A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 20: CATELYN
Overview
Rickard Karstark’s men murder captive squires, prompting Robb Stark to execute Lord Rickard for treason despite the political cost. The Karstark cavalry deserts to hunt Jaime, leaving Robb’s forces weakened and isolated. Catelyn tends her dying father, while Jeyne seeks guidance and commits to comforting Robb and providing an heir.
Summary
In the night at Riverrun, the corpses of squires Tion Frey and Willem Lannister are laid before Robb Stark. Greatjon Umber brings in Rickard Karstark’s men responsible for the killings. Confronted, Lord Rickard claims vengeance for his slain sons, enraging Robb and implicating Catelyn for freeing Jaime.
As thunder pounds, Brynden Blackfish arrives with grim news: the Karstark mounted host has deserted, scattering to hunt Jaime after Rickard promised his daughter’s hand for the Kingslayer’s head. In private council, Edmure urges silence and mercy, but Robb rejects concealment and hostage games, accepting the political cost of justice.
At dawn in the godswood, Robb personally executes Rickard Karstark for murder and treason, declaring that the killings in a cell destroyed his honor. With Rickard’s men already hanged, Robb carries out the sentence despite knowing it weakens his position and may turn Harrion Karstark and the Karstark foot against him.
Afterward, Brynden rides to pursue the deserters. Catelyn spends the day at dying Hoster Tully’s bedside, reflecting on surrender and peace. The rain persists, mirroring the kingdom’s gloom.
That evening, Queen Jeyne seeks Catelyn’s counsel on how to help Robb, who has not eaten and broods over maps. Catelyn advises patience and presence, recalling Ned’s solace in the godswood, and urges Jeyne to provide an heir. Jeyne reveals she is trying diligently and drinks a daily fertility posset.
Catelyn returns to Hoster, musing on grandchildren and the fragile hope that remains as Robb reels from duty’s harsh demands and the loss of the Karstarks.
Who Appears
- Catelyn StarkWitnesses the fallout of the murders, supports Robb, tends dying Hoster, advises Jeyne on patience and producing an heir.
- Robb StarkCondemns and executes Rickard Karstark for murdering captive squires, accepts political losses, broods over strategy.
- Rickard KarstarkClaims vengeance for his sons by killing squires; defiant to the end; executed for murder and treason.
- Brynden Blackfish TullyBrings news of Karstark desertions; counsels Robb frankly; rides out to pursue the scattered riders.
- Edmure TullyUrges secrecy and mercy; worries about Lannister reprisals; helps arrange the execution setting.
- Greatjon UmberSecures the prisoners and carries out Robb’s orders to hang the culprits.
- Smalljon UmberConveys Robb’s orders and helps manage the prisoners during the tense hall scene.
- Jeyne WesterlingSeeks to comfort Robb; resolves to be patient and provide an heir; shares fertility efforts.
- Maester VymanAdvises Catelyn that Hoster’s life is ending and urges acceptance.
- Hoster TullyDying Lord of Riverrun; his decline frames Catelyn’s reflections on yielding and peace.
- Tion FreyYoung captive squire murdered in his cell; his death triggers the crisis.
- Willem LannisterYoung captive squire butchered resisting; his murder forces Robb’s harsh justice.
- Long LewExecutioner’s role offered; Robb takes his poleaxe to perform the beheading himself.