The rider from Lothalian drinks the hot mug the bartender passes him eagerly. It had been a chill journey. As he dethaws, he tells the news from the town.

"The creatures from the wood've been growing bolder. Or hungrier. They've always kept to Vasari, before. We've been driving them back, but we're no hunters. The worst, though, was this week. A dreadful mean boar goring our sheep and poor Shep's boy watching them. It nicked our best archer fierce, he's lucky he won't lose the leg."

The man glances around at those at the tavern. "Would you spread the word? See if anyone could send a hunting party to help?"

Ned meets Lyanna's eyes. He's been on plenty of hunts with his father and brothers. Lyanna, though...