Varys roughly explained to Robb how he had learned of his whereabouts, but didn't answer his final question.
Varys stood there in silence, repeatedly glancing at Eddard beside him.
"Eddard, leave for now. Without my permission, no one is to come in!"
Robb understood what Varys meant. He turned to Eddard beside him and spoke.
"But, Lord Robb..."
"Eddard Karstark! That's an order!"
Eddard kept his eyes fixed on Varys. Still worried for Robb's safety, he had been about to speak up, but Robb cut him off.
"What? Are you worried that a eunuch who gets winded just from walking too fast could pose a threat to the Young Wolf Lord, who killed dozens of enemies in a single battle?"
Seeing Eddard's wary gaze, Varys smiled and lightly mocked himself.
When Robb sternly called Eddard by name and said it was an order, Eddard turned and headed out.
At Varys's self-deprecating remark, he said nothing. He gave Varys a long look, then closed the kitchen door behind him.
"Last night, Lord Eddard went with Littlefinger, Janos Slynt, Commander of the Gold Cloaks, and me to read out Your Majesty Robert's will."
As soon as the door closed, Varys dropped his earlier casual demeanor and spoke at once, his expression serious.
"But aside from me, the other two betrayed Lord Eddard. Lord Eddard is now being held in the Black Cells on a charge of treason. You already know that.
"I can deliver a letter in your own hand. Please, you must make Lord Eddard admit to the treason he's been accused of and acknowledge the new king's right to inherit the throne.
"If he does, Queen Cersei will pardon him and let him take the black, bound for the Wall.
"And your sister, Sansa Stark, will still become the new