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Chapter 72 The Allied Forces March North

When the wildlings began to march south, the North had already encountered the first wight in over a thousand years. The fear of the White Walkers' return spread rapidly across the entire North, and all the nobles gathered once again in Winterfell.

"When will Lord Eddard return?" Lord Wyman Manderly, the elderly count, looked at Robb Stark—the Young Wolf, seated in the center—and asked.

"Father is already on his way back. This time, he won't be coming alone; he'll be accompanied by King Stannis's navy, as well as the allied forces from the Stormlands and the Reach, totaling more than thirty thousand men," Robb said, addressing his bannermen.

"What about the Riverlands? Have they sent troops?" Roose Bolton asked, turning his gaze to Robb.

"They've sent a total of fifteen hundred men, led by Brynden Tully, the Blackfish," Robb replied.

Don't be fooled by the small number of troops from the Riverlands—they have no other choice, for they still need to defend against the Vale and the Westerlands.

It's not just them; the Reach is also currently defending against the Westerlands and Dorne. Otherwise, the Reach alone could have sent over thirty thousand troops.

"We just received news today: the false king Joffrey is dead, and so is Tywin. The report says both were killed by Tyrion Lannister, the Imp," Robb announced.

"Excellent!" Greatjon Umber shouted aloud immediately.

Many of the bannermen joined in the cheers.

"My lords, although the false king is dead, his younger brother Tommen Lannister has inherited his throne. Though Tywin is dead, Kevan Lannister has now taken over as Lord of the Westerlands. We are still a long way from completely defeating our enemies," Robb reminded everyone.

"Now, Dorne has begun cooperating with the Westerlands—their strength is much greater than before. And at the same time, we are facing an invasion by the White Walkers; we must be on guard!" Robb said, his face serious.

"What should we do?" Rickard Karstark asked, looking at Robb.

"What we need to do now is station a certain number of troops at Greywater Watch for emergencies, and send most of the remaining troops to reinforce Castle Black," Robb said.

"Father has already approved this plan," Robb added.

"Shouldn't we wait for Lord Eddard and the other reinforcements?" Lord Wyman asked.

"No need to wait for them. They will march north in two groups. One group will consist of Dragonstone's navy and Storm's End's cavalry—they will sail north directly and land at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. The other group will set out from the Reach, pass through the Reach, and march north along the Kingsroad," Robb explained.

"We are marching north because Master Owen sent word: the wildlings will soon march south, and Castle Black does not have enough troops to keep so many wildlings in check—we need to help them. Later, after we defeat the White Walkers, the wildlings who are willing to stay will become subjects of the North and accept Northern rule. Those who are not willing can return to the Land of Always Winter," Robb said.

Upon hearing this news, not a single bannerman present was unwilling—after all, this meant more people.

The North had always had a small population, which meant it was always at a numerical disadvantage in wars.

If these wildlings were added to the population, the North's population would surge. The vast tundra, fertile black soil, dense forests, lakes, and seas—these abundant resources were more than enough to support more people.