Chapter 16: 16 Eddard Stark & Blackfish
{Eddard Stark}
Ned Stark looked at the horizon where the sun had almost set. He peered down at Robb and Jon, who were slowly riding their horses in the training yard. Robb was riding the grey horse while Jon was riding a chestnut one.
The horses were given to them by him as their name-day gift. The Horses have barely reached their physical maturity. So it would be easier for them to train their horses from early on.
He had observed their training for the whole day, which consisted of some basic body exercises, simple archery, and lastly horse riding.
And so he concluded that Robb had a very good talent whereas Jon.... well Jon was a genius among geniuses.
And he didn't like that one bit. He did not want to see Jon attracting more attention to himself than he already is and bringing harm with it, but... he sighed.
Now he started to regret a bit about his impulsive decision regarding Jon.
Various emotions rose inside him, making him somewhat suffocated, but he squashed all of them and slowly exhaled his breath. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
He opened his eyes which contained his newfound determination.
He can't go back now, he has to be strong. Now there is only one way, and that is, forward.
Whether he likes it or not, now all his family's lives and their paths are determined by the decisions and the steps that Jon would take. He was sure that the truth will come out sooner or later. So all he can do now, for his pack and Starks to survive is to gamble everything on Jon and invest in him with all he's got. He will give Jon the best Education and best Training but he will not impose his will on his sister's child.
He knew that many people consider him an Honorable fool; He may dislike their games, even hate them but he is not oblivious to those games; after all.... he was fostered in Vale. 'Maybe he should get the boys fostered at some appropriate house.'
His thoughts ran wild before he was interrupted by the sound of a cough at his side.
"Maester Luwin" He nodded
"My Lord, a raven came from Riverrun" the maester handed over the letter to him.
He took the letter and read it briefly. It was written that the Blackfish will be here for Robb's name day, before the supper. And they are sorry to cause inconvenience due to the unfortunate delay in Raven. He pursed his lips and scoffed at this in his heart.
"So, now it begins" He muttered as he folded the letter and gave it to maester Luwin.
"My Lord? "
"Give this to Catelyn and ask her to prepare a feast for today's supper."
Maester Luwin took the letter, bowed then left quietly.
He turned and then looked at the boys who were laughing and playing with the horses and told them to leave the yard, for their training was over for today.
The boys were reluctant but relented under his gaze. He watched as they took their horses to the stable and went to their respective chambers.
He looked at the banner with the Direwolf sigil, howling with the wind.
"Winter is Coming" He sighed~
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{Blackfish}
Blackfish looked at the sky which was getting dark. He scolded the guards and urged them to hurry up.
As they crested a ridge the Castle came into view, it was large and grey but still very impressive and well-lit in the dark. The walls and towers looked ancient.
They hurried and entered the castle and were led by the Stark guards to the yard where he saw Lord Stark and his niece, holding a baby in her arms. Besides them, there were two boys of similar height. He instantly recognized Robb, having plenty of Tully features. He looked at the other boy presumably Jon who had raven-black hair, and purple-grey eyes.
'There may be some semblance of truth in those rumors' He thought of the possibility that the boy had the blood of two noble houses, making things more complicated.
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They dismounted the horses and handed over the reins to servants. Blackfish moved forward and then knelt in front of Ned Stark.
"Lord Stark" He bowed his head.
"Lord Blackfish, please rise" Ned Stark nodded.
"I am no Lord," He said as he got up.
He looked at Catelyn and the child in her hands. "This must be Arya, where is Sansa?" He asked.
"Well, she is sleeping, she is a quiet one while this one is quite a handful" She looked at Arya and smiled slightly.
Blackfish smiled and then looked at Robb and moved toward him and patted his shoulder heavily.
"Strong lad; I have a gift for your name day," He said and looked behind him, then a Tully guard handed him a training sword made of Wood having a wolf pommel. He handed it to Roob and asked him if the balance was good. Robb nodded excitedly and thanked him.
Blackfish just smiled and then looked at Jon up and down and said " You must be Jon"
"Lord Brynden" Jon nodded and said.
Blackfish was surprised "Last time I heard my real name was many years ago"
"Unfortunately I don't have a gift for you," Blackfish added and looked at his face, wanting to see how the boy will react.
"No worries, I am sure it is not even my name day today" Jon smiled.
Ned Stark frowned as the surrounding got dulled and interrupted them and invited them inside as it was getting colder outside. Blackfish and his men were led by servants to the guest chambers.
'Blackfish; I am not that interested in him....for now Jon thought as he looked at their receding backs.
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