Author's Note: I was there. There when Game of Thrones first came out, when it first came to HBO. And I fell in love. The characters were amazing, the politics were intriguing, there are more twists then a ten-mile long curving road and the world lore is just incredible. I've loved the show ever since it first premiered and I have always wondered what would have happened if House Stark not only had themselves to protect within their walls. If you like the story and wish me to continue, follow, favorite and review and I will continue! Read on and please enjoy! (Note: The stronghold of Goldhaven rests where the Gold Road and the Blackwater Rush meet nearest to King's Landing.)
Prologue: The Wrath of the Stag
281 A.L.: Months into Robert's Rebellion
Goldhaven, The Stronghold and Seat of Power of House Sentel:
Only months ago, there was a stabilized peace across the continent of Westeros. There was little to no fear from any of the Houses about invasion or their fall and callapse from an enemy. There were successful marriages and peace treaties being forged every week. It seemed the lands would finally be at peace.
That was before the maddening of King Aerys II Targaryen, before Prince Rhaegar took Lyanna Stark of the North and fled. Before the King suddenly executed both Brandon Stark and his father, Lord Ricken Stark, Ruler of Winterfell. Before Ned Stark, in retaliation for the execution of his brother and father, and Robert Baratheon, in retaliation for the kidnapping of his beloved Lyanna, led both the North and the Stormlands in a rebellion against the Iron Throne. And well before Rellon Sentel felt the crushing sense of dread that now plauged and festered throughout his body.
Only six years had passed since he took the throne of Goldhaven on his eighteenth name-day, a few days after the passing of his father, Bennar Sentel. He had only ruled over Goldhaven for six years, but he had never thought once that his kingdom and House could fall under threat, certainly not to a threat of this kind of magnitude. Unfortunately, the Baratheon family was swiftly proving him wrong.
"My Lord?" A scared voice asked, shaking Rellon from his thoughts and his armor harnesses. The young lord turned to see a man of Goldhaven, now equipped in heavy battle armor and a sharpened long-sword at his side. "The crow just came in, my Lord."
A perfect mix of adrenaline and worry rushed through Rellon as he locked eyes with the warrior. "And what news has been brought?" The lord of Goldhaven asked.
The warrior's eyes couldn't lie even he tried to. "Robert marches, Lord." The young soldier finally answered, fear and nervousness dripping from his voice. "He's bringing his forces to our door."
All of the worry and fear that Rellon had held within his body went into almost complete circulation into his blood-stream. He had done everything he could to keep Goldhaven out of the war that had seemingly engulfed the entire continent. By the Gods mercy, he had even tried to end it swifter by playing more then one of his many alliances. But in the end, nothing he did could stop the rebellion from coming to his city... and bringing the threat of destruction with it.
After a moment of intake, Rellon let out a sigh of frustration. "This is how it is then," He said as he looked back, scanning the armory he stood within before looking back to the messanger. "If Robert seeks to destroy our home with his full forces, we'll make it as difficult and costly for him as he can. Begin the pull out of the woman and children. Rally what troops we have and man the front gates. Prepare for battle."
The messanger nodded and swiftly headed to the door. Rellon quickly secured the last of his loose armor, strapped on his long-sword and, with another deep breath, exited the armory and made his way down one of the hall's of the stronghold. Many men quickly streamed past him and towards the armory, each one giving a quick "My Lord", their faces a mix of fear and willingness as they moved towards the armory and began their preperations for the battle and the very real possibility of their deaths.
Rellon felt guilt in an intensity that he had not thought existed. He didn't want to send his soldiers, his people, into a battle like this. He had come to know and care for a vast majority of them over his six years. He had thought that he would continue to see most of them until the day the Gods decided to take him. He didn't want to see them perish. But Robert Baratheon, damn him, was leaving Rellon no choice in the matter. If Goldhaven didn't fight, their city would be burned and every civilian found by Robert's men would ethier be killed or arrested then most likely executed. Fighting Robert's army would not end in a victory, but it would give all of the civilians a chance to flee and put distance between them and the Baratheon forces. And at the end of the day, Rellon knew that the right choice was to give Goldhaven's people, his people a chance of survival. Even if at the cost of himself and the soldiers he had forged nearly unbreakable bonds with.
He crossed the throne room and moved towards the massive wooden doors leading to the outside. But before he could swing the doors open, he was stopped by a figure appearing in front of him, pushing it's hand against his armored chest.
At first he had assumed that a soldier had stopped him, wondering if they really had to fight Robert head-on. (He had more then expected a question like that to reach his ears) But he was brought to a full stop and think process as his eyes met with the brown, beautiful and shining eyes he had come to fall in love with.
"Shen," He said as he came to a stop in front of his wife.
"Rellon," She answered back, her voice stern and fearful. "Your commanders are rallying every man they can to the front gates and nearly all of the people are making preperations to leave." Fear sunk across her face as she stepped away. "I know the signs of battle preperation when I see it. Does Robert march against us?"
Rellon remained silent for a moment as he continued to study her. She came from a lesser-known House, one that was all but extinct. Many of the other Houses assumed that a lesser House member knew very little about war study, seeing as how they never really expanded past their inherited land or posed much of a threat against Houses like the Lannisters or the Freys. Rellon himself thought that when he took Shen's hand in marriage. However, over her six years as Queen of Goldhaven, she had swiftly proven many assumptions wrong.
She was well trained and well practiced in the ways of strategic battle and tactical war, an effect of many wildling invasions against her House when she was a young girl. She had insisted upon sitting in on battle strategy meetings within Goldhaven and more then once she had proven herself by pointing out tactical mistakes that would have turned the tide of battle if left ignored. Shen quickly became known as a tactical force to be reckoned with within Goldhaven. One would definitely not assume that by looking at her.
Her beautiful face, flowing green dress and long brown hair gave her the look of a young noblewoman, more adept to working the court then strategy tables. Yet strategy tables were what she worked best. She was very much a wolf-in-sheeps-clothing and that may be one of the most defining reasons Rellon fell in love with her.
He lowered his eyes away from her. "It is best you don't know the full extent," Rellon answered. "If you knew what was happening, it would only serve to-"
Shen pressed her hand against his left cheek and craned his gaze back to her. "Rellon," She said, her expression serious. "No more secrets. Especially not when you have all of Goldhaven preparing for something." She leaned towards him. "Talk to me."
A moment of harsh mental debate raced through Rellon's thoughts before he finally let out a defeated sigh, locking his eyes with his wife. "Robert means to attack." He finally admitted. "He means to attack with his full force and not leave a single soldier, civilian or structure standing within Goldhaven once he is done." He placed his gloved hands on her shoulders as her eyes broke away from his, a mix of intense emotions mixing within her pupils. "The soldiers and I are going to attempt to try and hold his army off to give our civilians a chance to escape. You must use this oppertunity as well. Get the children and yourself as far away from the city as you can."
"And you?" Shen demanded, turning back to Rellon's eyes as her own began to shine with tears of fear and anger. "Do you plan to leave us to our own accords in this world while you go down with the ship? An honorable death over a continued life with us?"
"Shen," He replied. "You know that's not what this is about."
"What is this about then?" His wife demanded.
"This is about the survival of my people. My family. I need engage and distract Robert's army long enough for you and the civilians of Goldhaven
Her words pierced through his chest with painful precision. When the news of the coming Baratheon assault first came to the young lord's ears, the thought of an honorable death among his men to buy time for his family was the first thing that came to his mind. He didn't expect for Shen to get this saddened and angry at him at the idea of defending his city. He didn't intend to leave his family, but he did want to protect them.
Before he could even begin explain himself, a small form raced through the throne room and towards the two, clutching at Rellon's leg. The Lord of Goldhaven didn't even need to look down to know exactly who it was.
"Father!" Brandeth Sentel, Firstborn Son of Rellon, squealed as hugged Rellon's leg tightly. (The boy had quite a grip for only a six year old) "Soldiers outside, Father. They are by the wall. They have swords, Father!" Young excitement rushed through his eyes as he looked up at Rellon, a grin wide across his face. "Are they gonna fight, Father?! They going to fight something?"
The joy and excitement of his son was too much for Rellon to crush it all with the truth of the impending Baratheon advance. Maybe, in another time, he could tell his son the truth. For now, he was more focused on keeping his son alive to see that day of truth more then anything else.
"They may indeed fight today, Brandeth," Rellon answered, putting his hand on the child's shoulder. "But it may be more dangerous then you think. I need you to stay within the stronghold and keep out of the courtyard." Brandeth immediatly pouted and opened his mouth to reply, but Rellon was not allowing him to worm his way out of his own safety. "I want you to remain safe, Brandeth." Rellon clarified. "Just keep to your room. Please."
Brandeth's pouting expression suddenly completely furrowed and his mouth began to open, no doubt to question why, but a loud call echoed through the courtyard and the throne room, ending any response that his son had in mind. "Bannermen at the gates! Enemy bannerman have arrived at the gates!"
Almost every hair on Rellon's skin stood as he straightened and looked out towards the courtyard and the gates, adrenaline beginning to pump steadily throughout his body. He didn't even think twice about his next command. "Shen, take Brandeth and the other children and make haste toward's the armory. There will be soldiers there to protect you if need be. Go. Quickly."
Shen wasted no time in scooping Brandeth up, but hesitated to go any further. "Rellon," She said in a tone that clarified a mix of fear, anger and concern. "I can help. I can fight."
"Go." Rellon stressed as his hand slowly rested on his longsword. "I know that you're more then capable of defending yourself, Shen. But your experienced in one-on-one combat, not battle." He locked eyes with her. "I've lost too much because of Robert's cursed rebellion. I will not lose you too. GO!"
Shen hesitated for a few seconds before continuing through the throne room and down to the armory, Brandeth clenched tightly in her arms. Rellon continued to watch them until they vanished from his sight. He let out a stressed sigh and he straightened, ignoring the freezing hand that had seemingly clutched on his heart. He did want to see his family again, and he would see them again if he survived the coming battle. But, at the same time, if his forces needed his lead throughout the suicide battle and his sacrifice became a necessity...
His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of one of the Goldhaven city guards, now outfitted with heavy armor, engraved with the outline of a hawk, the sigil of House Sentel. He looked to be only eighteen and the fear was evident on his face, but he clutched at his longsword and straightened in front of Rellon with all the confidence he could muster. "My Lord," The young man said. "There... There are..."
"Bannermen at the gates, I've heard." Rellon answered as he moved past the young soldier and down the stone steps to the courtyard. "I did not expect the Baratheon force so soon, which worries me. We may need to rally our forces to the..."
"My Lord," The guard interuppted. "The bannermen that arrived are not Baratheon."
That stopped Rellon in his tracks. He turned to the guard, utterly confused. "If they're not Baratheon, what are they? Targaryen? Tully?"
"No, sir." The guard answered. "They're... of House Stark."
A new wave of confusion and shock impacted Rellon and adding to the wave already running through him. There were a lot of possibilities that he considerd upon hearing the news of the bannermen. But he could safely say he never expected a revelation such as this.
"House Stark?" He asked, disbelief clear within his tone.
"Yes, my lord," The guard answered. "Waving a flag of truce as well."
That struck Rellon more then anything. The Starks were steadfast allies with House Baratheon and heavy supporters of Robert's Rebellion. One would have expected that they would have followed their Baratheon allies and assisted in fighting and destroying House Sentel. The fact that the Starks were approaching Goldhaven under a flag of truce was surprising to say the least.
Rellon looked back towards the main gates, uncertainty prominent within his mind. He certainly knew that the Starks were allies to his current enemies. That alone drove a veil of uncertainty to accepting their flag of truce. But the Starks had also once been allies of his. Ned had once been a good friend, a brother to him. He wanted to believe that whatever they planned to do, coming to Goldhaven under truce, was an attempt at an end to this idiotic war. After a few minutes of mulling, he finally decided his plan of action.
"I'm going to give them a chance," Rellon said to the guard. "Let them in. Keep you're sights on all of them. If any of the Stark-men so much as reach for their swords, you end them. Understood?"
"Yes, My Lord." The guard answered before running to the gates, yelling and repeating Rellon's orders.
The call immediatly rose among the ranks of the guards and a wooden creak soon echoed through the courtyard as the Goldhaven gates swung open. The crossbowers lining the wall around the gates rose their weapons and stared down the sights. Rellon nodded to them in appreciation before turning his sights on the gates as the Stark forces slowly began to enter.
They were outfitted for war, their heavy armor gleaming under the rays of the Sun as they rode into the city, the hoofs of their armored horses clacking loudly against the stone floor. There were about twenty-three in total, the white flag of truce held tightly by the center horsemen as they approached Rellon and the squad of Goldhaven guards that surrounded him.
Twenty-three men are not nearly enough to even hope to conquer Goldhaven, Rellon thought. Does this mean... the Starks hope for some kind of diplomatic approach?
His thoughts were indulged by one of the Stark men that approached him. The bannerman quickly dismounted from his horse and turned to Rellon, his eyes locked on the Lord of Goldhaven. Rellon was just about to question the soldiers identity before the man reached up and removed his face-guard, revealing an all-too familier face to the shocked lord. A face that he had known since early childhood.
"Ned Stark." Rellon said to the new Lord of Winterfell, his tone a mix of surprise and a bit of anger and frustration.
"Rellon Sentel." Ned replied, his tone dripping in serious and saddened intent. His tone and expression said to Rellon that he would be all buisness and monotone the entire time. But to the Lord's surprise, Ned wasted no time approaching and embracing him. "It's good to see you still live, old friend." Ned said as he pulled away, a ghost of a grin on his face.
Rellon couldn't help but slightly grin as well. Even with the rebellion going on around them, it was always good to see an old friend in times of uncertainty. "It's good to see you still live as well, Ned." Rellon's smile completely dropped as he placed a hand on the Stark's shoulder. "I'm... sorry to hear about what happened to Brandon and your Father. They were both good friends and warriors. They did not deserve the fate that befell them."
Ned's gaze became distant and sad for a few moments before coming back to Rellon, a hint of anger now in them. "We're making the Targaryens pay for what they did, taking everything they had. I have confidence that they'll both rest easy soon." He sighed and the emotion vanished from his eyes. "Mourning is not the reason I came to Goldhaven today, Rellon. I came with a warning."
Rellon let out an audible sigh as he turned away from Ned and began walking up the steps and back towards the main house. "I know that Robert and his army are on a warpath against Goldhaven and they're only moments away." He looked back at Ned. "Have you not noticed that I've been forced to take a more militaristic stance to my city as of late?"
The Head of House Stark fixed him with an astounded and confused look as he followed Rellon up the stairs. "If you know what is coming, Rellon, why have you not left yet? Robert's forces far exceed your own. If you plan to fight him, it won't be a winnable battle by any means."
"I do not plan to win when I meet Robert in battle," Rellon countered as he entered back into the throne room. "I plan to buy time. Enough time to get my people and family out of the city."
Ned remained silent for a minute before finally speaking. "Do you plan to sacrifice yourself in this battle?"
"If need be." Rellon answered back without missing a beat. "That is the duty of a House Lord after all, is it not?"
"It's a duty of a House Lord to lead, yes," Ned replied. "However, I do not believe it is the duty of a House Lord to approach a battle with a willingness to die."
This immediatly halted Rellon. He turned to the Stark Lord, an incredelous look on his face. "This is war, Ned. You of all people should know this. There is always a chance one may fall to a blade in the midst of a battle."
"Yes, I know," The Lord of Winterfell said. "Every man is fearful of the blade that may end his life. But, the very way you're acting upon this coming battle, it almost seems like... you would welcome it."
Rellon remained silent for a few moments before speaking once more. "I would not welcome it, Ned, but I am more accepting of the death that may befall me in this battle. You know the size of Robert's army against mine. It's better to accept the fact that I may die then fill myself with false hope that I may survive."
"This is not a way of thinking to enter a battle with." Ned argued. "If you enter a battle willing to die and not hoping to live..."
"You lead your armies your way Stark, and I'll lead my army in mine." He was getting frustrated by this. Ned used to be his brother-in-arms, yes, but that gave him no right to point out every little thing he saw as a flaw in Rellon's leadership. Every House Lord ran their house as they saw fit. They led their armies in their own ways and protected their people in their own ways. Rellon saw no reason why it should be any different for him.
"Do you love your family, Rellon?" Ned asked, sending a small wave of confusion through Goldhaven's Lord.
"What manner of question is that, Ned? Of course I love my family. I'm fighting this battle for their safety! What about my actions says I do not love my family?"
"The action that you're hoping to die for their protection." The Stark Lord replied, seriousness in his eyes. "I know you want to be seen to your family as a hero, as the brave matriach and protector of your wife and children, as the brave man who sacrificed himself for his family. But if you truly wanted to protect your family, you would work to ensure your survival in the coming battle. Your family is going to need you more then ever. Just because your father sacrificed himself-"
All of Rellon's feelings were immediatly consumed by the intense anger that flowed through him. He took a step forward and immediatly threw his fist, impacting the side of Ned's cheek with a painful crack. Behind them, the Stark Bannermen immediatley stepped forward, weapons ready to defend their leader. But they were halted by the hand of Ned as he raised it, stopping them as he used his other hand to clutch at his throbbing and bleeding cheek.
"Don't you speak of my Father," Rellon growled. "You don't deserve to speak of him. Not after you're betrayal."
Ned looked to the Goldhaven Leader, a fierce glare evident for a brief moment before slowly dropping to an expressionless look. "I'm sorry to bring the past up," Ned replied. "But it's the truth. You still hold your Father's sacrifice in high regards. You believe that, because of what he did, he's belongs in history as a honorable father."
"What he did was honorable," Rellon replied without falter. "He saved his family and held the peace between the Iron Throne and tribes-men. If there is no honor in his actions, I refuse to believe there is honor at all."
"I relent that your Father did have honor in fighting that battle," The Stark Leader replied. "But there is an irredemable effect that has affected you as a result of his battle." He took a step towards the angry and flustered Rellon, determination in his eyes. "He left his family behind."
For the first time, Rellon faltered. "There is no truth in that."
"You're Father sacrificed himself noblely, yes," Ned continued. "But by doing that, he left you and your mother to fend for yourselves in the aftermath of his war. He left you to go about your life without his guidance." Rellon remained silent and expressionless. "Would you really wish that upon your own children, especially when they are younger then you were? If you fight and sacrifice yourself, it will be the end of your House name. However, if you retreat with your family and survive, it will give you and your family a chance to ensure the survival of your House." Stark placed a hand on Rellon's shoulder. "It's much wiser to flee and live then to fight and die, especially with the survival of your House in the balance."
Rellon continued with his silence for a few moments, the words of his old friend rolling intensely within his mind, before speaking. "You would have us run away from the defense of our lands?"
"No," Ned replied. "I would have you survive. You, Robert and I have been friends since we were but babies and we've been brothers for as long as I can remember. I have sided with Robert in his rebellion, yes. But I will be damned if the Gods think I am just going to sit by as my two allies tear each other's families apart. Please, Rellon. Consider my plan. Consider your families survival."
Rellon, for the first time in a long time, was at a definite crossroads. From everything he had learned from the stories of old and, he admitted, from his Father's actions, the safety and defense of his cities and land always took priority over anything else. It was always imperitave to ensure the survival of your city walls. That was everything that Rellon's mind told him was vital. However, everything that Ned had said was also impacting him. He had great respect for his Father, but the way he had just gave himself to death, leaving them behind. The pain Rellon had felt for him leaving them. It was horrible and long-lasting, a pain he would not wish on any friend, much less his children. He wanted to see his family again. He wanted to raise his kids and see them grow. He felt himself... wanting to survive.
Before any more thoughts could pass by his mind, a horn broke through the silence in the courtyard, a horn that would rally all avalible forces to the front gate. There was only one reason that horn would be blown.
"Baratheon forces approaching!" The cry resonated through the gathering soldiers. "They've arrived! Robert has arrived!"
A mixed sense of fear and adrenaline coursed through Rellon's blood as the Goldhaven soldiers began to rally across the courtyard, their vocal calls and expressions showing Rellon that they were feeling similar to how he was.
"Ned," Rellon muttered as he placed his hand upon his long-sword. "Does Robert know that you are here?"
"No," Ned replied. "I arrived here in secrecy. The Baratheon forces do not know I am here."
Across the top of the main gates, the crossbowers began to take defensive positions and man their posts behind the makeshift wooden barriers. They knew were the first defense and, if the charging forces failed, last defense of Goldhaven and they had to keep as many men as they could alive and fighting for that very reason.
"If they find you here, Stark," Rellon began. "It may begin a burn in the friendship of you and Robert and lead to a war between your Houses. You need to take your forces and retreat through the main structure, out the back entrance and towards the forest. This way, if any Baratheon forces come across you, you can plead a faulty early assault, capture and escape from Goldhaven."
Ned stayed where he was. "There has to be a way to stop this battle." Ned said aloud. "Stop this bloodshed."
"If there was, it's far too late now." Rellon replied as his gaze focused on the gate. "This battle is coming if we like it or not. You can not attempt to stop it without destroying your trust with Robert. And I have already tried everything in my power to prevent this march, to no avail. These are the circumstances the fates have stuck us with. The best we can do now is try to mold to the stick." The Goldhaven leader gave a firm shove to the Stark leader. "GO!"
Ned hesitated for a moment before finally turning to his bannermen and relayed Rellon's plan to them. The Stark bannermen quickly nodded to their liege and began quickly making their way towards the main throne room, guiding their horses down the steps and down towards the armory and the back entrance.
Rellon had tried to begin to center his focus and adrenaline on the coming battle and what strategies to play out, but there was a more powerful thought taking center-hold within his mind. A single powerful thought that had begun to consume his mind. He really didn't want to put his family or his allies in any more danger then they already were within this rebellion. But, at the same time, the strategy may also prove to better protect them. After an intense moment of internal struggle, he came to a decision.
"Stark!" He called out. Ned came to a stop at the entrance of the throne room, his gaze turned towards the Sentel. "When you move past the armory, you will find my family there, prepared for the worst." Rellon's head lowered a bit in sadness. "I... I don't want them to stay and see the city that they have lived and played in turned into a battlefield." He hesitated before continuing. "... I want you to take them with you. Give them safe haven if you can. Keep them out of Robert's knowledge and gaze. I have no doubt that he'll imprison them for as long as he can if he finds them."
Ned's fists clenched and his expression became one of great frustration and pain. Rellon didn't need a second thought to know what it was about. He was still fighting, still trying to find some way to keep his two friends and allies from meeting each other in battle. Trying to find any way to prevent the two Houses from shedding each other's blood. Something to stop it all. In the end, his expression softened and he looked to Rellon, understanding in his eyes. "I'll get your family to safety. We will make haste towards Winterfell, far from King's Landing and any of Robert's forces. They will be safe in the North."
Relief washed over Rellon as his concentration began to return to the looming battle. The last thing he wanted was to send his family to the North, far from everything that was familier to them. But, if he wanted to ensure their survival, this was something he had to do.
"Thank you, Ned," Rellon said, thankfulness fully within his tone. "Thank you."
"And what of you?" Ned asked as he continued to back into the throne room.
Another mental struggle took place with the mind of the Goldhaven leader. If he was a true leader, he would remain until the end of the battle, leading them until death. But, at the same, time, his family, his wife, his children...
"I must remain here, lead the defense against the Baratheon forces, buy time for their escape," Rellon replied. Before Ned could even think to respond, Rellon spoke again. "This is not a sacrifice on my part, Ned. I want to see my family again, but my forces need someone to lead them if we hope to hold the defensive line for long. If I survive, I will meet them at Winterfell." He turned to Ned. "Go! Quickly!"
Ned, although his expression showed that he didn't want to leave and allow this battle to happen, nodded and quickly dissapeared into the throne room and down towards the back entrance and Rellon's family.
As soon as Stark vanished from view, Rellon let out a sigh. He had effectively done everything he could within the situation he was stuck in. He had gotten his family away, a defensive plan set and, thank the gods, a remaining ally to entrust in. Whatever happened next was in the New Gods hands and power. The best Rellon could do, for the sake of his House, was follow what he had planned out to the best of his ability. With another sigh of both stress and pure adrenaline, Rellon fully drew his sword and made his way towards the Goldhaven Main Gates, mentally preparing himself for a battle at his home with a person who he once called ally and friend.
...
Fifteen years. Fifteen long years had passed, and the pain still ran deep for Rellon Sentel. The spot the Starks had chosen to bury her was beautiful, right underneath where the weirwood and the Sun met. They were surrounded by hundreds of trees, natrual serenity as far as the eye could see. It was about as perfect a spot that you could get. However, this did not mean Rellon was any more accepting of what happened.
The former leader of Goldhaven placed an aging hand on the ground once more, his heart and mind aching painfully as he did so. It still seemed so unreal and dream-like for him, even after all these years. It was like a wound that would never truly heal.
"I'm sorry," He chokenly said. "I'm... sorry this happened. I'm sorry I dragged you into a war you were never supposed to be a part of." A tear rolled down his cheek as he choked on his words and balled his fists painfully. "I'm sorry for everything. This... never should have occured."
"I thought I would find you here." A voice said from behind. Rellon turned to see Ned Stark, looking on in sadness and empathy. "You come here more often then a person can imagine."
"And why would I not?" Rellon asked. "You visit the catacombs of Winterfell more often then one can imagine and you find it strange that I visit my wife's grave so often?"
"I do not find it strange." Ned replied. "I know the grief of having a loved one ripped from you so violently and I know the pain remains with you for a very long time. But Brandeth and Riyana are growing worried about how often you visit her and how often you put so much grief on yourself after."
"It's my fault their Mother is dead, my fault that they went through childhood without a Motherly figure within their lives," Rellon answered. "All the grief I put on myself is more justified then you can imagine."
"You can't keep blaming yourself for the effects of a war," Stark replied. "We all knew what was to be expected if we entered the war. None of the loved ones who died did so blaming you."
"If I had not taken the actions I did, there would be a lot fewer dead loved ones!" Rellon angrily retaliated. "It's not my fault, but I had a hand in it."
"You've made amends since those days." Ned countered. "We were all scared during the Rebellion and we all did what we thought was right to end the war. You were not the one who put a sword through each of their chests. You were the one fighting to protect them."
"I was not the one to kill them, but I was the one to fail to protect them from Robert and his forces, damn him." Rellon growled. "He does not deserve to claim the Iron Throne. Not after everything he has done."
"You forget that Robert successfully overthrew the Mad King and established a new time of peace and order across Westeros," The Stark replied. "He is a far better leader to Westeros then the former king."
"And have you forgotten what Robert had done throughout the course of his rebellion against the Targaryens?" The Sentel countered. "How many cities has he burned down? How many has he killed? How many lives and families had he destroyed in his blind rage against the Throne?"
"We all did what we thought was right in that war," Ned said. "Some strategies done were necessary to ensure a quicker end to the war."
Rellon scoffed at that. "'Necessary to end the war.' Robert could have ended the war with a direct march on King's Landing and nothing more. He chose to go out of his way to attack and burn all the known Targaryen allies. To send a message and nothing more. There was no strategy in those attacks. Just rage."
Stark did not speak against Rellon's words this time and the former leader of Goldhaven knew why. The had both known Robert since their first name-days. The Baratheon was a kind man and friend to his allies. But when it came to his enemies, he had little to no tolerence. He would hit hard and fast against his opponents and not stop till they were gone or eviscerated. The fact that he targeted the Targaryen's allies out of nothing but pure rage was entirely believable to both of the men.
"I did not come here to relive the mistakes of the past, Rellon," Ned said. "I came here with news. News you will want to hear."
Rellon felt himself painfully tear away from his mourning and concentrate on Ned with interest. The Stark very rarely brought news to any of the Sentels. And when he did, it was never good news.
"What news is that?" Rellon asked, curiosity intwined within his question.
"King Robert Baratheon is on his way to Winterfell, his family and the Kingsguard at his side." Ned said in a solemn tone.
Shoving his anger back a bit in favor of the curiosity he felt, Rellon fixed him with a confused look. "Robert has come to Winterfell many times before. Why would this be news?"
"Because this is no chance visit," Ned answered. "Seventeen years have passed since the passing of Lyanna, my sister and Robert's love. He plans to stay within Winterfell for a time and visit the catacombs to pay his respects to Lyanna,"
For the first time in a long time, a bit of uncertainty and nervousness ran through Rellon. Robert had visited Winterfell quite a few times since the Rebellion. His visits were always considerably short, giving the Sentels more then enough chance to just hide within Winterfell until the King and the Kingsguard leave. But, if Robert planned to stay for a considerable amount of time within the walls, along with his Kingsguard forces...
"If you do not take caution and care," Ned said, finishing his thought process. "Lyanna may not be the only person of the past Robert will find within Stark walls."
Next Chapter: The King of Westeros rides to Winterfell, his forces at his side. The Starks prepare, a family thought long dead hiding within their walls. The Wardens of the North will try to delay the inevitable, but all secrets eventually come to light. But as secrets, backstabbing and plots loom over the Houses of Westeros, the Sentel's begin to question their secrecy and wether it's wise to keep it at all.