Chapter 5

Nysa smiled at the sight of Arya playing with Mycah. She had influenced the boy to play sword-fight with her - and it would just be playing because Nysa was sure that if Arya brought out her sword from Jon that there would be a few cuts and bruises to go around. Nysa asked Arya if her father knew about the sword. Arya responded with a small innocent smile before dashing out of their room.

She looked down at the letter in her lap. This was the fourth letter she had been writing and they had not arrived at King's Landing yet. Obviously, she was excited - she thought to herself.

Nysa had written once to her Uncle, Ser Rodrik - informing him that Cley Cerwyn had inquired after Beth when they had ridden through Castle Cerwyn. Of course, Cley was five name-days older than Beth but surely her Uncle would not refuse House Cerwyn. Beth was his only living daughter. If he did not like the idea of Nysa wedding someone, she knew that he would be even more protective if it were Beth. At least Cerwyn Castle was not that far and they were a strong House. Beth would thrive there, Nysa was sure of it. Jory refused to agree with her on the matter, reminding Nysa that Beth was still young. Nysa said it must have been the Cassel charm that helped Beth, the same way it helped her. And that only served to infuriate Jory.

The second letter had been to Alys Karstark, congratulating her on her betrothal, apologizing for not writing sooner and inquiring after Torrhen's safe arrival home. She commented on how she had met Daryn Hornwood twice before - once at Winterfell and the other at the Dreadfort - and stated how respectable the young Lord had been. Remembering that at one of those feasts, Alys was present for but had spent most of the visit with Bran caused Nysa to wonder why Lord Karstark had not pursued a betrothal with Bran, instead of House Hornwood. Jory again refused to ponder on that thought.

Jory had been rather sore company as of late and Nysa wondered what she had done to irritate him so. Perhaps she should have reserved that comment about charming Torrhen at a rather young age to herself.

Nysa had then written to her friend Wynafryd Manderly, the eldest daughter of Ser Wylis Manderly. Despite never travelling to White Harbor, Nysa received a letter from Wynafryd along with her name-day presents from her Lord Uncle, mentioning that the two of them shared a name-day. Nysa had a trunk of gowns sent back to White Harbor and since then the two became good friends, often writing to one another. Her mother - Leona Woolfield - and Lady Mariah Karstark were sisters. Therefore, Wynafryd would have loved to learn about Nysa's recent development with Torrhen. They were not formally betrothed yet. She had to seek the approval of her Lord Uncle in the South first. But there were promises - and that meant a lot to Nysa. She had met Wynafryd two years pass at the feast that was held in Winterfell. That was also the last time she had seen her other friend, Lyra Mormont. She had spent time with Lyra in the past. Once Wynafryd arrived, the three of them just meshed well together despite their differences.

Now she wrote a letter to Jon.

We have not yet reached King's Landing and there has been so much to see and tell you about. Though it takes a lot for me to admit this, the country here is beautiful. One could get lost for days just exploring all that it has to offer. I convinced my brother to allow me to ride a horse once we passed the Neck. He was against it at first - thinking that I would be safer with Arya and Sansa. But I assured him that I had Torrhen's bow and that I'd shoot down an attacker before they could even dare come close to him, so he need not worry for his safety.

She smiled then at the memory of telling her brother he had nothing to be afraid of. It made Desmond and Porther, a couple of the guards that were close by, laugh at his expense.

Enclosed is a flower that Arya and I found when we arrived in the Riverlands. I hope that it still has its color when it finds you on the Wall. If not, then I will describe it as being more golden than a Lannister's hair. In the sunlight, little spots seem to shine on the petals. It is brilliant and warm. I thought if you could not be on this journey with us, then I could send part of the journey to you. Arya had found a beautiful purple flower. But looks can be deceiving. The flower causes a rash on the skin. Your poor sister had to roll about in the mud to cool the itch. It is the one reason why your father insisted that I stay with her. She has been getting into trouble, more so than ever. He muttered something about his sister Lyanna and how they were similar. She is playing with sticks at the moment, pretending she is battling with the sword.

Your sister has grown proficient of the bow since the last time I trained her. While I was practicing, I allowed her a turn and she shot nearly every target at the center. I fear for the husband she will wed. She may drive him to madness, especially if she excels at the sword. She shows promise, not like my early years at the sword. Though I have grown out of it, I think Arya will not.

"You are big! Use your size to your advantage," Arya scolded Mycah, causing Nysa to look up at them before setting back down to her letter.

Now the part for which I knew I could share with no one else but you. The closer we draw to King's Landing, the more nervous I grow. I am to meet my Lord Uncle - the man who sends me letters and gifts but will not tell me his name. Do you remember that day that I asked him for his name? It was not long after Theon had called the two of us bastards. I so desperately wanted to know, to prove Theon wrong somehow. But I never got a response and it has allowed doubt to foster in my heart. I wonder if he will approve of me. What if he should find fault? What if he keeps me here and weds me to someone in the South? I want Jory to fight for me to return North but I fear it may not occur the way I want it to.

"Nysa?" She turned to see her brother standing there. "Are you busy?"

"Writing a letter to Jon," she answered before turning towards the two figures playing in the field, "and making sure that Arya stays out of trouble."

"Could I borrow you for a moment," he asked before nodding at Arya. "I think she'll be alright."

Nysa glanced back at the pair and noticed Nymeria lounging by the river. Surely if someone happened upon them and a guard was not able to intercede, Nymeria would hurry to Arya's rescue. She rolled the parchment back up and began to put away the ink and writing materials. She had just placed them all in her bag when Desmond came out in such a fashion that caused her to scream in surprise.

"Forgive me for startling you, Lady Nysa, but we need your help," he told her.

"What is it," Nysa asked.

"It is what I came here for," Jory informed his sister as they walked back towards the Inn. "One of the royal guards got a bit carried away while sparring with us."

Desmond, Jory and Nysa had just reached the grounds when she saw that a few of the royal guards were laughing and drinking down their wine. It was obvious that they were talking about the incident and probably boasting about it. This was not the first time that they had gotten 'carried away' during a sparring match. She had seen quite a few of the guards under her brother's command with bruises. She always gave them a broth whenever their party stopped and told them to rest it off. But she knew that this time it was different.

"Ah, Lady Nysa, we are glad to see you," Wyl mentioned, opening the door further for her.

She saw the guard known as Heward groaning and shifting on the cot. A few of the other guards like Fat Tom, Cayn and Varly looked upset. Yes, this time it was different. With the help of her brother, she began to take the armor off. There was already blood coming through and she knew that there would be more. Nysa had seen her fair share of wounds - with her brother being captain of the guards and her Uncle being master-at-arms - so she took a deep breath and prepared the best she could.

"Heward," Nysa gasped at seeing his injury. "That looks more than just a simple flesh wound, Jory," she chastised her brother as she knelt before the bed. She asked for a few more supplies than bandages and warm water. Jory brought another pot of hot water before her this time along with a candle. "I won't need it."

"Just in case," he left the candle there.

"Heward won't need it," she insisted. "I can tend to the wound without it."

Jory nodded but did not move the candle. Nysa asked for a few herbs and began to smash them together in a bowl before setting it in the water. Maester Sylas - the Maester who served the Karstarks in Karhold - had taught her about different herbs and remedies that she could make. She needed to know them for when Lady Karstark gave birth. As she got older, Nysa began to inquire about other plants and their uses. When the Maester was unable to inform her of such, her Lord Uncle would share what knowledge he had. In time, many of the guards, small folk and household members in Winterfell knew of Nysa's skill with healing.

Nysa worked quickly, every now and then muttering instructions, reminding herself of the words that Maester Sylas or her Lord Uncle had told her about. She moved Heward's tunic back, ignoring the groan of pain.

"You will have to hold him," Nysa told them. "There is some wood in there."

"Ser Jamie pushed him back onto the fence."

She looked up at Wyl, "he was sparring with Ser Jamie?"

"He insisted," Jory answered.

"Ser Jamie is an arrogant bastard," Nysa snorted as she rubbed her hands over the candle before bring them to Heward's wound. Her hand touched him and a sudden scream came from before she could pull out the wood. She worked quickly to stop the flow of blood, before dipping her hands into the pot where the cream was. "He did more than just push him back onto a fence," she looked at her brother as she covered the wound with the ointment. "What happened?"

"No guard should ever surrender," Desmond scoffed, "that's what that arrogant bastard said before he kicked Heward against the fence."

"Heward surrendered and yet he continued..."

Jory came beside her then. "You must not speak ill of the Kingsguard, Nysa."

"One must wonder why he is still there serving in such a position of honor when he murdered the last King," she replied.

After the initial scare, Nysa could dress Heward's wound and prepare him a wonderful soup. He said that if he were not married, he'd ask Jory for her hand to which all the guards laughed and reminded him that he was not married.

"Aye, but it would be a pity to be saved by a woman's hand only to die at her brother's," Heward said, encouraging a laugh from Jory this time.

Once everyone had gone, she encouraged Heward to sleep and promised that she and Jory would be here to care for him. Nysa sighed tiredly and sat on Heward's bedside as she wiped his side and changed the bandages. Jory watched her and realized how much then that she had grown since he had her tucked in the front of him as they rode under Winterfell's gates when he brought her home from the South. It would pain him if her Lord Uncle decided to keep her here. Of course, he was staying with Lord Stark for however long he was to serve as Hand. But that did not mean that his sister would always be there. Maybe she would be Sansa's lady in-waiting, he was not sure. But either way, he knew that something big was about to happen.

"You must have a great deal on your mind to be watching me, brother," Nysa called out to him.

Jory smiled and turned to look at the fire crackling. "I am hoping that this will not be the last time we journey together."

She looked up at her brother and smiled sadly. Just before she opened her mouth, both turned at the door bursting open.

"Jory!" Lord Stark walked into the room then.

"My Lord," Jory stood as Nysa did the same and curtsied.

"They have sent the royal guard to look for my daughter," he stated.

"Your daughter?"

"Yes. Have you seen Arya," Lord Stark turned to her.

Nysa nodded in reply. "Earlier this day, she was with Mycah, my Lord. They were playing down by the river."

"They say she is to answer to the King," Lord Stark shouted. "Are you certain that before you left her, all she was doing was playing?"

"Yes, I'm sure of it," she answered.

"We will go look for her, my Lord," Jory nodded to her.

"But what about Heward?"

"What has happened to Heward," asked Lord Stark, looking towards his guard with a troubled expression.

"Ser Jamie..."

"An accident in the yard, my Lord," Jory replied quickly, "nothing to be concerned about. My sister has tended to him and he is no longer in danger. Since my sister was the last to see the little Lady, we will go to look for her."

Jory beckoned his sister one last time to follow him. She reluctantly allowed him to lead her out of the room. He called for Cayn and Porther to follow them as they made their way towards the royal guards who were searching for Arya. One of the guards - she could not remember his name but knew that he was somehow related to the Queen - sneered at them as they drew closer.

"What are you doing here?"

"We have come to aid you in your search," Jory answered.

"You probably hid the girl," another guard stated.

"Why do you have your swords ready like that," Nysa gestured to a few of them. "Surely you do not need them to find a little girl."

"A dangerous little girl," a member of the Kingsguard appeared.

"She attacked the Prince," someone shouted from the back.

"Arya would never," Nysa shook her head.

"Well that is what has happened and now she is to answer to the King," the Queen's relative stood in front of her.

"She will not come by force," Nysa suggested, pointing to the swords.

"That beast she had with her was ordered to attack the Prince," the Kingsguard stated. "These are to protect ourselves from whatever trickery she will order the beast on us." Nysa went to open her mouth but he turned away. "We must hurry before it grows too dark."

The guards were set. For some reason, they were spinning a tale that did not sit right with Nysa. Every so often the Kingsguard would turn to look at Nysa and her brother. At one point, she tried to purposely slow them down, hoping Arya could manage to hide. She remembered that members of the Kingsguard took vows the same as those who took the black at the Wall. Her brother would not like her for this but it might help ease the tension.

"So," she began, "how long have you been in the King's service, Ser?"

The Kingsguard turned to look at her sharply before facing forward again. "I have served the King for fifteen years."

"Fifteen years," she proclaimed, "how very honorable to be in such service for so long. And I understand that it is a service done for life."

"Aye, it is."

"And you cannot wed, have a family or own any lands," she pressed.

"No, one cannot. May I know why you ask such questions?"

"Lord Stark's son, Bran, admires the Kingsguard. I could rarely get him to pay attention to his lessons unless we were talking of knights - especially the finest knights of all the Seven Kingdoms."

"That is high praise indeed," the knight stated.

Nysa allowed a small laugh to escape her mouth before walking along the side of the Kingsguard. "Bran would have loved to make this journey with us. The only knight he has ever seen is my Uncle, Ser Rodrik. And though he thinks my Uncle a brave man, he loved to hear tales of a knight's adventure. My father was also a knight but I barely remember him, so I could not inform Bran of such heroism."

"I met your Uncle while in Winterfell. He is brave man. I was reminded that not many in the North are knighted," he commented.

She shook her head. "I can only assume that my Uncle and my father were among the few who were. Though I am sure that it is not a simple accomplishment in the South, either. As Bran explained it, not every soldier can become a knight. And not every knight can become a Kingsguard. One can only assume that being a member of the Kingsguard is to be part of an elite force," she repeated the words of Ser Jamie's mockery but said it with admiration.

"I am sorry about his fall," he replied then. "The King said that he would have been a fine soldier one day."

"Truly, the King said that," she smiled.

He nodded. "I've seen the young Stark in the yard. He showed promise."

"Enough to become a fine knight," she asked.

"Enough to one day become my brother-in-arms and serve under his sister when she weds and becomes Queen," he commented.

"Now that is high praise indeed, for House Stark to be doubly blessed. Your House must be very proud of you. I know House Stark would have been for Bran, the same way I am of my Uncle and my father. And to have served the King for fifteen years, I'm sure it must not have been easy for you."

The Kingsguard displayed a small smile before nodding. "There are sacrifices to be made," he looked at her, "but it is rewarding work."

It was then that she heard the unmistakable sound of a little girl. Before anyone could realize that it was Arya, Nysa executed her next action perfectly, feigning to trip over her feet as the knight's hand reached out to steady her. She eagerly took hold of his arm, looking up at him and smiling gently.

"Are you alright, my Lady?"

She looked down. "I am, fine knight," she whispered before looking back up to see an expression of both pain and longing before he shook his head and took a step away from her, dropping her hand. It was not the same type of expression she had seen on Robb or Torrhen's face but it was something that looked like regret.

He looked over to the rest of the search party before bowing his head to Nysa. "Forgive me, I must see if the other men have found anything."

She could not respond quickly enough for the knight hurried away.

Jory cleared his throat then before making his way towards her. "What are you doing?"

"Distracting the guards," she answered as she took her brother's hand and he came to stand by her. "I think Arya is just beyond those trees," she nodded a distance away. Jory looked over and began to walk there but she hurried to stop him. "Let me, before the others find out."

Jory nodded and looked behind them. "I will distract them but it will not be for long."

"Use pretty words," she smiled teasingly.

He shook his head at her suggestion and began to walk away.

She was frightened for Arya. She could only imagine what was going through her mind at the moment. Nysa doubted that Arya had attacked the Prince outright. There had to be a reason for what she had done. It was then that she heard Nymeria whine and Arya hush her again.

"Arya," she called out softly.

"You found her," the Kingsguard shouted.

Nysa looked to Jory then and saw that he was doing his best to keep them away but it had proved to be a difficult feat for there were too much of them. "I think she is hiding behind those..." The guard marched past her. "Ser," she called for him. Quickly she placed a hand on his arm from drawing his sword.

He looked back at Nysa. "We were ordered to bring her before the King."

"She is scared. If she has committed a wrong as you say and you come to her like that," she gestured towards his sword, "she may run. Children are delicate."

"What do you suggest?"

"As I said, she will not come with force. Let me talk to her, fine knight."

The Kingsguard nodded before moving his hand away and allowing her to walk pass.

"Arya," Nysa called again. "It's alright if you are by yourself. I understand that you may be frightened, being all alone," she emphasized the last word and prayed to the Gods that Arya would understand what she was trying to say. Do not bring Nymeria out, Arya - Nysa pleaded in her head.

The way the guards were talking and how they had their swords out, Nysa was sure that they meant to harm the animal.

"They will want that beast," the Kingsguard reminded her.

"Arya, please," she asked again, "to make sure that everything is okay, you should just come out. I know you may want to send me away, but it will be easier if it were just you."

A moment of silence passed as the other guards seem to quiet down and look intently towards the trees where Nysa had been speaking.

"Arya?"

"You will not be upset," Arya called out then and the entire party froze. "If I send you away, won't you be hurt?"

"I will understand," Nysa answered. "And in time, we could unite," Nysa assured her.

Nysa knew Arya understood then that she was implying to dismiss Nymeria. Arya was asking if Nymeria would be hurt. But Nysa knew the wolves were smart. She may not like to leave her master behind, but Nymeria would learn that it was for her own good. And in time, perhaps when they returned this way, Arya and Nymeria could reunite.

"I'm coming out," Arya announced then.

Everyone waited as they saw her walk around the tree. The Kingsguard went to step forward but Nysa grabbed him again. "Forgive me, Ser..."

"Ser Preston," he replied.

"Ser Preston, allow me please," she asked, looking up at him the same way she did earlier.

"Everyone stay back," he announced before tearing his gaze away from Nysa.

Arya came out slowly, her eyes staring at Nysa. She held out her hand for Arya to take. It was not long until she pulled the little girl into her arms, releasing a sigh of relief. Jory came then and wrapped a cloak around Arya as his sister held the girl close to her side. They were silent as they walked back to the Inn. Nysa prayed that this was just a small misunderstanding.

"She hates me," Arya said, causing Nysa to look down at her.

"She does not hate you," Nysa whispered.

"I threw a rock at her," Arya replied softly and Nysa could hear the pain in her voice. "She would not leave."

"She will understand," Nysa took Arya's hand in hers as they walked back towards the inn. They had just turned towards where Arya's room had been when the guards pulled them back.

"I am sure the little Lady needs her rest," Jory stood in front of them.

Nysa looked towards Ser Preston then.

"Allow them to..."

"We had our orders," a guard reminded Ser Preston.

He sighed and gave Nysa an apologetic look before moving to the side. "Forgive me, but he is right. She has to see the King."

Ned hurried down towards the hall where Wyl stated Arya had been. They had found her some time ago but she had to go and stand before Robert. His guards looked away in fear as he questioned them on what was happening. The problem was that no one was telling him anything. Everyone who was gathered in the hall, parted to make way for him. His eyes landed on Arya, standing before his friend.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Arya pleaded with her father as he grabbed her.

"Are you alright? Are you injured," he asked.

"No, no," she shook her head.

Ned looked at his daughter one last time, studying her to make sure that she was in one piece before turning towards his friend. He noticed everyone standing here as though they were attending a trial of some sort of criminal.

"What is the meaning of this? Why was I not notified immediately," he looked at Robert.

"How dare you speak to your King in such a manner," the Queen narrowed her eyes at him.

"Quiet woman," Robert snarled at her and then sighed. "It seems as though we have some business to settle down and get it done quickly."

Ned placed an arm around his daughter and pulled her towards him. He nodded for Robert to continue but it was the Queen who talked first.

"Your daughter and the butcher's boy attacked my son," Cersei placed her hand on Joffrey's shoulders. "Then she ordered that animal of hers and it nearly tore his arm off."

He furrowed his brows in confusion before looking at Arya.

"That's not true. She only bit him a little and he was hurting Mycah!"

Cersei snorted lightly. "Joff told us what happened. You and that boy beat him with clubs before you ordered that beast on him."

"That's not what happened," Arya protested.

"Yes, it is," Joffrey pretended to be hurt.

"Nysa," Arya suddenly grabbed the maid's hand. "Nysa, tell them. Were we playing with clubs?"

"Mere sticks, your Grace," Nysa looked at them. "They were not even sharpened at the edges."

"You saw these sticks," Cersei questioned.

"Yes, your Grace," Nysa nodded. "I had been watching them play together. They were not harming anyone."

"And what of this butcher's boy," Robert asked her.

"I hardly doubt that Mycah would harm anyone. He may be a large child but he is gentle. And Arya," she placed her hand on Arya's shoulder, "she would not fetch Nymeria on anyone. Nymeria would only attack someone if she were provoked or if she thought Arya were in danger."

"Robert," Ned spoke to him and gestured to Arya.

The King went to open his mouth but Cersei spoke up. "Your son," she reminded him.

"Allowed a girl to best him," Robert snorted before turning to Joffrey, "a mere child of ten." He turned to Nysa again. "Did you see the incident?"

Nysa took a deep breath and shook her head. "No, your Grace. My brother called me away to tend to a wounded guard. But when I left, the children were alright. They would not set about with malicious intent to harm someone."

"How would you know," the Prince stepped towards her, "you weren't even there, bastard!"

Jory and a few of the guards moved to place Nysa behind them.

"See," Joffrey pointed to them, "see they would all attack if they could."

"Liar," Arya shouted.

"Shut up," Joffrey replied.

"Enough," the King barked. "She tells me one thing, he tells me another," Robert gestured towards the two. "Seven hells! What am I to make of this? And I'm sorry Ned but we cannot take the word of Lady Nysa. Not," he looked at his wife and son, "because she is a bastard but because she was not there during the time of the incident." He sighed, "where is your other daughter?"

"At this hour," Ned thought, "she should be abed."

Cersei smiled lightly. "I think she is here. Sansa darling," she called. "Come here, my child."

Sansa walked forward then, the guards moving on the side to let her pass. She looked just as frightened. Ned looked back at Robert then. Was he really expecting her to oust his son?

"Now child," he gestured for her to move forward. "Tell me now and tell it true. It is a great crime to lie to a King."

She looked at her father who nodded that it was going to be okay. There was a long pause and Ned was sure that she would tell the truth.

"I don't remember," Sansa answered as Ned looked down. "I don't know. Everything happened so fast. I didn't see."

"Liar, liar," Arya rushed forward out of Nysa's hold and began to hit her sister.

Ned grabbed his daughter's arms and tried to hold her back. "Stop it! That's enough, Arya!"

"She's as wild as that beast of hers. I want her punished," Cersei demanded.

"What would you have me do? Whip her through the streets? Dammit, children fight," the King stated. "It's over."

"Joffrey will bear these scars for the rest of his life," his wife added.

"And where is your sword, my son," the King looked at him.

"She..."

Robert chuckled. "Yes, I forgot. You let the little girl disarm you. Let those scars serve as a reminder for the next time!" He got up and walked towards the Starks, looking at Arya before turning to her father. "Ned see to it that your daughter is disciplined. I will see that I do the same with my son."

"Gladly your grace," he bowed his head slightly. He looked towards Nysa who nodded and went to take the girls to their rooms.

"What of the dire wolf, the beast who savaged your son," reminded the Queen.

"I forgot about the beast," the King looked at his Kingsguard.

"We found no trace of it, my King," Ser Preston answered.

"No? So be it," he turned back to Ned.

"You have another wolf."

Robert looked back at his wife the same time that Nysa looked at Ser Preston. Her eyes went wide and she shook her head slightly, giving a pleading look with him as he closed his eyes and looked back at the King.

"As you will," was the King's response.

"You can't mean it. It's no pet," Lord Stark tried to stop the King.

"He doesn't mean Lady, does he? No, Lady is good," Sansa shouted. "Lady did not bite anyone," she looked at the Prince then.

"Lady wasn't even there," Nysa joined in, staring at Ser Preston.

"You stay away from her," Arya protested to the Queen.

Tears began to run down Sansa's face as the realization of what was happening began to sink in. She shook her head, pleading with Lord Stark. "You can't let them. It wasn't Lady," Sansa said. "Nysa tell them she's good! Please Nysa," Sansa looked at her before turning to her father. "Father, it wasn't Lady!"

This wasn't right. The animal had done nothing wrong. "Is this your command, your grace," Lord Stark stepped towards him but the only reply was to have King Robert walked away.

"Where is the beast," the Queen asked.

Yes, Nysa thought, where is Lady? Ser Preston was still looking at her when he answered. "Chained up outside by the stable, your grace."

"Ser Ilyn, will you do the honor?"

"No, if it must be done. I'll do it myself," Ned replied.

"Is this some sort of trick?"

"The wolf is of the north. She deserves better than a butcher. Nysa, take the," he paused and looked at the crowd that was gathered but there was no sign of Nysa anywhere to be seen. "Where is your sister," Ned asked Jory.

Jory looked about before shaking his head. "She was right here, my Lord."

"Another one missing," Prince Joffrey tutted. "We'll never reach King's Landing now."

"Jory, take the girls to bed," Ned ordered him, "Wyl and Desmond, come with me to find Lady Nysa."

"The dire wolf, Lord Stark," Cersei reminded him.

"Aye," he looked at her, "I'll bring her to you."

Ned hurried out, hoping that they would catch Nysa sneaking the wolf away before any of the royal guards did.

"My Lord," Wyl grabbed his arm and nodded to a horse being pulled by Sandor Clegane.

He marched over there and shook his head. It was the butcher's boy. They had him murdered by the Hound. The guards exchanged some insulting words with the Hound before following Lord Stark. If the guards caught on to the fact that Nysa was intending to release Lady, then she would suffer the same fate. Ned knew all too well the dangerous things that the Lannister guards were capable of.

Ned hurried then as he heard other guards coming out. Desmond and Wyl close behind him, came to halt when they saw that Lady was no longer there.

"She could not have gotten far," Wyl told him.

"Hurry," Ned instructed them. "We must find Nysa before they do. Or they'll treat her the way they did the butcher's boy."

They followed their Lord close as he hurried past towards the woods. Desmond helped track for a bit but the air was thick and allowed for a mist to grow. It was not easy to see in the dark. Ned wanted to call out to the girl, warn her that she had to stop before the other guards caught her. Then again, what if they already had? Ned took out his sword then and continued, jumping over branches, tree roots as his gaze darted everywhere for a sign of them.

"Lord Stark," Desmond called out. Ned turned back to see a broken chain. "She has freed the wolf."

It was then that they heard whispers a short distance off. Quickly, they covered ground, heading towards her voice.

"Go Lady," Nysa encouraged.

The wolf whimpered.

"You don't understand. If you stay, they'll have your head. Go and find Nymeria," she insisted. "Find your sister, stick together," she added.

There were more whimpers that left the wolf.

"You're a good girl, Lady," Nysa said as a tear fell down her face, "just like Sansa. I'll watch over her now but you must leave. Go," she pushed the wolf.

Ned watched as Lady hesitated for a few moments. She looked at Nysa and then off into the darkness. She walked back but Nysa would shake her head at her. Nysa gestured again for her to leave. He was torn between coming out now to stop the dire wolf from leaving and allowing his daughter an ounce of happiness knowing that the wolf would be free. It was not until he heard a howl that Lady took off and ran away. His felt himself smile at the young woman who crouched in the dark. She knew that is wrong, what happened in the hall was unjust. Ned put back his sword and knew that mercy had been given by this young maiden. Nysa got up then, picking up her skirts and headed back to the Inn.

She had just run around the tree when Lord Stark grabbed her, pushing her back. Thinking that it was Ser Preston who betrayed her or the Queen who sent men to find her, Nysa struggled for bit as the hand covered her mouth with much force. She reached her legs out, just like Torrhen had taught her only to be met with Lord Stark's voice.

"Hush now," he shook her a bit until she saw that it was him holding her.

She nodded and slowly Lord Stark released his hold. Wyl and Desmond appeared not too far behind him but kept watch if they were followed.

"Where is Lady," he asked.

"I do not know."

"The truth, Nysa," Lord Stark pressed, "where did you send her to?"

"With Nymeria," Nysa answered. She turned and looked towards the woods. "Hopefully far from here," she finished.

Robb looked around as his mother led them further into the godswood. He looked down at her hands and shook his head. He should have kept some men back in the keep, guarding her. The only consolation was that Summer had been there, guarding over Bran. He wanted his father here. He wanted Jon to be here. He wanted Nysa, Arya and Sansa all to be here. He wanted them all home.

His mother walked further up to stand on higher ground, before turning to face them. "What I am about to tell you must remain between us," she urged them. "I don't think that Bran fell from that tower."

"None of us did," Robb responded, "Nysa told her brother." He turned to Ser Rodrik, "but Jory said that was dangerous talk."

"The boy was always sure footed," Maester Luwin nodded, "we've seen him climbing about Winterfell. We all have."

"So, we agree then that he was thrown," Lady Catelyn said as they looked back at her. "Someone tried to kill him twice. Why? Why murder an innocent child? Unless," she sighed, "he saw something he was not supposed to see."

"Saw what, my Lady," asked Theon.

"I don't know but I would stake my life that the Lannister's are involved."

Robb shook his head and felt the anger surge through him again as he looked down at his mother's hands. The first attempt was to have his brother thrown from the tower and the second was the night of the fire. They had played him for a fool by starting that fire.

"Did you notice the dagger the killer used? It's too fine a weapon. The blade is Valyrian steel, the handle dragon-bone," Ser Rodrik took out the dagger.

"Valyrian steel is hard to come by," Robb agreed, "Father's sword has been passed down through the generations. Nysa received her sword from her family," he looked to his mother. "Someone must have given that man the blade."

His mother nodded. "Who else would have the coin to pay for it but a Lannister?"

Robb shook his head at her statement. "They came into our home and tried to murder Bran. If it's war they want..."

"If it comes to that, you know I'll stand by you," Theon put an arm on his shoulder.

"What," Maester Luwin stopped them. "Is there to be a battle in the godswood? Too easily words of war become acts of war," he urged them as Robb shook his head. "We do not know the truth yet. Lord Stark must be told of this."

"I don't trust a raven to carry these words," his mother shook her head as well.

"Mother," Robb insisted. "I could write to Nysa, make it look like it was a letter between two lovers," Robb explained as Theon snorted. His mother gave him a reprimanding look.

"A love letter to my niece," Ser Rodrik snorted, "as ridiculous as I think it, the idea may work, my Lady," he turned to Lady Stark. "She has already written a letter to myself and if it serves me correctly, one arrived yesterday for your son," he nodded to Robb.

"There was a mishap on the Kingsroad with the dire-wolves. All I would write is a simple response," Robb encouraged, "and I can lace the sentence with a warning to father."

"A good plan," she shook her head, "but I cannot risk it."

"Then let me go to King's Landing," he took a step forward.

"No," Lady Catelyn answered as her son looked at her. "There must always be a Stark in Winterfell. I will go."

"Mother, you can't..."

"I must."

This isn't what Robb wanted. He wanted everyone to stay home, he did not want more people to leave. And especially not his mother.

"I will send some guards with you," Ser Rodrik began.

"No," she ordered, "the larger the party, the more attention it will draw. The last thing we want is the Lannister's to find out what we know."

"Let me accompany you, at least," Ser Rodrik stated. "If what my niece wrote to your son and myself is correct, the Kingsroad will be no safe journey for a Lady travelling on her own."

She nodded which made Robb curse. "Mother, I cannot allow you to leave." She turned to look at him. "What about Rickon? He is lost and confused. He was alright when Nysa was here but now she is gone! I do not know what to do with him. And there is Bran," he gestured towards the keep, "what of him? What are we to..."

"I have prayed to the Seven for over a month. His life is in their hands," she replied.

Maester Luwin took a step forward. "Your mother is right," he encouraged Robb, "we have done all that we could do."

"As for Rickon," she got Robb's attention again, "I will speak to him before I leave. And my son," she walked towards him, "do not write to Nysa."

"Mother..."

"Do not write to her, not even a letter of love," she shook her head. "We do not know what dangers she is in. I believe that Arya's wolf was protecting her the same way Bran's had done for him. But the Queen manipulated the situation," she grabbed onto his shoulders. "She will do the same now if you write a letter to her."

Robb turned his head away. Nysa would think that he no longer cared for her if he did not write. His last words were that he would write to her. Robb may not have promised anything but he did hope that there would be a chance. If he neglected to write, even just once...

"I know you care for her, my son. But if you wish to keep her safe, you must not write to her," Lady Catelyn assured him. "You mustn't," she pleaded.

Robb closed his eyes and nodded.