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.

22. A Robin Among Wolves

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THAT BELONGS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

A/n: Oh man a new year, a new chapter! Thank you all for staying tuned for this long! It has been such a wonderful journey in the two years since I started writing WOW, and it has growing still despite the show being off the air for almost a year. Now I can't wait for the prequel show to start! If it will start!

But anyhow I digress and I should start the story right?

Alright here you go folks another exciting chapter of….

THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL

Chapter 22: A Robin among Wolves

Home,

That was all Catelyn Stark was able to think about when she saw the castle for the first time in many moons. The looming towers and the walls around Wintertown are the calling of many bells to her. The horse that she rode snorted as if excited that they were finally home. Beside her was of course her bodyguard Bronn and Robyn or Robert Arryn. The boy looks much healthier then he had been in the Eyrie. His face was more flush and his eyes no longer had the dark circles under them. In fact despite the lack of meat on his bones the boy looked healthier then ever.

"Is that Winterfell Aunty?" Robyn asked her.

"Aye, it is the home of House Stark and capital of the North," she said.

Robyn looked in awe as both he and Catelyn start their trek towards the towering castle. As they entered the gates to Wintertown people from all around greeted their lady and her escort back home. A runner quickly went towards a horn nearby and started blowing. As she neared the farthest gate the doors opened and she entered along with those that came with her. Robyn watched as his aunt dismounted from her horse with the grace of a cat. Only to be greeted by whom he presumed to be his Uncle Ned as they shared an embrace.

One of the escorts came to help Robyn down from his horse. As the boy was still not fully well and with the poison still in his body Robyn was left weak and unable to do many things. The guard had to help the boy off his horse but at least they were helpful. Quickly as one could gather a wheeled chair was brought out for him and they quickly gotten him into it.

"Take him to the Maester Tower to have him examined. Lord Tyrion gave him some medicine for the journey before we separated but Robyn will need more," Catelyn called to the people helping him. Nodding their understanding they quickly ushered him into the castle. As he turned his head he watched as Lady Stark was embraced by whom he would guess was his cousins.

CATELYN

Ned could not stop holding his wife. After many moons away she finally returned to his embrace. Sharing a longing kiss they quickly walked into the castle after Robyn.

"Cat my love it has been so long you must be tired and hungry why don't we eat before our meetings," Lord Stark said to his wife but Catelyn shook her head.

"It can't wait Ned we need to gather the lords now!" Catelyn warned as she walked towards his solar. Lord Stark and Robb close behind her.

As if on que the rest of the Lords who heard quickly followed towards the solar. As they entered Catelyn quickly ushered them in and closed the doors sealing them inside and shutting out any sound that might be for listening ears.

"What is it Lady Stark?," asked Ser Rodrick.

"Lady Arryn murdered the Hand of the King!" she said and the others quickly stood up in alarm.

"What?" asked Robb.

"We discovered this when we were in the Eyrie it was too dangerous to relay the message directly through the mirror or without due to the amount of spies that are in the castle," Catelyn replied.

Lord Stark was indeed alarmed by this. To show that Lady Lysa would murder the man who he thought of as a father figure. He turned to Catelyn, "Do you have proof?" he asked.

"Yes, and the account of Robyn Arryn himself. Luckily I recorded it on one of the mirrors. The magic held the account as the boy retold his tale," as if the show proof she pulled out one of the small mirrors she had used at the Eyrie. She remembered the sequence used to activate the mirror and then when showing the image replayed the account.

RIVERLANDS ONE MONTH AGO

"Aunt Cat are we there yet?" Robyn asked from his saddle. After returning to the Bloody Gate, Catelyn and her party immediately sought out her uncle. Brynden Tully was not pleased when Catelyn retold the tale of what happened up at the castle.

"I've heard that there was a trial with a Lannister and I had to guess it was the Imp. But to do so much as to try and punish him with death? That is absurd! It could mean war between the West and the Vale! What is she thinking!" said Brynden.

"Uncle this situation is even more dire now that I have taken her son away from her. Lord Royce has given his life and pledged his honor to protect the boy and will only distract her for so long. But we need to get the boy to safety now," she said to him.

"I understand Cat. Riverrun will be only a two week journey from here if you ride hard. But what will you do then?" he asked.

"I will return to Winterfell with the boy. My husband can protect him from Lysa and can give him the treatment he needs to recover from Skooma poisoning. I am worried about his health also and I must also warn father to expect a fight," Catelyn said.

"I'm afraid it would not be possible Cat," he said.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Holster has taken Ill as you have heard but his health has taken a turn for the worst. He does not have much time left and I'm afraid your brother is too much of a fool to heed such a warning well," Brynden said.

Catelyn sighed as she leaned back against the table. "We will ride out on the morrow. Lord Tyrion is safe in the wheelhouse for now along with Robyn, but when we get to the crossroads and to Riverrun we go our separate ways. I must head back North and he to King's Landing. If what young Robyn told me is true about Lysa then I believe she might be the one who has murdered the Hand of the King," she said.

Brynden gasped along with Andar Royce who had escorted them down from the mountain. The man was told by his father to help them escape to secure Lord Arryn's seat in the Vale. "I must return with you to Riverrun, Hoster is near his end and I must see to him," he said and Catelyn nodded before accepting his invite.

END OF FLASHBACK

"That was a fortnight ago and Lord Holster Tully has passed from this world. I know not what happened but my brother insisted that I return here to the North to be safe," she said. The others in the room looked grim when she said this and Lord Stark frowned.

"You were wise to heed his advice Cat, and we can protect the boy. When the Maester returns I will receive his report on how badly the poisoning has gone into the boy. But Lysa must pay for her crimes against the Realm," he said looking to her. Even though Catelyn's eyes held tears she knew that what her sister did was unforgivable. To kill her husband and to try and kill her son. That was not something she would do at all. Instead all she could do is nod her head in understanding with tears in her eyes.

"Cat it has been a long day and you need to rest. I will arrange for the men stationed at the borders to keep an eye out for any changes from here on out," he said and she nodded before being escorted away by Robb. It was here and now Lord Stark became the strategist that he truly is. Pulling out a map of the North he looked at the area that marked the border between the North and the Vale. He quickly turned towards the steward to his right, "Poole as Steward you are second to the Maester when it comes to messages. Send word out to all the houses along the eastern coast of The Neck all the way up to Widow's Watch. Have them keep an eye out for any ships traveling from the Vale. Send word out to Greywater Watch. Tell Lord Reed to have his family patrol The Neck for any signs of discontent along the Riverlands Border. I want the southern end of our territory watched. If Lysa wants to start something we will be ready." he said.

The Steward bowed before making his way towards the Maester's tower to send out the ravens. As the others waited for orders Lord Stark sighed, "I will need you Septa to send word to Lord Varys tell him that we have the criminal and to keep an eye on this Petyr. If he is whom I think he is then he will think twice before messing with the North." he said. The Septa nodded before she walked out as well.

When that was done the rest of the Lords discussed boarder patrols around the North as well in case the Vale decided to attack the other ports along the Eastern coast.

"Send patrols to the west as well. Inform the lords along the western coast to keep an eye out for Vale ships. If there are anymore Ironborn from the islands then lend them a hand. They will need it if they want it. Tell them that the North will aid them in their time of recovery," he said. With that several of them left leaving Lord Stark alone.

As he looked at the map he could see where things are beginning to unravel. Suddenly the sounds of cawing could be heard and he turned towards the raven at the window. The raven had red eyes a rarity among birds but to Lord Stark it was this bird that he knew so well.

"Lord Brynden Rivers what a surprise," he said to the bird. The Raven fluttered into the room and began to speak in a squawky sort of manner. "Lord Stark it is a pleasure," he said.

"I am sure you've heard everything and probably seen everything?" he asked the last Great Greenseer.

"Aye, I have, and your offering of your fourth child has indeed lifted a great burden from my shoulders," he said to him.

"How is Bran by the way? Has he passed your tests in the dreamworld?" Lord Stark asked.

"Young Bran is exceptional! His powers as a Warg are truly one of a kind. He would need to drink the potion of the sight to truly open his third eye, but he has potential. His gift for magic has come at a time of great need. For indeed you heeded the warnings of your ancestors. The time has come for the Great Long Night once again," Brynden said to him.

"Has there been any change to the movements of the dead?" he asked the Three Eyed Raven.

"Some, though the Night King is concentrating on gathering his army. Caster has indeed betrayed us by offering his sons to the Night King and the Others. The Chieftains of the Free Folk Clans have dealt with him already. His wives/daughters are taken into Castle Black where they will serve as maids and caretakers until lodging can be made for them should they choose to return to the True North." Brynden Rivers replied.

"That is good. At least the Chieftains are on the ball when it comes to dealing with traitors," Lord Stark replied. Brynden nodded though the raven looked rather odd doing it.

"Is there another matter you wish to report as well?" asked Lord Stark.

"Yes there is the matter of Lord Robyn Arryn that needs to be addressed," Lord Rivers said to him.

"Oh? Is it a question of his birth or a question of his loyalty?" Lord Stark asked concerned that the boy might not be suitable to train. He hoped he could train the boy to be a good leader to his people, but if his parentage is of some concern then Lysa has more to answer for.

"Oh no the boy truly is the son of Jon Arryn and Lysa Tully. I have seen it myself. However it is his mother that has me concerned. You were right to send troops to strengthen your borders. She is a woman gone mad from her skooma addiction. She also blames your wife for taking what should have been hers. So she seeks comfort in a man who never loved her," replied the Raven.

Lord Stark's eyebrows rose in surprise, "Now this is interesting? Why didn't you discuss it with Catelyn?" he asked.

"I did, she sleeps right now and I visited her in her sleep. Telling her of the grave news which I am now telling you. Her worry is that Petyr is the same man that you mentioned in the meeting. The only man of that name that she knew. Petyr never loved Lysa, he loved your wife and is still harboring feelings for her. However the feelings of resentment are still there from his deep hatred of the Starks and the Tullys in general." Brynden replied.

"I see, this is most concerning. Not only do we have to worry about the Long Night, but we have to worry about a possible war with the two Baratheon Brothers and the Crowned Prince. The North will be divided if I were to choose a side." Lord Stark said.

"You need not to choose Lord Stark. By not following the King South you saved yourself from a horrible fate. But your daughters have taken a different path to follow. Let them decide where the North goes in the wars to come. The south does not need our aid. Not like when Robert called you to liberate the Realm from the Mad King. Robb is not ready to take the mantle of leader yet. He has much to learn. And he agreed with me when I discussed it the night before with him." Brynden Rivers replied.

"You seemed to discuss things with others before speaking to me first," Lord Stark said as a matter of fact.

"I need to in order to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated," The Raven replied.

"Is there anything else to report?" he asked.

"Only one, the boy Jon Snow and his Aunt have made it to the Shadow Tower and are recovering well. I'm sure you've already known about that. But my concern is their dragons. The caldera that the dragons are supposed to be taken to might not have enough fire magic to allow the dragons to hatch. If they do then not enough to help them grow. Both might have to go to Essos to aid their dragons in growing," The Raven replied.

"This does concern me. If they do leave then Daenerys might have to deal with the fall out of her brother's mistakes," he said concerned for his adopted child.

"Fear not Lord Stark, you have raised them both well. They are dragons and just like wolves they are wild and free. Let them fly their own path and learn what it means to be a dragon. You still have a decade more to go before the Long Night comes, so you have some time," the Raven said.

"I hope you are right," Lord Stark stated. The Raven then flapped his wings and flew out the window without so much as a goodbye. But then again the Three Eyed Raven is over three hundred years old. The man must be near his end soon. So if Bran were able to pass his tests in magic then that probably would make him a candidate to be the next Three Eyed Raven.

Standing up Lord Stark walked over to the Window. Already the light of day was starting to fade over the city of Wintertown. Winterfell being a castle that it is stood over the town and he could clearly see the many fires from the huts of men as they returned home from the fields at night. His thoughts drifted towards his disabled son. Bran will recover his mobility that much is certain. But is he ready to take on the ultimate task that is set for any son of the North.

MEANWHILE

Robyn Arryn stared at the ceiling of the Maester's tower. It was unlike any Maester tower he had seen. Unlike King's Landing or the Eyrie this tower was well built to withstand the cold. It also housed several ravens that were quiet when he entered. Right next to his bed were several other beds as well some with other people sleeping in them. Judging from their clothes they were probably some of the servants in the castle.

What Lord has a Maester tend to their servants? He asked himself as he slowly looked around. His tired muscles protested as he rose, but the need to use the facilities was getting to him.

"Ah Young Lord how are you feeling?" asked a warm and graveled voice.

Robyn turned to see an elderly man with faded robes standing there with a tray in his hand. Judging from the chains around his neck he is the Maester.

"I need to use the loo," he said.

"Oh it is at the end of the room on the right. The one with the figure of a man is for men to use, the other for women," he said.

Confused Robyn made his way towards the back of the room and just as the Maester said there were two doors. One with a tall straight figure on it and another with a triangular figure. He figured out that one was probably a female figure and so went into the one with the straight man. When he emerged he was relieved and feeling much better, though he thought it strange that the facilities didn't smell as horrid as those in King's Landing or back in the Eyrie.

"Ah how are you feeling m'lord?" the Maester asked as he held a tray of food for him. It was smelling delicious as Robyn sat down. It was a hearty soup with vegetables and some meats mixed in. Unable to speak Robyn just took a spoon and scooped out a chunk of meat from the soup. Blowing it to cool it down he took a tentative bite.

His eyes lit up at the taste that just melted in his mouth. It was the most marvelous taste he could every had dreamed! The meat just melted like butter and the herbs and spices mixed in gave it exquisite taste. One would not have thought someplace as bland as the North could have such spices. Then again they do trade with the Riverlands and the Vale. He learned that much in the lessons he could attend due to this health.

"How do you like the soup?" asked the Maester.

"It was delicious! Tell the cook that it just melts in my mouth," he said.

"You can tell her yourself," said a new voice and Catelyn stood at the doorway. Her dress changed out for a Northern one. As she walked in Robyn suddenly stood up straighter, "Aunt Cat!" he said nearly spilling his soup. At a wave of her hand the boy sat down again.

"Now, now Robyn you must eat and regain your strength. I've talked with my husband and you can stay so long as you get better and obey the rules," she said.

"I will, as long as Lord Stark don't send me back to my mother," Robyn begged. He never wanted so much in his life for his father to be alive still. He misses his father's stories about the great battles that he fought in. He also misses his smile and his advice. Never in his life had his mind been so clear as it had today staring at his aunt with such clarity.

"I won't child, now rest for tomorrow Lord Stark wishes to speak with you," she said. Robyn nodded as he ate his meal but as he watched his aunt leave the room. He could not help but see the difference between his aunt and his mother. His mother carried herself with fear and would constantly look over her shoulder for anyone lurking in the shadows. She would mutter to herself when she thought Robyn was not looking. She would often speak to an invisible person and call out Petyr's name. It was those things that Robyn grew weary and afraid. When she would look at him it was a crazed look of someone obsessed with something Robyn is not.

He now realized that being forced to feed from a now shriveled breast was a sign of weakness. Though true a baby needs to nurse in order to eat the same could not be said about a twelve name day boy. If he was in his right mind he would have been disgusted at the sight. But after his aunt and her friend the Imp had identified what was making him so sick for so long Robyn had begun to plan for his escape. He wanted to run, but it seems as if the gods were in his favor. His aunt had come to his rescue beforehand by slipping in some medicine that helps him instead of making him sick. This medicine made his head clearer and his breathing better. It also gave him some energy so he could move about and run if he has to. It was well planned and he managed to escape with his aunt and her friend to the homeland of both of them. Not surprisingly his mother tried to send people to bring him back.

But his aunt was clever and had him taken to the servants quarters to rest and to recover. She had sent the Imp as his mother called the dwarf to King's Landing for safety. While she took Robyn and her guards back North to Winterfell and the home of his uncle's family the Starks. Robyn had heard so many rumors concerning the Wolves of the North, but all of them seem to be just that, rumors.

The same could be said about his family which were known as the falcons. Just like the Lannisters of the West were known as the lions and the late Targaryens were known as the dragons. Each family had their sigil animals and his was no different.

Just as Robyn finished his meal and his mind lost in thought he failed to notice the presence of something until it walked right up to him.

Startled he stared into the golden eyes of the biggest wolf he had ever seen. His fur was black as night and his teeth were as large as Robyn's fingers. Backing away in fear he wanted to scream but the words would not leave his mouth.

"Shaggy Dog no!" said a high pitched voice.

Startled Robyn looked to see a boy no older then six namedays standing there with a scowl on his face. The wolf whined as if being scolded.

"Don't beg, you're scaring him now shoo!" said the boy and the wolf only looked back at Robyn before trotting off. The boy on the other hand only waved at him before he too ran off. That was followed by a laugh from the opposite side of Robyn.

Surprised he turned to see the Maester with a bottle in his hand, "Ah young Rickon, you can never know with that boy," he said as he handed the bottle to another patient who was on the bed in front of Robyn. The man looked to be a guard who had gotten sick with something. Robyn didn't want to go there when the Maester handed the bottle to him.

"Alright Percy I want you to take this at least three times a day. Eat it with a meal and no alcohol for at least a week. The poison should be out of your system by then. The only thing you will have to do afterwards is eat a bit of yogurt preferably made with goat's milk. That should put your stomach right," the Maester said. With that the guard nodded before heading back out the door, "Oh and tell the guard captain that you're relieved of duty for the rest of the week since your stomach is so weak," he said. The man nodded before leaving.

"What happened to him?" Robyn asked.

"Had a bit of a spell with some rotten meat. Poor sod wasn't paying attention when he went to get his lunch in the kitchens. He took the meat that was meant for the pigs because it had gone bad. Instead of feeling famished he gotten sick with food poisoning," he said and Robyn watched the man walk away back to his station.

"So you treat the guards too? I thought the Maester only treats his lord?" asked Robyn.

"No we treat others as well and I in particular and my fellows in the Northern holds treat the small folk alongside the healers," Maester Luwin replied.

"Oh, so Aunt Catelyn Ahem Lady Stark said that I had poisoning from the medicine my mother gave me is that true?" he asked.

"Ah a bright young lad. Indeed, the poison your mother gave you is called Skooma. A very nasty addictive substance that is often used for recreation in certain places. However it poisons the mind and makes one weak. In children such as yourself it hinders your growth and makes you ill. In most cases it can kill you," he said.

Gulping Robyn looked at the other beds seeing that there are several people still being treated for ailments. And several younger people were helping the Maester by running around and helping where they can. They even went as far as helping a child with his ailment. The coughing was loud and it sounded...wet as if the child has water in his lungs. One person gave the child some medicine to help them sleep and rubbed an ointment on his nose.

"I wish I could help," Robyn said.

"You are helping young lord. By asking questions which is a good sign," the Maester said.

"I'm sorry what is your name?" Robyn asked the Maester.

"Luwin, Maester Luwin," he said.

"Maester Luwin, you said asking questions helps me how?" Robyn asked.

"It means there is hope that the Skooma hadn't destroyed your mind completely. If we had gotten to your home later I'm afraid your mother would have destroyed your mind and made you invalid," Maester Luwin replied.

"So if I took that medicine from my mother and her Maester then I would have...died?" Robyn replied.

"Yes, you would have died. If you hadn't then you would have been a vegetable or you have been struck dumb," he said sadly.

Robyn's foggy mind began to piece together the picture and as he drank from the drink offered to him he felt a bit sleepy. But the sleep felt good as it allowed his mind to start to clear. As he fell back into bed and the Maester tucked him in he felt as if for the first time in his life he could fly as a bird. He welcomed the darkness that enveloped him then allowing it to sooth him into sleep.

LORD STARK'S SOLAR

The door opened to let in the Maester. The room was dark save for some torches on the sides. On the desk in front of him was Lord Stark filling out papers into the night. Upon seeing him he put down his quill and gave a warm smile. Beckoning him to come closer the Maester complied as he went towards a chair near the desk and sat down.

"And how is young Robyn, Maester?" he asked.

"The boy shows promise. He still has his wit I can tell you that. It was a good thing that Lady Stark caught him in time. If he had at least another year's worth of that poison he would have been lost forever." said the Maester.

Lord Stark looked troubled as he heard this, his hand on his chin stroking his beard, "Are you sure? If that is the case then who knows what kind of damage the drug has done to the boy. Is there a way you could look at him further?" Lord Stark asked.

"Well I still need to perform some tests on the boy to ensure that his mental health is in stable condition to rehabilitate. But physically his muscle mass is stunted due to the drug making him too weak to do many physical activities without proper exercise. His bones too are frail and the long ride from the Vale to here has fractured several bones in his pelvis. Luckily I gave the boy some Frostback venom to dull the pain. If not who knows how he would react to the pain." Maester Luwin replied.

"Any word yet from King's Landing. If my messenger has told you about it?" he asked.

"If you are talking about word from Lord Varys then no. Then again things have been stirring up since young Joffrey has taken the throne. It seems as if the King is demanding that all lords take their place at the Red Keep to bend the knee to the boy king. All the while his uncles Stannis and Renly are gathering an army to fight him. Renly already has House Tyrell at his side since he married Mace's daughter Margery. Stannis only has a priestess of Rhillor with him." said Maester Luwin.

"And then we have a mad woman running the Vale," said Lord Stark.

"Yes, a very angry mad woman. Even though she is your goodsister," the Maester said.

Taking a deep breath Lord Stark let it out slowly, "This can't go on, we have to be ready for when war does break out. In the meantime keep treating young Robyn. He needs to get stronger if he is to take the Vale back from his mother. Catelyn is in agreement with me on this. Her nephew needs to take his place among the Vale as an Arryn should." with that he stood up and began to walk towards the balcony behind him.

"Lord Stark if I get results back from Varys?" the Maester asked.

"Have me see it first and then I will use the mirror to contact him," with that the Maester bowed before leaving. Lord Stark turned to stare at the rising moon coming over the horizon. Taking another deep breath he finished the last letter he wanted to write before heading down towards the godswood. He needed to clear his head and think.

LATER

Robyn thankfully was released to one of the guest rooms in the castle. Finally freed from seeing the various patients in the castle he was able to see for himself just how LARGE Winterfell truly is. As he walked over to the window he looked at the Godswood beyond and then at the moors beyond the walls. Just beyond that was the great Wolf's Wood. The gigantic forest that lay beyond where the Northerners get their wood, meat and blessings. Since they follow the Old Gods the Northerners kept the woods mostly intact as a way to keep with the Gods.

Robyn leaned on the window since walking was difficult at the moment. His body's weakness due to the poisoning has left him short of breath and unable to do much. Just getting to his room required him to be in a wheeled chair much to his annoyance. But according to the Maester he will get better with time. Now that he no longer has the poison in him he can finally grow stronger. Already his appetite emerged again when he ate his stew which was watered down for his poor stomach. His aunt came to visit him and introduced him to young Rickon and Shaggydog. He enjoyed Shaggydog. He hoped one day he can grow up to be friends.

But right now the quiet of the night has in a sense left him with a bit of boredom. Unable to sleep due to the constant need to use the loo which thankfully is installed with his rooms. Robyn is now noticing just how WARM Winterfell truly is compared to the outside. As he sat down at the window the cold northern winds blowing in his face. He now came to understand just how cold it truly is in the North.

The few lessons he was able to attend back at the Eyrie allowed him to understand that Winterfell is one of the few castles in the North with a natural heating system. Hot springs come up from underground warming the earth and the castle. Pipes were made by Bran the Builder to pump hot water throughout the castle to warm it up and keep it warm throughout the long cold winters. It reminded Robyn of home of the cold winds that blew through the Mountains of the Moon. Of how he would listen to the sound of it at night when he was lucid enough to do it. Often times he would gaze at the ground below to see what it would be like to be a falcon staring at the earth below.

Just as he said it he looked down to see a shadowy figure enter the Godswood. It was not unusual that he was able to see it. Since all day several people came into the godswood to be able to send their prayers to the sacred weirwood tree in the middle. It was the only tree there with its blood red leaves and sad dripping face. As he watched the figure kneeled in front of the tree and began to say a prayer. What prayer it was Robyn did not hear but when the figure rose the moon shown down on his face. His eyes widened to realize that he was staring at Lord Stark.

The man then walked towards the center near the dark pool where he often was seen tending to Ice his ancestral sword. Today however the man pulled Ice from his scabbard and instead of moving to polish him began to do a series of moves with the bastard sword. It was a technique that he had not seen before. Intrigued he watched as the moves became faster and more complicated then ever.

It was as if the man was dancing!

His eyes grew wide as he watched Lord Stark dance around the pool. Leaping into the air to deliver thrusts, slashes, and a kick. He did flips, twirls and spins thing he'd never see a knight do, but here is Lord Eddard Stark performing moves that no one has seen.

Or at least him.

Now Robyn has been to many melee fights and he had seen men practicing with their swords. But Lord Stark was something else all together. He was truly a warrior of legend with the way he moved at his age. As the man moved Robyn could see his sword slicing the air as if it was nothing. Such a marvel as it slashed at the moonlight made him dream of one day doing that.

Just as he began to wonder about it Lord Stark stopped and then gave a bow to the sacred tree before leaving again. Robyn was now energized once again as his mind was whirling at the possibilities. He wanted to do that, to do what other boys did and most of all to be something.

But then his thoughts came back to him and his predicament. He cursed his mother and her foolishness. Her love for a man who in Robyn's opinion was as twisted and cruel as anyone else. His father loved him despite being up there in age. Lord Arryn would spend every waking moment with Robyn when he was free. To see his boy grow up strong and to be able to raise him.

Now he was gone and Robyn was left alone. Even now away from his mother he wished just this once that life was as it had been before. So lost in his thoughts that he did not hear the door open. Or the shadow that waited for him. Sighing to himself Robyn got up and slowly made his way from the window. Closing it behind him to keep out the cold chill.

Turning around he was surprised to see Lord Stark standing there at the foot of his bed. Turning towards the window and then at the bed the man gave a mischievous smirk as he patted the bed to indicate to Robyn that he can sit. The boy walked as fast as he could to the bed. Sitting down he was surprised to see that the man was not angry.

"I saw you there, just down there!" Robyn said shocked.

"Aye, you did, I often go there at night to practice and to meditate. It helps to calm me down before bed. Now tell me little falcon why were you watching me?" he asked.

Robyn gulped for Lord Stark was a rather large and robust man. Unlike Robyn who was a lot smaller, weaker and frail. Taking a deep breath he replied, "I was just looking at the ground below and to listen to the wind. I often do that at night when I am lucid enough to do it. Most of the time I can't because the medicine makes me sick." Robyn replied.

Smiling softly Lord Stark put his arm around him and pulled the boy closer. It was a fatherly gesture something he missed in his own father.

"Now, I know you have questions," he said to him.

"I saw many lords come and go to the Godswood sir. But when I saw you move like that...I don't know," he said honestly.

"Did you feel excited?" he said. Robyn could only nod his head. Lord Stark smiled, "Well if it makes you feel better when you are well enough and cleared by the Maester I will have Ser Rodrick start to teach you the basics," he said.

Robyn's eyes lit up in surprise, "Really? Am I really going to be doing the same thing you did at the Godswood sir?" he said.

"Yes, you can be able to do it but it will take time and effort. If you can do that and work hard at both your studies and your practice then one day you will be great young Robyn," he said.

With that Robyn gave him a hug, "Thank you," he said. Lord Stark held his hug before tucking him into bed. As he laid there in bed when the candle was blown out he could hear the distant howling of wolves. Something he never heard back at the Eyrie. In fact he never even heard a single bat or bird for as long as he returned to the Eyrie. Thinking about it now he never even heard the ravens that were sent out.

Just the wind and the silence.

His father told stories of how the castle was filled with the sounds of birds and bats. The birds during the day and the bats at night. The sounds they make soothes one soul allowing them to feel at peace knowing that everything was right. Even in winter the sounds of many migratory birds could be heard as they traveled south for the winter.

But ever since he came to the Eyrie it has been silent. Not a single sound only the wind and the occasional thunderstorm. He could see nothing but clouds for miles but not a single ray of sunshine upon the land below.

The only other sounds he would hear was the screams of his mother's victims as they were dropped through the moon door. Robyn shuttered to think of why he would have enjoyed it. Now that his head is clear he can be ashamed of himself for the horrible deeds he has done as a child. From suckling his mother so late in life to enjoying the torment of others. It was something he does not want to happen again.

As he stared at the window and the light of the moon pouring in he made himself a promise. That one day he would return to the Eyrie and he would flush out his mother to make the land right again. He could feel the sickness that was in it since she took over the Eyrie. Lord Royce was right only a falcon should be on the weirwood throne. That in itself is where Robyn belonged but to be able to do that he needs to get back into shape. A boy like him should have been playing and learning how to fight.

Instead he is a sick and weakly boy whose thoughts for a long time were stunted to that of a child. Well he promised himself that he would get stronger and smarter. He would fight to get back what was taken from him. That was a promise and Lord Stark was willing to help him. So help him he shall!

"I want to be strong again," Robyn whispered as he closed his eyes he sent a silent prayer to the heavens.

Mother who has granted mercy to all, grant me mercy. Let me atone for the sins that I had done in my sickened state. Warrior give me strength to become stronger. Give me the resolve to grow up as the lord I must be to free the Vale. Crone, help me gain the wisdom to become the leader that my father was. Help me free my mind and regain my intellect to see what I should have seen. Father grant me the justice that I deserve. Grant me the will to make right the wrongs done to me and my family. Smith, help me see the creation that I am about to shape with my own hands. Help me craft my mind, body and soul into what it should have been. Help me fix this broken body and heal this broken mind. Maiden please watch over the innocent in my realm. Keep them safe, keep them pure. I will one day return to watch over them as I should have done in the beginning. Stranger if you hear me watch over my father. Tell him that I still love him and mother. If my mother's true soul is with you then tell her that I still love her despite all the wrong she has done.

TBC

A/N: Whew! That was rough! But at least with this virus going on I can concentrate on this latest chapter with this story! As it stands I still am working as a night stocker with my job and that has helped keeping social distancing in effect. The only sad part is the amount of people we need to keep the shelves stocked. Especially with missing cleaning supplies and toilet paper since people love to horde it all. But at least it captured the feelings I needed for this chapter of the ache of my nation under stress because of a damn disease. But here you have it folks another chapter of...THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL. Hope you enjoyed it. I sure did. Till Next time and please Leave a Review but remember no FLAMES, BASHINGS OR LORE MONGERS PLEASE!