The Warriors of Winterfell

by black dragon

For thousands of years the people of the North had been known as barbarians and savages. People who know nothing of the culture and traditions of the south. But what if they are not as dumb or naive as you think? What if they are only hiding their true resourcefulness? Major AU you have been warned.

14. The Falcon, The Wolf and The Lion

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS

A/n: Thank you all so much this means a lot to me. Your reviews means a lot and I appreciate each and every one of them.

WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL

Chapter 14: The Falcon, The Wolf and The Lion

THE EYRIE

Catelyn woke to a feeling of being watched. That feeling did not go away as she surveyed the room. Years of training had her ears to the ground even in sleep. Looking about her, she was well aware that she had closed the windows before bed. The cold night winds blew through the mountain peaks giving the room a frosty chill. Slowly she reached under her pillow and grasped the handle of the knife she had hidden under it.

"Aunty?" a soft voice said.

Catelyn's eyes went wide by the sound of the soft voice that permeated the room. Slowly she looked up. The fire was still going strong in the hearth, but the figure standing there was pale as if cold.

"Robin?" she asked getting up, "Robin what is it?" Catelyn asked.

"Aunty I'm scared," he said as he came closer to her.

Catelyn watched as he paced and looked out the door.

"Robin why are you scared? Is it your mother? Where is your mother?" Catelyn asked suddenly afraid that something had happened while she was asleep.

"No, mother is fine she is asleep. It is good that she is asleep," Robin said.

Suddenly Catelyn became suspicious, "Robin what is going on?" she asked.

"Promise me you won't give me any more bad medicine?" he said.

Bad Medicine? Catelyn thought, "Bad Medicine?" she said out loud.

"Yes, mother always makes me take the medicine before she feeds me. It makes me feel funny. It also makes my head hurt," Robin replied.

"Why does it make your head hurt?" Catelyn asked.

Robin looked around before he came closer, "Promise you won't give me the medicine?" he asked.

"That I can promise," Catelyn replied.

"Mother, she is not right; not since father died," Robin said.

"I know my sister, your mother is a bit strange, but I assume it is probably because she misses your father," Catelyn replied curious.

But to her surprise Robin shook his head, "No, she is happy that father is dead. I know because she speaks about it to Uncle Petyr."

"Uncle Petyr?" now that has gotten Catelyn's attention.

Robin nodded, "Mother hates father she does not love him. Father always spends time with me and mother, but mother….she said that father is old and weak. She..." at this Robin started to look around as if someone might be listening in.

"Don't worry Robin the ones who would be listening in had been dealt with," Catelyn said. She made sure of it when she took over the guest room. It was one of the things that she learned to do when living in Winterfell. After guests arrive Lord Stark insists that the entire household is searched for any listening holes in the walls. Anything that would cause one to listen in to private conversations especially among those of the Stark Household.

She was not taking any chances here in the Eyrie.

Robin it seems was skeptical but as he looked around he cocked his head as if listening.

Just like a falcon, just like his father, Catelyn thought.

It was not long before Robin felt comfortable enough to voice, "Will the guards listen in?" he asked.

"I trust my guards with my life Robin they will not tell a soul," Catelyn replied.

Robin nodded before looking around once more. Then seeming satisfied at last he began to speak.

"Did mother tell you I have the shakes?" he asked.

"No, she never mentions anything to me other then how big and strong you are," Catelyn replied.

"I am not strong, am not big. I am small and weak and scared, mother makes me suck her breast. I am not a baby anymore and when I tell her no she makes me take the medicine. She says it is the seisures they make me mean and disobedient. She said it was father's fault he made me disobedient," Robin said.

"It's seizures Robin and why are you telling me this?" Catelyn asked.

"Because I want mother to stop! I want her to stop being mean to Lord Tyrion. He has done nothing wrong, the Queen has done nothing wrong. She did nothing to father. Ser Jaime did nothing to father they respected him. Father always talked highly of Lord Jaime said that even though he did a dishonorable thing he did it to protect people. He let Ser Jaime explain himself to him. Father may not like it but he understood. Ser Jaime was a knight and a knight took vows to protect the people. He fulfilled his vows. But father said he did something worse. I don't know what he did but it involves the Queen. Then mother heard father talking to Ser Jaime and the Queen." Robin said his voice quivering.

"How do you know all this Robin?" asked Catelyn.

"I saw, through the wall. I heard voices one night after a night terror. I went to wall and listened. It sounded like children so I thought they would want to play. But they vanished before I could see them. That is when I found the hole," he said.

"The Red Keep is full of holes that is why it is called a Viper's Nest." Catelyn said.

"Snakes are not bad they are good. Prince Oberyn is good he likes me, says that I am a little falcon. Said that I have good eyes I must keep them sharp," Robin replied.

"What else did you learn Robin?" asked Catelyn.

"I went into the hole it was full of rats. I followed the voices to father's office. The hole was very dark, but I was brave. I was not afraid, I went and I listened at the end. I saw father he was speaking to Varys. Varys he is nice he gives me treats when Mother is not looking. But he was speaking to father with some ill news. Mother was listening as well; I saw her through another hole. This one was near the door. She was listening to father speak to Lord Varys. They were talking about Joffrey and someone in the streets named Gendry. I don't know," Robin said and he started to sob.

"It is alright Robin if it is too much," Catelyn said.

"Mother was furious when she heard...I remember now. Father was speaking to Lord Varys about the Queen! He mentioned that Joffrey does not dye his hair like Myrcella and Tommen. They were told by the king to make their hair yellow like the Queen. I saw Myrcella and Tommen their hair un-colored is dark like the King's. Their eyes are blue but the Queen's is green. So the king makes them put glass in their eyes to make them green. He told father that he saw the same thing and that he saw another boy in Flea Bottom that looks like the King. Several children look like the king. Father wanted to know more but Lord Varys did not have answers." Robin said.

"Robin why are you telling me this truthfully?" Catelyn said suddenly fearful of the boy.

Robin looked nervous, "I need to tell you because if I don't then mother will make me take the medicine again. The medicine makes my head hurt and makes me forget. It makes me slow and….it….it gives me nightmares. It makes me shake uncontrollably and it makes me scared. I get seizures from it and…..father…. he didn't know. He tried to help me but….I think mother did something to him," Robin was clearly frightened by the looks of it. Catelyn had heard enough.

"Robin is your mother hurting you?" Catelyn asked.

It was then that the tears began to build in Robin's eyes. He tried to wipe them from his face to show that he was not afraid. Catelyn could see that the boy was trembling. Then everything started to make sense in the Eyrie.

From the first day she came here and Robin's awful reaction to them. All the way through dinner and even the two weeks that Catelyn had been here. The reason she stayed so long was because the weather had turned downright awful lately. Autumn storms had forced them to remain in the Eyrie delaying her travels to Riverrun. In a way it was a good thing or else she would have missed this opportunity to see what was going on. She remembers seeing Robin being dismissed quite often from dinner or from the throne room. Often with the excuse of poor behavior or seizures. It was well known that Robin was a sickly boy and that Lord Arryn tried to be a good father to him.

Maybe he was and his mother was not as protective as she seems. The trembling of the boy seems proof enough, but now Catelyn was curious. Just what is going on here in the South?

It was then that she knew that she had to get to the bottom of this, "Robin dear come here," she whispered.

Robin came running to her and held her as she wrapped her arms around him. For a boy of twelve he was awfully thin far thinner then he should be. In fact it felt like he was not eating at all.

"Robin sweetling when was the last time you had eaten?" Catelyn asked.

"I...think it was two days ago," Robin replied.

Catelyn sucked in her breath outraged at what she was hearing. She then hugged him tighter promising herself that she would deal with her sister and get to the bottom of this.

LATER THAT NIGHT

When Catelyn finally saw Robin back to his rooms she told her guards and the servants never to speak a word to Lady Lysa. She had her suspicions from the start and is going to investigate this further. But first she needs to report to her husband. She also needed to see to Tyrion who as she predicted did not get a fair trial. After two days being here Tyrion was found guilty of being a Lannister involved with Lord Arryn's murder and put into prison. Now with this new twist things are just getting better and better.

Pulling out a black mirror from behind her bedding she quickly pushed the button on the side of the mirror. When it lit up and came to life Catelyn saw the image of the mirror which shown the time and the sigil of House Stark. She quickly found what she needed on the mirror to speak to her husband. When his face appeared looking disheveled Catelyn was relieved.

"Ned?" she said.

"Cat? What is it?" Lord Stark's face was clearly worried when Catelyn asked for him.

"I have some news Ned that you need to hear now," Catelyn replied.

The sleep quickly left his face when she said it, "What is it Cat?" he replied.

Catelyn reported what happened in the past two weeks even what Robin told her. When she was done Lord Stark's face was grim. In fact it was more then grim it was angry.

"Are you sure about this Cat?" Lord Stark stated.

"Yes, and if we don't act soon Tyrion Lannister would be killed on false charges," Catelyn replied.

"Find Lord Royce tell him your suspicions, but tell him for the safety of his liege lord he must keep quiet," with that Lord Stark had a determined look on his face.

"I will seek him out I love you Ned," she said.

"I love you too Cat," with that Lord Stark's image faded to black leaving Catelyn to look into the mirror with tears nearly falling from her eyes. But then those tears were replaced with a determined look.

Getting out of bed she looked towards the still raging storm outside. If Robin was right there was a door right on the balcony. Getting dressed without handmaidens was easy enough the North never needed them. But she was glad for it now as she put on her battle gear and called in her guards.

"Did you hear what Lord Arryn said?" Catelyn asked her two guards.

"Yes Lady Stark," the one on her left said.

"Good I will head over to Lord Royce's room using the passageways that young Robin has shown me. I need you two to guard my door and pretend that nothing happened is that understood?" she said.

They both nodded and went to resume their role in guarding the door. Catelyn quickly strapped her sword on she quickly went outside to see where the passageway is. To her surprise it was right beside her window! The balcony has a slight ledge but the doorway was just near that edge. Catelyn was impressed by how they built it into the balcony. Perfect for anyone to come and listen in to conversations as well as assassinations. Pushing the door open she quickly entered the passage. Closing it behind her she was impressed that the door resembles the brick wall so that way it was well hidden. Following it down she managed to find what she was looking for.

The exit that led to Lord Royce's room was near the fireplace. Slowly and quietly Catelyn opened the door and entered the room.

Lord Royce's rooms are well lavished with animal pelts on the floor and banners with his house sigil hanging on the walls. From the looks of it Catelyn could tell that the Royce family are frequent visitors to the Eyrie. As she looked around everything was quiet….too quiet.

Walking further into the room she was just in time to see someone with a knife over Lord Royce's sleeping form.

Without hesitation Catelyn drew her sword and pointed it to the throat of the assassin. "I would not do that if I were you," she said.

It was when she said it that Lord Royce awoke, "What is going on here!" he demanded. Just as he said it the assassin attacked Catelyn with a dagger of his own. Catelyn dodged and her hand instantly blocked with her sword. Then in an instant she used her other hand to grab the wrist of the man and threw him across the room.

"Lady Stark?" Lord Royce said but Catelyn ignored him and went for the assassin. The man knowing he was outnumbered ran for the window and leaped over the edge. Rushing to the edge and looking down she did not see a body fall. So Catelyn knew that the man probably grabbed onto the ledge and found himself a hiding spot from one of the passageways.

Putting away her sword she turned to see Lord Royce standing behind her with his sword drawn. Catelyn knew that she was caught and instantly raised her hands in surrender. "Lady Stark what is going on?" Lord Royce said.

"You should tell me, I came in here to speak with you and I found that assassin trying to kill you." she said.

"I don't understand who would want to kill me?" asked Lord Royce.

"My question is why would they want to kill you? What had you done to warrant such an act?" asked Catelyn.

"I don't know Lady Stark I only came here to ask Lady Arryn if it were possible to foster young Lord Robin. It was his father's wish that his only heir be fostered by my household until he comes of age. It was decreed by my Lord himself. Yet when I came here I was met with nothing but resistance by your sister. The young lord from my perspective is a spoiled rotten little brat who deserves a good spanking," Lord Royce replied.

"All is not as it seems Lord Royce that is why I am here," Catelyn said.

"Really? Then why are you here? And where is my guards?" asked Lord Royce.

"Most likely dead I will go to the door and look myself you get dressed." Catelyn said as she walked towards the door and opened it. The two guards fell but not before Catelyn felt for a pulse. Feeling a weak pulse she sighed with relief.

"They are alive but heavily drugged," she said pulling out a dart from the neck of one of the guards.

"What is it?" Lord Royce asked.

"Not here I will explain in my chambers once I put the guards someplace safe where they can recover," she said.

Taking their armor off was easy and Lord Royce was surprised that Catelyn knew how to remove the armor from their bodies. When she was done and they were resting on his bed she then made Lord Royce follow her down the same passageway towards her own chambers. When they entered Catelyn made sure the door to the passage was sealed tight and locked before searching her room. She made sure no one was there to hear her.

"Lady Catelyn I must insist; what is going on?" Lord Royce asked.

"Things are not as they seem. Earlier Lord Robin came to my chambers begging for my help," she said.

"Lord Robin? But why? I would think that he would seek out his mother?" Lord Royce replied.

"I thought so too till I noticed that his eyes were clear. He was not speaking like a complete child though his words were broken I assure you my lord they were clear." Lady Catelyn said.

"What did he say?" Lord Royce asked.

"He said that my sister has been feeding him some sort of medicine. But instead of helping him it makes him into the state that you saw in the main hall," Catelyn replied.

"If that is the case then we need to know what she has been giving him," Lord Royce said.

"We also need to know what my sister did back in the capital. From what young Robin has told me my sister overheard a conversation between the Spider and Lord Arryn. The young lord was hiding in the servant ducts when he spotted his mother. They spoke of one of King Robert's children being a baseborn. He said that Lord Arryn thinks one of the children mostly likely Joffrey might be a bastard. It was two nights before Lord Arryn died that he overheard the conversation. Lady Lysa was furious thinking that Lord Arryn is questioning Robin's origins. The young lord is afraid that his mother has completely gone mad. The medicine she was giving him induces seizures to makes him dependent on her. So unless we know what is happening we can't help him." Catelyn replied.

Lord Royce looked thoughtful, "You know my lady from what you are telling me something is going on and I bet my money that Lady Lysa is abusing her own son. You said that he begged you to stop her from giving him anymore medicine yes?" he asked.

"That is right my lord," Lady Catelyn replied.

"Then we need to act quickly and the only way is to figure out a cure for the medicine that Lord Robin takes. So that means we have to know what was in it and I'm afraid the only one who knows is the Maester and he is loyal to Lady Lysa," Lord Royce replied.

"Not really, I know someone who is skilled at this sort of thing," Catelyn replied.

"Who?" asked Lord Royce.

"Tyrion Lannister," Catelyn replied.

"Tyrion Lannister? But he is locked up in the Sky Cells! How are we going to get him? You saw that trial it was rigged!" Lord Royce said to her.

"Of course it was rigged! My sister wishes to start a war with the Westerlands that is something I can not allow. Lord Tyrion may be the Librarian of Winter, but he is still Lord Tywin's son and if I know that old lion he will want war to get his son back," Catelyn replied.

"Let's hope that a raven has not left the Eyrie for the Westerlands Lady Stark," Lord Royce said.

"Indeed,we need a plan and we need it soon," Catelyn replied.

"I agree," Lord Royce said.

THE SKY CELLS

The nights were bitter cold and the winds howled across the cell. Tyrion huddled close to the door of his cell; his only source of warmth. He kept quiet for it any noise he makes would bring the guard back to his cell. He was calm though because the cold reminded him of Winterfell and his home in the Library of Winter. The bitter winds of the Vale were crisp and soothing. But inside his mind was reeling he knew Catelyn would try her best to get him out, he was sure of it. But the bitter cold nights and the rainy days did not help him. He was freezing and wished for his northern clothes. But instead he was dressed in a simple tunic and breeches. His regular clothes were taken when he was sentenced. The trial given to him by Lysa Arryn was rigged for there was no chance for him to defend himself. The boy Robin only laughed from his seat.

As he looked from his perch on the cliffside he noticed something approaching. Quietly and swiftly it came closer and closer. Then suddenly it landed right in his cell.

An Eagle!

It was a white eagle a bird that the North uses to send messages through the most remote places of the countryside. Faster and quieter then a Raven an Eagle can bring longer messages and packages to their recipients. They brought one from the North to send a message quickly to Lord Stark. Right now it stood before him.

Tyrion raised himself up and approached the bird. His hand was outstretched as he slowly stroked the bird. The eagle recognized him as one of its handlers and from the small chain around its neck it was one of the birds used by the Library. The eagle lifted its leg indicating the message that it carried as well as a parcel. As soon as the parcel was taken the eagle flew off back towards its cage.

Tyrion looked down at the package. It had the seal of House Stark on it and he quickly opened it up. There inside was some proper clothes as well as his weapons and a letter. He recognized the handwriting as Catelyn's. Quickly he had gotten dressed and sighed at the warmth his clothes had given him. And he felt much more comfortable now that he had his weapons back. Though he misses his crossbow and his axe. Tyrion was just glad Catelyn had given him his daggers. He missed the two daggers with the lion's head engraved on them. He had forged them himself with some help from Lord Stark. It was a valued gift and one Tyrion was not going to waste.

He then looked at the letter attached to the parcel.

Tyrion,

I need you to be ready. Lord Royce and I are going to get you out of there tonight. I will explain the rest of the plan when it comes into fruition.

Catelyn

Tyrion nodded as he waited for the plan to take effect.

CATELYN'S ROOM

"Lady Catelyn are you sure this is going to work?" Lord Royce asked.

The sun had risen over the horizon. Lady Catelyn was inside Lord Royce's rooms using the what she now knows as the servant's passages. The servants came through the same passage earlier that morning to stoke the fires and to serve Catelyn her morning meal. After breaking her fast Catelyn and Lord Royce discussed getting Tyrion Lannister out of the Sky Cells.

"We need to wait till evening and when that happens we must get to Tyrion. It would not be easy seeing as the guard is a trusted servant to Lysa." Catelyn said.

"So how are we going to do it?" asked Lord Royce.

"Simple, the only way to get to him is from the open area of the cell. One side is open so we can do it that way. All we need is some rope which I can have one of my men provide," Catelyn said.

"Climb down to the Sky Cells? You are a lot braver then I realize Lady Stark," Lord Royce said.

Catelyn could only smile as her plan is about to come to fulfillment.

LATER

It was just after lunch that Catelyn saw her sister. She was busy speaking to several men about a disturbance just south of Gull Town. When she was done she turned to her elder sister.

"Ah sister how is your stay here in the Vale?" Lysa said to her.

"It is very well thank you," Catelyn replied knowing very well that Lysa was only pretending to be civil for the sake of her guests.

"Good, the roads are still too treacherous to travel from what I hear but at least the rains have stopped," Lysa said to her.

"That is wonderful news hopefully I can get to Riverrun in record time," Catelyn said to Lysa.

"Yes, I know and I also know that there is going to be an execution later this week," Lysa said her voice filled with glee.

Catelyn's face started to pale, "You can't mean executing Tyrion Lannister?" she said.

"The traitor must die! He is a traitor to the crown and a threat to my sweet Robin. His family killed my husband and crippled your son so how can you defend that man in the dungeons?" Lysa said to her.

"Tyrion Lannister did not cripple my son! He is innocent! His brother and sister are the ones who hurt Brandon. I will not condemn a man who is innocent for the crimes of his siblings. I sure hope you reconsider sister for executing Tyrion would mean war with the Westerlands. And I promise you that Tywin Lannister will not spare you should you decide to commit an act of war." Catelyn replied.

"I have the Knights of the Vale at my back sister and Tywin will have no chance to invade the Eyrie. He and his ilk will pay for my husbands murder!" Lysa said.

"We shall see sister because as it stands you know nothing of war. Tywin is a seasoned warrior and an expert strategist what you say right now would mean death for you and Robin. Think about that before you execute Tyrion Lannister. If you choose to do so then House Stark and House Tully will not help you when Tywin comes knocking on your door." Catelyn replied before turning on her skirts and walking down the corridor.

As she walked she could hear her sister screech in rage. Lysa threw things around like a child throwing a tantrum. Catelyn was convinced that something must be done about her sister's behavior and part of her investigation would be to see what the other lords think of their Lady. Turning the corridor she spotted one of her, 'bodyguards' standing there waiting. As they walked she pulled out the black mirror. The mirror's reflection was slight and won't reflect much of the light unless in the direct beam. As she looked she could see a person following.

The person was nothing more then a servant, and after turning towards the gardens she watched as the servant disappeared into one of the many passageways of the castle. When she entered the gardens and then the Godswood she spotted the servant yet again. Deciding on changing tactics she walked across the godswood towards the Sept where she knelt down in front of the various statues mimicking prayer. Though she still is a devout worshiper of the Seven Catelyn retained the skills she had learned of the North. Kneeling down to pray she waited silently for her follower to pursue her.

She held her dagger that she had hidden in her sleeve ready. As the person came closer Catelyn waited till the doors to the Sept closed. She waited till the servant knelt down next to her as if going to pray. Looking over at the servant Catelyn could see it was a girl. Then like lightning the girl went to strike at Catelyn. But Catelyn was quicker as she grasped the girls' wrist and twisted. The girl sent a kick towards her but Catelyn was quicker.

Drawing her dagger out she met the assassin with the speed of serpent. The girl was strong for a servant but Catelyn had her suspicion as to what the girl really is. The girl threw a kick in Catelyn's direction but she did a back flip to avoid the foot. Landing on her feet she gotten into a fighting stance.

The servant girl was surprised by Catelyn's fighting stance. Her left hand was out in front of her while her right hand held a dagger. The girl attacked again aiming high but Catelyn was faster as she raced towards the girl before using the wall as a launch pad. Leaping over the girl she backflipped with her legs outstretched. Landing on all fours she was up instantly after the servant peeled herself off of the wall. Covered in blood from a broken nose she turned to Catelyn.

"Who are you?" Catelyn demanded.

"I should be the one asking that question Lady Stark. Who trained you? Those are not the skills of a noble woman." the servant said holding her knife to her hand.

"My training is none of your business," Catelyn replied.

The servant woman attacked again this time she did a series of cartwheels but Catelyn only ducked down and delivered a sweeping kick knowing her off balance. She went crashing into one of the shrines.

The crash apparently was heard from outside as the door was swung open and several guards came into the room. Lord Royce was among them as they surrounded the girl. The girl held the dagger to the swords of several men. The woman looked shocked at the number of men surrounding her. She held her knife ready to fight but it was Catelyn's own that made the woman surrender.

The woman's hands lifted but Catelyn wasn't done with her yet. Slowly she reached up with her remaining hand and tore off a section from the woman's face. Instantly the woman's face changed to that of a man and the others backed away in surprise.

"Who sent you?" Catelyn demanded.

The assassin glared at her but Catelyn held her dagger and repeated in Valyrian. The shocked look on the man's face was all she needed to know. Then he started to mutter, "I know not whom my employer is I was sent to deal with the target." he said.

"I'm the target I would presume?" Catelyn said.

"No, you are a liability," was the reply.

Catelyn was not surprised by the assessment. Most assassins kill the witnesses to avoid anyone identifying them. However this one made a huge mistake. Taking her knife she came closer to him.

"You don't know who I am do you Faceless Man?" she said.

"No, I was paid not to know my targets," The Assassin said.

"I am Lady Catelyn Stark, Wife of Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell and if I remember correctly killing a Northern Lord goes against you vows," Catelyn said in Valyrian.

The man's eyes widened in alarm. Realizing his mistake he knew what the punishment is.

"Take my life then for I will be dead anyways for my failure," the Assassin replied.

"Very well then," with that Catelyn cut his throat allowing him to bleed to death the floor.

The man surrounding her were shocked when Catelyn cleaned the knife and put it back. The one who was the most surprised was Lord Royce. He could only stare at Catelyn as she turned to him.

"Lady Catelyn I did not know you understood Valyrian?" Lord Royce said.

"I took it when I was in Winterfell. The Library of Winter has very good books on the language and I found myself wanting to learn it. Even though it was the language of the Targaryens." she said.

Lord Royce whistled at the sudden admission of Catelyn, "You grasp of the language is very good Lady Stark I commend you on your fast thinking. But what intrigues me is the fact that I just watched you use a knife like a seasoned warrior on an assassin."

"My husband insisted that I learn to defend myself should Winterfell be invaded. When Robert's Rebellion ended he did not have enough men to defend the castle. Even during the Greyjoy Rebellion he did not have the resources. So he insisted that the Master of Arms from Bear Island teach me how to defend myself," Catelyn used the same story she had told her uncle. That the women of Bear Island are famous as warriors. So why not use them as an excuse to tell the Lord of her fighting style.

"I see a wise decision of Lord Stark, but why not have the women be your body guards?" Lord Royce asked.

"Of that I don't know but it helped me numerous times including the birth of two of my children. So in a way I am grateful for the teachings," Catelyn replied.

"Well if you life is still in danger where are your men?" asked Lord Royce.

"They are doing what I asked them to do, protect Lord Robin. I can take care of myself as you saw but I fear for his life," Catelyn did not want prying ears to hear what she had to say. Lord Royce caught on to the statement.

Turning to his men the addressed them, "Guard the doors and make sure no one enters. I wish to have a private word with Lady Stark and what you saw in this room stays in here understand?" he said to his men.

The nods and acknowledgments were heard as they left the room.

"Where are your guards?" he asked.

"I asked them to get me a sample of the medicine used by Lord Robin. I also told them to check Lady Lysa's room for anything of value to use for our investigation. They will return to me this evening when we retrieve Lord Tyrion," she said.

"Lady Lysa will know that someone searched," Lord Royce said.

"Not really, my guards are discrete that is why Lord Stark hand picked them. He had sent me a raven telling me to investigate Lady Lysa because we had received a letter from her telling us the Lannisters were the ones who killed Jon Arryn. But…." Catelyn didn't finish.

"But you believe otherwise," was the reply.

"Exactly, we believe something else is going on here that is why my daughter Sansa was taken recently. Someone is trying to start a war. If that someone is my sister then there will be hell to pay with both the North and the Westerlands. Lord Tywin will not stand to see Tyrion executed there will be deadly retribution and I don't think the crown will stand for it either. After all the Queen is a Lannister and if her father goes to war the Crown will surely rise the rest of the realm. You don't want that do you?" Catelyn asked.

"No, I don't," Lord Royce replied.

"Then help me! Help me figure out what is going on here! We need to know! We need to stop this madness before it starts. First the death of Jon Arryn and then the death of the King. Something is going on here and we need to find out what it is," Catelyn said to him.

Lord Royce nodded, "It is what my honor as a sworn Knight of the Vale and Lord of Runestone demands. That I must protect my Liege Lord from harm. If Lord Robin is in danger then it is my sworn duty to protect him." he said to her.

"Glad we have an understanding," Catelyn replied.

A knock happened just then and then it was swung open to allow Lysa Arryn to storm in.

"What is going on here I heard that you had been attacked sister!" Lysa said with her own guards.

"I am fine sister, Lord Royce was only seeing that I am safe and wanted to give me privacy to gather my thoughts," Catelyn replied.

"But you were attacked! Who would dare attack the Lady Stark of Winterfell so far from the North? I demand to know answers!" Lysa said.

"I don't know but this person was dressed like one of your servants sister. I don't know who sent him, but I hope you would have the answer," Catelyn replied.

"I don't recognize him but then again I don't really pay attention to servants. That is twice that this is happened. I will triple the guards to ensure that you are safe. Where is your guards Lady Catelyn?" Lysa said noticing the absence.

"They are where I told them to be guarding my door from anymore break ins." Catelyn said not telling her of their real mission.

"You should have at least two with you at all times from now on. I will not have another death in my own home!" with that Lysa left muttering about tending to her son.

Both Catelyn and Royce breathed a sigh of relief as well as those of Royce's personal guards. When she left they quickly made their way towards Catelyn's rooms where the rest of the Northern guard remained. Once inside Catelyn quickly turned towards the guards, "What have you found?" she asked.

One guard stepped up, "Lord Robin had these next to his bed m'lady," he said presenting some bottles. The bottles were sealed tight but from what Catelyn could tell the smell alone was strong enough to make her dizzy.

"You have done well and what about Lady Lysa's rooms?" she asked.

The door opened and another man entered he breathed a sigh of relief as he closed it behind him, "Sorry I'm late had to avoid a few guards outside of the Lady's room. She has guards everywhere patrolling every room." he said.

"Did you find something?" Catelyn asked.

"Yeah these," he said producing a clear bottle with some ashes inside along with some documents that were hidden inside his cloak. Catelyn quickly took them before thanking the guards.

"You know what to do once the sun sets," Catelyn said.

The man nodded before leaving with two other guards. Catelyn breathed a sigh as she looked at the documents in her possession.

"What are they?" asked Lord Royce.

"I don't know but we will find out once Tyrion gets here I want him here to see this," Catelyn replied.

MEANWHILE

Tyrion waited patiently having taken out his gear and hiding them away from the door so the guard can't see them. When his meal was given and thanking his height he put them back on before waiting. It was not long before a rope could be seen over the edge of the cell. Tyrion could barely see it as it was off to the side of the hole meaning that whoever was climbing down knew not to get seen. The sounds of rocks falling meant that someone was coming down. Tyrion put on his gear and rushed to the edge to see what was coming.

When the person shown himself his balding appearance and happy face was more then Tyrion could hope for.

"Bronn!" he said happily.

The man smirked, "Ya miss me little lion!" he said to him.

Bronn was one of the Northern guards who had originally come from the south. When he entered the North he originally was going to be sent to the Night's Watch to pay for crimes done in the capital. But Lord Stark had seen something in him that made him change his destiny from Watchmen to Guard. Not that Bronn didn't mind the Library of Winter was amazing to behold. And after learning how to read and write from the man himself as well as how to fight the former criminal had a new setting in life.

And it was partially because of this man before him. The Librarian of Winter, Tyrion Lannister had given him a purpose. Bronn was not about to waste it by being a sellsword. The training he had gotten in the North was something that no man had dreamed. It was twice as grueling and the fighting style was way different then what he normally would see in the Southern Kingdoms, but Bronn would not have traded it for anything in the world. The best part is the brothels and the whores he got to meet while up there. They were the best thing that has happened to him.

Now however he gets to pay back part of his debt by helping Tyrion.

The smaller man ran up to him to offer his hand. Bronn shook it before offering his back, "Come on Lady Stark is waiting," he said.

Tyrion was glad to get out of there as he hoisted himself onto Bronn's back. The former sell sword made his way back to the rope before leaping onto it and climbing upwards towards the rooms.

CATELYN'S ROOM

Lord Royce had long since returned to his rooms to avoid being noticed by Lady Lysa or anyone else in the Eyrie. Catelyn had to play her part carefully while looking at the samples on her table. She had moved the bottles to her chamber to avoid being noticed by the servants. By hiding them in a vase no one took notice of the changes of appearance in the plants.

When the sun had fully set the ropes leading to the Sky Cells below began to move. Catelyn waited till at last Bronn returned with Tyrion on his back. When he came back over the balcony Catelyn helped him up and got him to sit down allowing Tyrion to dismount.

"Glad you're safe Tyrion," Catelyn said to him.

Tyrion smiled, "As much as I enjoyed the view I would rather not spend another night freezing my balls off," he said as he moved towards the fire placing his hands on the flames he was glad for the warmth. After a few minutes of warming himself up Catelyn offered him some wine to help with warming his body.

"Ah nothing like a good glass of wine to help with warming yourself," he said.

"Yes and I have something to tell you," Catelyn said and began to tell him about what she heard and what she had seen while he was in the cells. To Tyrion's surprise Catelyn told him about the visit of Lord Robin Arryn and about the attempted assassinations. When she was done Tyrion was deep in thought. His mind processing what he was told by Catelyn about the events that had happened, and about what is about to occur.

"Catelyn do you have the samples?" he asked.

"Of course and I have your things thanks to the guards," Catelyn said.

"Good, I will need a few things from them," Tyrion said.

Just as he said it there was a knock on the door. Tyrion quickly rushed to the door and hid right when Catelyn asked who is to enter.

"One of Lady Lysa's handmaidens m'lady," said the guard.

"Let her in," Catelyn said.

The woman was quickly rushed into the room. Her demeanor was shy and her composure meek. Her eyes looking towards the floor in humility when she was presented before Catelyn.

"What can I do for you child?" Catelyn asked.

"I am sorry to bother you Lady Stark, but Lady Arryn wishes to let you know that supper is ready," she said.

"Thank you," Catelyn said as the girl left to fulfill her duties.

Once she was gone Tyrion emerged from his hiding spot behind the door. Breathing a sigh of relief she nodded to him before heading down to supper. After she left Tyrion immediately went to work pulling out the bottles from their hiding spot.

MEANWHILE

Catelyn walked down the corridor that would take her to the main dining hall. When she entered Lysa was already sitting there with Robin. The boy looked to be just as thin and frail as before only he didn't look like he was eating. Dark circles were under his eyes, from what she could tell he was taking it well.

"Ah sister please we are waiting for you to eat with us," Lysa said indicating that Catelyn should sit to the right of her.

"You're late! She's late mummy!" Robin said his eyes glazed over and his hands were trembling.

Catelyn nodded before sitting next to her sister. The three course meal was more then Catelyn could stomach, but she made due with what she had. She did not want to insult her sister so she ate in silence. Lysa however was not silent as she ate her meal.

"So when are you leaving dear sister?" she asked.

"In a few days, by then the roads should be safe enough for travel," Catelyn replied.

"That is good I hope your journey to Riverrun will be a safe one," she said.

"I know sister and might I ask for Tyrion Lannister's release!" she said.

"No, he will be executed the day after you leave. I don't want you interfering with his execution," she said.

"I hope you know what you are doing sister because when Tywin Lannister hears of this there will be retribution," Catelyn replied.

"He can't get into the Vale; no one can. Only if one were to pass the bloody gate would they be able to enter. The Mountains of the Moon provide protection against land invaders and the sea is as dangerous as that of the Stormlands. So if he were to come here his army would be killed instantly." Lysa said arrogantly.

"Then may the Gods continue to provide protection dear sister," Catelyn said as she looked at Robin the boy had not touched anything on his plate the entire time. In fact it looks to be uneaten and empty.

"Lord Robin?" she asked gently.

The boy looked up and Catelyn could see that Lysa gave him the medicine he feared, "You look rather pale are you feeling well?" she asked.

"Robin had a seizure this morning so he is recovering. The Maester said he should eat something to help with the dizziness right sweetie?" she said.

The boy only hugged his mother and Lysa's eyes softened as she held onto her dear son. Catelyn knew she had to act quickly for the boy was nearly skin and bone. When she was done with her meal she went off to her rooms once more.

Once inside and the door securely shut she saw Tyrion with several books out and the bottles in his hand.

"What have you found out?" asked Catelyn.

"Well I have found out what she was giving Robin," Tyrion said.

"What is it?" asked Catelyn.

"Essence of Moon Sugar," he said.

"Essence of Moon Sugar? You mean Skooma," Catelyn replied.

"Exactly, able to cause one to experience intense moments of bliss. Often sold in the streets of the Free Cities most notably Asshai and the Shadowlands it is a very strong narcotic. Moon Sugar is often used by sorcerers to see evil or to ward against it. If used enough one can become addicted to it. In children however it can be dangerous causing seizures and forces the body to reject food. What the fuck was she thinking," Tyrion said.

"Not even I would indulge my children into taking Skooma. That is dangerous!" Catelyn said.

"Apparently the Maester has been administering it for sometime. The bottle I had gotten from Lysa's room also is skooma." Tyrion replied.

"We need to get Robin out of here now," Catelyn replied.

"Does Lord Royce know?" asked Tyrion.

"He will now," Catelyn replied as she opened the door to let Lord Royce through.

"Lady Catelyn did you find out what Lord Robin is taking?" he asked when he entered.

"Yes, have you heard of Skooma?" asked Catelyn.

"Skooma? You mean the drug used in incense to help calm the nerves?" asked Lord Royce.

"Normally if smoked in incense it is harmless because it is administered in smaller doses, however when drunk or consumed it has very 'potent' effects," Tyrion replied.

"Is that what Lord Robin is taking?" he said.

"Yes, in liquid form it is dangerous to consume because the person taking them would become delusional. Their minds would be reduced to that of a child. Unable to comprehend what is going on and make them highly irrational. Priest use them in rituals that help them gain visions. It leaves one in a state of paranoia if they are not careful," Tyrion replied.

"What about children?" Lord Royce asked.

"In children it is worse since their minds and bodies are still developing and growing. Skooma causes a child's mind to be reduced to that of an infant causing seizures and impairs the growth. Robin is twelve name days old yet his mind is that of a two to three name day old. By now he should have been learning how to protect himself and his people instead because of his mental and physical state he is reduced to nothing, but skin and bone. For Skooma causes lack of appetite, seizures and mental impairment in children," Tyrion said.

"What does Lady Lysa gain in all this?" Lord Royce said.

"I don't think Lysa is aware of what she is doing to Robin. The drug is very addicting and it will take time to overcome. Robin however can be saved by switching out the medicine that he has been taking. If we can do that and get rid of the Maester, find out who he is working for then we can help save House Arryn." Tyrion said.

"But from what I understand you both will be leaving in a few days," said Lord Royce.

"That is why we need to act quickly! Robin can't stay here no more. He needs to be taken out of the Eyrie and the Vale completely. He has to go North. I will take him with me to Riverrun and then to Winterfell. You need to do something about Lady Lysa gather as much of the other lords of the Vale and tell them what is going on. We will inform Lord Tywin what is going on before we depart. That way we can prevent a war from starting. If we can reduce bloodshed before Winter hits the better," Catelyn replied.

Lord Royce nodded in agreement, "But the cure must be given then and Robin has to understand why he needs to take it."

"I can deal with Robin, the real problem is my sister. She plans on executing Tyrion the day after I leave for the Riverlands," Catelyn said.

"Oh, that is not good," Tyrion replied.

"I know, so we need to leave quickly and get Robin out faster," Lord Royce said.

"What we need is a distraction for when that day comes. I need to be out of here before then," Tyrion said.

"Alright, but how do we deal with both Lady Lysa and Lord Robin," asked Lord Royce.

"Leave that part to me," said Catelyn.

TBC

Whew sorry about the delay I started my new job recently so things have been very hectic with my busy schedule. If you had not notice I have a contest going till the end of the month so October 31st is the last day for the contest. If anyone is interested the contest rules are a few chapters back. I know I am not the best at making things like this, but I tend to try. Winners will be announced in December I can't push it sooner because of the holiday season.

But anyhow how is that for an interesting chapter? Things are getting more and more twisted. Just one more chapter to finish Catelyn and Tyrion's arc and then we go into Sansa's story. Man I am loving this story more and more and the things I come up are fun to do. I hope you are all enjoying this and I will hear from you in the next chapter. Oh and before I go please remember to leave a review and no BASHINGS, LORE MONGERS, AND FLAMES PLEASE! Aloha!