In sharp contrast to the king's dinner enjoyed in this room last time, the hall, which was crowded and narrow that night after many long tables and benches were removed, now appeared so spacious. When Aegon followed the guiding guard here, many people had already arrived.
A row of guards stood by the wall. Robb Stark sat in the high seat that had belonged to his father, with Maester Luwin and his mother seated on either side. The Young Wolf Lord was sandwiched in the middle, his young and tender face already assuming the air of a lord of the city.
All the questions he had stopped a maid to ask before breakfast were a waste of breath. Now Lady Stark sat in front. Compared to her last appearance, this mother seemed to have aged twenty years in an instant, looking much more haggard, somewhat resembling her aged appearance in the TV series. She even looked only a few years younger than the old Maester beside her – but clearly, it was her.
Catelyn didn't go to King's Landing, didn't meet Littlefinger, and wasn't deceived about the dagger... This meant that Aegon didn't need to consider how to help Tyrion avoid encountering and clashing with her on the journey South.
Standing in the middle of the hall were other Night's Watch members who had arrived earlier than Aegon, as well as Tyrion and his guards. By the time Aegon walked and stood among Yoren and the other Black Brothers, the young man in the host's seat spoke.
"Welcome. Last night, I was busy with matters in the city and couldn't personally greet you. Please forgive any lack of hospitality."
Robb spoke in a host's tone, greeting guests as lord of the city for the first time. These lines were not delivered smoothly or naturally, clearly having been learned on the spot. But what Aegon cared about more was that he didn't display a sheathed weapon, nor did he greet Tyrion with an aggressive tone... This change wasn't huge, but it was inseparable from what Aegon had done – he was no longer outside the plot and found it difficult to withdraw.
"You're too kind," Tyrion sighed. "So, when will your brother arrive?"
...
Heavy footsteps came at the right time. A huge figure entered the hall from the doorway, it was Hodor holding Bran.
"Oh, the boy really survived." The Dwarf turned and looked up at Bran, who was taller than himself in Hodor's arms. "I can't believe it, you Stark are really tough."
"Northmen have to be tough to survive," Robb said. Although his tone wasn't very pleasant, the strong hostility from the original plot was clearly gone. "Hodor, bring my brother over."
"Hodor." The giant smiled and trotted forward, placing Bran beside the high seat of the Stark lord. The rulers of the Stark family throughout history sat in these large chairs. The boy gripped the armrests and sat down, his disabled legs dangling in the air. This large chair made him look so small.
"Lord Tyrion, you wanted to see my brother, he is here now."
"Bran, I heard you were very good at climbing up and down," Tyrion stared at the boy for a while before finally speaking. "Tell me, how did you fall that day?"
The hairs on Aegon's back stood up. Under Jaime's threat, he had lied about the situation when the incident occurred. If Bran were to say at this moment that he was scared by Jaime Lannister or fell because of that annoying Night's Watchman named Aegon, it would be big trouble.
Bran's answer made him breathe a sigh of relief: "I don't know, I couldn't have fallen."
"The boy doesn't remember anything about falling, or how he climbed before," Maester Luwin said softly.
"That's strange," Tyrion Lannister said.
"Lord, Bran's body is still very weak, he needs rest," Lady Stark said weakly. Exhausted, she found it difficult even to maintain politeness. "If there's nothing important, let him go back."
"I have a gift for him," the Dwarf nodded to the mistress of Winterfell, then turned his face to Bran and said, "Boy, do you like riding horses?"
Maester Luwin sighed: "Lord, the boy's legs are useless now, he can't ride a horse."
"Damn it," the Lannister said, "with the right horse and saddle, even a cripple can ride."
"I'm not a cripple!"
"Then I'm not a Dwarf either," the Dwarf pouted. "Father would be so happy to hear that."
Robb and Catelyn showed displeasure. Theon Greyjoy laughed heartily nearby. Only Maester Luwin patiently asked with a poker face: "What kind of horse and saddle are you talking about?"
"A smart horse. This boy can't use his legs to control the mount, so you'll have to let the horse adapt to him, teach it to understand the meaning of rein commands and recognize its master's voice. I suggest choosing an untrained yearling, so you don't have to discard previous training and start over." Tyrion pulled a rolled-up paper from his belt. "Give this to your saddler, just follow it."
Maester Luwin took the paper from the Dwarf's hand like a curious little grey squirrel, unfolded it, and read.
"I see. Lord, your drawing is very clear. Yes... this should work, I should have thought of it sooner."
***
Aegon stood among a group of Night's Watchmen, quietly watching this very familiar yet changed plot, hoping everything would end soon. He asked for nothing else, only hoping that until he reached his destination before setting off South again, nothing else would go wrong.
"Can I really ride a horse?"
"No problem," the Dwarf told him with a definite tone. "And I promise you, boy, on a horse, you'll be as tall as anyone else."
"Thank you for your help, Lord." Seeing Bran smile, Catelyn also forced herself to smile. "If you don't mind, for lunch and dinner, we..."
"You're too kind, Lady Stark," Tyrion bowed. "But I've had enough of the North's great fish and meat recently. Rather than staying in the castle, I prefer to experience the local customs and culture in an inn in Winter Town outside the city." He turned to the Night's Watchmen standing by. "Aegon, Yoren, head South as soon as it's light tomorrow. You'll surely find me on the road."
Tyrion turned and walked out the door, his men following closely.
Twelve Night's Watchmen remained. With a full dozen Night's Watch Rangers accompanying the Lannister, Tyrion's return journey to Winterfell had been completely uneventful. Thanks to so many Night's Watchmen, the hall still didn't seem too empty. Robb hesitated and turned to them. "Black Brothers, you are always welcome in Winterfell. If you need anything, just tell the servants, and we will do our best to satisfy you. Besides that, I sincerely hope to have the honor of dining with you all tonight."
He spoke these words even more unnaturally, but the Night's Watchmen didn't mind. After thanking him for his kindness, everyone also left the hall led by a Ranger squad leader.
...
"Aegon?" A guard stopped the crosser who was following Yoren and his group out the main gate. "The lord of the city has something to say to you, please follow me."
Something to say to him! Aegon's heart tightened. What was it? Had his lie about Bran's fall been discovered, or had his fabrication about Joffrey trying to assassinate Bran been exposed?
With a guilty conscience, Aegon became nervous. He had done both things without malice, but there was no reasoning with these great nobles. If either matter were discovered, his plan would be completely disrupted!
And at this moment, being inside Winterfell, he could do nothing. The feeling of powerlessness returned. Aegon followed the guard back to a small room North of the hall, feeling uneasy. Inside the room, there was only one table, two chairs, and Robb Stark alone.
—