A Game of Thrones, Chapter 59, Catelyn
Summary
Robb and his army reach the Twins. By this time Riverrun is under siege from Jaime’s host. Lord Frey closed the gates, only his envoy invites Robb to talk. Catelyn goes instead of Robb. She manages to reach an agreement with Lord Walder. His men join the Stark force and lets part of the army through to relieve Riverrun. The rest of the army moves south to meet Tywin Lannister’s host.
Quotes
“Father,” Ser Stevron said reproachfully, “you forget yourself. Lady Stark is here at your invitation.”
“Did I ask you? You are not Lord Frey yet, not until I die. Do I look dead? I’ll hear no instructions from you.”
“You say you want to cross the river?”
“We do.”
“Well, you can’t!” Lord Walder announced crisply. “Not unless I allow it, and why should I? The Tullys and the Starks have never been friends of mine.” He pushed himself back in his chair and crossed his arms, smirking, waiting for her answer.
The rest was only haggling.
Commentary
The war that will lay waste to the Seven Kingdoms has begun. With his usual skill Martin eases the reader into the conflict, giving him the taste of things to come. First battle happened somewhere in the background. We only hear about the defeat Edmure suffered from the hand of Kingslayer. Soon enough Robb himself will feel the touch of death that inevitably follows each battle.
First though Robb needs to win a battle of strategy. He manages this thanks to Catelyn. Lord Walder Fray doesn’t know the meaning of word “loyalty”. His assistance needs to be bought. Not having any choice, Starks has to pay.
There is an interesting detail in this chapter. Again we hear that Jon Arryn’s son, little Robert, was to be fostered in Dragonstone, Lord Stannis’ keep. I have mentioned it before as this fact has a special significance that will reveal itself later on in the story. For now, I’ll say only this: Lysa was very unhappy with her husband for making plans to take the child away from her…
Tags: Catelyn
