A Game of Thrones 4-Book Bundle

guard who died in his
service at King’s Landing must

also be returned.”
    Living men had gone south, and cold bones would return.
Ned had the truth
of it,
she thought.
His place was at Winterfell, he said as much, but
would I hear him? No. Go, I told him, you must be Robert’s Hand, for the good
of our House, for the sake of our children . . . my doing,
mine, no other . . .
    â€œThird, my father’s greatsword Ice will be delivered to my hand, here at
Riverrun.”
    She watched her brother Ser Edmure Tully as he stood with his thumbs hooked
over his swordbelt, his face as still as stone.
    â€œFourth, the queen will command her father Lord Tywin to release those knights
and lords bannermen of mine that he took captive in the battle on the Green
Fork of the Trident. Once he does so, I shall release my own captives taken in
the Whispering Wood and the Battle of the Camps, save Jaime Lannister alone,
who will remain my hostage for his father’s good behavior.”
    She studied Theon Greyjoy’s sly smile, wondering what it meant. That young man
had a way of looking as though he knew some secret jest that only he was privy
to; Catelyn had never liked it.
    â€œLastly, King Joffrey and the Queen Regent must renounce all claims to
dominion over the north. Henceforth we are no part of their realm, but a free
and independent kingdom, as of old. Our domain shall include all the Stark
lands north of the Neck, and in addition the lands watered by the River Trident
and its vassal streams, bounded by the Golden Tooth to the west and the
Mountains of the Moon in the east.”
    â€œTHE KING IN THE NORTH!”
boomed Greatjon Umber, a ham-sized
fist hammering at the air as he shouted.
“Stark! Stark! The King in the
North!”
    Robb rolled up the parchment again. “Maester Vyman has drawn a map, showing
the borders we claim. You shall have a copy for the queen. Lord Tywin must
withdraw beyond these borders, and cease his raiding, burning, and pillage. The
Queen Regent and her son shall make no claims to taxes, incomes, nor service
from my people, and shall free my lords and knights from all oaths of fealty,
vows, pledges, debts, and obligations owed to the Iron Throne and the Houses
Baratheon and Lannister. Additionally, the Lannisters shall deliver ten
highborn hostages, to be mutually agreed upon, as a pledge of peace. These I
will treat as honored guests, according to their station. So long as the terms
of this pact are abided with faithfully, I shall release two hostages every
year, and return them safely to their families.” Robb tossed the rolled
parchment at the knight’s feet. “There are the terms. If she meets them, I’ll
give her peace. If not”—he whistled, and Grey Wind moved forward
snarling—“I’ll give her another Whispering Wood.”
    â€œStark!”
the Greatjon roared again, and now other voices took up
the cry.
“Stark, Stark, King in the North!”
The direwolf threw back
his head and howled.
    Ser Cleos had gone the color of curdled milk. “The queen shall hear your
message, my—Your Grace.”
    â€œGood,” Robb said. “Ser Robin, see that he has a good meal

and clean clothing. He’s to ride at first light.”
    â€œAs you command, Your Grace,” Ser Robin Ryger replied.
    â€œThen we are done.” The assembled knights and lords bannermen bent their
knees as Robb turned to leave, Grey Wind at his heels. Olyvar Frey scrambled
ahead to open the door. Catelyn followed them out, her brother at her
side.
    â€œYou did well,” she told her son in the gallery that led from the rear of the
hall, “though that business with the wolf was japery more befitting a boy than
a king.”
    Robb scratched Grey Wind behind the ear. “Did you see the look on his face,
Mother?” he asked, smiling.
    â€œWhat I saw was Lord Karstark, walking out.”
    â€œAs did I.” Robb lifted off his crown with both hands and gave it to Olyvar.
“Take this thing back to my bedchamber.”
    â€œAt once, Your Grace.” The squire hurried off.
    â€œI’ll wager there were others who felt the same as Lord Karstark,” her
brother Edmure declared. “How can we talk of peace while the Lannisters spread
like a pestilence over my father’s domains, stealing his crops and slaughtering
his people? I say again,