The Song of Life & Death

Chapter 6 : Wolf's Blood

Disclaimer: Hmm... I wish I did. But... I don't own either Harry Potter or A Song of Ice & Fire or Game of Thrones.

The Song of Life and Death

Catlyn Stark was a happy woman. She could have been happier. No doubt about that. But that did not mean that she was not happy. There were things that would make her happier. Like Arya behaving like a proper lady. But who was she kidding? She as well pray for the North to become warm and sunny. Perhaps her husband could find a husband for the bastard and send her away. She knew what options awaited a beautiful bastard girl in the cruel selfish world. A brothel most likely. If she was lucky she could become mistress of some lord or a wealthy merchant. But she would never wish that fate upon anyone, not even her enemies. That was the only reason she tolerated the stain on her husband's honour. But now the girl had grown up and was of suitable age for marriage. That's why she asked Ned about her marriage, only to be surprised when Ned told her that he was already looking. That had made her happy. She would finally be free of the bastard. She could have put up with her for few more years but the girl was a wicked trouble maker and a really bad influence on her girls. She had done everything she could to make her a proper lady but the girl never listened to her. And now Arya was following in her footsteps. Wanting to practice archery and sward fight with boys! Even Sansa was questioning and arguing now.

It didn't help that everyone in the Winterfell loved the bastard. 'Lyanna reborn.' She had heard the whispers. It could only bring trouble. The sooner Ned finds a husband for her the better. But Ned wanted a proper wealthy and loyal lord with a good name for her 'precious princess'. How would he do that she didn't know. She may be Ned's daughter but she was a bastard.

The thoughts kept churning in her mind as she made her way to the hall to break her fast. Upon entering the hall she found only Luwin there. He got up and bowed to her. Taking her seat she asked, "No doubt the children finished their breakfast and went to the courtyard?"

"Yes, my lady." Luwin replied with a smile, "I made sure that they didn't skip breakfast in their hurry to start playing." Their master at arms, Ser Rodrik was out on a mission so the boys didn't have practice today and they were eager to take advantage of the opportunity.

"And my lord husband?" She inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"Hasn't come, my lady." Luwin replied with an apologetic smile.

"Well I can guess where he is." She replied getting up, "We'll be taking breakfast in Ned's solar" she commanded the servants.

She found Ned with his nose burried in some tome, one of the maester's recordbooks to be exact. "You should not neglect your food my lord," she said entering and greeting, "You'll need your strength." Servants carrying food followed her.

Ned looked up and tried to smile though she could clearly see that he was tense. "Yes, of course. But I was searching if I can find any useful information or if someone has tried something like this before." He was worried about Ser Rodrik and other men he had sent to investigate the increased raiding and pillaging. That was her husband. Always worrying about others before himself.

"Eat, my lord husband!" Catlyn said with raised eyebrows, snatching the book and putting it aside.

"A lot of small folks are dead, Catlyn! Attacks are becoming more frequent." Ned said with frustration.

"Starving will not catch these bandits, wildlings or whoever these troublemakers are. Now break your fast my lord." She sat besides him and started eating, making sure that he ate properly.

Soon they were done and Ned started ruffling through the books again. Catlyn sent the servants away but remain seated with him and observed him working. She seldom sat with him, being busy running household and making sure that children were behaving. Robb and Jane were his more frequent companions in the solar.

"May be... We should ask Uncle Brayden for help. Riverland has much more bandits than anywhere else." Ned suggested, his attention still in the book.

Catlyn knew that Ned didn't hold much respect for her father but he respected her uncle very much. They were brothers in arms during The Robert's Rebellion and the Greyjoy rebellion. "He can be agreeable. In his last letter he said he was returning to Riverrun. My father's health is not good now a days. Family, Duty, Honour."

"I'll tell Luwin to send a raven. I should also send a detailed message with your father's men. They are returning tomorrow." Ned suggested.

A raven can't carry much information but a letter can, Catlyn thought. "Will it be safe? What if they were attacked? If the same bandits get their hands on the message it can be a huge set back for us or they can attack uncle."

"It's a possibility but your father's men should be smart and shouldn't get caught. After all they will be carrying the payment for the last shipment of grains. It's a huge sum." Ned said looking at her, "Considering the patterns of attacks, their chances of reaching the riverrun unchallenged are slim. I can spare some men. Perhaps Brayden should start marching towards the north and meet them half way. That should be enough to deter any attackers."

Catlyn hummed her response and was lost in thoughts again. Perhaps she should send a long letter of her own to Edmure. Her father was old and sick. But her fool of a brother wasn't giving any thought to his marriage. He wasn't getting any younger. He needed heirs.

Her train of though was interrupted by Ned, "Whirlwind will come any moment now."

She was startled, "How can you tell? I can't hear a thing!" She was always amazed by Ned's uncanny heightened senses. A virtue she also noticed becoming prominent in her oldest.

Whenever she asked about it Ned always smiled and replied that it was just the Wolf's Blood in them. And it frustrated her to no end.

Again Ned smiled, "They stopped playing a few moments ago. They are climbing the stairs now, coming here I'm sure."

Soon the doors were thrown open by the children and they literally invaded the solar. Rickon climbing in Catlyn's lap. Sansa and Bran taking the chair on opposite side of the table. Arya ran to her father and tried to see what he was reading. Theon took the chair near the fireplace while Robb and Jane plopped on the couch on the side. Robb put his arm around Jane while she nestled close to him. Catlyn frowned at that.

Robb and Jane were inseparable since their childhood. Always together whether it was playing, learning, training, practising or whatever. But they were not touchy-feely kind of siblings. And now that they were grown-up, it was not proper.

Jane wouldn't listen to her. Perhaps she should talk to Robb. He was a good boy. Like a proper cultured honorable lord should be, despite the dreadful influence of the Greyjoy boy.

"What brings the pack to my solar this early? I thought you wouldn't stop playing today. I was thinking how would I drag you lot inside for lessons!" Ned told them with a smile.

"But Ser Rodrik is out father! Who'll teach us?!" Arya asked trying to save their free time.

"Well, I can ask Maester Leuwin to give you a lesson in accounts." Ned replied thoughtfully.

"Noo… Father!" Arya replied making a pout and doe eyes.

"I can ask Septa Mordane to give a lesson on virtues." Catlyn suggested thoughtfully.

Even Robb and Theon perked up with objections written on their faces. But Arya beat them to it, "Noo.. Can't you give us a day off from stupid lessons!?" she asked with whining.

"Arya… " Ned admonished her but Arya cut him off, "But they are so boring!"

"Alright, alright!" Ned huffed, "But I don't want you troubling or harassing anyone." and like that they were free from lessons today. Catlyn knew it was okay to give them lee-way sometimes but that Greyjoy boy was in dire need of lessons on virtues and conducts.

"Thank you, father." Jane replied, "We won't cause any trouble." Catlyn frowned at that. The bastard was the one who always got Robb and Arya in trouble and here she was acting like a good girl.

"Well, so what brings you lot here?" asked Ned.

"We want to tell you something. Actually Robb and Jane do." Bran replied with a smile.

"And what is it?" Ned asked looking at Robb and Jane who looked a little nervous suddenly.

Robb cleared his throat, "Ahmmm… Father, we know that you are finding a match for Jane." Ned straightened up at that. Obviously he thought that children would demand a ride, a trip to winter-town or something like that. Nothing serious like marriage. Catlyn looked at Jane but she was looking down at her hands folded in her lap.

"Yes, I am." Ned replied, "Everyone should get married when they are of proper age. Jane and also you I might add are of agreeable age."

"But than Jane would have to leave us!" Arya exclaimed, "I don't want her to leave!"

"Yes, me too!" Bran nodded emphatically. And everyone started talking at once about how the Winterfell won't be same without Jane, how much they love her, they haven't been separated ever, etc...

Catlyn felt her temper raising. The bastard didn't want to leave the Winterfell. Obviously she had hoodwinked everyone in doing her bidding.

"Children! Children!" Ned raised his hands, "Do you think I want her to go?! I will miss her, too. But all ladies get married and go to their husband's home. Jane will go and so will Sansa and Arya." Ned tried to explain.

Arya looked horrified at that, "I don't want to get married! I want to stay here, forever!" Even Sansa looked apprehensive.

Ned smiled, "You are very young Arya. Your thoughts may change as you grow up, "

"No, they won't." Arya pouted stubbornly.

"We are getting off the topic." Robb exclaimed stopping his siblings from speaking again, "Father, Jane suggested that she could be our castellan. She can stay here and help you running things. She doesn't want to get married."

Catlyn couldn't believe her ears. The bastard wanted to stay here forever. And she had sunken her claws deep into her children. She couldn't stand for that! "No! Absolutely not! Your father has already sent propositions to some lords, Robb. And besides, being Castellan is not a job for a girl of sixteen!"

Ned was also looking troubled, "Your mother is right Robb. There are many candidates. Besides Ser Rodrik is still hale and hearty. And Jane doesn't need to be castellan just to stay here." Ned continued, turning to her daughter, "What I'm worried about is why doesn't you want to marry, Jane?"

Jane was glaring at Catlyn but soon turned to Ned, "I don't want to be a burden upon you father. I know I'm a base born. I know that no lord would marry his son to me unless you give him a hefty dowry. You'll have to worry about my younger siblings' future soon. And I would not impose you like that. Not when winter is coming."

Ned became sad upon hearing that but Jane wasn't done. She had gotten up and was standing in front of her father, her hands balled into fists.

"I refuse to marry someone who is just marrying me because of what my father promised him. Or how much my father is willing to give him. And I also refuse to stay here and be a burden on you or Robb. I can help you run everything around here. I was trained same as Robb. I will be the best castellan you can ever hope for. And if needed, best commander of your forces too! Anyone wanting to hurt the Starks would have to go through me first! People may call me a burden or a stain on your honour but I promise father, I will make you proud!" Jane finished her head held high & fire in her eyes.

But there were tears in Ned's eyes. Everyone was quite and even Catlyn looked sad.

"You are not a stain," Ned straightened in his chair, "You are my daughter. What do I call you? Hmm?"

Jane muttered, "Precious Princess."

Ned told her in a passionate voice, "My precious princess! You are my pride. You are my joy. Never think otherwise. Never. And you don't have to do anything just to stay here. This is your home. Today, tomorrow and forever."

Jane nodded her head, her eyes moist. Ned cleared his throat and continued, "I want you to marry because I want you to be happy. To find love. If you are not ready than its alright. I have sent some inquires but I haven't invited anyone yet. We can wait."

"I don't want to go, ever." Jane replied, her voice full of emotion, "Who will spar with Arya and Robb? Ser Roderik? He's old. He'll be an awful sparing partner!"

Arya let out a choked laugh and hugged her sister, Robb just moments behind her. Ned smiled as all his children gathered around Jane in a group hug.

Soon everyone had settled down and Ned continued, "We can always marry Sansa first!"

"Yes father! That's great!" Arya chimed in enthusiastically while Catlyn scolded her husband, "Ned! Not you too! It is enough that Jane and Arya keep making fun of her!"

"I'm just saying that Sansa also will be of age soon!" Ned replied placating her wife.

Everyone was smiling again. But Jane soon sobered and said, "Father, I mean what I said. And you also said that you wanted me to be happy. Happiness can't be bought! There will be no place for dowry or bribes in my marriage. Promise me father, promise me!"

A shadow passed through Ned's face but it was gone as soon as it appeared, "I promise. Final decision would be yours. And the same goes for all of my children." he replied looking at them.

As the happy family spent time together, none knew that sad news were making their way towards them.

The Song of Life and Death

Jane was inhaling her fifth plate of steak and was going to win the bet against Hodor. Robb & Arya were cheering her on while Theon was getting increasingly worried. He was still encouraging Hodor but his brow was furrowed, his posture was tens & beads of perspiration were adorning his forehead. His all time present idiotic smirk had vanished! Good for him, Jane thought. She smirked while still wolfing down her steak while Hodor had become much slow. He will have to stop soon. The first few times they betted Hodor would win but recently she could beat Hodor easily. She also could drink anyone under the table. She thanked the Gods that her atrocious eating habits hadn't reflected on her physique. Otherwise Ser Roderick would kill her in the training yard!

Soon Hodor stopped eating, his face all green, obviously feeling nauseous. He stood up and ran out of the hall while everyone else started laughing, banging on the tables, shouting her name. Robb and Jory hoisted her up on the table while cheering continued around the hall. There were some shouts outside but no one paid any mind to them. A guard entered the hall and made his way towards the centre where most of the ruckus was going on. He tried getting everyone's attention though on one noticed him or his worried countenance. But even amidst the noise Jane heard what he said and so did Robb. At once Robb climbed up and shouted for everyone to calm down. Once everyone quited enough the guard started making his way outside while gesturing everyone to follow, "The ranging party is back, they were attacked!"

Everyone rushed to the courtyard which was in chaos. A few people were helping the injured guards, some guards were being carried towards the Maester's rooms, bodies were being arranged while few women and children were crying their eyes out. Lord Stark was talking to Ser Roderick who lead the petrol while a couple of maids tried to clean the wounds on his legs.

Jane could see the puzzled expression on Ser Roderik's face, "They didn't appear like bandits nor did they fight like them. From the beginning they targeted me. Outright tried to kill me even making reckless attacks, not caring for their own life. Although they made sure that some of them got away, that none of us could follow them. But their leader didn't even try to escape. None of them tried to protect the leader but they tried to kill as many of us as they can! It was strange. We brought few things from their dead in hopes to understand them better. Sadly we had to leave their bodies there."

"I will send some men to attend them. We will also have to increase the size of the petrols. You were surprised because this is the first time we came face to face with them." Lord Stark replied while looking sorrowfully towards the dead soldiers.

"We were surprised by their ferocity my lord but we beat them non the less. Next time will be different!" Ser Roderik replied but Lord Stark put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "We will have vengeance Ser but first you need to rest and get better."

Jane came forward, "Come on Ser Roderik, let me take you to your chambers." Robb walked to his other side giving him support, "Yes, we can't loose our favorite instructor!"

"Lord Stark!" exclaimed Theon getting their attention. He came towards them with a sword in his hand, "Look at this pommel! I noticed that the leather on the pommel was loose so I removed it."

Many lords have their weapons marked. Frowning Lord Stark took the sword and examined the pommel. There was a sigil on the pommel.

A Roaring Lion.

In Red and Gold.

With Wings.

The Song of Life and Death

Author : I want to write so much but there is no time. What can I do? It's Life!