News, and a summons from the King.

Robb gave his mother's shoulder a light push. With a disappointed grunt, she raised her face from her sister's pussy. "A letter from the King--though not from King's Landing," he noted. "Joffrey reiterates his order for me to come to him and pledge my loyalty--and adds that Lord Arryn is to come as well."

"Oh, not to King's Landing," murmured Lysa, her shudders causing her bosom to shake in a strangely appealing way. "They'll kill us there...." Sweetrobin pouted at this.

"No, not to King's Landing," said Robb. "Maidenpool. He's... it's not quite clear, but it sounds as if the King's in some trouble. Renly and Stannis have both taken up arms against him, and... well, apparently they've been fighting each other as much as they've been fighting him, but it sounds there've been some grave reverses for his cause. And it appears that uncle Edmure is fighting against him..."

"Edmure, Edmure, Edmure," snapped Lysa. "He always was a silly fool. He could have let things stay peaceful, but no, no, he has to start trouble."

"He is our brother," chided Catelyn.

"Doesn't mean he's not a fool," muttered Lysa. "Why is he fighting for... oh, who is he fighting for?"

Robb studied the letter. "Renly, I believe," he said at last. "And he says that the Baratheons have made 'ridiculous charges against me that I will not dignify by replying to'."

Lysa gave a nod. "Renly. Yes, that is what he would do."

Catelyn frowned. "This is troublesome. Even if Joffrey and his brother were... somehow removed from the succession, it should be Stannis who Edmure should follow. I wonder what Father thinks of this... folly."

Robb considered things. "You know, I'm of half a mind to take up the king's offer. Going to King's Landing always struck me as half sticking my head into the noose. But now--now Joffrey is ****, needs our help. And he wants to meet us on neutral ground. This is our chance to get answers from him." He turned to his cousin. "But of course, we would have to present a united front. What say you, Lord Arryn?"