Chapter 61 Chapter 60 Caitlin

Catelyn's apprehension grew as the troops poured along the causeway across the black moors of the Neck and into the riverlands beyond.Though she had buried her fear beneath a mask of calm, it was still there, growing with every league they crossed.She was anxious during the day, and tossed and turned at night. Every raven that flew over her head made her grit her teeth. She was terrified of her father and puzzled by his silence.She was afraid of her brother Edmure, and secretly prayed that if he had to meet the Kingslayer on the battlefield, the gods in the sky would watch over him.She was more afraid of Ned and the two daughters, and of the two good sons she had left at Winterfell.There was nothing she could do with each of them, however, and she forced herself to put those thoughts behind her.You must leave your strength to Robb, she told herself. He is the only one you can help.Catelyn Tully, you must be as strong and strong as the North, and be a true Stark, like your son.

Robb rode at the head of the procession, the white banner of Winterfell fluttering above his head.Every day, he would invite a vassal to walk with him, taking the opportunity to discuss strategy; he invited each prince in turn, without showing personal likes and dislikes, listening to each other's opinions as his father did, carefully weighing each statement.He's learned a lot from Ned, she thought, looking at him, but has he learned enough? Heiyu carefully selected one hundred men and one hundred good horses, and went to the front to cover their whereabouts and carry out reconnaissance missions.The news reported by Sir Brynden's subordinates did not relieve her worries at all.Lord Tywin's troops were still quite a distance away from them... but Walder Frey, Lord of the Crossings, had amassed nearly four thousand men at his castle on the Green Fork.

"Late again." Caitlin couldn't help muttering to herself when she heard the news.This person really deserves to be condemned by the heavens. Right now, it is simply a replica of the Battle of the Trident River back then.Her brother Edmure had summoned his vassals, and it was said that Lord Frey should have gone to Riverrun to join the Tully army, but he did not move. "Four thousand," Robb repeated, annoyed and more confused. "Lord Frey can never stand alone against the Lannisters, so he must be planning to join us." "Really?" Caitlin asked back.She rode to the front of the line, joining Robb and his companion today, Robert Glover.The vanguard spread out and followed them, moving slowly like a forest of spears, flags and spears. "I dare not say. Never expect anything from Walder Frey, and you won't be surprised then."

"But he is Grandpa's vassal." "Robb, not everyone takes their vows seriously, not to mention Lord Walder's friendship with Casterly Rock City has always dissatisfied your grandfather. He has a son who married Tywin Lannister My sister, although it is nothing, Lord Walder has a lot of children and grandchildren, and they always have to get married. But..." "Madam, do you think he intends to betray us to the Lannisters?" asked Robert Glover heavily. Catelyn sighed. "To be honest, I doubt Lord Frey himself is sure what he intends. He has the caution of an old man, the ambition of a young man, and the calculations."

"Mother, we must have the support of the Twin River City." Robb's tone was a little offended, "You know, there is no other way to cross the river." "Yes, and you can rest assured that Walder Frey knows that too." That night they camped on the southern edge of the swamp, between the Kingsroad and the river.It was here that Theon Greyjoy brought them new information about her uncle. "Sir Brynden wants me to tell you that he has already had an encounter with the Lannister army. There are about a dozen scouts who will probably not go back to report to Lord Tywin for the time being. I don't think they will ever go back." He giggled and said, "Ser Adam Marbrand is in charge of the enemy's reconnaissance force, and he's turning south, setting fires everywhere along the way. He has a rough idea of ​​where we are, but Blackfish has sworn he won't let him know when we're going." Divide into two groups."

"Unless Lord Frey tells him." Catelyn said sharply, "Theon, after you go back, please ask my uncle to place the most powerful archers around the city of the Twins and monitor them day and night. Once a raven leaves the city, immediately send it to the city. I don't want any bird to report my son's movements to Lord Tywin." "Madam, Lord Brynden has already done this." Theon replied with a smug smile, "A few more blackbirds, we can all use them to make pies. I will save the feathers for you hat." She should have thought earlier that the black fish Brynden was far more thoughtful than herself. "Now that the Lannisters have set fire to the Freys' fields and looted their farmhouses, how will they react?"

"There was an encounter between Ser Adam's and Lord Walder's forces," Theon replied, "and within a day's ride we found two Lannister scouts tied up and fed to crows by Freys. Of course, Most of Lord Walder's forces are assembled at the Twins." Stand still, wait and see what happens, don't know what's going on, and never take action. This is really Walder Frey's unchanging style, Catelyn thought bitterly. "Now that he's at war with the Lannisters, perhaps he does intend to keep his oath," Robb said. Caitlin was not so sanguine. "It's one thing to protect your own territory, it's another thing to openly fight Lord Tywin."

Robb turned to Theon Greyjoy and said, "Has the Blackfish found any other way of crossing the Green Fork?" Theon shook his head. "The water is high now, and the current is so fast that Ser Brynden says it is impossible to cross the river this far up." "I've got to cross the river!" Robb raged. "Well, our horses may swim, but not men in full armor. We'll have to build rafts to get our helmets and armor and lances over, but we can't No wood, no time. Lord Tywin has come north..." He clenched his fists. "Lord Frey will kill himself if he tries to stop us," said Theon Greyjoy, with his usual confidence. "We have five times his strength, Robb, and if necessary you can Take the Twins easily."

"I'm afraid it won't be easy," Caitlin warned them, "at least it won't be captured in a short period of time. When you are still setting up the siege equipment, Tywin Lannister will lead an army to cover up and kill from behind. " Robb looked from her to Greyjoy, looking for answers, but in vain.All of a sudden, even though he was wearing armor and a sword, and had short beards on his cheeks, he looked younger than fifteen years old. "What would father do?" he asked her. "Find a way to cross the river," she told him, "by all means."

In the early morning of the next day, Ser Brynden Tully reported back on his horse. He had removed the heavy armor and helmet of the Knight of the Blood Gate and put on light scout leather armor, but the obsidian fish still buckled the cloak. Uncle got off his horse with a heavy face. "There is a battle at Riverrun," he pursed his lips. "We heard about it from a captured Lannister scout. The Kingslayer wiped out Edmure's army and sent the lords of the Three Rivers to flight." A cold hand gripped Catelyn's heart. "How is my brother?" "Wounded and captured," said Ser Brynden, "Lord Blackwood and the survivors are trapped in Riverrun, surrounded by Jaime's host."

Robb looked anxious. "We've got to get across this damned river before it's too late." "I'm afraid it won't be easy," his uncle warned him. "All of Lord Frey's troops are in the city now, and the gates are tightly shut." "Damn the man," cursed Robb, "if the old bastard won't let me go, I'll have no choice but to attack the city and see if he likes it when we tear the Twins down. !" "Robb, you sound like an angry child," Catelyn said sharply. "When a child encounters an obstacle, he either tries to go around it or push it down. As a lord, you have to know that words sometimes What can be done by force cannot be done.” Hearing her reproach, Robb blushed from face to neck. "Mother, please tell me your opinion." He said softly. "The Frey family has guarded the ferry for six hundred years. For six hundred years, they have never forgotten to collect bridge tolls." "Bridge tolls? What on earth does he want?" She smiled and said, "It's our turn to find out." "What if I'm not going to pay the bridge toll?" "Then you'd better retreat back to Cailin Bay and set up a formation to meet Lord Tywin...or you will grow wings. I don't see any other way." Caitlin kicked the horse's belly lightly and ran forward, leaving her son to stay and think her words.If it makes him feel that his mother is robbing him of his position, that's not going to work.Ned, have you taught him wisdom as well as courage?She thought to herself, have you taught him how to bow his head?The tombs of the Seven Kingdoms are full of men who were valiant but didn't know when to bow their heads. Near noon, the Twin River City came into sight of the vanguard, and this place was the base of the Lord of the River Ferry. The Green Fork here is deep and fast, but the Freys have straddled both banks centuries ago and have grown rich off the fees paid by those who cross it.The passage they built was a great arch of smooth graystone, wide enough for two wagons to pass side by side; and in the center of the arch stood the Tower of Wey, towering over the river and the road with its archery holes, murder holes, and iron gates.It took three generations of the Freys to complete the arched bridge, and when it was done they built wooden forts on both banks so that no one could cross without their permission. Wood had long since been replaced by stone, and the Twins—two square, ugly but strong castles, almost identical in appearance on either side, with arched bridges spanning them—had guarded the ferry for centuries.It has high domain walls, deep moats, and heavy oak-inlaid iron gates.The entrances on both sides of the bridge are located in the well-protected inner city. There are bridgeheads and iron gates on both sides of the bridge, and the center of the river is protected by Weihe Tower. Catelyn could tell with one glance that the castle before her could not be taken quickly.There are guns, swords, lights and large crossbows everywhere on the city wall. Archers are deployed on every battlement and arrow opening. The drawbridge has been raised and the gate has been lowered.The gates of the city are closed and bolted. When the Greatjon saw it, he began to curse loudly.Lord Rickard Karstark glared quietly. "My lords, such a castle cannot be captured in a short time." Roose Bolton said. "If we don't have troops on the other side, we won't even be able to encircle them," Herman Tauha said depressingly.On the other side of the deep and rushing green water, Hexi Castle is like the reflection of its eastern brother. "Even if there is plenty of time, we can't help it, and we don't have enough time at all." While the northern princes were observing the castle, a side door suddenly opened, and a wooden bridge stretched out across the moat, and a dozen knights came towards them.They were led by the four sons of Lord Walder, and they carried banners with silver-gray ground and dark blue twin towers.Sir Stevron Walder, heir to Lord Walder, spoke on their behalf.The Freys all looked like weasels; Ser Stevron, who was over sixty and had grandchildren of his own, looked like an old and tired weasel in particular, but he was polite after all. "My father sent me here to greet you all. May I ask who is leading this powerful army?" "It's me." Robb urged his horse forward.He was in full armor, with the direwolf shield of Winterfell fastened to his saddle, and Gray Wind walked lightly beside him. Interest flashed in the old knight's watery gray eyes, but his steed groaned uneasily and avoided the direwolf. "If you are willing to come to the city to have dinner with my father, and to express your interest in coming, I believe he will be very honored." His words, like a boulder shot from a trebuchet, exploded among the northern princes.Everyone was very dissatisfied. They cursed, argued, and yelled at each other. "My lord, you must not go," Galbert Glover pleaded to Robb. "Lord Walder must never be trusted." Roose Bolton nodded. "A single date, and you're at his mercy. He can sell you to a Lannister, throw you in a dungeon, or even slit your throat, if he pleases." "If he wants to talk to us, tell him to open the gates and let us all come in and eat with him," Ser Wendel Manderly announced loudly. "Might as well make him come out and entertain Robb here, in front of everyone on both sides," suggested his brother Ser Willis. Catelyn Stark shared their misgivings, but she had only one glance at Ser Stevron to see that he was displeased with what he had seen and heard, and a few more words were all it took and the opportunity would be fleeting. .She had to act, and the sooner the better. "Let me go," she said aloud. "Madam, are you going?" Greatjon frowned. "Mother, are you sure?" Obviously, Robb wasn't sure. "Of course I am sure," Caitlin lied cleverly, "Lord Walder is my father's vassal. I have known him since I was a child. He will never do anything to me." Unless it is profitable, she secretly thought It is clear, but some things cannot be said clearly, and some lies are also necessary. "I'm sure my father would be happy to speak to Lady Catelyn," said Sir Stevron. "To ensure that we have no evil intentions, my brother Sir Perwyn will stay here until your lady returns safely." "And we'll treat him like a guest," Robb said.Ser Perwyn, the youngest of the four Frey brothers, dismounted to hand his brother the reins. "Ser Stevron, I hope my mother will be back by sundown," Robb went on. "I don't want to linger here." Ser Stevron Frey nodded politely. "As you bid, my lord." Catelyn kicked her spurs lightly and ran forward without looking back.The son of Marquis Walder and his guards followed immediately. Father had said that Walder Frey was the only Lord in the Seven Kingdoms who could raise an army of his own.When the Lord of the Crossings welcomed Catelyn in the great halls of East East Castle that day, he was surrounded by twenty of his living sons (that did not include Ser Perwyn, who made twenty-one), thirty-six Grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and many daughters, granddaughters, illegitimate children, illegitimate daughters, and illegitimate grandchildren.She finally understood what her father meant. Marquess Ward is ninety years old and looks like a shriveled pink weasel. His head is already bald and covered with age spots. Because of the gout, he can't stand without help.His latest wife, a pale and emaciated girl of sixteen, walked in beside his stretcher.She is the eighth Mrs. Frey. "My lord, I haven't seen you for many years, and I am very happy to meet you again today." Caitlin said. The old man squinted at her suspiciously. "Really? I doubt it. Mrs. Caitlin, I'm old, so you can forget about these sweet words. Why are you here? Could it be that your son is too noble to come to see me in person? Should I What can I do with you?" The last time Catelyn visited the Twins, as a little girl, Lord Walder was already a bad-tempered, sharp-tongued, and poorly mannered man, and age seemed to have made him even more unbearable.She had to be extremely careful with her words, trying her best not to be offended by his words. "Father," said Ser Stevron reproachfully, "have you forgotten? Lady Catelyn is here at your invitation." "Am I asking you? I'm not dead, you're not Lord Frey. Do I look dead? I don't need your lectures." "My lord, isn't this the way of hospitality?" said his other, younger son. "Even my illegitimate son is telling me a lesson now?" Marquis Walder complained. "Damn you all, I can say whatever I like. Lyge, I have entertained three kings in my life, and the queen need not mention it." Now, do you think I still use you to teach me 'hospitality'? When I first planted seeds on your mother, she was still shepherding sheep." He flicked his fingers, drove away the red-faced young man, and then He gestured to the other two sons. "Danwell, Whalen, help me to a chair." They lifted Lord Walder off the stretcher and seated him on the high bench of the Freys.It was a black oak chair with a back carved in the shape of two cities connected by a bridge.His young wife came timidly and covered his feet with blankets.After the old man sat down, he beckoned Caitlin to come forward, and pressed a kiss as dry as paper on her palm. "Here," he announced, "madame, I have bowed, and perhaps my sons will do me a favor and keep my mouth shut. What is your purpose here?" "My lord, we would like you to open the city gate." Kate replied politely, "My son and his vassals are hurrying to cross the river." "To Riverrun?" he snickered. "Well, don't tell me, don't. I'm not blind yet, and the old man can still read a map." "To Riverrun," Catelyn confirmed.She felt no need to deny it. "My lord, I expected to see you there. You are still my father's subject, are you not?" "Hey," said Lord Walder, his voice somewhere between a sneer and a grunt. "You have also seen that there are so many soldiers on the wall, and I am not the one who summoned them? I plan to leave immediately after all the troops are here. Of course, I mean to send my son, Mrs. Caitlin, My old bones are past the age of leading soldiers and fighting." He looked around, as if expecting everyone's affirmation, and then he pointed to a tall, hunchbacked man in his fifties. "Jerry, you tell her, tell her this is indeed my plan." "It is true, my lady," said Ser Jerry Frey, son of the second Lady Frey. "I swear on my honor." "Is it my fault that your stupid brother lost the battle before we started?" He leaned back on the back cushion and frowned at her, as if waiting for her to question his words. "I heard that the Kingslayer beat him to death like cutting cheese with an axe. Why is my son in such a hurry to go south to die? Aren't people who went to the south running back in a hurry?" Catelyn wanted to spit on the disgruntled old man and set him on fire, but she had only time to open the bridge before dusk, so she said calmly, "That's why we should get to Riverrun as soon as possible." City. My lord, can we talk in another place?" "Aren't we talking now?" Lord Frey complained.His pink, bald, age-spotted head flicks around. "What are you looking at?" he yelled at the relatives around him, "Get out of here soon? Madam Stark wants to talk to me privately, maybe she wants to cheat on me, hey. You all stand back and find some Useful things to do. Yes, you too, bitch, get out, get out, get out!" His sons, grandsons, daughters, illegitimate children, grandsons, granddaughters filed out of the hall, and he leaned towards Caitlin, confessing, " They're all waiting for me to die, and Stevron's been waiting for forty years, and I'm going to disappoint him. Hey, why should I come early so he can inherit the title, don't you? I'm don't want." "I sincerely hope you live to be a hundred years old." "That's going to make them smoke, and it will. Well, what do you want to talk about?" "We want to cross the river," Catelyn told him. "Oh, really? You said it lightly, why did I let you go?" All of a sudden, her anger surged up. "Lord Frey, if you still have the strength to climb your own walls, you will see twenty thousand of my son's best soldiers outside." "When Lord Tywin arrives, they will become 20,000 living corpses," said the old man not to be outdone. "Ma'am, don't do this with me. Your husband is in a cell under the Red Keep for treason, your father is sick and dying, and Jaime Lannister has you again. Bro, what are you trying to scare me with? Your precious son? I can exchange one with you, and when all your sons are dead, I will have eighteen left." "You swore allegiance to my father," Catelyn reminded him. He shook his head from side to side and smiled slightly: "Oh, did you? , and those idiots outside are traitors, right? Even a fish knows about this, I should help Lannister kill you all." "Then why didn't you help him?" she demanded him. Marquis Walder snorted disdainfully. "Lord Tywin, he is a big man. He is both the guardian of the western region and the prime minister of the imperial court. Oh, how amazing. This is also made of gold, and that is in the shape of a lion. He is very proud. I bet you, He eats too many beans and farts like me, but you don't want to hear him admit it, don't even think about it. What is he trying to do? Only two sons, one of which is a deformed little monster, I can take my son Change one with him, and when all of them are dead, I have nineteen and a half left!" He giggled, "If Lord Tywin needs my help, he can at least ask the fuck, right?" That's all Caitlin needs. "My lord, I am asking for your help now," she said humbly, "on behalf of my father, my brother, my husband and my son." Lord Walder pointed a withered finger at her. "Ma'am, don't worry about those sweet words. My wife's sweet words are enough for me. Have you seen her? She's only sixteen, like a little flower, and I'm the only one to drink her nectar. I bet, By this time next year, she will give me another son. Maybe I will let him be my heir, do you think this will drive them to death?" "I am sure she will give you many sons." His head rocked back and forth. "Your lord did not come to my wedding, and it seems to me an insult even if he is dying. Don't forget he didn't come at my last wedding, and called me 'Late Lord Frey,'" You know that, don't you? Did he think I was dead? I'm not dead, and I promise you, I'm going to outlive him, just like I outlive his father. Your family Don't deny me, don't try to lie to me, you know I'm telling the truth. Many years ago, I went to your father and suggested that his son marry my daughter. What's wrong with that? I have a good daughter who is a suitable candidate, only a few years older than Edmure. Even if your brother doesn't like her, I have other daughters for him to choose. There are young ones, old ones, old ones. The daughter can do whatever the widow wants, but Lord Hoster won't say anything. He said a lot of sweet words, all of which are excuses. What I really want is to marry a daughter as soon as possible. " "And your old sister, same bad manners. It was a year ago, when Jon Arryn was Hand of the King, and I went to town to see my son at the tournament. Stevron and Jay Ray is too old for the joust, but Danwell and Hostine are there, Paiwyn is there, and I have two bastards for the team joust. If I knew they would embarrass me, I would too. Don't bother running, I'm asking you, why did I travel thousands of miles to see Hosteen get kicked out by that Tyrell brat? The kid is half his age, what do you call him' Sir Little Flower'; What's more annoying is that Danwell was shot down by a hedge knight! Sometimes I really wonder if they are my kind? My third wife is a Craig family, The Kraher women are all scum. Well, it doesn't matter, she died before you were born, so what's your business?" "I was talking about your sister just now. I proposed to the Duke and Duchess of Arryn that my two grandsons should be their adopted sons at the court, as opposed to having their son live in the Twins for a while. Hmph, is it possible? Is my grandson so shameless that he is not qualified to show it to people in the court? They are all quiet and well-behaved children. Walder is Merry's son, named after me, and the other one... Hey, I don't remember...was like Walder, too. They all called the kid Walder Varda, thinking it would please me, and who's the kid's father...who was it?" His face was full crumpled up. "Well, whoever he is, Lord Ayrin doesn't want it, no matter what, and I have to blame this on your sister. You didn't look at her like that, her whole body seemed to be frozen, as if I was going to put Her son was sold to a troupe, or captured as a eunuch! To calm the embarrassment, Lord Arryn revealed that the child had decided to be sent to Dragonstone Island to be adopted by Stannis Baratheon. Upon hearing this, She immediately rushed out without saying a word, and the Prime Minister had no choice but to keep apologizing to me. Let me ask you, what is the use of apologizing?" Caitlin frowned nervously. "I remember that Laisha's child was going to be sent to Casterly Rock City to be adopted by Lord Tywin." "No, Lord Stannis," said Walder.Foyle said impatiently, "Do you think I can't tell the difference between Lord Stannis and Lord Tywin? They're both filthy cesspools, but even so, I know who is Who, do you think I'm old and can't remember? I'm only ninety this year, and I remember it very clearly. I don't even forget how to fuck women. I bet you that my wife will be gone by this time next year. Give me another son, or daughter, there's no way. Hey, whoever son and daughter, aren't they all red and wrinkled and crying forever? I think she's going to name the baby Walder again Or Wattara." Catelyn had no interest in how Mrs. Frey would name her child. "Jon Arryn intended Lord Stannis to adopt his son, are you sure about that?" "Yes, yes, yes," said the old man, "but he's dead, what difference does it make? You say you want to cross the river?" "yes." "Oh, you can't get through!" Marquess Walder declared simply, "Unless I agree, why would I agree? The Tully and Stark families have never been very friendly to me." He leaned back in his chair, He folded his hands on his chest, showing a smug smile, and waited for her reply. The rest is just a bargain. When the gates of the castle were opened, a fiery red sunset hung low over the western hills, the drawbridge "creaked" down, the gates rose slowly, and Lady Catelyn Stark rode back to her son and the northern lords.After her came Ser Jerry Frey, Ser Hostyn Frey, Ser Danwell Frey, and Lord Walder's bastard son, Lonnor Rivers, and a host of spearmen.Wearing blue ring armor and silver cloaks, they lined up and walked slowly. Robb rushed forward to meet him, and Gray Wind followed him like flying. "All set," she told him, "Lord Walder will let you cross, and his army is yours, but he will leave four hundred men to guard the Twins. I suggest you leave the same number The swordsmen and archers, he absolutely cannot refuse the additional defense troops... But you must find someone you trust to take charge of the command. Lord Walder may need to remind you to keep the promise." "I will do as you say, Mother," said Robb, staring at the large group of spearmen. "Perhaps . "very good." "He... what does he want from us?" "You need to allocate a few men to escort Lord Frey's two grandsons north to Winterfell." She told him, "I have agreed to adopt them as adopted children. They are still young, one is seven years old, the other is eight years old, and the two They're all named Walder. I think your brother Bran would be happy to have company around his own age." "That's all? Two adopted children? Such a price is too—" "Lord Frey's son Olyfar is coming with us," she went on. "He will be your squire, and his father wishes to see him knighted after a while." "Bring a squire?" He shrugged. "Fine, no problem, if he—" "Also, if your sister Arya returns safely, we agree to let her marry Lord Walder's youngest son, Alma, of course, when they both come of age." Robb was at a loss. "Arya won't like it." "When the war is over, you will also marry one of his daughters," she finished. "The Marquis generously agrees that you can choose by yourself. He has quite a few suitable candidates." This time, Robb didn't even frown. "I see." "Do you agree?" "Can I refuse?" "Then you cannot cross the river." "I agree," said Robb solemnly.In her eyes, he had never looked so grown-up as he did at this moment.A young boy may be able to wield a sword, but only a real adult lord can understand the meaning of a political marriage contract and accept it frankly. That night, a crescent moon floated on the water, and they launched an operation to cross the river.The two columns are like a huge steel snake, meandering into Donghe City, detouring around the square, passing through the inner city, walking onto the arch bridge, passing through the same terrain again, and leaving from the castle on the west bank. Catelyn rode at the front of the serpent, with her son, his uncle Ser Bryndon, and Ser Stevron Frey.Behind them are 90% of their cavalry, including knights, lancers, free riders and horse archers.It took them several hours to complete the crossing.Afterwards, Catelyn could never forget the sound of countless horses' hoofs stepping across the drawbridge, and the piercing gaze of Lord Walder Frey on the Tower of the River Wye.Sitting on a stretcher, he looked down from between the slender bars of the killing hole and watched them go. The main force of the Union army, consisting of dismounted pikemen, archers, and a large number of militia, remained on the east bank under the command of Roose Bolton.Robb ordered him to continue going south to fight the decisive battle with the Lannister army commanded by Lord Tywin, who was advancing northward. For better or worse, Son has put all his eggs in one basket.