At those words, Robb's expression changed instantly, twisting into a strange mixture of pain, fear, and something that seemed almost like incomprehension.
His hands instinctively tightened around the chair's armrests, his knuckles paling slightly. Even the warm air in the study seemed to turn cold around him, as though the chill of the crypts had seeped into the room.
"...Uncle Benjen." Robb's voice grew dry. He swallowed with difficulty before saying, "Yes, I've already seen him."
As Robb spoke, the figure concealed beneath that heavy cloak seemed to appear before his eyes again. The face of a relative he had once known so well was now deathly pale.
Beneath that pale skin, he could still see blood vessels tracing eerie blue-black patterns, and those icy blue eyes no longer belonged to a human. They were exactly like the Others described in the books.
"What?" Viserys raised an eyebrow slightly, his even tone betraying neither pleasure nor anger. "Do you not believe me, or do you think your uncle was lying too?"
"No, of course not." Robb hurriedly shook his head, his voice urgent and even tinged with alarm. "I believe you, Your Grace. I always have, ever since my journey to King's Landing. And Uncle Benjen-I believe he wouldn't lie either. It's just..."
He paused, his gaze involuntarily drifting back to the thick book on the table. "I read the accounts of the Long Night and the Others in this book. The descriptions said they could easily destroy ordinary swords, that cold followed them, and that mortal weapons could scarcely harm them."
"And you were able to face such a being alone and kill it. I...I was simply astonished. Please forgive my lapse in composure."
At that, Robb rose, then knelt on the floor. He lifted his head and made