The mournful, solemn procession finally set out.
At the very front was King Robert's coffin, escorted by Kingsguard Jaime Lannister and Boros Blount.
The hastily crowned new king, Joffrey I, followed behind with Hand of the King Eddard, Ser Barristan, and the other courtiers. The baggage, women and children, and guards brought up the rear.
When the procession made camp for the first time, Hand of the King Eddard could not wait to step into the king's tent.
Eddard had many questions.
"Your Grace, how much do you know about Bloodraven? Where is he? The Night's Watch can surely find him!"
Joffrey had changed into formal black attire. "Lord Eddard, do not be so hasty. Bloodraven is not to be underestimated. He cannot be eliminated so quickly. We must learn patience."
Joffrey began spinning a story that was half truth and half lie.
"Most of what I know came from the Children of the Forest. He hides deep within the Haunted Forest beyond the Wall, using only weirwoods and the eyes of animals to spy on the Seven Kingdoms. He never shows himself. All of this was written in the letter."
Joffrey stared into Eddard's eyes. "Furthermore, Bloodraven has long had designs on King's Landing and the Red Keep. Some people have secret, filthy ties to him."
"I assume my lord does not yet know what has happened in King's Landing these past few days?"
Eddard bowed slightly. "Please enlighten me, Your Grace."
Joffrey said nothing. Instead, he used magic to speak directly into Eddard's mind. "What I am about to tell you must remain absolutely secret. Do not be alarmed. It is I speaking."
Feeling something deeply uncanny, Eddard struggled to calm himself. Was this the magic Catelyn had mentioned in her letter?
"I dreamed of a prophecy. The