Winter's Knowledge

Chapter 11 Visitors From the North

 On his way back to Winterfell, Lord Rickard decided to stop in Barrowton to inform Brandon about Rickard's arrangement with Lord Arryn about his daughter. Rickard knew that Brandon would be upset; the boy was already angry that his beloved sister was sent South to be fostered along with Ned. Brandon was afraid that Lyanna would turn into a weak Southern flower, even though Ned had assured him that wouldn't happen.

Brandon didn't believe Ned's stories about Lord Arryn's daughter. He was positive that Ned was making more of the girl than she was. Brandon didn't think Ned was lying, but Brandon thought that Ned saw more than what was there because of his friendship with the girl. He was convinced that Hermione was like every other Southern girl, weak and helpless, with no spirit or mind of her own. Brandon would soon find out that he was dead wrong about Hermione.

When Rickard arrived in Barrow Hall, he found Brandon flirting with Barbrey Ryswell. Rickard's eyes narrowed at his son, and he yelled at his son to get his attention, “Brandon!”

Brandon's head snapped towards his father, and he stepped away from the girl he was flirting with. He sheepishly smiled at his father and made his way towards Lord Rickard, “Father, I was not expecting you to come by,” Brandon said with a cheeky grin.

Lord Rickard frowned at his son, “Aye, I can see that, son. I have news for you; come, let us go to the godswood.”

Brandon gave his father a worried look. He had no idea what his father wanted to talk to him about, but Brandon was positive that it couldn't be something good. Lord Rickard dismounted his horse and began walking towards the godswood in Barrow Hall. Brandon fell in step with his father, and they walked in silence until they arrived in the godswood. Lord walked towards the Weirwood tree and stood there for a moment staring at the pale tree. Brandon waited impatiently for his father to speak.

Finally, Brandon couldn't take the silence anymore, “Father, has something happened?”

Lord Rickard turned around and stared at his oldest son, “Aye, my son. I have made a betrothal contract for you.”

Brandon didn't say anything at first, but he felt a sense of dread in his heart, “Who is the contract with, Father? Please tell me it is not with Hoster Tully?”

“No, Brandon, it is not with Hoster Tully. I have made the betrothal contract with Lord Jon Arryn's daughter Hermione.”

Brandon's eyes widened comically, “What!?! You cannot be serious; I cannot marry her! She's a weak Southern flower; she is too delicate to survive in the North!”

“Brandon, you do not know, Hermione Arryn. I can assure you; she is nothing like the ladies of the South. Hermione is strong and courageous. She will be a good wife for you and will do well in the North.”

Brandon stubbornly crossed his arms, “I will not marry a girl from the South, Father.”

Lord Rickard glared at his son, “You will do as you are told. Lord Arryn and I have reached an agreement, and you will honor it whether you like it or not.”

Lord Rickard did not bother to tell his son that the betrothal contract could be broken at any time. He knew that if Brandon found out, his son would do everything in his power to break the contract. I was better than Brandon thought. He had no other choice. Lord Rickard put his hand on Brandon's shoulder and squeezed it, “I promise you, son, it will not be as bad as you think. Lady Hermione is a lovely girl, and you'll be surprised when you meet her.”

“I doubt that,” Brandon mumbled. He then looked at his father, “And when will I meet this delicate flower?”

Rickard rolled his eyes. “You and I will be traveling to the Vale in six moons for Lyanna's name day. I suggest you make peace with my decision by then; I expect you to be on your best behavior when we arrive in the Eyrie.”