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.

23. The Falcon and the Wolf

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

A/N: Oh Man thank you sooo much for the comments and the continuous favs and follows I had been getting. I am nearing the 700 mark as far as how many people like this story. You guys are awesome.

Anyhow on with the story.

THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL

Chapter 23: The Falcon and the Wolf

WINTERFELL

Robyn Arryn could barely make out two letters in his textbook. He is already struggling with his reading and he could not tell the difference between m and n. Sighing in defeat he leaned back into his chair highly embarrassed.

"Don't take it so hard Lord Arryn your mother had deprived you of a formal education, and as such you will need time to learn the skills you should have had at your age," said Maester Luwin as he saw the boy struggling to figure out a single letter in a very simple children's book. Growing frustrated he wanted to throw the book across the room and nearly did until he looked towards the side and saw that young Rickon Stark was also having trouble reading. The boy was half his age at six name days old and yet he struggled with his letters just as he was.

Robyn now felt better knowing that someone is also struggling like he is. He then heard a sigh and turned to see the Maester look at him with some accounts of pity as he slowly closed the book.

"That would be all for today Lord Robyn. Perhaps you and young Lord Stark can go out and tend to the hounds," he said.

"Don't servants do that?" asked Robyn confused.

"In the south yes but not in the North. Remember the North maintains the ways of the First Men. So off with you," he said and he slowly gotten up and began to walk out with the aid of his wheeled chair.

Ever since he started taking treatments for his Skooma poisoning it was as if his body refuses to work properly. He had to be in a wheeled chair because his legs no longer functioned. It was because the poison attacked his muscles making them too weak to allow him to walk. They also numbed his nerves and slows down his brain so his thinking and functioning are not as they should. So when it came time to take a test to see how much he had learned he failed.

"Com'on Robyn I can show you Shaggy Dog!" said Rickon as he led the way. Robyn was pushed from behind by one of the servants. They left the room and made their way towards their new destination...the kennels.

Shaggy Dog was a Direwolf pup that has grown to the size of a normal wolf, which is quite large to young Robyn. The wolf was very dark nearly black in color with large golden eyes and a playful demeanor. Rickon loves his wolf as do all the Stark children. Robyn missed his family more since he had come here. But he willed himself not to return to the Eyrie. To do so would be to subject himself to the will of his mother once again.

Just the thought of what that woman had become had broken Robyn. He willed himself not to cry in moments like these and vowed to make himself strong again so that way he can prove he is truly a Lord of the Vale and Warden of the East. He will also find a way to break the poison's hold on his mother.

"Shaggy! Shaggy Dog where are you!" Rickon cried as they entered the Kennels. Robyn broken from his thoughts heard a loud barking before a dark shape raced out of the shadows towards Rickon. The boy opened his arms laughing as the wolf seemed to stop and lick the six year old's face with his long pink tongue. Robyn had never seen such a large wolf before. But then again he had never seen a wolf period other then the fur rugs that are in his mother's solar.

"Shaggy Dog get off of me!" Rickon said and the wolf obeyed him. Robyn saw how massive the wolf is compared to the boy of six name days, but to witness it himself was amazing. Rickon then turned towards Robyn and the wolf followed in his stare. His eyes penetrating Robyn's own dark brown eyes as if searching for something. Then he started to take a step closer and Robyn felt nervous, almost scared.

Shaggy Dog then reached Robyn's face and took a sniff before licking it like he did to Rickon. Robyn started laughing as the wolf the bounded off towards the gates of the castle. There he saw another wolf waiting for him of equal size. That wolf as well as Shaggy Dog both made their way towards the Wolf's Wood beyond the marshlands of Winter Town.

"That is Grey Wind my brother Robb's wolf," said Rickon laughing as Robyn watched in fascination as they ran off together.

"I wish you weren't confined to that chair. Mama said that you are sick with a different kind of illness. Perhaps I can help!" Rickon said but Robyn shook his head sadly.

"I know you want to help Lord Rickon but for me the Maester told me that it would take time for me to walk again." Robyn replied and Rickon shook his head smiling.

"No, I can help it is called friendship!" he said smiling as he went about to check on the hounds and feed them. He made sure to leave a snack for Grey Wind and Shaggy Dog. He then walked out to show Robyn around even though he was being pushed by another person Robyn felt for once in his life like the world can be better. As if to say that was an understatement put the boy from the Vale in a predicament with the much younger boy. But it was for naught as they came upon another room with a large wolf's head.

Robyn was curious as to why such a door existed. But then he was even more surprised that Maesters of all sorts were coming and going through that door. Many of them didn't have chains on them as if they were Maesters in training.

"Father said to meet him here, where is he?" asked Rickon to the guard at the door.

"Lord Stark is waiting for you inside my young lord," said the guard at the door. He then opened it up for him by pushing the door opened and both Rickon and Robyn entered the room.

To say that the room was massive was an understatement. It was circular in appearance at first with a large pit in the center. Stone and steel littered the railing's design as if to give support. Rickon led him towards a strange platform on the side wall of the circle one that led down into the depths. But as they came near Lord Stark was waiting for them.

"Ah there you are Robyn how was your assessment test," Robyn was embarrassed as he looked down. It was then the Maester came up from behind him. His steps were quiet as he approached Lord Stark.

"I'm afraid m'lord that Lord Arryn here is illiterate. He was barely able to read much less write his letters. Young Rickon here was a little better but not by much. I'm afraid his education is lacking," Maester Luwin said to Lord Stark sadly. Sighing Lord Stark looked at the young man who sat in his wheel chair looking very embarrassed. It was then that he had a hand land on his shoulder and he looked up at Lord Stark.

"Robyn tell me did you have any lessons at all back in the Eyrie?" he asked.

"I had some, but there were few and far between when I was not so sick," Robyn replied sadly.

"Your mother didn't approve?" Lord Stark asked trying to pry.

"No, she said that I am too smart for my lessons and that I don't need them. All I have to know to do is rule from my chair. If I question her I will get beaten for it. So I kept quiet," Robyn replied. Lord Stark nodded and indicated that he would take over.

"I will show you around Robyn and perhaps now we know where to start with your lessons. Since you are beginning level perhaps you can study with Rickon for a while till you get your reading and writing up to power with someone of your age," said Lord Stark as he guided Robyn to the platform.

"What is this place uncle? It is too big for an ordinary library?" Robyn replied.

"That is because it isn't. This is the Library of Winter the oldest library in the world," he said and pulled a lever. The platform shook before it descended down into the pit. Robyn was shocked by how it moved. Without barely a sound he felt himself lower into the library. What he first saw was only the tip of the ice berg. When he went down all he saw at first was nothing but stone. But then after about five minute it opened up to a vast chamber. Robyn watched amazed that it appeared larger and wider then up above. Everywhere he looked he saw people walking about looking through various books and scrolls. He even saw someone viewing fish through a large window.

"I've never seen such a library before!" said Robyn surprised as he went lower. Now that his mind was no longer fogged he can see things clearly now. The library itself was much larger then he had ever dreamed.

"Is it bigger then the citadel or King's Landing's library at the Red Keep," Robyn said surprised. He even saw the same Maesters that had been through the door earlier.

"The Library is the oldest as I stated and the largest. We have a contract with the Citadel that dates back centuries. They can come here of their own will but they have to have permission from the Librarian of Winter before entry. That way we can control how many books leave the library and how many stay. The books here are so precious that to leave the library would mean death for the thief. However to preserve the treaty they are allowed to copy the book before stepping out." Lord Stark said.

"Do you have anyone stealing from here?" Robyn asked.

"All the time, you see there are Maesters here that will do anything for the knowledge of the library. But they are only limited by what they are here for. For example if they are looking for knowledge of plants that cause harm then they are only allowed to do so. If they somehow sneak away to look up for example dragons or astronomy then they are thrown out. So most Maesters abide by the rules." Lord Stark said.

"How does one know what they are here for?" asked Robyn curious as they went further down. Along the sides he saw statues of animals or people also present even some artworks that he had never seen before.

The lower they went the more books became available and the more spaces opened up. And as they went further Lord Stark explained.

"The guards that protect the library are aware because Tyrion gives them a list of names with what they are searching for. The guards then check the Maesters and the paperwork they have to have with them when they come to the library." Lord Stark said.

"Tyrion? Tyrion Lannister is the Librarian?" asked Robyn startled remembering his Aunt mentioning something like it to him.

"Yes, he was selected by the previous Librarian when he was on his death bed. To have such a position means you have it for life. There is no going back once you become a librarian." Lord Stark said as he opened the gate and walked behind to push the wheeled chair.

Robyn was shocked to hear about it. As they traveled out of the platform onto the main floor of the library Robyn saw that the way up was a long way and that they had traveled at least for twenty minutes if not more. What a shock to see as they came to a stop in front of a large desk. Sitting behind it was a woman that Robyn had not seen before. She wore her hair long but in the normal Northern hairstyle the women preferred. However her dress was not what he would have expected. She wore robes similar to that of a Septa but it was opened in the front revealing the strange garment underneath.

"Shifu I have brought a guest with me. This is Lord Robyn Arryn of the Vale." he said stepping aside as the woman known as Shifu lifted her head to him. He saw for the first time that her eyes were slanted not at all like those of most people. Was she from Essos perhaps? When she stood however Robyn was shocked to find that she was tall for a woman but slender and ladylike in appearance. She walked with a grace that was so silent that he did not hear her footsteps as she walked silently towards Lord Stark and himself. Her skin was pale and her eyes were dark pools that would drown you if you looked too long. However it was her voice that took Robyn's breath away. It was like that of the wind loud when need to be or quiet like a whisper. Today it was a bit loud because of how the chamber echos the sounds above.

"It is an honor to meet you Lord Robyn of the Eyrie I am known as Shifu or as you Southern folks like to call me Septa of Ice," she said bowing to him in a strange manner that was different then what he was used to. It was then that Lord Stark leaned in and whispered to him.

"Women have the choice to bow if they are not into Curtsying," and Robyn gave an 'Oh,' in embarrassment.

"What brings you to the Library Lord Stark?" Shifu asked him.

"I am here to discuss Lord Robyn's education or lack there of. Maester Luwin said that the boy barely can read and write so that means he has almost no education and I would ask if it were possible to have him in your special needs classes until he is caught up," he said.

"That would be fine. Young Brandon would enjoy having another person in a wheeled chair to talk to. I will make the arrangements for his lesson plan m'lord," she said as she walked away and Robyn watched as she returned to her desk and pulled out a parchment to start writing.

"Special Education?" he asked Lord Stark.

"Some people need help in learning Robyn. Here in the North all children from all stations learn to read and write. But we don't tell you Southern folks that. To do so would be to break our oath of secrecy one that I wish to imply with you," he said as he rolled him through another door this one to the side. There was another group of students there. All of them watching a man giving a lesson on the differences between certain types of plants. Robyn noticed immediately that some of the students either looked disfigured or had some sort of ailment. Some looked perfectly normal but they either had canes, crutches or wheeled chairs. And surprisingly enough there were dwarves here too. They seemed to be trying to draw pictures of something.

"Can I help you Lord Stark," said a voice and Robyn noticed a man walk up to them it was the same one from the front of the class the instructor perhaps.

"Yes, I am here to introduce you to your new student. This is Robyn Arryn the Lord of the Vale," said Lord Stark.

"Lord Stark, Lord Arryn it is a pleasure," he said to them.

"Robyn this is Shaun he will be your instructor until you have caught up with your age mates," he said to Robyn.

"You are in luck as the new school season has started. This is a fresh batch of students so you don't have to catch up to them as much," said Shaun as he guided Robyn to a desk. Robyn looked over at the boy next to him he was waiting for the chance to learn.

A FEW HOURS LATER

It was his Aunt who came to escort him to dinner a few hours later. Lord Robyn was more then excited to know he was not alone in not being able to read. There he met a few other students who had reading problems including a boy twice his age.

The boy was a Vale born like him but unlike Robyn he was a bastard from a minor house that was cast out. He traveled North where he thought he would go to the Wall. Instead he was met at White Harbor by Lord Manderly's son Wylis who noticed that he could not read as he tried to look at the documents given to him by Wylis. So in pity Wylis asked him to accompany him to Winterfell and be taken in by Lord Stark to educate the boy. Robyn also learned that Winterfell not only is the seat of power to House Stark and capital of the North. It was also the main education center for all Northern folks wishing to learn and expand their education. Both boys are new and Peter Stone was the first boy from the Vale that Robyn met since he came here.

Their first lesson was one that the Teacher insisted on. His name was Shaun Flint from the Eastern side of the North. A man that wanted to teach more then he wanted to follow his brothers. So he took classes on Education which he found interesting.

As Robyn ate his dinner his mind began to wonder when he would start to learn how to read. It was a fun and exciting thing to do, but given his mental exhaustion he was overwhelmed by the possibility of learning something new.

LATER

Lord Stark and his wife watched as Robyn was put the bed. The boy had a long and exhausting day and because of his exposure to Skooma they thought the Special Education branch would be best till he recovers.

"How is he?" he asked Robb as his eldest son closed the door.

"He is exhausted and excited to go to his lessons tomorrow," Robb replied.

"That is good," Lord Stark said to him as they started to head towards the main solar. As they headed towards the solar they were met by the other officials along the way.

"Ah Lord Stark you're here it is so good to see you," said Maester Luwin. Right beside them were several other officials. The one that got Lord Stark's attention was the presence of Roose Bolton. The man normally never leaves the Dreadfort, but given today he was not surprised to see him here.

"What can I do for you Lord Bolton?" Lord Stark asked as he sat down with his council. Roose Bolton was a quite man who said very little and spoke very softly but for now he was speaking as if from the grave.

"My bastard son Ramsey has not written to me for an age. I wish to know his whereabouts," Lord Bolton demanded his clean face and pale eyes reflect his worry.

"Ramsey is in the Reach, last I heard still searching for my daughter," Lord Stark replied and handed him a paper with the seal of house Bolton on it. It was unopened and Roose slowly reached out with a dark gloved hand and took the letter from him. Opening it up he read the letter and breathed a sigh of relief. Giving back the letter he addressed Lord Stark with simple words.

"My son was late in getting a message to me. I feared he was killed by bandits. Domeric has been asking me for weeks about Ramsey's whereabouts and even begged me to send a search party. I knew of his journey around the North, but never had I known much about the slavers extent. The Dreadfort is located too far inland for the pirates to raid," Lord Bolton replied.

"Aye, same with Winterfell, but Ramsey assures me that they are alright in the Reach. Currently they are in Highgarden with Mira Forester who is a handmaiden to Lady Margery Tyrell. So you came all this way to see how your son fare Roose or is there something else?" asked Lord Stark.

"I also came here with news of my lands Lord Stark. I would have sent a raven or a letter but I felt that I should tell you in person. Recently there had been sightings of Wights near some of my more northern holds. I fear that The Wall is starting to fail. Even Lords Karstark and Umber are worried since their holds are the first in line to be hit once the Wall falls," said Lord Bolton.

This worried Lord Stark, "Wights are you sure?" he asked him.

"Scouts mostly when I asked for reports by the Freefolk they told me that the main army is still in the Thenn Mountains gathering forces. These are probably the advance scouts that see where villages are what areas are good for pickings." said Roose.

"I don't think so," said Shifu as she adjusted her chair.

"What does the most Ancient one have to say about this?" asked Roose looking at her with those pale eyes.

"The advance scouts would be near the Thenns just south of it looking for any nearby victims. No, these are folks who are feeling the dark magic that is seeping through the Wall. Remember the Wall was built nearly ten thousand years ago if you want to be precise the eight thousand nine hundred and seventy four years. The Night King is not going to waste his time scouting he is going to focus his energy to gather his forces and then take on the wall. Right now they are preying on the wildlife and clans who are too stupid to move south. The Giants and the Children have already moved their people away from the main army and are heading here. Already the gates are open for them to pass through should the need arise." Shifu replied.

"You are very knowledgeable Shifu. Your years of experience have proven a factor in the times to come. House Bolton stands ready Lord Stark and I thank you for letting me know of my son," he said nodding. It was then that Lord Stark decided to acknowledge the reason why he was holding back on comments till now.

"Lord Bolton let's just make one thing clear. You never cared for Ramsey till now. No letter, no acknowledgment of his existence. Ever since I found out about the rape you had done on that Miller's wife you're lucky you were the only one in line for the seat of House Bolton at the time. So tell me after all these years why do you want to know more about your Bastard son?" Lord Stark asked his voice cold and frigid. The others turned to look at him wanting to see what the Lord of the Dreadfort would say before sighing.

"I am asking on behalf of my trueborn son Domeric, he asked for Ramsey and I promised him I would look into why he's not sending letters. The boys are close even though Domeric had never met Ramsey. His mother tried to tell him that Ramsey by Law of the North is sent to study here in Winterfell. The boy is obviously curious and even at his age he should be more focused on learning how to govern his hold rather then worry about a bastard," he said and it was then that many hands went to their sword handles. It was only Lord Stark's raised hand that they slowly put them down and relaxed.

"Lord Bolton think very carefully what you are saying in my house. Ramsey as well as all the Bastards of the North are to be treated with great respect. That has been our tradition since the time of the First Men. They are the ones who will help hold up the nation should something happen to us and they are the ones whose ideas help to build the North. We Starks show great honor in letting them study here to get the education they deserve. Should I have allowed Ramsey to stay with you I fear that he would have become a monster in the making, just like his father," Lord Stark said a clear insult to Lord Bolton and a warning to him.

Knowing that he would have been cut down should he make a move Lord Bolton gritted his teeth and stormed out of the room. Lord Stark waved his hand and one of the servants rushed out to escort Lord Bolton back to his rooms. They also knew that the Lord wanted to make sure he stays in there so he waited till the footsteps grew faint before breathing a sigh of relief.

"That man scares me every time I see him," Catelyn said and several other heads nodded.

"How could you let that man live after what he did to that Miller's Daughter," said Robb as he looked out with anger and hatred for the Lord of the Dreadfort.

"There are some things you are forced to look the other way. What he did to that Miller's Daughter angers me to the very core. But Ramsey would not want me to kill his father even after what he did. His mother also asked for the same thing. She is a kind soul even if the man is a monster in of its self," Lord Stark said sighing.

"Ramsey begged you to forgive him is he insane?" asked Robb.

"No, Ramsey is just a young man who wanted to judge his father himself when the time came. So right now Roose is free to be who he is for the time being. His son on the other hand is the exact opposite of his father from what I heard," Lord Stark replied unmoving from his seat.

"Really? We all thought he would be a cold hearted asshole like his father," said Ser Rodrick. Lord Stark started laughing when he heard it and he could hear chuckles around the room at such a comment. Clearing himself up Lord Stark decided to address the crowd.

"No, Domeric is more like his mother then his father. His kind heart and strong personality makes him a fine ruler of the Dreadfort. He wants to be a healer and so came here to Winterfell to study the healing arts. Wanting to use his family's skill of flaying their enemies into something more practical like surgery," Lord Stark replied with a smile on his face.

"I remember him from my days in university lessons," Robb replied remembering the dark haired, pale eyed lad that sat next to him in class when he was studying the healing arts. Domeric Bolton was also a very good musician according to Robb and sometimes between classes he would play some instruments and even signed up for music lessons. The boy also showed signs of liking animals from dogs to horses and if possible train to heal them rather then just kill them outright. Something Lord Stark approved, even his mother showed her support.

"I take it he had more of his mother's traits then his father," said Catelyn shaking her head.

"That I would have to agree," said the Maester.

"Getting back to subject, the wights seen south of the Wall are a matter that must be taken into consideration. Seeing as they have suddenly appeared in Bolton territory as well as in the Gift and near the Last Hearth and Karhold that could mean that there are buried bodies there for the Night King and the Others to use." Shifu said to Lord Stark.

"I agree we all know the importance of burning and cremating our dead. But the sight of actual bodies shows us that not everyone follows the rules," said Vayon Poole his face showed is disgust.

"Do not blame the wildlife for not burning their dead. Sometimes people get caught out of their homes during winter storms, or they were hit by bandits from the South. We can't tell why they died without proper burials, but we do know that they are there. If what Lord Bolton said is true then the magic that has held the Wall is truly failing. We must do something!" said the Head Maid.

"What can we do? There is nothing we can do now but pray to the Gods to help us restore the Wall to its full potential," said the Head Cook.

"ENOUGH!" yelled Shifu as she stood up her gaze penetrating enough that all who are around her began to cower.

"Shifu is right we must not resort to acting like children. This is serious the Wall is failing after eight thousand years. The magic that held it is dying we know this was going to happen. The armies of the dead are gathering and waiting. The Great Long Night is nearly upon us so our lord's house words are still being said today, Winter is Coming. So we must be prepared for when the wall breeches. Your ancestors have warned us that the Wall will fall when the next Great Long Night approached. The Giants are willing to offer aid if that will reinforce it. The Night's Watch has more then quadrupled since the announcement has been made. Every man, woman and child is being trained for combat and we are still short on dragons." said Catelyn.

"But the dragons are coming correct?" said Maester Luwin sounding worried.

"We already lost several ice dragons already. The magic of the volcano in the North is also failing. The magic of the Great Other is becoming stronger so if Jon and Daenerys don't hurry soon then we are all doomed," said Vayon Poole.

"Not if we don't do something first," said Robb feeling anxious.

"Sir, if you don't mind me changing the subject since we are not getting anywhere. What about Lord Arryn?" said the Head Maid.

"What about him? Has something happened?" asked Catelyn worried for her nephew.

"No, what I mean to say is that he is here in Winterfell when he should be in the Eyrie. Why is he here Lord Stark?" asked the head of Wintertown a man with a large girth due to his ailing health problems and white hair. He is from Essos so his beard is nearly nonexistent. Lord Stark sighted before answering.

"He is here because his mother the Lady Lysa is mad with insanity. She tried to poison him with Skooma," he said truthfully. A gasp was heard from some of the others in the solar.

"Is it true Maester?" asked the Head Maid.

"Yes, he is currently being treated for Skooma poisoning which has taken his ability to walk. After we started treatment to cleanse his body of the poison his legs refused to work. Much like young Brandon with his accident. However Lord Robyn will make a recovery given time. His appetite is only limited to soups and soft foods till his stomach can recover from the poison. He also is illiterate and unable to write properly. His mind is making leaps and bounds in its recovery but it will take time to catch him up." said Maester Luwin.

"But he will know of the North!" said Ser Rodrick in shock.

"The boy will learn of us eventually the longer he stays here. So we might as well make him an ally and should we need help from the Vale, Lord Robyn will be a great source to turn to for aid," said Shifu.

"We don't need the help of the Vale we Northerners have been looked down upon by the other nations for thousands of years. So why should we depend on the nation whose ancestors chased ours out of the South?" asked the Head Maid.

"Because we need every nation ready in case the North falls to the armies of the dead," said Lord Stark as he glared at her. The Head Maid backed down immediately.

"You old hag! We have purposely made it so that we appear to be the poorest nation in Westeros. Isn't that the purpose of use being looked down upon. It is so we can protect the secrets of the ancient knowledge that our ancestors thrived on. It is to prevent the same disasters that happened with both the First Men and the Valyrians. We don't want it to happen again. That is why we are careful in who to trust. And if Lord Stark believes that Lord Robyn can help us with our rising problems then let him help us!" The Head Cook replied she was loud when she made that statement and the others agreed to it.

"The Head Cook is right m'lord we must aid Lord Arryn in his ailing health. What his mother did to him was wrong and if Lady Stark hadn't rescued him then the boy might have died within the year," said Maester Luwin. The others started whispering to themselves when they heard this and then turned to Lord Stark.

"M'lord surely Lady Arryn will not hesitated to send her knights to kill us!" said Vayon.

But Lord Stark held up his hand, "I've already increased patrols around the neck and the coastal areas nearest the Vale. I've also had all holds on the Eastern shores watched in case any ships from the Vale enter our waters. We are also checking for anyone entering our shores to be thoroughly checked for any sort of weapons that seem suspicious. I will not take any chances. All the Lords along the Southern end are also on the lookout for anyone crossing into our territory. I am well aware of how Lady Lysa would act in this situation." Lord Stark replied and it was then that Robb added before the conclusion of the meeting.

"What about Sansa? She is in the capital right now what about her?" he asked.

"Sansa is old enough to be a full warrior. If Arya is with her then Sansa can take her on as her student and complete her training. Though her education would be lacking due to the difference in King's Landing vs here she will have what she needs to survive," said Shifu. Robb nodded in acceptance as he backed up away from them.

"I understand this all but things need to move forward if we are going to resolve this issue with Lysa. Robyn will stay with us and he will train with us. When he is ready we will send him back to rule the Eyrie. But Catelyn I'm sorry but your sister has destroyed Westeros enough with her impulses. She and her son had disappeared when the Hand of the King needed them the most." Lord Stark said to his wife. Catelyn looked down with a sad look on her face. Her eyes telling the truth of how sorry she was that this happened.

The meeting went on long into the night nothing else of importance has happened to be discussed. They discussed trade routes and other topics of the North and when the hour of the bat arrived it was then that they called it a night and headed towards their beds. But one person did not sleep.

Lord Bolton sat at the desk provided to him by his station. There he was writing a letter to his son and wife in the Dreadfort. Though he is a cruel man, a lying man he is not. As he wrote he knew that he held no feelings towards Ramsey his bastard son. But he must care for him as a father should. His wife and son both love him so he will show the boy the same courtesy though there is none to be had. As he finished writing he passed it on to a bird he kept at the window. The Raven was quiet as he passed the letter to it's leg. As it flew off into the darkness of the night he sat there looking towards the moon and the Northern forests in the distance. He knew that when the time comes the North must be ready. But for how long does its ruler have to sit on the throne of winter. Only one could guess.

TBC

A/n: Ok this one is a bit rushed with a lot of talking going on but with the current events going on and work being crazy busy. I am stuck with only a small amount of time to write. So that leaves me to do nothing but write on the weekends. And usually I am too exhausted to even lift a key on a keyboard. So bare with me folks as I try my best. As to the confusion of current events let me make things clear. LADY BOLTON AND HER SON LIVE yes I am not talking about the woman in season six I am talking about his original wife. Remember the North is far more advanced in this world so there are ways to keep someone alive. And Ramsey did not kill Domeric Bolton the young man was never fostered in the Borrowlands and he has been living in the Dreadfort all his life. So he is still the same boy from what I read on the Wiki site but he did not want to be like his father. So I will leave it like that.

And remember if you like this story leave a review but no FLAMES, LORE MONGERS OR BASHINGS PLEASE! Thank you and stay safe!