Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Winterfell

As Eddard left the solar, he couldn't help but remember the execution he had done a few weeks prior. He had just executed a deserter from the watch who claimed that he had seen white walkers. Stopping by the passageway to the courtyard, he spotted his daughter Sansa talking to her Mother. Taking his time, he moved closer as he began to listen in to their conversation.

"The Royal Family will be arriving soon, wear your best clothes and go prepare yourself," Catelyn whispered to her daughter, her eyes twinkling with anticipation as she sent her away.

Stepping out from the shadows, Eddard interjected with a hint of concern, "Let us not forget that Kayle is meant to court her." His voice carried a weight of duty as he addressed Catelyn directly.

Catelyn's anger flared in response, her voice tinged with resentment. "Why would you even entertain such a thought? A prince is coming to the North, and Sansa deserves the most suitable match," she retorted, rejecting the idea of a lesser suitor for her daughter.

Eddard attempted to explain their prior agreement, but Catelyn interrupted him once more, her tone defiant. "No, it was your promise, not mine. I will do whatever it takes to ensure my daughter's happiness," she exclaimed emphatically before walking away.

Eddard could only sigh, sensing the impending headache that awaited him even before the arrival of the King.

The atmosphere within Winterfell grew charged with anticipation as the day of the King's arrival drew near. The courtyard teemed with activity, as servants scurried about, diligently preparing for the grand reception. Eddard Stark, accompanied by his sons and family, along with Lord Oldgate, stood poised at the entrance, their gazes fixed upon the distant horizon, awaiting the majestic procession.

As the King's caravan passed through Winterfell's imposing main gate, Eddard led everyone in kneeling before the royal presence. With a bit of assistance, the King dismounted his horse, requiring a stool to aid his descent. Facing Robert Baratheon, Eddard couldn't help but jape, it had been years since they last met.

"You've gotten fat."

The palpable silence that the joke brought to the courtyard was broken as Robert laughed as he hugged his old friend. "And Adam!" he exclaimed, "It's been years my friend, how have you been?" Robert asked as he pulled him into the hug.

-Break-

With each step, Kayle walked purposefully towards the heart tree standing tall in the center of the godswood. The air grew still around him as if nature itself held its breath in anticipation of his arrival. As he reached the clearing, the only sound that broke the silence was the soft echo of his boots against the ground, a rhythmic cadence leading him closer to his destination.

Kneeling before the ancient and revered heart tree, Kayle felt a wave of tranquility wash over him, like the gentle touch of a long-lost loved one. The world around him seemed to fade away, leaving only the presence of the sacred tree and the feeling of peace.

As Kayle knelt in prayer, a sudden wave of uneasiness washed over him, shrouding the godswood in an unsettling aura. It was as if a piercing gaze, heavy with scrutiny and power, had descended upon him, causing a chill to crawl up his spine. But as quickly as it had arrived, the sensation dissipated, leaving only a fleeting impression of its presence.

In the wake of this passing unease, a voice, soft yet resonant, echoed in the depths of Kayle's mind. Its words carried weight and significance, enveloping him in a veil of mystery and purpose.

"Stay hidden, Kayle," the voice murmured, its tone filled with both caution and affirmation. "You are on the correct path. The embodiment of the knight approaches, and the watchful gaze of the mother rests upon you."

Startled by the unexpected message, Kayle's heart quickened its pace. He knew better than to ignore the guidance of the gods. A sense of caution washed over him, reminding him to tread carefully and keep his actions discreet. Rising from his position Kayle was elated that he was doing well in his goal. They had only told him one thing at the time, that he would find salvation in Winterfell, whatever it may have meant.

Exiting the Godswood, Kayle found himself surrounded by servants and errand boys running around. As he massaged his sore knees he pulled one aside he asked what was happening.

"What is everyone going on about?" he asked the servant.

"We are preparing for the feast for sundown My lord," the girl bowed.

Kayle's eyes widened as he realized that he missed the arrival of the King, he had been at the Godswood for a while, and it explained why his lower extremities felt awful. Deciding that he should at least find his father, Kayle entered the courtyard looking for him, and he saw Lord Oldgate teaching Bran and Arya how to fight with a sword.

Seeing his father have a bit of fun teaching the two, he sought out another person. Sansa Stark, he would at least try to adhere to what they had discussed this morning, he went to find her in the castle.

Arriving near her room, Kayle heard voices inside. It seemed Catelyn had already filled her daughter's head with ideas of marrying the prince. While Kayle had not even seen the prince in question, he'd be glad to paw off the naive girl to someone else. He was too free-spirited to marry so soon anyways.

Kayle's search for Jon took an unexpected turn when he encountered the Greyjoy heir instead. The annoying presence of Theon Greyjoy irked him further, casting a shadow over his already dampened spirits.

Rolling his eyes at Theon's taunting tone, Kayle retorted, "What's it to you, Greyjoy? Just stirring up trouble as always?"

Theon puffed up his chest, relishing in his self-proclaimed superiority. "Oh, nothing much. Just curious if you've finally finished with your little prayer session to your old gods," he sneered, relishing in his attempt to provoke a reaction. "Missed the grand arrival of the King, didn't you? Wonder how that'll go down during the feast."

The mention of missing the King's arrival struck a nerve with Kayle, exacerbating his already soured mood. Pushing Theon aside with a forceful shove, he snapped, "Get out of my way, squid. Mind your own business."

As Kayle turned to walk away, the irritating sound of Theon's laughter echoed behind him. The mockery lingered in the air, fueling his frustration and adding to the growing sense of unease. Theon's parting words only served to stoke the flames of Kayle's irritation. "Maybe you won't even be allowed in!" Theon called out, relishing in his attempts to undermine Kayle further.

With his jaw clenched tightly, Kayle chose to ignore Theon's jabs. House Greyjoy and Oldgate had an irreconcilable feud. Ironborn have been raiding their beaches for hundreds of years, bringing death and pain to everyone who lived by the sea.

The scars of those raids were not easily forgotten, and the pain inflicted upon his people fueled his desire for justice and retribution. The Greyjoys represented everything he despised—their arrogance, their plundering ways, and their disregard for the lives they disrupted.

Hundreds and thousands of their fishermen were slaughtered through the years. And during the worst time, the rebellion a few years ago, their defiance of the newly constructed order had led to the death of a lot of their family. Their people lost fathers, sons, mothers, and daughters.

Kayle hated them so much that he considered slitting the bastard's throat. If only he had the power to bear the consequences after.

Deciding to forgo the feast headed to his room to rest for the day. Only to find his father waiting for him there.

"How'd the prayer go?" Adam asked, seeing the sour disposition of Kayle. He had told his father this morning that he would be at the Godswood for a while, to look for answers to their questions.

"It was…. Enlightening." Kayle began, not sure how to explain the reply he got.

Adam's expression changed as he heard the answer, opening the door to Kayle's room he ushered him in and sat waiting for an explanation.

"They said I had to be careful, the Mother and the Knight were here," Kayle whispered, trying to remember the exact words. "Watching gaze of the mother and that the knight was coming, they said."

Lord Oldgate frowned as he heard the words, he fell silent as he contemplated their meaning. "What about the salvation in Winterfell?" he asked.

Kayle shook his head as he replied."There was no mention of salvation in Winterfell," his voice filled with uncertainty. "The message was focused on caution, on the presence of the Mother and the impending arrival of the Knight. They were warning me to remain hidden, to tread carefully in the days to come."

Lord Oldgate's brows furrowed deeper as he absorbed the information. The cryptic nature of the message left much to interpretation, and he contemplated the implications of the Mother's watchful gaze and the arrival of the Knight.

"The Mother represents protection, compassion, and guidance," Lord Oldgate mused aloud. "Her watchful gaze could indicate that we are being observed, perhaps by forces that have a vested interest in our actions."

As for the Knight, Lord Oldgate pondered the significance of their impending arrival. "The embodiment of the Knight suggests a powerful and righteous force, someone who upholds honor, and justice. Unfortunately, the Old Gods and the Seven don't get along If I recall correctly."

"So a meddling watchman, and a powerful enemy," Kayle concluded.

"Unfortunately." his father sighed as he agreed.

"What about Sansa? You ought to have met her again by now." Adam teased as he changed the topic.

A frustrated sigh escaped from Kayle as he recollected the previous scene he had witnessed. Turning his father's teasing mood to a raging one.

"That hateful woman!" Adam exclaimed, "We'd just agreed to have you young ones give it a try but she's already planting ideas in her daughter's head." he raged as he paced back and forth in the room.

"Let her be, I'll just marry another," Kayle suggested trying to placate his father.

"It's not that easy son. This is the perfect opportunity to get the Starks on our side." Adam reasoned. "For centuries our family had been declining because no Lord would send their daughter to a dreary place like Sea Dragon Point. But if we can marry you to Lord Stark's daughter, we'll have the support of the North again," he added, facing away from Kayle.

"Is it just because of that? We've never needed the Starks, but they've always needed us." Kayle asked, a bit flummoxed at the reason he needed to marry her. "Plus Sansa's too naive, and she also worships the Seven."

"Semantics," Adam brushed off. "She'll learn who to worship once we introduce her."

Looking at his father suspiciously, Kayle thought that it couldn't be just that. Their conversation was interrupted though as a knock came to their door. Opening it a servant had arrived to notify them that the feast was about to start. Bidding his father farewell, Kayle lay in his bed

-Break-

In his room, Kayle counted how long he had lay in his bed trying to sleep, getting up the feast should be at its most boisterous stage, people drunk, singing about, and fistfights starting up from anywhere or maybe not since the King was in attendance.

Deciding to go out for a nightly walk, Kayle quickly exited his chambers and made his way outside to enjoy the cold breeze. Walking up the stairs to the castle walls, Kayle marveled at how beautiful the scenery was. The quiet night sky, the cold breeze, and the majestic castle, all blended into the fortress that was Winterfell.

As he walked the walls Kayle couldn't help but spot Jon talking to one of the men of the Night's Watch, a lively look about him. Climbing down the steps the man of the night's watch had disappeared, Jon's partner in conversation replaced by an imp.

Eavesdropping for a moment, Kayle caught a snippet of the Imp's wisdom: "...armor, and it can never be used to hurt you." A mischievous grin adorned the Imp's face as he imparted these words to Jon.

When Tyrion turned and noticed Kayle, a glimmer of recognition sparked in his eyes upon glimpsing the sigil on Kayle's collar. A small smile played on his lips as he addressed Kayle.

"Ahh, Oldgate or Olgaithe?" Tyrion inquired with a touch of curiosity.

Finally recognizing Tyrion's identity, Kayle replied with a slight bow. "Both, actually, Lord Lannister."

Chuckling softly, Tyrion corrected him, returning the bow in kind. "No, not Lord Lannister, that would be my father."

Kayle introduced himself, using both pronunciations of their family name. "Kayle Olgaithe, heir to House Oldgate."

Tyrion's smile widened. "And I am Tyrion Lannister, known as the Imp of Casterly Rock."

Curiosity danced in Tyrion's eyes as he continued the conversation. "I've always been intrigued by your people. The few times the Oldgates have ventured out of Sea Dragon Point, you've fought and bled for the North," he remarked, a touch of admiration evident in his tone.

A glint of fascination sparkled in Tyrion's eyes as he leaned closer. "But what truly piques my interest is the claim of your lineage as descendants of the Warg Kings. Tell me more about that, if you would."