Robb waited until their shouts died down, then lowered his hands to signal for everyone to sit again.
"Then it's settled. I'll leave for King's Landing tomorrow and return within a month at most. While I'm gone, Earl Karstark will command the army, with Earl Jon and Ser Brynden assisting him."
Old Karstark nodded. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. As long as I'm here, the Northern Army won't fall apart."
Brynden the Blackfish stood in a corner and nodded as well. Though he was only a knight, with no lordly title, his reputation had spread as early as the War of the Ninepenny Kings.
Back then, Tywin Lannister, Randyll Tarly, and Aerys Targaryen had been counted among his peers. Combined with his outstanding performance in the Westerlands and the Riverlands of late, that had earned him considerable respect among the northern lords.
Dacey Mormont spoke up. "Your Majesty, my mother told me to serve as your personal guard, so please let me accompany you to King's Landing."
Robb glanced at her, then nodded. "All right. Thank you for your help."
After the meeting, Robb stopped Old Karstark and Brynden the Blackfish as they were about to leave. He got straight to the point. "What do you think about Earl Bolton?"
Old Karstark considered for a moment. "Roose Bolton leaves nothing to chance. But he's spent so long outside Harrenhal without fighting any hard battles that the soldiers under him have begun to grumble."
The Blackfish nodded too. "He's far too calculating. A man like that won't reveal his hand easily, but once he sees an opening, he'll make his move."
"So I want you to keep a close eye on him while I'm away," Robb said. "If he makes any suspicious moves, coordinate with Earl Mormont, Earl Marsay, and Jon, and