New students start from 'Game of Thrones'

Chapter 13 The Letter from the Eyrie, Altering the Plot

"It's from the Eyrie," Catelyn Tully said, her face grave. "My sister says Jon Arryn was murdered—by the Lannisters."

"She also says the king is in grave danger," Catelyn added.

"Your sister is a new widow, Cat. She's distraught—she doesn't know what she's saying," Eddard Stark replied, unconvinced.

"If this letter fell into the wrong hands, Lysa would lose her head. Would she risk her own life and her son's if she wasn't certain?" Catelyn reasoned, turning to Eddard.

Eddard was clearly swayed by her argument. He turned away, his face a mix of disbelief and deliberation.

"If this is true, then House Lannister covets the throne. You're the only one who can protect the king now," Maester Luwin said, looking at Eddard's back.

"But they've already murdered the last Hand! Are you asking Eddard to walk into a trap?" Catelyn snapped, glaring at Maester Luwin.

"The king traveled a month nonstop just to ask for your help, my lord. You're the only one he trusts," Maester Luwin said patiently.

"Lord Eddard—you swore an oath to your king," he reminded Eddard.

"He's fought for Robert half his life! He's done more than enough. We owe him nothing!" Catelyn exclaimed, her voice rising with anger.

"Eddard, think of your father and brother! They answered the Mad King's call—they went to King's Landing once, and both lost their lives!" Catelyn pleaded, trying to dissuade him.

Without this letter, Catelyn might not have opposed Eddard's trip south. After all, the king had already announced Eddard's appointment at the feast. But now, she feared Eddard would meet the same fate as Jon Arryn if he went to King's Landing.

"Times are different now, my lady. And the king is not the Mad King," Maester Luwin insisted.

Eddard had already made up his mind. He stared at the roaring fireplace, his eyes firm.

"Maester Luwin, you may leave. I've decided—I will answer the king's call," Eddard said resolutely.

Maester Luwin bowed briefly and withdrew from the chamber.

"Eddard!" Catelyn cried, her voice trembling.

"Don't worry, Cat. I'll be careful. When I go south, I'll take half the guards—and I'll bring Owen with me. With him by my side, I'll be safe," Eddard said, pulling Catelyn into his arms.

Catelyn knew once Eddard set his mind to something, nothing could change it. She clung tightly to the middle-aged Warden of the North, as if fearing he would vanish if she let go.

In the quarters beside the Wolf's Keep training yard, Owen lay sprawled on his bed, sound asleep. The guards had plied him with so much ale at the feast that even his tough constitution couldn't withstand it.

By the next morning, the Wolf's Keep courtyard was a bustle of activity. Soldiers from King's Landing and the North prepared for the hunt—horses saddled, spears readied. Eddard and Robert had already mounted their horses, ready to ride into the Wolfswood.

"How's your spearwork these days?" Robert asked, glancing at Eddard from his saddle.

"Not what it used to be—but still better than yours," Eddard replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Ha!" Robert scoffed, a smirk on his face.

"Where's your Northern swordmaster? I don't see him," Robert said, scanning the courtyard for Owen.

"Still in bed. The guards got him drunk last night—he can barely stand," Eddard said, a faint smile playing on his lips. Who would have thought the man who'd defeated four foes single-handedly the night before would be such a lightweight when it came to drinking?