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She had wild eyes, slightly insane. She also carried an overload of compassion that was real enough and which had obviously cost her something.
"What I am about to tell you must remain between us. I don't think Bran was pushed by that young girl, she seemed too innocent," Catelyn Stark said to the trusted people in the Godswood.
Maester Luwin stood among them, adding, "the boy was always sure-footed before."
Catelyn nodded, "someone tried to kill him twice. Why? Why murder an innocent child? Unless he saw something he wasn't meant to see."
"Saw what, my lady?" Theon asked.
"I don't know. But I would stake my life the Lannisters are clearly involved. We already have reason to suspect their loyalty to the crown," Catelyn said assuredly.
Rodrick Cassel then commented, "did you notice the dagger the killer used? It's too fine a weapon for such a man. The blade is Valyrian steel, the handle dragonbone. Someone gave it to him."
"They come into our home and try to murder my brother? If it's war they want. . . ." Robb muttered angrily.
"If it comes to that, you know I'll stand behind you," Theon nodded to Robb.
"What, is there going to be a battle in the Godswood? Too easily words of war become acts of war. We don't know the truth yet. Lord Stark must be told of this," Maester Luwin said.
Catelyn shook her head, "I don't trust a raven to carry these words."
"I'll ride to King's Landing," Robb offered.
"No. There must always be a Stark in Winterfell. I will go myself," Catelyn denied.
"Mother, you can't," Robb frowned at her.
"I must," she insisted.
"I'll send Hal with a squad of guardsmen to escort you," Rodrick cut in.
"Too large a party attracts unwanted attention. I don't want the Lannisters to know I'm coming," she thought deeply.
"Let me accompany you at least. The Kingsroad can be a dangerous place for a woman alone," Roderick bargained with her.
"What about Bran?" Robb asked.
"I have prayed to the Seven for more than a month. Bran's life is in their hands now," she then added before leaving, "as for the girl, let her go, but keep her under watch. She's hiding something."
