CHAPTER 86
"Robb, first tell me, what is the current situation in the South?"
Garon estimated that news of Riverrun's defeat should already have reached Winterfell, so he decided to begin there in order to persuade Robb.
As soon as the situation in the South was mentioned, Robb sighed heavily, his face filled with disappointment.
"The Kingslayer defeated Riverrun's forces at the Golden Tooth. The Riverlords were forced to retreat back to Riverrun."
"I fear Jaime Lannister is already reorganizing his army and preparing to besiege Riverrun until it surrenders."
"Meanwhile, Lord Tywin crushed Father's men at the Battle of the Mummer's Ford. The force sent to capture Gregor Clegane was almost completely destroyed, and only a few survivors escaped."
"According to the latest reports, Tywin intends to occupy Harrenhal."
Garon's expression remained calm.
This information was largely consistent with his previous expectations.
However, just as he was about to speak, Robb revealed another piece of information that instantly stunned him.
"Before King Robert died, he legitimized two of his bastards, and one of them even became Father's adopted son."
"What?"
Garon's expression changed immediately.
Before Robb could continue, he urgently asked,
"You said King Robert legitimized two bastards?"
Robb nodded.
"That's right."
"One is named Gendry, and Father adopted him before his arrest. The other is called Edric Storm."
Seeing Garon's shocked reaction, Robb could not help but ask,
"What's wrong? Is there something special about this?"
The news had come so unexpectedly that even Garon momentarily lost his composure.
"Ned must have revealed the truth about Jaime and Cersei to Robert."
"But Robert actually endured it and did not immediately execute them?"
"Instead, he legitimized his bastards…"
Even Garon had to admit that Robert's methods were extremely clever.
Once the bastards were legitimized, Joffrey's succession would instantly become unstable, and conflict between the Lannisters and the legitimized Baratheons would become inevitable.
Robert clearly intended to use the bastards to completely destroy the Lannisters.
After calming his thoughts, Garon met Robb's questioning gaze and slowly said,
"I think I know why Lord Eddard was arrested."
"Why?"
Robb's eyes sharpened immediately.
"Because of the legitimized bastards."
Garon answered in a deep voice.
Seeing Robb still looking confused, he patiently explained further.
"Although I do not know why King Robert chose to legitimize his bastards, once legitimized, they naturally threaten Joffrey's position."
"And more importantly, one of them has become Lord Eddard's adopted son."
"If that bastard gains the support of the North, then he will inevitably compete with Joffrey for the Iron Throne."
"By then…"
Before Garon finished speaking, Robb had already understood everything.
"So that's the reason…"
He cursed angrily,
"Damn the Lannisters! They imprisoned Father over this and even accused him of treason!"
"And that bastard Joffrey…"
"I will never kneel to him!"
Garon's eyes flickered slightly as he cautiously asked,
"Robb, do you know where Gendry is now?"
Robb shook his head.
"I don't know."
"The letter only mentioned that he escaped King's Landing after Father was arrested. Nobody knows where he went afterward."
Garon's thoughts immediately began moving rapidly.
"Perfect."
"I can use the missing Gendry as the reason to persuade Robb to march south while I remain behind in the North."
After organizing his thoughts for a moment, Garon finally spoke again in a solemn tone.
"Robb, it seems you must personally lead the army south."
Robb looked at him in confusion.
He did not understand why Garon had suddenly changed his position, but he still chose not to interrupt.
"Joffrey first hired assassins to harm Bran, and now he has imprisoned Lord Eddard."
"There is no longer any room for reconciliation between the North and the Lannisters."
"Especially for you, Robb."
Garon stared directly into Robb's eyes.
"If you refuse to kneel before Joffrey, then there is only one path left."
"You must march south, find Gendry, and place him upon the Iron Throne."
"Just as your father once supported King Robert during the rebellion."
"And this task can only be completed by you personally. No one else is suitable."
Robb immediately understood.
His fists clenched tightly.
"You're right."
"I would rather die than swear loyalty to Joffrey!"
However, his expression quickly became troubled again.
"But if I leave the North, what happens if the Ironborn attack?"
Garon's heart tightened slightly.
"This is the critical moment."
"Whether I can remain in the North depends entirely on whether my next words can convince him."
Without revealing any change in expression, Garon calmly guided him.
"Robb, if you remain worried about the North, then you can entrust authority to someone you trust completely."
"When the Ironborn attack, that person can organize the defense and command the armies in your place."
Robb lowered his head and thought silently for a moment before asking,
"Who do you think is suitable?"
Without hesitation, Garon answered,
"Harrion Karstark."
"Hm?"
Robb immediately thought of the captain of Winterfell's guard appointed by his father before leaving for King's Landing.
"Why him?"
Garon calmly explained,
"He is deeply trusted by House Stark and serves as captain of Winterfell's guard."
"If you entrust the North to him, you can feel reassured."
Then Garon deliberately added another sentence.
"The only concern is that I do not know how talented he truly is in warfare."
Robb immediately remembered Ned's previous evaluation of Harrion and shook his head.
"Harrion is loyal, but his military ability is average."
After speaking, Robb subconsciously looked toward Garon, wanting another recommendation.
But before the words left his mouth, realization suddenly struck him.
Who in the North was more suitable than Garon?
"Deepwood Motte has always stood against the Ironborn."
"Garon is loyal to House Stark and possesses extraordinary military talent."
"With him remaining in the North, Winterfell should remain secure."
After thinking for only a short moment, Robb made his decision.
A smile appeared on his face.
"I've found the most suitable person."
"It's you, Garon."
Garon rejoiced inwardly, but outwardly he immediately showed shock.
"Me?"
Then he quickly refused.
"No!"
"I already promised Sansa that I would personally march south and rescue Lord Eddard and Arya."
"How can I remain behind in the North?"
Although Garon verbally refused, his words subtly reminded Robb of the close bond between himself and House Stark.
As expected, Robb immediately remembered that Garon was also his future goodbrother.
His confidence instantly increased.
"Garon, in the entire North, you are the only one I truly trust right now."
"If even you refuse to stay, then I genuinely do not know what to do."
"You must help me!"
However, Garon continued refusing several times.
Only when Robb finally raised his voice and formally commanded,
"Garon, in the name of Winterfell, I order you to remain in the North, defend the North, and guard against the Iron Islands!"
Did Garon finally reveal a reluctant expression before slowly bowing his head.
"Yes."
"House Glover obeys your command."
Robb immediately smiled and patted his arm heavily.
"That's more like it!"
"Tonight, I will officially announce this decision to all the Northern lords."
"And I will also send ravens to the barrowlands, Torrhen's Square, and Seagard. If the Ironborn truly invade, I grant you authority to levy troops from those regions."
Garon's heart trembled slightly.
A flash of joy appeared deep within his eyes.
But outwardly, he still maintained a solemn expression.
"House Glover will never fail Winterfell's trust."
"I will do everything in my power to defend the North."
Robb nodded, finally feeling one of the heavy burdens on his shoulders ease slightly.
Then he continued discussing the southern campaign with Garon.
After a brief moment of thought, Garon directly explained Robb's original strategy from the books.
Dividing the infantry and cavalry while using the cavalry force to swiftly rescue Riverrun.
After hearing the detailed plan, Robb's eyes immediately brightened.
"What an excellent strategy!"
"It's almost exactly what I was already considering!"
Garon twitched slightly inside.
"Well, of course you like it. It was originally your own plan."
However, outwardly he simply smiled and agreed.
Next, the two continued discussing the campaign, repeatedly estimating future developments and possible changes.
By evening, all the Northern lords arrived with their heirs and captains to attend the war council.
During the meeting, when Robb revealed the possibility of an Ironborn invasion, Lord Tallhart of Torrhen's Square immediately changed expression.
Jason Mallister of Seagard also looked extremely grim.
Originally, both men had intended to request permission to remain behind.
However, after hearing that Garon would stay to defend the North, and after witnessing his military discipline and ability personally, they hesitated briefly before agreeing to Robb's arrangement.
Both men even planned to approach Garon privately after the meeting and strengthen their relationship with him.
After all, if the Ironborn truly attacked, they would ultimately have to rely on Garon for support.
Meanwhile, Roose Bolton secretly rejoiced inwardly.
"Without Garon marching south, who among these people can compete with me for military merit?"
"The greatest achievements in this war will belong to House Bolton."
Because he had always been wary of Glover's growing influence, Roose Bolton immediately voiced support for Robb's proposal.
The lords from Bear Island, Oldcastle, and Hornwood also quickly agreed.
Thus, the decision for Garon to remain behind and defend the North was officially finalized.
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