A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 14: CATELYN
Overview
Robb returns to Riverrun in triumph but reveals he has married Jeyne Westerling, shattering his pact with House Frey and provoking internal rifts. Lord Rickard Karstark denounces Catelyn, while Robb forgives her. Brynden exposes how Edmure’s fords victory enabled Tywin’s relief of King’s Landing. Catelyn counsels sending away Ser Rolph, reconciling with the Freys through a marriage, and refocusing Robb’s war on reclaiming the North.
Summary
Catelyn hears the kennels erupt and knows Robb has returned. Riverrun is rain-soaked, Hoster Tully fails, and word spreads that Jaime escaped after sinking his escort’s galley. Catelyn, still confined, is summoned to the Great Hall, where Robb honors Edmure’s victory at the Stone Mill. Lord Rickard Karstark publicly condemns Catelyn for freeing Jaime; Robb defends her, acknowledging love can lead to folly, and Karstark storms out.
After the hall clears, Robb presents the Westerlings: Lady Sybell, Ser Rolph Spicer, Ser Raynald, Elenya, Rollam, and Jeyne Westerling—Robb’s new wife. Catelyn realizes Robb has broken his Frey betrothal; Frey men have already left in anger. Robb explains he was wounded taking the Crag, Jeyne nursed him after news of Winterfell and the boys, and he married her out of honor.
Catelyn warns that Robb has gravely insulted the Freys and gained few swords in return. Robb admits Black Walder and Ryman were intractable and that only a handful remained. He defends Jeyne’s worth but accepts the political cost. Catelyn questions Grey Wind’s absence; Robb says Jeyne and her mother fear the wolf and notes Grey Wind dislikes Ser Rolph. Catelyn urges Robb to send Ser Rolph away on honorable pretext for safety; Robb reluctantly agrees to find him a distant duty.
In Hoster’s audience chamber, Brynden rebukes Edmure: Robb had lured Tywin west to trap him, relying on Stannis to strike King’s Landing. Edmure’s defense at the fords delayed Tywin just long enough to link with Tyrell forces and descend the Blackwater, dooming Stannis. Robb censures Edmure for exceeding orders despite his valor.
Turning to strategy, Catelyn insists Robb’s first duty is to retake the North and punish Theon, but Edmure warns of Moat Cailin and ironborn control of sea and causeway. Robb concludes he must first mend the breach with the Freys to keep hope alive. Catelyn ends by saying the price is not something but someone—proposing a marriage to heal the Frey insult.
Who Appears
- Catelyn StarkNarrator; faces the fallout of freeing Jaime, meets Robb’s new bride, urges sending Ser Rolph away and reconciling with Freys.
- Robb StarkReturns victorious, reveals marriage to Jeyne Westerling, alienates Freys, forgives Catelyn, and reassesses strategy toward the North.
- Edmure TullyProud of Stone Mill victory; chastised when it’s shown he enabled Tywin’s relief of King’s Landing.
- Brynden "Blackfish" TullyExplains Robb’s western strategy and how Edmure’s actions spoiled the trap; advocates private counsel.
- Jeyne WesterlingRobb’s new wife; nursed him at the Crag after Winterfell news; her marriage triggers the Frey breach.
- Lady Sybell SpicerJeyne’s mother; aligned with Robb’s party; uneasy with Grey Wind; seeks rest and propriety.
- Ser Rolph SpicerLady Sybell’s brother and former castellan of the Crag; disliked by Grey Wind; Catelyn urges sending him away.
- Ser Raynald WesterlingJeyne’s brother; supports Robb and wrangles younger siblings; part of the small Westerling retinue.
- Lord Rickard KarstarkGrief-stricken father; denounces Catelyn for freeing Jaime, demands vengeance, and leaves in anger.
- Greatjon UmberBoisterously supports Robb; urges aggression against Freys earlier; backs Catelyn publicly.
- Maege MormontDefends Catelyn’s maternal motives; present among Robb’s bannermen.
- Jason MallisterRiverlord present; holds Lord Gawen Westerling captive; courteous but cool to Catelyn.
- Galbart GloverNorthern lord; measured but cool toward Catelyn after Jaime’s release.
- Jonos BrackenRiverlord; icy demeanor toward Catelyn during the hall audience.
- Utherydes WaynRiverrun steward; manages the hall, dismisses the assembly on Robb’s command.