Chapter 22: The Exchange

Author's note: Just watched Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken a few days ago. To say that I am royally pissed off would be the understatement of the century. I AM FUCKING OUTRAGED AT WHAT I JUST WATCHED. This episode has manage to make me more furious than all the other episodes of the entire series combined. Anyway read review and enjoy. I'm going to go get therapy from Hannibal Lector, they make me want to get therapy from Hannibal Lector. A regular doctor ain't gonna cut it, I need something more potent.

Roland

Roland and Robb sat dinner table in the Great Hall. It never occurred to Roland how much he missed having a friend around. While Sansa's company was enjoyable in it's own way. Robb's company provided Roland with a different type of conversation. For the most part they talked about the ongoing war and what this war meant for both of them. Catelyn Stark had left with northern forces heading home. "Bran and Rickon need their mother." Roland had told her. "Now more than ever."

"King in the North," Roland was saying. "I still don't think it's an appropriate title for me. I am not a northerner let alone a Stark. It just doesn't seem right, even if it does have a good ring to it."

"You may not be a Stark Roland," Robb assured him. "But you will be bound to us through marriage. Your queen will be a Stark and your children will have Stark blood. Besides, we have to give you a title to distinguish you from the other kings. There seems to be a king in every corner. Your uncle Renly is down south in the Reach. Joffrey rules from King's landing in the east. What else can we call you. King of the Trident? The King in Dragonstone?"

Roland shrugged. "Thankfully the title is only temporary until I take the throne."

Robb told him about the events in Winterfell. How Bran had finally woken up, capturing a wildling woman and Tyrion providing Bran with a special saddle so he may ride a horse. However when Robb let it slip that he had loosed his Direwolf on Tyrion, Roland clenched his fists and Robb felt sure that Roland was going to strike him.

Robb quickly apologized for it. "I also apologize for what my mother did to your Uncle. I never knew that you two were close."

"Your mother is lucky Tyrion didn't fall out of his sky cell she put him in," Roland said darkly. "There would have been great suffering in Riverrun if he had died."

Robb shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He didn't dare think about how things would of turned out. The idea of fighting against Roland was frightening to Robb. He once again apologized and the tension diffused.

The true interest was when Robb talked about his march to war. Lord Umber had developed a new found respect for the boy after Greywind bit off two of his fingers. This made Roland laugh as it bared similarities with Lord Davos respect for Uncle Stannis.

"People amaze me sometimes," Roland said. "Maybe if I chop off some of Joffrey's fingers we'll like each other again."

Both boys roared with laughter. "Maybe you should try it," Robb suggested jokingly.

Robb continued until he reached the part where they had to cross the Twins. At the mention of the Twins, Robb's attitude became much less joyful and more sullen. Roland knew that anyone who had to cross the Twins had to make a deal with Lord Frey.

Roland tapped his chin in thought and spoke up again. "Now what kind of deal did you have to make with Lord Walder Frey in order to cross his silly bridge?"

Robb looked at Roland in surprise, this was certainly a quick change in topic. A topic that he was very uncomfortable with for it was a grim reminder of what he must do. "Uhh, I had to take one of Walder's sons as a squire, and two others as wards."

Roland nodded, "What else?"

Robb pause for a moment, "Arya has to marry one of Walder's grandsons."

Roland burst out laughing. "Arya won't like that idea very much, no doubt she will resist to that."

Robb started laughing too, "You are probably right about that."

"What else did he make you agree to."

At this Robb gave the longest pause of all. "I have to marry one of Walder Frey's daughters of my choosing Roland."

Robb expected Roland's face to twist in disgust, but instead he sighed saying. "I figured as much, still it could be worse. At least you are given a choice."

"It's not like I have much of a selection Roland," Robb replied grimly. "If what my mother has seen has any warrant."

Roland gave Robb a short laugh, "Friend, I have been to the Twins and I have seen Lord Frey's daughters. It's not as hopeless as you think."

Robb looked up at his friend. "If you have a suggestion, I would like to hear it."

Roland smiled. "Roslin Frey," he replied. "Quite pretty even by my standards. From what her brother's told me, She is sweet, gentle and loves music. I think you'll like her."

"Is she pretty?" Robb asked. His interest slightly intrigued.

"Prettier than most girls I've known, and that's saying a lot." Roland looked down for a moment deep on thought before looking back up. "Truth be told Robb, had I never met Sansa, I might have picked Roslin to be my wife."

Robb stared at Roland dumbstruck. That was the last thing he had expected to hear. The prince of the Seven Kingdoms marrying a Frey. Robb could not imagine the talk that would stir up over that. But he had to ask. "Is it because she's more beautiful than Roslin?"

Roland's lips tightened his eyes deadpanned. "I'm not shallow Robb. Sansa is the most beautiful creature the gods ever made to walk the earth. But that's not the only reason why I want to marry her. When I first met her admittedly I was smitten by her. As I got to spend more time with her the more I became convinced that I would take no one but Sansa to be my wife."

"Surely the south is full of beautiful women," Robb cut in. "What makes Sansa so special?"

Roland sighed. "You don't know the south like I do. It is a hive of secrets, deception and most of all plans. The Lannisters have plans, the Tyrells have plans, the Martells have plans. Families in the south are constantly plotting and scheming to put their house on top. All theses lords flaunting their daughters in front of me and Joffrey. Sansa may not have the political skills of Margaery Tyrell, the adventurous nature of Arianne Martell. But she has one thing that the others are too learned to have."

"What is that?" Robb asked. In all the time they has spent together, Robb never saw Roland in a more serious manner. His expression dark, his tone humorless. Clearly this was not something Roland took lightly and it showed how serious he was about marrying his sister.

"Innocence," Roland replied. "Women like Margaery and Arianne are tutored since childhood in how to play the game of thrones. Margaery has been taught by the Queen of Thorns herself. Arianne, as the heir to Sunspear is taught how to manage all of Dorne. Because of this they are skillful manipulators. My mother has a gift for it as well. But since my grandfather Tywin has his head up his own arse refuses to teach her how to use it. My mother has proven that she is good at gaining power but because of her father, is unable to wield it properly. I have seen first hand the Lannisters and the Tyrells weave their webs around my father and Uncle Renly. I will have none of it Robb. I will not be manipulated and put on strings. I will not become someone else's puppet."

'He fears that he will become like his father.' Robb realized. Given King Robert's misrule, Robb couldn't help but think that in many ways Roland was wise.

"Sansa is different," Roland continued. "Not only is she the daughter of a great lord, She comes from the most honorable house in Westeros led by one of the greatest men I have ever known. Sansa was taught the importance of honor, integrity. Her sweet and gentle nature are genuine. She will do good not to gain influence or increase her image before others, but because she truly wants to. But most of all Sansa would never betray me, she won't try to manipulate me. Because she has no knowledge about politics it means there is plenty of room for her mind to develop. Wisdom begins with ignorance Robb, and I intend to teach her plenty."

Robb stared at Roland, his mouth open in shock. Admittedly Robb had assumed that Roland wanted to marry Sansa for her beauty. But now it was clear that Roland had actually put a lot of consideration into his decision.

The following day, a war council was convened. In attendance were Eddard Stark, Robb, Edmure Tully and his uncle Brynden. The other lords of note were Roose Bolton, Rickard Karstark, Greatjon Umber, Tytos Blackwood, Jonos Bracken, Stevron Frey and Shella Whent. Shella had been picked up by the Stormrunner while it was making a patrol of the rivers.

Roland had announced his plans for trading Jaime Lannister for Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch. He was met by mixed reactions. While many approved of the plan, some like Lord Bolton thought it was an unfair trade. Others like Lord Karstark were furious.

"Your grace," He spoke up. "That monster killed two of my sons. But you would have him set free, and rob me of my vengeance."

Roland sighed and looked at Karstark with a look of sympathy. "I know this is difficult for you, Believe me I understand the pain of loosing a loved one. But this has to be done. But you have my word Lord Karstark. You shall have your retribution."

Rickard Karstark sighed deeply and nodded reluctantly.

Now it was Roose Bolton's turn to speak. "Still, the Kingslayer for two lowly knights seems like trading a ship full of gold for a ship full of wool."

"Most of you fail to see the significance of Gregor Clegane my lords." Roland countered. "This is the man that led the attack on the town at Mummer's Ford. In that slaughter girls of seven years were raped and babes still on the teat were hacked to pieces in front of their own mothers. Every moment that monstrosity is allowed to roam free means another Mummer's Ford. More women raped, more children slaughtered. We may never get a chance like this to put him in chains. This way here Tywin does the hard work."

"Then why not have them killed now?" Lord Blackwood asked. "Why take them alive."

Roland smiled cruelly. "There is a certain House that would pay a pretty price for the heads of these men. Imagine what I will get if I brought them alive?"

This silenced the council and they moved on to other matters. "Any news from the Vale?" Roland asked Eddard.

Lord Eddard shook his head. "Nothing, Your grace, it seems Lysa Arryn has opted to remain neutral."

Roland smirked, "I told you she's not right in the brain. Still, as long as they don't join Joffrey, I will forgive it."

Lady Whent spoke up. "Tywin and the remnants of his army are stationed at my seat in Harrenhal. Though a ruin, the Lannisters at Harrenhal cut us off from King's Landing."

"Leave Tywin be for now, Roland told her. "He won't stay in that cursed castle forever. Harass his foraging parties and kill his patrols. He turned to Lord Edmure saying. "Do not engage Tywin directly, let him come to you and expend his numbers."

"Yes your grace." Lord Edmure nodded.

For the most part, Roland wanted his bannerman to stay on the defensive. Despite having Dragonstone, the Riverlands, and the North. Roland knew that this would not be enough to contend with the power of the opposing claimants. He needed more men, more time to gather strength.

Roland dismissed his bannermen and one by one the Lords filed out of the room. leaving only lord Stark and Robb in the room.

"Lord Bolton," Roland called out. "A moment if you will." The Lord of the Dreadfort turned around and bowed deeply. "How can I be of service your grace?" He asked in his usual quiet voice.

Roland stared at him with emotionless eyes. Roland knew that Lord Bolton would study him for any emotional weakness but Roland was not about to let him to see it. "Tywin is about to loose his vicious little pet, But it hasn't stopped him from finding a substitute." Roland pulled out a raven scroll and unraveled it. "I have received word from Dragonstone that Lord Tywin has hired a sellsword company known as the Brave Companions to come fight for him. These men are quite possibly the most savage bunch that hell ever spat out."

"What would you have me do your grace?" Lord Bolton wondered.

Roland looked down at the map before looking back at Bolton. "In order to eliminate these men I need someone just as ruthless as they are." Roland closed his eyes, he knew that he may never hear the end of the decision he was about to make. "I want you to send for your son Ramsey and his boys to come deal with these mercenaries. Give him 500 of your men for the task."

Lord Bolton's face remained impassive but his eyed showed the slightest hint of surprise. Lord Eddard and Robb looked at Roland in horror.

"Roland," Eddard objected. "Ramsey Snow has a brutal reputation and tales of his cruelty are well known in the North."

"This is folly Roland," Robb agreed with his father. "Don't do this."

But their pleas fell on deaf ears as Roland's attention was focused squarely on Bolton. Finally, Lord Bolton spoke up. "Ramsey is not skilled in arms and has never tasted real battle. I don't see why I should agree to this."

"I have no doubt that your son will prove equal to this challenge." Roland said calmly. "If Ramsey is successful in this labor, then I will legitimize him as Ramsey Bolton. I'm sure he would be honored to accept this challenge."

This caught the Lord of the Dreadfort completely off guard. He looked to the ground in thought. After what seemed like minutes, he lifted his head and said. "I will send a raven immediately."

Roland nodded in approval. "Very good, you are dismissed. But be warned, he is your responsibility."

As soon as Roose Bolton left the hall, both Starks opened their mouths to object. but before any words could come out, Roland gave them a look telling them to be silent. "We will talk in my chambers," he said darkly. He got up and quickly left the hall with the Starks close behind. As soon as they entered Roland's room, Lord Eddard turned on him."

"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR WITS BOY?" He roared. "What the hell are you thinking?"

"Lower you voice Lord Stark," Roland warned him calmly.

"Yes Roland," Robb quipped in. "Bringing the Bolton Bastard here is a mistake."

"It is better that the Bastard is here where we can keep an eye on him." Roland turned to Lord Stark, "or would you rather leave him in the north unsupervised and unchecked. At least this way he is of some use."

This seemed to shut the Starks up, Roland poured glasses of wine for the Starks, which they took gratefully.

Robb had to ask, "Do you truly intend to legitimize him?"

"I do sadly," Roland replied grimly. "I am a man of my word. But perhaps fate will be kind and rid us of yet another monster."

Tywin

The day of the exchange had finally come. Roland had sent a raven to Tywin telling him where they wound meet for the trade. Roland had chosen the Inn of the Kneeling Man for the meeting.

Lord Tywin arrived with Ser Kevan and a dozen men escorting a Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch bound in heavy chains. The men escorting the bound figures stopped a distance away while Lord Tywin and his brother rode ahead to meet Roland. Roland was leaning on the walls of the Inn looking at the ground. Accompanying Roland was Lord Eddard, Blackfish Tully. and a dozen men at arms. All were armed and armoured ready for a fight should such a thing ensue.

At the river, Tywin saw a ship flying the Baratheon Sigil. The design of the ship was unlike anything Tywin had seen before. It was small but sleek. From what Tywin saw, it looked to be built for speed.

As soon as they were only a few feet apart, the Lannister brothers stopped. and the to groups stared each other down. Tywin was the first to break the stalemate.

"Prince Roland."

"Grandfather."

Tywin was seething but he kept his temper down. "You have my son."

"I do," Roland nodded. "And you have something I want. "So why don't we make this easy for the both of us and get this over with."

Tywin sighed and looked around. "Why don't we go inside and talk of this first. There is much to discuss."

Roland looked at Lord Eddard and then at Blackfish and nodded. "Very well."

The five individuals took a seat at the largest table. Servants brought food and refreshments. The men ordered wine while Roland took water.

"Since when do you say no to wine Roland?" Kevan wondered. "You use to enjoy it as much as your father."

"Wine made my father clumsy, and it got him killed by a pig. I do not intend on repeating his mistakes."

"A wise decision for a boy," Tywin commented.

Roland didn't mind being called 'boy'. 'If the gods are willing it will be a boy who wins this war.' Roland thought.

Tywin decided to get to the point. "I want to know why are you're doing this Roland? You betrayed your king and turn your back against your own family. Surrender now and you may yet be forgiven."

Roland's eyes narrowed. "Well when your own brother tries to kill you, it raises doubts about your longevity. As for the supposed mercy. It it doubtful I will get it. I sent ravens explaining my reasons. You think I wanted this? To fight against my own brother and mother? To leave Tommen and Myrcella alone in that rat's nest? My brother left me no choice, I have to do this." Tywin heard the pain in his grandson's voice. Whether this was an act of genuine was a moot point.

"Tell me everything," Tywin demanded sternly.

So Roland told his version of events. Of how Joffrey had him imprisoned in his own chambers. Then later sent his two most loyal kingsguard to kill him. "I'm not sure whether my mother will confirm it or deny it but I speak the truth." Roland finished.

"Why would Joffrey try to murder you?" Kevan asked, his voice clearly skeptical. "You pose no threat to his claim on the throne."

Roland smirked at his uncle's ignorance. "Joffrey and I do not have what you call a brotherly bond. He always craved for the attention my father gave me. Roland took a drink and continued. "Recently his betrothal to Sansa was broken. I saw the look in his eyes whenever he saw her. Joffrey desired her, wanted her. but he didn't dare take me on when father was alive. After his death, I guess he saw an opportunity to get her back."

Tywin stared at his grandson silently. Tywin had indeed read Roland's letter. He also read the letter by his own daughter, claiming Ned Stark was a traitor. Despite himself, Tywin had to admit that Roland's claims made more sense. Given the late king's closeness with Lord Stark. Naming him Protector of the Realm did sound like something that Robert would of done. Though he still had doubts about the attempt on Roland's life. Tywin looked at Roland with his trademark unflinching gaze. His eyes trying to find any sign of lying. But there seemed to be none.

As the conversation continued, Tywin noticed something else. The looks, Stark and Tully gave each other said that they wanted to say something else but a look from Roland stopped them. 'They're hiding something'. Tywin realized, what ever it was Roland didn't want to him to know.

"I know this is stupid of me to ask, but what exactly do you intend to do with them?"

"That will be up to the Riverlords whose lands he razed," Roland replied grinning.

"Lady Catelyn Stark abducted my son without just cause," Tywin said indignantly. "A Lannister always pays his debts, Roland. You should know this as well as anyone."

"Just so," Roland said with a smile. "So when do you plan on paying these same debts to Petyr Baelish?"

"Baelish?" Tywin wondered. "What does he have to do with this."

"Baelish framed your son for sending an assassin to kill my son Bran," Lord Stark explained. "Roland and I think that he was hoping to start this war. I don't know what his endgame is but you clearly can't trust him."

"I never trusted Baelish," Tywin agreed. "A sniveling lowborn pigeon that landed on the small council. I never understood why your father trusted him."

"Baelish was recommended by Jon Arryn himself." Roland explained. 'Another poor decision by Jon,' Roland thought to himself. "Given that Jon Arryn was like a second father to Robert and Baelish's ability to increase the income of Gulltown ten fold. I can see why my father agreed to it."

"Have you figured out who the culprit was?" Kevan asked.

Roland nodded sadly. "Jaime pushed Bran from the tower crippling him. He refuses to state his reasons. But it was Joffrey that sent the assassin."

"You seem to blame Joffrey for quite a bit," Tywin commented slightly amused. "What cause does Joffrey have to harm Bran Stark?"

"Approval," Roland replied softly.

Everyone looked at each other then at Roland expecting him to elaborate. Roland took a drink and continued. "All his life Joffrey craved for father's attention, In his desperation he would be willing to do anything to get even a sliver of affection the father bestowed upon me. Shortly after Bran's fall my father was drunk as drunk could be and one night. He said aloud that it would be better to put the boy out of his misery. Ironically, Uncle Jaime said something similar during breakfast one morning. I guess Joffrey overheard what father said and believed that doing this would earn him father's love." Roland shook his head angrily and downed his goblet.

Tywin and Kevan looked at each other in shock. Tywin's eyes were burning. When he returned to the capitol, he was going to bring that little brat to heel and his wayward daughter if necessary. Those two are ruining the very house that he had spent his entire life building back up.

Looking around Tywin noticed something off. "Where is Jaime?" he asked. "I don't see him."

Roland smiled devilishly. "He is close. I will tell you only after I have The Mountain and Amory Lorch. I don't need you doing something foolish."

'Smart,' Tywin thought. He had indeed been planning to get Ser Gregor back as soon as he had Jaime. But Jaime not being present could proved difficult. "So how is this suppose to go exactly?" Tywin asked.

Roland finished his meal and stood up. "Simple, you hand over the two men I asked for, As soon as we are all aboard the Stormrunner. I'll tell you where you can find Jaime."

"How do I know I can trust your word?"

"That's just a chance you are going to have to take," Roland told him. "No risk, no reward."

Tywin sighed, he knew he didn't have much leverage so he will have to make do with what Roland was providing.

"Do we have an accord?" Roland held out hid hand for Tywin to take. Tywin nodded and took the hand. "We do," he said.

Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch were handed over to Roland's men. Lorch looked terrified. but Clegane just snarled. Roland looked at the huge man that he likely hated with all his heart. "Put this troll in The Box," he ordered. Clegane was roughly dragged off to whatever this Box was. Lord Stark and Blackfish followed close behind there hands on the hilts of their swords. Roland stepped onto the ramp. He turned around, Tywin was looking at him expectedly.

"Jamie is in a hut in High Heart Hill," He said bluntly. "Make better use of him next time."

Tywin nodded and as he watched the Stormrunner sail away he muttered. "I intend to Roland, I intend to."