Bran awaken

The rest of the night was spent with idle chatter until the group decided to watch shifts for the night. Jason and Yoren rotated shifts while Tyrion slept, not being the most suited for guard duty. Overall everyone got enough sleep and by dawn, they'd continue southward once more. Three days passed for the trio until they'd near Winterfell. At the crossroad to the large keep, Tyrion stopped everyone before speaking up.

"Best we pay a visit. I can imagine Jason may wish to see how Bran and the others are doing. I have one small matter to do as well. Besides we could do with at least one night resting on warm beds and having hot meals while we can."

Jason didn't say anything, yet nodded in agreement as they'd ride westward towards the castle. The place seemed the same from a glance, yet the Surgebinder could tell fewer lifelines was going about. No doubt with Eddard gone along with his daughters and Bran's injury, things have become dulled here. Not long after arriving though, a familiar laugh and voice drew the trio's attention.

"Back already Jason? Thought you are staying up at the Wall longer than a week." Graffin chuckled as the Stark soldier approached the group.

Giving a small smile to the man, Jason got off his horse and shook hands with him. "Think I saw enough up there. Seen a lot in my life, yet the Wall is unlike anything I've seen. That aside though, how have things been here?"

The question had Graffin give a more concerned look, mainly towards Tyrion. Leaning in he'd mutter in a low voice. "It's about Bran. A few days after you left an assassin set fire to one of the buildings and snuck into his room. Tried to kill the boy. Lady Catelyn was there and held him off before Summer pounced the man, ripped his throat out."

The grim new had Jason give a serious look to the soldier. "Anything special about the assassin? I've dealt with such types before."

"Man was pretty unremarkable. No real history, just some drifter type who was in the area a few weeks ago. What made him special though was his weapon, a valyrian steel dagger with a dragonbone hilt."

The Surgebinder gave a curious look hearing about the weapon. "I take he wasn't the type to be owning such a weapon. From my understanding valyrian steel weapons are limited to nobility."

"Aye. Lady Catelyn knew that someone of high standing must have hired the man and gave him the weapon. She believed it was someone part of the royal convoy who did it."

"So then she put everything together. She realized Bran's fall wasn't an accident, no doubt confronted Sir Roderick and he told her about our investigation. Learning how a Lannister was behind it, she no doubt reacted badly." Jason deduced.

"I know the Master-at-Arms talked to her about it, tried to explain that you and Lord Eddard were dealing with the manner. Never seen a woman so fierce and driven before. She was quick to head off for King's Landing, no doubt to personally warn her husband and show off the weapon."

Jason grumbled at the news. "When did she leave? Any idea of what route she took?"

"I know they wanted to get to King's Landing fast and in secret. The best route is by boat along the eastern coast, so they'd most likely be heading to White Harbor within a day or so."

"Damn it…" Jason muttered, already trying to think of a plan. "The last thing we need is her going around King's Landing and drawing attention. That woman could draw unwanted attention if she gets to the capital and starts asking questions."

"Going to take her a while to sail south," Graffin muttered. "My best guess is she should arrive at King's Landing a few days after the royal convoy returns…unless the wind and weather favour her and she gets there sooner."

"Whatever the case I'll handle it." Jason sighed. "I take Robb is in charge of running Winterfell?"

"Indeed. Didn't like his mother running off so suddenly yet he's managing well."

"Good to know. Have a lot to discuss with him about his brother and what's going on at the Wall."

"Then best check in the Great Hall. He's been busy audiences from the little folk and other House envoys. A lot of people no doubt wanting to make a good impression with him since he's managing the North now."

"Same old politics. Anyway better see him while I can. You take care of Graffin."

"Heh, same to you Jason." The soldier gave a nod before heading off to the barracks just before Tyrion approached the Surgebinder.

"Bad news I take? You have the look of that everyone has when they hear it." He questioned the Surgebinder.

"Later, right now need to see Robb." Without another word, Jason was already marching off to the Great Hall, the dwarf hurrying after him while Yoren remained to handle their horses. There were guards at the hall doors, who'd let them through after a moment, no doubt Robb finishing a meeting with a requester. Indeed a village elder was talking to the young noble, giving a respectful bow and muttering thanks to Robb who sat at the centre table set at the end of the hall with Luwin beside him.

"Thank you, my lord. Blessing of the Seven and prayers for your brother." The man muttered.

Robb gave a small nod of thanks. "Take care. The soldiers you requested will be waiting for you at the gates."

The elder nodded before hurrying pass Jason and his companions. It wasn't hard for Jason to figure out what the man had been here for. Stepping forward, the Surgebinder quickly got Robb's attention, bringing a small smile to his face. He'd get up from his seat before moving to personally greet Jason, shaking hands with him.

"Glad to see you back Jason. Never thought such madness be happening in just over one week after you and father left."

"So I heard. An assassin nearly killing Bran, your mother running off for the capital…and I take trouble with your northern villages. Wildling raiders?"

A hint of surprise showed on Robb's face, showing Jason was right. "More of odd sightings of late. I've been getting requests for men to be stationed in towns and focus on patrols along the side roads."

"Smart move. I can say the Wildlings are lurking about though. Ran into a group of them when we headed for the Wall. Night's Watch even reporting the tribes are acting up lately, united together to try and get past the Wall."

"Explain the increase in sightings. Not sure how they get over to this side, yet that is a matter for the Night's Watch to deal with. Anyway, I take you're going south to report to father and the King?"

Jason nodded. "If King Robert ignores all this then he'll be seen as foolish. Have more than enough proof to sway him over…at least I hope."

Before Robb could say anything more than, a servant suddenly hurried in from a side passage of the hall. The woman seemed breathless, no doubt having run through the entire keep to reach here. "Lord Robb…its Bran… he awakens!" The woman gasped, trying to catch her breath.

Both Jason and Robb gave shocking news at the news, yet quickly became one of relief. Even Tyrion have a pleased smile at the news. "Wonderful news! Fate has been kind for the boy indeed." The dwarf remarked, making Robb glance at him. Jason did notice an odd look in the young noble's eyes, a showing distrust towards Tyrion despite the dwarf's supportive words.

"We best go see him. Maybe we can get some answers if is memory is clear." Jason remarked."

"Don't pressure my brother too much Jason. It's a miracle that he as awaken and I'd rather not stress his too much."

By this point Luwin would join the group, speaking up as well. "I'd also think it be best that I examine the boy. We don't know the full extent of his injuries until we do some tests. I'll go on ahead to check on him" Robb nodded in agreement before the Maester hurried off for the Great Keep.

"I do hope I can meet Bran. I do have a gift for him, something to help with his new hardship." Tyrion added, giving a small bow to Robb. "For now though, a warm meal and rest will do me good. Until next time Lord Robb."

Both Jason and Robb watched the dwarf stroll out of the hall, yet once the Lannister was out of earshot Robb would speak up. "Something is mistrusting about him."

"He's an odd one, yet doesn't mean anyone harm. If you think he's involved with what happened to Bran, that isn't true. Doesn't fit with what I found in the tower or with Tyrion's personality."

"I know that…maybe it's just that he's Lannister. Could know something about what happened." The two began to walk down one of the passages that linked the Great Hall to the Great Keep, heading for Bran's room.

"He doesn't know anything, yet has some suspicions. Considering I saved him from those Wildings, he has a debt to pay and plans to help me however he can."

"Huh…Lannister always pays their debts." Robb chuckled. "I trust your word, so I'll believe what you say about Tyrion."