DISCLAIMER: Chapter One.
Chapter rating: M (mentions of miscarriage)
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Chapter Ten: A Bastard Found
(King's Landing)
Ned was leaving yet another council meeting when Maester Pycelle came up to him. "Lord Stark. I meant to give you this earlier. So forgetful these days. A raven from Winterfell this morning." He gave a letter to the man who sighed softly.
"Good news?" asked the always soft voice of Petyr Bealish. "Perhaps you'd like to share it with your wife?" he continued smugly.
"My wife is in Winterfell," Ned said firmly as he rolled up the letter.
"Is she?" he asked evenmore softly, and then beckoned for the Northonor to follow. Turning, Baelish led Ned to the entrance of his brothel. "I thought that she'd be safest here," he tried to explain. "One of several such establishments I own." Ned was not keen on the idea and began choking Baelish when he grabbed him and pinned him against the wall.
"You're a funny man. A very funny man." Ned's voice was like the growling of wolves as he continued to strangle the other man before a head poked out of an upstairs window.
"Ned!" Catelyn scolded as he frowned in confusion, throwing Littlefinger away from him in disgust, before going in to question his wife.
"The Starks... Quick tempers, slow minds," Baelish whispered before following on Ned's heals.
"Cat!" Ned spoke in relief and embraced her tightly as she held him, crying softly.
"Oh, very good," said Littlefinger sarcastically as he closed the door. "You recognized her."
"I feared you'd never come," she whispered against his chest. "Petyr has been bringing me reports. He told me of your troubles with Arya and the young prince. How are my girls?"
"Both full of anger and mourn Nymeria's absence. Lady has attuned to it quite quickly," he told her. "Cat, I do not understand. What are you doing in King's Landing? What's happened?" Ned asked his wife. "Is it Bran? Is he…"
"It is Bran, but not as you think," Catelyn said.
Ned was lost. "Then how? Why are you here, my love?" But he quickly focused on her wounded hands that were covered in bandages. "You've been hurt." He took her hands in his own, turned them over. "Gods. Those are deep cuts… a gash from a sword…or…how did this happen, my lady?" Catelyn slid a dagger out from under her cloak and placed it in his hand.
"This blade was sent to open Bran's throat," she growled furiously.
Ned's head jerked back with shock. "But who…why would…" Unable to form sentences on why someone would try to kill a young boy.
She put a finger to his lips. "Let me tell it all, my love. It will go faster that way. Listen." And listen he did. Ned became alarmed at the hearing of Rhaenyra's attack as well. She made sure to avoid bringing up the dragons just as she had done before when explaining the story.
"The mere suggestion that the Queen's brother tried to kill your boy would be considered treason," Petyr explained as Ned frowned, knowing his wife would be in danger.
"We have proof. We have the blade…" Ned began, but was interrupted.
"Which Lord Tyrion will say was stolen from him. The only man who could say otherwise has no throat, thanks to your boy's wolf," Petyr said sharply as he thought of the man who could have been their mouthpiece.
"Petyr has promised to help us find the truth. He's like a little brother to me. He would never betray my trust," Catelyn told her husband who looked to Petyr, the man gave a smile before it dropped when the lord looked to his wife once more.
"I'll try to keep you alive, for her sake. A fool's task, admittedly, but I've never been able to refuse your wife anything."
"I won't forget this. You're a true friend," Catelyn promised as Petyr nodded, planning on using her promise.
"Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain," Petyr warned softly.
X
Ned gave a tired sigh as he sat in on another meeting that Robert was once again absent for, they were discussing the tournament Robert wanted to throw. Saying goodbye to Catelyn once again had taken a lot out of him, he wished he could have her stay but she was needed at home with their children.
"It's the Hand's tournament causing all this trouble, my lords," Janos Slynt commented as Ned cut in sharply.
"The King's tournament," Ned growled. "I assure you the Hand wants no part in this." Ned detested tournaments, he thought they were just for boys to prance around just for show to the court.
"Call it what you will, Lord Stark," Janos Slynt sighed with frustration. "Knights have been arriving from all over the realm, and for every knight, we get two free-riders, three craftsmen, six men-at-arms, a dozen merchants, two dozen whores, and more thieves than I dare guess. This cursed heat had half the city in a fever to start, and now with last night, we had a drowning, a tavern riot, three knife fights, a rape, two fires, robberies beyond count, and a drunken horse race down the Street of the Sisters. The night before a woman's head was found in the Great Sept, floating in the rainbow pool. No one seems to know how it got there or who it belongs to," At this colorful description, Ned felt a bit sick at hearing the reasons he hated cities.
"Dreadful," Varys said with a delicate shudder. Though Lord Renly Baratheon was less sympathetic as he narrowed his eyes.
"If you cannot keep the king's peace, Janos, perhaps the City Watch should be commanded by someone who can." Stout, jowly Janos Slynt puffed himself up like an angry frog, his bald pate reddening with fury.
"Aegon the Dragon himself could not keep the peace, Lord Renly. I need more men." He snarled furiously.
"How many?" Ned asked leaning forward in his seat.
"As many as can be gotten, Lord Hand." The man replied respectfully as he settled down at addressing the Lord.
"Hire fifty new men," Ned told him. "Lord Baelish will see that you get the coin." That made the coin master freeze.
"I will?" he asked, alarmed at being settled with that job.
"You will," Ned said sharply. "You found forty thousand golden dragons for a champion's purse, surely you can scrape together a few coppers to keep the king's peace." After making this statement, he turned back to Slynt. "I will also give you twenty good swords from my household guard, to serve with the Watch until the crowds have left."
"All thanks, Lord Hand," Slynt said, bowing. "I promise you, they shall be put to good use."
"The sooner this is over, the better," Ned growled as many agreed.
"The realm prospers from such events, my Lord. They give the great a chance at glory and the lowly a respite from their woes," Varys spoke softly as many were ready to leave.
"And every inn in the city is full and the whores are walking bow-legged," Baelish smirked as the council relaxed as their objectives were reached.
"I'm sure the tourney puts coins in many pockets. Now, if there's nothing else, My Lords?" Ned requested as the council shook their heads no before standing as Ned did the same. He stood and walked to Pycelle who was taking some time to stand.
"This heat. On days like this, I envy you northerners your summer snows. Until tomorrow, My Lord," he requested before Ned softly stopped him from leaving.
"I've been hoping to talk to you about Jon Arryn," Ned requested as Pycelle sighed, hoping to avoid this particular topic.
X
(Winterfell)
Rhaenyra walked through Winterfell with the hatchlings following, they started to just follow by waddling after her. Maester Luwin assumed they'd start flying once their wings gained the muscle. "Rhae," Robb called out as she turned, her hatchlings shrieked and cried out to him as he came up. Alysanne instantly tried to climb up his leg as he sighed before picking her up as she crooned softly.
"Aye, Robb?" Rhaenyra asked as Raynor stood nearby having been leading Rhaenyra back to her chambers for her lunch, she preferred eating in her room on certain days.
"I have arranged for us to go riding, a late nameday present. The hatchlings would be cared for by Maester Luwin," Robb spoke as Rheanyra chuckled softly while her hatchlings shrieked at her wondering why they stopped.
"Alright, when?" she questioned as he moved a piece of curly hair from her face. He would never get tired of staring into her violet eyes, he hoped their children took their mother's eyes, they'd be dark-haired, violet-eyed. Just like her niece, Rhaenys.
"Tonight, I will meet you at the pool at the Heart Tree," Robb promised, kissing her softly as she pressed another to his lips.
"Alright," Rhaenyra smiled as she and her hatchlings continued with Raynor following. Happy to see them getting along. Baela had been working on a dress for Rhaenyra as the lady returned to her chambers, the babies crying out confused. Baela looked over and smirked at her lady's flushed face. "Are you alright?" Baela asked as she stood, coming over to the young leader.
"Aye, Robb has something planned," she explained as Baela gave a happy 'ah.'
"So he's finally doing it," Baela commented as Rhaenyra looked to her. "I may have given him some ideas for your nameday, he was very curious as to what to do for it," she admitted to her cousin who laughed.
"No, it is alright." Rhaenyra was playing with Rhaella's wings as she smiled at the dragon who purred. "Will you help me ready myself? I must ride to the Heart Tree tonight." Baela beamed hearing that as she nodded and pushed the hatchlings off, ordering another servant to have a bath drawn for Rhaenyra who smiled.
"I have just the cloak and outer dress," Baela commented as she walked to the chest containing her cousin's clothing.
X
Rhaenyra made her way to the clearing as Gael trotted gently and silently through, the light snow sloshed underneath Gael's hooves as she nickered softly. Rhaenyra shushed her softly as they came upon the hot springs near the Heart Tree, speaking soothingly in Valyrian to her mare, Rhaenyra dismounted and checked her area. All she heard were birds, so she assumed she was safe. Gently undoing her cloak, Rhaenyra then started on her dress before hands stopped her. Recognizing the smell and feel of the firm hands undoing her laces brought a smile to the young lady's face as she closed her eyes.
"I believe that's my job," Robb spoke, voice dark and filled with lust.
"Then get to it husband," Rhaenyra ordered, making him smirk as he bit her ear causing a moan to leave her throat. Pressing hot open-mouthed kisses down her neck as his hands worked the strings off. One of her hands went up, tangling into his curly hair as he nipped her exposed neck. Getting the knots free he pushed down her slip, Robb's hands explored down her exposed body. Rhaenyra turned before engulfing her husband in a heated kiss while his hands went to her breasts and hers went to his pants, undoing the laces as her hands ran up his bare chest. Once she had divested her husband of his clothing he guided her into the pool, the warm water soothing her body he held her close. She settled on his hips the moment they entered the water. Rhaenyra moaned feeling her husband enter her, bringing him into a deep kiss that left her lips bruised and red as her tongue passed through his lips. Moans left Rhaenyra's throat as Robb helped her move, he grabbed her hips tightly and feared she'd have bruises before feeling her dig her nails into his shoulder, he quickly left that as he aided her in moving against his hips, she squeezed her husband's cock inside tightly causing him to groan before pushing her against the bank. Rhaenyra ignored the twigs or rocks poking her, her mind only paying attention to Robb's hips as he moved.
"Gods, Robb. Hurry." Rhaenyra felt her nerves tingle and leave gooseflesh over her pale skin that was reddening because of the heated water and Robb's attention that he gave.
"Such an impatient woman you are," he chided as she gripped his Tully hair in irritation.
"Aye, Robb. I am impatient," she growled as his blue eyes became even darker than before as his lips quickly made hers mirror their actions while he forced his tongue inside her mouth. The moan that left her lips made him move faster, wanting to bring her crashing down with him as he felt his wife tighten to almost painful constrictions. His fingers went down and started to rub her clit as she tightened her leg, feeling him touch a deep nerve inside. Robb continued to move and massage her nerve, he left her lips before sucking on her neck and Robb kissed and nipped her throat before settling against her as she tensed and jerked, her release had snuck up on her before she pulled Robb closer. He pressed softer kisses to her lips as she moaned, feeling him fill her, Rhaenyra felt truly naked in the eyes of the Gods. She prayed the Gods would give her a child soon, knowing Robb would want something to celebrate now that Bran was awake.
"Are you alright?" Robb asked as she nodded with a smile. She pulled him in for a deeper kiss.
"I am perfect, Robb. I swear it," she swore as Rhaenyra pulled her husband further inside her as she moaned, feeling him harden. They spent the next few hours together in the Godswood, Rhaenyra was grateful they did not get found out. But it did not worry Robb who altered from making love to her in the grass or the springs, once his wife was depleted and worn out Robb finally stopped. He laid alongside her as she breathed in true exhaustion. Laying on the furs Robb brought with him, he rubbed her back as she slept on his chest for a light nap as Grey Wind came into view, keeping an eye on his master and mistress.
X
(King's Landing)
Sansa was seen walking with Lady at her side, leashed of course at Robert's order if she were to keep her wolf beside her. Sansa nearly faltered at seeing her sister, dressed as a boy still and balancing on the edge of a large set of stairs.
"Arya?" Sansa questioned softly as Lady approached the child, greeting her by almost knocking her over. "Lady!" Sansa scolded. Arya just stroked the wolf's head with a smile before looking at Sansa. "What were you doing?" Sansa asked, sitting on a step as Arya balanced once more on the edge.
"My water dancing master is teaching me this. He says a water dancer can stand on one foot for hours," Arya recited as Sansa listened.
"That must get tiresome, to do that for hours?" she questioned as Arya steadied herself on both feet.
"Syrio says every hurt is a lesson and every lesson makes you better. Tomorrow I'm going to be chasing cats."
"Cats?" Sansa questioned, completely confused.
"He says every swordsman should study cats. They're quiet as shadows and as light as feathers. You have to be quick to catch them," Arya explained with a shrug.
"Oh! You mean like Rickon during bath time," Sansa remembered their brother's aversion to baths.
"Exactly!" Arya laughed as Lady barked softly at feeling the happiness around her. Both girls pet the wolf as Ned listened, smiling at their bond growing. Arya continued to try and balance as Sansa sat and watched her, Sansa talked about the few places she's found with Lady. Arya then tells her what else her teacher has told her, about the warriors East of them.
He was seen later walking through King's Landing looking for a certain smith shop. He found it when he approached it and dismounted his horse allowing a guard to take it. "You must be careful, My Lord. you don't know who might be watching." Jory was cautious. Hating the South for the secrets and the snakes that were everywhere.
"I must find the truth, Jory." Ned went inside as he spotted the master as his apprentice moved around in the background.
"My Lord Hand," Tobho greeted as Ned nodded back. "How can I help you?" he asked.
"I was told Jon Arryn came to see you before he died?" Ned asked as the smith nodded.
"Aye, he did My Lord. He and Lord Stannis came, but neither honored me with their patronage," the man spoke as Ned frowned. "They wanted to talk about the boy," Tobho finished, pointing to the young man working on a sword with ease as he slammed his hammer against it.
"I would like to talk with him," Ned requested as Tobho nodded and turned. If Jon and Stannis were talking with this boy then it must be important.
"As you wish, My Lord. Gendry!" he called as the young man paused.
The young man approached as he looked to Ned before back to his master who nodded. This young man looked to be around Robb's age maybe younger, but it was his stormy grey-blue eyes that caught Ned's attention. "Strong for his age. He works hard. Show the Hand the helmet you made, lad," Tobho urged as Gendry did so, retrieving a piece of metal he made. It was a bull's head helmet as Ned admired it. It was certainly a piece well made.
"This is fine work," Ned praised as he allowed Gendry to take it back.
"It's not for sale," Gendry countered as Tobho turned on him.
"Boy, this is the King's Hand! If his lordship wants the helmet…"
"I made it for me." Gendry turned to his master pleadingly.
"Forgive him, my Lord," Tobho ignored Gendry as Ned shook it off.
"There's nothing to forgive. When Lord Arryn and Lord Stannis came to visit you, what would you talk about?" Ned questioned
"He just asked me questions, my Lord," Gendry thought to remember. "About my work at first, if I was being treated well. if I liked it here. But then they started asking me about my mother." Gendry frowned at remembering the men. "Well Lord Stannis just glared around a bit, he disliked being down here," Gendry remembered the look the man wore.
"What did you tell them about your mother?" Ned asked as Gendry looked down.
"She died when I was little. Worked in an alehouse and had blonde hair, used to sing to me as well," Gendry spoke as he remembered his mother, looking down once more.
Ned touched the boy's head, fingering the thick black hair. "Look at me, Gendry." The apprentice lifted his face. Ned studied the shape of his jaw, the eyes like blue ice. 'I see it,' Ned thought. "Go back to your work, lad. I'm sorry to have bothered you." He walked back to the house with the master. "Who paid the boy's apprentice fee?" he asked lightly.
"You saw the boy. Such a strong boy. Those hands of his, those hands were made for hammers. He had such promise, I took him on without a fee-"
"The truth now," Ned urged. "The streets are full of strong boys. The day you take on an apprentice without a fee will be the day the Wall comes down. Who paid for him?"
"A lord, I assume," the master said reluctantly. "He gave no name and wore no sigil on his coat. He paid in gold, twice the customary sum, and said he was paying once for the boy, and once for my silence."
"Describe him," Ned demanded.
"He wore a cloak, but he was tall. He made sure nothing showed, but he was well-spoken," Tobho commented as he tried to remember. Ned frowned at the limited knowledge the man had. He left as Jory greeted him with the horses ready.
"Find anything, m'lord?" Jory asked as they mounted up.
"King Robert's bastard son," Ned explained as Jory looked curiously at him.
X
(Winterfell)
Weeks later Rhaella shrieked as she flew through the trees with Rhaenys and Alysanne following. Rhaenyra sat on Gael as she urged her mare to follow the dragons. The hatchlings were now reaching the size of a young dog, they were eating more and growing fast. Robb knew they would get out and was talking with Maester Luwin on what to do. He also had Raynor go out with a few men to choose a good branch for the bow to make Khal Drogo, Rhaenyra already had Mikken start on a good dagger for her twin. He was going to set it with a good steal and fashion it with a horse head, he heard horses were a part of the Dothrak.
"My Lady?" Raynor called as he urged his horse to follow the girls. Lately, the dragons had been flying further and further in the woods as Rhaenyra was always with them. Robb had gone with them a few times but they always returned to their mother when they grew tired, but they rarely did so, they would land on the ground before flying back up.
"I think they've found something," Rhaenyra suggested as she watched Rhaella hiss and dive to the ground as a rabbit leaped out from hiding before Rhaenys sent out after it pouncing on it only to topple off. Rhaenyra smiled, they'd seen Grey Wind do that but the dragons weren't made to do that type of hunting. Rhaenyra pulled out her bow and aimed at the fleeing rabbit before Rhaella dove biting it as Rhaenys set it on fire. They quickly tore at the burning flesh while Rhaenyra watched, noticing Alysanne snapping at her sisters. Her youngest was gaining more attitude, which was good. It was well known that the strong survive in the North, it was rare if the weak or timid lived, winters were harsh and unforgiving, even to a dragon who was too young to live on its own. But Rhaenyra was happy to have them train and practice to start doing it on their own. But she knew Bran could not wait to go riding with them, his horse was trained but they were finishing the saddle, making sure it was to the design. Though Rhaenyra had been cramping up the last few days, she assumed it would be time. She was late but figured her body was returning to normal. Clicking her tongue the dragons return to her before they turn back as well. The two trotted ahead as the dragons sat on the saddle, the growing dragons clung to the sides while one settled on top, soon they would be too big for this.
She dismounted as Gael was taken by a stablehand while the dragons followed. Many started to whisper when they spotted the three flying creatures while Raynor stayed close. Rhaenyra sighed in exhaustion as she entered her chambers, greeting the women who sat inside.
"How did they do?" Valaena asked as Rhaenyra smiled.
"Good, they were trying to pounce on a rabbit, as Grey Wind does. But they could not stay on them," Rhaenyra spoke as her maids nodded.
"You will have to continue feeding them," Valaena confirmed as the young woman nodded.
"Tell Robb and Theon that the saddle will be ready soon, Theon will go with us to keep an eye on Bran as he would race off if he could," Rhaenyra commented as the girls agreed. Rhaenyra groaned softly, feeling pain come on strongly around her abdomen, the young woman laid down suddenly as Lynara worryingly felt the young dragon mother's forehead. There was no heat so the maid assumed it was her courses.
"Go to sleep Rhae, we'll tell Robb when he comes." The young lady nodded, slowly laying down as Baela aided in underdressing her strings. The hatchlings confusingly cried out as Rhaella paused and hissed, Valaena shushed the dragons as they tried to climb up on Rhaenyra. Lynara stopped them, not wanting them to cause any more pressure on the younger's hips.
X
Rhaenyra assumed that she had been given some drink that made her sleep, ones Maester Luwin would make to soothe her cramps and Catelyn's morning sickness during her pregnancies. It was a simple herbal tincture he had created in his earlier youth when he first started as a maester.
The young woman froze for a moment, she gently removed Robb's arm from her waist, softly padding through her curious dragons and a growling wolf. Rhaenyra used her hand and felt between her legs, pulling back she found blood on her fingertips before sighing as Rhaella came into view, hissing at the smell. "I'm alright girl," she whispered before Baela snuck in, nearly shouting in alarm at seeing her lady awake. But she deflated at seeing the bloody cloth.
"Oh," she whispered sadly. She had hoped that not getting her lady the cloth meant something.
"I know," Rhaenyra spoke back softly. Though she was a bit happy as she was worried about how everything was going on in her family. "It's all right, can you go and retrieve the cloth, please?" she asked as Baela smiled and took off just as quietly as she arrived.
"Rhae?" Robb's groggy voice called.
"I'm here, Robb. I'll be back soon," Rhaenyra called. Robb froze, Rhaenyra rarely got up without waking him.
"Are you alright?" he asked as she sighed silently, feeling Rhaella paw at her leg gently before Rhaenyra answered.
"Aye. I just need a moment," the dragon mother said while her husband sighed, wanting to help his wife.
"What is it?" Robb questioned again before hearing her sigh softly.
"I got my moonblood," she spoke as he froze.
"Ah, do you need something or?" he asked as she smiled.
"No, Baela went to go retrieve everything," she reassured as he hummed softly.
"Come back to bed. I am sure Baela will return soon," Robb urged as she chuckled with a shake of her head.
"It's alright, Robb. It's better if I stay up," she suggested while he sighed defeated, knowing he wouldn't convince her to come back to bed before Baela comes back. Her moonblood didn't bother him, he understood that she went through it every month, but didn't know much as the two of the four girls who he'd grown up with usually kept to themselves during this time.
He silently sat up as Grey Wind sat around the changing screen. Baela came back in and gave the young woman the cloths to do herself and cleared her cousin to go back and sleep, knowing the girl was always tired in the beginning. Rhaenyra came back over to the bed as Robb looked up to her with concern in his features, the dragons followed with Grey Wind who laid on the ground. He moved the furs she climbed in, softly grabbing her pillow and clung to it tightly, he gently curled up behind her and cradled her close. The dragons laid around her while splaying out their wings.
"Are you alright?" Robb repeated his question gently while Rhaenyra sighed unsurely. Something felt wrong this time.
"I think so," Rhaenyra groaned out. Robb understood, kissing her head as he helped urge her back to sleep, he knew that was best. They have been friends since they were babes and he knew when her time would come, Baela would also be out, the two elder maids always claimed they were feeling unwell.
She felt burning heat as the fire spread. Whipping around she blocked an attack with a sword as the man in front of her was ripped away with a shriek, glowing red eyes pierced hers. Agony ripped through her lower half as she gripped a large belly. Growling and hisses escaped the large creature before she looked to it once more when she touched its muzzle, blood covered her hands. Angry roars left the dragon as it's hot breath hit her face, the smell of blood filled her nose.
Rhaenyra was awoken by her hatchlings, screeching at her as she gasped in true pain, hands going down to her thighs, being returned slicked with blood.
"Gods," she whimpered in agony as a maid ran in hearing their cries before gasping horrified. She called for two alarmed handmaidens who ordered her to retrieve the maester. Valaena was already kneeling and held Rhaenyra's face as she cried.
"I'm so sorry, my sweet girl," she whispered before the young girl realized it.
"Oh gods, no," she whimpered as her hatchlings cuddled to her while Lynara stood there, not able to do anything but watch her lady and listen out for Robb's return.
X
Robb felt numb when Baela told him, they assumed she was just late and it was a normal start, her sudden pain was not that uncommon.
"I'm so sorry, Robb," Maester Luwin said before ordering everyone out. She was lying on her left facing the window as her children stayed snuggled against her stomach. Robb gently touched her arm, thankful that she didn't withdraw from him. Softly lifting the curious red baby and set her in her mother's view before he curled up behind her, gently holding her close as Rhaenyra accepted his arm that softly cupped her own. Twining their fingers together she closed her eyes as she wrapped their arm over the hatchlings, she wanted to stay with Robb and wanted him to stay with her.
I am sorry that you went through that," he apologized because she was by herself.
"It happens, Robb. My family handled them most of all," she spoke as he sighed, knowing she'd blame her family history with it.
"It's not your fault," he tried as she scoffed, sniffing as she turned. She was half-dead at the moment. She felt pain and tried not to move so often.
"Let me tell you right now, that is the worst thing to say to the mother." He laughed when she chuckled brokenly. "But there is nothing you can do. Just lay with me," she urged as he smiled. Pressing a soft kiss to her forehead he threaded a hand through her hair before laying his head against hers.
"We'll be alright, Rhae. I promise," Robb promised as the dragons coiled on top of them. Rhaenyra sniffed softly as she rubbed her face against his chest, mourning her unborn child. Robb was going to ensure that their family remained safe from everyone.
X
(Kingsroad)
"Seven blessings to you, goodfolk," he said as they sat. An empty wine cup stood on the table before him. Catelyn had posed as Rodrik's daughter instead of his lady.
"And to you, singer," Catelyn returned. Ser Rodrik called for bread, meat and beer in a tone that meant 'now.' The singer, a youth of some eighteen years, eyed them boldly and asked where they were going, and from whence they had come, and what news they had, letting the questions fly as quick as arrows and never pausing for an answer. "We left King's Landing a fortnight ago," Catelyn replied, answering the safest of his questions.
"Oh, I'm heading in that direction. The Hand's tourney means rich lords with fat purses. The last time I came away with more silver than I could carry or would have if I hadn't lost it all betting on the Kingslayer to win the day," the singer spoke in a sad tone.
"The gods frowned on the gamblers," Ser Rodrik said sternly. He was of the North and shared the Stark views on tournaments. A waste of time and coin in his opinion.
"They frowned on me, for certain. Your cruel gods and the Knight of Flowers altogether did me in." The bitterness in his tone was evident.
"No doubt that was a lesson for you," Ser Rodrik said, tone final. Hoping the man would leave them be.
"It was. This time my coin will champion Ser Loras." Ser Rodrik still felt the phantom urge to pull at his beard was there and before he could rebuke the serving boy came scurrying up. He laid trenchers of bread before them and filled them with chunks of browned meat off a skewer, dripping with hot juice. Another skewer held tiny onions, fire peppers, and fat mushrooms. Catelyn noticed Ser Rodrik eager to dive into his food. "I'm sure you have heard of me, Marillion-" They were cut off by the door banging open as another voice filled the inn, but filled Catelyn with dread.
"Gods," Rodrik cursed lightly.
"I'm sorry, m'lord, truly, we're full up, every room." There were four of them, Catelyn saw. An old man in the black of the Night's Watch, Yoren, she recognized, there were two servants and him, Tyrion Lannister, standing there small and bold as life. As all Lannisters stood. "My men will steep in your stable, and as for myself, well, I do not require a large room, as you can see."
Masha Heddle was beside herself. "M'lord, there's nothing, it's the tourney, there's no help for it-" Tyrion Lannister pulled a coin from his purse and flicked it up over his head, caught it, tossed it again. Even across the room, where Catelyn sat, the wink of gold was unmistakable.
A free-rider in a faded blue cloak lurched to his feet. "You're welcome to my room, m'lord."
"Now there's a clever man," Lannister said as he sent the coin spinning across the room. The free-rider snatched it from the air. "And a nimble one to boot." The dwarf turned back to Masha Heddle. "You will be able to manage food, I trust? Yoren sup with me."
"Aye, m'lord," Yoren agreed.
"My Lord of Lannister! Might I entertain you while you eat? I can sing of your father's victory at King's Landing!" Marillion bragged which just seemed to disturb the dwarf.
"Nothing would more likely ruin my supper… Lady Stark!" Tyrion changed his train of thought when he spotted the redhead when she attempted to hide her face from being seen. "What an unexpected pleasure. I was sorry to have missed you at Winterfell," Tyrion claimed before realizing Rhaenyra had lied to him, quite well too.
"M'lady," Yoren greeted respectfully, recognizing the Stark matriarch within seconds at seeing her.
"I was still Catelyn Tully the last time I was here," she told the innkeeper. She could hear the muttering, feel the eyes upon her. Catelyn glanced around the room, at the faces of the knights and sworn swords, and took a deep breath to slow the frantic beating of
her heart. Did she dare take the risk? There was no time to think it through, only the moment and the sound of her voice ringing in her ears. "You in the corner," she said to an older man she had not noticed until now. "Is that the black bat of Harrenhal I see embroidered on your surcoat, ser?"
The man got to his feet. "It is, my lady."
"And is Lady Whent a true and honest friend to my father, Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun?"
"She is," the man replied stoutly. Ser Rodrik rose quietly and loosened his sword in its scabbard. The dwarf was blinking at them, blank-faced, with puzzlement in his eyes.
"The red stallion was ever a welcome sight in Riverrun," she said to the trio by the fire. "My father counts Jonos Bracken among his oldest and most loyal bannermen."
"Our lord is honored by his trust," one of them said in curiosity. They were the heart of the matter; there were more than twenty of them. "I know your sigil as well: the twin towers of Frey. How fares your good lord, Sers?"
Their captain rose. "Lord Walder is well, my lady. He plans to take a new wife on his ninetieth name day, and has asked your lord father to honor the wedding with his presence."
"I envy your father, all his fine friends, but I don't quite see the purpose of this," Tyrion hinted, unsure.
"This man. He came into my house as a guest and there conspired to murder my son, a boy of 10, along with my ward who now my daughter. In the name of King Robert and the good Lords you serve, I call upon you to seize him and help me return him to Winterfell to await the king's justice," Catelyn demanded as swords were drawn and aimed at the stunned dwarf while his party was also held at sword-point.
X
End of the chapter I hope it was good!
~Rusty14~
