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298 AC
Swords and plays
Catelyn walks alongside the parapet when the sound of swords clashing reaches her. She goes closer, then, she stops. Down at the courtyard Robb and Jon are practicing. Catelyn used to come here sometimes to check up on Bran's and Arya's progress. But she has not had time to watch the two oldest for… actually, she does not even know how long. Maybe for months.
Now, looking at Robb and Jon, she must smile.
They are nearly grown men with real blades in their hands – playing one of their old childhood games.
"I'm Ser Duncan the Tall," Robb shouts.
"I'm Florian the Fool," Jon replies.
Robb is quite good but Jon is better, more talented. While Catelyn is standing there, he defeats Robb almost every time.
But it is fine. Robb has to remember that he can encounter someone more skillful, more experienced any time. Catelyn hopes that Jon keeps that in mind too and his victories do not make him conceited.
She also hopes that none of them will have to face a true enemy in a true fight, but that is hardly possible. The world – their world – does not work that way.
Ser Rodrik calls out to the boys to take a break when Maester Luwin steps to her with a piece of parchment in his hand.
"A message came, my lady. A deserter was caught."
Author's note: Things have changed at the Wall since Benjen and Catelyn's agreement. But the three strongholds (Castle Black, Eastwatch and Shadowtower) still follow the old ways. Criminals can be sent there and the vows must be hold. So there are deserters too. Like Gared.
