are declaring for King Joffrey's younger brother."

Arya smiled to herself inside. 'Roland will pound Joffrey to the ground,' she thought. The thought of her friend as king gave her much hope. 'So Sansa will be queen after all,' she thought. After dinner, all three left for the night. Despite Sally offering her bed, Arya insisted on sleeping in the barn.

That morning Arya awoke to yelling outside. Getting up, peeked through a hole in the barn. A group of armed men had surrounded the farmer. Simon was holding a hatchet. Arya grabbed Needle. Bane had already awoken and had his head up.

As quietly as she could Arya crept out of the Barn. The teachings of Syrio echoed in her mind as she made her way around the group. When she was directly behind them. Arya stopped and listened.

"Please," Simon begged. "We have already lost much. Leave us be."

The armed men laughed. "We don't care about your problems. We will take all your silver and I think we will have some quality time with your little girl."

Arya seethed in anger as she listened to those words. Though she barely knew Sally, there was no way she would allow the poor girl to be taken by butchers. There were five men, big and filthy. But they were not soldiers, no armour and hopefully no formal training. Arya slowly drew needle and crept to the man on the far right.

The five men advanced towards Simon. Two of them grabbed the farmer while the leader punched him in the belly. The blow caused Simon dropped the hatchet. As the three bandits beat him. The leader called for one of the men to tie him up. But he got no action or any response. He turned towards his associate. The man was standing their his eyes wide and a trickle of blood ran down his mouth. After a second more he dropped like stone to the ground.

The bandits saw a little girl standing behind them the thin blade clutched tightly in her hand.

The Farmer was gaping at her in shock. The bandits looked confused. They looked at each other and laughed.

"Well well well." the bandit leader taunted. "A little flower, I hope you enjoyed killing my friend because I'm certainly going to enjoy you." He drew a sword and walked towards her.

"BELLA," Simon yelled, "RUN."

"Oh it's too late for that," the bandit leader sneered. Arya backed away as the man advanced on her. She held Needle in front of her but she knew that it would do no good. The large man could likely snap her sword in two. As Arya backed further away, her left foot caught a rock and she landed on her rear.

The bandit grinned and reached for her. "You're mine now."

A snort followed by a looming shadow made the bandit turn to his side just in time to see a large black stallion headbutt him. The bandit's eyes rolled back and he crumpled to the ground. Two of the remaining bandits rushed at the horse swords drawn. Bane turned towards Arya and aimed a back kick at the two men. Bane's hooves hit one in the chest and the other in the head.

Now in full-blown fury, Bane turned it's attention to the remaining bandit. After seeing what had happened to his associates. The man dropped his sword and backed away in fear, his hand's outstretched in front of him. Unfortunately, he was so focused on what was in front of him, the bandit neglected to notice what was going on behind him. He suddenly stiffened and let out a grunt. Simon had drawn a dagger and plunged it into the bandit's back. The final bandit let out a soft whimper and died.

Three bandits where dead and the other two were unconscious. Bane seemed to be ware of this and trotted towards the one he kicked in the chest. The man was clutching his ribs struggling for breath. Bane's eyes were burning as he took a look at the man. After a moment, Bane reared up and pounded on his broken ribs until his chest was nothing but pulp.

A noise caught Bane's attention. He turned and saw the bandit leader running into the woods. Before Ayra or Simon could say anything. Bane galloped after him, Neither Arya or Simon saw what happened as they had went deep into the nearby woods. But the screams that came afterwards were worth a thousand words.

"In all my life, I have never seen a beast so handsome yet so evil-tempered." Simon exclaimed in shock at Bane's display."

"Bane has always been a wild horse," Arya explained. "He became much more violent after the death of my brother."

Simon sighed and nodded. He took a look at the man Arya killed. "Was that your first kill?"

Arya was tempted to say no but in the end, she nodded.

"You didn't have to do this, I would not of blamed you if you had turned and saved yourself."

Arya shook her head, " You didn't have to take me into your home. But you did, you gave me food and shelter. I couldn't just leave you and Sally to those beasts.

Simon gave her a small smile and put his hand on her shoulder. "I cannot thank you enough for saving my daughter, you are welcome to stay with us as long as you need."

Arya nodded. "It is much appreciated. But I have burdened you enough sir, I should leave soon."

"Do you have anywhere to go?" Simon asked clearly worried.

"I have an aunt in Saltpans," Arya lied. "I will make my way there."

Roland

'Loosing the Mountain doesn't seem to have effected my grandfather's ruthlessness.'

From the deck of the Stormrunner, Roland saw the flames dancing wildly across the fertile soil of the Riverlands. A sight that reflected Roland's thoughts at the moment. The fires that Tywin had started stretched for miles along the coast and Roland was certain that they stretched even further inland.

"This scorched earth policy will create a dilemma once winter truly arrives." Roland said to himself. "The Lannisters will pay for this arrogance."

Sensing a presence near him, Roland turned his head and saw Sansa come up beside him. She clutched his arm. In the distance, their eyes locked onto a fishing village. Roland swore that he could hear the screams of the former inhabitants. But Roland hoped that his mind was running wild.

"You don't have to see this my love." He told her.

Sansa bowed her head in dismay, her blue eyes swimming with tears. "My mother's lands, her people, oh Roland, how could they do this?"

Roland shook his head. "Tywin Lannister is a man with little conscious and even less honor. He would burn the world if his house can rule the ashes."

Lord Eddard came up to the deck. Though his eyes were closed, and his fists were clenched. "Tywin will pay for this."

Roland nodded and placed a comforting hand on Eddard's shoulder. "All in due time Lord Stark, all in due time."

"May I ask what this is for?" Eddard asked tapping his foot on a large box. The box resembled a coffin, wrought in iron. it was at least eight feet long and four feet wide. At the end where the head went, a oval opening was cut into it.

Roland smirked and rested his hand on the box. "This is for someone very special," he replied.

In the distance Roland saw the shape of a castle slowly rising out of the water, 'Riverrun' he thought. The triangular castle thrust out of the red fork like a stony fist. Yet Roland found it unimpressive. 'To many it seems strong,' Roland thought. 'But it's really a death trap.'

The Stormrunner anchored at a nearby dock and the occupants disembarked. They were greeted at the gates by the Lord of Riverrun and his uncle.

Roland greeted them with a curt nod. "Lord Edmure, Ser Brynden."

Brynden, better known as the Blackfish laughed. "I had almost forgotten my own name your grace, no one has called me that in decades."

"Your grace," Edmure greeted Roland with a bow. "Riverrun is yours, Lady Catelyn and Robb are waiting for you in the great hall."

"Thank you Lord Edmure," Roland replied with a smile.

As Jeyne were taken to room prepared for her. Roland, Sansa and Lord Stark headed for the great hall. Upon entering they found Robb Stark, his mother, and the Tully's already there waiting.

"ROBB," Sansa cried out in joy. Ignoring formalities, she rushed forward and embraced her brother. Robb returned the hug with a kiss on the forehead.

"Oh Sansa," Robb cried. "I'm so glad you're safe."

Their parents were more able to compose themselves. They silently walked towards each other and embraced each other tightly not wanting to let go.

"My love," Ned said softly.

"Ned," Lady Catelyn replied her eyes close to tears.

As the family broke their embrace, Robb turned to Roland and bowed. "Your grace."

Roland cocked an eyebrow and repeated the words his father told Lord Stark a year ago. "You've gotten fat."

Robb looked down at his belly, then back to Roland. The two broke into a fit of laughter before giving each other a one-armed hug. Sometimes it was hard to remember that Roland was younger than him. A year had passed, while Robb had grown a beard, Roland remained clean shaven and was still taller than Robb.

"I see you've grown yourself quite the soup catcher Robb." Roland joked noting Robb's beard.

Robb stroked his beard. " Roland I cannot thank you enough for what you've done for my family. I am forever in your debt for this."

"Roland shook his head, "Anything for a friend." Roland leaned closer, "did you bring Lady?" he whispered. Robb nodded and gestured for a guard to send for his sister's wolf.

Roland turned towards his betrothed. "Sansa," he called.

Sansa turned towards her beloved with a dazzling smile on her face. It never ceased to amazed him how much he loved to see her so happy. "I have something for you, think of it as a early wedding gift.

The door opened and a wolf trotted in, it had grey fur and yellow eyes. Sansa stared at the creature dumbstruck.

"L-Lady," She called out timidly. Upon hearing the voice of her mistress the Wolf turned her head towards her and bounded forward into Sansa'a welcoming arms. Sansa hugged her tightly while Lady licked her cheek as she use to do before the incident.

"H-how is this possible," Sansa asked to on one in particular. "They executed her, I saw the body."

"It was the body of a regular wolf, my love," Roland explained. "Forgive me for keeping this a secret from you but it was necessary that my brother never found out."

"Oh, Roland," Sansa sighed, tears flowed freely from her beautiful blue eyes. She embraced him saying, "This is truly the greatest gift. I could not ask for anything more."

Beside them, they notices Shadow and Lady circling each other before leaping at each other. Lady was still small for a direwolf, but now she and Shadow were the same size.

'It seems we are not the only ones happy about the reunion.' Roland mused to himself.

Sansa and Lady left the great hall laughing all the way leaving Roland with the Starks and Tully's.

Roland turned toward them. "Well, now that we got the pleasantries out of the way, I fear that we must now discuss some very serious actions that were committed."

Everyone present nodded. Catelyn Stark stepped forward. "Thank you for freeing my husband and daughter."

"Lady Catelyn," Roland greeted her curtly. "I trust you are willing to account for your actions?"

Lady Catelyn and everyone present looked at Roland confused. "What exactly have I done your grace?"

Roland's dark expression bore straight into her making the woman uncomfortable. "You arrested my uncle. You had no right doing that. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?"

"Roland my-" Robb cut in but his father stopped him."

"No son this needs to happen."

Catelyn's shocked expression turned icy cold. "Lord Tyrion is a Lannister," She snapped, "I had reason to believe that he tried to kill my son Bran."

"And so you thought it was a good idea to kidnap the son of the richest and most ruthless lord in Westeros?" Roland countered. "Are you not aware of my grandfather's reputation? Surely you've heard The Rains of Castamere."

"Of course I have." Catelyn cried out in exasperation. "Everyone has."

"Then when you abducted his son, how exactly did you expect Tywin to react?"

"My husband was Hand of the King."

Roland scoffed and shook his head. "If you think that makes you untouchable, then your a bigger fool than I thought. Your husband could be the Emporer of Essos and it wouldn't matter to Tywin. Why didn't you bring him to the capitol for a trial?"

"It was a delicate situation, your grace."

Roland nodded, "Indeed it was. A situation that you cocked up thoroughly enough to start a GODDAMN WAR! Now the Riverlands bleed profusely because of your recklessness. To add to your follies, you made the decision to take my uncle to that half-mad sister of yours."

"It was the only place I could go," Catelyn said defensively.

"Surely you exaggerate Roland," Ned spoke up. "I met Lysa, she can't be as bad as you say."

Roland shook his head, "I fear your assumptions are false Lord Stark. Her time in King's Landing has changed her. Lady Catelyn you recently met your sister and surely you know I speak the truth. I expect she threw him into a sky cell."

Catelyn to her credit remained silent, indicating that Roland wasn't just ranting.

"Is she really so bad Roland?" Robb asked.

Roland turned to his old friend. "Let me put it this way Robb, I've always found Joffrey the more reasonable of the two."

With that Roland whirled around and headed for the door. Shadow followed close behind

"Where are you going," Ned demanded.

Roland turned his head, "To see our 'esteemed' guest, we have much to discuss."

As Roland headed for the dungeons he picked up a few items. Two buckets of water, a towel and a stool.

Roland finally found the cell that held his uncle. His hands were shackled and chained to the wall. He no longer looked golden, his hair was caked in dirt and had also grown quite a beard. 'Hardly and impressive figure right now,' Roland thought.

"Open it please."

The guards cautiously opened the cell door and Roland and Shadow stepped in with the buckets and the stool. "Leave us," he commanded.

The guards looked at each other and hesitated.

"NOW," Roland hissed.

The guards flinched and quickly left. Roland then picked up the first bucket and threw the water in his uncle's face.

If he wasn't awake earlier he certainly was now. Jaime jolted awake at the feel of cold water dousing his face. Gasping and sputtering Jaime looked around frantically until his face found the person in question.

"You don't look so well uncle," Roland said in a mocking tone.

Jaime smirked at his nephew standing before him with shadow by his side. "What a lucky man I am. The 'king' has graced me with his presence in my lonely little cell."

Roland's face remained impassive. as he studied his captive.

Jaime personality remained and he continued. "I think the young wolf is fond of me. Instead of leaving me with one of his bannermen, he drags me from camp to camp. I've never seen him with a woman so-"

Jaime never finished as Roland threw the second bucket of water at him. This bucket doused him completely from shirt to breeches.

Jaime's cocky expression dropped to shock as he was now soaking wet. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT," he yelled. "I'M ALREADY AWAKE."

Roland's face broke into a grin. "That," he said, "was for the smell."

Jaime's smirked. "I see that your father's death hasn't effected your sense of humor." Shifting into a more comfortable position he looked directly at his nephew. "So, now that you have my attention, how can I help?"

Roland pulled up the stool and set it in front of Jaime. He took a seat and began stroking an imaginary beard pretending to think. "Hmm, why don't we talk about Joffrey shall we?"

"Now why would you want to talk to 'me' about your dear elder brother."

"Don't you mean my dear elder 'half' brother?"

Jaime made a show of looking perplexed. But Roland was going to have none of it. "What ever do you mean by that Roland?"

"Let us not play this pointless game uncle." Roland leaned closer to him so their faces were mere inches apart. "I know that Joffrey is your son."

Jaime smirked. "If that's true then that makes you the rightful king, how awfully convenient. Unless you have proof, that accusation is little more than fisherman's gossip."

Roland chuckled softly behind a tight smile. He brought his lips to his uncle's ear. "I'll let you in on a little secret. Bran was not the first boy to see you bedding my mother."

Jaime's eyes widened in utter shock as Roland pulled away. His dark blue eyes bore no sign of emotion as they stared into Jamie's green orbs. Even the kingslayer could not help but feel mildly intimidated. "You-you-?"

"Yes, me" Roland cut him off. "Honestly uncle you two are so loud sometimes, I could of heard you from Asshai."

For once Jaime was silent. "What?" Roland asked. "No grim remark, no piffy comeback?"

After Jaime remained silent. "Anyway, that's not why I'm here. I sent your father a message with terms for a trade to have you released."

Jamie gave out a short laugh. "You think my father is going to negotiate with you? "You don't know him very well."

"No," Roland agreed, "I don't. But then again, he doesn't know me very well either." Roland's eyes looked into the distance as a genuine smile spread across his face. "For that matter he doesn't know you, my mother, Tyrion, or any of my siblings any better. If he did then he would of learned your secret long ago."

Jaime looked away. Roland leaned in and patted his shoulder. "Get some sleep uncle, your going to need it. Roland then tossed a towel onto the floor. "Wipe yourself off, you're all soaked."

Roland turned around and called the guards back. As Jaime did his best to dry himself off, Roland turned to him one last time. "One more thing Uncle." Jaime looked up curiously. "When you get to King's landing, start working on Joffrey's swordplay. He is going to need every once of it when I come for him." With that Roland stalked off as the guards locked the cell door behind him. Leaving Jaime to contemplate what just happened.

After meeting with his imprisoned uncle, Roland and Shadow headed back to the Keep to discuss the recent events and affairs of state.

"Grey Wind manage to find, a secret way into the Westerlands. I led the force that crushed Stafford Lannister's army at Oxcross. Stafford was killed but we've taken a number of highborn captives.

Roland sighed. "His death is most unfortunate, Stafford was Joanna Lannister's brother."

"You are fond of your grandmother," Lord Stark noted.

Roland nodded, "I always held Joanna in the highest respect. Had she lived, much would have been different for House Lannister."

Roland turned to Robb, "I couldn't help but notice that the Greyjoy boy is nowhere to be found, Where is he lurking?"

"I sent Theon back to the Iron Islands your grace, he is negotiating an alliance for us."

Roland's eyes widened in horror. "You what?" his voice barely above a whisper. Roland leaped to his feet. He ran his hands through his hair.'this is not good, he murmured to himself. "You fool, do you know what you have done?"

"Is that a problem your grace?" Robb wondered, shocked at his friend's reaction.

"Unfortunately it is Robb, you should not have sent Theon back home."

"Son even I have to admit that was a foolish move on your part." Ned scolded.

"We need his father's ships," Robb argued. "They say Balon Greyjoy has two hundred-"

"One thousand." Roland muttered.

Robb and Ned Looked at each other not sure they heard him right. "Pardon?"

"The Iron Islands can field 1,000 ships. Of that number, 100 are built for ship-to-ship combat, they make up the iron fleet. The rest are longships, not very useful in combat but are very handy in the rivers."

"Well there you have it," Robb said as if that settled the matter. "We need their fleet."

"No we don't Robb," Roland snapped. "Has your father taught you nothing about the ironborn."

"Theon is different Roland," Robb snapped back. "We grew up together, fought together, he is like a brother to me. He won't betray us."

Roland was not convinced, "We shall see in time, but there is no way that Theon can convince his father to join us."

"Theon is Balon Greyjoy's last living son." Ned spoke up finally. "Why wouldn't he listen."

"Because Balon is a miserable, stubborn old fool. Doubtless that after you took Theon he began raising Asha as a replacement."

"Can he do that," Ned asked. "Forsake his own son in favor of his daughter."

"It's his house he has complete control over its affairs for as long as he lives."

After studying the map for a moment Roland looked Up at Lord Stark. "Send for the Lords of the following houses immediately. Glover, Talhart, Dustin, Ryswell, Cerwyn, Cassel, Forrester, Branch, Bole, Goldgrass, Umber, Robin Flint and Dacey Mormont."

As a page rushed to deliver the message, Roland turned to Lord Stark. "Send word to House Reed and the crannogmen, tell them to watch the fever river."

Lord Stark nodded, "It will be done, your grace."

Soon the requested lords were standing before Roland. "You summoned us your grace?" Galbet Glover asked.

Roland nodded. "My lords we must move swiftly and time is of the essence. I need you to take all your forces and return to your respected homes as swiftly as possible."

The assembled lords looked at each other in confusion. "All of them your grace?" Greatjon Umber asked.

"Not you Lord Umber, "Roland replied. "Tell your son Smalljon to take half of your men back to Last Hearth.

"May I ask what this is about your grace." Rodrick Ryswell inquired.

Roland sighed and calmed down somewhat. "Forgive me my lords, spitting out orders to you without explanation." Roland sat back down. "Robb has sent Theon Greyjoy back to the Iron Islands. Which means we have now lost the only thing that is keeping the island hopping cunts at bay. With his son back, Lord Balon will likely prepare for war. When they come, and trust me, they WILL come. We need to prepare accordingly."

"Do you have a plan, your grace?" Dacey Mormont asked.

Roland nodded and stood up, pointed to the map. "The ironborn are strong, but only at sea. Do not engage them on the beach. Let them come further inland. Once they are away from their ships, come in from behind and destroy their vessels. You know the land better then they do, use that to your advantage."

Roland turned back to Lord Stark. "I want Moat Cailin fully garrisoned and fortified as best as possible. I also want a garrison of 600 men in Winterfell at all times, they are not to leave it undefended."

"It will be done my king," Lord Stark replied curtly.

Roland nodded in approval. "Now you have your orders, carry them out." With that, the assembled lords left to deliver the news to their men.

"Lady Mormont," Roland called out. "A moment if you will, Robb, stay as well." The warrior woman turned towards her king and Robb sat back down. Roland continued, "Sansa Stark is to be my queen, she will need more protection than I will. With your consent, I would like to make you Sansa's sworn shield as well as the first of the newly formed Queensgaurd"

Dacey's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth dropped and she bowed her head. "Are your sure that you want to give me such an honor your grace?" She asked with uncertainty. "Surely their are others more capable than I am."

"I disagree Lady Mormont," Roland replied reassuringly. "I have heard of your courage and skill during the battles you have fought in. Besides Sansa would be more comfortable with a woman companion as oppose to a man."

Dacey was still reeling from the shock and she went down on one knee before Roland. "I Dacey of House Mormont pledge my sword to Sansa of House Stark. I swear by the old gods to serve her well and keep her safe from all harm."

Roland smiled and placed her hand on her shoulder. "I have no doubt that you will prove equal to the task. Rise Dacey Mormont of the Queensgaurd."

Lady Mormont rose gave a deep bow and left the hall.

With the matter of Sansa's protection settled, Roland turned back to his friend. "Forgive me for snapping at you Robb, but a King must have a firm hand in front of his sworn lords."

Robb nodded, "Your wrong about Theon."

Roland sighed, "I hope for his sake you are right."

"Doubtless that my father will have words with me after this."

Roland nodded in agreement. "Well what's done is done and there is no changing it, What matters is what we do from now on."

The coronation of Roland Baratheon happened two days later. Most of the lords from the North and Riverlands. attended the ceremony. Roland insisted that the crown be made of black iron. So the smiths forged an open circlet of black iron surmounted by bronze spikes wrought in the shape of longswords. Many noted that his crown resembled that of the Kings of Winter, his queen was a Stark, and his most staunch supporters hailed from the north.

As Roland sat on the throne in Riverrun, Lord Eddard Stark walked towards him holding the crown. Roland knelt as Ned held the crown above his head.

"May the old gods and the new, guide and protect you. In their light, I hereby proclaim you Roland of the House Baratheon. King of the Andals, The Rhoynar and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the Realm."

He placed the crown upon Roland's head and knelt before him. "Long live the King." He roared.

"Long live the king." The lords chanted. Then the lords drew their swords and began chanting a cry that had not been heard since Aegon the Conqueror made Torrhen Stark bend the knee. "The King of the North, the King of the North, the King of the North, THE KING OF THE NORTH.