Game of Thrones: The Frozen Throne

The Northern host braved the sleet and snow as they marched toward the valley north of Abyss Keep. Lord Eddard led over four thousand Northern soldiers, leaving behind more than three thousand to maintain the siege outside the keep's drawbridge, keeping the enemy pinned down.

Their current target was Frosthall of the Frostborn Clan and the Ice Drake Clan's stronghold, Ice Drake Hall.

The force left outside Abyss Keep was commanded by Lord Roose Bolton of the Dreadfort, with Lord Galbart Glover of Deepwood Motte serving as his second-in-command. Roose Bolton was a cunning and calculating man. Eddard trusted that with him leading the Northern host at the siege, the Stone King, Samlor Crowl, would not dare act recklessly.

Rain and snow lashed against Eddard's face as he rode his black warhorse. Summers in the North often brought flurries, but Skagos was one of the northernmost regions, and the freezing rain here was even harsher than at Winterfell.

Marching to war, Eddard couldn't help but think of his family left behind in Winterfell.

Young Rickon must have grown much since he last saw him—babies changed by the day. Arya was likely in Winter Town, making new friends among the stable boys, butcher's apprentices, and pig keepers, as she always did. Sansa would be with her companions, sewing as they gossiped about songs, fairytales, and noble knights.

Robb was probably sulking in Winterfell. This time, neither Eddard's ward, Domeric Bolton, nor Theon Greyjoy, nor his own bastard, Jon Snow, had been left behind. They had all joined the march, while Robb was ordered to remain in Winterfell.

As for Catelyn, his beautiful and dutiful wife, she had opposed his decision to send men to Skagos. They had quarreled many times before his departure, but Eddard knew that, despite everything, she prayed for him each day in the sept, beseeching the Seven for his safe return.

Eddard was also eager to know how the expansion of Winter Town was progressing. Had his steward, Klar, managed to increase Winterfell's revenues? How many wooden knights had the toymaker, Douglas, crafted? Had Master Builder Donal's new barracks, forges, and workshops been completed? And what of Winterfell's livestock? Had Maester Givin's pig pens, cattle yards, and chicken coops thrived?

Once the Northern host emerged victorious, Eddard would return to Winterfell, embrace his family, and refocus on Winter Town's growth and prosperity.

But first, he had to bring the Stoneborn to heel.

Inside Abyss Keep, the great hall was ablaze with torchlight. The Stone King, Samlor Crowl, feasted heartily, ordering servants to bring forth boar meat, seal flesh, and giant prawns, along with barrels of strong ale. He entertained the chiefs of the Stern Clan, Ice Drake Clan, Coldfrost Clan, and Maple Clan.

The Stone King sat upon his rock-hewn throne, the backrest adorned with two masterfully carved unicorns. To his right sat Billy Stern, chief of the Stern Clan, while the other chieftains sat along the length of the feast table.

As the servants poured the ale, Samlor Crowl raised his cup, grinning. "Let us feast and drink in Abyss Keep while the Northern host shivers in the storm! They are cowards—they reach our walls but dare not lay siege."

Some of the chieftains raised their cups hesitantly, their faces filled with doubt. Samlor Crowl noticed Billy Stern had yet to touch his drink.

"Billy, why do you not drink?"

Billy Stern's voice was cold. "My son, Borlison, is a prisoner of the Northern host. I have no heart for drinking. Lord Eddard Stark agreed to exchange prisoners, yet you refuse to trade Northern lords for my son. Why?"

The Stone King's smile faded. "Worry not. Your son will be safe. If Stark dares harm him, I will slaughter the Northern lords in my dungeons."

Billy scoffed. "If my son dies, what use is killing them?"

Samlor Crowl waved dismissively. "The Northern host lacks supplies, and the Ironborn raid their grain ships. It is only a matter of time before Stark's forces are defeated. When he is cornered, he will return your son to beg for peace. Trust me, everything is under control."

Billy Stern and the other chieftains exchanged wary glances.

A Stoneborn scout entered the hall.

"My king, the Northern host has broken camp."

Samlor Crowl's eyes gleamed. He turned to the chieftains. "See? I told you Stark would tuck his tail and flee. Now that he is retreating, we can strike!"

The scout continued, "The Northern host has split. Stark's direwolf banners have marched north, but several thousand men still remain outside Abyss Keep."

The Stone King's grin faded. "So, he has divided his forces?"

Billy Stern frowned. "Where has Stark taken his men?"

The scout answered, "They are marching toward the northern valleys."

Chief Gawen of the Coldfrost Clan and Chief Aes of the Ice Drake Clan tensed immediately. Gawen spoke first. "Stone King, the Northern host is heading toward my Coldfrost Hall. I request your leave to return and defend my keep."

Aes added, "And mine as well! The Northern host will surely march into my lands."

"No!" Samlor Crowl refused outright. "Can't you see? This is Stark's ploy! He attacks your lands to lure us into scattering our forces. If we reduce our numbers at Abyss Keep, the Northerners outside will seize the opportunity to storm the walls. You must remain here."

Aes protested, "You expect us to let the Northern host burn our homes and slaughter our warriors?"

The Stone King sneered. "Your keeps are made of wood and mud. Even if you returned, you could not hold them. You would only die for nothing."

Billy Stern was unconvinced. "Better to die fighting than let the Northern host rampage across our lands. Stone King, you swore before the council of nine clans that we would trample the North. Now the North tramples us while you feast and drink. Is this what you promised?"

The Stern Clan was one of the most powerful in Skagos. Seeing Billy Stern take a stand, the other chieftains joined in, demanding to return to their lands.

The Stone King slammed his fist onto the stone table. Silence fell over the hall.

"You chose me as your king. In the face of our enemy, you must obey me. If we quarrel amongst ourselves, Stark will destroy us one by one."

"Magnar Rhesan has already gathered a thousand Stoneborn warriors and is marching from the King's Hall to reinforce us. When our forces are combined, we will crush the Northern army outside Abyss Keep—only then will we ride into the mountains and cut down Stark's forces."

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