Chapter 9: Domeric Bolton

The next day, Eddard was pleasantly surprised to see Theon's usual cocky smile back on his face. When Theon encountered Roose Bolton in the castle hall, he even joked about Bolton's soft-spoken manner.

Robb, Jon Snow, and a group of squires of similar age were roughhousing in the hall. Arya was chatting with a group of stable boys from the Rills, while Sansa, Beth Cassel, and Jeyne Poole gathered around Domeric Bolton, the heir to the Dreadfort, who held a harp in his hands.

Domeric's performance had enchanted Sansa and the other girls of Winterfell. Sansa clasped her hands over her mouth, her eyes filled with admiration as she gazed at Domeric.

"Did you write all these lyrics yourself? Your voice, your talent, the notes from your harp—it's like music from the heavens. I especially love the stories in your songs—the brave knights, the beautiful princesses, everything is so perfect."

Domeric nodded humbly, a sunny smile on his face. "Thank you, Lady Sansa. I'm glad my songs have touched you."

Eddard observed Domeric's handsome face and clear, icy-blue eyes. His gentle demeanor made it hard to believe he was Roose Bolton's son.

Sansa said, "We rarely have singers in Winterfell, Domeric. You're the best I've ever heard."

Domeric replied modestly, "You flatter me, Lady Sansa. I'm not a professional singer; music is my passion. I enjoy sharing my songs at feasts, but I never sing for money."

A chorus of adoring cheers drowned out Domeric's words. Sansa said, "I wish you could stay in Winterfell forever and perform for us every day."

Domeric shrugged. "I like Winterfell, but tomorrow, I must return to Barrowton with my aunt, Lady Barbrey."

Sansa, Beth Cassel, and Jeyne Poole all looked disappointed. Sansa said, "No, I'll ask Father to let you stay longer, at least for a few more days. I haven't had enough of your songs!"

Eddard approached. "Sansa, Domeric is Lady Barbrey's ward and the heir to the Dreadfort, not a singer you can command."

Sansa pouted. "Father, even you're saying that." She tossed her chestnut hair and walked away, with Jeyne Poole and Beth Cassel curtsying to Eddard before following her.

Domeric stood and bowed to Eddard. "Lord Eddard, I didn't expect Lady Sansa to be so fond of music."

Eddard said, "Sansa is always lost in dreams of knights and princes. Girls her age don't understand that songs and reality are two different things. Yesterday, I heard you sing about the First King, a story from thousands of years ago. Do you believe it's true?"

Domeric plucked a mournful note on his harp. "I believe it's true. We all need something to believe in, or we'll lose ourselves. I love history and books, but good manuscripts are hard to find. Lord Eddard, Septon Chayle told me Winterfell's library tower has many rare books, some even the Citadel doesn't possess."

Eddard said, "Yes, House Stark has been in Winterfell since the time of the Kings of Winter. The library here has the most extensive collection of books about the North."

Domeric's eyes lit up. "Does that include books about House Bolton, House Ryswell, and House Dustin? I've always been interested in the history of my family. May I borrow these books?"

Eddard replied, "These books are priceless, many written on fragile parchment or ancient scrolls. You may read them in the library, but you cannot take them away."

The books were invaluable treasures, and Eddard had instructed Septon Chayle to manage them carefully, even posting guards outside the library tower.

Domeric thought for a moment. "To read these books, I'll need to stay in Winterfell a bit longer. Would you welcome that, Lord Eddard?"

Eddard quite liked the young man. At least he didn't speak in the soft, unsettling manner of Roose Bolton, nor was he as sharp-tongued as Lady Barbrey.

"Sansa and the other girls of Winterfell adore you. You're welcome to stay as long as you like. Yesterday, I saw you with Jon, Robb, and Theon."

"Theon and Robb are fine lads," Domeric said, glancing at Robb, Theon, and Jon Snow in the distance. "Lord Eddard, your household is so lively. I've always wished for brothers, but I have none. I spent three years as a squire for Lord Horton Redfort at Redfort in the Vale. He had several sons."

"Lord Eddard, you have many siblings too. My aunt, Lady Barbrey, often speaks of your brother, Brandon Stark. Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking with your brother, the legendary ranger of the Night's Watch, Benjen. He even invited me to visit Castle Black!"

Lady Barbrey approached, now dressed in a gown as white as fresh snow, which made Eddard even more suspicious that her black dress at Rickon's celebration had been deliberate.

Barbrey gave an exaggerated curtsy to Eddard, then turned to Domeric.

"Domeric, what are you doing here? Have you forgotten about the sparring? Ser Rodrik Cassel, Winterfell's master-at-arms, mocked you at the feast yesterday, saying all you can do is sing and play the harp. Domeric, show them what you're made of."

Domeric looked puzzled. "Spar with whom?"

Lady Barbrey pointed at Jon, Theon, and Robb in the distance. "Those three."

Domeric frowned. "Aunt, Robb and Jon are just boys. I'm a grown man, fifteen years old. What honor is there in bullying children?"

Robb and Jon overheard this and immediately approached.

Robb drew his wooden practice sword. "Domeric, I've beaten opponents older than me many times. If you think I'm just a boy, maybe you're the one who's scared."

Jon Snow crossed his arms. "I've even beaten Hodor, the giant of Winterfell, in the training yard. He's much bigger than you."

Domeric smiled. "Boys always think they're strong and invincible. It seems I'll have to teach you a lesson. To make it fair, you can both come at me. I'll take you two on, and Theon too, if he wants."

Theon sneered. "I don't join children's games. I can beat you one-on-one."

The squires of Winterfell, Barrowton, and White Harbor began to cheer loudly as Robb, Jon Snow, and Theon surrounded Domeric and headed toward the training yard.

Eddard prepared to leave, but Lady Barbrey stopped him.

"Lord Eddard, aren't you going to watch?"

Eddard looked at her with distaste.

"Lady Barbrey, I'm busy. I have no interest in children's fights—or any fights, for that matter. Whether it's boys sparring in the yard or 'Kingslayer' Jaime Lannister dueling 'Barristan the Bold,' or even 'Sword of the Morning' Arthur Dayne rising from the grave to face 'Dragonknight' Aemon Targaryen, I have no interest."

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