DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
A/N: Now I want to thank all of you for your support of the last chapter! It really means a lot to me about it and your guessing games amuses me to no end.
Now a lot of people had been asking about the Septa for sometime. They wanted to know why she is called the 'Septa' and all I can say is read chapters 2 to 4 it will explain everything to you.
Alright with that said on with the story.
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 13: The Lady of the Eyrie
THE KING'S ROAD ON THE BORDER TO THE RIVERLANDS
Lady Catelyn Stark and Lord Tyrion Lannister had ridden as fast as they could given their company. They had ridden for nearly two weeks. After their stop at Castle Cerwyn they made their way south along the King's Road towards the Riverlands.
As they traveled they made several other stops as well informing the lords of Lord Stark's command. They even sent word back to Winterfell of the preparations underway for winter. But it was at their last stop at Greywater Watch that Catelyn and Tyrion expressed some concern. Here they met with the only other witness other then the three knights that protected Jon Snow at the moment of his birth.
"Lady Stark, Lord Tyrion welcome to Greywater Watch." said Lord Howland Reed lord of the Crannogmen of the Neck. He escorted them down a path filled with driftwood and floating platforms. Catelyn remembered coming here years ago on her way to Winterfell with baby Robb. Now as she looked at it she can admire the splendor of the swamp people and how they cleverly hid their homes.
Greywater Watch is a large dwelling deep in the swamps of the Neck. Unlike the normal castles of Winterfell and Moat Cailin, Greywater Watch is made on a platform of floating stones. These stones allow the castle to float on the swamp and away from any prying eyes. At the moment the dwelling is within reach of both Catelyn Stark and Tyrion Lannister. They along with their men followed the lord of the Swamp towards his home.
"Ah Lady Catelyn this is my wife Jyanna and my daughter Meera. My son Jojen is in Winterfell studying magic and greenseeing," Lord Howland said to her.
Catelyn accepted his hand and allowed him to guide her onto the platform. He even helped Tyrion as well whose size would have been a problem. He led them into the dwelling which was also made of the same material. Though don't let one fool you. The outside of the building looks like nothing more then reeds and branches. Inside is made of the same floating rocks as the ones keeping the house afloat.
Catelyn studied the architecture of the home back in Winterfell. It was one of the standard training she had to learn when she was learning how to be a lady of the North. Inside were small fires to keep the place lit without worry of anything catching a blaze. The stone and the wood around the structure are coated in a special wax that is non-flammable so it is safe to use. The tapestries of House Reed flowed down from the rafters emanating pride in ones house. Just like all lords of their realm.
She then turned to Lord Reed as she looked at everything then she smiled, "Lord Reed I must thank you for your hospitality your son Jojen is doing well in Winterfell. He wishes to help my son Brandon with his Greenseeing when they make their way North of the wall." Catelyn said to him.
"I've heard about your son's accident. My condolences on your behalf," he said bowing.
"Thank you Lord Reed," Catelyn said.
"You must be tired from your journey come I will show both you and Lord Tyrion to your rooms. We will discuss more later at supper," Lady Reed said to them.
Tyrion who was silent agreed with her, "A warm bed would be nice My Lady and thank you once again for hosting us," his smile was warm.
"The pleasure is all ours Lord Tyrion, Jojen mentions you quiet a bit through his letters." Lady Reed said as she led them away.
The hallway of Greywater Watch is just like the others. With portraits of families past and even scenery around them. Catelyn was just glad she was able to come this far south to see it for herself.
When she gotten to her room it was sparse save for a few things that the Crannogmen find valuable. Catelyn knows that to them the simple things were a luxury. But still the wealth is here as she knows that they make most of their coin from trading. This goes with trading with the citadel and Winterfell in goods such as poisons and rare herbs. Still Catelyn needed a bit of a bath before supper and the Crannogmen were famous for their frog cuisine. Catelyn could not wait to try their honey glazed roasted Horn Toad again.
The same could not be said for Tyrion as he was anxious as anyone else about his visit to the capital. He agreed to go with Lady Catelyn to the Eyrie and then later to Riverrun, but it was after they reach Riverrun that Tyrion has to leave her company to head further south towards King's Landing.
It has been sometime since he has seen his sister Cersei and as such he dreads the visit. Even though he saw her at Winterfell a few moons back it was not the same as seeing her in the capital. Though luckily the visit was delayed by his visit to Lysa Arryn in the Vale. Tyrion could not help but feel a sort of dread crawl over his skin.
The door opened quietly and Tyrion turned to find someone he would have never thought to see in a long time.
"Ser Arthur Dayne! It is a surprise to see you again!" he said and clasp the hand of one of the former King's Guard.
"The Pleasure is mine Lord Tyrion. Tell me how is Prince Jon and Princess Daenerys doing?" he asked the dwarf.
Tyrion was honest in his answer, "Last I heard from them they were heading towards the Wall. Both were to receive training in Dragon handling at the Ice Dragon reserve just north of the Shadow Tower."
Ser Arthur was impressed, "Lord Stark had done well in raising our Prince and Princess. When word reached of Prince Aegon's achievements I was astonished."
"The prince was one of my finest pupils and he excelled in his studies as well as in his combat training," Tyrion replied.
"So I've heard. When Lord Stark told me years ago that he would be taking the Prince and Princess back with him. I could have sworn he was going to kill them. But after witnessing what he had done to our future queen, his sister I had second thoughts. Then he offered myself and my fellow knights a place in the North for safety from Robert Baratheon." Arthur said.
"I know, that is Ned for you a good man if you ask me. I myself am made the Librarian of Winter despite our differences." Tyrion said to him.
Arthur nodded as he allowed himself to sit, "I heard about your situation Brandon Stark's accident, and then about Lady Sansa I am sorry," he said to Tyrion.
"Don't be, I expect to learn more when I go to the capital. But first I am to go with Lady Stark to the Eyrie to discuss the situation with her sister. Apparently she is of the notion that the Lannisters are behind the killing of her husband Jon Arryn. Lady Stark and I believe it was not true at all," Lord Tyrion replied.
"You think he was murdered by someone else? Do you even believe he was murdered?" asked Arthur.
"I don't know," Tyrion shrugged, "All I do know is that Lord Stark sent me to the capital to discuss this with the Queen Regent. That and also find out if Myrcella and Tommen are safe. From what I understand Robert wanted them escorted to the North while Cersei wants them to remain at the capital. Joffrey is a threat to them I assure you." Tyrion replied.
"You believe that Joffrey is going to kill them?" asked Arthur.
"I know he will, I saw the madness in his eyes. I must speak with my father hopefully he can see reason for protecting them," Tyrion replied.
"Very well," Arthur said happy to know that his true king and queen are safe from harm.
After leaving the dwarf alone to his thoughts. Tyrion sighed with relief as he sat on his bed. His face showed his weariness as he went to the baths to clean himself up. Today was going to be a long day.
LATER THAT EVENING
Catelyn was more then happy to accept the honey glazed swamp frog with roasted lizard lion. There was also fish and mushrooms enough for the lady to eat much to her delight. Tyrion had never eaten such good food. Then again different parts of the North had different recipes for different food. He was more then happy to get something to eat on this long journey.
The Crannogmen were enjoying the feast as much as him. For anyone who had come here to the swamps they would have rather avoid it at all costs. But Tyrion laughed at them for the city was well built into the trees. It was one of the secrets of the North. The Crannogmen hid their encampments and their villages within the swamps. Using the trees and bogs to build their floating villages which can be safely hidden should invaders come. But this city is well hidden from anyone. The secret is the fact that the walkways can sink into the waters of the swamp. There hidden from view no one can see the pathways or the walkways of Greywater Watch. Or the walkways that lead to Greywater village either.
The homes of the villagers melt into the trees hiding them from view. It was because the trees grow around the house making it part of itself. The people inside can then provide much nutrients to the trees and the trees offer protection from danger. The swamp is also teaming with dangers as well such as the dangerous Lion Lizards and the deadly mud snakes that live in the deadly waters below.
Tyrion was glad he got to know the houses of the North on his tour with the previous librarian. When he started as the Librarian of Winter years before Lord Stark had just returned from his campaign with Robert Baratheon. The previous Librarian before him Alexander Bolton was the first to greet Lord Stark and instantly recognized Jon Snow's true parentage. For Bolton once served time with the City Watch in King's Landing before retiring back to the North. It was during the time of Aery's father so it was a peaceful time.
The war of the Nine Penny Kings was the one that Alexander Bolton fought in and returned home from. Being the third son of the Lord of the Dreadfort meant that Lord Bolton was unable to gain any titles or lands. Unlike his brother Roose whom inherited everything and his second brother who died during the war. Alexander was then asked to be a Librarian since the previous librarian died not long before. Lord Rickard Stark was the one who appointed him as the librarian and when Tyrion came along he then became Librarian after him.
Tyrion turns out was not the first person from the south to be a librarian. Before Alexander the man before him was from the Iron Islands which surprised Tyrion quite a bit. But Tyrion didn't care as he gotten his dream job of being in the most prestigious library in all of the known world. Old Town is the only other library that can compete with this one as far as knowledge goes. But here the books go into far more detail then anything the Citadel has to offer. As a token of peace they offer to send some of their maesters up north to study here.
But given that they come here they have to swear an oath that can't be broken. Violators are quickly dealt with and sent back to the Citadel where they would be punished by the Archmaester. That was the only thing in the South that they know of the North. The Library and the Wall. Other then that the North had done a very good job of keeping things in the low key. With the vast size of the North most people would assume that the North is sparsely populated and would often times send reports of how many people died during winter. Mind you Tyrion knows that a lot of those reports are false to throw truth seekers off the scent. The true number and population in the North is kept hidden making King's Landing believe that they have the least amount of people and the smallest army.
Well they would be fooled to fall for the trap. Lord Stark only sent a fraction of the men that he truly has keeping most at home to defend the Northern Borders from invasion. Tyrion had to smirk at this for he knew without a doubt that if Lord Stark wanted to he could have brought down the entirety of the Northern Army and kill off everyone in sight including his grandfather. The same was said for Lord Eddard Stark during Robert's Rebellion and that he was very wise to keep most of his men home.
Now the tides would have turned a lot quicker if he did this, but he knew that things would have been very different had Lord Eddard Stark taken the throne.
But Tyrion was just glad he did not for after seeing for his own eyes how powerful and how large the Northern army actually was then Westeros is sure to be in trouble.
With that said he bit down on his bread and found to his delight that the tart flavoring in the bread makes up for any sweetness he had with the frogs. Lady Stark seems to agree more as she finished her meal and sat there with the lord.
It was one thing about Northerners that he liked. There was no many course feasts unless it was an event like a wedding. There was only one meal and even among guests those meals are only one serving.
"So Lord Reed how goes the news from the South?" asked Lady Stark.
"When news reached us of King Robert's death we assumed as everyone else did. That he died from a boar. But news is starting to spread quickly from merchants that King Robert was a very skilled hunter. Even with his larger girth there was no way in hell he could have been killed so easily. Even when he is in his cups the King was known to be able to bring down a bear. So when word reached me about how the King was drunk when he suddenly had gotten gouged by a boar. I had my suspicions," Lord Reed said.
"Lord Stark had received news of a similar sort from the capital as well. He believes that someone is behind the death of King Robert. My own daughter was taken from us when she was on her journey. So are the events tied together?" Catelyn asked.
"I don't know but news also spread that Lady Lysa Arryn has been seen returning to the Eyrie. She did not look right in the head from what they told me," said Lord Reed.
"I apologize for my Husband's rude gesture Lady Stark," said Lady Reed but Catelyn smiled.
"I know what you meant Lady Reed, but Lord Reed was only stating what he heard on the road. Nothing more," Catelyn said
"My apologies my lady I had thought you would take offense to such news," Lady Reed said.
"No, I heard the same thing on the road here. And that is why I am heading south first to the Vale to see my sister. Then I am heading to Riverrun to be with my ailing father whom I had just gotten the letter that he is not well. Lord Tyrion is traveling to the capital after we conclude our business in the Vale." Catelyn said to her.
"Well good luck I've heard that your sister Lady Lysa has grown paranoid over the years, no offense," Lady Reed said.
"Bold words but they do hold some truth. From what I've been hearing my sister has not been alright in the head. Her son Robin has not been healthy either. I would like to see for myself what is going on." Catelyn replied.
"From what I understand going back to the earlier subject it all started with Jon Arryn's death is that right?" Tyrion asked Lord Reed.
"Yes, when we heard about King Robert's death the Crannogmen grew suspicious. Rumor has it that King Robert started questioning the blood of his own children. More so the eldest Joffrey." Lord Reed said.
"Both myself and Lord Tyrion knows that the younger two are definitely the King's. The eldest on the other hand we had heard whispers but we have no proof. That is why Lord Tyrion is heading to the capital after we conclude our business with Lady Lysa. Lord Stark wants to know the truth about his friend's death. And if possible bring both Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen back to the North. If not then back to Casterly Rock where they would be safe with Lord Tywin." Catelyn replied.
"Bring the Princess and the Prince back to the North? What would Prince Jon and Princess Daenerys say?" Lord Reed spoke.
"Both of them are undergoing their journeys right now. Lord Stark has insisted that they do so. In the mean time we need to be ready," Catelyn replied.
"The Crannogmen are always ready," stated Lord Reed.
THE NEXT DAY
Catelyn and Tyrion left Greywater Watch early the next morning. Having seen Lord Reed and giving him the instructions that Lord Stark insists be delivered before they leave for the Eyrie. Nodding his thanks both of them rode off into the early morning fog following the King's Road once again.
"So Lady Stark it would be strange to see your sister after so many years," Tyrion said playing jokes with her.
A soft smile graced her lips, "Yes it would seem, but remember much has changed over the years since I left Riverrun."
"I know Lady Catelyn and I do apologize for such a rude gesture," Tyrion said.
"It was not rude you are just cutting a joke like you normally would," Catelyn replied.
"I don't know if I will be much welcome in the Eyrie. After all you sister stated that it was the Lannisters that killed her husband," Tyrion replied.
"You mean blame the obvious? Then where would that put us? If I had not been trained by the Septa of Ice then I would have fallen for such tricks nearly ten and eight name days ago." Catelyn replied.
"True the North does have a way of erasing one's naivety rather quickly," Tyrion replied.
It took a few days to even get to the south of the Neck. Here the swamps gave way to the now fertile Riverlands. To the west just before the road swings to the east stood two towers. Catelyn and Tyrion both knew what they were and they were not stopping anytime soon.
The Twins looked ominous in the distance. Both Catelyn and Tyrion know for sure that if they wanted to cross the bridge then they would have to pay the toll. But instead luckily for them they are not heading west just yet and continued on wards towards another fork in the road a few leagues from where they now stand.
It was around evening time when they finally made camp. About another day's ride they would reach an inn near the crossroads to the Vale. Catelyn and Tyrion did not spend that much time talking for they left at first light the following day.
They marched down the road not stopping for luxuries until they came to the inn. The inn itself looked worn down but well maintained. The group stayed in the inn until it came time for them to move on. As they traveled they were about three hours till the crossroads to the High Road.
It was Tyrion's keen eye that stopped them. There in the middle of the road it looks like a cart was spilled. Catelyn slowly reached for her bow and strung it. Tyrion did the same with his crossbow and the others in their party also drew their bows and swords. Using her new skills Catelyn looked up into the hills and the trees. Now that she trained with the best the North has to offer she spotted her quarry quickly. Narrowing her eyes she managed to see the glint of the sword hiding through the leaves. She let her arrow loose and it struck true. The man dropped from the branches onto the ground with an arrow straight through his head.
Then all hell broke loose as around twenty armed men rushed towards them. Catelyn drew her sword and leaped from the horse with Tyrion providing cover with his crossbow. The horses stayed as they are being well trained for combat. As soon as Catelyn was off hers it ran into the trees awaiting her master's call. Tyrion did the same leaping off his horse. The guards also did the same as their horses as well went into the trees.
The first man that came at Catelyn was dressed similarly to the Free Folk only his movements are more savage. He swung wildly his neck was covered in a necklace of human ears. Catelyn wasted no time in dancing around him and swinging her sword at him killing him instantly. Drawing a dagger from her belt she threw it at another man who was coming at Tyrion from behind and he fell with a knife in his head. Tyrion returned the favor and shot another man that was approaching from behind Catelyn.
One of Catelyn's guards did a spinning kick at another man before slashing with his knife into the man's throat. Two more came from the rocks hoping to overwhelm them with sheer numbers. But Catelyn did not spend twenty years training with Ned Stark and the Septa of Ice to cry and wait for help. She is a Warrior of Winterfell and she would be damned to let these men take her. Swinging her sword she cut one man and then kicked another away from her. Her increase in flexibility shocked her as she did several cartwheels away from one man and wrapped her legs around another. When she reared up she stabbed the man in his eye with a dagger she had in her hand.
Tyrion was not only on the crossbow he was running with his small ax. Swinging with all his might given his shorter arms Tyrion swung at the ankles of some of the men there. When one man fell he leaped onto his chest and stabbed him with the opposite side of his ax. The man was dead instantly and even though his dwarfism is a handicap to most. He made the most of it with his ability to run between the legs of the much larger men. Hitting them with his dagger and then striking with his crossbow.
When the fighting was over only one member of their party was dead. He was shot in the head by a stray arrow from one of the attackers.
"Mountain Men," Catelyn spat as she kicked the last man down. Her dress luckily was built or combat as well as for lady fashion. Hidden in the folds are two slits that allow her to move freely when fighting. This saved her life when she took on those men. Now covered in blood all members of their party made for a small creek to wash the blood off their clothes. Catelyn burned her clothes along with the men with her. Washing and bathing in the nearby river proved to be helpful in dealing with the blood on her skin and getting out a spare dress from her pack she quickly put it on. When she was fully dressed and ready to go Tyrion stood beside her also dressed.
He was wearing the red of house Lannister, but the lion was accompanied by another sigil of a snowflake with a wolf's head. This is the sigil of the Library of Winter. It showed that he was its librarian and should be treated with respect.
The horses waited till they were on before they continued on their way down the High Road. Let the men who come through here know what happened. The would be bandits had their heads launched on spikes. It served as a warning to anyone else wanting to deal with the Stark Party.
It was a long way into the mountains of the Vale. The High Road was the entrance into the mountainous terrain. The Stark Party managed to make the journey up the mountain slope someway before the had to rest their horses. The uphill climb was hard on them and after the battle they deserve a rest. While they were waiting on the horses next to a nearby stream Tyrion could not help but break into a conversation with Catelyn.
"You know Lady Stark what would your sister think when she sees me?" he asked.
"I will not let Lysa arrest you if that is what you are talking about," Catelyn said to him. The man was grateful, "I know my lady," was his reply.
The continued their journey further into the Mountains of the Moon. It was around evening time when the sight of the Bloody Gate could be seen.
"Who would pass the Bloody Gate!" someone shouted from one of the towers.
"I am Lady Catelyn Stark of Winterfell here to see my sister Lady Lysa Arryn of the Eyrie," Catelyn called.
One of the men watching whispered to another. Tyrion and Catelyn could only wait till at last the gate opened and a man mounted on a horse appeared. The banner he carried was not one of the Vale. It was one of the Riverlands behind them.
The man who was mounted on it was dressed in black armor but with splashes of blue and red on them. His salt and pepper hair marked his scarred face. Tyrion and Catelyn knew instantly who this person was.
The man rode out to them and they can clearly see the trout on the river sigil on his armor.
"Lady Catelyn it is so good to see you," he said smiling.
"Uncle Brynden it is a pleasure," she said smiling and riding up beside him to give him a hug. He was surprised however by the bow strung over Catelyn's back.
"Catelyn dear what is that?" he asked her noticing the weapons on her.
"We were attacked uncle at the crossroads," Catelyn said.
"Well you can tell me more at dinner you must be exhausted. Come feast with us this night and then in the morning you can finish your journey. There is a storm coming so the road is unsafe for travel," he said to them.
As if the emphasize that thunder began to rumble across the sky. Laughing Brynden led them into the building attached to one of the towers. They dismounted their horses and again Brynden noticed something different about Catelyn as she gave the bridle to one of the stable boys. He then led them inside where a fire was going in the hearth.
"Thank you for inviting us Uncle Brynden," said Catelyn as she exchanged greetings with him.
Brynden Tully also known as the Blackfish was standing there with a smile on his face. He looked at Catelyn up and down admiring her choice of clothes which looks like any typical southern dress. The dark green color of her dress and the cloak with the wolf's fur collar showed where her house lies.
"I had no problem's Cat however I should question what you are wearing as far as that bow. And the fact you are in the company of Tyrion Lannister of all people," he stated his eyes showed his mistrust.
"I assure you Tyrion is not to do me any harm Uncle," Catelyn stated defending Tyrion.
"How would you know? Even here we all know him for his whoring and drinking," Brynden stated and Tyrion winced at the reminder of his former life.
Catelyn remained calm, "Lord Tyrion is the Librarian of Winter in Winterfell. As such to achieve that he has to give up certain habits. Mind you there are no rules against it however the work load he has to deal with everyday prevents him from pursuing his interests."
Tyrion breathed a mental sigh of relief at Catelyn's quick thinking. He did not want to indulge the reason why he had to give up such habits. But then again she had proven a point. He had been working a lot over the years and had not thought about drinking since he had become the Librarian.
"Very well mind you there are no brothels from here to the Eyrie. So if you want to relieve yourself you can fuck a horse...if you can," he stated and Tyrion huffed before allowing the men to leave.
Both he and Catelyn followed Brynden to another area of the Bloody Gate which is where the knights are housed. The largest rooms are for guests and people passing through. Of course Catelyn gets the larger room seeing she is a lady while Tyrion settles for the one next door.
The night was just as quiet with nothing going on, but Tyrion could hear Catelyn catching up with Ser Brynden. Of course he should not be surprised seeing as he is Lady Catelyn's uncle.
But Tyrion had felt slightly hurt about the accusations of his previous life. Living in the North had shielded him somewhat from the rumors and goings of the Southern Kingdoms. And being the Librarian of Winter had also added to it given his duties to the Library itself.
Tyrion laid down on his bed it was not soft like Winterfell, but it will do. He kept one of his knives under his pillow and his ax at his side. He also kept his crossbow on the other side of the bed. Even though Brynden Tully is to be trusted Tyrion learned the hard way that looks can be deceiving.
MEANWHILE
"Cat what was with the bow strapped to your back?" Brynden asked of his niece.
Catelyn sighed, "We were ambushed as I told you earlier. I didn't want to take chances."
"Do you even know how to string a bow much less how to shoot it?" Brynden asked.
Catelyn sighed before grabbing her bow from the side and strung it with ease. The Ironwood bow was strong and durable, but when her arrow hit the wall it was another thing.
Brynden whistled when he saw Catelyn shoot that bow. The squealing rat was a sign that it hit its mark square without variation. Slowly he went through Catelyn's weapons and picked up her sword that she had left next to her bed. When he lifted it to the light however the sight shocked him.
"This is Valyrian Steel!" he stated to her.
"My husband got it for me as a late wedding gift. It was meant to be given to me by Brandon Stark his brother but...after his death Ned thought it was appropriate to give it to me upon his return to Winterfell. He even got me a trainer on how to use it. The Mormont Women of Bear Island are notorious warriors and he insisted on asking them to train me. Since the Rebellion there had been several raids on Winterfell. He wanted me to protect myself and my children," she lied not telling him that all women in the North were trained to fight.
Brynden smiled, "Did your husband not have the men to protect you Cat?" he asked.
"At the time no. The North is far too vast and much too sparse to spare men to defend Winterfell and leave their own homes defenseless. He would rather his lady learn to defend herself and protect our children then force what little men we have from their own homes," Catelyn replied.
"I see, so how does that affect your duties as a wife?" he asked.
"It doesn't affect my duties I still spend time with my husband and children. You should see them I have five now three boys and two girls," she said proudly.
Brynden whistled at the amount of children his niece bore. It must have taken a great deal of effort if his witnessing Robb's birth had anything to do with it.
"I had to thank my trainer for teaching me how to strengthen my muscles to help with the birth of two of my children," Catelyn said feeling some remorse.
"Why's that Cat?" he asked,
"Arya and Bran's births were hard. I nearly died each time I delivered them. If it wasn't for the teachings of the Mormont Women then I would have surely perished. Those two bore strong blood of the North," Catelyn replied.
"I heard he kept his bastard nearby is that true," replied Brynden.
"Jon Snow? Yes the boy was living with us, but I love him as if he was my own true born. That boy is very quiet and very polite but he means well. He helps around the castle as best he can and Lord Stark is having him train to be Robb's protector." Catelyn said.
"Normally the sight of a base born would have your nose high in the air at the possible scorn. Aren't you afraid of what that stain on your marriage would mean?" Brynden asked Catelyn.
"Yes, but a lot has changed in the nearly eighteen years since I left Riverrun uncle. The North is not like the Riverlands so I had no choice but to accept Jon Snow into my life. Besides as a mother I can't blame the child for something his father did. Ned may have been married to me, but war makes men seek a woman's bed. It hurts still but I can't blame Jon for what Ned did. Even though he is a constant reminder of Ned's infidelity." Catelyn replied to him.
"Very well, I will end the conversation there and leave you to your rest." Brynden then gotten up and made to leave but before he did however he turned to Catelyn.
"I must warn you though Lysa is not the same either. Both of you changed a lot, her for the worst," Brynden said to her.
Catelyn watched as he walked out putting her sword to her bedside. She crawled into bed feeling the aches and pains of the day drain away.
THE NEXT DAY
The next day and the day after that it poured hard making passing the Bloody Gate impossible. Tyrion and Catelyn waited with Brynden and the others till at last on the third day of their stay it was time to leave.
It was early when Catelyn and Tyrion rose meaning that the sun was just starting to rise in the east. Bidding the Blackfish farewell they rode away with their guard.
The mountain pass that leads to the Eyrie was treacherous to travel. The rain from the previous two nights made travel slow to a crawl for the party. The slippery roadway also made it dangerous for the horses so they had to travel on foot. Catelyn was leading her horse alongside one of her guards. Tyrion due to his height disadvantage was forced to remain on his horse. One of the guards held his reins as well as their own.
It was not till the early evening that they were forced to make camp. The roads had proven too muddy for them to travel any further. The exhausting thing was is that they only traveled for about ten leagues before being forced to stop.
There was no fancy tents pitched for them only small bed rolls with a small fire. Some of the men managed to kill a few birds for their dinner. One of the men found some herbs to be used for the cooking which gave the meat a nice aroma. Catelyn was grateful for her lessons in survival back in Winterfell. The Septa made sure they trained in all forms of combat and survival. During the early years of training she remembers being out in the wilderness with several other girls learning how to survive.
"What are you thinking Lady Stark?" Tyrion asked her.
"I was thinking about the early days of training," she said.
"Ah the training days oh how I miss those," Tyrion cringed remembering his own training.
The night was quiet save for a few animals that were passing by. But by morning the group rode off again down the road towards their destination. They managed to travel fifty leagues till at last they spotted the Eyrie in the distance.
The clouds that pass through the peak that made up the Eyrie makes the castle appear as if it was from another time. The bridge that make up the entrance was the only way in or out of the castle. Catelyn and Tyrion could hear the sounds of horses not far from the castle gates.
A group of men approached baring the sigil of House Arryn. The blue falcon flying towards the crescent moon was a sight for sore eyes.
"Lady Stark your sister was expecting you two days ago," the knight said from his horse.
"With whom am I speaking with?" asked Catelyn.
"James Royce Ma'am I am a cousin of Yohn Royce of Runestone," he said proudly.
"Are you a knight then?" asked Tyrion.
"No, I am merely a guard to Lady Arryn and young Lord Arryn," he stated.
"Alright then let us be off for I could use a good bath," Catelyn stated to him.
They rode the rest of the way to the Eyrie where instead of being ushered to their rooms. Catelyn and Tyrion were ushered into the main hall where Lysa sat on a throne of Weirwood. Beside her was a small little boy suckling at his mother's breast. But that is not what disgusted Catelyn. It was the fact that the boy was six years old! He was well weaned and should not be suckling still. But her eyes went back to her sister who had a look of thunder on her face at seeing them.
Or more particularly Tyrion.
"What is he doing here!" she shouted from her seat.
"He is here with me Lysa," Catelyn said.
"He is a Lannister and I told you what I think of the Lannisters. They killed my husband and tried to kill me," she said.
"Under what charge!" Tyrion spoke up.
"What charge is there? My husband was doing his duty fine he was healthy as can be one day and the next he is dead. That to me was a sign of murder and treason if you ask me!" Lysa practically yelled.
"We are not deaf sister there is no need to yell," Catelyn said in disbelief. This woman in front of her was screaming as if caught in a cookie jar.
"Yell? I am not yelling I am demanding what is he doing here!" the last part was a shriek and one everyone in the room cringed at.
"Mommy is he a bad man?" a shrilly voice said and Lysa turned down to the boy who was suckling her breast.
"Yes my sweet that man there is bad," she cooed at him.
"Then can we see him fly?" he said his voice picking up in volume.
"Why don't you run along now my sweet Robin. Mommy has got some things to say to the nice people here and then I will come by to feed you," she said.
The boy sighed before being escorted off from his perch. Now that he was gone Lysa turned towards her sister and guests.
"When your letter arrived it stated that you were supposed to be here two day ago!" she demanded, "And then you come and bring him, a Lannister here," she shrieked pointing a finger at Tyrion. Several of her guards drew their swords.
It was a good thing that Catelyn still has her cloak for it hid her sword.
"We were delayed do to a storm at the Bloody Gate. You do not expect us to climb the mountains in such horrible conditions?" Catelyn replied.
"Two days is two days you are still late or does the world still bow to Catelyn Tully." she said her voice full of remorse and hate.
Catelyn was shocked to hear such words from her sister. The sister she had known all those years ago whose heart was kind and sweet. That sister who loved all and everyone around her is gone. Instead what Catelyn see in front of her was a twisted version of herself.
What happened? That was the thought that went through her mind as she looked at her sister's crazed expression.
It was then that her expression grew stern at sight of her sister. Lysa didn't help but feel contempt at the sight of Catelyn.
"I told you that I was caught in a storm at the Bloody Gate. Go ask Uncle Brynden if you want to make sure. It would have been too dangerous to cross to the Eyrie. You should know that yourself!" Catelyn replied back.
"Still if that was the case you should have rode faster!" Lysa shouted.
"Faster? In that weather Lysa are you insane!" Catelyn shouted at her sister.
"When you said you were coming at a certain time I EXPECT YOU TO BE HERE!" she shouted.
Catelyn's eyes narrow at the sight of her sister but Lysa wasn't done.
"And it is also insulting that you dare to bring that thing in here. The Imp! The son of a murderer! The ones who killed my husband the Hand of the King and the King HIMSELF!" she screamed.
"Tyrion Lannister is the Librarian of Winter and no longer under the rules of his house. Are you suggesting that he murdered your husband?" Catelyn said her voice was even.
"He is a Lannister!," she spat at them.
"M'lady if I may?" said a voice and Catelyn turned to see a middle aged man with shinny armor on. His face was windswept and red from intense riding. But his stance could be nothing more then an experienced soldier.
"What is it!" she demanded.
"Lady Catelyn and Lord Tyrion had traveled far and must be tired from their journey. Perhaps when they are rested and fed then we can bring up current issues?" the last part was a question and one that Lysa growled at. But finally she relented before she made her decision.
"Very well, find my sister a room suitable for guests. He on the other hand is going to the sky cells," she said pointing to Tyrion.
"You will not lay a hand on him!" Catelyn said standing between herself and Tyrion.
"I had been hospitable to you dear sister but to him? He is a Lannister and they killed my husband," Lysa said to her.
"How do you know that? How do you know it was the Lannisters that killed your husband? Lord Tywin is not stupid enough to even think about invading. He is not foolish enough to kill the Hand of the King and risk war with the Vale. So tell me dear sister what drove you to find Tyrion Lannister guilty of crimes he did not commit?" Catelyn said her hand was itching for her sword.
At this Lysa laughed. Her laughter filled the hallways of the Eyrie. The sound was maniacal and frightening to most even her men seemed disturbed by the laughter. Catelyn however stood her ground and waited.
"You have no idea what goes on in the Capital dear sister. King's Landing is a cesspool of filth from the highest born to the streets of Flea Bottom. Everywhere you look there are vipers waiting for the opportunity to drag you down into the pits of hell. Playing their little games to see who would get the upper hand. My husband thought he would bring honor to House Arryn by being the Hand of the King when Robert Baratheon asked him to. You were not there when he was swallowed by the poison of court. Those vipers killed him! And they all work for House Lannister!" she said her voice filled with disdain.
"While you were out in the wilderness of the North I had to deal with the snakes of the Capital. You have no idea what it was like to deal with that bitch of a queen. To hear her screaming at every chance she got. Either from pleasure or pain I don't care, but it was enough to drive my husband to his grave. Her children...oh her filthy children all of them gold of hair like her brother Jaime. All of them look like Jaime! The filthy blood of House Lannister flows through them more then house Baratheon. Oh I know things dear sister I know them well," she said.
"So are you going to revoke the order to throw Lord Tyrion in to the dungeons?" she said.
"Of course not! Not when he is here polluting my home!" Lysa raged.
"Perhaps my lady another time," the same knight said.
Lysa growled in her throat before she waved her hand, "Fine he can stay in the servants quarters..."
"No!" Catelyn said putting her foot down.
"What?" Lysa said.
"Tyrion Lannister is the Librarian of Winter have you forgotten what he is?" Catelyn stated to her.
Lysa's eyes had shown how feral she is when she glared at her sister, "Are you saying that someone like him could become the Librarian of one of the oldest libraries in Westeros. Then Lord Stark is a fool for instigating him,"
"Lord Stark does not decide who is to be a librarian or not that is up to the librarians themselves. Alexander Bolton was the previous Librarian and he was the one who said that Tyrion Lannister was perfect for the role." Catelyn said her voice was just as firm.
Lysa's stare was just as hard as Catelyn's, and it took all of Catelyn's training as a warrior to stand her ground.
"Very well he can stay in a proper guest room until his trial in two days," she said and stood up to leave.
"Aren't you going to present bread and salt to us?" asked Tyrion.
"No," with that Lysa walked away anger clearly on her face.
"Well that went well didn't it?" Tyrion stated.
"I wish it turned out better," Catelyn replied.
"My lady many apologies on behalf of the Eyrie and house Arryn," said a voice and both turned to find the same knight as before standing there with a look of shame on his face.
"It is I who should apologize for not stepping in sooner," he stated.
"Whom are we speaking to my good knight?" asked Catelyn.
"I am Yohn Royce of Runestone you met my nephew on the road here," he stated.
"Ah yes, he was good company mind you my lord," Catelyn stated.
"Please this way I will escort you to your rooms since it is near mine," he stated and they followed him through the hallways.
It was sometime later that they finally reached the guest wing of the castle. Here Lord Yohn followed them into one of the rooms and closed the door firmly behind him.
"Lord Royce I know it is an inconvenience for you to escort us," Tyrion said to him but the knight held up his hand.
"No it is fine I don't mind," he stated and breathed a sigh, "It is not everyday someone can stand up to Lady Arryn. She had been insufferable since she returned to the Vale from the capital. And Little Robin Arryn? He is a sickly thing he is and looks like our liege lord. But his suckling at that age? He should be training in the art of combat not suckling still and spoiled rotten to the core!" at this he stopped himself after seeing whom he was addressing.
"My apologies Lady Stark, Lord Tyrion I didn't mean," he said but Catelyn the diplomat she was bid him to continue.
"It is alright Lord Royce this is the first time meeting little Robin and I hate to say it but I agree whole heartedly with you. At that age my own son was training in the training yard and attending lessons. Does Robin attend lessons?" Catelyn asked.
"No, he drove out the past two maesters who tried to teach him. Then he has a problem with seizures that is also a problem. I wanted to foster him at my home to get him away from his mother but she refused. Even threatened to throw me through the moon door if I so much as spoke it again," Lord Royce replied.
"It is unfortunate but why is she condemning Lord Tyrion he has done nothing wrong?" Catelyn asked.
"That is just it I don't understand. She became like this when Jon Arryn died shrieking like a banshee and claiming the Lannisters did it. If I didn't know better it sounded like she was trying to avoid something," he said.
Both Tyrion and Catelyn turned and looked at each other before thanking Lord Royce for the news.
"You're welcome and I should warn you to watch yourselves around Lady Arryn, Lady Stark she will try to be unfair at Lord Tyrion's trail," he said as he walked out the door.
The guards at the door opened it up for Lord Royce. Leaving both Catelyn and Tyrion alone. Then Catelyn called the men that came with her inside.
"Guard Lord Tyrion's room I fear something is not right here. Lord Royce left us with a warning I suggest we heed it," she said and they all nodded before leaving.
Tyrion himself left with them leaving Catelyn alone in her chambers. She walked over to the balcony and stared at the deep valleys below. A cold breeze came through from the North and Catelyn knew what that means.
Winter is coming
TBC
A/n: Whew that was fun to write. As I stated earlier I had lost my job about two weeks ago. In between looking for work and going to interviews I am writing this at the same time. I actually had to watch all the clips featuring Lysa Arryn just for this chapter. I wanted to get a sense of what her character is like and how she treats her older sister.
I also had a lot of fun writing this chapter. If I wrote all of what I wanted to write then the chapter would be too long. So I wrote this as the first part of the Catelyn and Tyrion portion of the story. Now mind you someone mentioned that I am dragging the plot along. But to me that is how Game of Thrones worked. If someone wanted constant action they should just watch some action flicks. That is not how GOT works.
So how do you like this chapter? Please leave a review on your thoughts and remember no FLAMES, BASHINGS AND LORE MONGERS PLEASE!
Thanks.
Oh as a reminder there is a constest going on that ends on October 31st so if you don't know the rules I kept them on one of the previous chapters. So with that I will leave you to have fun TILL NEXT TIME!
REFERENCE NOTE:
1 League = 3.4 miles I had noticed that in the middle ages they used leagues instead of miles. I read it up in one of my old college text books. Just so you know.