Catelyn
This was an unexpected visit. White Harbor was a long way from Winterfell. A very long ride even to visit one's brother. But everyone was always welcome at Winterfell, especially as loyal a bannerman as the Manderly's.
But Ser Wylis was not alone. This time he had brought his daughter and heir Wynafryd.
"Lord Eddard." He said taking his lords hand and bowing his head." Lady Catelyn." He said turning his attention to her. He stepped back and waved to the servants he'd brought with him." I've brought you a set of silver drinking cups and plates." The servants came forward bearing the gifts.
"Thank you Ser Wylis." Ned nodded. Wylis then went down the line greating the Stark children one after the other. And he had a gift for each of them.
"Lord Robb." He said to the heir." A hunting knife made of silver." He unsheathed the blade and showcased it to him. The hilt was in the shape of a snarling direwolf, the knife rising from it's open mouth." Made by my finest smith." The heir was mesmerized by it.
"It is... beautiful." Robb said accepting it.
"You are more than welcome to join me at White Harbor." Wylis continued." We'll have a hunt and you can use that blade." Robb simply nodded and tucked the knife into his belt.
"Lady Sansa the most beautiful girl in the North. A necklace and matching earnings." He seemed to produce the objects from behind his back. They shined like stars in the night attracting Sansa's attention and joy.
"For Arya." He continued to the next daughter." Every girls favorite toy, Dolls." She seemed less than thrilled. Next came Eddard's second son.
"For Brandon who loves to ride and climb, my finest pony." He pointed it out to the young boy." He's young but so are you. You'll ride him and grow old with him." He turned finally to the youngest in Catleyn's arms." And for little Rickon." He produced a blanket of sealskin." A blanket to keep him warm on these cold Northern nights."
"Ser Wylis." Ned said getting his attention." My steward will have your quarters made for you."
"Thank you Lord Stark." Wylis nodded." I wonder if you have a meal available?" He rubbed his belly." It has been a long ride and I am very hungry." Ned glanced down the line of his family.
Wylis' daughter Wynafryd stood before Robb the two talking back and forth. The girl with a smile across her face, Robb with a small blush on his. Catelyn watching them with keen suspicion.
"The cook is working on supper as we speak." Ned answered Ser Wylis. He reached out to put a hand on his shoulder." I would be greatly honored if you sat beside me tonight." Wylis simply nodded.
"Thank you Lord Stark." Wylis nodded." I would like that very much." But he was saying that and more. There was a hidden subtext to the conversation her husband was having.
"Robb." Ned called getting his attention." Perhaps you'd like to show Lady Wynafryd around while she is here."
"Yes Father." Robb nodded. Wynafryd leaned closer to him.
"I'd be delighted." She churped. Robb smiled and offered his arm to her as she took it. Ned's face remained solemn as he watched his son walk out of the yard with the girl.
Catelyn then turned to Ser Wylis who had walked over to his brother. Their conversation must have been important as Wylis eyed their surrondings and used strong hand gestures.
"Follow me please Ser." Ned said to Wylis getting his attention.
Ned led the heir to White Harbor to a place he knew he'd love dearly, the dinning hall. When the Stark family ate Ned always left an extra seat open for Ser Rodrik, Ser Wendel or Maester Luwin. And each night one of his household would eat with them.
Eddard took his place at the head of the table while Catelyn as the Lady of Winterfell sat on his right. But other than that the places had been shifted around.
Sansa and Brandon normally sat on the other side of the table. But tonight four of the Strak children had been moved over to sit on the same side as Catelyn. Even the bastard.
Ser Wylis took the seat normally given to Robb. And Robb had been sandwhiched between Wylis and his daughter.
"Ser Wylis." Ned said getting his attention. "Tell me how is you're father doing?"
"Better my Lord." He answered." Being back in his home has done well for him." Catelyn could agree to that. It was said that Wyman Manderly had grown to fat to sit a horse and had to travel by box cart. A small wonder his son had come to visit Winterfell instead.
"I am glad to hear it." Ned nodded.
Catelyn looked over to see Robb silently cutting at his meat and chewing it over in his mouth. Wynafryd beside him did the same thing, her brown eyes shifted up every few seconds to look at him.
Other Lords had made surprise visits to Winterfell before. Tallhart, Karstark, Glover, and more. And they all brought their sons or daughters, Ser Wylis was no different. But Catelyn was not completely blind.
Robb was getting to be that age having grown tall and strong like the Lord he was meant to be. He looked so much like Catelyn's own father with his stocky build and red hair. Catelyn would often propose ideas to her husband, but he always simply said "I'll think about it". And while she was sure he did he never came back to her with an answer. One time he had proposed Howland Reed's daughter but her dissatisfaction of that must have made him skeptical to propose another one. But she knew what he was thinking now.
"And how is trade?" Ned asked.
"Well." Wylis nodded."Frequent visits from the Arbor and Dorne, even the Summer Isles and Bravoos."
"That far?" Catelyn asked.
"Yes my lady." Wylis nodded." White Harbor has much to offer."
"I didn't know we had contact with such places." Robb spoke up. Wylis leaned back in his chair, wine in one hand as he turned to Robb.
"Fish, wine, and the best silver in all Westeros." He told." And our fleet is one of the finest in Westeros."
"I've never been on a ship." Robb told. Wylis stroked the end of his mustache with his free hand, a smile forming under it.
"You are most welcome to come view them." Wylis told." They as much your's as mine." He rested his hand on Robb's shoulder." We could make you its Admiral." He chuckled." The first sea-fairing Wolf." He let out another chuckle. Robb let out a disoriented chuckle with him.
Ships, Silver, a beautiful daughter and even more. If Winterfell was the heart of the North then White Harbor was it's mouth. The richest city in the North and one of the Five greatest ones in all of Westeros. With only two daughters and no male heirs, should Robb marry Wynafryd then their children would inherit White Harbor. Now that was a bargain.
"You look to be close of fighting age, Lord Robb." Wylis told." We could have a tournament during your stay."
"I have never participated in a tourney. "Robb told. "Or even seen one."
"There's always a first. "Wylis smiled.
"Children." Ned said." You're all excused." The children did as they were told all leaving in a group. Ned watched as Robb helped Wynafryd out of her chair and pushed it back in for her. She took his arm as they exited telling him of Tournies and knights.
"Your sons certainly has grown up fast. "Wylis said turned to Ned with a smile." I remember when you rode back up here as nothing more than wee little babies in their blankets."
"Yes." Ned agreed." Time certainly has flown."
"I can see much of you're father in his face, Lord Stark. I can see Lord Rickard's ferocity in his eyes."
"I'd say he takes more after his mother's father." Ned disagreed. Catelyn smiled at that.
They could hear laughing from the courtyard outside, coupled with the sound of clanking steel. Robb had probably been talked into sparring to impress Wynafryd. He was fighting with the bastard, the only other boy capable of holding a sword against him.
"Save me Lord Stark." Wynafryd giggled. "Save me."
"Your daughter is very beautiful Ser Wylis." Catelyn said.
"Yes very beautiful." He nodded." The apple of my eye." Catelyn turned her attention to Ned, noticing him watching Wylis with a certain curiocity. Perhaps he was mulling over the big question in his head.
"I always found daughters to be more difficult than sons." He said when he finally did. Wylis raised his glass.
"I'll drink to that."
Jaime
Jaime stood atop the ramparts looking down into the courtyard as the new recruits came in. Standing beside him was fellow Ranger Benjen Stark, on the other side was Lord Commander Mormont.
The trio gazed down to get their first looks at the new recruits coming in. Most of them were young boys. Jaime felt the same look in them that he first had when he came here. They were angry, scared, most probably choosing the Wall over death. Just like himself.
At first glance they seemed nothing more than frightened, stupid, little boys. All except for one. One man stood out amongst the crowd of boys like a needle in a haystack.
He was tall and powerful looking with a bald head, a hairy face and hands. Lord Commander Mormont looked on this man with great interest.
"It can't be." He said aloud. But he most likely didn't mean to as both Benjen and Jaime turned to look at him.
"What is it?" Jaime questioned. But the Old Bear said nothing." Lord Commander?" Without another word Mormont turned and marched off, down the battlements and back into his own room. Slamming the door behind him.
Jaime could see the look in the Old Bear's eyes. A mix of rage and anger but of sadness and disgust. Jaime had seen that look before.
"What do you suppose all that was about?" Benjen asked. Jaime turned back to the new recruits, the man in particular. Whoever he was he must be someone terribly important if he could rile up the Lord Commander so. And Jaime wanted to find out.
With three firm knocks Jaime banged at the Lord Commander's door.
"Commander Mormont. "He said pressing his face against the door. When there was no reply he called again." Commander Mormont?" He heard the turning of the knob on the other side and then the door slowly opened and he saw the figure of the Old Bear standing there.
He still had that same look on his face. The look of regret and anger.
"The new recruits are about to be inspected." Jaime said." Would you like to-"
"No." the Old Bear quickly said." Take charge First Ranger, I leave it to you." With that settled he turned and prepared to close the door. But Jaime stuck his foot out and stopped him.
"Who is the man out there?" he inquired. The Lord Commander tilted his head back giving the Kingslayer a sideways glance.
"No one." He quickly answered. The look was still the same. Jaime had remembered seeing it in his own Father's face years ago when he returned to Casterly Rock.
"He's your son, isn't he?" That stopped the Old Bear from moving any further. Silence fell upon them.
"Yes." He nodded breaking that silence." Jorah's his name." He turned and faced Jaime allowing the First Ranger to see all the pain written on the Commander's face." Over ten years ago I joined the watch to let Jorah rule Bear Island while in his prime. My sister wrote to me, telling me he married well. First a Glover and then a Hightower. And that my son had been knighted by the King during the Greyjoy Rebellion." Mormont paused for a moment taking a long deep breath before continuing. Jaime took it all in. Even miles away at the End of the world Mormont stilled cared about his son. He wondered if his own Lord Father had done the same. "But if he's here now all of a sudden it can't mean anything good."
Jaime pulled his hand from the door and he watched as the Lord Commander slowly disappeared back into his room closing the door behind him. But he'd given a command, Jaime would have to oversee the new recruits.
"Let's see what you can do." Alliser said. Jorah looked over at the boy who was his opponent. A little farm boy, hardly older than ten and so small he had to hold the sword with both hands.
"This hardly seems fair." Jorah said to the Master at Arms.
"Do you think it's fair beyond the Wall?" He growled." Attack now!" Ser Jorah did as commanded stepping forward and with one swing knocking the sword out of his opponents hand.
"I yield, I yield!" the boy cried as he dropped to his knees, trembling with fear even more. Ser Jorah seemed content with his surrender but Ser Allister did not.
"Hit him till he finds his feet."
"No." Jorah replied.
"Do as I say!" Alliser commanded. Jorah gripped the limp sword in his hand tighter and looked prepared to turn it on Alliser. But the arrival of the First Ranger stopped all that.
"Ser Alliser." He said to him." That's enough." He stood between the two training partners, Ser Jorah and the farm boy.
"The Lord Commander has charged me to prepare these new recruits for life as a brother of the Night's Watch. I-"
"By beating them?" Jaime questioned. But he gave Alliser little time to reply as he helped the boy to his feet." We are all brothers here." He said looking back to Alliser. "Your all dismissed." Jaime said to the recruits. The group wasted no time in following his command and quickly departed. All except for Ser Jorah.
The old Knight apparently didn't think himself done with training. And with the blunted sword in hand turned it on the nearby straw dummy. He raised up his arm and struck it, hitting it in the head.
"Did you not hear me?" Jaime said to his back." You are dismissed."
"I heard you." Jorah answered. Jaime paused and continued to look the older man over. He knew how to swing that sword, that's for sure.
"Do you know who I am?" Jorah stopped hitting the dummy and turned to face the golden lion.
"No." he shook his head." Somebody important I'd imagine."
"I'm First Ranger of the Night's Watch." He told." Your Father sent me down to 'overlook' things." Jorah said nothing but Jaime could see the rage fuming in him as he inhaled a breath. He turned and took his frustrations out on the dummy with another good wack of his sword.
"What did you do Mormont?" Jaime asked. The older man took in a deep breath and then exhaled, his shoulders sagging as he did so. The sword fell limply in his hand.
"I traded slaves." He admitted." Poachers, who trespassed on my land. Then Lord Eddard Stark came for my head, and he might have gotten it to. If I hadn't pleaded to go to the wall. So here I am."
"It appears we both share a common enemy." Jaime said. Jorah tilted his head to view Jaime fully." I too am here because of the 'honor' of a Stark."
"I don't blame Lord Stark for my being here." Jorah admitted. He raised his sword and with another quick thrust wacked the straw dummy." It was my own dealings that put me here not Lord Eddard Stark. If I hadn't been trading slaves I would never be here." He delivered another quick thrust to the dummy.
"And why did you?" Jorah's assault stopped and his sword fell limply at his side once more.
"A woman's love." He answered. He raised his sword and hit the dummy once more.
"A woman's love." Jaime repeated to himself. He wondered if a thing like that could still exist in the outside world.
Ser Jorah was very much like himself. They'd both come here with no other real options. And of their groups the two of them defiantly committed the worst crimes. And of course Ser Jorah was a better fighter than any he'd come with. Perhaps he was the best swordsman to come to the Watch since Jaime.
Time passed and after taking their Vows Jorah Mormont along with the rest of his group were to be assigned their duties as brothers of the Night's Watch.
As First Ranger Jaime had been apart of the council to decide what duties those were and where each of them would go. Ser Jorah would be a ranger obviously due to his name, knighthood and fighting skill. But his father the Lord Commander wanted nothing to do with him. He demanded his son be sent to the Shadow Tower on the other side of the wall, as their new master at arms.
That Jaime could not allow.
He and the Lord Commander stood off to the side while First Steward Bowen Marsh gave the roll call of the new brothers and their duties. And after numerous stewards and builders were called they finally came to the Ranger.
"Ser Jorah Mormont." Bowen called." To the Rangers. Assigned as Master at Arms" Jaime turned his eyes over to view the Lord Commander." At Castle Black. "Bowen finished.
The Lord Commander's eyes opened and his jaw opened slightly in shock. He made a harsh step forward but seemed to second guess it and stepped back. None of the other brothers saw it, except for Jaime.
"May all the Gods preserve you." Bowen said. With that the meeting was over and the brothers went their separate ways. Jaime had nearly lost track of the Old Bear as he turned and marched off.
"Lord Commander." He said behind him. But Jeor did not stop and kept marching off. The First Ranger, ducking past men left and right almost losing Mormont in the crowd. But Jaime did manage to see him retreat into his quarters and so quickly followed.
He knew going in there might be a death sentence. But he started this and he had to finish it. He put one hand on the door and pushed it open.
"Lord Commander? "He questioned walking in. Inside he saw the Old Bear sitting by the fireplace, arms crossed over his chest his hands clenched into fists. When the door closed behind him Jeor sprung up quick as lighnting and viewed him.
"You?!" He growled pointing a finger at him." You did this?!" There was nothing between them but a small table and Jaime knew if he wanted Mormont could easily kick it aside and be on him. Jaime might have been younger and quicker but Mormont even in old age was defiantly the stronger of the two.
"Yes."
"Why?!"
"He's your son." The First Ranger answered." You cannot send him away."
"He's dishonored himself." Jeor responded his hand clenching back into a fist." Dishonored our house, dishonored me!" He slammed that fist into his chest.
"He knows that. But he's come here hoping to make amends."
"If he wishes to make amends let him leave! To the Shadow Tower, East Watch I don't care which but I will not have him here!" He pointed to the ground." I will not have it!" he yelled. While he took in a few deep breaths Jaime moved in closer.
"My Father disowned me when I returned home." He told." He said he would not support me anymore." Now that he found a new promising heir." In my youth he always looked out for me. Made sure I had the best of everything. But now's he's forgotten me, and I will never see him again. You can't do that to yourself." Mormont was strangely quiet and in that quiet Jaime continued with his plan.
He walked back over to the door and opened it.
There on the other side was Benjen Stark and Jorah Mormont. The Father and Son locked eyes while Jaime stepped side.
"I assume you two have much to talk about." Jaime said. Benjen urged Jorah inside while Jaime ducked around him and closed the door behind him. Leaving only the two of them left.
"You think this'll work?" Benjen asked as he and Jaime walked down the stairs.
"Whatever happens in there is up to them." Jaime answered." I only hope it works out for them." Benjen nodded his agreement.
Brynden
Hoster had been Robert Baratheon's Master of Laws since he began his reign. The stalwart Hoster was an excellent edition to the King's council. And he served him faithfully for over ten years and one war. But recently that began to change.
Lord Wyman Manderly was the first to go leaving the position of Master of Coin open. Edmure had written saying that Peytr Baelsih had taken his position. That was sure to bring up some bad memories.
First Lord Wyman and now Hoster. A raven came from the Grand Maester saying the Hoster was sick and that he would be returning home to Riverrun. His seat on the small council would be given to the King's youngest brother Renly who had just entered manhood.
But the business of the King and his court mattered little at the moment. Brynden "Blackfish" Tully was busy preparing everything for his brother's return.
While Hoster stayed in King's Landing Ser Brynden ruled the Riverlands from Riverrun. After Edmure was knighted he technically became the Lord Paramount of the Trident while his Father continued his work at the King's court. But the boy was carefree leaving most of the duty to his Uncle while he traveled all across Westeros.
Hoster was not going to like that.
From the ramparts of the castle he could see the party approaching in the distance. Armed knights and men at arms with the blue and red of House Tully, the leaping Trout banners flying high above their heads.
Brynden looked to see Hoster at the head of the party but couldn't. Strange notion. Hoster loved to ride and always ahead of his men. There was a box cart being pulled, one could only assume he was riding in there. Perhaps this illness was worse than they thought.
Blackfish left the ramparts as the gate was lowered, waiting in the courtyard for his brother's entrance.
The Knight's entered first, dismounting their horses and creating a path for the cart. A wheeled chair was produced and put at the steps of the cart. From inside the cart he could hear rasby breathing and slight groaning. And the next second his brother appeared. But he wasn't as Brynden remembered.
The years in King's Landing had aged him. His once red hair was almost completely white. His hard, stern face had withered and wringled with age. And his once powerful body of broad shoulders and muscle had left him. He looked as thin as a twig.
Hoster was helped into the chair by his men and pushed towards his brother.
"Welcome home brother." Blackfish announced. Hoster opened up his arms as wide as he could.
"Where are my favorite neieces and nephews?" He called to his empty halls." Oh that's right." He realized dropping his arms. One thing was for certain, Hoster's body might have failed him but his mind was still sharp as a sword. Brynden stepped back and allowed the household to welcome their Lord home.
"Welcome home Lord Hoster. "Ser Desmond Grell said." Good to see you." Hoster shook his hand and all the others as they approached him. But there was one face he had been expecting tonight that he hadn't seen.
"Where is Edmure?!" Hoster demanded." Where is my son?"
"Edmure?" Blackfish responded." He's gone off to ride in some Tourney somewhere."
"A tourney?" Hoster repeated."Bah. And he's likely like visiting all the Inns and brotherls from here to his destination!"
"I wouldn't know about that."
"I do! It happened all the time while he was King Robert's squire. Sneaking off in the middle of the night only to return in the early hours of the morning. I swear if one of these days some whore comes to my doors saying her child is Edmure's I'll-"
"Oh she already did." Brynden smiled." She's waiting in your room, would you like to meet her?"
"Fuck off Brynden." Hoster grumbled.
"Boys will be boys." Blackfish chuckled.
"Oh boys will be boys?" Hoster repated in a mock tone." Then tell me brother why am I still stuck with you?" Brynden simply rolled his eyes. He would never hear the end of that Redwyne girl." He should be here learning how to rule!"
"I couldn't agree more." Blackfish nodded." But in his absence he made me Castellan."
"I relieve you of it." Hoster said with a quick wave of his hand." I'm surprised you didn't manage to burn the riverlands down."
"Some certainly tried." Brynden said ignoring Hoster's bitterness." The Blackwoods and Brackens were at it again a few years ago. Walder Frey is still alive." Now it was Hoster's turn to roll his eyes. The news was upsetting but it was also relaxing in a way. Hoster had been gone for many years and he had to be brought back up to speed. Brynden had given him the poor news now it was time for the good news.
"Little Cat had another baby. Did you know that?"
"I know. Rickon they named him after Lord Eddard's father, may he rest in peace."
"Five children." Blackfish smiled." I'd say little Cat has done well for herself. Lysa and Aurora?"
"They are well. Jon Arryn is a good man and a good father to his daughter. And little Cat I've always been proud of her." He paused a moment." I'd like to go see her and her children sometime." Hoster was forutunate he'd gotten to be around his eldest granddaughter. But his other grandchildren from his favorite child had been half a world away. And although he'd returned home with his sickness it might as well have been longer.
"Of course Hoster." Blackfish nodded. Suddenly the fire returned to Hoster's eyes.
"I didn't say you were coming Brynden, I said 'I'd like to go see her'" Brynden simply nodded.
"Of course Hoster." The elder brother snapped his fingers to the younger.
"Take my chair Brynden, bring me to my solar!" Brynden acknowledged the request silently. He stood behind the chair and began pushing him forward." Could you go any slower?" He groaned. Finally Brynden pushed Hoster forward to the bottom of the twirling stairs which led to the solar. "Well what are you waiting for?"
"There are stairs."
"Then you'd better carry me." Brynden turned down to view his brother's face and from what he saw there was nothing but seriousness in his voice. The Blackfish leaned down and prepared to wrap his arms around his brother." Don't touch me!" Hoster commanded as his hand went flying up. Brynden jumped back surprised at the sudden burst of energy. With shaking legs Hoster pushed himself to his feet and leaning against the railing. "Am I going to fast for you Brynden?" He said going up the stairs as fast as he could. He looked so thin and worn down that a stiff breeze might knock him over.
But the stairs were only wide enough so that one person could travel up them at a time and Hoster knew that. So one slow step at a time Brynden followed after his brother who slowly made his way to the top, carrying his wheeled chair in his arms. Hoster continued to lean on the railing at the top of the steps, waiting on Brynden and his chair.
"Took you long enough." Hoster groaned as he sat himself back down." To the solar, GO!" he pointed to it. Brynden bit his lip and pushed Hoster forward. He leaned over his brother to open the door and then came into the solar.
"Push me over to the balcony." Hoster told pointing a slender finger at it. Brynden silently obliged him and pushed him forward. Once he was seated at his destination Hoster said no more. No insult, no thank you, no nothing. Before Hoster started acting up again Brynden decided to take his leave.
"If that'll be all my Lord." He said bowing his head. He turned and headed for the door.
"Wait." Hoster called out before he could reach the door." Don't go." That caught Brynden's attention very quickly. It wasn't the harsh words of a battle command or the dry sarcasm he had before, Hoster really wanted him to stay.
The Blackfish turned and walked back into the room to stand beside his elder brother.
"I left a case of wine under the table, pour me a cup." Brynden knew it was there he had been helping himself to it. But there was still a few that remained unopened. He did as he brother commanded and returned to him with a cup. Hoster swirled the cup over in his hands and took a sip, his eyes gazing at the river the entire time." You can pour one for yourself if you'd like."
Curious Brynden did as he was told. He poured himself a cup and returned to his brother's side. Hoster still looked over the balcony to the rivers and valleys of their lands. Waiting on the silence Brynden walked over to the balcon and rested his arms on it, leaning forward.
"I have a plan Brynden." Hoster said. That sounded right. The Blackfish turned around to face the Lord of Riverrun.
"You always have a plan Hoster." The Lord of Riverrun looked from his glass and then to his brother.
"This is a good one." the subtle joy in his brother's voice peaked his interest.
"I don't doubt it." He nodded. Silence passed between them for a few seconds." Well?"
"I've been thinking on it a long time but now it's time I finally act."
"And what does this pertain too?" Brynden asked with a sip of wine.
"Who to marry Edmure too."
"And who's that?" Ser Edmure Tully a squire to the King, a celebrated war hero, a tourney knight, heir to Riverrun future Lord Paramount of the Trident.
"Margaery Tyrell."