"Uncle..."
After a moment of silence, Robb slowly said, "When I led my troops through the gates of Riverrun, I thought of Black Walder. Before Jeyne was poisoned, his behavior was the most abnormal, looking like some kind of dissatisfaction vented after drinking, but..."
He rubbed his face, "At that time, I realized something was wrong... Everything happened too suddenly, and the enemy didn't give us time to react. Uncle Edmure died before my eyes, and then my wife."
The fire in the fireplace flickered, and Robb's blue eyes seemed to burn with flames. "Uncle, blood debts can only be repaid with blood. I must avenge my family; this is my duty."
Duke Brynden's face held a hidden sorrow, and he tried to keep his voice calm. "My child, a King cannot live only in hatred, but a King who cannot avenge his family will not be recognized by others... as their King."
He paused, then reached out his large hand to pat Robb's shoulder, solemnly saying, "Robb Stark, as long as you can guarantee that while seeking revenge, you will never forget that you are a King, I will fully support you. Even if Seven Hells lies before me, I will charge forward. This is an old Ser Barristan's vow."
Robb moved his lips, his voice hoarse, "Thank you, Uncle."
Duke Brynden, his face full of wrinkles, smiled kindly. He patted Robb again and said, "My child, the blood of Trout and Direwolf flows in your veins. You have inherited the wisdom and courage of Tully and Stark. I believe hatred will only make you stronger. I have always believed that you can be a good King and defeat all your enemies and foes."
Robb nodded solemnly; this was his promise and a silent vow.
Brynden Tully smiled slightly, spread his hands, and said, "Then... please give your command, King. The old Ser Barristan awaits your orders."
Hearing this, Robb couldn't help but smile.
He paused, then said, "Uncle, our enemy must be Lannister. The true culprit who poisoned Edmure Tully and Jeyne Westerling is Duke Tywin."
He clenched his fist, "Then, at the appropriate time, I will sincerely apologize to Lord Frey and request to re-establish the marriage alliance, marrying a Lady of Frey as my new Queen."
Duke Brynden opened his mouth and said, "I must remind you, Lord Frey is very cunning; he will not easily trust you. This is very dangerous."
Robb leaned back in his chair, silent for a moment, then said, "This is the... least costly method I can think of. Uncle, the North and the Kingdom of the Trident River cannot bypass The Twins."
Duke Brynden pondered for a moment but still shook his head slightly, saying, "A Trout should not jump into a fishing net, and a Direwolf will not willingly jump into a hunter's trap. King Robb, even if we declare to the outside that Lannister is the murderer, Lord Frey will not... and dare not believe your sincerity."
He frowned and added, "We need a more secure method..."
Robb looked at the sword crown placed on the table and slowly said, "Secure... if... if we are to set a secure plan, it means we need more time, but my Kingdom will not give me more time."
After another period of silence, Duke Brynden had to agree with Robb's idea: "Tywin Lannister will not fail to see the value of The Twins to the entire war. He will never give up trying to win over Frey. If the war goes badly, Lord Frey will certainly side with Lannister. Perhaps their private contact has never been broken, or perhaps it is precisely because they have Lannister as a fallback that Frey dared to commit the poisoning."
Robb clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms, veins bulging.
He took a breath, then said, "Yes, Lord Frey has 'prepared' to side with Lannister at any time."
He paused, a mocking curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Lord Frey is very greedy; he is more greedy than anyone, so... the nouveau riche Frey will not easily give up the 'dream' of becoming a Queen's family. Uncle, as long as we arrange things well, he will not easily betray my Kingdom."
Duke Brynden nodded, "The location of The Twins is indeed important, but it is also surrounded by the North and the Riverlands. Therefore, unless the war situation undergoes a fundamental change, Lord Frey will not make a final choice; he will huddle in his castle and quietly observe the changes in the situation."
He asked Robb, "What do you plan to do? What is my task?"
Robb stood up, walked to the long table with the map spread out, gazed at it for a moment, then looked up and said, "Uncle, I need to win a victory on the battlefield. Only then... will Lord Frey be willing to believe my'sincerity'."
Duke Brynden also walked to the table. He glanced at the map and said, "You already have a battle plan?"
Robb nodded slightly, his finger pointing to the location of King's Landing on the map. "Here, Uncle."
Ser Brynden seemed a little surprised, "King's Landing?"
The young Direwolf nodded slightly. Although his finger was on King's Landing, his gaze was fixed on the location of Harrenhal.
The next day.
In the clear morning after the rain, everything appeared exceptionally fresh and bright. The air in Riverrun was filled with the fragrance of earth and... the smell of excrement.
"Duke."
Duke Brynden, standing on the high platform of the training ground, turned his head, nodded, and said, "Earl Jason."
The newcomer was a tall, thin man with a clean-shaven face, distinct features, brown hair streaked with white, and blue-gray eyes.
His name was Earl Jason Mallister of Seaguard in the Riverlands. The Mallister family's sigil was a silver eagle with spread wings on an indigo background, and their words were: "Above the Fray."
Earl Jason Mallister stood beside Duke Brynden, looking at the soldiers practicing archery below, and said, "Lord Brynden, I received news that the King is gathering all the cavalry of Riverrun."
Seeing Duke Brynden merely nod without speaking, he hesitated and said, "I'm a little worried about King's condition. He is a young man who has just lost his family, and burning rage can easily make him impulsive. Perhaps we can advise the King together."
He paused, Earl Jason's eyes subtly shifted as he looked at Duke Brynden, and added, "Or, let me accompany the King on his campaign."
"You must trust our King."
Duke Brynden patted Earl Jason's arm, then continued, "Our task is to defend Riverrun well. Patrek will protect King Robb's safety. King Robb has already made arrangements; he has left all the infantry to us."
Patrek Mallister was Earl Jason Mallister's son and heir, and one of King Robb's personal guards.
Earl Jason did not press for specific arrangements. He paused, then said, "Lord Brynden, will the Frey knights also go on the campaign?"
The wrinkles on Duke Brynden's forehead deepened, "Have you heard something, Earl Jason?"
Earl Jason glanced at Duke Brynden and said, "I heard that only a few Walder are preparing for the campaign. Black Walder's voice was very loud; I wasn't the only one who heard him."
Duke Brynden sighed, "Let Black Walder stay in Riverrun and defend the home with us."
He sighed again, "After all, it was our young King who violated the marriage contract with Frey for a Lady of Westerling. As long as Black Walder isn't too excessive, I believe King Robb won't be too... bothered."
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