You have to leave

Catelyn finds them in the courtyard, swaying wooden swords in the air with waiting for Ser Rodrik: Robb, the bastard and the Greyjoy boy.

The message – sealed with a crowned stag – arrived that morning with the first light. There it is now, wrinkled, in her clenched hand.

She is looking for Theon, but she does not send the other two away. Robb has to be present, after all, as Lord of Winterfell, he has to know the news. And she does not care that Snow hears it or not. He is not important.

Catelyn hesitantly steps to Theon. She does not know how to say this, so she says in the simplest – and harshest – way. But life is harsh too. "A raven came, from the capital. You have to leave Winterfell."

He turns pale. His usual boldness disappears. He is speechless and suddenly so lost, so very young.

Robb, however, protests in his name. Of course.

"No. Mother, Winterfell is his home, Theon belongs here, to us."

Catelyn hardens her heart and voice. She must.

"It was his home. And he belongs where King Robert orders him to be."

"My lady…" Theon's voice is nothing but a gasping whisper.

"Go and pack up your things."

The boy does not move, he does not seem to be able to.

Robb glances at him, then back at Catelyn. His cheeks are red with anger. "Mother!"

"Robb." Catelyn sighs. "My lord. Come with me."

Thank gods, he follows her, albeit reluctantly, leaving Theon in the yard with Snow.

Once they reach the solar and shut the door behind them, he bursts out.

"Mother, please. Surely, we can do something. We have to."

Catelyn turns to him, trying to explain. Robb must understand. "Theon was your father's ward. Not mine. Not yours."

"I am Lord of Winterfell." He declares for the first time but in the peeved and sulky voice of a child.

Catelyn shakes her head. "It doesn't matter. Not now. Not in this. Our king gave a command."

She gets down on her knees so she can face him.

"Theon is going to travel to Dragonstone, Lord Stannis' seat."

She waits – in vain. Robb keeps quiet.

"At least, he can live by the sea. Theon is a kraken, after all. Think about it."

Poor encouragement, she knows. But she means it. And her son is smiling. A faint smile, without heart, only for her sake.