Thank you all for reading and for your support.
Dear guest: wow! where should I start. First of all thanks for reading and taking the time to write such a long review.
1) Ned's comment on Gendry's origins were not to make him feel safe or anything. As a true born son of the King I think he does have a claim (that's why Cersei was trying to get rid of all of Robert's bastards) but I don't think he would be interested, and Ned is not interested in it either. For now he just wants to get home. And that leads me to the second point.
2) Ned may be a bit OOC (he died too early in the saga to get a complete idea of what he is like). He is not sold on Robb's ideas yet, he's just trying to wait and see. He's been out of the loop for too long and needs time to get a grasp of the situation before he makes a move. He's not sold on the idea of King in the North or anything, but he doesn't want to create ripples just yet.
3) I have never liked Robb as a character. For me he's just a boy who was put in a position he never dreamed of at too young an age and cannot cope with the pressure. Apparetnly he's a great general and has a good military mind, but, as you said, off the field he hasn't done such a good job (you mentioned not guarding Jamie too well, there is dissent in his camp, he married Jayne/Talissa, etc). Everything we know about Robb in the books we learn through Catelyn, and as a mother she's always trying to protect him, even when he's not being too kind to her. So that brings me to ...
4) Catelyn: No, she did not think things through. In my opinion, Catelyn is one of the most pragmatic sensible characters in the saga. She's very intelligent and has an understanding of the situation that very few other characters have (namely Tyrion and Davos). Yet, she tends to act rashly and carelessly when it is her children that are at stake. She wanted to make sure Jamie got to KL, so she decided to go herself. ... She is one of the most tragic characters in the saga. When we meet her she's at a great point in her life: lovely husband, wonderful children, beuatiful family life, etc. But that bliss only lasts one chapter/episode. One by one all the bricks in that wall that she has worked so hard to build start falling down: Ned leaves taking the girls with him, Bran's fall, the assassination attempt, Littlefinger's betrayal, Ned's execution, her father's death, news of Bran and Rickon's "death", not knowing anything about Arya, Sansa still being a prisoner of the Lannisters, Robb not needing her anymore (and he makes it painfully obvious to her), plus there's always the underlying shadow of Ned's betrayal to her (Jon - whatever you think his origins are, for her it's just newlywed honorable Ned having sex with another woman and then forcing her to live with that shadow) etc. She's the epitome of grief. She spends all of books/season 2 and 3 basically just crying or trying not to cry, while at the same time trying to hold on to whatever she has left of her former life. She was such a sad character that in this story I tried to give her a bit of fun. Cat and Jamie are not friends. They need each other to get what they want and they are working together to that end. She despises Jamie (and she says it "you pushed my son though a window"), but she can still have a bit of fun, especially since Jamie is trying so hard to lift the mood (not so much for the two women, but for himself and because he can't help it). It's like when you laugh at a funeral. You're still grieving, but you can have a bit of fun nonetheless ...
Again, thanks a lot. Your constructive criticism has helped me a lot.
Twilightgurl4lyfe: thank you very much! That really means a lot to me.
Thank you all for reading and for your comments and support. I usually try to reply to comments via PM through the reviewer's account.
No more rambling, on to chapter 6 ...
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6) A swift exchange.
Catelyn, Brienne and Jamie left the inn sometime mid-morning. They decided to enjoy a good breakfast since they knew they probably wouldn't be enjoying such luxury for the next few days. They talked to the innkeeper and were able to purchase three horses for a good price. Finishing the trek on horseback after having spent a good night's sleep on a real mattress was a welcome change for the three travelling companions.
Just as they had anticipated, it only took them two days to finally make it to the Goldroad and they were at the Western Gates shortly after that.
"How are we going to talk the guards into letting us into the city without telling them who we are? Do you have a plan, Lady Stark?" asked Jamie raising his eyebrows.
"As a matter of fact I do" she replied. "We're not going to walk through the gate and the guards will never know we're here. You two will hide and wait for my instructions. I'm going to look for a friend, and he will take me where I need to go."
"Let me guess" said Jaime with a smirk "Littlefinger"
"Yes, Petyr was a friend of mine when we were growing up. He was fostered in Riverrun and we became close."
"I know, he's told the story many times to many people. Did you just give him your maidenhead or did you also carry on a torrid affair?" he asked sarcastically
"How dare you!" Catelyn exclaimed indignantly. "I have never shared my bed with him!"
"Oh, I myself figured as much, but that's not what he has been saying. He keeps bragging about how he took the two Tully girls' maidenhead. He made sure people knew that story before they met your husband when he was hand to Robert."
"He helped me last time I was here" said Catelyn sounding more disheartened than she wanted to let on.
"Yes, he took you to your husband and told you the dagger belonged to Tyrion. By the time you found out he had lied to you it was already too late. By kidnapping my brother, following your little friend's advice, you started a series of events which led to much bloodshed and yielded no benefits. He lied to you, my Lady." Catelyn looked down and exhaled heavily. Seeing that she was not going to retort, he continued. "Do you know how your husband came to be arrested?" She shook her head lightly. "When you left Petyr Baelish's brothel, your husband left not much later than you. He was cornered by members of the Kingsguard, fighting ensued in which all of your husband's guards were killed, some by me I must add, and your husband was grievously wounded in the leg. Do you know how we knew he was going to be there? Who do you think told the Kingsguard about a secret meeting between the Hand and a secret informer?"
"No, that can't be. He is my friend. He promised he would protect Ned."
"Oh, I'm sure he's told you many things. Just like he swore the dagger belonged to Tyrion. Just like the many things he has said about you. Just like he promised you he would help your husband. Littlefinger helps no one but himself. Sorry to break it to you my Lady, but he is no friend of yours."
"I have no one else to turn to" she uttered in a defeated tone. "Yet, I'll still go with him" she continued in a stronger more defiant voice. "But I'll be on my guard. He will not catch me unawares again and he will not trick me. Not this time. Brienne, you will make sure he doesn't do anything rash. You two will wait here for my instructions."
"We will my Lady. Good luck" replied the loyal knight.
"I hope you know what you're doing" was all Jamie Lannister said.
Carefully, making sure not to look at anyone and making sure nobody looked at her, Catelyn made her way through backstreets and alleyways until she found Littlefinger's establishment. As she opened the door, the heavy scent of incense and candles invaded her nostrils; lavender and flowery fragrances to hide other smells she did not even want to imagine.
"Hey, wench, what are you doing here? If you want a job you need to speak to the owner" said a man behind the counter. "I don't think he'll take you looking like that. Why don't you go and make yourself presentable? And I think you're a bit old for his taste."
So Jamie Lannister was right, I do look like an unemployed tavern wench, but I'm not that old, she thought indignantly. "That's all right. I'll take my chances. There are other ways I can convince him. Is he here?"
"Yes, just wait there, I'll go get him" he spat.
Catelyn looked around the lounge. There was a hallway leading to many different doors, and judging by the sounds echoing in the lounge, she guessed most rooms were occupied at the time. A naked girl, who was probably just a year or two older than Sansa, walked out of one of the rooms and met a man sitting in a plush chair in the lounge not far from where Catelyn was. The man stood up and hungrily kissed the girl as his hands started roaming her naked body. Catelyn looked away disgusted and barely registered as the girl led the man into an empty room. She didn't have to wait long for Petyr to show up together with the man she had met at the counter.
"That's her" the man said.
Petyr looked at her and recognized her instantly. He made eye contact with her and silently told her to keep quiet.
"Oh, yes. Lully, I forgot you were coming today. Lord Fibs enjoyed your company I trust. You wouldn't be here if he hadn't I suppose. Please come this way" he said and led her to an adjoining room.
"Cat, what are you doing here? First of all, I'm sorry for your loss. I did try to help your husband, but he was beyond my help. Now, why are you here? Are you insane? There are people looking for you, and for Jamie Lannister. Is he here with you?"
Catelyn felt a little apprehensive. Should she trust him with the truth? She figured that exchanging the girls for the Kingslayer would go more smoothly through Cersei. She was the one who probably wanted him back the most, and she could appeal to her motherly feelings for her daughters. "Petyr, thank you for seeing me. I need your help. I have a message for the Queen. Can I see her?"
"The Queen? Why would you want to see her?"
"I just need to meet with her, alone."
"Does this have anything to do with you exchanging the Queen's brother for your daughters?" when he saw her gasp he added "I have my birds, too. I knew you were coming. You know I would do anything for you, right?"
"Then why did you tell me the dagger belonged to Tyrion when it didn't?" she blurted before she could stop herself.
"Oh, the dagger. My apologies my darling. I was truly convinced it belonged to him. It was not until later that I found out I was wrong. I'm sorry if I misled you. But I'll prove you my worth. I will help you this time."
"Will you take me to the Queen?"
"No, I'll do something better. I'll take you to Tyrion. He's the one you want to talk to, not the Queen, and definitely not King Joffrey."
"Thank you Petyr."
"Oh, you know I would do anything for you" he replied seductively and held her in a tight embrace "especially now that you're all alone" he whispered into her ear. "I know I'm second choice, but now that your Ned is gone, you need someone strong to protect you. Granted, I'm not physically that strong, but I'm powerful in other respects. Think about it Cat, we can finally be together. I know deep inside you have feelings for me. I was the first one you ran for help when you came to the capital, not once but twice, and there was a reason you stopped Brandon from killing me in that duel."
He made to kiss her and Catelyn opened her lips. Oh, the things I do for my girls. He tasted minty and had his tongue all over her mouth. His hands were all over her back and her arms. She finally pushed him away softly.
"Later Petyr. Right now I need to get my girls. Then we'll talk, I promise" she said wanting nothing more than to get this man, his dirty hands and slithering tongue away from her.
She waited in that room for what seemed like hours until the soft creak of the door roused her from her light snooze. Petyr was standing at the door and had brought the Imp with him.
"My Lady" Tyrion greeted her cocking his head.
"My Lord" she returned the greeting.
"I hope you're not here to kidnap me again" he said sarcastically to which she shook her head.
"Well, I'll leave you two alone. Call me if you need anything" Petyr said before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.
"Considering where we are, it's a blessing these wall have no eyes, but they have ears. I suggest we keep our volume to a minimum. Littlefinger says you have a proposition for me" he started.
"I do. I have your brother."
"And we have your daughter"
"Daughters" she corrected him.
"No, daughter, just Sansa. Arya is no where to be found. She disappeared right after your husband's execution."
"But when you sent Ned's bones to me you offered to exchange your brother for both the girls."
"I thought they were both here at the time. Nobody had told me we had lost a girl"
"How can you lose a girl?" she snapped.
"I don't know, you tell me. You have lost two girls, two boys and one husband. How do you do it?" When no reply was forthcoming and he saw her eyes getting misty he immediately regretted his words. "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for."
"No, you were within your rights. Let's start again. I'd like to begin by apologizing for kidnapping you in the first place. I acted upon what I thought was reliable information, but it turned out to be a lie. Somebody I trusted lied to me and then he betrayed my husband."
"And here you are, trusting him again."
"I'm desperate Lord Tyrion. I need my daughters back. Please" she begged.
"And I want my brother" he replied. "Is he all right?"
"Yes, he has not been harmed. Is Sansa all right?"
"She is now. Joffrey has not been kind to her. I tried to put a stop to it, but I'm glad you're here to take her away. She has no friends in the city."
"Oh, my poor baby" she sobbed.
"No one can learn of this exchange. Tonight, right after sunset I'll bring Sansa here. You bring my brother."
"Can't we meet somewhere else? I really don't trust Petyr and can't wait to leave this place."
"The south gate?"
"The south gate at sunset it is. We'll be outside."
.
Having reached an agreement with Tyrion she felt so relieved she didn't see Petyr walking into the room.
"So, how did it go?" he asked hugging her from behind.
"Oh, Petyr, I didn't hear you come in" she said slowly breaking free from his embrace. "He did not agree to my terms. I need to leave now."
"Stay, I'll help you."
"No, I really need to go. I'm sorry Petyr. Thank you for all your help."
.
It was late in the afternoon when she finally met up with Brienne and Jamie.
"I met with your brother" he addressed Jamie. "We're making the exchange later on today."
"My lady, that's great news" said Brienne.
"Thanks. But it's not so great. He only has Sansa. Arya has disappeared. No one knows where she is. She could be dead, for all I know" she breathed out.
"I'm sorry, my Lady" Brienne tried to comfort Catelyn awkwardly.
"That's not how you do it wench" interrupted Jamie. "Come here my Lady, it's all right to cry, you've been through a lot" he said opening his arms to Catelyn.
"No, Ser Jamie. I appreciate your sentiment, but I'm fine" she replied proudly.
"We got off on the wrong foot, but I have to say I have enjoyed this little adventure with you and the wench, or as I will call her from now on, Mirina, my Love."
"You'll do nothing of the sort" spat an enraged Brienne. "You will never speak of me again, Kingslayer."
"Brienne" laughed Catelyn "he's only messing with you and he will only be successful if you let him."
"Yes, I'm only messing with you, but I think that man over there may have more dangerous intentions" he said nodding softly towards the street.
"What man?" asked Catelyn
"The one that was following you."
"There was somebody following me?"
"Don't turn around Lady Catelyn. Brienne, what do you see behind that pillar?"
"A man that was not there before. You were indeed followed my Lady"
"Damn you Petyr!" Catelyn let out a frustrated grunt.
"I'll take care of him. I really need to pee. Let me go relieve myself. Mind if I take a dagger with me?"
He returned a few minutes later wiping blood off the dagger. They made for the South gate and waited until sunset. Soon after, they saw Tyrion passing through the gate with another person. Catelyn's heart missed a beat when she recognized Tyrion's companion. Then Jamie made a meow-like sound which was followed by a bark coming from Tyrion's direction.
"This is a game we played as children" Jamie explained.
Tyrion slowly approached them and Sansa could not believe her eyes when she saw her mother.
"Mother!" she yelled only to be quickly shushed by all four adults.
"My sweetling, are you alright?" Catelyn asked her daughter softly.
"Are we going home?"
"Yes my darling, we're going home. Thank you Lord Tyrion. Here's your brother."
"Hello Tyrion. Nice to see you." Jamie waived his hand mockingly.
"Hello Jamie. Always surrounded by beautiful ladies" replied his brother.
"Well, you know me. I can't help myself"
"So, this is it" interrupted Catelyn. "The exchange is done and we go our separate ways."
"Yes" replied Tyrion. "Just make sure you're not discovered. You managed to get this far undetected, I hope you are able to get home the same way. Walk that way" he said pointing to a narrow footpath disappearing into the woods "and you will find my friend Bronn. He'll have a cart with a horse waiting for you. You'll find food and water in the cart."
"Oh, thank you so much."
"With this rash action of yours, you may have avoided a lot of needless bloodshed. My father was ready to storm the Riverlands to rescue Jamie. When we received word you had taken him and that you had probably perished, my father was spitting fire through his mouth. Now that he's back, things may calm down a bit. Don't be misguided my lady, we're still at war. We may be enemies, but no one said anything about not being courteous to your enemies. Thank you for bringing my brother back to us. I hope you find your other daughter and I'm sorry for the two little ones. We received news of what the Ironborn did. I remember the little munchkin, what was his name? Rickie?"
"Rickon" she whispered.
"Yes Rickon, he was very interested in my height. I was the only adult he could look in the eye. And I'm sorry about Bran. On my way back from the wall I stopped at Winterfell and gave your maester instructions for a device to help the boy ride again"
"Yes, Robb told me about it. Thank you again, but he wouldn't have needed it if he hadn't been pushed" Catelyn said sharply and Jamie had the sense to look abashed.
"Well" interjected Tyrion before Jamie could say anything in his defense. "It was a pleasure doing business with you. Have a safe trip."
"Likewise Lord Tyrion" replied Catelyn bowing her head.
"Lord Tyrion" started Sansa "Before we leave, I wanted to thank you for taking care of me. You were very chivalrous stopping Joffrey from beating me."
"My pleasure my Lady. Now, go with your mother before we are discovered. Did you hear that Jamie? I'm chivalrous!"
The three women disappeared down the path into the woods and soon found Tyrion's friend with the cart. Sansa and Catelyn climbed in the back as Brienne jumped at the front and took care of the reins. Going on horse it would only take them about five days to get to Riverrun if they didn't stop for long. They had food, they had money and they had a cart, not many reasons to stop along the way and many reasons to get back as soon as possible.
TBC