A Game of Thrones, Chapter 37, Bran
Summary
The news from Kings Landing reaches Winterfell. Ned Stark is still unconscious, it’s not certain if he’s going to survive. Bran and Robb with the party of Winterfell guards go for a hunt. This is the first time Bran is riding a horse. Robb tries to pick up Bran’s mood and “race” him. They detach from the party. Boys hear their direwolves make a kill, Robb rides off to them to get their prey. Bran is alone. He’s found by a group of Night’s Watch deserters and wildlings, they first want to rob him, then take him hostage. Robb returns with the direwolves, fight ensues. When only two of the wildlings are left alive one takes Bran hostage and holds knife to his throat. The wildling is killed by Theon’s arrow, the last one, woman named Osha, is taken prisoner.
Quotes
“Only the lord can call the banners,” Bran said as the snow drifted down around them.
“If your father dies,” Theon said, “Robb will be Lord of Winterfell.”
“He won’t die!” Bran screamed at him.
Robb whistled. They heard the faint sound of soft feet on wet leaves. The undergrowth parted, low-hanging branches giving up their accumulation of snow, and Grey Wind and Summer emerged from the green. Summer sniffed the air and growled.
“Wolves,” gasped Hali.
“Direwolves,” Bran said.
Commentary
Those are difficult times for the boys. All the family save little Rickon has left. The news of Ned’s state really troubles Robb. Bran doesn’t want to believe that their father can die, but his brother is looking into the future and is scared. If their father should die, he would become the Lord of Winterfell. He is not looking forward to it.
The encounter with wildlings and Night’s Watch renegades only reinforces the feeling of uncertainty. It also serves to remind us about the treat stirring in the North. Wildlings who got through to the other side of the Wall do not want to even think about going back and facing the Others.
Tags: Bran
