A Game of Thrones, Chapter 14, Catelyn
Summary
Catelyn, mad with grief, does not leave Bran’s side. Neither Maester Luwin nor Robb are able to talk sense into her. Robb needs to step up as the ruler of Winterfell. Eight days after Ned goes south the library stands in fire. Everyone except Catelyn rushes to put it out. Bran and Catelyn are attacked by unknown man. The man wounds Cat and is killed by Bran’s wolf.
This event finally pushes Catelyn over the edge, she agrees to get some rest. She sleeps for four days and awakens as her old self. She announces to Robb, Ser Rodric and Maester Luwin that she believes the killer was sent by Lannisters and that Jaime is responsible for Bran’s fall. She intends to take the killer’s valyrian steel dagger and go to Kings Landing, to find out who was the original owner of the weapon.
Quotes
“My son lies here broken and dying, Luwin, and you wish to discuss a new master of horse? Do you think I care what happens in the stables? Do you think it matters to me one whit? I would gladly butcher every horse in Winterfell with my own hands if it would open Bran’s eyes, do you understand that? Do you?”
There was a low rumble, less than a snarl, the merest whisper of a threat, but he must have heard something, because he started to turn just as the wolf made its leap. The wolf had him under the jaw. The man’s shriek lasted less than a second before the beast wrenched back its head, taking out half his throat.
Commentary
Catelyn’s madness continues as she spends her days at Bran’s side. Unable to leave the crippled son for even few moments she disregards her other duties, to her family and to her people. It takes a skirmish with a killer to bring her back to her senses. Reading this chapter I couldn’t stop to wonder how life imitating it was. Not for the first time I felt that the book comes uncomfortably close to the brutal reality of life.
What I liked in the chapter was the role of Bran’s wolf. This is the first manifestation of their importance in children’s lives. The direwolves will protect the children, it’s their destiny to be at their side in the coming winter. Martin wanted to stress this point and prepare the reader for events of the two next chapters.
Tags: Catelyn
