Now, she forced her ailing body to carry on, insisting on presiding over the king's welcome as the lady of Winterfell. Her purpose could not have been clearer.
She wanted to proclaim her unshakable position to everyone, especially Jon, and put an end to any "presumptuous ambitions" he might have.
Eddard's voice was filled with pain and helplessness. "What should I do? Maester Luwin, please-give me some advice."
Maester Luwin lowered his wrinkled eyelids. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke. "Perhaps having Jon leave Winterfell is the only way to ease my lady's resentment and put her thoughts to rest."
No!
Strong resistance immediately surged through Eddard's heart.
Send Jon beyond the North, exposed to those watchful, predatory eyes?
If anything happened to Jon, he would never forgive himself.
As though he had seen through Eddard's hesitation, Maester Luwin raised his head, his gaze calm but faintly pointed. "What about the Wall? Let him join the Night's Watch. Your brother, Lord Benjen, is now the First Ranger. With him there, Jon's safety would at least have some assurance."
"The Wall... the Night's Watch..." Eddard murmured those cold words, his brows drawn tightly together.
The Night's Watch was a neutral force that stood apart from the conflicts among the nobility of the Seven Kingdoms, its members bound by oaths to devote their lives to a land of ice and snow.
There, Jon's identity would be buried forever beneath black clothing.
And Benjen would be there to look after him.
This seemed to be the only choice available that could keep Jon safe, appease Catelyn's anger, and keep him far from the maelstrom of power in the south.
The advantages and disadvantages clashed fiercely in Eddard's mind. In the end, concern for Jon's safety overwhelmed all his reluctance to part