Author's note: I'm a bit nervous about this chapter, but what happens in it is an important part of Theon's future characterization and storyline, so here it is…
Under the water
Theon does not struggle until they reach the shore. He is dazed, Patchface hit him over the head in the hallway, and he hit hard.
He is humming – as always.
It makes no sense – as always.
"My servant, they would say… Beneath the grey sky in a cold, wintery day. But you never were mine and never will be. I know, you know. You aren't worthy. Never was. Never will be. I know, you know. Not for stone and not for steel. Though I can give you salt. Though I can give you to the salt. And I will. Oh, oh, oh."
When Theon feels the flavor of the sea, he tries to stop, to escape. But Patchface is strong, stronger than him, stronger than a soft and trembling creature like him is supposed to be and he drags Theon further, into the sea.
It is a stormy night. The waves are running high, pushing Patchface. Theon is on his knees now, forced to follow him. Water fills his mouth and he must cough but there is no air anymore.
Patchface keeps him under the surface, he clutches his neck and tightens his hold and tightens it.
When the waves withdraw, Theon hears him for a moment.
"What is dead may never… rise. You never rise." He shouts and laughs.
And Theon is squirming, he is kicking and beating and biting. And somehow he is on his feet and Patchface under the water.
Holding.
Squeezing.
The only thoughts that remain in his mind.
He is snarling while waves slap in his face blinding him and almost knocking him over.
Holding.
Squeezing.
Nothing else matters.
Suddenly people arrive and grab Theon's arm and shoulder, trying to pull him from Patchface.
"Release him, Greyjoy, it's over."
No.
"Don't you hear me, boy?"
Ser Axell. Theon hears him, but why he should listen to him, why he should believe him? Ser Axell did not believe him either.
Another voice comes then. Kinder. Sad.
"He is dead, Theon. Release him, son."
Davos. He can trust Davos. He does.
His fingers go limp and Theon allows to be dragged to the shore.
Lying in the sand, panting he stares at the sky. Clouds are swirling and lighting bolts after lighting, but it is not raining yet.
Ser Axell and Davos are speaking, maybe to him, maybe with each other. Theon cannot concentrate.
A little further to him the others bring Patchface out of the water and put him down.
Theon does not pay attention to it. He does not have to anymore.
Until one of the men cries with shock and fear.
"Gods! He is alive."
And Patchface is flailing as if he were still in the water. Flailing and shouting:
"Help! Help us! My Lord… where is… Lord Steffon! My lord!"
To the Guests' reviews:
'I guessing your thinking is that Catelyn is able to transition because Ned is no longer there?'
Sort of. I think because Ned is no longer there, Catelyn needs to do more than just tolerate Jon. Ned made him her responsibility. Without his last whish, Catelyn would have sent Jon away (not immediately to the Watch but to be fostered somewhere). But now she has to keep him in Winterfell and because Ned is no longer there, she's the one who has to look after Jon and pay attention to him. Family, duty, honor – maybe family doesn't include Jon for her, but the other two now does.
Catelyn and the execution:
You're right and I thought of her nonattendance could be a sign of weakness. But she's afraid of the lords' opinion not of the people's in Winterfell. Ser Rodrik and the others would understand that she doesn't go in order to pamper Robb, but the lords living far from Winterfell would know only that she's there and it can be rumored that Robb has to be pampered.
The Dragonstone storyline is important too. With Davos' help, Theon took the first steps towards learning more about what his people are like; and I've plans with Shireen, as well. ;-)
