The Wolf’s Child

The wind whispered through the stone corridors of Winterfell as night settled over the keep. The last light of the day had faded, replaced by the flickering glow of torches and hearths. In the rookery, Maester Luwin worked quietly, tending to the ravens and refilling their food trays when one of the birds let out a sharp caw.

He turned to it, noting the black wax seal tied to its leg.

His expression grew serious.

"The Night's Watch…"

He broke the seal and unrolled the parchment. His eyes scanned the words.

From Benjen Stark.

Luwin didn't wait. He wrapped himself in his robe and made his way through the winding corridors toward the solar. The air inside the keep was warm and still, but the letter felt heavy in his hands.

Two guards stood at the solar doors. They straightened when they saw him.

"A letter from the Wall," Luwin said simply. "It bears Benjen Stark's seal."

The guards exchanged glances before knocking softly. A voice inside answered.

Lord Eddard Stark sat with Lady Catelyn near the fire, a quiet tray between them with the remains of bread, cheese, and a pitcher of wine. The day's work was done, and they had stolen a quiet moment together.

When Maester Luwin entered, Ned rose slightly.

"Maester?"

"A raven came not long ago," Luwin said. "From your brother."

He stepped forward and handed Ned the letter. The black seal was unmistakable.

Ned's face grew still as he broke the wax and began to read. The fire crackled softly, and for a long time, no one spoke.

Catelyn watched her husband's face change. She set her wine down.

"What is it?" she asked. "Did something happen?"

Ned didn't answer immediately. When he finally looked up, his voice was calm but quieter than before.

"He's asking for our help."

He looked at her, then to Luwin, and then back at the letter in his hands.

"While on patrol a few days ago, Benjen and his men came across a small child… a baby, left in the snow near the edge of the Frostfangs. He doesn't say much more—only that they found no sign of a village nearby, no explanation. Just the boy."

Catelyn's face shifted. "A baby? In the mountains?"

Ned nodded. "Benjen brought him back to the Wall. But the Watch cannot raise a child. They have no women, no wet nurses. He says he's kept him safe and warm these past few days, but he knows he can't keep him there."

He paused.

"He asks if we'll take him in."

Catelyn raised her brows slightly. "And the child's name?"

"Kael," Ned said. "Benjen gave it to him. He said he didn't want him to go nameless."

Catelyn looked toward the fire, thoughtful. "How old is he?"

Ned glanced at the letter. "He writes that the boy is just a babe—perhaps a few months old. Younger than Robb."

The room grew quiet. Luwin said nothing, standing respectfully near the door.

"And you?" Catelyn asked. "What do you think?"

Ned didn't hesitate. "I think we can give him a home."

Her eyes flickered toward him. "You would have him live with us? Here in the keep?"

"I would not keep him in the shadows," Ned said. "He would live as any child here might live. Fed, clothed, safe. He has no family. No name but the one Benjen gave him."

Catelyn was silent for a long time. Then she said, "And what would people say?"

Ned exhaled through his nose. "Let them talk. My brother asked for my help. And the boy has no one else."

She nodded slowly. "Very well. He'll need a nursemaid. Someone gentle and patient. And a warm room."

A flicker of gratitude crossed Ned's face. "Thank you."

Catelyn gave a faint smile, though it was shadowed with concern. "A baby in Winterfell again... I suppose the gods have their ways."

At last, Ned looked to Maester Luwin. "He'll need care. Milk, blankets, whatever you can prepare. And I need parchment and ink."

"You intend to answer him now?" Luwin asked.

"Tonight," Ned said firmly. "So Benjen will know the boy is wanted."

The Maester bowed slightly. "I'll prepare the raven."