EDDARD V

There was something about the forest that was thrilling, Eddard didn't know what it was about it, but he attributed it to being something he'd never considered before: he could galop his horse for miles without having to stop. There was something to the rush of the chase that riled his blood. He had meant to come alone-there was just something about that which attracted him to the experience, but Jory had insisted on accompanying him, citing that there must be other direwolves (how else did the bitch get with pups, after all), some less friendly, as well as the potential for Wildlings. Eddard endured the younger man's company, but secretly wished that he and his mount didn't have to wait for him to constantly catch up. When they had reached a tiny creek, Eddard let his horse rest and drink while he jumped off and simply took in the forest-its sights, smells, and sounds all somehow delighting him like they ne'er had before. Jory soon caught up and allowed his old nag to follow the example of his hunter.

It was here that Jory mentioned the need to return to Winterfell, so as to not miss the midday meal. This jarred Eddard out of his reverie. Had they truly been out riding all morning?! He'd only meant to have a short ride and to return to hear petitions as Warden. With utmost haste they returned to Winterfell through the Hunter's Gate. As he entered the gate, a stable hand was there to greet him and take his and Jory's mount back to the stables. As he dismounted he spoke with the man.

"What news?" asked Eddard

"'Tis not much, milord. Greyjoy has taken ill and Lady Stark has confined to in his room, but beyond that we have passed a quiet morning."

This was news to Eddard. "Ill? How did he become ill so quickly?"

"All I know milord is he woke up late this morning and was retching out his window. Damn near hit me too!"

"Thank you, Daren."

It was then that Eddard felt small arms wrap around his left leg. He looked down to see Rickon there, and he smiled slightly at the sight.

"Papa, I was worried that you had left!"

Ned replied with a bit of good-humor, "Have I worried you thus? My apologies, pup."

Ned however found that Rickon was reluctant at best to leave his side as he continued on into the Great Keep. When he came to Theon's room he found Maester Luwin leaving it. The bald older man looked greatly troubled, which Eddard didn't take too well.

"What do you believe is wrong with Theon?" asked Eddard.

As he spoke, Luwin tugged at his tight choker of a chain unconsciously, "I would say that he ate something which has upset his humors, and his body is trying to correct it as best it can. He's purged his excess bile, but now he has a quick pulse and a slight fever. I'm going to have to bleed him."

Eddard bit his lip before he asked, "What do you think he could have eaten?"

Maester Luwin smiled ruefully and gave half an attempt to laugh, but it died and turned into a sigh before he said, "That's the thing that worries me. When I looked through his bile, there wasn't anything in it that hasn't been eaten by anyone else. Truth is, we might all be sick and Theon is simply the first to show the symptoms."

Eddard felt sick already at hearing the man's suspicions. "I'll speak with the cook later. Perhaps this is simply due to some moldy meat… One last question, if we're all potentially sick, then why has Catelyn confined Theon?"

"I haven't told her of my suspicions yet. I had wanted to wait until you had returned before doing so. You may mention it to her if you wish. She's in there at the moment with Robb, if you wish to speak with her."

Eddard nodded. He then asked Luwin if Jon had awaken yet, and the he shook his head, mumbling that Jon may have had an unforeseen reaction to the dreamwine and milk of the poppy taken together. It wasn't completely rare, but it wasn't a typical reaction either, and Eddard accepted the man's explanation. He then allowed Maester Luwin to continue on his way. Before entering Theon's room, Eddard told Rickon that he should go outside, but the boy refused to leave him, and Eddard, thinking his pup likely sick already, dropped the matter before it provoked him. He told Rickon that while he was in the room with Theon he was to behave himself, and made him swear it on his honor as a Stark-which the toddler very seriously agreed to, after some reluctance.

When Eddard entered Theon's room he found Catelyn suspiciously rifling through some pieces of parchment on the boy's desk. Theon was in his bed, as flushed as Luwin had described him, and apparently was out cold judging by Catelyn's behavior.

"Does Theon have to wake up and tell you himself for you to believe it? Bran and Arya were lying to you!" insisted Robb as Eddard entered the room.

"Ned!" exclaimed Catelyn, freezing as though caught in the act.

"What are you doing, Cat?"