Chapter 5: The Widow at the Celebration Feast

Lady Barbrey Dustin had stirred up quite a storm, drawing the ire of the mountain clan chiefs, Lady Maege Mormont, the Greatjon, and others. They surrounded her, hurling accusations, while her uncle, Lord Rodrik Ryswell of the Rills, Roose Bolton, and her brothers rushed to her defense, calming the tempers of the crowd. Eddard noticed Domeric Bolton, Lady Barbrey's attendant, quietly comforting her. Domeric's mother, Bethany, was Barbrey's sister, who had died of fever years ago. After her husband's death, Lady Barbrey Dustin took control of House Dustin, ruling over the vast lands of Barrowton. House Dustin was one of the most powerful noble families in the North. Her father was Lord Rodrik Ryswell of the Rills, a region known for its fine horses and strong cavalry. Lady Barbrey's brother-in-law was Roose Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort, a formidable force in the North. Thousands of years ago, when House Stark of Winterfell was still the Kings of Winter, they clashed fiercely with the First King of Barrowton. After centuries of war, the Kings of Winter defeated the First King, forcing him to bend the knee to Winterfell. Today, House Dustin, which ruled Barrowton, claimed descent from the First King. Their sigil—a rusted crown atop crossed battle axes—reflected this heritage. Even after defeating the First King, House Stark did not immediately become the Kings of the North. For centuries, they faced numerous challengers, the most formidable being House Bolton, the Red Kings, who ruled vast territories stretching from the Last River to the Sheepshead Hills, and from the Narrow Sea to the White Knife. The Red Kings and the Kings of Winter waged a bloody conflict known as the "Song of Ice and Blood," during which House Stark often found themselves at a disadvantage. Many of the Red Kings' cloaks were said to be made from the skins of Starks. The balance of power between the Kings of Winter and the Red Kings shifted over time, until the Andals' invasion changed the course of history. The Andals, seafaring raiders from across the Narrow Sea, attacked the coastal regions of the Red Kings. Winterfell took advantage of this, gradually encroaching on the Red Kings' lands until they were forced to surrender, abandoning their crown and becoming vassals of the Kings of Winter. It was then that House Stark ascended from Kings of Winter to Kings of the North. As Eddard gazed at Lady Barbrey, his mind filled with the echoes of this ancient history. The lands of the First King, once Winterfell's enemy, now largely overlapped with Lady Barbrey's domain—Barrowton and her ancestral home, the Rills. Today, House Bolton's territory was much smaller than during the reign of the Red Kings, but they still controlled the lands around the Dreadfort and the Weeping Water. They remained a force to be reckoned with, and their ambitions were well-known. The alliance formed through marriages between House Bolton, House Ryswell, and House Dustin was something Eddard could not ignore. Years ago, Eddard and Jon Arryn had married Catelyn and Lysa Tully, respectively, forging an alliance between the North, the Riverlands, the Vale, and the Stormlands. Four of the Seven Kingdoms rose in rebellion, overthrowing the Targaryen dynasty and placing Robert Baratheon on the Iron Throne. Eddard looked at Lord Rodrik Ryswell, a kind-faced old man with a ruddy complexion, who appeared more like a rough soldier than a political mastermind. Yet, there was no doubt he was a shrewd lord. It was Rodrik who had married his eldest daughter, Bethany, to Roose Bolton, and his second daughter, Barbrey, to Lord Willam Dustin, creating an alliance between the Dreadfort, the Rills, and Barrowton. Though Bethany had passed away, she had left Rodrik a grandson, Domeric Bolton, the future heir to the Dreadfort, ensuring the alliance remained strong. While noble marriages were common, this particular alliance was unusually tight. Was this the source of Lady Barbrey's confidence in bringing such meager gifts? Powerful vassals were always a concern for their liege lords. The Riverlands had the Freys, the Vale had the Royces, and the Reach was surrounded by powerful houses like the Hightowers of Oldtown, the Redwynes of the Arbor, and the Florents of Brightwater Keep. A liege lord had to be strong to keep their vassals in line. This only strengthened Eddard's resolve to bolster Winterfell's economy and power. Benjen Stark arrived almost at the last moment, accompanied by ten black-clad rangers and the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Jeor Mormont, known as the "Old Bear." The Old Bear was as burly as his namesake. Since his son, Ser Jorah Mormont, had been caught selling slaves and fled into exile, Jeor had considered his son a disgrace to the family and had not visited Winterfell in years. Benjen's arrival excited Eddard's children. Arya, Jon, Robb, and Sansa crowded around their uncle, while Bran clung to Benjen's leg. Benjen kissed Rickon on the forehead. Eddard and Catelyn invited the Northern lords into the Great Hall, where Eddard sat on his throne, accepting oaths of fealty from his vassals. The lords then offered their blessings for little Rickon, and the feast began. The tables were laden with sumptuous food—wild boar, lemon cakes, honey-glazed duck, pigeon pie—and the air was filled with the aroma of the feast. Catelyn had seated the highborn guests at the head tables, while placing Lady Barbrey in a corner. She instructed Vayon Poole, the steward, to serve Lady Barbrey extra helpings of "turnips." "Let the widow choke on them," Catelyn muttered. Domeric Bolton took up a harp and performed a song titled *The Lover of the First King*, dedicated to his aunt, Lady Barbrey. Eddard couldn't tell how Barbrey felt about it, but Sansa, Jeyne Poole, and others were moved to tears. Even Septa Mordane praised the boy's voice as heavenly. Next, Domeric performed *The Rapids and the Steed*, a song dedicated to his grandfather, Lord Rodrik Ryswell, and his uncles. The lyrics spoke of the brave men of the Rills riding their steeds to repel Ironborn raiders. Eddard was impressed by the song's originality and beauty, wondering how Roose Bolton had raised such a musically gifted son. Finally, Domeric sang *The Conquest of the North*, a rousing ballad about House Stark's victories over the First King, the Red Kings, and their struggles against the Long Night. Maester Luwin praised, "The boy has a true gift for the arts. His lyrics are historically accurate, unlike the fabrications of many minstrels." Ser Rodrik Cassel, Winterfell's master-at-arms, tugged at his white beard and scoffed, "What use is a boy who can sing? Boys should wield swords and spears, become warriors." Lady Barbrey overheard and retorted, "Don't underestimate my nephew, old man. Domeric isn't just a singer. He's skilled with the lance and sword. For the past three years, he's been a squire to Lord Redfort in the Vale. Many Vale nobles believe he has the makings of a tourney champion. If you doubt it, have your boys spar with him." Ser Rodrik chuckled, "We'll see, my lady. Robb, Jon, and Theon are fine lads I've trained myself." Domeric began singing *The Bear and the Maiden Fair*, and the hall erupted in cheers. Lords Wyman Manderly, Medger Cerwyn, and Robett Glover took to the floor, inviting ladies and noble girls to dance. The Greatjon approached Lady Barbrey, said something to her, and she responded by throwing her wine in his face. The Greatjon laughed heartily and walked away. Lady Barbrey, now slightly drunk, approached Catelyn and Eddard. In her black gown, she looked pale and beautiful, her icy demeanor masking her forced smile. "Lord Eddard, I apologize if my gifts became a joke. The Greatjon just mocked me, saying my turnips weren't worth the wine I drank. I hope you and Lady Catelyn don't mind." Catelyn forced a smile, "Lady Barbrey, your presence is gift enough. You're a rare guest at Winterfell." Barbrey smiled, "I'm a busy woman, my lady. Barrowton has thousands to manage. Unlike you, living so comfortably, like the Mother herself, bearing child after child for Lord Eddard. Even in Barrowton, we've heard of your children. The finest of Winterfell—oh, what's his name? Jon Snow." Jon Snow was a sore subject for Catelyn, and she nearly lost her temper. Eddard intervened. "Lady Barbrey, you're drunk. You need rest. I'll have the steward take you to your chambers." Barbrey smirked, "I'm not drunk, Lord Eddard. Have you seen my nephew? Domeric is my pride. Your master-at-arms suggested a spar between Domeric and your son, Jon Snow. I look forward to it." After curtsying to Catelyn, Barbrey walked away. Catelyn fumed, "That widow was pretending to be drunk, deliberately provoking me." Eddard said gently, "Catelyn, she's a lonely woman. You've borne five children, while Barbrey has been a widow for years. She's jealous of you, and jealousy drives her to madness. Forgive her." Catelyn's mood softened, "I know she's a grieving widow, but must we always yield to her?" Eddard watched Barbrey in the crowd, "We won't yield. I'll make sure Lady Barbrey learns that arrogance comes with a price."

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