Robb Stark stared at the map of the Riverlands shrewdly. Beyond the Stark encampment lay the Twins, the ancestral seat of House Frey and the only means of crossing the Trident for several hundreds of leagues in each direction. Crossing the Trident would allow his army to assist the forces of the beleaguered River lords against the invading Lannister host. The Freys were bannermen to Robb's grandfather, Hoster Tully, Lord of Riverrun. Robb's mother Catelyn had gone to treat with Lord Frey to negotiate Robb's army crossing the Trident. She had warned before she left that the Freys had never failed to exact a toll on anyone wishing to cross. Now Robb could only wait patiently with his bannermen until her return. Ser Brynden Tully, Lord Hoster's brother, had joined Catelyn after her departure from the Vale of Arryn having previously served Catelyn's sister Lysa and her husband Lord Jon Arryn. He stood across the table from Robb, watching his grandnephew like a hawk.

"Lord Stark," the Blackfish began earnestly. "I speak for House Tully when I say that House Frey ought to be held responsible for ignoring Ser Edmure's call to arms. They are your lord grandfather's bannermen and for them to withhold their forces from battle is an act of treachery. Their swords would have been of much aid at the Golden Tooth and for them to bar our passage or exact a toll when justice calls them, I believe, is a crime that ought to be punished," Ser Brynden's impassioned voice cleaved through the arguing of the Northern lords. Robb looked up from the map to his granduncle with a face grave and set in stone.

"I know that my lord father would agree with you, Ser Brynden," the heir of Winterfell replied. His voice was calm and serious, his Lord voice. "Walder Frey must answer for his crimes. I propose we oust him as Lord of the Twins and install his heir, Ser Stevron, as Lord. We must act quickly," The assembled bannermen began loudly calling their Lord's attention to the different strategies against the Twins.

"One at a time, then!" Robb's bark quieted the roar and his lords were silent.

"I've been shooting down the arrows coming to and from the Twins since we arrived, Lord Stark," Theon Greyjoy spoke up, nonchalantly slicing an apple from a wooden chair. "Lord Frey has four thousand men at arms and over a thousand horses. If you try to take the Twins at this point not only will you be throwing away the lives of your men, you would forfeit Lady Catelyn's life as well. We must wait for her to return and hear the terms of Lord Frey, then get him isolated and his men surrounded in case they resist,"

The Greatjon threw back his head and barked in laughter, "Ha! Not bad, Greyjoy. Good of Lord Stark to keep you around," He gave a clap to Theon's shoulder. "We'll have the old weasel's ass off of that chair in no time. Then Lord Stevron can join us in kicking those Lannisters out of the Riverlands,"

Robb consulted the map, eying the Vale of Arryn closely. "My lady mother says that there is still no word of the valemen raising their banners for us or against us. Though I had hoped Lady Arryn would hold enough love for my mother to send help,"

"Jon Arryn's death was obviously the doings of the Lannisters," the Blackfish responded from across the table. "My niece is scared for the life of her child, Robert."

"A mother's worry for her child's life is one thing, Ser Brynden," Lady Dustin of Barrowton responded. "We should offer to foster him in Winterfell. It will put more leagues between him and the Lannisters. If Robert is going to be Lord of the Eyrie one day, he needs to spend more time with boys his age and less time at his mother's teat," Lady Barbrey Ryswell was the late Lord William Dustin's widow. Robb remembered his father telling him that Lord Dustin had been one of his companions that had been slain at the Tower of Joy during the final days of Robert's Rebellion.

"I am in agreement with Lady Ryswell," Lady Maege Mormont of Bear Island spoke up. "If I may be so bold, Lord Stark, a boy with such an unhealthy attachment to his mother at that age will not grow to be a strong lord that the Vale needs. Send him to Winterfell, let him grow with your brothers as friends and let their friendship grow to remind Lysa Arryn her duty to her family,"

Robb pursed his lips thoughtfully, "My lord father spoke of wanting to foster Robert in Winterfell before he went to the capital. Once we reach Riverrun, I will ask my lord grandfather to send a raven to the Eyrie ordering Lysa to mobilize her forces to our cause. She will not ignore her own father," If she remembers any sense of loyalty to her own family any more, that is,Robb thought privately.

"Talk of reaching Riverrun is premature until we get past this bridge," Lady Catelyn Stark moved the flap of the tent aside and the others made a space for her to stand in the circle around the map.

"Lord Frey was a good host, I hope?" Robb's faced had relaxed and his voice was barely strained from showing too much relief at her being unharmed. "Will he allow us to cross?"

Catelyn gave a sigh as she nodded. "Lord Frey has granted your crossing. His men are yours as well, save the five hundred he will leave behind to hold the Twins against those that would pursue you,"

Theon gave a smirk and looked to Robb. "I told you the old weasel would see reason,"

Robb had a smile of his own as he nodded. "And what does he want in return?"

Catelyn swallowed hard. "Two of his sons will be taken as wards in Winterfell. You will also take Lord Frey's son Olyvar as your personal squire. He will expect a knighthood, in time."

Robb nodded impatiently. "Yes, of course, that's fine. What else?"

Catelyn pressed onward. "Arya will also marry his son Elmar when they both come of age."

Robb smirked grimly. "She won't be happy about that," First they would have to get her and Sansa back, of course. Robb saw from his mother's expression that there was more. "….and?"

Catelyn's face grew calm and neutral, but her hesitation was not lost on Robb. "And when the fighting is over, you will marry one of his daughters. Whichever you prefer, though he has a number that he thinks will be suitable."

Robb's smirk was gone. His face had become a mask of determination and calm. "I see," His voice was tense. "Did you get a look at his daughters?"

Theon sniggered at Robb's side. "I did," Catelyn's reply was soft and in her eyes Robb could tell she was recalling the faces of the ladies of House Frey she had seen while treating with Lord Walder.

"And?" Anticipation had crept quietly into Robb's tone.

"One was…." Catelyn's sentence trailed off. Robb took in a deep breath. This is a test, he thought. Yet another test to see if I can handle the responsibilities of being Lord of Winterfell. "Do you consent?"

"Can I refuse?" Robb asked, hoping for one last chance of an alternate route.

"Not if you wish to cross," Catelyn said firmly.

Robb's look was hard and stern. "Then I consent. Ser Brynden, you and my mother shall ride with me to Ser Stevron, he'll be waiting to hear our answer. When we meet him, I shall insist that he escort my mother across the Trident ahead of our army. Stay close to me while we cross. Lord Glover, before we cross you will have our men make the Frey men at arms feel as completely at ease as possible. Trade japes and jokes and act as friendly as possible. I don't want there any fighting, but if there is, it must be ended quickly. Lord Umber, when the wagons cross, fake an accident that holds up the entire column, make it look as real as possible, snap an axle, kill a horse, whatever is necessary."

The council disassembled and went about their duties, save for the Blackfish, Catelyn, Theon, and Robb. "What are you planning to do, Robb?" Theon asked.

"We need to get Lord Walder isolated and away from the eyes of his men if we are going to oust him as Lord of the Twins. For that, we will need to get him inside of the guest hall with the four of us, plus a dozen guards. Ser Stevron will be there as well. Mother, did you happen to see him when you spoke with Lord Walder?" Robb asked.

"I did, he defended my claim to his father that he had ignored the Tully call to arms," Catelyn recalled. "I think that he might be one who would honor such oaths before attempting to exact a price on us,"

"Good, then he may be amiable to us making him Lord of the Crossing," Ser Brynden nodded agreeably. "We haven't any time to waste, we must go meet with Ser Stevron,"

They exited the tent and mounted their horses, riding in the direction of the two mounted Frey men. Ser Stevron regarded them as they approached. A man of his early sixties or late fifties, the heir of the Twins was a stout man whose waist widened out noticeably astride his grey mare.

"I see you have reached a decision regarding my father's terms," His eyes rested on Robb's. "I take it then that you would be my brother," His voice was filled with hope.

"I consent to the Lord of the Crossing's terms, Ser Stevron. If you would give me the honor of escorting my lady mother across ahead of the army, I will meet you and your father to seal this pact in person," Robb's voice was firm and strong.

Ser Stevron nodded in agreement. "As was my intention, across the Trident and all the way to Riverrun to rescue your brother, my Lady," he inclined his head to Catelyn.

Catelyn nodded back. "The banner of the Twins will be a welcome sight to him, I assure you," The two rode off towards the great bridge of the mighty Trident.

"We'll need to act fast, my Lord," Ser Brynden reminded his nephew. "We must begin at once,"

"Yes," Robb gave the reins of his horse a jostle. "To me, boy!" Grey Wind barked happily and ran ahead of Robb's horse while Robb, Theon, and the Blackfish gave chase all the way to the vanguard of the army just behind Lord Umber and the wagons. Lord Karstark nodded understandingly to Robb as Ser Brynden went back to gather over a Tully hundred men at arms to join them.

The army's crossing was expedient until the loud crash and the thundering roar of Lord Umber's curses into the air. "Stark!" Lord Frey sat in his liter in front of the northernmost tower of the Twins with four Frey guards, Lady Stark and Ser Stevron flanking him. "Your oaf of a Greatjon has gone and wrecked a wagon!" His voice was shrill and harsh. "This army will be here all night if you don't get it cleared up.

The army had come to a halt and Lord Frey's voice carried far. Robb's face was set to grim determination again.

"Lord Frey, is there somewhere we might speak privately? I would have this agreement between us sealed properly," Robb dismounted, followed by Ser Brynden and his soldiers who began sizing up the Frey guards.

"Yes, yes, boy, follow me into the main hall. You too, Stevie. And Stark, keep that mangy wolf of yours outside!" The guards picked up Lord Frey's litter and took him inside, followed by Ser Stevron , the Blackfish, Catelyn, and Robb.

"Get to the top of the wall now," Robb heard Ser Brynden mutter to a score of his archers. "Aim for the Freys only if you hear any commotion coming from inside the tower,"

A score of Northerners joined Robb as he made his way up the steps of the entrance hall behind Catelyn. With a raise of his hand, the Northerners raced ahead of Lord Frey and guarded the doors and blocked the windows.

"What is the meaning of this, Stark?" Lord Frey's voice echoed through his hall. "You commit treachery after agreeing to an alliance?" The Frey guards' hands went to their swords and Grey Wind came rushing through the door. Snarling and baring his teeth, the direwolf stood protectively in front of Robb, who gently scratched him behind the ear.

"Lord Walder, you have ignored the call of your lord bannerman, Hoster Tully, who lies on his death bed while his son has been taken captive fighting the invaders of his lands." Robb's voice had gone ice cold. "You have broken your oath to answer Lord Tully's call, barred your gates to our passage and treated with our enemies. I declare your lands and titles forfeit. You will be taken to Riverrun to answer for your crimes."

"I speak for House Tully in agreement with Lord Stark," Ser Brynden spoke up, his men having surrounded the Freys with the exception of Ser Stevron, who was still at Robb's side. "My brother lies near death, my nephew wears chains, and you sit comfortably in your litter and bark demands at those who would free them."

"I have had your word that you would be my son," Lord Frey spat to Robb. "And you would treat with those who would see my head removed?"

"My promise was to the Lord of the Twins. Ser Brynden, do you hold House Frey attained?" Robb turned to the Blackfish for an answer.

"House Tully recognizes Ser Stevron Frey as the Lord of the Twins," Ser Brynden said, crossing his arms. The guards' eyes turned to Ser Stevron for only an instant before they abandoned their places around Lord Walder for protective stances around their new Lord.

"Lord Stark," Lord Stevron said, drawing his sword and pointing it at his father. "I humbly thank you for bringing my father to justice. And I warned you that there would be consequences for picking sides against the Tullys, Father."

"Whoreson! You won't survive against Tywin Lannister!" Walder Frey spat.

"Take him away," Lord Stevron's guards picked up his father's litter, the old man spitting in rage and screeching curses at his son and Robb all the way out the door. "Lord Stark, I must apologize for my father's actions. The loyalty of House Frey is yours entirely, and I am proud to add my levies to your cause."

"My lady mother has spoken of your words when she treated with your father," Robb replied. "I am honored to accept the conditions of our agreement."

"You needn't worry about delaying our campaign for the sake of a wedding, Lord Stark," Lord Stevron sheathed his blade. "Your father, sisters, and uncle lay hostage with the Lannisters and Riverrun is under siege, we've no time to waste with such extravagance. Though while your army crosses, perhaps you would care to choose your betrothed? I can have the ladies of House Frey assembled in moments,"

Catelyn's elbow lightly touched Robb's. He looked over to see her nodding her head, urging him forward. "That is most considerate of you, Lord Stevron," Robb said. He swallowed hard and nodded his head in agreement. Lord Stevron signaled to a servant to carry out the order. "Find a way to let me know which one you thought was best," Robb muttered to Catelyn.

"Oh, you'll have no trouble figuring out that mystery," Catelyn whispered back with a touch of amusement.

Just as the Twins' new Lord had said, all seven of Walder Frey's trueborn daughters were gathered in the hall before Robb and his party. Within moments of Robb's eyes being on the girls, aged from the early thirties to just above toddlerhood, Robb knew which Catelyn would have chosen. Fifteen or sixteen in years, with brown hair reaching down to her waist, the Frey girl had very white skin, a pretty face, delicate nose, and big brown eyes. Robb approached her first and bowed.

"May I have the honor of knowing your name, my Lady?" Robb said politely.

The girl curtsied prettily. "I am Roslin Frey, my Lord. My lady mother was Bethany Roxby, my lord father's sixth wife."

"Lady Roslin has a talent for music, Lord Stark," Lord Frey cut in. "She has the finest singing voice of any of our ladies at court,"

"I would be delighted to hear you sing sometime, my lady," Robb said with a smile. Lady Roslin blushed lightly. "I fear we shall be in need of good songs in the coming dark times,"

Robb's eyes never left Roslin's. Her deep pools of brown nearly threatened to consume him. Knowing he had made his selection, he knelt before the maid. "Would you do me the honor of being my wife, Lady Roslin?"

The other girls cooed and giggled and whispered congratulations to Roslin, who smiled beautifully and accepted Robb's hand. "I would, my Lord," The girls erupted into applause, Catelyn gave a squeeze to Robb's shoulder, and Ser Brynden gave a hearty clap on his back.

"I will have the wedding planned at once, my Lord Stark," Lord Stevron placed his hand over Robb's and Roslin's. "And preparations will begin as soon as we break the Kingslayer's siege of Riverrun,"

A/N I'm taking this fic slow, taking an over exaggerated amount of time fleshing the beginning details and Robb's growth as a leader. I'm writing this fic because through Robb's story his journey is almost marked by these horrible political missteps. One of them, I believe, was letting Walder Frey go unpunished for not responding to Edmure's call to fight against Jaime's invading Lannister army. In my mind, with Robb striving to be every bit the man of principle that Ned was, letting a bannerman ignore the call of his liege breaches a serious code of honor which the Starks hold close. A good bit of the concept and dialogue for some of the scenes of this chapter were taken from Rehblick's story Robb At The Crossing, which I have taken with his consent and approval. For now, most of the perspective will be from Robb, but later in the story Arya's and Sansa's part will become very important too. Please read and review, I'll post one chapter per every five reviews, that's not bad right?