CHAPTER 45: CATELYN

Robb says farewell to Jeyne in the rain and resumes his march to the Twins, leaving her at Riverrun to avoid provoking Walder Frey. Catelyn notes Robb’s irritation and the army’s reduced strength, while Lame Lothar Frey makes light talk and Edmure frets about his unknown bride. The ceaseless rain sours morale as they pass the Whispering Wood, where sights of old carnage deepen Catelyn’s grief.

Rising rivers wash out bridges at Fairmarket and Oldstones, forcing a slow detour through Sevenstreams and Hag’s Mire. At Oldstones, beside King Tristifer IV’s tomb, Robb confides his need for an heir and declares intent to legitimize Jon Snow to prevent the North passing to Tyrion through Sansa. Catelyn vehemently objects, citing oaths, bastardy, and dangerous precedent; Robb ends the dispute by asserting his royal will, leaving them estranged.

In the bogs, Lord Jason Mallister arrives with the captain of the Myraham, who brings word that Balon Greyjoy has died in a storm and Euron “Crow’s Eye” has seized the Seastone Chair. Robb judges the ironborn will sail to contest the succession, weakening Moat Cailin. Seizing the chance, he orders two Seagard longships to Greywater Watch with false letters, sending Lady Maege Mormont and Galbart Glover to enlist Howland Reed.

Robb unveils a plan: three battles will advance up the causeway—Greatjon leading the van against Moat Cailin, Robb in the center, and Roose Bolton in the rear—while the center secretly vanishes into the Neck with crannogmen guides to strike the Moat from north and west. With timing set for year’s end, Robb aims to catch the ironborn unawares after their revels.

Finally, Robb commands that Catelyn not follow into the Neck but remain at Seagard under Lord Mallister’s protection. He presents a document naming his heir and requires his lords to witness it, while Catelyn recognizes she has been outmaneuvered and can only hope his stratagem will succeed.