Re-reading Song of Ice and Fire

Chapter 6, Catelyn
Summary
Ned is with Catelyn in her bedchambers. After making love they discuss Kings proposition. Ned doesn’t want to leave North, Catelyn insists that he has to take the offer. Their discussion is interrupted by Maester Luwin, who comes with the message from Lysa. The message says that Jon Arryn was murdered by men of the Queen, the Lannisters. Catelyn and Maester convince Ned that he has to agree to Kings proposition, to find out what happened to Jon and protect Robert if Lannisters were indeed behind it.

Quotes

“The Hand of the King has great power, my lord. Power to find the truth of Lord Arryn’s death, to bring his killers to the king’s justice.”

“My father went south once, to answer summons of a king. He never came home again.”

Commentary

The political plot thickens as the death of Jon Arryn is revealed to be a murder. Ned is trapped, he knows that ignoring this may end very badly for both Robert and the House of Stark. He knows that Lannisters cannot be allowed to gain control over the realm. He has to go south and assume the role of the Hand of the King.

This chapter brings a bit of information/gossip on Jon’s mother. The names of Lady Ashara Dayne and her brother Ser Arthur Dayne, The Sword of the Morning, are mentioned for the first time. We also see how strongly Ned feels about his son.

Chapter 2, Catelyn
Summary
Catelyn finds her husband Ned in the godswood, cleaning the sword Ice like he always does after taking mans life. They discuss the situation beyond the Wall and the finding of direwolves. Catelyn also tells Ned about Jon Arryn’s death and King Roberts journey to Winterfell.

Quotes

The Stark words. Every noble house had its words. Family mottoes, touchstones, prayers of sorts, they boasted of honor and glory, promised loyalty and truth, swore faith and courage. All but Starks. Winter is coming, said the Stark words.

Commentary

After the excitement of the first chapter this one brings the reader into another world of SoIaF, the world of great Houses and politics. Jon Arryn’s death and King Roberts coming bring a train of thoughts to Catelyn’s head. The reader starts to get a big picture, a glimpse of what is happening outside the Winterfell keep.

The second significant beat in this chapter are the Stark words put in the context of awakening of the Others. The words no longer are just “Stark words”. They become a prophecy unravelled for the reader even if not for the characters in the story.