Chapter 6: Starks Interlude [Edited 11/08/24]

Catelyn Stark

I looked at Ned worriedly as we watched Robb leave the library with a stack of books under his arm.

"Ned, don't you think Robb spends too much time on these studies? He's just a boy; he should be playing outside with the others," I voiced my concern.

Ned adjusted the scrolls on his desk before responding.

"I understand your concerns, Cat. But ever since he lost his memories, he seems to have an insatiable hunger for knowledge. We can't deny him that opportunity to learn, especially if it might help him understand his abilities. We must wait for Maester Luwin to allow him to resume his practices with Jory."

I nodded slowly, acknowledging Ned's point.

"I know, but I worry he's pushing himself too hard. Sometimes, I see him in those books until late at night."

Ned came closer and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"We indeed need to be cautious, but we must also understand what's happening. Robb has shown extraordinary abilities, and we must consider how best to support him."

I sighed, looking out the window overlooking Winterfell's courtyard where the children were playing.

"I guess you're right, Ned. But I don't want him to feel alone in all of this. He needs someone he can trust to talk to about his powers."

Ned nodded, furrowing his brow as he contemplated the situation.

"I agree. Robb has us for the moment. I want to exclude others since everyone else is just a viability. Many other lords would enjoy having someone with those abilities at their beck and call."

Grateful for Ned's support, I nodded in agreement.

"Yes, we need to keep it a secret. I can't imagine our life having to fend off assassin after assassin."

Ned smiled.

"Me neither, my love. We need to be careful about our movements. I can assure you there are no spies from other houses in Winterfell. "

"Are you sure there could be spies in our castle, Ned?" I asked, afraid of his answer.

"I can't say there aren't, Cat. We don't mesh well with our Southern neighbors, they are too busy playing their games, but my father always cautioned me of the dangers of dealing with them" Ned said, taking my hand in his to show his support. "The good thing is, with Robbs's new powers, he'll be able to find every single one before long. Maybe there will be a moment that we'll know we will be surrounded by only people we can trust."

---

Arya Stark

I knew something bigger than what we were told was happening at Winterfell. I noticed my parents acted differently when they mentioned Robb, so being the best little sister in the world, I decided to investigate what was going on. I had been watching Robb for days from a distance where I was sure he couldn't see me. I noticed he spent most of his day in the library, talking to Maester Luwin or reading boring books.

Robb had lost much of his memory, but I still knew him well. Robb had never been interested in books; he preferred to play and joke around with Theon or practice swordplay with Jon, Jory, and the others. As I considered various possibilities of what might be happening, I noticed a minute later that Robb had disappeared. That was when I felt a firm hand on my shoulder and heard a whisper.

"Arya, what do you think you're doing?" Robb asked, with a smile on his face.

"You scared me, you idiot!" I exclaimed, turning around and attempting to hit Robb's shin.

Knowing his sister well and having read the story, Robb expected something like this, so he stepped back a couple of paces after startling her.

"You're so predictable, Arya. Trying to hit your dear brother, hm?" Robb laughed as he let her go and ruffled her hair.

"Hmph, I hate you," Arya said, crossing her arms and pouting at him.

"Hahaha, you're so cute, Arya. Now, why don't you answer me? What were you thinking following me for the last days?" Robb asked, stepping back from her and looking her straight in the eyes.

"Robb, you've changed. You spend so much time in the library now and no longer play or joke with Theon or practice with Jon. Also, I see our parents acting suspiciously when they talk about you. I haven't heard what they're saying yet, but I know something's going on, and I want to know," Arya finally explained what she was doing.

"Don't worry, little sister. It's not anything bad. It's just the memory loss made me realize how disqualified I am for when I'm the next Lord Stark," Robb said seriously. "Besides, increasing my knowledge will make the North prosper. I have so many ideas for changes that will benefit us."

"Alright, Robb. I'll wait for you guys to explain... But besides that, how did you know I was following you? I know I was very stealthy, and you were looking the other way," Arya asked, looking at Robb with doubt.

Robb simply laughed, turned around, and continued walking towards his bedroom with his last words, "I'm just him, little sister. Nothing escapes my sight."

---

Maester Luwin

I walked uncertainly towards Lord Stark's study, wondering why I had been summoned. There was still half a moon to deliver his tax report, even longer until winter arrived, and Robb was recovering at a surprising speed.

I knocked on the study door and waited until I heard Lord Stark's voice, allowing me to enter.

"Come in," Lord Stark's voice was heard.

Upon opening the door, I was surprised to see Lady Catelyn and Robb in the study.

"Maester Luwin, we want to ask you to start teaching Robb. He wants to learn as if he were an acolyte," said Lord Stark.

"Lord Stark, where is this coming from? Learning to be a Maester is no simple feat. And while I know Robb is as intelligent as other acolytes I've seen in the citadel, it requires intensive learning that will prove difficult for him". I explained.

"I want to learn, maester. If I had that knowledge, I'd be able to change a lot of situations in the North when I become Lord Stark. If I were to know about medicine, politics, and economics as good as you, maester, there will be a good chance I'll become what the North needs to progress," said Robb, the heir to Winterfell, unaware of the impact of his words on me.

Catelyn Stark simply smiled, surprised but pleased to see how Robb explained his dreams to become the best lord stark in history.

"Of course, Robb. I will teach you. I will not lie; it will probably be hard for you. But if you truly want to learn, I'll give it my all to teach you. It might be interesting to see what a well-learned Lord is capable of. No offense, Lord Stark," I said, asking for forgiveness for my faux pas.

"No need to ask for forgiveness, Maester. I'm also curious to see what height Robb can reach when he completes his training," said Lord Stark, smiling in his usual impassive expression.

"Now we must discuss how Robb will continue with his maester studies," said Lord Stark as he presented me a parchment to jolt down ideas.

"Well, to begin with, milord, Robb must prepare with the necessary basic knowledge to start his training. I need Robb to be able to read and write without errors. I will probably teach him other important languages like High Valyrian, the Old Tongue, and Braavosi, which are crucial. The advantages they will bring Robb when he becomes Lord Stark will be immense," I explained, thinking about how to start his training.

"After the important languages, Robb should learn about medicine, as this subject is very relevant, especially in the North. The number of peasants dying here due to winter is too great. In addition to medicine, I would teach him about engineering to implement ideas that come to mind."

"Yes, that's good, Maester. What else do you think will be important?" asked Lord Stark.

"Robb will also need to learn about the land he will rule in the future, about geography and food production in our lands," said the Maester, who continued writing on the parchment about the topics he would need to explain.

"I think that is enough to begin his training, milord. I will take my leave to prepare for his classes." I told Lord Stark, rising from my chair.

"Oh, and Robb? I'm proud of this decision, and I'm excited to see what you are capable of," I told the heir of Winterfell as I took my leave to my chamber.