A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)

by George R.R. Martin

“Lord Eddard is a second father to me,” said Theon Greyjoy. “I do so swear.” “You have my oath,” Maester Luwin said. “And mine, my lady,” echoed Ser Rodrik. She looked at her son. “And you, Robb?” He nodded his consent. “My sister Lysa believes the Lannisters murdered her husband, Lord Arryn, the Hand of the King,” Catelyn told them. “It comes to me that Jaime Lannister did not join the hunt the day Bran fell. He remained here in the castle.” The room was deathly quiet. “I do not think Bran fell from that tower,” she said into the stillness. “I think he was thrown.” The shock was plain on their faces. “My lady, that is a monstrous suggestion,” said Rodrik Cassel. “Even the Kingslayer would flinch at the murder of an innocent child.” “Oh, would he?” Theon Greyjoy asked. “I wonder.” “There is no limit to Lannister pride or Lannister ambition,” Catelyn said. “The boy had always been surehanded in the past,” Maester Luwin said thoughtfully. “He knew every stone in Winterfell.”