New Lord Frey

Lord Stevron was not what Robb had expected. Oh, he looked very much like a weasel like his father, but he at least seemed stronger, much like his position as a knight would have one believe, even in his old age. And from his reputation, he was also better than his father.

Amiable and reasonable, who apparently also put a great deal of importance on family.

This was a marked difference from his father who seemed to view his children as nothing but pawns and, as shown recently would take a mile when given an inch, if not more if he could. Even so, looking up on the weaselly face of Stevron's face, Robb was still on guard, a very similar, but aged face had cursed and taunted him nought a few hours ago.

"Greetings, Lord Stevron. I believe congratulations are in order." Stevron let nothing show on his face, his gaze taking in the looks of all the lords around him, all but dismissing Robb due to his age.

Robb tried not to let it get to him, he didn't do very well as a slight scowl came upon his face. If there was one thing he didn't like, it was when people looked down on him due to his age. The earlier argument between him and the Greatjon over what to do with a Lannister spy had aired that problem too many of his lords.

"Thank you, Lord Robb." Stevron greeted in turn eventually, his voice stiff as he realised the full meaning of what Robb had said. By greeting him as Lord, a position only given to the head of a House meant that he was now lord of the Twins and of House Frey. That meant his father was either dead or would be very soon.

Even so, he returned the favour.

Rumours of Eddard Stark along with his daughters escape from Kings Landing had spread across the Seven Kingdoms. Though no one knew what to make of it, was it true or was it false? The fact that Eddard had not been seen since nor had any evidence been given to prove he was alive, the common consensus amongst many lords was similar to Brynden's.

That Eddard and his daughters were dead.

Which meant that Robb was now lord of House Stark and all of its holding.

"Your father as you know, is now in my custody. His trial will be held in Riverrun once we free the Riverlands from the Lannister army. I have no doubt that he will be executed as an Oathbreaker."

What went unsaid was that the verdict was already forgone conclusion, the trial nothing more than a formality.

"The question remains, will the rest of House Frey be punished for his crimes, or will you uphold your oaths sworn to House Tully?" Stevron frowned, he was very much aware that this was not a question, but an ultimatum. He would either uphold his oaths sworn to House Tully or be marked an Oathbreaker.

Now, normally Stevron would be confident in choosing the latter option. Robb needed to cross the Twins in order to relieve Riverrun from Jamie Lannisters host. Or he would either march south along the eastern edge of the Green Fork and engage Tywin Lannisters host. To every man here, it was quite obvious what choice the Northmen should make.

In most cases, Stevron would be content to just wait it out.

Riverrun would fall eventually and with it, nearly the entirety of the Riverlands would capitulate. Then the only problems would be the Northern host which would be still camped outside at the Twins, unable to cross the Green Fork unless they went round, which meant engaging Tywin's host.

However, this was no longer the case.

Walder Frey, his father and previous Lord of the Twins had been taken from his stronghold in the middle of the night, under the noses of four thousand men sworn to House Frey. They didn't know how or where they came from and Stevron had tried hard to figure out how, he still didn't have answers.

But the fact remained, somehow the Northmen had managed to sneak into the Twins and steal his father out from under their noses and if he could do it once, what was to stop him doing it again? It was an unsaid threat that was more terrifying when left unsaid, a silent threat that hung in the air.

In the face of that, Stevron only had one thing to say. "But of course, the gates of the Twins will be open and when you march, the men of House Frey will be at your side."

"Bloody good lot they will do." He heard similar whispering but Stevron didn't let his displeasure at hearing his house being insulted so openly.

"I'm thankful for their aid." Robb smiled, reaching forward to clasp arms with Stevron who rose to match him. "I'm sure with your aid that this war will end much sooner."

Stevron nodded his head stiffly, he didn't like the position he was being thrust into, but he didn't have a choice.

He just hoped that he wasn't on the losing side.

"Well then, m'lords." Robb turned to the rest, heading past them to a large wooden table where on it, was displayed a map of Westeros, numerous wooden figurines dotted around to indicate armies. "The plan doesn't change, Lord Bolton shall march south with our main force including the Frey infantrymen and archers. Make sure its slow, they'll be expecting me to lead it and in their eyes, I imagine they view me as nothing more than inexperienced child, don't dissuade them of such a notion."

Lord Bolton nodded his head.

"I shall cross the Twins and march south with the remainder of the Northern cavalry and the Frey cavalry divisions. There I shall relieve Riverrun and crush the Kingslayers host. With him gone, we need only focus on Tywin Lannister."

Cheers sounded at his proclomation.