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Catelyn II

Castle Cerwyn was a welcome sight for the Lady of Winterfell and her smell retinue of protectors. The seat of House Cerwyn was a half a day's ride from Winterfell, but it was nearly dark and Ser Rodrik felt it was best to spend the night at the small castle before finishing the journey the next day.

"You're almost home, my lady." the old knight said happily. "One more day of riding."

Catelyn gave the knight a small smile. It was a little action, but extremely important because it was one of the first times she's smiled since leaving Riverrun. The deaths of her husband and father weighed heavily on her. She had spent nights in the sept at Riverrun, praying for answers from the Seven. She didn't know what to do, and felt lost mentally. It was then that she realized that she needed to go home, her true home in Winterfell. The south had brought her nothing but heart ache. Seeing her son grow into a man and see him become as beloved by his bannermen as his father was a small moment of happiness in an otherwise dark time.

That's why she had sought out Jon Snow. She always had her doubts about the boy, but she couldn't deny that he loved his half-siblings. Catelyn would do anything to save her son, but since she was going back north, she needed to know that there was someone with Robb who would give everything to keep him safe. That's why she made Jon swear to her that he would keep her son safe from harm.

"I've been away from my children for far too long," Catelyn said quietly.

"I'm sure Maester Luwin has kept them well in hand," Rodrik said confidently. "Besides, Lord Bran has always been a smart boy. Winterfell is safe under his watch."

Catelyn nodded. "Thank you for your words, Ser Rodrik. They are very kind."

The knight nodded as the small group made their way into the castle courtyard, where a young man was waiting to receive the Lady of Winterfell. Cley Cerwyn was a little older than Robb, but Catelyn remembered meeting the boy several times. He had always been a pleasant young man who got along well with the Stark children.

When Catelyn dismounted, the man bowed deeply. "My lady, welcome to Castle Cerwyn. We are at your service."

Catelyn smiled softly, walking up to the young Northman. "Cley Cerwyn, it has been some time since we've last met," she said kindly.

Cley smiled as he stood up. "Aye, but you haven't aged a day, my lady," he nodded to Ser Rodrik. "Ser Rodrik, well met."

The northern night nodded back. "My lord."

The young northerner frowned. "My lady, I wish to express my deepest condolences for the death of Lord Stark. He was a great man who didn't deserve his death. He was no traitor."

Catelyn's smile wavered for a second. "Thank you for your words. Gods willing, his death will be avenged and my daughters can finally be returned to me."

Cley nodded. "We've had rooms prepared for you and your men, my lady. Please, this way," he said, offering his arm.

Catelyn smiled and took the offered arm, walking with the young man through the castle. "I trust you haven't had much trouble here in the North," she said, making conversation.

Cley's face darkened. "I wish I could say that was true, my lady," he said grimly, all pleasantness was gone from the young man. "There have been reports from Flint's Finger that longships have been seen off Cape Kraken," he said.

Catelyn raised an eyebrow. "The ironborn?" she asked.

Cley nodded. "Indeed. Bowden Hawker has called all castles on the western coast, specifically Deepwood Motte and Bear Island, to prepare for the worst. I am preparing a small host of my own, in case reinforcements are needed."

Catelyn frowned. "My son sent Theon to the Iron Islands in hopes of forging an alliance with the ironborn."

Cley sighed. "It seems his grace's hopes shattered in the worst way possible. The ironborn are coming north in force and we are left with our britches down around our ankles." he said angrily. "We are doing all we can to prepare our defenses."

Catelyn turned to look at Ser Rodrik, who was following the two. "Ser Rodrik, how many men can Winterfell raise?" she asked.

The old knight thought for a moment before answering. "A few hundred, my lady. King Robb left a strong garrison before he went south."

"When we return to Winterfell, I want ravens sent across the north to rally what men they can," she ordered.

Ser Rodrik nodded. "It will be done, my lady," he promised.

"Have faith, Lady Stark. Bowden Hawker will keep those bastards at bay. He's been fighting the ironborn for years." Cley said confidently.

Catelyn nodded. "Indeed, the Hawkers have always had a talent for war. However, with my son in the south, we must be extra vigilant in defending our home," she commented.

Cley smiled. "Of course, my lady," he said, stopping infront of a door. "Here we are, my lady. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask."

Catelyn smiled. "Thank you, my lord. Your hospitality is most appreciated."

"House Stark has been nothing but good to my family. I would be remiss if I did not return the favor when given the opportunity." Cley responded proudly. "With you leave." he said, bowing to Catelyn and nodding to Ser Rodrik before leaving.

Catelyn sighed. "It seems the war has made its way north." she said sadly.

Ser Rodrik nodded. "Unfortunetly, my lady. But I feel confident we will be able to send the ironborn back to their islands soon enough. Without their ships, they are weak."

Catelyn nodded. "I hope you're right, Ser Rodrik."

Line Break

When Catelyn walked into the hall the next morning to break her fast, she found Ser Rodrik and Cley Cerwyn standing at the high table, looking down at a map. The heir to Cerwyn Castle was in full armor and looked extremely angry.

Catelyn walked up to them. "My lord? What's happened?"

Cley looked up, bowing his head when Catelyn approached. "Foul news, my lady. The ironborn has attacked the North." he said grimly. "The Iron Victory has been seen heading towards Torrhen's Square and another fleet of ships was seen just off Sea Dragon Point. Ser Rodrik and I believe that they intend to attack Deepwood and Bear Island."

"What happened to Captain Hawker?" Catelyn asked.

"He was somehow dragged south, my lady." Ser Rodrik said sadly. "The entire Hawker Fleet. The western coast is now completely undefended."

Catelyn crossed her arms in front of her. "What are we doing to repel the invaders?"

"I have three hundred men ready to march as of right now." Cley said strongly. "I have also sent word to Lord Wyman Manderly asking him to gather what men he can and send them to Winterfell. It's the best possible place to rally men in the North."

"When we return to Winterfell, I will send ravens to Last Hearth, Karhold, and the Dreadfort. We'll rendezvous at Winterfell with the men of White Harbor and drive out the invaders." Ser Rodrik added.

"Have ravens been sent to the castles that are about to be attacked?" Catelyn asked.

Cley nodded. "Bowden sent ravens to the entire western coast, even as far as Winterfell and here. They'll be as prepared as they can be, but this is not just a small raid, my lady. This is the Iron Fleet. It's an invasion."

"Has word been sent to Riverrun?" Catelyn asked.

Rodrik shook his head. "We'll have to send that raven when we return to Winterfell, my lady. But I have full confidence we'll see the raiders off. They're true strength comes from the sea."

Catelyn frowned. "I admire your confidence, Ser Rodrik, but I still want a raven sent to Riverrun. The other northern lords deserve to know that they're home is being attacked."

Cley nodded. "Of course, my lady."

"We'll be leaving soon, my lady. I will go make sure the lads are ready to go." Ser Rodrik said, leaving the hall.

Cley watched him. "I am glad to have him back in the North, my lady. King Robb took a lot of our best commanders south with him." he said grimly. "Ser Rodrik might be our best chance at repelling the invaders."

Catelyn nodded. "Hopefully we can see them away soon. I did not leave one warzone to enter another."

Cley smiled. "As Ser Rodrik said; the ironborn are only strong on their boats. They'll soon see that it was a mistake to attacked the North."