Game of Thrones: Deadly Alliances
Chapter 4 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Catelyn
Catelyn bit her lip as she sat observing the war council. She felt ill at ease, saddened at the thought. Bran's marriage had been such a happy occasion; it was enough to help her forget the trials and horrors of the war. But now, war was facing them again.
'My son goes off to war once more; Robb…My son is ready to march off to war again, yet there is nothing I can do. Nothing will stop him, now things proceed to battle once more.' She thought sadly.
She considered how much things had changed, the reason for this upcoming campaign, they were fighting for a different purpose now.
She considered Gendry. 'It is strange, how much things change. How can a name mean so much, if a mere declaration from a King can change it. But still; he seems different now.'
She shook her head; she was dwelling on too much, she had to consider the immediate situation. It wasn't just Robb she had to worry about; she inhaled sharply as Sansa, who had entered the hall while she had been brooding, began to speak of coming with them.
"Sansa, this is…" Robb began.
Sansa nodded. "I know it is dangerous Robb, I know there is risk. But I have learned things, and I have been in danger ever since this war began. I merely ask to come and aid the healers."
There didn't appear to be any further argument.
Catelyn shook her head sadly. 'I…I can't believe it; my son and now my daughter too…No more, surely, no more.'
She couldn't take anymore; so, politely excusing herself, she left the hall after Sansa.
She hurried to catch up with her eldest daughter.
"Sansa." She called out, getting her attention. "Why, why would you do this?"
Sansa turned to her and sighed. "Mother; I…I have to do this; I have spent my time throughout this war, simply sitting, either as a hostage, or out of the way. I cannot do that; not now."
Catelyn shook her head. "But…"
"Mother; I know this is hard; but I want to help and that is the only way I can help." Sansa replied firmly.
Catelyn sighed sadly. "Must you all go off to war…Robb is going, isn't that enough. This behaviour Sansa…I'd expect it from Arya, not from you."
Sansa bowed her head. "I know Mother; I am sorry. But please; I…"
Catelyn smiled gently and embraced her daughter, kissing her forehead. "I understand my dear girl, what you mean. I will not stop you. I just wish it could be otherwise."
She paused then before asking. "Where is Arya by the way?"
"Where else, out in the training yard." Sansa replied with a smile.
Catelyn nodded; satisfied; just then a messenger approached, carrying a message and calling out for her.
"This letter arrived for you, my Lady." He said quickly. "It…it appears to be from Lady Lysa."
Catelyn was shocked by this, wondering what had caused her sister to write to her.
Something about the way Lysa had written the address for the message seemed off, the writing seemed shaky…uncertain. Catelyn bit her lip; she had worries, so she decided to read the letter in private.
"Excuse me a moment Sansa; I must read this." She said softly. "Perhaps you could go and see Arya?"
Sansa nodded and left, Catelyn hurried to her chambers. Once alone she sat down and carefully opened the letter; she began to read.
'My dearest sister (it read); I write this with great difficulty and know that the agony you must feel upon reading this will be intense. I have left instructions after all for this letter to be sent by my Maester, in the event of my death.'
Catelyn let out a shaky gasp of horror; her sister was dead. Deeply saddened and fighting back tears she continued to read.
'Please consider this my last will and testament; as well as my confession, for I know, more than anyone, you deserve to know the truth. The Lannister's never poisoned my husband Jon Arryn, it was me. Petyr seduces me and convinced me to kill him; I was trying to protect my son, whom Jon planned to send away. I did as Petyr said and poisoned Jon. I then sent you that letter blaming the Lannisters, another suggestion of Petyr's.'
'I accept full responsibility, when I go to be judged by the Gods, for my own actions. But I cannot allow Petyr's to go unpunished; hence I write to tell you of this. It was his planning, his schemes which started this war, likely he has plans to continue it, he seeks to increase his own power through chaos. You cannot let him Cat; you must stop him, before it's too late.'
'Your sister, Lysa.'
The silence around Cat was deafening as she took this all in. Despite her wishes her tears fell.
She was horrified by everything that had occurred; by Lysa's confession, by the revelations of Petyr's involvement. She wanted to believe it false, a lie…but in the end, she knew she couldn't. She knew Lysa spoke the truth.
'Gods, my sister…my own sister, how could you?' She thought sadly. 'Still, I will not forget your bravery. You took grave risks with this letter; I believe you and I will see justice done. I swear it.'
So, she made up her mind and knew how to honour her sister's memory. She left her chambers and made her way to the Great Hall. Inside she found Robb and Gendry seated alone, discussing the final details of their plans.
"Robb." She remarked, getting their attention.
They looked up and Robb was confused. "Mother, what's wrong?"
Catelyn sighed and then spoke. "I…I wish to accompany Gendry and his men to the Riverlands. From there, I intend to go to the Vale."
"What, but…Mother…?" Robb gasped in shock.
Catelyn shook her head and spoke quickly. "Robb please, I believe I have the means, to get the Vale on our side. To win their loyalty."
That was enough to give Robb pause.
"This is, Mother I…Very well, I pray for your success."
Catelyn smiled and nodded; relieved, this was her chance. She would win the loyalty of the Vale and expose Petyr for what he was.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.