"The Wolf, the Stag and the Snake" book 1

Chapter 28

ANTEA

Robb's men had set a tent for Antea and Catelyn to share in Moat Cailin. She had never been there before, even if her Father's stories about that place were well known Antea and her siblings. According to the stories the Children of the Forest had tried to stop the invasion of the Andals there. They wanted to divide the North from the rest of the continent by using magic, but they didn't manage to do so, only able to flood those lands making them become muddy and marshy. Bran had always been fascinated by stories of magic, she had always preferred war ones; like Robert's Rebellion. But she couldn't help but feeling charmed by those three ruined towers.

Antea had never travelled away from the North; she had always wondered what was like living like her dear friend Cyel; travelling all around the continent, from the North to the deep South. She always thought about all the things she had seen and known.

Antea had been in King's Landing. It was very hot, so much hotter than she had ever felt, but it was the people that really made her feel uneasy. Since she had left the North she felt dragged insides schemes and games beyond her control and what was worst it was that all of that seemed to get their aim against her family. That was why she had no doubt when her mother asked her what she wanted to do at that point.

"I cannot go back to Winterfell" Antea said to her mother as she was brushing her brown hair.

"I thought there was nothing you wanted more" said Catelyn with a surprised expression. Antea nodded her head.

"There is indeed nothing I want more" the girl said as Shadow came to lay next to her legs "But I would be of no use there" at her words her mother frowned a little.

"Robb needs me more than Bran and Rickon, in this moment" Antea explained "They've got Cyel and we both know how much she cares for them" Catelyn smiled looking down "But I could never leave and knowing Robb on the battlefield, worrying for his life constantly"

Her mother looked at Antea before caressing her cheek with the tip of her fingers.

"Your presence will bring him great comfort" Antea smiled at her mother.

"In hoping to bring it to you too" the girl said "I've promised Father to be by your side and I will, until we'll get him and the girls back"

"It amazes me how much you're growing" Catelyn said.

"Well, some time ago you told me I was getting old" that made Catelyn chuckle, but after a moment her expression became sad.

"I didn't want for you to know the world in this way" Catelyn said and Antea took her mother's hand in hers, squeezing it just a little bit.

"Many things should have been different" Antea said "But I want to be strong like you and face this world with no fear".

Thanks to that journey she had been able to know so much more about her mother. She was wise and strong. Proper and fearless. She never let her nerves get the best of her and she knew how to talk to bannermen and soldiers making them respect her. And her love for their family was giving her the strength to keep going, never showing her deepest thoughts. Antea wanted to learn more, to get stronger and grow up so that her House could count on her to endure.

"Fear is part of all of this" Catelyn said "But observe, understand and learn for your family"

Family, Duty, Honor.

Those were the words of House Tully, her mother's House. And the woman before Antea was embodying them.

"How can we help Robb?" asked Antea as Catelyn got up. Her mother observed her for a moment before speaking again "You tell me" she said almost challenging, making Antea's frown.