Author's note: I apologize. It took a while to think about what I wanted to happen in this chapter.
The Stark's party woke early the next morning to leave for home. Ned's bannermen greeted Catelyn with smiles and courtesies as she walked to her horse. Ned gave her a half smile and a nod of acknowledgment when she had mounted. Catelyn looked at the men around her, all eager to see their families. She thought of Sansa asking for her not to leave; worried her mother would be harmed during the journey and she experience worse, in truth. She was nearly taken from the camp and would never have seen her children again, or her husband. Looking towards Ned, Catelyn knew she needed to go home. Moving her horse forward Catelyn told Ned she wanted to return to Winterfell, she needed to hold her children in her arms. Ned smiled and ran his fingers through her hair that cascaded over her shoulders, "I know love. We will take the less obvious road home. Several men have come to the inn during the night and reported Wildling attacks on the Kings Road." As Catelyn went to return to the centre of the party, Ned held her arm and told her to stay close to him.
Catelyn settled to riding just behind her husband. Ned had led them on a detour through the land in hopes to avoid Wildlings who may have waited along the King's road. She was bewildered to how Ned could find his way through the forest they had entered. The pace slowed until the party had stopped. "Catelyn," Ned called. She rode up next to him. "Return to the centre there is something queer about this forest." Without a word she returned to her protected position. The men tightened their ranks around her and began moving through the forest again.
The forest was dark and dreary. Some of the horses had become unsettled and several men and dismounted to walk with their mounts. "My Lord Eddard, should we not make camp?" One of the men called. It did seem dark but Catelyn was not convinced night had fallen yet.
"I don't not wish to set up camp in this forest, keep moving." Ned was all lord. He was cold and harsh while the travelled through the forest. He refused to rest until they were clear. The men were tired and some stumbled while walking. Catelyn made her way to Ned, "Ned, we must rest. The horses can barely stand, let alone our men. What if we are attacked?"
Ned looked back at his men, "I had not realised we had travelled so long." He commanded the men to rest. Some just fell where they were others looked bewildered.
It was not long before they moved again. Even so, it was enough for the strength they needed to find clear land again. It was not yet night fall when they had left the cover of the forest. A camp was set up and the men slept soundly for the night. In the morning, it was back to riding straight for Winterfell. Catelyn rode beside Ned now that he felt the threat was over. "What had you so unsettled in that forest, my love?" Catelyn questioned.
"It is well known for Wildlings to hide…" Ned trailed off. Catelyn heard a noise in the distance. It sounded strange, she could not recognise it. "Rodrick, take Catelyn back to Winterfell, take a group of four men with you." Ned turned to her, "Stay with him Cat. I will be behind you. Be safe. I know not how many there are and will not risk you, my love."
Rodrik put a hand on her arm, "Come, my lady." Catelyn looked at Ned who now faced the direction of the noise. "He will be fine, just a few Wildlings, nothing he can't handle." With one last glance at her husband, Catelyn rode with Ser. Rodrick.
They continued riding for a while. The land was covered with snow and Catelyn could fill the chill of the night come through her clothes. In the distance, she could see a castle on the hill, "Ser. Rodrick, if that Winterfell ahead?" He looked in the same direction.
"It is, my lady." He sounded proud that he had gotten her home.
"Should Ned not be far behind us?" she looked behind her in hope. As she strained to see far, she could see shapes in the distance. "Wait, ser. Who is that in the distance?" he turned as well, but did not look to happy.
"I cannot tell, my lady. I think it best we continue on home." As he turned back, Catelyn fell from her horse as something shot past her. The impact from her fall winded her and a sharp pain struck her right side. She couldn't comprehend what Rodrick was saying as one of the men tried to help her to her feat. She was passed to one of the men and held securely as they rode for Winterfell with haste.