With Levi waiting in the garden of Castle Riverrun, his mind wandered back to the events that had just transpired. The lady who stopped Lord Brandon Stark from killing the boy Petyr Baelish had auburn hair. It must have been Lady Catelyn Tully… or perhaps her sister, Lysa. Both had the coloring of House Tully, and Levi wasn't sure which it was.
He pondered Petyr's story. A boy with a noble surna, raised in Riverrun? He had to be the son of so minor lord. Levi leaned against a stone pillar, lost in thought, until another boy entered the garden, around thirteen or fourteen.
The young boy looked at him curiously. "Hello, ser. Who are you? What brings you to my ho?"
Levi gave a light chuckle and shook his head. "I'm no ser. Just a rchant. My na is Levi. I ca with Lord Brandon Stark. He's here regarding his engagent to Lady Catelyn Tully."
The boy nodded, then glanced down and noticed the sword left behind from the earlier duel. "Why is there a sword here?"
Levi hesitated, then told him what had happened about Petyr's duel, Brandon's fury, and how a lady intervened.
The boy's eyes widened. "Petyr? Has he gone mad? My father took him in because of his own father. I never thought he'd do sothing like this."
Levi furrowed his brow. "Your father? Are you the son and heir of Lord Hoster Tully… Edmure?"
The boy smiled. "Yes, I am."
Levi bowed slightly. "Forgive , young lord. I didn't realize who I was speaking to. I hope I didn't offend."
Edmure shook his head. "No offense taken. I only ca because of the rumors about my sister. But now I must go. Father is likely explaining things to Lord Brandon."
Levi watched Edmure leave, wondering what drama was unfolding behind those stone walls.
Inside the castle, Lord Hoster Tully waited in the great hall with his daughter Lysa. They had expected a diplomatic eting but instead, word of a duel between Petyr Baelish and Brandon Stark reached him, and anger brewed.
"Summon Petyr Baelish," he commanded.
Soon, the hall doors opened not with Petyr, but with Lord Brandon Stark and Catelyn.
"My daughter," Lord Hoster said sternly. "What is the aning of this? A duel? You look distraught."
Lord Brandon's voice was sharp. "Lord Hoster, rumors said that this boy, Petyr Baelish took Catelyn's maidenhood. He even challenged for her hand. If she loves him, then this match between us is aningless."
Lady Catelyn's eyes widened in horror. "That is not true! I've remained pure. He was just a boy we saw as a younger brother. Nothing more."
Lysa opened her mouth, then quickly shut it, saying nothing.
The hall's doors opened again. Petyr Baelish was brought in by guards.
Lord Hoster stood from his seat. "Petyr. I gave you shelter. I raised you in my ho out of respect for your father, a lord with little land, but so na. I hoped you'd beco sothing more for your house. And this is how you repay ?"
Lysa begged softly, "Father, please show rcy."
Petyr remained silent.
Lord Hoster's face hardened. "Petyr Baelish, from this day forward, you are banished from my lands. Gather your things and leave Riverrun. You are never to return."
He waved his hand, and the guards dragged Petyr from the hall. Lysa followed, her eyes wet with tears.
Catelyn looked lost for words, torn between confusion and shock.
Lord Brandon didn't spare a glance toward the boy or Lysa. "Lord Hoster, I hope this incident doesn't tarnish the honor of my family. I—"
Before he could finish, the doors opened again.
Edmure entered. "Lord Brandon, Sister, Father I heard what happened from the rchant Levi, who waits in the garden. It's tragic. Petyr was raised here since he was ten. But if he's to be banished, then so be it. Lord Brandon, I hope you won't think less of House Tully."
"Enough, Edmure," Lord Hoster said. "This ordeal is over. The boy is gone. My daughter's honor remains intact. Let us put this behind us. We'll speak more at tonight's feast."
Brandon gave a curt nod and turned to leave.
Back in the garden, Levi straightened as he saw Lord Brandon approach.
"My lord," he said with a bow.
Brandon gave a nod. "There will be a feast tonight. You should not linger long. After the feast, we ride for Harrenhal. My brothers and sister should be waiting there."
Levi hesitated, then asked, "Was the lady who stopped you… your betrothed?"
Brandon nodded. "Co now, enough talk. You'll stay with my n."
"Thank you," Levi replied.
The evening feast passed uneventfully for Levi, filled with polite talk and strained laughter. The next morning, Levi and Lord Brandon Stark departed Riverrun together, their sights set on the tourney grounds at Harrenhal.
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