Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Chapter 4

Catelyn Stark. Winterfell.

My gaze never left the door through which the man had left the room. Questions popped into my head every now and then as to why I was silently watching the conversation unfold.

My body simply wasn't responding to my orders. It was as if the Seven themselves had taken control of it and forced it to listen to the words of this 'wizard'. But it wasn't just that.

Only for a moment did his gaze find mine, and only for a moment did I feel the call of my mind. A call forcing me to kneel before the wizard. To recognize his greatness, his... wisdom.

And his magic... When the swords appeared in his hands, seemingly out of nowhere, I was struck with fear. I was afraid he would use them. First at us and then at our children. I wanted to scream and warn Ned, but... my body wouldn't listen to me. My mouth was still closed. And taking a small step back was the only thing I could do with all my willpower.

To my great relief, the swords in his hands remained only a demonstration, just as the man had claimed. But what if he hadn't limited it to just her? What if he had ill intentions toward our family? I need to speak to Septa Mordane. I hope the Seven will give me answers to these questions. I hope they keep my family safe from this "Magician". I am not attracted to the thought of him corrupting the young minds of our children.

I dread to imagine the effect he would have on innocent little Sansa, who was so attracted to fairy tales of prince charming. She would fall in love with him at first sight, for he knew how to hold his own and was...handsome. And I can't deny that fact. His looks are as beautiful as they are unnatural to this world. And that was alarming.

But I couldn't help but recognize the validity of the words of the master over the weapon. His every movement was filled with grace and refinement. His confident look and straight posture gave the impression that the "wizard" was born and raised at a high court, having acquired the ability to lead and hold himself. Throughout his entire presence in the study, he never once showed weakness or insecurity.

The man's very presence was... unnatural. Throughout the entire conversation, there was only one emotion on his face: indifference. It was as if he wasn't even human at all. As if... he was above Sir Rodrik, Ned, me, and everyone else.

Even if I wanted to express my displeasure at his actions, my mind and my body refused to do so. It wasn't until the man left the room that I was able to regain control of my own body.

- What's the matter, Cat? - Ned asked me a couple minutes after the wizard left. - You've been silent the whole conversation, which seems very strange to me.

- Ned, don't you think your decision to put him in the castle was too hasty? Are you sure the children are safe? He could be the enemy.

- That's enough, Cat. If he wanted to hurt them or us, he would have done it by now," he shook his head.

- What makes you so sure of that?

- I can feel it," Ned said with some uncertainty. - He's very powerful. That's what my senses and instincts tell me. And I tend to trust them. Besides, I'd rather have him in my sight than not.

- I understand. But please keep your guard up," I sighed tiredly. - I need to rest.

- Of course you do.

And on those words, I headed to our room.

-0-

Jon Snow. Winterfell.

- You mean two wildlings just caught fire out of the blue! - exclaimed a surprised Arya.

- You're my brother, Jon, but what you've told me is pretty hard to believe," Robb shook his head.