The Wolf’s Child

The towering walls of Winterfell rose before them, their gray stone crowned with snow and age. Even though Kael was small now—tiny and bundled in furs—his thoughts were anything but childish. Sixteen years old when he died, and now reborn in this world as a baby, his mind still carried fragments of the person he used to be.

He'd played the games, watched the series. Over and over. And yeah, he knew how brutal and dangerous this world could be—especially for people like him. Still, even with the fear clawing at the back of his mind, he couldn't help but feel… excited. This was Winterfell. His favorite house. His favorite characters. The Starks. All of them.

It felt surreal. And now he was here.

But the moment they reached the gates, trouble began.

"Stop right there!" one of the guards called out sharply, stepping in front of the gate. His hand rested warily on the hilt of his sword as his eyes fixed on Vara—the massive direwolf beside Benjen's horse—and the small pup trotting just behind her.

"What the hell are those?" the second guard muttered.

"They're with me," Benjen said calmly, dismounting.

"With respect, Lord Benjen," the guard said, still tense, "we can't let beasts like that into the courtyard. They're dangerous."

"They're not pets," the other guard added. "They're wild. We can't be responsible if they maul someone."

Benjen sighed, clearly frustrated. "They're not wild. They're loyal—and they're smarter than half the men in this castle. But if it helps, call for Lord Stark. Now."

The guards hesitated, but something in Benjen's tone made them move. One darted through the gates, and after a short while, Lord Eddard Stark himself appeared on horseback, riding hard across the yard. His presence was immediate—calm, commanding, and unmistakably noble.

He swung down and strode toward Benjen, his expression shifting into surprise and warmth. "Benjen," he said, voice warm with familiarity. "You've returned sooner than expected."

"I received your raven," Benjen replied simply. "I came straight away."

Ned's eyes shifted to the wolves, then to the bundle in Benjen's arms. "And who is this?"

"That's… part of what I need to explain."

Ned nodded. "Come. Let's speak in private."

Ned's gaze softened when he saw the bundled child, eyes lingering on Kael's pale face. He gave a short nod. "Come to my solar. We'll talk there."

He turned to the guards. "Let them pass. And send for Maester Luwin—and my wife. Tell them both to meet me in my solar at once."

"Yes, my lord," the guard said quickly, bowing before running off.

They entered the gates together, the direwolves walking calmly behind them now that they were no longer under suspicion. The courtyard was alive with sound and movement—people shouting, animals calling—but Kael barely noticed. His heart raced. That's Ned Stark, he thought. I'm really here.

He clung tighter to Benjen's cloak as they walked through the castle corridors. His thoughts spun in every direction—about what might come, about how he'd survive here, and what his place in all this would be. He didn't know.

---

Ned's solar was quiet and warm, a fire crackling in the hearth. Benjen stood near the window with Kael still in his arms, while Ned poured them both a cup of hot tea.

"So," Ned said, glancing from the child to his brother, "this is the boy."

Benjen took a breath. "Kael. That's the name I gave him."

Ned's brows furrowed slightly, but there was no surprise. "That's a good name ....You said in your letter he was alone in the wild. Still hard to imagine."

Benjen nodded. "I found him in the woods north of the Wall. No sign of a mother. Just… left there. If not for the wolves, I don't think he would've survived."

Ned looked down at Kael, who blinked up at him calmly, as if he understood every word. "He has striking eyes."

"Emerald green," Benjen said. "Unusual in the North."

At that moment, Kael turned slightly in his cousin's arms—his bright eyes meeting Ned's with calm curiosity. There was something almost regal in his stillness, something unnerving and beautiful.

Benjen continued. "I brought him here because I trust you. And because… I think he's special. I don't know how, but I feel it."

Ned gave a small nod. "And you want him raised here."

"Yes. As a fosterling. Not as a bastard. Not in shame. He deserves better."

Ned didn't reply right away, but his gaze lingered on the child.

The door opened then, and Maester Luwin entered, followed by Lady Catelyn. Her expression was calm and composed—expecting what she saw.

"My lord," Luwin said, bowing. "You summoned me?"

"Yes. We have a guest in need of your care."

Benjen stepped forward and gently passed Kael to the Maester, who immediately began examining him with practiced hands. Kael remained calm, eyes flicking from the Maester to Catelyn and back again.

"He seems healthy," Luwin said after a moment. "No fever. Good reflexes. Quiet, though."

Benjen nodded. "He's always like that."

Catelyn stepped forward then, her gaze thoughtful. "Kael," she repeated gently.

Benjen looked at her. "I know we've had our disagreements, Catelyn. But this child deserves peace—not more division. I'm not asking for much. Only that he be given a chance."

She looked down at the child in Luwin's arms. Her voice was quiet but certain. "We'll give him that chance." She glanced at Ned, then back to Benjen.

"He can grow up here, with Rob. Learn with him. Share his lessons. Perhaps even become a friend to him."

Benjen's shoulders eased with relief.

Ned placed a hand gently on Kael's blanket and said, "He'll be safe here."