The Northern Dragon

CH 37: THE RAINS OF CASTAMERE (3/3)

– The Queenscrown –

Bran's group remained still without moving or speaking. Even after the rain stopped and the two wildlings that survived left to go somewhere else, they still did not dare to move.

They didn't know where the wildlings had gone or if they might return. Just in case, they waited without lighting a single candle. Even Shaggydog and Summer laid down on the side after they came in and did not rush out when they got hungry. It was only after hours had passed that Osha brought out a candle and let the small flame flicker in the dark room.

"Is that safe?" Meera instantly reacted when she saw the flame.

"They're long gone." Osha placed the candle on top of a barrel and took a seat on the floor.

Now that they felt the danger was gone, Bran turned toward Jojen. "You were right. I can get inside Summer's mind whenever I want."

"Of course you can. North of the Wall there are wildlings who can control all sorts of animals. But you did a lot more than that. You got inside Hodor's mind." Jojen glanced at the still unconscious Hodor.

Bran followed his gaze before turning to Osha. "They can't do that north of the Wall?"

Osha simply shook her head. She didn't know what else she could say. She had seen wargs, giants, and dead men walking, but never had she seen a person capable of controlling another' body. Not the way Bran had.

Jojen curled his lips. "No one can do that. Anywhere."

The room grew silent again, with no one knowing what to say. After a minute, Bran smiled at Rickon. "When I was looking through Summer's eyes, I saw Jon."

"Where?" Rickon's excitement disappeared as soon as Bran answered him. "He was with the wildlings. They tried to kill him, but he got away."

"He'll be heading back to Castle Black, then. That's where we should go." Osha had still not changed her mind about finding Jon instead of going further north.

But Bran shook his head. "For all we know, Castle Black's already under attack. If this many wildlings got through-"

"I already told you." Osha interrupted him right there. She was willing to do much for these boys, but not that. "I'm not going north of the Wall."

"Everything Jojen told me is true. You saw what I did to Hodor. I have to find the three-eyed raven." Bran was surer than ever of what he needed to do. He might have hesitated before but not anymore.

Osha grabbed the boy's hand, trying to once again change his mind. "Listen to me, little lord."

"Don't worry. I'm not asking you to come with me. It won't be safe for Rickon."

As soon as he finished, Osha understood what he meant. And Rickon did as well. "Me? I'm coming with you."

"No." Bran didn't leave his little brother any room for argument. "You and Osha and Shaggydog head for the Last Hearth. The Umbers are our bannermen. They'll protect you."

Bran seemed to have forgotten that stubbornness was part of the Stark's blood. "I'm coming with you. I'm your brother. I have to protect you."

Bran softly smiled. "Right now, I have to protect you. Robb's at war and I'm going beyond the Wall. If something happens to us, you're the heir to Winterfell."

Rickon shook his head, his eyes reddening from the tears that were about to spill. Bran wasn't about to change his mind on this, so he turned to Osha who was already packing their bags. "Would you know how to find the Last Hearth?"