A New Hope (Books I - VI)

Chapter 9

Winterfell - Year 300 - Three Weeks After the Attack - The Godswood

"What I am about to tell you... must remain between us, and Elia. I know she couldn't be here with us yet, but she knows what I am going to say, we have already discussed this. And in fact, this was her idea. We do not think that Bran fell from that tower. We think... he was thrown." Catelyn looked around at the trusted remaining members of her household, Maester Luwin, Rodrik Cassel, Theon Greyjoy, and her son, Robb.

"The boy was always sure-footed before." Maester Luwin said, agreeing with his lady.

"Someone tried to kill him twice. The only thing Elia and I could not figure out... is why? Why murder an innocent child? Unless he saw something he wasn't meant to see." Catelyn said, looking over at Maester Luwin.

"Saw what, My Lady?" Theon said, seeming very confused.

"I don't know. But I would stake my life the Lannisters are involved. Elia swears that she saw blonde hair in the window on the day he fell, and we already have reason to suspect their loyalty to the crown." Catelyn looked over at Rodrik as he pulled out the dagger that the assassin had tried to use.

"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, dragon bone. Someone gave it to him." Robb finally found himself fuming with rage, not only had the Lannisters tried to kill his brother, but his wife was near death because of them!

"They come into our home and try to murder my brother? My wife! If it's war they want..." Robb trailed off as anger got the best of him. Theon turned to him, pulling his sword a little bit.

"If it comes to that, you know I'll stand behind you." Maester Luwin found himself scoffing at the two boys that wanted to be men.

"What, is there going to be a battle in the Godswood? To easily words of war become acts of war. We don't know the truth yet. Lord Stark must be told of this." Catelyn nodded in agreement.

"I don't trust a raven to carry these words."

"I'll ride to King's Landing" Robb said, suddenly very determined to kill a Lannister.

"No. There must always be a Stark in Winterfell. And Elia needs you. I will go myself."

"Mother, you can't."

"I must."

"I'll send Hal with a squad of guardsmen to escort you." Rodrik said, concerned for his Lady.

"Too large a party attracts unwanted attention. I don't want the Lannisters to know I'm coming."

"Let me accompany you at least. The Kingsroad can be a dangerous place for a woman alone." Catelyn looked at Maester Luwin for advice, and after he gave her a soft nod, she nodded confirmation at Rodrik.

"What about Bran?" Robb said, suddenly confused about why his mother wouldn't leave that room for weeks because she wanted to be there when he awoke, but was suddenly able to leave.

"I have prayed to the Seven for more than a month. Bran's life is in their hands now."

Winterfell - One Week Later - Bran's Bedroom

Elia, as soon as she was able to sit upright without being in pain, had moved to Bran's bedroom to sit with him, before he woke up, three days after Lady Catelyn had left, which was a week ago. As Elia was always shifting in and out of sleep, due to the pain and the milk of the poppy that Maester Luwin continuously force fed her so that she would not cry in pain, Old Nan had been keeping Bran company while Elia slept in the chair at his bedside. Bran had been staring at a crow that had landed on his windowsill. When it squawked at him, Old Nan decided to distract him.