A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 49: CATELYN
Overview
Robb Stark arrives at the Twins to mend the Frey breach, accepts guest right, and publicly apologizes. Edmure meets his shy bride Roslin and is relieved. Roose Bolton brings grim news of Winterfell’s sack, Theon’s capture and maiming, and losses at the Trident, yet secures the ford. Bolton adds 3,500 men as Robb readies to return north after the wedding.
Summary
Catelyn, Robb, and Edmure reach the flood-swollen Green Fork and the Twins, where Robb dons his crown to make amends. Grey Wind reacts violently to the Frey reception party, heightening tension, but Robb calms the direwolf and proceeds. Inside, Lord Walder pointedly insults Robb for breaking his marriage pact, parades his maidens, and forces a formal apology.
At Catelyn’s urging, Robb requests bread, salt, and wine, receiving guest right for their company. Edmure is introduced to Roslin Frey, a modest, tearful, and pretty bride who pleases him. The Freys assign rich quarters, while Grey Wind remains uneasy about the place.
Catelyn quietly verifies Roslin’s likely fertility with Maester Brenett, easing Edmure’s doubts. Meanwhile, Robb oversees his army’s crossing to Frey camps and keeps Raynald Westerling with Grey Wind to avoid further offense.
Roose Bolton arrives, reporting Winterfell and the winter town burned by ironborn, with key northern lords slain. He presents skin from Theon Greyjoy’s finger as proof of Ramsay Bolton’s capture and cruelty; Catelyn refuses it, and Robb decides Theon should be kept alive as a valuable hostage.
Bolton details a botched Trident crossing: Lannisters under Gregor Clegane smashed the rear guard, drowning and capturing many, including Ser Wylis Manderly, though Bolton secures the ruby ford with 600 men while the river runs high. He brings roughly 3,500 reinforcements, and Robb assigns him the rear guard, declaring they will return north through the Neck once Edmure is wedded and bedded.
Who Appears
- Catelyn StarkAdvises caution and guest right; assesses Freys and Roslin; consults the maester; processes Bolton’s grim reports.
- Robb StarkSeeks Frey reconciliation, accepts guest right, apologizes; manages Grey Wind; assigns Bolton the rear; plans march north.
- Lord Walder FreyPublicly rebukes Robb, parades his maidens, grants guest right, and presents Roslin for Edmure.
- Edmure TullyMeets Roslin, is relieved by her beauty and demeanor; worries about fertility until reassured.
- Roslin FreyShy, tearful bride presented to Edmure; appears modest and pleasing; likely fertile per maester.
- Roose BoltonReports Winterfell’s burning, Theon’s maiming, and Trident losses; secures the ford; brings 3,500 men.
- Grey WindDirewolf senses danger, growls at Freys and balks at the portcullis, unsettling the welcome.
- Lame Lothar FreyHosts and assigns quarters; escorts Catelyn; smooths over tensions with polite courtesies.
- Black Walder FreyHostile and quick to draw steel after Grey Wind’s lunge; underscores Frey resentment.
- Edwyn FreyFormally manages logistics, housing, and introduces Roslin to Edmure.
- Ser Ryman FreyLeads the Frey greeting party; bristles at Grey Wind; conveys Lord Walder’s wishes.
- Petyr Frey (Petyr Pimple)Falls when his horse rears during Grey Wind’s charge; minor embarrassment in greeting.
- Aegon "Jinglebell" FreySimple-minded Frey displayed beside Lord Walder, used for awkward mockery during the audience.
- Maester BrenettAssures Catelyn that Roslin’s mother bore many children; expects Roslin to be fertile.
- Ser Wendel ManderlyBrings word of Lannisters on the Trident; grieves his captured brother Wylis.
- Greatjon UmberPresent for Bolton’s briefing; unusually subdued amid bad news.
- Smalljon UmberWitnesses Bolton’s report; exchanges grim looks with northern commanders.
- Robin FlintAttends Robb during Bolton’s debrief; shares concern over northern setbacks.
- Ser Raynald WesterlingBears Robb’s banner and is tasked to stay with Grey Wind, keeping Jeyne out of sight.
- Walder RiversExplains the flood’s effect on beasts; present during the uneasy entry to the Twins.