DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES OR SONG OF ICE AND FIRE THEY BELONG TO HBO AND GEORGE R.R. MARTIN.
A/n: Since I only received two suggestions on where I should both are of different points of view I had to pull a name out of a hat. So the name that I pulled of course was Bran Stark hopefully this next segment helps show people what is going on in Winterfell as far as the events go.
Oh and as always I love each and everyone of you guys! Your continued encouragement helps me further with my writing and helps me tell this story a bit better. Who knew that WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL would become so popular. Everyday I see new people fav or following this story out of all my stories. The second being Alan's Dinosaurs and then the rewrite of Flight of the Normandy but this one is my number one story.
I love you guys! And I hope you all have a Happy New Year!
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 21: Magic Comes in ManyForms
Dark eyes shot open as the world once again became a pair of golden eyes and light brown fur. Bran Stark awoke with a headache and the inability to move his legs.
Wha happen? He asked himself.
"Oh thank the Gods you are awake!" said a voice and Bran slowly turned his head to see his brother sitting there staring at him with big brown eyes. Just like their mother Rickon carried the traits of the Tullys or his mother's side of the family. But Bran like Arya and Jon had more of the Starks. When he tried to get up he found that he is unable to move. However this did not go unnoticed.
"Don't move m'lord or else the stitches will become undone," said a voice.
Bran moved his head to see Maester Luwin walking into view. Bran looked at his newly named Direwolf Summer still sitting on his lap looking at him with worry. The Maester helped him into a sitting position so that way he could get some water down is throat.
"Here drink this this will deal with your parched throat," the Maester said. Bran could feel a cup of water passed to him. He slowly began to drink. The water was cold but refreshing to his systems. However there was an odd taste to them.
"What is in this water?" Bran asked his voice harsh and fractured.
"Some herbs to help with your throat and belly m'lord and to also aid in the healing of your back," he said.
His back? Then the memories came in torrents. His climb up the tower, his fall, then nothing.
"Am I a cripple?" he asked the Maester.
"No, you are not m'lord. I had to do some emergency surgery on your back, but you are on the mend. However it would take a full year before you are ready to resume your training in combat." he said to Bran.
"A full year!" Bran complained.
"Yes a full year," said the Maester.
"But!, But!" Bran stuttered but the man was not having any of it.
"No buts young man that back of yours needs to heal! So until you are ready to take up physical training again you will be doing special exercises until your spine is ready for the force it will take again. That way your muscles are ready for when the time comes and will not be fully atrophied!" Maester Luwin replied. Bran glowered at the Maester as he sat there in the hospital bed.
As the Maester walked out Lord Stark walked in. In his hand he carried a tray full of pastries for both himself and Bran and two bowls of soup.
"The servants told me you were awake I think you might be a bit hungry considering you spent a moon in bed," said Lord Stark as he sat down.
"I am sorry I was rude to the Maester, Father," said Bran.
"Now, now don't be so harsh the Maester is just doing his job. And he is right you know that back of yours needs to heal and even Rickon here knows it," Lord Stark said indicating to his forgotten brother who was watching the proceedings from the sidelines.
"Rickon I am sorry! I didn't mean to scare you," Bran said realizing that his argument with the Maester must have scared his brother.
"You did not scare me, you scared Shaggy Dog. Now I have to go find him and Summer before they cause mischief!" Rickon said as he quickly ran from the room. Lord Stark laughed when he saw his youngest son run off hoping to find his wolf. That left Bran with his father alone on the bed. Lord Stark helped him up and allowed him to drink from the cup better.
"So other then the obvious how do you feel Bran?" he asked.
"Other then my back hurting and everything being blurry I feel fine. Though to be honest..." at this Bran was silent.
"It's ok Bran you can say it," Lord Stark said.
"I had the strangest dream. I dreamed I was a wolf running through the woods. I was chasing things you know rabbits and birds. It was exhilarating," Bran said.
Lord Stark chuckled, "That was no dream Bran," he said which Bran's eyes widened in shock, "It was not father?" he asked.
"No, you see your bothers Robb and Rickon also have the same abilities. You can Warg Bran which is good. A Stark that can Warg is a powerful one indeed. So you will be tested for the Greenseering gift with Master Blackfyre soon. Or did you see a three eyed raven already?" he asked.
"I have not yet father," Bran replied.
"When you do in your dreams you must reply to him and tell him his name. For he is a greenseer and as his title holds the keeper of memories," he said.
"I will father, is there any books or anything for me to do while I am stuck here for the time being?" Bran asked.
"There are lessons to be caught up on but that is after you had more then two moons of rest. But first you must eat," Lord Stark said holding up his bowl of soup. Bran lapped at the bowl only to realize it was his father's venison stew. It was one of Bran's favorites and he wanted to learn the recipe for himself for when he gets to have a keep of his own. As he ate he noticed that the stew was not as thick as it used to be. But then again his arguing stomach had much to say about it for a while until he managed to eat it up with some soft bread.
When he was done his father had some tea made for him to drink so that way he would get his medicine down. When he was done Bran was quickly tired by the medicine and when his body relaxed and he was asleep again Lord Stark tucked him in and took his food.
When he walked out Robb greeted him at the door, "How is he?" he asked.
"He will be fine. Tomorrow he can start catching up on his lessons. When he is caught up then he can start his lessons on magic," he said.
Robb nodded his head, "Does he have to take the same lessons as me?" he asked.
"Yes, all Stark males at one point or another have to take lessons on old magic. Even your cousin Jon had to take it," replied Lord Stark.
"Oh, so you felt that now he is ready? Are you sure?" asked Robb looking at his father intently.
"It was not my call it was Master Blackfyre who said it was time," Lord Stark replied with a sigh.
"I guess, getting hit on the head has made him prone to magic now right?" Robb said as they walked down the hallway. They both looked out the window to see Rickon chasing Summer and Shaggydog around the courtyard.
"No, he was always prone to magic just like you and the others. The Starks have always been tied to the old magics since the days of Bran the Builder and the creation of the Wall. Even deeper still is Shifu for she has been here as long as the earth stood beneath our feet." said Lord Stark.
As they walked Robb looked outside to see the many girls training under their teacher. The woman looks no older then thirty, but she has the knowledge and the skill of warriors long dead. Right now she is teaching the younger girls a simple disarming technique. As he watched her he noticed that her movements were fluid. So fluid and quick that most could not keep up with her. And those that could spent years and years training. Robb hopes that one day he might be able to appease the great Warrior of Winter.
As if sensing his presence the Septa stood up and dismissed the younger girls to do their chores before walking up to the two men.
"Lord Stark, Lord Stark," she said addressing both of them.
"Shifu, we didn't mean to disturb you," Lord Stark said to her.
"No, it is alright I was meaning to speak to you anyways. It is about young Brandon," she said as they walked to the library towards Lord Tyrion's private office. It was a place that was sound proof meaning no prying ears could disturb them.
"What about Bran? Is he going to be ok?" Robb asked.
"Young Brandon, will be fine. I was meaning his lessons with Master Blackfyre," replied the Septa.
"What about it?" asked Lord Stark.
"Master Blackfyre told me that young Brandon has shown aptitude for greenseeing," said the Septa.
Both Stark males looked at her with surprise. No one in the Stark family has been a greenseer since Bran the Builder's time!" said Robb surprised to see this happen.
"None yes but there were many Wargs and shape shifters. But none could have the sight since the last Great Long Night. The magic that is in the Wall is fading. It was said that Bran the Builder had purposely sacrificed his power as a seer to make it happen. But now that magic is slowly fading we are seeing members of the Stark family showing the sight again," the Septa replied.
"Do any other children show signs of the sight?" asked Lord Stark.
"Only the Reed boy m'lord. But then again the Reeds had always been greenseers not so much wargs. But the Karstarks are starting to show signs of the sight and other houses are reporting more people with magical abilities. Our attendance for magical classes has intensified since last winter," the Septa said as they finally made it to Tyrion's office. The door was very thick and required a special mechanism to open. It also serves as a shelter for when the Others attack.
The Septa pulled out a key and inserted into the specially made keyhole. When she did so she pushed a button which then activated the door. The two Stark Men could hear the mechanism at work before the door opened to allow them entrance.
When they walked into the room they could see the crimson colors of house Lannister on the walls on either side of Lord Tyrion's desk. The proud golden lion nestled in the middle of the all that crimson as well as the sigil of the Library of Winter. The face of a silver wolf on a black field. It was strange to see such things inside such a large office. Lord Tyrion sure kept it clean and organized. He also has weapons on a rack behind his chair a bow and arrows made for a dwarf, several spears, axes, swords all custom made for him.
Even the desk chair was made for Lord Tyrion with a special step installed into it to allow him to be seated at the chair without much struggle. Robb however stood while his father pushed the button on the desk that closes the door. When the large doors were shut and the room was quiet did Lord Stark speak. Luckily for them the vents that pour air into the room are pumped in from another part of the facility so no one can listen in.
"I have received a letter from your mother and from Varys in King's Landing," said Lord Stark as he held up the messages.
"How is Mother?" Robb asked.
"She is well, unfortunately circumstances forced her to steal away young lord Robert or Robyn from the Eyrie. He is to be treated here in Winterfell for Skooma poisoning." Lord Stark replied.
"Skooma poisoning? That is not good, how old is the boy?" asked the Septa.
"He is twelve name days old," said Lord Stark.
"Twelve name days old!" Robb said shocked at the revelation of his cousin's age.
"Twelve name days old and poisoned by Skooma that is not good. Is Lord Tyrion with her still?" asked the Septa as she sat down on Lord Tyrion's chair.
"He is Shifu, he will remain with her till my wife and Lord Arryn return to Winterfell. Unfortunately Lord Arryn's condition makes it hard for Catelyn to be able to help him by herself and protect him from any pursuers. If I remember correctly her sister Lady Lysa tried to rally the forces of the Vale against her. But it was thanks to Lord Royce that they remained as they are." Lord Stark replied as he sat in the chair across from the Septa. Robb followed by sitting in another chair.
"Skooma is a very dangerous drug to give to young children. Lady Lysa is foolish to give her son such a concoction," The Septa replied her brows furrowed in anger.
"What is Aunt Lysa thinking in giving her child this? He is her only heir should anything happen to him…." Robb could only go so far when the silence hung in the room.
"Did Lady Catelyn tell you any details as to why her sister would poison her own son?" asked the Septa.
"From what I understood from her letters and our correspondence on our mirrors. She mentioned someone named Petyr who had given Lysa the potions in King's Landing. He sometimes comes to the Eyrie to offer his services. She also heard whispers that they might be lovers and that she was the one who had killed her husband," Lord Stark replied.
"That would make her a traitor to the realm!" Robb said shocked.
"Aye, you are right m'lord, it would make Lady Lysa a traitor to the realm. To kill the Hand of the King is just as bad as killing the King himself. If she is the one who poisoned Jon Arryn then things are stirring in the capital that even we could not predict," The Septa replied.
"If that were the case then we must make ready for whatever…." there was a knock at the door. Someone had hit the gong that announces when one were to enter the room. The Septa reached for a pipe that was to the side of the desk. Adjusting the pipe with a specially made gauge she asked, "Who is it?"
"It is Vayon Poole Septa, Is Lord Stark in there with you I have important news concerning his daughter Sansa," he said and Lord Stark nodded to the Septa. The woman in question hit the button that would open the door allowing the steward of Winterfell to enter the room. He was an older man around his late sixties but walks like he is in his thirties he walked in with a scroll in his hand.
"What is it?" Lord Stark said the worry in his voice was evident along with the position Robb took in his own chair.
"Lady Sansa has been found. Lord Varys said that Lady Arya has found her in King's Landing under the guise of a Blacksmith's apprentice. She appears to be in good health and has developed a reputation as a fine blacksmith. She has received your letter should the two of them meet up in the capital as per Lord Varys's orders. He also said that things are turning dark in King's Landing as King Robert's two brothers are preparing for war," said Vayon.
"This is not good, if they go to war then for sure the North will have to respond," said Robb.
"We will not interfere with the South's problems Robb. We have much to worry about," Lord Stark said.
"The Army of the Dead was seen gathering forces northwest of the Thenn Mountains. It seems as if they are biding there time. But the Thenns are taking no chances as they are moving south just as was drilled for the last ten thousand years," said the Septa.
"Good, they should make it to the next way point here in Raven Town. Hardhome is ready to welcome them and is ready for the trip south of the wall when the time comes," Lord Stark said to them.
"Aye, they are ready and have been preparing for sometime. The weapons we helped them with are a boon. It should buy us time to prepare for the breaching of the Wall," replied the Septa.
"Vayon send a message to Lord Varys tell him I will call in on the mirror at moon's zenith. I want a full report from him," Lord Stark said to the steward. The man bowed before leaving closing the door behind him. As he walked away the group waited for the Septa to turn the dial for the pipe end sealing it in again.
"Now then the war with the two brothers do pose problems. What else does the letter say m'lord?" the Septa asked as she watched Lord Stark read through the report. His eyes became grim and hard when he read it. He then handed it over to Robb to read before he in turn handed it over to the Septa. She read through the letter and she too was quite disturbed by the reports.
"The streets are filled with starving folks and all food has been cut off from the main supplier due to raids from Renly's armies. The caravan's from the Reach having to go through the Westernlands and then through the Riverlands to get to the Crownlands and King's Landing how absurd!" said Robb.
"The people will only withstand so much before they revolt I can assure you of that. It was the plan for Renly since he is in the southern area to force King's Landing to starve before he marches in," said Lord Stark.
"Do you know anything about Lord Renly father?" asked Robb.
"I know he was a child when Robert rebelled against the Mad King. I know nothing else, but when I speak to Varys tonight I will have him provide more information. From what I understood Renly was last seen in King's Landing as the Master of Laws before Robert died. To see him suddenly disappear and start a rebellion is problematic. But I do know Stannis. Stannis is a master tactician and a seasoned warrior and general. Robert put him in charge of Dragonstone because it is a major point into Blackwater Bay. If Stannis is rebelling then something else is going on." Lord Stark replied to Robb.
"Perhaps it has something to do with what young Bran uncovered earlier before his accident Lord Stark," said the Septa as she stood up from where she sat.
"What do you mean Shifu?" asked Robb.
"Think young Robb, remember the night before the incident when you and young Bran along with the royal children uncovered the Queen with her brother?" The Septa replied.
"Yes I seem to remember that night. Bran mentioned that Myrcella had to show him her true eye color. Her eyes were blue and her hair is dark. Robert made her cover her features to hide her birth. Even young Tommen had the same features that of his father, but he was given colored glass and dyes to hide his hair and eye color. This seems strange don't you think? What if both Renly and Stannis discovered that the King they are supposed to follow is a bastard? What then?" asked Robb.
"I have my suspicions, but I think that with your mother's telling of how Jon Arryn died and the prince and princess both hiding their features. Someone or group of someones is trying to undermine the kingdom. But we will have to be sure," said Lord Stark.
"When is the next meeting Lord Stark?" asked the Septa.
"Not till this evening right now though we have to get things straight and we will meet here. Though I have no quarrels with anyone listening in here in the North. There are somethings left that need to be said in front of the Northern Council," said Lord Stark.
"Understood, until then I will do my duties as always," said the Septa before rising up to head towards the door. The doors opened again to allow her to leave followed by the two Stark Men.
When they left the library they both made their way towards the main hallway to discuss grievances with their subjects. When they were done Robb left to go through his music lessons before doing his combat training. At dinner it was met with silence both men worked up as they waited for the nightly meeting.
MEANWHILE
"Bran you got the coolest class ever. And you are not alone I will be there with you," said Pidge Snow and along side him was his other friends. Since Bran had awoken from his injuries Lord Stark thought it appropriate to let his friends in to help with his recovery. His fellow teammates would help with getting him food and prepare his exercises to keep his muscles in fine form.
And in between all of that Bran would be doing his lessons. His make up lessons from the time he missed them had to be the hardest. But at least his age mates helped him with dealing with the lesson load.
"Ok, so magical theory, why does one have to sacrifice another in order to bring life to the one that they lost, or have been lost for sometime? And what is the difference between blood magic and green magic in using it to create life." said Piper.
"Blood magic requires the life force of an already living creature. That means when they want to bring someone back to life they have to sacrifice another's life force or blood in order to bring to life the one that is dead or a creature they have created. Green Magic does not require a sacrifice of another instead one has to summon a spirit or being to bring to life the one they had lost. Most would request the former soul of the lost being so that way the body would remember what it was like to be alive." said Pidge as the two of them sat on Bran's bed.
"Alright," said Bran, "In greenseeing a person is able to look into the past with clarity. However the greenseer themselves is often seen as stoic and unmoving in emotion. Why do some greenseers lose ones emotions while others retain it?"
"Um...it says here that only higher level greenseers are able to fully come out of their seeing. Many don't and become stoic because half their consciousness is still in the sight." Bran read.
"Wow and here we are going to take classes on magic with one of the greatest greenseers in the world!" said Piper. She waved back her blonde hair. Pidge rolled her eyes at her friend's antics before continuing to read. But just before they could ask another question the door opened and in walked Ser. Rodrik with a smile on his face.
"How goes the warriors to be?" he said. All three children stood at attention...well with the exception of Bran.
"Good now Pidge, Piper it is time for your sparing lessons I need to see young Bran," he said and the other two children gathered their books before heading out.
"See ya later Bran! We will be sure to visit!" they said as they ran out. Bran sighed as he was left out again due to his injuries.
"Now, now boy don't look like that. In two weeks you will be able to move around in a wheel chair. Then we will be able to resume your archery training as well as your riding. Lord Stark thought it prudent to get you started on horseback combat since you won't be using your legs for sometime," he said.
Bran's eyes lit up at the sound of it. Horseback training was not one of his specialties, but if he could learn how to do that he won't be totally useless! "The second is to learn how to ride your wolf. Lady Arya had discovered a book on the history of the Wolfriders of old. And Summer your wolf is growing fast. He is about ready to learn how to ride."
Ride my wolf? Bran thought and with that he handed Bran a book it was a copy of the wolfriders book that Arya had with her. Lord Tyrion thought it wise to copy the book for all the Stark children. Bran took his copy and was surprised by the wolf seal and the imprinted image of a wolfrider on the cover. The small painting of a wolfrider was something that no one could see outside of the North. He slowly opened up the book and started to read the first page and was surprised by what the book was.
"Is this a fairytale book or an instructional book?" Bran asked.
"It is both m'lord," replied Ser Rodrick.
"Have you read this?" Bran asked.
"Yes, I had and I find it very interesting indeed. The direwolf means more to House Stark then just a sigil. It was a reminder of the days of the wolfriders and the deeds that they fulfilled thousands of years ago," Ser Rodrick replied.
"Then why haven't they remained? Why did they disappear?" Bran asked.
"You should read it and find out for yourself," was the reply before he stepped out of the room leaving Bran alone with himself and the book. Summer had already left to hunt for the night. Bran was left to his own devices as Ser Rodrick closed the door but not before a servant entered with some food and warm milk for Bran. Normally he would be the one getting the milk, but due to his injuries and lack of mobility he is stuck in bed for at least another week or two. Sighing Bran was reluctant to seal his fate.
After his meal Maester Luwin came into the door.
"Ah young Bran how are you feeling other then a case of cabin fever," he said with an all knowing smile. Bran scowled at him before the Maester presented his medicine to him. Bran hated his foul tasting medicine but the Maester insisted on him taking it. Insisting that it will help the spine to heal so he could run again. Bran would like to disagree but the pain is staring to fade with each time he took it.
"There now that isn't so bad now isn't it. I also made this for you to get rid of the horrid taste," Maester Luwin said and presented one of Bran's favorite drinks. It was a hot chocolate taste from the Summer isles. When he finished his drink the Maester took his vials and walked out, but not before looking at the book on Bran's lap.
"Read that book carefully young Bran you destiny is told within it," he said before closing the door.
Bran looked down at the book once more with the snarling wolf at the front. When he opened the book he saw the word on the front of the page. Reading the introduction as well as the first bunch of stories Bran read the book late into the night. He was only about less then a quarter of the way through when his eyes grew heavy. It was then that Robb walked in to see how his little brother was doing.
"Hey," he whispered to him.
"Hey," Bran replied sleepily.
"You know what time it is right? It is time for bed," Robb said to him.
"I know, but I find this book fascinating. It is filled with information and stories about the wolfriders of old!" Bran said with excitement.
"I know I read my copy from cover to cover and training Greywind to be my steed," Robb said with excitement.
"So when I get better and am able to leave this retched room will you and I be able to ride?" Bran said.
"Not yet for me, remember I am larger then you and Greywind has to grow a bit more before I can ride. You can ride with Rickon he is riding Shaggydog." Robb replied and Bran's eyes lit up at the chance to ride with members of his family again.
"Will I have the wolf dreams too?" he asked Robb.
"Aye, you will have them," said another voice and both turned to see Lord Stark at the door. Robb stood up and kissed the top of Bran's head before heading out. That left both father and son there staring at each other.
"So I will be a warg then?" Bran asked.
"Yes, you will be just like the Starks of old. But for now Bran you need to sleep," he said and Bran groaned when Lord Stark tucked him in and kissed his brow before blowing out the candles. Bran sighed as he allowed sleep to come to him.
He ran on all fours the plants splashing his face. He enjoyed the feeling of it as the cool night air graced his features. The moon shining bright yet the darkness of the night was filled with the sounds and smells of the animals he passed. Raising his head high he let out a long howl to the stars. Others joined him as he turned to stare into the darkness.
Out from the trees they came gray and black forms joined him as they came close. His brothers had joined him and together they will hunt once again. Howling the song of the hunt they enjoyed this time of quiet in the world. The cold winds of the north felt good on their thick fur as they ran into the forest beneath the trees. The smell of the many animals filled his nose but yet it felt good. He felt good to be free as the wind.
Bran woke with a start. The light of the moon filled the room as he stared into the darkness. His body was covered in cold seat but he shook with a new found fear, or is it wonder. Suddenly the door opened and Robb entered with a candle in his hand. Holding his other hand was Rickon the boy was scared as Robb led him into the room and shut the door.
"How are you feeling Bran?" he asked.
"I don't know, I had the strangest dream," he said holding his head.
"You dreamed that you were a wolf running through the woods?" Robb asked. Bran's eyes widened in surprise when Robb used his candle to light the one next to Bran's bed.
"Rickon and I had the same dream too Bran. I think they were the wolf dreams that you and I read in the book," he said pointing to the book that was on the table next to his bed.
"Did I really dream that I was Shaggy Dog?" Rickon asked him.
"Yes, I think so, I remembered the book saying that the bond starts with the wolf dreams. And then we can ride them and warg them," Robb replied.
"Robb what is Warg?" asked Rickon.
"I means we can become them for a time. We can share bodies like we do in the dreams," Robb asked.
The six year old's eyes widened even further as Robb placed him on the bed. The distant sounds of howling could be heard in the stillness of the night. He turned to see both boys looking out the window.
"So we can become wolves?" asked Rickon his eyes became wide as saucers.
"I can but you boys have to learn how. Rickon you are too young you will have to wait a few years," Robb said with a smirk much to the younger boys annoyance. Bran turned to him, "Will I learn?" he asked.
"Yes, since you can't do any combat training and you are about the right age Bryden Rivers or better known as Master Blackfyre agreed to take you on. He said he spoke to you in dreams which you answered back and understood. That means you have an aptitude for magic." Robb replied.
Bran was shocked to hear this as he stared at the book, "An aptitude for magic? What about you or father?" asked Bran.
"I have the gift but I was already taught by Master Blackfyre in the art of Warging. You he told us have the gift of both warging and Greenseeing," Robb replied.
"Whoa," said Bran as he looked at Rickon who also looked back in awe. Another howl then pierced the darkness of the night one that told of joy and the enchantment of the hunt.
"Now since you boys have finally heard why we have the same dreams it is time to return to bed. Hopefully you can dream of being wolves more," he said. Bran and Rickon nodded with eager enthusiasm as Robb led Rickon out. He blew out Bran's candles just before the door shut.
Bran was left alone in the dark his eyes looked out towards the darkness outside. Just beyond his window and the walls that surround Winterfell lay the moors and then the Wolf's Wood. It was here that he could feel his wolf running free. The Northern woods are full of game just as they had done in the past. The wolves of the forest howling also to their direwolf brothers as they ran along side them. Bran could feel it in his blood as he laid back to see if he could share his wolf's eyes again.
Slowly he closed his eyes and began to dream of running free again in the forest.
MEANWHILE
Robb made his way down into the crypts there his father was waiting for him near the statue of their aunt Lyanna. Nodding both Stark men made their way further towards another entrance. This one led to the many pipes that run throughout Winterfell and Wintertown. But as they walked down the tunnels they came across another door. This one Lord Stark used the key to open. When the doors opened he entered followed by Robb. As they entered the door closed behind them locking them in place. Lord Stark then made his way down the long tunnel and opened another door.
This time the entrance was well lit as they entered the Library of Winter once again. The massive library stretched as far below the earth as the eye can see. The Citadel could not compare to the amount of knowledge that has been collected throughout the centuries. But both men ignored it as they walked towards one of the many elevators that would take them down. Getting inside they were lowered down towards the ground. Once on the ground level they both departed the elevator and made their way towards the far end where the librarian normally resides.
But upon entering the room they were greeted not by Lord Tyrion, but by the Septa and the other members of the Winterfell council. The door quickly shut behind them and the sound of many locks could be heard. Then both Starks made their way towards the front where the rest were waiting. The sound of echoing footsteps gave the office an eerie sound.
"Lord Stark," said the Septa and she was followed by the others who had all given their nods of recognition. Lord Stark then switched chairs with the Septa and sat down behind the desk.
"We are meeting here because this place is the most private. There are eyes and ears around that we don't want hearing what we had just heard from Lady Catelyn and Lord Varys," said Lord Stark as he sat down. Robb nodded and used one of the mirrors to project a beam of light onto the clear blank wall behind them. When it appeared they were shocked to see Lord Robyn Arryn there with Lady Catelyn.
"This image was taken just before my wife rescued the boy from his abusive mother. It seems as if she was driven mad by the need for skooma. Who or how they acquired it is anyone's guess because the ingredients needed to create it comes from Essos." he said and everyone was shocked at the other images and moving images of the young lordling.
"What has happened to him?" asked Sir Rodrick.
"Skooma poisoning, Lady Lysa was poisoning her own son to make him look frail and fragile. Who knows how much longer the boy would have lived had my wife not rescued him. Thanks to the help of Lord Royce he will have a chance to grow up into the man he was supposed to be," Lord Stark said.
"What do you mean?" asked Maester Luwin.
"He is coming here," said the Septa her eyebrows raised.
"Yes, he is coming here along with Lady Catelyn and the new recruits for Castle Black. Lord Tyrion will make his way south towards King's Landing as planned. However Lady Lysa will be demanding her son to return. The Blackfish, Lord Bryden Tully will help us protect the boy. He needs treatment now if he is going to survive," said Lord Stark.
"Treatment? Here?" said Maester Luwin.
"Is there a problem?" asked Lord Stark.
"No, there is no problem m'lord it is just that the time it would take to treat the boy, and make him up to speed with boys his age is going to take time," he said.
Lord Stark thought about this but his eyes were narrowed. He knows that it would cut close to the estimated timeline of the coming of the Others. But what choice do they have they need the help of the Vale to help fight the dead.
"There is more," said Robb. Attention turned to him.
"Sansa has been found in King's Landing by Arya," he said and that earned a few gasps from the others and signs of relief. The only one who wasn't moving was the Septa. She only raised an eyebrow having already knew the news from earlier.
"Is she alright?" asked the head Maid she was frantic for the return of their lady.
"She will be fine and she will remain there as our eyes and ears into the main part of the city. Joffrey is up to something and from what I gathered there is a war brewing. The brothers of King Robert are reading for war. Someone filled Stannis and Renly in that the royal children are not of Baratheon blood. From what my son Robb tells me both the princess and the younger prince are both trueborn children. It was the eldest son who is a bastard. Lord Tyrion is heading towards King's Landing now to confirm this with Varys. In the meantime I want each and every one of you to prepare for Lord Arryn's arrival. He will be arriving in a few weeks so his room must be maid ready for him and his recovery," Lord Stark said to them.
"It shall be done m'lord," said the Head Maid and the Steward.
"Good, and make ready for Lady Catelyn's arrival she would have much to tell. From what I understood from her report Lord Arryn was murdered," he said and that earned a gasp once again from the room.
"Murdered! How? Who would dare kill the Hand of the King?" asked Sir Rodrick. He was not pleased by this act.
"We know of two suspects from young Robyn's testimony. Both of them close to the hand, Lady Lysa and a man named Petyr. From what Catelyn told me there is only one man that fits that picture and that is Lord Petyr Baelish the Master of Coin," he said.
"Why would they do this?" asked Maester Luwin.
"That is for Lord Varys to find out and for us to remain ready. When the time comes we will be marching for King's Landing," said Lord Stark with a smirk.
"Marching? To war?" asked the Steward.
"No, King Joffrey had commanded all the lords swear fealty to him. It is a way for him to pledge our loyalty to the false crown. Until we get our summons we will wait. Wolves wait for the right moment before they attack less they chase away their prey," Lord Stark said.
"And if War does happen?" asked the Septa.
"Then we bring the Crowned Prince and Princess here to Winterfell where they will be safe. We will train them in the art of combat and ready them for when they take foot back in King's Landing. At least until the true King and Queen return to reclaim their throne," said Lord Stark.
"ALL HAIL KING AEGON TARGARAYEN SIXTH OF HIS NAME AND PRINCESS DAENERYS," they all said at once. Lord Stark leaned back and smirked for all was going as it should for now. But he knows that these are troubled times and in times like these they have to be ready.
TBC
A/n: Ok I apologize hugely for the lack of action in this one but I am trying to set the table folks. I promise you that their will be action soon so hold on to your hats. Oh and please remember to leave a review at the end of this and no FLAMES, LORE MONGERS OR BASHINGS PLEASE! thank you!