As he rode through the streets of King's Landing, he couldn't help but be disappointed by all that he saw. Beggars and filth covered either side of the road. Many people Robb passed looked closer to skeletons than people. Their pleading, sorrowful eyes burning holes in the northern king's heart.
He rode at the head of his retinue of his best warriors that surrounded the carriage that held his queen and her grandmother. Brienne was left in command of the men while Dacey and Smalljon rode at Robb's back, their hands on their weapons at all times. They were under no delusions of safety, not when they were entering the proverbial dragons lair.
Robb brought his horse to a stop next to a small child, whose face was covered with dirt and wore nothing but a burlap sack that hung off of his bony frame. He looked up at Robb with large, begging eyes.
"Please, m'lord, I'm so hungry." he said quietly.
Robb fished out two gold dragons, handing them to the kid, nodding towards another group of hungry looking children. "How about you and your friends go get something to eat."
The kid nodded quickly and ran off, followed by six others. Robb watched them go, his face a mixture of sorrow and anger. He hated that he had been neglectful of the people of the city. They weren't his people, but he had the ability to help them. All he needed was the approval of the targaryens.
And if they were smart, they would accept his help.
Ser Barristan rode out and joined them the closer they got to the Red Keep. The old knight had become the bridge between the Starks and Targaryens, which was fine with Robb. The man was renowned for his honor and honesty, which Robb preferred to deal with over a politician.
"My lord." Ser Barristan greeted, falling in line next to Robb. "Thank you for agreeing to come to the trial."
"My men were the ones who captured them." Robb answered. "It's only right that they see proper justice dispensed."
"Indeed, my lord." Barristan said. "Both men are scheduled to be executed in no less than half an hour."
"Execution?" Robb asked, slightly surprised that neither had asked for trial by combat.
Barristan shifted slightly in his saddle as they rode through the gate and into the castle courtyard. "King Aegon stripped both men of their knighthoods."
Robb shook his head. "They are nobles, ser. Forgive me, but the only man who has a right to strip them of anything is myself. I control the Westerlands."
"So you've said." Aegon drawled, striding out of the keep, followed by two white-cloaked warriors.
"You've stripped Clegane and Lorch of their knighthood." Robb said, frowning. "Not only have you no right to do so, they are still nobles nonetheless. They are still expected to be tried fairly."
"I didn't expect you to care, Stark." Aegon shrugged. "They're rapists and murderers. They are the scum of the Earth and you would see them tried fairly."
"They are nobles, and in Westeros, they are tried fairly." Robb pressed.
"Please, your grace, my lord, let us go inside and discuss this privately." Ser Barristan said.
Robb glared at Aegon, but nodded, dismounting before walking over to the carriage and helping his wife. Aegon simply shrugged and walked back inside. In a moment, Robb's retinue surrounded him as their horses and carriage were taken care of by stablehands and servants
"What was that about?" Margaery asked.
Robb glanced at her and her grandmother, who walked behind them on Garlan's arm. "The Mountain and Lorch were tried unfairly."
"How do you mean?" Margaery asked.
"Aegon stripped them of their knighthood and condemned them to death." Robb explained. "I despise the men as much as anyone else, but they are still nobles. If the Targaryens want to rule in Westeros, then they better know the laws."
"Quite right, your grace." Olenna said, nodding approvingly.
Brienne coughed quietly, warning Robb that someone was approaching. Ser Barristan bowed as Daenerys walked up to the group, a great mountain and brawn and blubber behind her. The man's tanned skin was hatchmarked with numerous scars, and he was dressed oddly. He wore baggy pants tied at the waist with a golden yellow sash and a ridiculously tiny vest studded with iron. At his side was an arakh and he held a small, plate-size shield in his other hand.
"My lady." Robb said, nodding to the Targaryen queen.
"Thank you for arriving, my lord." Daenerys said with a smile. "The executions should happen shortly."
"I'd rather they don't happen at all, my lady." Robb said, surprising the woman. "Perhaps there is a place we can speak?"
Daenerys nodded and motioned for the group to follow. They easily made their way to a small meeting room where Ser Barristan and the other man took up positions on either side of the door. Robb glanced at his men, who got the message and lined the wall across from the door. Only Robb, Margaery, Garlan, and Olenna followed Daenerys inside the room, with Garlan closing the door behind them.
"What's the problem?" Daenerys asked, crossing her arms.
"Aegon stripped Lorch and Clegane of their knighthoods, something he had no right to do." Robb started, keeping his voice calm and conversational. "Second, regardless of their knighthoods, they are still nobles and are entitled to trials in front of their peers. Condemning them without trial and ordering their execution is murder, not justice."
"They were tried, my lord." Daenerys argued.
"What did this trial look like, my lady?" Olenna asked from behind Robb. "Were they marched in front of you, bound in chains, where their crimes were read out and their deaths sentenced while they stood there silently?"
Daenerys didn't answer, a slight redness coming to her cheeks. That is what had happened, and Robb could see it in her eyes that she had just been exposed by the old woman.
Daenerys sighed. "They are murderers and rapists…."
"And are the scum of the Earth, as your nephew puts it." Robb said, cutting her off. "I will not argue that they should die, but there are laws in place, my lady, that all westerosi nobles, especially westerosi kings and queens, are expected to follow."
Daenerys shook her head. "What would you have me do? Call off their execution?"
"Exactly that." Robb said. "If you go through with this execution, you send a clear message to all other nobles who are pledged to you. That you do not care for westerosi law and that you have the power to condemn men to death at will." Robb hesitated before adding. "After the….actions taken by your father, I do not have to tell you what reputation you will give yourself because of their deaths."
"Surely their crimes show that they are worthy of execution." Daenerys said.
"That is true, my lady, but because they are nobles means that they must be tried fairly." Margaery said. "They are terrible men who have committed heinous crimes, my lady, but there are certain formalities that must be observed. Rest assured, they will be found guilty and they will die."
Robb couldn't help but agree. There was no doubt that both men would call for a trial by combat, but Robb doubted that either would walk away alive. Lorch was more renowned for his cruelty and brutality than his skill with a blade. The Mountain, on the other hand, would have made a daunting challenge if not for the fact that he was partially crippled from where Robb had stabbed him in the back of the knee. The wound was still healing, and although Robb had a maester working on it while the Mountain was his prisoner, it would have to be heavily braced still if Gregor Clegane wished to fight for his life.
"And if they wish for a trial by combat?" Daenerys asked, clearly knowledgeable about that option.
Robb shrugged. "Both parties have numerous warriors who would be more than willing to fight."
Daenerys thought for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I will speak to my nephew and a trial shall be put together in an hour's time. Would you be willing to stand as one of the judges, my lord?"
Robb nodded. "I will."
Line Break
True to her word, Daenerys had set up the throne room so that the trial could be held. The crowd was a little thin since the Targaryens had dispersed many of the Lannister courtiers, but it was still a reasonably sized crowd that kept to the sides of the vast room, leaving the center open.
Three chairs had been placed at the steps of leading up to the Iron Throne. Robb waited in front of his as the crowd came in, staring up at the monstrous chair. Robb had expected it to be….more. A massive construction of melted swords. Instead, it was a throne of iron set on top of a stone dais. Robb wondered briefly that a highly skilled group of smiths could reproduce a throne just like it given time and materials.
"Impressive, no?" Prince Oberyn said, sauntering up to Robb.
The northern king shrugged. "I guess."
Oberyn laughed. "You seem unimpressed."
Robb smiled slightly. "Would you believe me if I said that I expected more?"
"Depends on your definition of 'more'." Oberyn replied.
"A mountain of molten swords with a seat at the top." Robb explained. "A throne that looked like it had been forged by dragon fire."
"Ah, I see." Oberyn mused. "Still, you cannot deny that it is a throne fit for a king."
"I would argue that a crown nor a throne can make a king." Robb said. "If anyone sat on the throne in Sunspear, would you call them a Prince of Dorne?"
Oberyn thought for a moment before shaking his head. "I see your point."
Robb glanced at where Aegon and Connington entered. "Prince Oberyn, while I have you here, I wish to let you know that….if my family has angered you in any way, I wish to apologize."
Oberyn gave the northman a confused look. "I assume you're talking about the rebellion."
Robb nodded.
"Perhaps we can talk about this another time." Oberyn said before turning to his king. "Nephew." he said with a bow.
Aegon smiled at the dornishman. "Uncle."
Oberyn nodded to Robb and Connington before leaving to stand with his brother. On Robb's right, off on the other side of the throne room, was the Targeryen's Small Council, whereas Robb's retinue was off to his left. He gave Margaery a smile as he took his seat. Connington's chair was in the middle of him and Aegon, but remained standing.
"Silence!" Connington ordered, bringing the room to order. "Bring in the prisoners."
In the silence, the doors opening created a booming echo that was soon replaced with the sound of jangling chains, marching steps, and shuffles. Unsullied soldiers strode in, escorting the two men. Lorch looked defiant, his face comically red as he strained against his bonds. The Mountain remained stoic, like he was made of stone, as he shuffled forward. Every inch of the man seemed to be covered in chains, from his feet to his hands to his shoulders.
When the two men were in the center of the room, the Unsullied spread out and took up positions around the men. Connington then continued.
"Armory Lorch, Gregor Clegane, you stand charged of rape and murder. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty!" Lorch snarled. The Mountain remained silent, not appearing as if he was even listening.
Aegon snorted as his Hand took his seat. "Your crimes are well documented."
"Proof!" Lorch countered.
Aegon seemed a little taken back, like he hadn't expected the answer. "What proof do we need? As I said, your crimes are well documented."
"Proof." Lorch repeated, seeing the other king's confusion and taking advantage of it. "Who here can say that me or Ser Gregor were there?"
"There is someone." Robb said, leaning forward in his seat.
Connington, trying his best not to look relieved, nodded. "Call him forward."
"Lord Gregor Forrester." Robb called, the northern lord instantly stepping forward. Forrester had originally stayed back at camp, but as a precaution, Margaery had sent for the man in case there was a need to prove the two men's crimes.
"State your name and title." Connington ordered.
"I am Gregor Forrester, Lord of Ironrath in the North." Lord Gregor answered, putting his hands behind his back.
"You can prove that these men committed the crimes they are accused of?" Aegon asked. "Of raping and murderering my mother, Elia Martell, and my sister, Rhaenys."
Lord Forrester nodded. "I was there in the throne room when Tywin Lannister presented the bodies to Robert Baratheon, admitting that he had sent these two men to kill them."
Aegon sat back like there was nothing more to say.
"Combat!" Clegane grunted, speaking for the first time.
Aegon frowned. "What did the beast say?"
Robb sighed quietly. "I believe he is demanding a trial by combat."
"I too demand a trial by combat." Lorch added.
Robb spoke up before Aegon could. "That is your right, as a noble of the realm."
"You will fight as your own champion." Aegon added.
Lorch nodded, already knowing that he was going to fight. Gregor nodded as well.
"Who will fight for the crown?" Connington asked.
Almost immediately, multiple warriors stepped forward. Brienne, Garlan, Loras, and Balon Swann from Robb's group, along with numerous sellswords from the Targaryen side. Aegon was in deep discussion with Connington, looking like he was pleading with the older man about something when a voice rang out from the crowd.
"Your grace, I will fight both men." Oberyn Martell said, striding forward. "I am very interested in making sure that they pay for their crimes. Elia was my sister."
"She was my mother." Aegon argued.
"Indeed, but you are a king. I, on the other hand, am expendable." Oberyn replied easily.
"I see no issue, Prince Oberyn, only that it seems unwise to have you fight both men." Robb said, cutting off the argument so that Aegon could save a little face in front of his court. It wouldn't serve to have him argue with his family in front of them.
"Do you doubt my skill?" Oberyn asked.
"Not at all. But if you were to be injured fighting one, then you would be unable to fight the other fairly." Robb explained. "Choose one, and another champion shall fight the other."
Oberyn shrugged, turning to face the two warriors. "I want the Mountain." he declared with a clear, firm voice.
"Very well." Aegon said.
"My lord, perhaps a warrior from my camp would make a suitable opponent for Lorch." Robb offered.
"Who do you have in mind?" Aegon asked.
Robb glanced over at his retinue. "Ser Loras, step forward."
Robb's good-brother stepped forward, kneeling.
"Are you willing to fight Amory Lorch?" Robb asked, although already knowing the answer.
"I am." Loras answered without hesitation.
Robb glanced at Aegon. "Ser Loras is skilled with both sword and lance, my lord. Simply ask Ser Barristan."
Both Aegon and Connington looked over at the old knight, who simply nodded. That was enough for them.
"Very well." Connington said. "Both duels shall happen the day after tomorrow. Lorch's shall happen an hour before midday and Clegane's an hour after. This trial is over."
Line Break
"I do not appreciate you offering my brother to that animal." Margaery scowled as Robb rode next to the window in her carriage.
"I do not fear Amory Lorch." Loras said, riding next to Robb. "I will cut him down with ease, sister."
"Perhaps, but even still, train with Brienne and Garlan." Robb said, looking at the young knight. "I understand that you're confident, but it has been some time since you've been in a fight to the death. I want you at your best."
Loras nodded. "As you wish….and thank you." Loras added quietly before riding off.
"We have other fighters." Margaery grumbled.
Robb smiled softly. "That is true, but you know your brother. This will give him the glory he craves and we both know that Lorch is no match for him. Let him have this. He does not have the task of fighting the Mountain."
Margaery could only nod, accepting Robb's explanation.
"I, for one, praise you for how you handled yourself." Olenna said, working on her needlework as she spoke. "That targaryen boy seems to have little to no control over his mouth. He didn't even have an answer when Lorch asked for proof. Thank the gods you and my granddaughter saved him from embarrassment. Sending for Lord Forrester was smart."
"He's the only reservation I have about this alliance." Robb admitted. "I can work with Lady Daenerys, but Aegon worries me. He seems eager for war."
"Because he's thinking with his sword arm." Olenna laughed. "The girl wants to be loved, that much is clear. She is worried about looking like her father, and rightfully so. The boy….he wants to model himself after the Conqueror, yet he lacks what his namesake did; dragons."
"If she can keep him in line, then all will be fine." Robb said. "I hope."
"I hope so as well." Olenna said. "The Targaryens cannot be trusted."
"I don't trust them." Robb said softly. "But like I said, I would like to attempt peace before throwing my men into more war. Especially since winter is coming."
Olenna gave the northern king an amused smile. "Isn't it always?"
"Amusing, my lady, but I'm afraid that it actually is this time." Robb sighed. "And we must prepare."