The charcoal in the brazier seemed to burn with an unusual quietness.
This was the Main Keep of Winterfell, in the Duchess's chambers, hidden and warm, with only Catelyn, Robb, Ser Rodrik, and Joffrey present.
Catelyn sat alone by the bed, looking at the three tiny little sprites with surprise.
Robb murmured, "Children of the Forest."
Joffrey began the conversation, "Robb, since you know about the Children of the Forest, I presume you also know about Skinchangers and Greenseers."
Catelyn looked at her son.
Robb nodded, "Maester Luwin told us about them. It is said they can control beasts and even know all things."
Could all this be true?
Joffrey sighed, "Maester Luwin was a respectable Maester. I only found out beyond The Wall that he died saving Bran!"
Catelyn couldn't bear to hear this and immediately panicked, "Bran is so small, who would harm him?"
"The Greenseer!" Joffrey said sincerely, "Lady Catelyn may not know this, but Bran possesses the talent of a Greenseer, which is why he was targeted by the Greenseer 'Bloodraven', who is hiding beyond The Wall."
Catelyn finally heard a familiar name, "Lord Bloodraven? Brynden Rivers!?"
"That's right, the Bloodraven Wizard who was exiled to The Wall."
"He later became a Greenseer of the Children of the Forest, but he still couldn't transcend the lifespan of mortals. So,"
Joffrey paused, observing the changes in the expressions of the three.
"He took a liking to Bran's body and often infiltrated his dreams to gnaw at Bran's soul. Maester Luwin was killed because he discovered the clues."
Words are not as convincing as evidence.
"These Children of the Forest were pursued by the Wildlings and Skinchangers under Bloodraven because they saw through Bloodraven's true face. We rescued them later."
Leaf bowed and said, "It is indeed so, sirs."
Little sprites who could talk and be touched! Even the well-traveled Ser Rodrik couldn't help but feel shaken, let alone Catelyn, who was a mother, and the young Robb.
Joffrey continued, "The night Maester Luwin was killed, Bloodraven was harming Bran. I helped him drive Bloodraven away in a dream, and Bran knows this."
Bran is the best evidence.
Catelyn couldn't believe it, "What do you mean you defeated Bloodraven in a dream!?"
Joffrey clasped his hands together, "The Gods' blessing, I was granted extraordinary power, saved Bran, and was guided to The Wall, where I was able to discover the boundless darkness lurking there."
He opened his hands and pulled out a series of hot, paper-thin, smooth Fire Ribbons between his palms.
The light and heat were so real, so docile, that it was impossible to doubt anything.
This is definitely not a trick!
"But none of that is the point." Joffrey swallowed the flames, and Catelyn and the others' gazes fixed on his face.
"Lady Catelyn, Robb, please remain calm from now on."
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
Joffrey stared at the two without moving until Catelyn and Robb both nodded seriously before speaking again.
"The Children of the Forest have learned of Bloodraven's plot. This fellow is obsessed with the Targaryens and especially hates my father and Lord Eddard. He is about to act, and everyone in the southern bound party could be killed!"
Half of House Stark is there.
Catelyn stood up with a gasp, "No~", a violent dizziness struck her, and she fell weakly onto her son.
Robb also looked panicked, "Father and the others are in danger?!"
The loyal Ser Rodrik's white beard trembled with excitement, "If it is true, I must go protect Lord Eddard immediately!"
Joffrey nodded solemnly, "Bloodraven is too mysterious and too powerful. I came here precisely to seek aid from Winterfell, otherwise, why would I stop for a moment?"
"After all, Bloodraven could attack at any time, and time is more precious than gold."
"I can only stay here for one night."
He urged them anxiously, "I guarantee by the honor of Joffrey Baratheon that these are all facts. Please make up your mind quickly, it will be too late otherwise!"
Catelyn clutched Robb's arm tightly, as if begging her son to make a decision.
At this moment, she was completely a vulnerable mother worried about the safety of her husband and children, not a noble Duchess. She also forgot that her Robb was not yet fifteen years old.
Robb unconsciously bit his lip and turned his gaze to his half-brother, Jon Snow.
Feeling Robb's urgent fear and trust in him, Jon instantly recalled the dozen years he had spent in Winterfell since childhood.
His serious father, his good brother Robb, his mischievous younger siblings, one or two family members who didn't like him, the cruel Theon, and the special treatment he received.
Judging solely by his status as a bastard, Jon had a good life.
Jon had never coveted Winterfell. He only wanted to be an honorable man when he grew up, get along well with his brothers, and make his father proud.
He thought The Night's Watch were the protectors of the Seven Kingdoms, a symbol of honor. But Winterfell had never told him the truth.
Was The Night's Watch really like that?
His uncle certainly knew, and his father must have known. No wonder Lady Catelyn had never said a word to stop him.
Even so, is this a betrayal?
Your Highness's comforting words at that time seemed to still echo in his ears:
"This is the will of The Gods. I cannot refuse, nor can you. Lord Eddard and everyone else will not be harmed. Can the sin of one or two well-intentioned lies outweigh the lives of millions? Think for yourself what the correct answer is."
Jon thought again of the scene where hundreds of Wildlings and beasts were annihilated in the blink of an eye. How many times could Winterfell withstand such an attack?
The scene of first meeting the King appeared before his eyes. The huge difference between the fat man indulging in wine and women and the heroic young Crown Prince was so vast that it seemed they had nothing to do with each other.
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind like streaks of light, but this only took a moment.
Jon said, "Bloodraven is dangerous and cunning. There are more Children of the Forest and Wildlings controlled by him. He can also drive beasts to launch surprise attacks from a thousand miles away. Father and the others may find it difficult to guard against him."
Jon looked directly into Robb's eyes.
"Even Duke Stannis's death is related to him. He has helpers in King's Landing, and it's not safe there either."
Jon hugged Robb tightly.
"Robb," The Gods forgive me, "Father needs more strength. I beg you in the name of our brotherhood, act immediately."
Robb stiffened for a few breaths, only his eyes still struggling, then he hugged his good brother's back tightly.
The dust settled.
Joffrey handed a piece of paper to Lady Catelyn, "I have prepared the letter. Please order someone to release a Raven immediately to explain the danger to Lord Eddard and the others."
Catelyn took the paper blankly, "The convoy is moving. How can a Raven fly there?"
Facing his flustered mother, Robb could only remind her helplessly, "The King is in the Riverlands. Send the message to Riverrun. Your grandfather will handle it."
"That's right." Catelyn finally realized.
"I have to tell Father and Edmure, I have to tell them, Father must have a way!"
Catelyn rushed out in a hurry. Only when she opened the door did she remember her rudeness, so she hurriedly bid farewell to Joffrey and the others in a panic, and then rushed straight to the Ravenry.
Robb apologized to the Crown Prince, then gritted his teeth and made a decision.
"Please forgive Your Highness. Father ordered me to stay in Winterfell, so it is really difficult to leave. Let Theon take a hundred elite Soldiers south with you."
Robb looked at the experienced old drillmaster.
Ser Rodrik Cassel only said, "Please allow me to accompany you."
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