Chapter 50 Chapter Forty-Nine Caitlyn

Before they reached the Green Fork, they heard the roar of the water, groaning like a giant beast.The river swelled and was twice as wide as it was last year when Robb crossed with his army and promised to marry the Frey woman.He needed Lord Walder and his bridge more urgently then than now.Looking at the muddy and swirling green water, Caitlin was full of doubts.Without passing through the Twins, there was no way to return north anyway, and it would take at least a month for the water level to drop to an appropriate level. As he approached the castle, Robb put on his crown and bade Catelyn and Edmure ride up beside him.Ser Leonard Westerling bears the standard, and on its snowy banner flies the Stark wolf of the ice.

The bridgehead emerged in the torrential rain, like two tall ghosts. As people approached, the yin energy gradually condensed and formed.There are two stone castles in the Frey family, which are separated on both sides of the river, mirrored in pairs, and connected by a huge stone arch bridge in the middle.In the center of the bridge is the Weihe Tower, under which the swift river flows.Moats were dug around the twin cities on both banks, turning the two castles into islands.At this time, days of precipitation turned the moat into a long lake. Through the rain, Caitlin found that there were thousands of soldiers camped under the East City on the other side of the river. The flags hung outside the tents were soaked in water and hung on the poles, like many drowning cats, unable to see the colors and patterns clearly.All she knew was that most flags were gray, and indeed, the whole world seemed gray these days.

"Be careful, Robb," she warned her son. "Lord Walder has a thin skin and a sharp tongue, and no doubt many of his children and grandchildren will follow suit. You must not offend him now that we have demands from others." self-esteem." "I know the nature of the Freys, Mother, and I know I offended them, and I need them now! I'll sweet-talk like a monk if I can." Caitlin shifted restlessly on the saddle, "When we arrive, if the other party offers food and drink, please don't hesitate to accept it immediately! They can eat whatever they give, and enjoy it to their heart's content. If they don't ask, you Just offer to ask for bread, cheese and wine."

"I'm not hungry, just a little wet..." "Robb, listen to me carefully. Once you eat his bread and salt, you have the right to be a guest. Under his roof, he has a duty to you as a host." Robb seemed amused. "I've got an army to protect me, Mother, and I don't need bread and salt. But if there's a reconciliation with Lord Walder, I'll take it if he makes me a crow stew with maggots, and Tell him to have another bowl." Four Freys rode out from the east, all wrapped in heavy gray wool cloaks.Catelyn recognized Ser Lyman, eldest son of the late Ser Stevron, Lord Walder's eldest son.Now, heir to the Twins, his face looked fat and round and stupid under his cloak.The other three are probably his sons, Master Wade's Zeng Bie and Zhu Fei.

Edmure confirmed her suspicions, "Edwin the eldest, the sickly, slender, pale one; Black Walder, the wiry, bearded fellow, was a very fierce fellow; and the stallion was Pepe. Tyr, the boy was unfortunate enough to have a pockmarked face, so he was called 'pimple-faced Petyr' by his family. He was only a year or two older than Robb, but Walder married him when he was ten. A woman of thirty. God damn it! Roslin mustn't look like him!" The king and his party stopped temporarily, waiting for the brigade to catch up.Robb's banner hung limply, and to their right a icy sleet lapped the mighty Green Fork.Gray Wind rushed forward, raised his tail, and stared at the approaching Frey family with his dark golden narrow eyes.When they came within six or seven yards, they heard a roar from the direwolf, deep and powerful, as if it merged with the sound of the river.Robb was taken aback. "Grey Wind, come to me. Gray Wind!"

Instead, he snarled and rushed forward. Ser Lyman's steed let out a terrified neigh and backed away, while Pimple-Faced Petyr's horse threw him off.Only Heiwald held the reins firmly while touching the sword. "No!" Robb yelled, "Grey Wind, come here, come here!" Catelyn hurriedly patted her horse forward, putting herself between the direwolf and the other, splashing mud on the horse's hooves and the wolf.Gray Wind avoided going out, as if it was the first time he heard Robb's call. "Is that how people from the Stark family apologize?" Black Wald drew his long sword out of its sheath and shouted loudly, "Telling wolves to bite people is really entertaining! What are you doing here?"

Ser Lyman dismounted and helped his son, pimple-faced Petyr, to his feet.The boy was splashed with mud, but fortunately he was not injured. "I came here to apologize for offending your family and to attend my uncle's wedding," the king said, dismounting from his horse. "Petyr, please use my mount. Your horse seems to have escaped." Petyr looked at his father. "I can ride with my brothers." The three Freys who were still on their horses did not take Robb's words to heart. "You are late," Sir Lyman announced. "The rain has delayed the journey," Robb said. "I sent the raven to explain."

"What about the woman?" It was well known that he was referring to Jenny Westerling.Caitlin smiled apologetically, "Sir, Queen Jeyne came to Riverrun from the Western Territory. She has been exhausted from the journey all the way. She needs to rest at this moment. When the time is right, she will definitely come to visit with pleasure." "Happy? My great-grandfather won't be happy." Heiwald put his sword back into its sheath, but his tone was still aggressive. "I told him about this 'queen', and he really wants to see it with his own eyes."

Edwin cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, we have a room for you in the River Tower," he said to Robb in a cautious and courteous tone, "and a residence for Duke Tully and Lady Stark. We welcome you too. Your vassals and knights have come to our roof for the imminent grand wedding." "What about my soldiers?" Robb asked. "My lord father wants me to apologize to you. The castle is shabby, and I'm afraid it can't accommodate and receive your majesty's army. You see, in order to feed our own army on the other side of the river, we are already short of food and fodder. But no matter what, we can't treat your majesty's people badly. Once they're across the river, and camped beside my troops, we'll have plenty of wine and ale to drink to the health of Duke Edmure and his bride. Lo and behold, three wedding tents are erected on the other bank, It was built to facilitate celebration."

"Your father is really thoughtful. On behalf of my subordinates, I would like to express my gratitude. They have all traveled a long way, wet and tired." Edmure Tully rode forward, "When will I see my fiancée?" "She is waiting for you in the city," Edwin Frey promised, "I understand your urgency, please forgive my aunt for her shyness. She is still young, and these days, she has been nervously looking forward to your arrival , poor woman... Uh, Your Majesty, the rain is so heavy, why don't we talk inside?" "That's right," Ser Lyman remounted, hugging Petyr the bumpy face behind him, "follow me, my grandfather is waiting." He turned and rode back towards the Twins.

Edmure moved closer to Catelyn. "Lord Frey should come out to meet us himself," he grumbled. "I am his lord and son-in-law, and Robb is his king." "When you live to be ninety-one years old, brother, let's see if you want to welcome the guests in the heavy rain." Although she said so, she was not sure in her heart.Lord Walder usually travels in a heavily covered sedan chair, and it is said that the rain has little effect on him.Another well-orchestrated slight? Looks like today's troubles have only just begun. On reaching the bridgehead, trouble arose again.Gray Wind walked to the middle of the suspension bridge, shook his head, refused to move forward, and just roared towards the iron gate. "Grey Wind, what's the matter? Gray Wind, come with me." No matter how Robb tried to persuade him, the direwolf gritted his teeth and ignored him.He didn't like this place, Catelyn realized.At last it was Robb's cunning, crouching down and whispering soft words to the wolf, before he managed to pass through the gate and enter the city.At this time, Lame Rosso and Walder River have followed. "He can't stand the sound of the river," Riverman commented. "Beasts are always afraid of rising water." "A dry kennel and a delicious leg of lamb should appease him," Rosso cheerfully assured. "Your Majesty, shall I summon the kennel master at once?" "He is a direwolf, not a dog," said the king, "and will not trust strangers. Please take care of him, Ser Leonard, and take care of him, so that he cannot enter Lord Walder's halls." Well done! Catelyn thought, her son had completely cut off the Westerlings from ever seeing Walder Frey. Although Marquis Walder had a long life, his body had long been troubled by gout. They saw him curled up in a high seat, with a cushion under his buttocks, and a ermine robe over his knees.His chair was made of black oak, and the back of the chair was carved in the shape of two cities connected by an arch bridge. This chair was so huge that the old man sitting in it looked like a grotesque child.Lord Walder looked a bit like a vulture, more like a weasel. His bald head was covered with age spots, his long pink neck rested on his bony shoulders, his thin chin hung loose, and his watery eyes were covered with haze. , the toothless mouth is constantly grinding and sucking air, like a baby sucking its mother's nipple. The eighth Mrs. Frey stood by the high seat, and at his feet sat a thin, hunchbacked man of about fifty, who looked like a younger version of Lord Frey.The man was dressed in costly blue wool and gray satin, but strangely wore a crown and collar studded with small brass bells.He was very much like his master, save for his eyes: Lord Frey's eyes were small, dim, and suspicious, while this man's were large, loving, and hollow.Caitlin suddenly remembered that Lord Walder had a grandson who was born with dementia. Lord Walder always carefully hid him when he visited the Twins.Has the fool always worn the crown? Or has he come here just to mock Robb? She dared not ask that question. Frey's sons, daughters, grandsons, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, wives-in-law, and servants filled the hall, all waiting for the old man to speak. "I know, you'll forgive my embarrassment of not being able to kneel, those legs are useless, hey, but the thing between them is all right." He looked at Robb's crown, and smiled at his toothless mouth, " Your Majesty, it is said that a king in a bronze crown looks poor." "Bronze and steel are stronger than gold and silver," Robb answered. "The old King of Winter wore a crown like mine." "Hey, when the dragon strikes, this rooster doesn't work either," the dementia sitting on the ground seemed to enjoy the "hey, hey" laughter, shaking his head from side to side, the copper bells on the crown and collar jingling. "Your Grace," said Lord Walder, "forgive this noisy Aegon, he's dumber than a frog-eating marshman! Besides, he's never seen a king. He's Stevron's boy, and we Call him 'Jingle Ring'." "Ser Stevron told me about him," Robb said to the demented, smiling. "It's a pleasure, Aegon. Your father was a warrior." "Hey, Your Majesty, just save yourself the trouble and say hello to him, it's better to talk to the chamber pot," Lord Walder looked at the other visitors, "Okay, Mrs. Caitlin, you're here again. And you, young Alvin Sir Durmour, victor of Stonemill—oh, I should call you Lord Tully. You are the fifth Lord Tully I know, hey, the first four outlived me. By the way, you Your bride is nearby, do you want to meet first?" "Thank you, my lord." "Well then, I will fulfill your wish. However, she is neatly dressed now, a shy little girl, you can't see her body before sharing the bed," Lord Walder giggled, "Hey, Soon, soon," he looked up tremblingly, "Benfrey, go and get your sister, hurry, Lord Tully has come all the way from Riverrun." A man in a quartered coat of arms The young knight bowed and left the hall, and the old man turned back to Robb. "Your Majesty, where is your bride? Our beautiful Queen Jeyne, the lady of the House of Westerling in the Crag City, I have known her for a long time, hey." "I left her at Riverrun, my lord. She is too weary for the long journey, as we explained to Ser Lyman." "It's a pity. I've been looking forward to seeing her face with those old eyes. Why, we've all been looking forward to it. Isn't it, ma'am?" The pale and emaciated Mrs. Frey was evidently taken aback, not expecting an answer from Lord Frey. "Yes—yes yes, my lord. We are all waiting to pay our respects to Queen Janey. She must be very beautiful." "She's the most beautiful woman in the world, my lady." The cold stillness in Robb's voice reminded Catelyn of his father. The old man didn't care about it, as if he didn't pay attention at all, "Better than my wife, hey? Of course, if she didn't have a figure and appearance like a fairy, how could His Majesty forget his sacred promise?" Robb accepted the reproach from the other party solemnly, "I understand that no words can comfort the hurt caused, but I do come here sincerely this time to apologize for offending your family and beg your forgiveness, my lord. .” "Sorry, hey, yes, I remember you made a promise. Although I am old, my head is very clear, and I am not as forgetful as some kings. Young people, seeing a pretty face and a pair of hard nipples Goofy, isn't it? I think I was the same back then. Hey, it hasn't changed now. I have done affairs, just like you. Well, today you come to apologize, in my opinion, since you treated me badly Daughter, then you should say to them, Your Majesty, you should apologize to my girls. Come, come and see them." He shook his finger, and a large group of women immediately left the crowd and stood in a row in front of the high platform.The bell also stood up, and the brass bells on his head rang happily. Mrs. Frey hurriedly grabbed the fool's sleeve and pulled him back. Lord Wade introduced the female relatives one by one. "This is my daughter Egwene," he first introduced a fourteen-year-old girl, "and this is Shireen, my youngest natural daughter. These two Aureli and Marilene are my granddaughter and Great-granddaughter. I married Ariel to Ser Pate at the Seven Springs at the head of the Blue Fork, but the idiot taught the Mountain to be slaughtered, so I took my granddaughter back. That one was Cersei, but we both Call her 'Little Bee', and her mother is from the Beesburys. Oh, these are my granddaughters. This one is called Varda, and this... well, they all have names, but... "I'm Mirui, Grandpa." A little girl said. "You're so loud, it's annoying. Next to Miss Noisy is my daughter Tanya, and then another Varda. Essie, Marisa... are you Marisa? I think so. Your Majesty, She's not always bald, the maester shaved her hair and she promised me it would grow back soon. The twins are named Sira and Sarah." He squinted at the other little girl, "Hey, Your name is Wada too." The girl looked no more than four years old. "I am Walda, daughter of Ser Aemon Rivers, my lord great-grandfather." She curtsied. "You can talk? But look, there's nothing good to say, your father is a goose. Hey, you're a bastard, you, go away, I only want Foyle to stand here, the King of the North No time to look at the scum." Lord Walder looked back at Robb, shaking his head as the bell rang, making a noise. "You see, they're all here, and they're all real virgins. Oh, one's a widow, but some people are interested in busted women. You should have chosen one of them." "I'd have a hard time choosing, my lord," Robb answered carefully but politely. "They're all lovely." Lord Walder snorted, "They say my eyes are broken. From my point of view, some of them look good, and the others...forget it, it doesn't matter. Hey, they are not worthy of the King in the North anyway. Okay Well, what do you say?" "Dear ladies," the king looked extremely embarrassed, but he had been preparing for this moment for a long time, and he insisted on it without hesitation, "Everyone must keep their promises, especially me as a monarch. I have solemnly sworn was going to marry one of you, and then broke my vows. It's not your fault, it's mine, but I want to tell you that I didn't do it for any other reason than to love A woman. I understand that no words can heal the hurt done, but I do stand before you with all sincerity and beg your forgiveness, and hope that the Freys of the Ford and the Starks of Winterfell We can be allies again." When he had finished, the younger girls squirmed restlessly while their older sisters waited for Lord Walder's instructions in the dark oak seat.The bells swayed back and forth, the brass bells on the collar and the crown ringing incessantly. "Well said," said the Lord of the River Ferry, "very well said, Your Majesty, hey, 'no words can heal the wound done', hey. Well, well, when the wedding banquet begins, I hope you will not refuse Dancing with my daughters, hey, think of comforting an old man's heart." He nodded his pink, wrinkled head in a motion very similar to that of his demented grandson, only without the bell, "Oh, here she comes, Lord Edmure, my daughter Roslin, my cutest little flower, hey." Ser Benfrey led her across the hall.They did look like brother and sister, presumably the children of the sixth Mrs. Frey, Catelyn remembered, from the Rosbys, given their age. Sixteen-year-old Roslin was born a bit weak, her skin was extremely fair, as if she had just been bathed in milk.She had a pretty face, a small chin, a delicate nose,—big brown eyes, and long dark chestnut hair pulled loose in curls to her waist—a waist so small Edmure could probably hold it with one hand. live.Her breasts were small but defined beneath the lace bodice of her light blue dress. "Your Majesty," the girl knelt down, "Lord Edmure, I hope I have not disappointed you." Of course not, Catelyn thought, her brother's eyes lit up when he saw her. "You are my pride, miss," declared Edmure, "from now on, all my life." Roslin had a small gap in the center of her front teeth, which made her smile more shy and cute.She was a beauty, Catelyn admitted, but delicate and from the Rosbys.The Rossbys were not known for their abundance.Given the choice, she would have preferred Edmure to pick an older girl, daughter or granddaughter.Some of the women in the hall inherited the features of the Crakehers, and Lord Walder's third wife was from the Crakehers.Broad hips for childbearing, swollen breasts for feeding, strong arms for support.The Krahers have always been tough and strong. "My lord is very kind," Roslin told Edmure. "No, Miss is too beautiful." The younger brother took her hand and pulled her up. "Why are you crying?" "Joy," explained Roslin, "these are tears of joy, my lord." "That's enough," interjected Lord Walder. "Hey, wait until you're married, and then weep and talk slowly. Benfrey, take your sister home. She has to prepare for the wedding. Hey, there's a bridal chamber, too. The sweet part. Everybody knows, everybody knows." His lips moved from side to side. "I have prepared musicians, brilliant musicians, red wine, hey, high-quality red wine, the red wine is all over the house, and everyone is in love. Now, you are all tired, and you are wet, dirtying the floor of my house. .Go back to the room, the fire is already lit, and there are mulled wine and a hot bath waiting. Rosso, take the guests home." "My lord, I have to wait for the horses to cross the river before I can rest," said the king. "It's not lost," Lord Walder complained. "Besides, they haven't been this way before, have they? Last year you came from the north and wanted to cross the river. I let you say 'maybe 'Well, hey. Come on, you can do what you want, and it's none of my business to bring them here one by one." "My lord!" Kaitlyn almost forgot about this matter, and was startled at this moment, "We have driven a long way in the heavy rain, and we are hungry now, and we need something to eat." Walder Frey's lips moved silently. "Something, hey, bread and cheese and sausage?" "Better have some more wine," Robb said, "and some table salt." "Bread and salt, hey, no problem, no problem." The old man clapped his hands together, and the servants filed into the hall, bringing pots of wine, plates of bread, cheese and butter.Lord Walder filled a glass for himself first, and raised it high with his hands covered with age spots. "My guests," he said loudly, "my esteemed guests, welcome to my roof and have a good talk with me." "We appreciate your host's hospitality," replied Robb, and Edmure, the Greatjon, Ser Marq Piper, and the others joined, before eating the wine, bread, and butter that Lord Frey had prepared.Caitlin also tasted some wine and took two bites of bread, feeling very relieved.Thank goodness it's safe now, she thought. Well aware of the old man's stinginess, she thought that everyone would be put into a cold and damp room, but she didn't expect the Frey family to be very open and forthright this time.The bridal chamber was large and beautifully decorated. There was a huge feather bed inside, and the four feet were carved into the shape of a tower. The curtains were decorated with the blue and red of Tully's house as a courtesy.There was a scented carpet on the plank floor, and a long narrow window opened to the south.Catelyn's own room was smaller, but still luxuriously furnished and comfortably furnished, with a fire already lit in the hearth.Lame Lothor promised to give Robb the best room later, befitting a king's dignity. "Whatever you need, just send the guards to do it." He bowed and stepped back, leaving heavy footsteps on the spiral staircase with his lame legs. "We should have our own guards," Catelyn told her brother. She could only sleep soundly with Tully or a Stark guarding the door.Although the meeting with Lord Walder was a bit awkward, it was not troublesome as expected.In a few days, Robb will set off for the Northern Expedition, but I will be under house arrest in Haijiang City.She knew that she would receive all sorts of courtesy from Mr. Jason, but she still couldn't help but feel depressed thinking about it. The sound of rumbling horseshoes came from the bottom of the tower, and a long column of cavalry was passing through the arch bridge from the west city to the east city, followed by heavy carriages, crushing the stone slabs.Caitlin walked to the window and looked out, seeing Robb's army walk out of the East City, "The rain seems to be a little lighter." "It's nothing, it's just an illusion after entering the city." Edmure stood in front of the fire, letting the warmth fill his body, "What do you think of Roslin?" Too petite, I'm afraid it's not suitable for production.But the younger brother seemed satisfied, so she just said, "She's cute." "Well, I think she likes me. Why is she crying?" "Edmure, she's a young girl about to get married, and it's normal to be a little excited." Once upon a time, on the morning she and her sister were married, Lysa burst into tears, and Jon Arryn draped her in sky blue Before wearing a milky white cloak, I had to dry my tears and remake up. "Her beauty is beyond my imagination." Before she could speak, Edmure raised his hand to stop her, "I know there are many aspects that need to be taken care of, so please don't preach, Mrs. Nun. It's just... just you noticed Those Frey women out today? See that swinger? What's wrong with her? And those twins, with more bumps on their faces than Petyr! When I saw the gang, I really thought Roslin would be a shrew with one eye, no hair, a brain more stupid than a bell, and a temper bigger than Black Walder. I didn't expect her to be so gentle and beautiful." The younger brother was a little puzzled, "This old weasel Since I am not allowed to choose by myself, why hand over the jewel in my palm?" "Your obsession with beauty is well known," Catelyn reminded her younger brother. "Maybe Lord Walder really wants this marriage to be a success." As far as I can see, he didn't want to stimulate your nerves, lest you worry about a woman's appearance. Because of the quarrel, they broke up unhappy. "Think about it, if this Roslin is really the old Marquis' favorite, isn't being the wife of the Duke of Riverrun the best home he can find for her?" "Well, it makes sense," the younger brother said, still a little uneasy, "Is it possible...that this woman is born sterile?" "Don't be stupid, Lord Walder intends to let his grandson inherit Riverrun in the future, may he give you a sterile wife?" "Uh... maybe he wants to hurry up and marry off a daughter that no one wants?" "A great opportunity wasted for that reason? Edmure, Walder Frey has a queer temper, but a shrewd mind." "But... is it even possible?" "Of course there is a possibility," Kaitlyn reluctantly admitted. "Occasionally girls will contract a serious disease in childhood, so that they will not be able to conceive for life, but we have no reason to suspect that Miss Roslin has this disease." She looked around the room. , "In fact, the hospitality of the Frey family was much better than I expected." Edmure smiled and said, "A few sarcasm and self-satisfaction are really polite to this old weasel. I thought he was going to piss in the wine, and then forced us to drink and praise!" His joke made Caitlin feel inexplicably uneasy, "If you're fine here, I'm going to go back to my room and change out of this wet suit." "Okay, please," Edmure yawned, "I also have to get ready within an hour." So Catelyn went back to her room, where the boxes of laundry from Riverrun lay at the foot of the bed.She took off all her clothes and hung them by the fire for a thick wool dress dyed the red and blue of the Tullys. Then she washed and dried her hair before going out to the Freys. Stepping into the hall, Lord Walder's black oak chair was already empty, but there were many of his children and grandchildren drinking by the fire.The lame Rosso stood up awkwardly when he saw her enter the door, "Mrs. Caitlin, I thought you were resting, do you need me to help you?" "Are these your brothers?" she asked. "Yes, my own brothers, and half-brothers, cousins, nephews, and so on. Sir Raymond is my elder brother, and the Earl of Lukes Valpin is my half-sister Li Sydney's husband, Sir Damon, was their son. My half-brother, Sir Hosting, I am sure you know. These three are Sir Roslyn Hay and his son Ser Harris Hay and Sir Donnel Hay." "Nice to meet you, sirs. Is Ser Perwyn here? Robb sent me to talk with Lord Renly, all the way to and from Storm's End, and he escorted me all the way. I want to meet him." "Pywin is not in the city," declared Lame Rosso, "I will pass on your kindness. Please believe that he is very sorry for the unlucky timing." "He won't be back for Miss Roslin's wedding?" "He'll go as fast as he can," promises the crippled Rosso, "but it's raining so hard . . . Madame, you know there's flooding everywhere." "Yes," said Catelyn, "then can you tell me where to find your maester?" "Are you not well, my lady?" asked Ser Hosteen, a strong man with a square, hard jaw. "A little advice on women's affairs is all right, sir." Rosso, as obliging as ever, personally escorted her out of the hall, up many steps, across a closed bridge, and to another staircase. "Maester Bennett is in the top room, madam." She thought that Maester Bennet was Lord Walder's son, but that was not the case.This man is extremely fat, bald, with a double chin, not tidy, and the sleeves of his robe are covered with crow droppings, but he is kind to others.She confided Edmure's worries, and the other party giggled and said, "Your Excellency, Mrs. Caitlin, I admit that Miss is petite and her hips are not wide, but isn't her mother, Mrs. Bethany, the same? At the beginning, she gave Lord Walder a child every year." "How many survived?" she asked straightforwardly. "Five," said the maester, counting with his sausage-fat fingers, "Ser Pawyn, Ser Benfrey, Maester William—he just made the necklace last year and now serves Lord Hunter in the Vale, Ollie Well, he served your son as a squire; the rest is Miss Roslin, the youngest. You see, four boys to one girl, what Lord Edmure will do with many sons in the future!" "He will be very happy." In this way, this girl is not only outstanding in appearance, but also has no need to worry about giving birth.Edmure was finally satisfied.So far, Lord Walder has arranged everything for him properly. After leaving the bachelor's residence, Catelyn did not go back to her room, but went to Robb.She found Robin Flint, Ser Wendel Manderly, Greatjon, and his son Littlejon—who was taller than his father, in fact—in the King's Room, all drenched.Also, there stood before the fire a wet man in a pink cloak trimmed with white fur. "Lord Bolton." She recognized it. "Mrs. Caitlin," the other party replied softly, "things are difficult these days, and it is a great pleasure to see you again." "You're very kind," said Catelyn, noticing that the atmosphere was not quite right, and even Greatjon was a little depressed and melancholy.Looking at the gloomy faces, she asked, "What's going on?" "The Lannister army pursued the Trident River," said Ser Wendel sullenly, "and captured my brother again." "Lord Bolton has brought news of Winterfell," Robb added. "Ser Rodrik was not alone. Clay Seven and Lambard Tallhart were also killed." "Clay Seven was a child," she recalled sadly. "The rumors were true? Winterfell was in ruins, and all its inhabitants were slaughtered?" Bolton's pale eyes met hers. "The ironborn burned the castle and the wintertown, but my son Ramsay rescued some of the crowd and brought them back to the Dreadfort to settle." "Your illegitimate son has committed heinous crimes," Caitlin pointedly reminded him. "Not only murder, rape, but also more unspeakable crimes." "Yes," replied Roose Bolton, "his blood is tainted, I admit, but on the other hand he was a good fighter, valiant and resourceful. Ser Derrick, who then slew Rambard Tallhart, was the one who took command and led us all to victory, and he assured me that he would fight the foreign enemies till Greyjoy was driven out once and for all. So far as far as the northern border. Perhaps... after such a great achievement, it can slightly offset the crime he committed due to the temptation of blood?" The Earl of Dreadfort shrugged. .Anyway, at that time, Mrs. Walda’s and I’s direct son should be born.” This was a man with a heart of stone, and Catelyn had known him well before. "Did Ramsay mention Theon Greyjoy?" Robb demanded. "Is he dead or has he escaped?" Roose Bolton took a tattered, leather-like thing from his waist pocket. "My son dedicates this to His Majesty." Seeing this, Ser Wendell quickly turned his round face away, Robin Flint and Littlejon Umber exchanged glances, and Greatjon snorted like a bull. "Is this... human skin?" Robb asked hesitantly. "Plucked from Theon Greyjoy's left little finger. I admit, my son's methods are a bit vicious, but... what is this skin compared to the lives of the two princes? You are their mother , Lady Caitlin, how about I present it to you... as a token of revenge?" A part of her just wanted to hold the creepy trophy, close to her heart, but she kept her emotions in check. "No, thank you, take it away." "Skinning Theon won't bring my brother back to life," Robb said. "I want his head, not his skin." "He is the only surviving son of Balon Greyjoy," Lord Bolton reminded them softly, "and for now the rightful king of the Iron Islands. A king as a hostage is priceless." "Hostage?" This word made Caitlin very dissatisfied. Hostages can be exchanged. "Lord Bolton, I hope you don't mean that the murderer who killed my son can be used as a bargaining chip!" "Whoever wants to secure the seat of Seastone must first get rid of Theon, a serious confidant," Bolton pointed out lightly, "Although he is trapped in a cage, his line of succession is undoubtedly ahead of his uncles. I suggest , leave him a dog’s life, and use his head to blackmail the ruler of the Iron Islands to make concessions in the future.” Robb considered for a moment reluctantly, and finally nodded, "Okay, very good, let's keep him for now. For now. Tell your people to look after him until we return to the north." Caitlin looked at Roose Bolton, "Sir Wendell just said that the Lannister army chased the Trident River?" "Yes, madam, it was my fault. It was all my fault for taking so long at Harrenhal. Ser Aenys left a few days early, when the ruby ​​fords of the Trident were barely passable. When the main force arrived, it happened遇到涨水。我别无选择，只能靠搜集到的几艘小船，一点一点把部队带过去。当兰尼斯特军杀到时，三停中有二停过了河，剩下三分之一的部队却还滞留南岸，主要是诺瑞家，洛克家和伯莱利家的人，以及威里斯·曼德勒爵士指挥的、由白港骑兵组成的后卫部队。当时我人在北边，无能为力，只能眼睁睁看着威里斯爵土和他的部下竭尽所能地英勇奋战，却被格雷果·克里冈率领重甲骑兵发起冲锋，赶进大河。阵亡的阵亡，淹死的淹死，剩下的要么渍散，要么作了俘虏。” 格雷果·克里冈真是我们的灾星，凯特琳不禁想。如此一来，罗柏是否该回头对付魔山?兰尼斯特军要是杀过来怎么办?“克里冈过河了没有?” “没有，他别想过河。”波顿语音虽轻，却充满肯定，“我在渡口安排下六百精兵。其中包括来自于溪流地、山区和白刃河的矛兵，——百名霍伍德家的长弓手，许多自由骑手和雇佣骑士，并由史陶家和赛文家的队伍压阵。正副指挥分别是凯勒·佛雷顿爵土和罗纳·史陶爵土。凯勒爵土乃已故赛文大人的左右手，想必您也有所耳闻，夫人，狮子游泳的本领不比奔狼强，只要水位不退，格雷果爵士纵有三头六臂也过不了河。” “当我军踏上堤道时，最大的隐患便是敌军从南面来袭，”罗柏说，“大人，你做得很好。” “陛下真是太宽厚了。我去年在绿叉河畔损失惨重，前次又听任葛洛佛和陶哈冒进暮谷城，酿成大败，实在惭愧。” “暮谷城!”罗柏咒骂了一句，“我向你保证，将来会问罗贝特·葛洛佛贪功之罪!” “这的确是件蠢事，”波顿大人表示同意，“葛洛佛得知深林堡陷落后，完全丧失理智，悲伤和忧惧将他摧垮了。” 暮谷城的失败影响深远，但凯特琳已无暇关注，她更担心未来的战争。“你究竟为我儿带回多少人马?”她直截了当地询问卢斯·波顿。 他用那对奇特的淡色眼珠打量了她一会儿，方才回话：“约莫五百骑兵，三千步兵，夫人。主要是我恐怖堡的人，以及卡霍城的部队。鉴于卡史塔克家忠诚堪虞，我认为必须将他们放在身边，以防生变。很抱歉，我没能带回更多人马。” “足够了，”罗柏说，“我指派你负责后卫部队，波顿大人。只等我舅舅完婚，咱们就兵发颈泽。咱们回家。”