"A most curious way to employ a bow, Lord Edmure," Petyr said. He stepped from the shade like a well-intentioned minister. "Why not aim for the birds, if you are already playing the role of a hunter in the bushes?"
"Nothing of the sort. I simply grew bored with repetitive targets in the field," Edmure replied. He jumped down from his perch to see if he could notice the effect of his leveling. He landed with a lightness that confirmed his Verticality level was already beginning to cushion his joints. "I'm not hunting for meat. Why should I shoot harmless birds which can only flee? I am the heir of Riverrun. My weapons are meant to protect its people."
"A most appropriate choice," Petyr noted smoothly. "Can we expect tavern stories about your prowess on next week's trip? I shall be the one looking forward to them most. Our Lord Edmure is proving to the world that House Tully has produced a prodigy like Jaime Lannister."
Petyr had not forgotten the heir of Casterly Rock. Jaime had once stayed at Riverrun for a fortnight. Lord Hoster had hoped to match him with Lysa. She had been utterly besotted. She sat with the golden squire at every dinner. Unfortunately, the man who would be remembered as the Kingslayer was more interested in war stories. He spent his time listening to Brynden Blackfish, rather than the young girl.
"Not on this trip," Edmure said. He decided not to take undue risks. "I plan to hunt on the next one. The world won't care if the heir of the Trident hunts in the seventh month of 280 AC or the ninth. As long as I hunt by the age of twelve, they will have their stories."
Edmure was not a fool. Even a future King like Robert Baratheon would be killed by a giant boar. Edmure planned to repeat the trip one month after the initial patrol. By then, his Swordsmanship would be at level 4 or 5. He would be akin to a normal man-at-arms.
"What will you hunt then? Wolves? Wild boars? Bears?" Petyr asked. "I heard we have a few of those in the woods next to Riverrun. If you allow it, I will gather information. I can attend to your needs for the future hunt."
"No need for that, Petyr. If Father hears I asked you to waste time on my trivialities, he'll be incensed. You should focus on your lessons in statecraft. He wants to make good on his promise to your father. Lord Baelish expects you to become a fine lord. I'll stick with wolves for a while. My strength is lacking for larger predators. On the first trip, I'll check if villages are pestered by roaming packs. On the next trip, I'll have my guards contain them. I will hunt within my capacity."
After dinner, Catelyn came to Edmure's solar. She asked about his recent studies and his health. "I'm proud of you, Edmure. I truly am," she said. "I hope you'll help Father with his burdens. I pray to the Warrior to protect you from harm."
"Are you here for the painting, sister?" Edmure asked. "I asked the Maester to purchase fine Myrish papers. I'll paint when I return from the trip."
"No hurry," Catelyn said. Her expression softened. "I actually came to talk about Petyr. I hope you won't keep any prejudice against him. He is a fine man. One day, the entire Westeros will realize it."
"Not at all," Edmure said. He spoke with a hint of dark humor. "Believe me when I say I will never underestimate Petyr. Never in my life." He paused, looking at his sister. "Sister, do you know the best way to judge a person's character?"
"Septa has taught me that 'The Father Above judges all justly,'" Catelyn replied. She made a praying gesture. "A pious person will prove his character in danger. The Seven will protect the faithful."
Edmure shuddered at the thought of her as a mother. He pitied the future Stark children, especially Arya. Thankfully, he was her brother, not her son. "Of course she has. The priests of the Seven have very persuasive teachings. But I believe there is another way. It is much easier. We do not need to disturb the Seven from their vigil. To test a man, give him power. Give him no limits and no monitoring. Just pure, unlimited power."
Edmure decided to pull a prank on Petyr. He noticed how easily Petyr accessed information. The boy knew when Edmure was going on a trip. He knew when Edmure was made heir. He even knew when Edmure had free time. Edmure would test the will of young Petyr.
"What does that do? Unlimited power begets sin," Catelyn argued. "How will one ever know if that person has lost the way?"
"You monitor them, of course. You do it in secret. Once you find their true nature wanting, you can clip their wings."
"This is blasphemous and disgraceful, Edmure. Don't fall into wicked ways."
"Oh, my dear sister, this is just the way of the world. The Seven might help the weak and poor. But we nobles must learn to share the burden of the new Gods. Tell me... Father has opened his treasury for my trip. How about I hand you some golden dragons? It would be enough to buy a dozen plate armor of fine quality. I'll spread the word that Father has given a small treasury to his favored daughter."
"What? I don't follow," Catelyn protested. "That money was for the common folks. What if Father learns of your antics?" Even though she protested, the heart of a young girl yearned for a glimpse of her favorite person. She and Petyr grew up together, they have more memories together than she has with Edmure.
"That money was given to me. We will tell Father beforehand. We will need his help in monitoring. Remember the sequence of our family motto, Catelyn. Family comes first. Only later come Duty and Honor. Father dotes on you most. He won't harm you."
"How should I give the money to Petyr? Will he believe my acting?"
"Of course not. I'll do that part. Petyr knows too much about you. He always pays attention to you." Catelyn blushed and lowered her head. Edmure shook his head and continued, "I'll tell the lie to the Septa. I am sure she has long been bribed. Either by Lysa or Petyr. To make sure, I'll tell the same to your most trusted servants. I'll say Catelyn has a giant sum of gold. Before the end of the day, I'm sure Petyr will find himself short of a sum. He will come knocking on your doors."
Edmure was poisoning the young love of a maiden. He usually disdained wasting time on such petty matters. However, he had to make a sacrifice. He wanted to ensure the Stark children didn't grow up crooked. He especially thought of his eldest nephew. That boy would one day play a love game in the middle of a war. He would get his own uncle pawned to a vassal.
"Edmure!" Catelyn yelled. "How could you suspect them? These are my people! And the Septa? She's a godsworn of the Seven. She is one of the most pious beings I've ever known."
"Once we conduct the test, I'll make amends. I promise to renovate the old sept near the town of Stoney Sept. I will do it once I assume power in Riverrun. I am sure the Seven will be pleased. Plus, it is not you who is betraying them. I'll handle most of it. You just need to hand over the money to Petyr. We will watch from the dark."
Catelyn left the room. With a smile on his face, Edmure drifted into a honeyed dream.