44 Justice or Injustice

299 AC, Lannisport…

As Rody and his comrades moved through the streets, word spread quickly among the people who witnessed the procession. Questions filled the air as onlookers couldn't help but inquire about the bound men being led by the Greycloaks. Hunter, ever loyal and quick-witted, took it upon himself to answer their queries, revealing the heinous crimes committed against their fallen comrade.

The tale of desecration struck a chord with many, igniting a sense of righteous anger and a shared determination to see justice served. One by one, men joined the procession, swelling their ranks as they made their way towards the great mansion where Robb Stark, Jon Snow, and other noble lords were staying.

Nearly half a hundred Greycloaks now followed Rody, united by a common purpose and a deep hatred for what is done. The streets echoed with their resolute footsteps, drawing attention and a sense of awe from the onlookers.

Finally, they arrived before the imposing gates of the great mansion, only to be stopped by the guards stationed there. The guards, overwhelmed by the sheer number of approaching men, hesitated to grant them entrance.

Rody contemplated his options, his mind racing with possible solutions. "I could go in alone with the prisoners and argue our case with the guards," he suggested to his comrades.

However, before Rody could act on his plan, the commotion at the gates caught the attention of noble lords from the Riverlands and the North. Curiosity piqued, they emerged from the mansion, their eyes scanning the scene unfolding before them.

Lord Vance, the ruler of the Atranta, stepped forward, his voice carrying authority. "What is the meaning of this disturbance?"

Rody recognized the opportunity that presented itself. He took a deep breath, gathering his composure, and stepped forward to address the noble lords directly.

"My lords," Rody began, his voice firm yet respectful, "we have apprehended these men of House Frey for defiling the corpses of our fallen comrades. They must face justice for their crimes."

The noble lords exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern. After a moment of deliberation, Lord Vance spoke again, his tone serious.

"Bring the prisoners inside. We shall hear their case and ensure justice is served."

Rody nodded, grateful for the opportunity granted to him. He turned to the guards at the doors, his voice filled with authority. "Make way. We have been granted entry."

With a hint of reluctance, the guards complied, allowing Rody and the prisoners to pass through, followed closely by only a dozen Greycloaks. The noble lords observed the procession, their eyes lingering on the Frey prisoners, their judgment yet to be rendered.

Inside the meeting hall, Rody and the Greycloaks brought the prisoners to the center of the room, where they stood, bound and defiant. The hall itself exuded an air of grandeur, with its high ceilings adorned with ornate chandeliers and the walls lined with tapestries depicting the noble history of the region.

As Rody and the prisoners awaited the arrival of the noble lords, the tension in the room remained palpable. Whispers and murmurs filled the space as the guards dispatched earlier informed the lords of the urgent matter at hand.

The first noble lord to enter the hall was Lord Andrey Chalton, a lackey and vassal of House Frey. He wore an expression of curiosity mingled with caution, observing the scene before him. Clearing his throat, he spoke with a measured tone.

"These prisoners are from House Frey, I assume?" Lord Harlan asked, his gaze shifting between Rody and the bound men.

Rody nodded. "Yes, my lord. They are accused of desecrating the bodies of our fallen comrades."

Lord Harlan's eyes narrowed, his face showing a mixture of concern and disdain. "Such actions are reprehensible. However, we must consider the jurisdiction in this matter. These men are not subjects of the North, nor do they serve the North."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, as some of the Riverland lords nodded in accord with Lord Harlan's words. However, a Northern noble, Daryn Hornwood, stepped forward, his voice filled with conviction.

"With all due respect, Lord Harlan, the army that fights under the banners of Robb Stark and Rickard Karstark, which these men have defiled, includes soldiers from both the North and the Riverlands," Lord Karstark countered, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Lord Harlan's brows furrowed, his expression hardened. "Yet the command falls to Robb Stark and Rickard Karstark, not to the Riverlands. We must defer to their judgment."

A spirited debate ensued as the noble lords from the Riverlands and the North argued passionately over who held the rightful authority to pass judgment on the Frey prisoners. The room reverberated with conflicting opinions, each lord presenting their case with fervor.

Amidst the heated discussion, Rody maintained a composed demeanor, his eyes flickering between the noble lords. Sensing the impasse, he took a step forward, drawing the attention of the room.

"My lords, while the jurisdiction may be a matter of contention, let us not forget the gravity of the crimes committed," Rody interjected, his voice carrying a firm resolve. "These men have defiled the fallen soldiers who fought side by side, irrespective of their origin. We seek justice for the fallen, justice that goes beyond the boundaries of region or house."

His words hung in the air, momentarily quelling the fervor of the debate. The noble lords regarded Rody with a mix of surprise and contemplation.

Just as the discussion seemed poised to continue, the doors of the meeting hall swung open, revealing the entrance of Robb Stark, Jon Snow, and several other important figures. The presence of these influential leaders commanded immediate attention, drawing the room to a hushed silence.

Robb Stark's gaze swept across the scene, taking in the noble lords, the prisoners, and Rody and his fellow Greycloaks. His expression held a blend of curiosity and authority.

"What is the meaning of this gathering?" Robb inquired, his voice steady yet commanding.

Rody stepped forward, addressing Robb Stark directly. "My lord, we have apprehended these men of House Frey for desecrating the bodies of fallen soldiers who fought under your command.

Robb squinted his eyes as he focused on the prisoners, studying their faces intently. "Explain in detail what transpired, Captain Rody," he commanded, his voice carrying a note of authority.

Rody took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He began recounting the events with unwavering clarity, ensuring that no detail was missed. He spoke of his journey to the gatehouse, driven by the need to honor the fallen comrades who had sacrificed themselves for the success of the siege. It was there, near the entrance, that he overheard two men conversing about looting the bodies.

Unable to ignore such a grave dishonor, Rody had confronted the men without hesitation. However, the situation took a dangerous turn when Black Walder Frey, the instigator and leader of the prisoners, arrived on the scene. Black Walder, driven by his arrogance and entitlement, had threatened Rody, demanding the release of the two men under his command.

Rody's voice remained steady as he continued, describing the critical moment when Black Walder and his men were poised to attack. It was then that the other Greycloaks, loyal to the core, had arrived, their unwavering support providing the much-needed reinforcement. Faced with the united strength of the Greycloaks, Black Walder had no choice but to surrender.

As Rody concluded his account, the room fell into a brief silence. The noble lords exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of shock and anger at the audacity of House Frey. Robb's features hardened, his eyes narrowing with a fierce determination.

At that moment, Black Walder broke the silence, "Lies!!" he yelled.

Rody saw Black Walder looking at some Riverlanders to gather support and open his mouth once again. "I will not be held accountable at some upstart peasant's accusations. These scum, you call Greycloaks, were holding their swords at my men's throat."

"One of those men is known as Ser Edmund Rivers. He was one of the first men to to breach the walls of Pyke, such disrespect should not go unanswered!" Black Walder yelled.

Many Riverlander lords were humming in agreement, considering the good reputation of Ser Edmund Rivers.

Robb's gaze hardened as he turned his attention to Black Walder. "Silence!" he commanded, his voice resonating with authority. The room fell into an uneasy stillness as Robb addressed the accusations.

Robb's eyes shifted back to Rody, his voice firm but measured. "Is there any other witness to corroborate your account, Captain Rody?" he inquired.

Rody's jaw clenched in frustration, knowing that the testimony of another witness would solidify his case. He met Robb's gaze and replied, "Yes, Your Highness. Another Greycloak by the name of Harren was with me during the confrontation. He can testify to the truth of my words."

Before Harren could utter a word in support of Rody, Black Walder erupted into mocking laughter, his voice resonating through the hall. The sound reverberated, filled with scorn and derision.

"Another peasant testifying for a peasant," Black Walder sneered, his eyes fixated on Rody with a mocking glare. "Such an arrangement is hardly the most convincing testimony, wouldn't you agree?"

Rody's teeth gritted in annoyance at the insolence displayed by Black Walder. His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white. Yet, he knew that losing his composure would only serve to undermine his credibility.

With controlled resolve, Rody met Black Walder's gaze and retorted, "My loyalty to House Stark and the North has been unwavering, my lord. I have served with honor and integrity until this moment, and I have no reason to lie over something as serious as this."

He took a step forward, addressing Robb directly. "Furthermore, why would I, a sworn servant of House Stark, draw my sword at two random men if they did not pose a threat or commit a dishonorable act?"

Robb's gaze shifted between Rody and Black Walder, his expression thoughtful as he considered their words. The noble lords, too, awaited Robb's judgment, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

After a moment of contemplation, Robb's voice rang out, cutting through the tension in the room. "Captain Rody has shown unwavering loyalty and service to House Stark and served generously during our campaign. His account carries weight."

Robb's words silenced the murmurs and doubts that had begun to circulate. The noble lords, including those from the Riverlands, seemed to reassess their initial doubts, recognizing the integrity and credibility of Rody's character.

Robb turned his attention to Black Walder, his tone firm and commanding. "Black Walder, it is true that you were not present during the heinous act described by Captain Rody. Therefore, I cannot hold you directly accountable for the desecration of the fallen soldiers. However, the act of desecrating the dead, regardless of whose deed they may be, is a grave offense that cannot go unpunished."

Robb's gaze bore into Black Walder, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "I hereby order the release of you and your men, with the exception of the two individuals directly involved in the desecration."

Black Walder's face contorted with a mix of relief and arrogance, thinking that he had escaped punishment. However, Robb's next words shattered his illusions.

"Make no mistake, Black Walder," Robb continued, his voice unwavering. "I am ashamed of thinking that my future wife's family is related to such an act. I will talk with my father and reconsider the decision of fostering members of House Frey in Winterfell. I would dread it if my children and brothers associate with people doing such deeds."

Black Walder gritted his teeth and looked at both Rody and Robb with anger but he held himself back, probably because he thought that there was no use insisting as the words were already out of the crown prince's mouth.

Robb turned to address the noble lords present, his gaze sweeping across the room. "I implore each and every one of you to remember the importance of discipline and honor in our ranks. We fight not only for victory but for the preservation of our values."

The noble lords exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a mixture of agreement, shame, and contemplation. They understood the weight of Robb's words and the significance of maintaining unity and integrity in the face of adversity.

Finally, Robb's attention turned to Ser Edmund Rivers, the one who did the deed personally. Robb's voice hardened slightly as he addressed Ser Edmund directly.

"Ser Edmund Rivers, you must consider your actions and the path you wish to take from this point forward. You may choose to take the black and join the Night's Watch, where your past deeds will be absolved. Alternatively, if you reject this path, you will face execution on the morrow."

The room fell into a tense silence as Ser Edmund Rivers pondered his options, the weight of Robb's words hanging heavy in the air. It was a moment of reckoning, a choice between redemption and the ultimate price for his actions.

Ser Edmund Rivers stood there, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. The weight of his choices bore down on him heavily. After a moment of contemplation, he dropped to one knee before Robb, his voice filled with resignation.

"I will take the black, Your Highness," Ser Edmund declared, his tone resolute. "I accept the path of redemption and service to the Night's Watch."

Robb nodded solemnly, acknowledging Ser Edmund's decision. "So be it," he replied, his voice carrying an air of authority.

Robb then turned his attention to the second man involved in the desecration, the accomplice of Ser Edmund. The man's face revealed a mix of fear and regret, clearly affected by the consequences of his actions.

"And what of you?" Robb asked, his voice firm but not devoid of understanding. "Will you also choose to take the black and seek redemption for your part in this dishonorable act?"

The man hesitated, glancing briefly at Ser Edmund before bowing his head. "Aye, Your Highness," he responded, his voice tinged with remorse. "I will take the black and face my penance."

Robb's expression hardened, his gaze shifting between the two men who had chosen the path of the Night's Watch. "Very well," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of disappointment. "May you find absolution in your service to the realm."

As the crowd slowly dispersed, the two men were taken into custody, their fate now bound to the Wall. Black Walder Frey threw a hateful look at Rody, his anger burning bright, before leaving the hall with his remaining men. The tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of closure and justice.

Jon Snow approached Rody, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and gratitude. "Rody, you did well," Jon said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Black Walder should have been held accountable as well, but he is a member of Robb's future wife's family and a prominent member of House Frey."

Jon paused for a moment, placing a reassuring hand on Rody's shoulder. "Take care of yourself," he advised. "I will visit the outpost tonight, and we can discuss the events further."

Rody nodded, gratitude swelling within him for Jon's support. "Thank you, Jon," he replied, his voice filled with a renewed sense of purpose. "I will be ready to speak with you."

With a nod of understanding, Jon turned and made his way out of the hall, leaving Rody to contemplate the events that had unfolded. The path ahead remained uncertain, but Rody knew that he had stood for honor and justice, even in the face of adversity.