Eagle of the Valley of Ice and Fire

Chapter 35 Caitlin’s Suspicion
Caitlin stood at the mast, leaning forward and holding her hands on the mast. The clippers in White Harbor were indeed fast, but the consequence of such speed was that few people who tried to ride through would get dizzy. Caitlin herself was pretty good. , but Sir Rodrik who was traveling with him was different. When the ship was rushing on the Biting Bay, the turbulent waves and the strong winds of the fjord almost claimed half of the life of the head coach of Winterfell. Caitlin could only Seeing that he kept vomiting, he seemed to be ten years older now.

"We still have one hour to reach King's Landing." The captain's voice came over, and Catelyn looked at him as if he was conveying good news.

Caitlin forced a smile and said: "Mr. Captain, your sailors are very competent. I would like to give each of them a silver deer to express my gratitude."

The captain bowed slightly, "Mrs. Stark, you are so generous. I'm so happy for them." He looked greedily at the cloth bag that Catelyn had kept beside her.I'm afraid most of these silver deer were stolen by the captain, Caitlin thought to herself, but she couldn't control that much anymore.

The palm cut by the dagger is still aching. Caitlin will not forget why she came. The dagger with such exquisite workmanship and the stranger who assassinated Bran. The answers to all these questions can only appear in King's Landing.

After arriving at the prosperous King's Landing, Sir Rodrik and Caitlin hurriedly disembarked from the ship. They didn't know whether they were faster than the king's team. The king might often organize some hunting on the road, and maybe the speed would be very slow.

"Madam, maybe our identity will be exposed once we get ashore, so I have to find the instructor of the Red Castle quickly." Rodrik's voice was a little weak, but his tone was firm.

Caitlin frowned when she heard these words, "God bless me, I hope this king's instructor can be trustworthy."

Rodrik smiled, and his pale face looked even more reluctant at this time. Caitlin could see that Sir was holding on, "Although Sir Alan Santagar is a bit vain, he is very upright. I think so." Trustworthy." He said and touched his beard.

"I hope so.", Caitlin prayed.

Rodrik ordered his attendants to pack Caitlin's luggage and said to her: "Madam, you have always maintained a youthful appearance. Unlike my dirty look now, I'm afraid I have to leave the identification of the dagger to me. If you do, you'd better stay in a hotel, there are many people in the castle, and many people should still remember you."

Catelyn knew who he was referring to, "Littlefinger," Catelyn thought to herself as she told Rodrik, "Petyr was my father's adopted son and I have always considered him a brother."

"Of course." Sir Rodrik didn't seem to want to dwell on this issue. He just helped carry the luggage and headed towards the hotel under the captain's instructions.

After settling in the inn, Caitlin saw Rodrik wearing ring mail, a dagger and a long sword, and a black cloak on his head. "Before dark, I brought Sir Alan here. He is the instructor. He may still be in the Red Keep at this time."

Caitlin gave all her trust to Sir Rodrik. She nodded tiredly. Although the hotel was not as comfortable and outstanding as the captain had advertised, Caitlin could no longer care about that much. She fell against the pillow and almost wet it with urine. Already asleep.

"Dong dong dong!" Caitlin was awakened by a knock on the door.

The remaining light of the setting sun shines into Caitlin's room through the window. When she wakes up, it feels like the next day, as if she is in another world.

Caitlin picked up the dagger, wrapped herself in her cloak, and opened the heavy wooden door.

City Guard.Caitlin saw the people coming, all wearing black armor and gold cloaks.

"Don't be afraid, madam, we are here to pick you up." The leader smiled and looked at the dagger in Caitlin's hand.

Caitlin looked at him suspiciously, "Whose order?"

The leader took out a ribbon with a mockingbird on it and looked at her.

"Petyr." Caitlin didn't expect Littlefinger to greet her so quickly. She nodded, "Wait until I change clothes."

The City Watch sent her to a high tower, and Petyr was in a room at the top.

Caitlin first saw his back. The few silver strands in his black hair were Petyr's signature. When he was a child, he was always proud of his youthful whiteness. His height was not even as high as Caitlin's, just as short as when he was younger. .

"Petyr." Catelyn tried to remain calm.

He turned his head, his gray-green eyes full of joy, "Kate." He immediately focused on Caitlin's injured palm, and pointed to the bandage wrapped around Caitlin, "Your hand."

"Why are you looking for me, and how do you know where I live." Caitlin ignored his concern, just like she burned the letter written by Petyr after Brandon's death without opening it. Clean, she understands her responsibilities and the honor of her family.

Petyr smiled helplessly after hearing this. He felt my coldness, Catelyn thought.

"Varys knows everything about this city. He told me, not to mention that the new Prime Minister has not yet arrived in King's Landing." Petyr simply stated the reason, "I think I can protect you, including the things you want to know." , Petyr's clever smile appeared in front of Caitlin again.

"You are always smart." Caitlin said, "But I'm afraid I've disappointed you. I just came to visit my husband and my daughter."

"Come on, Kate, your excuse is too hasty." Petyr kept his smart smile. If it wasn't an emergency, you wouldn't come here. Let your best childhood playmate help you. . ", his tone became more frustrated when he spoke about his childhood friend.

He still loves me, Caitlin thought to herself.

She swallowed and was about to answer when there was a soft knock on the door.

"Come in." Petyr said softly.

The man who entered the door was plump, his face seemed to be smeared with rouge, and his head was smooth without a single hair. His loose purple silk robe suited his body shape very well. As soon as people saw him, they knew that he was rich and powerful.

"Mrs. Stark." He held Catelyn's hand, "After so many years, my God, how did your hand suffer such a disaster? How did your delicate hand become like this?"

Just as Caitlin was about to speak, he seemed to have thought of something, "Oh! The ointment prepared by Grand Maester Pycelle is unique in the Seven Kingdoms. I have carefully collected a few bottles. If Madam doesn't mind, I can give you a bottle. But there’s only one bottle, it’s too precious.”

"Thank you so much, Lord Varys, but my hands are well taken care of, so I won't bother you." Caitlin withdrew her hand from his palm and forced a smile.

"There is also the matter of Young Master Bran. I am deeply sorry. It is really sad that the gods treat boys so cruelly." Varys folded his hands sadly and shook his head, "I swear, Madam, I will find a way for Young Master Bran." Someone who is proficient in medical skills.”

Caitlin didn't want to get entangled in these unimportant conversations anymore, "I'm really grateful, Lord Varys. Maester Luwin has done his best. I guess we can only pray to the Seven Gods."

Varys shook his head regretfully, "In that case, is it true that Madam is here just for a dagger?"

Caitlin looked at Varys in front of her in shock, the rumored eight-clawed spider.

"Varys, you scared Kate." Petyr said, his eyes a little stern.

Varys shrank his head and spread his hands, "Excuse me, Lord Petyr, Lady Stark." He gave a half-bow.

"How did you know?" Caitlin lost her voice.

"It's just that your Sir Rodrik and Sir Allen have been talking about the ownership of a dagger. It is too suspicious. The little bird will not let this information go." Varys said helplessly, as if this matter had nothing to do with him. Nothing to do.

Caitlin pulled out the dagger and handed it to Varys.

"A dagger of Valyrian steel." Varys lightly scratched his finger, and blood immediately appeared.

Little Finger took the dagger, "With all due respect, Kate, this dagger is mine."

Catelyn looked at Littlefinger in surprise, "It's impossible, you've never been to Winterfell at all."

"Indeed, until Prince Joffrey was used as a bargaining chip and lost to someone else on his name day." Littlefinger stroked his beard and said with a smile.

"Who did we lose to?" Caitlin asked hurriedly.

Varys also looked at Littlefinger with curiosity.

"Little devil." Littlefinger smiled softly, "Tyrion Lannister."

"Lannister." Catelyn muttered softly.

Wallis frowned slightly, but remained silent.Littlefinger continued, "I'm sorry to say that I thought the imp would treasure it until he gave it to an unknown squire."

"What squire? Whose squire?", Caitlin wanted to know the answer eagerly.

Varys leaned his back against the wall, looking at the little finger who was thinking carefully with a smile on his face, his eyes shining with curiosity.

Just when Caitlin's patience was about to run out, Littlefinger suddenly said: "It's hard to say. I don't quite remember who the squire is. This needs to be recalled carefully."

Caitlin took a step forward, "Petyr, you must remember, this is so important to me and my family."

Littlefinger obviously showed a bitter smile when he heard "my family", "Your family, Eddard Stark's family.", he sighed slightly, "No problem, madam, you are mine, Kate Woolen cloth."

Looking at Littlefinger's sincere smile, Caitlin felt as if a huge stone had been put down in her heart, and she smiled with peace of mind.

Eddard walked out of the hall of the King's Council with a tired face. He was very crazy about the current situation of the country reported to him by the King's Council. Robert actually spent the mountains of pearl treasures collected by the Mad King Aerys. The rich and abundant treasury actually It was wiped out by Robert in just ten years. Not only that, he also owed 300 million gold dragons, 300 million gold dragons!
With the country's finances in such a state, Robert still wants to hold a tourney in his name?Eddard had never seen such a ridiculous Robert, such a ridiculous tourney, the royal council actually admonished him in the name of honor, just kidding!This is no honor, this is shame!

Carriages and knights were constantly coming in and out of the castle gate, and the courtyard of the Red Castle was a mess. There was mud, the smell of horse smell, yelling, barking, and even the direwolf running around Ed could recognize. He didn't know which daughter it belonged to. A wolf, but he guessed it was Arya's "Nymeria", a wolf that caused him a lot of trouble along the way.He decided that when he returned to the Prime Minister's Tower, he would teach Arya a lesson and let her discipline his little wolf, otherwise he would remain chained underground in the Red Keep.

He crossed the outer court and saw the person he didn't want to see behind the gate, Littlefinger, whom he seemed to have been waiting for a long time.

"Stark, you're going the wrong way, follow me.", said Littlefinger.

Ed followed behind hesitantly, and gradually he felt something was wrong. He was getting closer and closer to the rock wall outside the Red Castle, which had many hollows of different depths.

"You're kidding me, Littlefinger, we're already outside the castle." Ed looked at Littlefinger coldly, this cunning minister.

Littlefinger smiled exaggeratedly: "How clever, Eddard Stark. Your lady is waiting for you somewhere."

"That's ridiculous. Catelyn is in Winterfell." Eddard replied warily.

Two horses appeared in front of them, "Believe it or not." Littlefinger got on the horse, ignored Ed, and rode forward.

Ed rode forward angrily, following closely behind him, so that if something happened, he could instantly chop off his little finger with his sword.

They came to a crumbling wooden building, and music and raucous laughter could be heard.

"Whorehouse?" Ed was extremely angry. He regarded this as a humiliation to him.

"Your wife is in there." Little Finger didn't seem to be used to him and replied coldly.

Ed was about to draw his sword when a familiar voice appeared, "Ned."

Ed turned around and saw that Caitlin actually appeared in front of him. "Madam? Why are you here?"

Caitlin came close to his chest and leaned her head against him. "It's because of Bran, but it's not what you think." She raised her head and looked into Ed's eyes. "Is your daughter okay?"

"What about Bran? What are you talking about, Caitlin?" Ed hugged Caitlin tightly, but his heart was full of questions.

Caitlin pulled out a dagger from her arms, and Ed noticed her injured hand, "Your hand"

"Proof of protecting Bran, this is mother's medal, Ned." Caitlin raised the dagger with a smile, "Someone brought this dagger to take Bran's life."

Ed suddenly raised his head, "Who? Who would do this?"

Caitlin told the whole story, including the blond hair found on the tower, and told Ed that it was the little devil's knife, and the little devil handed the dagger to an unknown squire.

"I asked Petyr, but he still doesn't remember which squire it is." Caitlin said in a gentle tone.

"But I see him and Erin getting close," Caitlin said.

Ed shook his head in disgust, "Don't involve Attis in everything. He is the eldest son of his adoptive father and his heir. I believe in his character."

"But Lysa was imprisoned by him in the Eyrie. Is this true?" Caitlin asked.

Ed was speechless for a moment and didn't know how to answer. He remembered Attis's words at Harrenhal, "Lord Ed, believe me, when you go to King's Landing, I will find out for you the clues about the person behind Lysa. And, Ed Lord De, there are spies everywhere in the Red Fort, so you must not trust anyone."

Littlefinger frowned and asked, "Lysa? Is she imprisoned? Kate, how many things are there that I don't know?"

Caitlin saw Littlefinger's anxious and angry expression, and said helplessly: "I'm sorry, Petyr, I concealed this matter. I'm very sorry."

Littlefinger was pacing, a sad look on his face.

"That's enough, Caitlin, don't bring the topic to Attis. What happened to this dagger and the blond hair on the tower?" Ed looked at Caitlin with some annoyance.

Littlefinger answered for Caitlin, "I lost the dagger to the little devil. I only remember that after the little devil handed the squire the dagger, they both embarked on the king's journey north together. As for the blond hair, God, I'm sorry. Let me be blunt, who had blond hair during that time in Winterfell?"

"Lannister," Eddard whispered.

Caitlin hugged Ed, "No matter what, Ed, you must be careful, there are quite a few enemies here."

Eddard nodded as if bearing a heavy burden, "Allow us to be alone for a while, Lord Baelish."

"You called me Lord, Stark?" Littlefinger smiled slightly and left the couple.

After Littlefinger left, Eddard said seriously to Catelyn: "You must return to Winterfell, tell my sons, and write to the Taoha family and the Glover family in my name, ordering them to mobilize a hundred men each. The archers went to the Bay of Cailin and instructed Earl Mandalay to step up repairs of White Harbor's defenses. I thought the situation was not as urgent as imagined, but Brandu was optimistic about Theon Greyjoy. If war breaks out , we need his father’s fleet.”

"War?" Catelyn said the word with fear on her face. "Let me see my daughter, Ned."

"There are spies everywhere in the Red Keep." Ed repeated what Attis told him, "Don't go to the Red Keep, just go back to Winterfell."

Caitlin looked at Ed's determined eyes and could only sigh and nod.

Ed hugged Caitlin deeply, and after a long time, he let go and left.

Caitlin looked at the direction Ed was leaving quickly, unable to regain her consciousness for a long time.Until Littlefinger's words rang in her ears, "I must remember who that squire is."

"Who is it?" Caitlin turned around suddenly.

"When you mentioned Attis Arryn just now, I remembered that the squire's family medal was printed with the Crescent Falcon of the Arryn family." Littlefinger said this intriguingly.

"As expected." Caitlin sighed softly, "Petyr, please tell Ned that he is too stupid and trusts that Arryn too much. Not only did he imprison Lysa, he also"

Littlefinger frowned, "What else did he do?"

Caitlin stared closely at Littlefinger's face. He was her childhood playmate. He once loved her crazily and pursued her. He helped her find the source of the dagger. He was trustworthy.
"My sister Lysa told me that he killed his own father." Caitlin said softly, as if she was afraid that the walls had ears.

Littlefinger stopped smiling and was stunned for a long time, "I will definitely tell Duke Eddard to give him the greatest help in King's Landing."

　The holiday ends tomorrow and the author is getting busy, so he may not be able to update twice a day.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)