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After seeing them off, Maester came again with another parchment, having a stag seal on it.
"Robert has called." It was obvious even before his declaring.
Nobody said a word after it.
Nobody slept after it.
On the wolf's hour, the gates rumbled and Ser Rodrik came with Robb and Theon along with five and ten guards of the castle. Ned was in his room and the sound of shuffling hooves was enough for him to run for the yard. He was on the steps when he saw Robb and Theon ahorsed but Jon was nowhere to be seen. Some guards were guiding their horses back to the stables and some were still ahorse. All of the faces were same in the light of the quartered moon.
"Where is Jon?" He asked in confusion. "Jon?" He called.
Some guards got still at the voice, some were bending knee but Jon was not there. Robb and Ser Rodrik came toward him. "My Lord, Jon is coming with the hunting cart. The lads were overworking. They caught three foxes and one dear in six hours and have been camped. We built a cart to carry their things and it was little bit slow. Jon suggested me to take Robb. Jory is with the lad."
"What you mean Jory is with him? What if something ill happens to my son, I told you to bring all of my sons. Or have you forgotten he is my son?" Ned blurted out. How can Ser Rodrik be so fool? He never has once acted noncompliant in his whole life in the service of the Starks. Why now? Was it a sign? Oh my dear old gods, you're my father's gods and my mother's. Be merciful. Ned prayed in rage.
"Bring my horse. I'm going after him myself." he declared.
"Forgive me My Lord. Give me another chance. I will go and bring him in once. I should have…" Ser Rodrik was on his knees in the mud. Saying or trembling. Nobody has seen Ned this much furious. Seven hells, even Ned has not seen himself like this.
"Pardon me Ser. I was worried about my sons. You're coming with me." He caught the strand of his coming horse and stretched it to climb.
"Father, should I come with you?" Robb broke off his trance. He had never seen his father this much worried.
"No Robb stay here." He was ashamed now for what had he done. But he shrugged the shame as soon as it came.
I have a promise to keep. He reminded himself.
"My Lord, please wear your warm clothes before going. You'll get cold otherwise." His wife's voice had all the hints to displeasure. He understood the reason of this trouble. Catelyn has never accepted Jon's existence as his bastard son. And he has never told her about his real existence. Nobody said keeping promises will be easier.
"Bring my Cloak." He ordered one of the maids, who have gathered in the yard after hearing the voices.
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