DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS
A/n: Thank you all for your support of this story it means so much to me. Everyday someone new favs and follows the story which makes me happy. That puts this story up to 379 favs and 466 follows as of the day I started to write this chapter. Man I feel so good right now despite all the crap I dealt with in the past few months. So anyhow it is 2019 and the contest is over and since it was obvious that it was ignored or not well received I removed the chapter that contains the contest rules. If you are angry about the update with no chapter I do apologize for it.
And in case you are wondering the terms of Skooma and Moon sugar came from the Elder Scrolls video games. It is a narcotic that is similar to Heroin as far as symptoms go. Just for future reference.
Alright with that said on with the story.
WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 15: Lysa's Hidden Truth
THE EYRIE, THE VALE OF ARRYN
It was in the dead of night when the group gathered in Catelyn's rooms once again. Tyrion along with Bronn had been busy gathering intelligence into Lysa's things. Lord Royce was following the movements of the guards and Catelyn on her sister and nephew's own movements.
"Alright we are almost ready and my men have been gathering my things as we speak. I must leave two days from now. We had been planning this all week and it is about time we fight back. Tyrion how is the cure?" Catelyn asked Tyrion Lannister.
"The cure is complete and ready the ingredients we had your men gather was sufficient enough. Are your men ready to depart Lord Royce?" asked Tyrion.
"Yes, I will see you at the Bloody Gate your uncle will be waiting for us I presume?" Lord Royce replied.
"Yes and I hope you informed your nephew as well of what is going on?" Catelyn replied to him.
"He and his men are ready as we speak if anyone should follow us then it is without a doubt that we can hold them off," Lord Royce said to her.
Catelyn breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't know if this might go off smoothly or not, but one thing was for sure Lord Robyn can't stay here any longer. They have to break him away from Lady Lysa and get him to safety. She and her cohorts had planned this and soon it would be time to strike. They had gone over the plans for days every movement of everyone so the final phase fell to Catelyn. And this time she would be doing it alone.
So as the men began to make the final preparations she dressed in her battle gear. A silk dress that was split down the sides and the middle to allow for better leg movement. A pair of specially made travel pants and boots that are made for climbing and silent movement. Tucking her dress in with specially made straps she grabbed her sword and strapped it to her back ready for battle. Her knife she placed at her side and her bow and quiver are also placed behind her. Then tying her hair in a tight braid and then wrapping it into a bun. Two specially made hairpins with the wolf's head in silver to hold it in place. The final part was the head wrap and mouth cover that goes around her face. This was to make sure no one recognizes her. The only thing that shows were her eyes but specially made glass makes them look a different color then what they were. She then became a shadow as she slipped from the window into the moonless night of the Eyrie.
Silent as a ghost Catelyn climbed the walls towards the highest part where she knew her sister to be sleeping. The boots on her feet are more flexible then those of ordinary boots allowing for better grip on the stones of the castle. Her gloves on her hands better fitting and having a ridged surface on the palms, better for gripping. Climbing further she managed to reach her destination and slipped into the shadows just as the servants entered the rooms to make sure it was ready for their lady.
Lysa entered her chambers looking flushed as she laid down on her bed. She was beside herself as she undressed and her handmaidens placed her night dress on her. As soon as she was back in bed they all ran out of the room leaving her there on the bed to sleep. Catelyn however watched as Lysa got up from her bed and reached into her drawer for a bottle. It was a dark bottle that much she could tell and watched as Lysa uncorked it and drank from it. The smell that came from the bottle is too familiar to Catelyn.
Skooma
"They think they could rule me can they? Lord Royce thinks that I can't rule the Vale as good as any man. Already the reports of a good harvest have made it to me. All because I placed more guards at the villages where farms grow! What is wrong with that? And doubling the taxes? It is necessary to keep them fed; I ran the math. The people have no right to complain. If they wanted protection they are going to get it. Petyr your lessons to me are going well I can assure you. My sweet Robin, my beautiful boy is growing strong all thanks to you. He is an obedient child willing to learn from his mommy. Oh yes the medicine works wonders in making me strong Petyr. It makes me very strong and beautiful and I am still as witty as they are. Robin is growing stronger and stronger still and more beautiful then those wretched Targaryens! Jon had no idea Petyr he had no idea! He was a fool to think that wretched Maester can help him! He has no idea what he has done to me! Poisoning my babies! I will show them one day Petyr I will show them!" Lysa's hysterical laughter filled the bedchambers causing Catelyn to shudder in disgust.
She watched and waited for Lysa to finally succumb to the skooma as it finally took hold on her. Her ranting did not go as full ranting to Catelyn. She heard the name all to well Petyr.
Could she mean Petyr Baelish? Catelyn thought as she waited.
As soon as the ranting and raving ended she observed Lysa slowly stumble into bed as if drunk. The dark drink dripped from the side of her mouth as she crawled in. When she was tucked in her eyes slowly closed and she was asleep. As she slept on Catelyn waited till she was deeply asleep before she entered the room.
The warmth from the fire blazing in the hearth warmed her now frigid bones. She walked into the room and looked around with the silence of a cat. Looking around she spotted the bottles of Skooma on the table next to the bed. She also spotted one or two of them on the ground. Walking closer towards the door the leads towards the solar she waited till Lysa was not moving. The drug fully kicking in as Catelyn took a cloth and softly opened the door.
If the windows were not shut then Catelyn would have entered the solar. But like the solar in Winterfell the Eyrie has two doors that allow air to get into the room. But at the same time keeping the warmth from escaping on cold nights. Exploring the room she looked around silent as the shadows. She began to go through drawers and books hoping to find something of value that would help her in seeing what is going on with the world.
A noise suddenly filled the room and Catelyn quickly hid herself near the fire place. From there she saw something that would make her skin crawl.
The Maester entered the room his chain rings clinking with his steps and his robes making swishing noises as they drag along the ground. Catelyn watched as he quickly switched out the bottles of skooma for Lysa before exiting the room. The loud shutting of the doors to the solar means that the Maester had finally gone. Breathing a sigh of relief Catelyn slipped back into the room.
As she looked around she noticed that the full bottle of skooma was just on the side of the table. Looking at the moon outside Catelyn took note of the phase in which the moon resides.
It is nearing the frost moon we don't have much time before autumn starts to set in she thought as she turned towards the bottle. The bottle itself looks ordinary but something caught Catelyn's eye as she looked down on the table.
Lysa apparently had been sloppy in her consumption of the drug. A bottle had obviously rolled under the table. Kneeling down Catelyn quickly acquired the bottle and sniffed it. The familiar sweet fragrance of moon sugar dwarfed her nose. Shaking her head she quickly put the bottle in one of her many pockets before once again entering the solar.
The solar is empty save for the light of the nearby fireplace and the torches along the walls. Using the faint light to her advantage Catelyn began to work around the desks hoping to find something of value. She looked through books remembering how they were placed so that she could replace them when the time came.
Let's see here, financial logs, supply logs, letters from lords about their grievances, taxes, spending….now wait a minute! Catelyn thought as she was going over some of the financial records in the books. Looking inside she began to see something that did not sit right in her stomach.
This can't be right? Since when did Lysa order extra supplies for the Eyrie? This is not normal during the summer unless it is harvest time. And harvest time is not going to happen for another three moons! Catelyn thought remembering her lessons on the Vale and when they started harvesting their crops.
But something else didn't add up for the amount of supplies coming in and the amounts they cost. Going over the books again she spotted something that surely caught her attention.
Weapons? Lysa is ordering a large number of weapons, armor and military supplies. What is going on here? Is she planning….Ned needs to know right away! Catelyn thought as she quickly pulled out the mirror she kept with her at all times. Putting the backside of the mirror over the pages she quickly pushed the hidden button on the bottom of the mirror. A quickly adjusting of the image and a flash of light appeared. It happened in an instant before disappearing. Looking at the mirror Catelyn saw the image of the books and pages right in the mirror. She quickly looked to see if anything was disturbed.
Lysa's heavy snores filled the room but just to make sure Catelyn checked the room next door. The only sounds were those of the servants passing in the passageways around the keep. She made sure it was her sister that still slept in her bed. Drool came out of her mouth and dark circles were around her eyes. A sure sign that she is in a drug induced sleep for the time being. Breathing a sigh of relief Catelyn quickly went back to work.
But as soon as she stepped into the solar she heard footsteps coming from the hallway. Taking to the shadows she quickly placed the books back where they belonged before seeking refuge next to the fireplace. As soon as she hid behind a pillar she spotted two of the guards enter the room. The first checked the solar putting his torch around the room while the second went into the bedroom. Catelyn thanked the Old Gods and the New that the clothes she wore made her blend into the shadows perfectly.
Checking the rooms one of them quickly looked over their lady before departing. When they departed Catelyn once again emerged from her hiding place. Walking towards the desk she was silent until she heard noises coming from the window this time. Hiding under the desk she watched as servants came through the servant passages. Rekindling the fires and changing out the torches before departing. Once she was sure they were gone she quickly went back to the desk. When she did so she hit her head on the desk. Luckily the noise was soft so the guards outside didn't hear a single thing. Leaving her hiding place from under the desk Catelyn looked up to see the drawer that she had bumped by mistake.
Looking at it she went to close the drawer but thought better of it. She then looked inside. Using the light of the newly rekindled fire and torches she saw for herself that one of the parchment papers underneath was a letter directed to Lysa. Taking it out Catelyn carefully read the contents. Shocked she quickly made copies of the letter using her mirror to take the images. Then placing the letters back she made her way towards the window.
Just as she was about to open it she did not hear the servant that entered to check on the various plants for the room. It was lucky for Catelyn that her clothes hid her form for she quickly hid back under the desk. Waiting for the servant to leave. Looking around she waited once more for the servant to walk back out the way she came. As soon as she left Catelyn quickly looked out to see what the servant has been hiding. She went towards the few plants that decorated the room. Going through it she was surprised that she found something that would make her skin crawl.
A single flower was growing just hidden under the leaves of the plant. Its dark red pedals and fiery looking appearance made it look as if it was a plant form hell.
That would explain the aroma that I had been smelling, Catelyn said as she gently put the leaf back. It was thankful that she had her mouth covered or else she would have succumbed to deep sleep like Lysa.
I wonder if Robin is suffering the same thing? She asked herself and quickly took the images with the mirror. She slipped the mirror back into the bag before slipping back out onto the balcony and climbed out into the cold night air. The wind began to pick up as she climbed but she remembers where Robin's rooms were kept. Getting out she managed to find the right balcony window. Slipping in she saw that Robin was fast asleep when Catelyn stepped in his eyes shot open unlike his mother who remained asleep.
Getting up in alarm he went to scream until Catelyn revealed her face to him.
"Aunty Cat!" he whispered and rushed to her side. Tyrion's switching of the bottles seemed to work for the young man was growing stronger. If he was not ready when they leave then he could have died from leaving his ancestral home. The guards were at the door day and night even near his room. But Catelyn only smiled as she looked outside to see two familiar faces standing there in knight's armor. Nodding Catelyn returned into the room.
"Aunty Cat why are you dressed like that?" asked Robin.
"Robin dear has there been any special smells going in your room lately?" she asked the boy.
"There was but it made my eyes burn so I went to find it and threw it out the window. When the servants came back and demanded to know why I threw the flower they brought me I said it made my eyes burn," Robin replied.
Catelyn was glad for if Robin was allergic to the flower then that means he won't be suffering its effects.
"Aunty why does that flower smell so funny?" Robin asked.
"It is a dangerous flower, if it makes your eyes burn than that is a good sign. It means your body is telling you of danger," Catelyn replied to him seeing as Robin is not ready to know about allergies yet.
"Ah, so will I learn this when I leave?" Robin said.
"Yes," Catelyn replied.
"Good the sooner I get away from mother the better!" Robin replied.
"Surely you must love your mother?" Catelyn asked feeling bad for the boy.
"I love mother and she will always be my mother, but she is sick and she hurts me and I don't know what will happen to her when I leave," Robin said.
"Your mother will be very angry with us for taking you but you need to grow. You are not a baby anymore and don't need her breast. If she is keeping you this way it is not good and it will make you weak to your lords," Lady Catelyn said to him.
"When you are ready I will come," Robin said.
"Thank you Robin, how is the new medicine?" Catelyn asked him.
"It is good the small man gave me it to help me get better. I have not been sick since," Robin replied to her.
"Good, you will need to be strong," Catelyn said as she slipped through the window after wishing Robin good night.
As she was heading down she noticed an increase in the guard since the day the woman tried to kill her. Catelyn had to be extra cautious as she went further down the craggy face of the castle towards her own rooms. If the guards saw her then she was in deep trouble.
When she landed back on her balcony Lord Royce was already waiting for her along with Tyrion and Bronn.
"How did it go?" asked Lord Royce.
"You should see this," Catelyn said and brought out the mirror. Showing the letters to Lord Royce the man was furious at what he just saw.
"These documents are a sign of treason!" he said.
"As they should be, it coincides with Lord Robin's accounts of hearing his mother spying on Lord Arryn. It means that Petyr Baelish is somehow behind this but we don't know how." Catelyn said while getting out of her battle gear.
"So you think Baelish is behind this?" Tyrion asked.
"Yes, I recognize this writing for I know Petyr's writing anywhere," Catelyn said to him.
"If he was writing to Lysa then it is more imperative that I head for the capital," Tyrion inquired.
"That is not all before I entered the room Lysa was still awake and she kept muttering to herself about all that she and Petyr had planned. The woman was talking to ghosts! She mentioned something about Jon Arryn and about raising taxes. She even mentioned something about, 'Lessons,' but those are the ravings of a mad woman," Catelyn replied.
"Perhaps not," said Lord Royce as he looked into the letters and the pictures the mirror recorded.
"What do you mean?" asked Tyrion.
"I am reading through some of those records and you mentioned weapons being imported. Imported from where?" asked Lord Royce.
"I have no clue and from the looks of the amount of weapons she is carrying she plans to go to war," Catelyn said.
"Either war or preparing to repel someone but whom…." Tyrion said.
"We can look at them later when we are back in Riverrun right now we need to focus on getting Robin out of here," said Bronn.
"Right, the best time is between the shifts at the second moon rise. That was when I noticed the guards change shifts. There is a gap between them when the first shift is fast asleep. We can sneak our way in there and get Robin. Either through the servant passages or the windows," said Catelyn.
"The windows would be better then we don't have to worry about the shifts," said Tyrion.
"That would cause a problem," said Catelyn.
"How so?" asked Lord Royce.
"When I was waiting for Lysa to sleep I noticed that the guards do routine checks into the rooms. The Maester and several servants also go into the rooms. I don't know why they do so since it was never allowed in Winterfell and not even Riverrun. So I don't know why it was necessary. The Maester and the servants I understand but the guards? I think the drugs is making Lysa very paranoid," Catelyn replied.
"That does seem to make it rather difficult, but not impossible," said Bronn.
"So you have a plan for Robin?" said Tyrion.
"Yes and how we can get him out. I can arrange for a raven to be sent to me after all. The Maester is bound to check the message but if I can arrange for my nephew to send word from my home it can set me up to leave sooner. That way I can make arrangements for when you manage to get Lord Robin out," Lord Royce said.
"Excellent I can have everything ready until then," said Catelyn.
With that said Lord Royce made his leave through the passages towards his rooms leaving Tyrion and Bronn standing before their lady.
"Tyrion I need you to look at this and see what kind of skooma we are dealing with. But if I am correct this is 'World's End,' the worst kind of skooma," Catelyn said presenting the bottle to Tyrion.
Tyrion took the bottle from Catelyn and sniffed it. Then dipping his finger into the bottle he felt it in his fingers before sniffing it again. "This is Skesis Thra it is just as bad as World's End but twice the hallucinogenic effect." Tyrion said.
"Skesis Thra?" Catelyn asked.
"Aye, named after a fairy tale the damn dealer created about another world with all sorts of creatures, damn crack head," Bronn said to her.
"Those creatures came from the Library and the man who created this version of skooma is a maester who should not have been in the alchemy section," Tyrion said.
"Why do you recognize the maester?" asked Catelyn.
"Can you describe the maester Lady Stark?"
"No it was too dark all I knew was that he was dressed in tattered robes with less chains that I thought one would have," Catelyn replied.
Tyrion cursed when he heard the description and at that sign Catelyn grew worried, "Do you know him?" she asked.
Tyrion nodded a reply, "Unfortunately I do his name is Qyburn a former maester turned drug dealer. He was exiled from the Citadel for stealing books from the Library of Winter on dangerous alchemy. He wanted to develop a formula for bringing back the dead and manipulate the mind. Something that is greatly forbidden. His studies on diseases is highly advanced and it was through his work that we found a proper treatment for greyscale and dragon pox. But his experiments into necromancy and narcotics is what got him thrown from the Citadel. Such acts should not be tolerated!" he said.
"What happened to the old goat?" asked Bronn interested.
"I never knew, nor do I care, but now that he is here this complicates things," Tyrion replied.
"It means we have to move quickly," Catelyn said and with that they all went their separate ways.
For the next day things were set in motion. Tyrion for his safety returned to the dungeons to ensure that he was still there dressed in rags and freezing. Lord Royce and Catelyn would address stately issues that would require attention should they have been at home. Lysa as expected ran the Vale with an iron fist. Little Robin also was present but Catelyn could tell that he was taking his medicine like he should. The boy's eyes were brighter and he looked healthier with color returning to his skin. He even began to eat more and gain a bit a weight.
Already the raven arrived for Lord Royce while they all were breaking their fast. The raven as expected told that Lord Royce had some business to deal with back in the Runestone. So with that being said he left in the early afternoon with his men and entourage. Catelyn knew that the day afterward she was to leave to head over to Riverrun. At least there was some bit of truth to it as she was expected to see her ailing father. Lysa in the meantime was becoming more and more terrible the day she was there. She would constantly laugh about her victory over the Lannisters and Catelyn cringed at the amount of delusion she was spewing from her mouth.
She has completely gone mad, she thought that afternoon while attending court with her.
Lysa has sent an innocent man through the moon door instead of listening to his problems. The elderly man was only asking for more time to harvest his crops. Something Catelyn knew Ned would have granted given the man has a generous amount of land to till. But Lysa wanted things in a timely manner and so as punishment sent him through the moon door and forced the man's son to return home to harvest the crops before Lysa burns it to the ground. It was a waste in Catelyn's opinion as she watched the events taking place.
The only one who remained silent was Robin who watched with pity as the younger man was dragged out. All the while crying for mercy. Catelyn felt bad for them and held her breath while court went on.
Later that afternoon after court ended she was walking towards the sept to say her prayers to the seven. At her side was of course her bodyguards making sure she was safe while she entered. Two remained at her side so as not to repeat the same episode as before. She prayed for wisdom from the Crone and strength from the Warrior. She even prayed for mercy from the Mother and the Maid. To the Stranger she prayed the man that fell through the moon door receive mercy on the other side. It was as the light of the setting sun that Catelyn looked up at Bronn. It was almost time.
Getting up she made her way out the door and was greeted by Lysa who stood there alone in the courtyard of the sept.
"Lysa what a pleasant surprise!" Catelyn said taken off guard.
"Sister, may I walk with you?" she asked.
"Yes, you may what is that the lady of House Arryn needs of me?" Catelyn asked.
"I know you are leaving tomorrow on which the day after I will be conducting my execution into the Lannister traitor. Are you sure you are not up to staying?" Lysa asked.
"I'm afraid not, I promised Ned that I would return home in a timely manner as I have duties back up North. And I also promised Edmure that I would visit him and father in Riverrun before father passes from this world," Catelyn replied.
"I see," said Lysa as they walked down the hallways towards Catelyn's rooms.
"Speak truly sister what is the real reason why you are here?" asked Catelyn suspiciously.
"I wanted to see how you were doing. Can't your younger sister pay you a visit?" Lysa replied to Catelyn as they entered the stairway that would take them back up into the main reaches of the castle.
"Yes, you may but throughout this whole visit you had been busy with your duties and thought the better of it," Catelyn said.
"I understand a lady's duties is to her people first and others second as I see you are doing now," Lysa replied.
"Yes, my duties is to the North and to Winterfell. My husband only granted me leave so that I can visit you and see father once more before his passing," Catelyn said to her as she looked at the dress that Lysa was wearing.
Gone was the airy dress that she wore that allowed her to suckle Robin. Instead she wore a dress that a normal lady would wear meaning that Lysa has one of her rare days of clarity. So Catelyn has to tread carefully when dealing with this Lysa for this one is not delusional. She is well aware of things and will call her men to slaughter them if she is not careful.
"I understand and I thank you for coming to see me and Robin it means the world to me. I had not seen you since you were married to Eddard Stark and bore his first born son," Lysa replied.
"Yes, my son has grown into a handsome young man and soon when my husband can find a match, married off. My daughter Sansa…." Catelyn said but she was interrupted.
"Is she the one who was kidnapped?" Lysa asked.
"Aye, the same, my darling Sansa," Catelyn said and wished for the gods in heaven to intervene and save Sansa from danger. But then her mind won out and she remembers that Sansa is a warrior and not a damsel in distress. She took a deep breath trying not to show how much it angered her that she was taken so easily in the night.
"You're angry sister," Lysa said.
Catelyn had to choose her words carefully, "I am very angry Lysa. My eldest daughter has been taken from me when she was collecting taxes from a lord who refused to pay. That lord was using his own daughters to seduce the other collectors. My husband sent Sansa to investigate and look what happened. Ned feels devastated by the whole ordeal. But mark my words when we find her those who took her will feel the cold wrath of the North upon their ass. Winter will come to them and their families," she made sure her voice was hard as if she were a grieving mother. To show her rage when needed and how to hide it. Right now she was showing a bit of the rage she felt for both her sister and the people who kidnapped Sansa. Looking at her sister and the clear eyes she held means that she is in withdrawal right now. The craziness that she felt when she was under the influence was enough to convince Catelyn to be cautious.
Lysa it seems was taking the bait, "You feel angry that your husband allowed your eldest daughter to travel alone with only a handful of your guards. She should have stayed home or at least have her brother with her," was the reply.
"The North's traditions are different from the those south of the Neck. Their daughters are to be taken to every hold in the region to show the lord that a maid is to be had. And she gets to see for herself possible suitors. But it is Ned who makes the final decision on marriage. Sansa only supplies interest to both herself and the lords. And if a lord proves himself to House Stark then Ned will decided to have Sansa married off. When she was taken it was when she was visiting one of the vassal houses of House Glover. It was just after the slavers attack on the west coast. We had no idea some of them made it that far inland until she was taken at Ironwrath." Catelyn replied.
"So your husband is searching the entire realm looking for her? What if she is not here? What if she is across the narrow sea in Essos?" Lysa replied.
"If she is across the Narrow Sea then the Gods help the fools when we find them. My husband will not stop until we find them and kill them all," with that Catelyn walked ahead of Lysa hoping she would take the hint.
Apparently her sister has other ideas, "When you are done visiting me and then father will you return to Winterfell?" she asked.
"I have to, you know that," Catelyn replied.
"I apologize sister I did not mean to insult you on your duties as wife of Lord Stark. I...I'm sorry it has been so long since I last saw you and with Jon's death...things have been hard," Lysa said to her.
"Why are you really here sister? Surely this visit to speak to me has nothing to do with other matters such as your son and your duty to the Vale?" asked Catelyn.
Lysa hesitated she was so sure in her step before now she was stopping short. She looked away for a bit before finally turning towards Catelyn, "You should visit the capital sister before you return to Winterfell I'm sure Petyr would love to see you again," she said.
"Petyr? Petyr Baelish? he's in the capital?" Catelyn said trying to pretend she didn't know. Now's my chance to get some answers she though.
"Yes, I sent a letter to him informing him that you are visiting from Winterfell before making your way to Riverrun to visit father one last time. He has not heard from you in many years Catelyn. I told him the North is very far away and that you are busy trying to help your husband run such a large region of Westeros. He understands being the Master of Coin in the capital." Lysa replied to her.
When they finally made it to Catelyn's rooms the guards looked hesitant before letting her in. When she entered Lysa was surprised that the room was bare of anything. The only things were the items that came with the room. The tapestries telling of House Arryn's greatness in the Vale. The mural of the Eyrie stood proud near the side. And the tables were filled with items that Catelyn prefers for lunch. The fire has been going and looks as if a servant had just rekindled it something that has shocked Lysa.
"Expecting a mess?" Catelyn asked.
"Somewhat," she replied.
"Things change over the years Lysa. I am no longer the indecisive young woman going off to be married," Catelyn said to her.
"I used to remember always cleaning up after you. You were so chaotic with your dreams of marrying some lord and ruling over a castle. I've always thought you would marry one of Father's vassals and I would marry a handsome knight. But alas you got to marry the lord of a great house while I was stuck marrying an old man," Lysa replied.
"I'm sorry if it made you unhappy," Catelyn said to her.
"Unhappy? I was miserable the entire time sister with several children dying in childbirth how do you think it made me feel!" Lysa replied as she walked around the room.
"I am sorry for your loss sister," Catelyn said to her.
"You know what makes me happy sister…." Lysa said to her.
"What?" asked Catelyn.
"My son, Robin, he was the first child born that survived. I loved him the moment he came into this world. Jon did too and we both loved him. Then he gotten sick one day and that was when the seizures started. When the seizures came day after day then we knew that Robin was not an ordinary child," Lysa said.
"What did Jon do?" Catelyn asked.
"He of course went to the Maester. Maester Pycelle helped all he could but it was not enough. He even recommended Maesters who are better specialized then he is in Robin's condition and one of them even gave Pycelle the medicine recommended to help him. Of course my little boy will always be little to me. The same babe suckling at my breast till there is nothing left. He will always be my baby but I want him to remain as a baby," Lysa said to her.
"Lysa, sister, babies grow up that is what motherhood is all about raising them till they are grown. All your work in raising them will show when they are adults," Catelyn said.
"No, it means that they will no longer depend on you. They will no longer love you and respect you as they should. They should be kept locked up and protected from harm. Is that all too much to ask!" Lysa said and Catelyn looked up to see that her sister has once again fallen under the influence of skooma.
"No, it is not too much to ask sister but it is a fact of life that your children will grow up to become adults. It is our job as mothers to be there for them. To show them that we still love them even if they choose wrong and to let them go knowing we did the best for them," Catelyn said to her.
"No! They are our babies they had come from our womb! They are our creation they should not be growing up! They should be suckling at our breast, they should be wrapped in our arms they should be protected by us! They are our children our creation! They should not be like those filthy Lannister pigs!" she screeched.
"Lysa control yourself!" Catelyn said when Lysa came into a full rant at her. When she started to throw things around Catelyn watched as she ranted and raved about her son.
"My son is my baby he should be with his mummy always! He should be by my side! He is MINE!" she shrieked and launched herself at Catelyn.
Instinct took over as Catelyn weaved out of the way of Lysa and gripped her wrist then with her strength threw her to the bed. Lysa landed with a thud and bounced twice before settling. Catelyn glared over her like a wolf to a sheep and Lysa shrunk back in fear.
"You dare to attack me the Lady of Winterfell? Wife of Lord Eddard Stark and eldest daughter of the Lord of Riverrun! Lady Arryn of the Eyrie you have gone TOO FAR!" she said. Her anger getting to her as she started to growl.
"Cat, Sister please!" Lysa said.
"GUARDS!" Catelyn shouted.
The door opened and Lysa's guards came into the room seeing their lady on the bed someone called for Lysa's handmaidens. When they entered not five minutes later they quickly rushed to their ladies side. Helping her up one of them turned to Catelyn.
"What happened?" she asked rather rudely.
"You will address me properly girl!" Catelyn glared down at the girl. The handmaiden quickly backed away from her.
"Take Lady Arryn back to her room she has had another episode today and is not feeling well. And tell one of the servants to bring up her supper she will be eating in her chambers tonight." Catelyn said and they quickly helped Lysa up and quickly rushed her out. Her guards bowed showing their respect before they too left the rooms. The side door opened and Catelyn saw a servant enter the room. Looking at the mess the person quickly went back into the passageways to inform other servants of the mess.
Catelyn wished she could clean up the mess but being as this is not Winterfell where she has do things herself. She allowed the servants to do it for her. As they did so Catelyn was glad she had everything packed away into the wheel house before getting up to leave the room to the servants. As she walked out her guards accompanied her down the stairs towards the main hall.
There she spotted Robin writing on a piece of parchment. Looking over his shoulder Catelyn could see that he was practicing his writing.
Good the boy is willing to undo what his mother had done, she thought as she came to him.
"Is mother going to be ok? I heard her screaming?" Robin asked looking up.
"Your mother will be fine young Robin she just had another episode," Catelyn said truthfully. Robin looked down at his hands and Catelyn was quick to notice the change. Kneeling down she came eye level with him.
"Your mother will be fine, she is in her chambers resting," Catelyn said.
Robin nodded in understanding, "When do we leave?" he asked knowing that the time is soon upon them.
"Tonight, for I fear your mother's condition is getting worse," she said and Robin nodded before going to his room. The bodyguards assigned to him nodded before escorting him towards his chambers. Getting up Catelyn walked towards her own chambers making sure that the servants are done cleaning it. When she entered the room it was as if no one destroyed anything; minus a few vases and tables. But the room was once again spotless and clean.
Catelyn turned towards the setting sun already starting to dip on the horizon. The evening breeze started to set in which in this time of day was very cold to those who are not used to it. Living in the North for several years has made Catelyn immune to it. In fact to her now it seems rather cool then the icy chill that a normal person would feel. Wrapping her cloak around her, she started to head towards the door.
Opening the door she nodded to her two guards who immediately started follow. As she walked down the hallways she passed the Maester who was heading towards Lysa's chambers.
"Maester?" she said to him and he turned towards her, "Yes, m'lady?" he asked.
"How is Lady Arryn doing?" she asked.
The Maester sighed, "She has had another episode today. She was doing so well in recovering from the loss of her husband. Your presence has helped her in so many ways Lady Catelyn. Someone to remind her that there are other things to look forward to. But I'm afraid that she relapsed. From what I heard earlier from the servants she destroyed your room. She should not have done that and I apologize for the way m'lady has mistreated you," he said bowing.
Catelyn sighed knowing a well faced lie when she sensed it, "Tell me Maester how is young Robin taking it? Last I spoke to him this afternoon he looked a bit off?" she said.
"He...he refused to come out of his chambers. After hearing about his mother he will not come out to have supper. The servants refused to go to his room for young Lord Arryn is having another one of his….episodes as well. So I requested that the servants leave the plate on the table in the usual spot. There he can eat when he is hungry. I cannot tell you anymore Lady Stark," the Maester replied.
"I understand and thank you Maester." Catelyn said to him.
"Thank you for caring Lady Stark," he said before departing leaving Catelyn to watch him go. She turned and walked down towards the dining area as if to eat alone. There she used the shadows to vanish behind a pillar. Both her guards did the same thing. As soon as they vanished a single servant appeared carrying a tray of food towards the table. There they placed it on the table before vanishing. But Catelyn was patient. She knew there was a set up when she saw it. It was as if like clockwork something did appear.
It was the Maester.
He followed Catelyn to the main dining area and noticed that she was not there. Seeing the food on the table he walked towards it. His chains clinked as he moved. Pulling out a vial he started to pour a substance into a goblet before walking away. Catelyn's eyes narrowed knowing full well that someone was trying to poison her. Luckily for her she was smart enough to have her own separate goblet waiting for her when someone does this. This time she waited till the Maester left knowing full well that he would be watching.
Choosing to leave she walked away from the table towards the main hallway that would take her down towards the courtyard. Her footsteps were silent and her image that of a shadow. No one knew of her departure for she was the wind in the halls. The servants never saw her for she never took the same way twice. As she neared where the wheelhouse was park just in the main courtyard she looked towards the window where her sister's chambers would be.
Pulling out a small round object she elongated it. It was a viewing glass and looking up she did not see her sister. Satisfied she climbed into the wheelhouse and it rode away into the dark of night. The horses feet were covered with cloth and padding to silence their steps along with that of the wheel house as they exited the main courtyard. No one was allowed to light torches till they were well away from their host.
Only when they made it around the bend where the newly risen moon was hidden from view did they light the torches. Catelyn breathed a sigh of relief as she leaned back on her seat.
"That was too close m'lady," said a voice and Catelyn smirked at the sight of Tyrion Lannister sitting across from her.
"Indeed it was my friend," she said.
"So are we going to Riverrun now?" said a voice and Catelyn smiled at her new passenger.
"Yes, we are heading to Riverrun to see you grandfather before he passes and then onwards to the North to Winterfell to see your Uncle," she said.
The face of young Lord Robin Arryn shyly looked up at her. Is features were still sunken from the lack of food and proper care. But Catelyn was confident that with proper nourishment and some exercise he would grow into a fine young man. Hidden in a simple plain cloak the boy was both scared and excited to finally be able to do what he wanted with life.
"So young Robin how does it feel to be free from your mother?" Tyrion asked.
"It feels both frightening and exhilarating at the same time," Robin replied looking out the window into the darkness.
"Don't speak so soon Lord Robin after all when your mother realizes that you are gone she will be in a frenzy," Catelyn said to him.
"Will she come after us?" Robin asked.
"Oh you bet the Gods she will raise an army to get you back," Catelyn replied.
"But not to worry Lord Robin the Vale only answers to you not her. You are the sole heir to the Eyrie and to the ruling branch of House Arryn. She is but a woman and a wife to your late father. Should you choose you can disown her and throw her out of the Eyrie as a sign of shame. But that is when you come of age," said Tyrion who sat next to Robin.
"Will Lord Stark help me with my seizures?" Robin asked.
"Yes, he has the finest healers and Maesters there and when you are ready you can go wherever you want." Catelyn said to him.
"I would like that," Robin replied.
"So do I young Robin, So do I," Catelyn said to him.
TBC
A/n: Whew sorry it took so long to get this chapter out but so much has been happening with work and rewriting my Mass Effect stories that it took up a lot of my time. So Anyhow I just saw the trailer for the final season YAY! So I knew I have to get my butt in gear and finish this chapter. This is the conclusion to the Tyrion and Catelyn portion of the story and I am now going on to Sansa. So if you want to know more about what is going to happen You need to wait. I will warn you though getting updates will be slowed down a lot due to my hectic work schedule so updates will be slower then before.
But not to worry I am not abandoning this story, not one bit!
So please leave a review but no FLAMES, LORE MONGERS AND BASHINGS PLEASE! Thank you very much!