Chapter 4: Saving My Son
The following morning in Eddard's solar, Maester Luwin is presenting Eddard with a letter that arrived the previous night. "It's a letter for Lady Catelyn from her sister, Lord Stark."
Eddard's gaze lingered on it for a moment before he accepted the letter. Reading its contents in silence, his expression remained unreadable. He then promptly set the letter on fire, thereby securing its secrets and witnessed the surprise on Maester Luwin's face when he did so.
Eddard, who anticipated Maester Luwin's confusion, turned to the Maester and gave him a gentle but serious look.
He spoke with a bland but serious tone. "Maester Luwin, I need you to exercise the utmost discretion regarding this letter. Tell no one of its arrival, especially not Cat. Furthermore, you will start with the interception of any letters from House Tully or their vassals intended for my dear wife and secure them for me privately."
As Maester Luwin's face revealed, he was clearly even more confused by Eddard's actions and words.
Eddard simply smiled and answered. "All will be revealed in due time Maester Luwin. For now, I ask that you act with caution and secrecy."
Setting this matter aside, Eddard asked Maester Luwin to accomplish a second task as well. "Maester, I need you to send someone discreetly to monitor House Baelish. The less attention drawn, the better."
"I already have someone in mind for the task; his name is Bronn. He's a sellsword from the Riverlands. Be aware, Maester Luwin, his loyalty matches the amount of coins in his purse."
"It's best if you send someone trusted to fetch the man and meet him somewhere the walls aren't looking and listening. No instructions are needed; just give him this letter. It contains my direct orders and details of his reward upon mission success"
Maester Luwin, though puzzled, nodded in understanding. "Lord Stark, if I may, can I inquire about the reasons behind these measures?"
Eddard responded with a measured tone. "If I, a Northerner, am to become Hand, should I not have a bit more information on the other council members? So, for now, have faith in my judgment as you have for these many years."
Just as Eddard finished his sentence, a sudden knock on the door interrupted Eddard's conversation. Eddard straightened his back and said, "Enter!"
The door opened, and Ser Jory Cassel entered. "The preparations are done, Lord Stark. The men are ready, your sons are ready, and the King will also be ready at any moment."
Eddard looked at Ser Jory and smiled slightly, "Alright Jory, lead the way."
As Eddard and his people were ready, waiting outside with horses and weapons at the ready, the King started making his way towards Eddard and laughingly started talking with him. "Are you as good with a spear as you used to be?"
Eddard looked at Robert and replied "No, but I'm still better than you."
Robert's happy that Eddard is still in the mood for jokes and says, "I know what I'm putting you through. Thank you for saying yes. I only ask you because I need you. You're a loyal friend. You hear me? A loyal friend. The last one I've got."
Eddard already expects Robert's word and says, "Gods know you need it; there are more of those God-awful Lannisters here than there are Baratheons, and besides, they let you get fat.'
Robert, dismissing Eddard's insult regarding his stomach, mounted his horse and took the lead in the hunting party. "Don't look so f*cking grim all the time. Come on, boys, let's go k*ll some boar!"
While Eddard is out hunting with Robert, Bran tries to climb up the tower. Fortunately, Eddard remembered what would happen and made sure that a guard held the young Bran back before he got the chance.
The servants made sure to send Bran back to Lady Catelyn and inform her that Bran tried climbing the tower again.
Eddard planned to Keep Bran from becoming a cripple and also from becoming the three eyed raven. Eddard wanted Bran to become a normal person carrying on the Stark name, honor and legacy.
However, shifting back to the King's party on their way to the hunting grounds, Robert is talking to Eddard about something he's noticed. "That sword from that boy of yours. It's Valyrian steel, isn't it? I've heard the lad bragging about it."
"I didn't know Starks had two Valyrian swords.", Robert yelled.
Eddard looked at Robb and waived him over, "The king is interested in your sword, Lamentation, Robb"
Eddard didn't bother sticking around and hung back to talk with Theon. "Keep an eye on the Lannister men; I don't trust them for a bit."
Theon looked at Eddard and responded, "Aye, Lord Stark. Will do."
Late in the afternoon, the hunt unfolded smoothly and yielded excellent results. Once enough boars and other game had been secured, the party made their way back to Winterfell.
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