Protector of the realm.
Eddard Stark allies with Renly and takes Joffery and Cersei off the Iron throne. But with Tywin threatening the Capitol, determined that the Lannisters stay on the top at all costs, and Stannis demanding the Iron throne that his younger brother sits on, will war explode from the flared up tension after-all? As brothers fight against each other, an uncertain hand is caught between the spider web, and an uncrowned King fights to bring his family back up again, only time will what will happen in this new Clash of Kings.
The hall was empty, a King dying in another room, a queen scheming in another part of the castle. Only two men stood in the hall. An heir 2nd in line to the Iron throne by blood, and the hand of a dying King. And what they conversed about would change the course of the escalating war that the kings death would bring.
'' He named you protector of the realm.'' Renly Baratheon remarked to Eddard Stark.
'' Indeed he did.'' Eddard replied.
'' But Cersei will not care. As soon as Robert dies she will insert Joffery as the king. Give me an hour, and by the end of the hour you will have an additional 100 swords behind you.''
'' And what would I do with those 100 swords?''
'' Strike while it is still night. Take the queen and Joffery away and strike before Cersei is ready. He who holds the king holds the kingdom. Every moment we delay gives Cersei more time to prepare. By the time Robert dies it may be far to late for both of us!''
'' And what about Stannis? He is your elder brother and next in line. Joffery, Tommen and Myrcella are product of incest between Cersei and her brother Jaime, Stannis is the heir to the Iron throne!''
'' Saving the 7 kingdoms from Cersei and handing them to Stannis on a silver platter is not a duty of the Lord Protector.
Besides you didn't care who was the rightful heir to the throne when you rose against the mad King and it does not matter now either! Whats best for the kingdoms? Stannis inspires no love or loyalty. Why do you think Robert gave me Storms-end while Stannis was stuck with the cold, poverty stricken Dragon-stone? He is not a true king. I am. ''
'' Stannis is one of the best military commanders...''
'' Yes he is a brilliant soldier, everyone knows that. Even Robert did. But tell me you still don't think good soldiers make good kings?''
Eddard stark thought for a moment. '' I will not dishonour Robert by shedding blood in his halls during his last hours of life, or grabbing frightened children from their beds. He gave me his will. When he dies, I will show the declaration to Cersei. Shedding blood should be avoided but if Cersei resists and resorts to violence, we must be ready. Very well. You have the night. Gather all the men you can. But do not strike until we need to, and with as little blood as possible. ''
Renly nodded and left.
An hour later, Eddard was writting a letter to his family when Littlefinger approached him.
'' Eddard Stark.'' Baelish said pleasently. '' Your king is dying, and Joffery is coming up to the Iron Throne.''
'' As you say.'' Eddard replied. He really did not want Littlefinger entering the equation.
'' But surely as Lord Protector you fear that you will be removed and expelled by Joffery, is that not it?'' Petyr asked.
'' That is none of your concern.''
'' Oh but it is, I see you have been in contact with Renly, arranging something. Might I become involved, to see what I can do to help?''
Eddard set his quill down. '' My buisnesss with Renly is strictly mine and his alone, but thank you for the offer.''
Petyr saw that he was excused and quickly left.
The next morning Robert Baratheon I, king of Westros, died of his wounds.
Eddard found it from a messanger. '' Lord Stark, His Grace King Joffery requires your presence in the throne room!''
'' King Joffery?''
'' Robert Baratheon is dead, the Gods give him rest.''
So that was it. He turned to Varys who he had been conversing with. '' Where is Renly?''
'' He is in the Red Keep gathering Men. He perhaps intends to take the throne for himself. ''
'' Does Cersei know about this?''
'' My loyalty is to the king and I have a funny feeling that the next hour will decide who is the king.'' The spider remarked. '' I have told no one.''
Cersei summoned Eddard to the Iron throne where Joffery sat, as bells rang.
'' The King is dead, Long live the King, All hail King Joffery, protector of the realm and lord of the seven Kingdoms!'' A court member continued to lament on about Joffery's new titles.
For a woman that just lost her husband, Cersei had an extremely smug look on her face as she looked at Eddard.
Joffery somehow managed to keep a serious expression on his face to hide the smugness that his mother shared.
'' It is my wish to be crowned in a fortnight. For now I shall accept pledges of fealty from my loyal lords. '' He said.
Cersei however kept sneering at Eddard, an unspoken boast of how she had dealt with his threat of Robert's wrath.
'' Eddard Stark, you had offered me counsel a few days ago. I shall return the favour. Bend the knee my lord. Pledge your loyalty to my son, and you will be allowed to live the rest of your days in the grey waste you call home. '' She finished.
Eddard handed Robert's declaration to Barrastian Selmy, who handed it to Cersei.
She looked at it. '' Protector of the Realm?'' She sneered. '' A piece of paper, you couldn't offer anything better as a shield?'' she ripped the paper to shreds.
'' Those were the Kings words!'' Eddard exclaimed.
'' We have a new king.'' she never dropped the sweetness laced with venom in her voice.
'' Your son is not the rightful king.'' He declared.
Joffery lost his temper right then. '' LIAR!'' He shrieked.
Cersei sneered. '' You condemn yourself with your own mouth. Ser Barrastian, seize this traitor. ''
'' Ser Barrastian is a good man, a loyal man, do him no harm. '' Eddard commanded.
Several of Eddard's men surrounded the nearest Kings-guard.
Cersei never dropped the sneer. '' You think he stands alone?''
The Hound, Ser Meryn and two other Kings-guard drew their swords.
'' Lord Stark does not stand alone either!'' A voice declared and the speaker was revealed to be Renly as he marched in, 30 Baratheon soldiers walking beside him.
Eddard glanced at him, then turned back to Cersei. He would never admit it to anyone, being as honerable as he was, but he enjoyed seeing that smug look on her face curdle up and die.
Joffery was outraged. '' Kill them, kill all of them I command it!'' He yelled shrilly while Tommen and Myrcella shrank back in fear of both the 30 men and their elder brother.
'' Commander!'' Eddard ordered the commander of Renly's men. '' Take Cersei and her children to their royal apartments and keep them there. I want no blood-shed. Tell your men to lay down their arms. No one has to die. ''
Cersei started backing off, noticing all of Renly's men had drawn their swords.
Joffery did not notice that he was outnumbered by 10 to 1. '' Kill them all right now, I command it!''
5 Kings-guard- Barrastian Selmy not one of them- charged at Eddard. Renly's men hit them head on and all 5 were slaughtered.
Sandor stayed his sword however. He knew he should protect his king but first of all he wasn't really sure if the person who was king now was going to be king 5 minutes later, and secondly he knew that he was outnumbed so badly he would never survive anyway. He wasn't a stupid dog like his brother was. Gregor would have charged and either spilled everyones guts or died trying. Not Sandor. This Dog wanted to live another day.
'' KILL THEM!'' Joffery whined.
'' Commander Devans, take the royal family to their chambers and guard them. '' Eddard ordered sternly as Renly watched on in approval, Littlefinger in surprise as was everyone else, and Varys had that small smile on his face as he nodded slightly.
Several of Renly's men grabbed Cersei and Joffery and they went off kicking and screaming. Tommen and Myrcella were more cooperative. They walked willing, although shocked. The remaining Lannister soldiers in the room surrendered.
'' How could you do this? Joffery is KING! He is the son of your friend!'' Cersei yelled.
Eddard turned to Cersei. '' I'm sorry. Robert Baratheon, his siblings and all his ancestors: Black of hair, blue eyes. The gold and everything else always succumb to the coal. Joffery Lannister and his siblings, Golden hair, green of eyes...Jaime Lannister, Golden hair, Green of eyes. You admitted to me that your children belong to Jaime and not my king. ''
'' You slaughtered his Kings-guard!'' She wailed.
'' Their deaths are on your hands, and your sons. I told you no one had to die but you didn't listen. '' he said, his voice filled with anger to this woman who's scheming had shed too much blood in the past 24 hours.
Joffery was still screaming of how he wanted everyone executed. No one paid him attention. No one cares about a whining Bastard.
Sandor dropped his sword, along with Barrastian Selmy.
Renly walked through the halls towards Eddard. '' We have done good work now Eddard Stark. There are few of Cersei's loyal men and they will be dealt with. With your help I took the bastards off the Iron throne. ''
'' They were not the rightful heirs.''
'' Indeed they are not.''
Renly climbed the steps and sat on the Iron throne.
'' I am the true king. Not Stannis, not Joffery. I will take care of the arrangements, for the Realm must know that they have a new king. I have many more friends than Joffery did.
Eddard, you served my brother faithfully and uncovered the Lannister conspiracy and lies, I ask you to serve as my hand.''
'' Renly.''
'' Your Grace is perfect. Consider the offer. We have worked together. I know you miss your Family but ruling is your speciality. You had only days ago ordered justice for the slaughter of a village. Gregor Clegane is the Lannister's creature but he is now marked for death, though he might have escaped our clutches by now. You are one of the best hand's I have seen. Please consider it.''.
'' I must think of it. I need to see my family and make sure they are safe. The Lannister banner-men might try to use them as hostages. I must see to their safety first. And I will also consider your huge offer... your Grace. ''
'' Go on, I understand families importance to you.''
As Eddard left the Throne room, two thoughts raced into his mind: When Tywin learns that his daughter and Grandson are held captive in the Red Keep he will come at us with all his strength.
The other thought was bigger concern to him. I helped Renly climb to the Iron throne. Stannis is going to be far from happy when he learns that.
( I had to alter Eddard's character a little bit. Cannon Eddard would have given the one ring to Sauron just because he was the rightful owner. He slapped away Renly's offer solely because a) Renly was proclaiming himself as king instead of supporting Stannis. b) Honour this, Honour that. Eddard only challenged Joffery's claim outright because Little-finger feigned support for Stannis. Eddard was asking for Ser Ilyns service. He managed to get betrayed by everyone because he was supporting the only candidate hardly anyone wanted on the Iron Throne. Little-finger finger for instance supported Joffery as a primary choice followed by Renly. There was no part in his plans that said he wanted Stannis on the Iron Throne. )
'' Now remember girl, trouble is the perfect time to play. You are stressed that your fathers friend is dead. That is the perfect time to play. ''
Arya was matching her '' dancing instructor '' blow for blow, blocking 8 out of every 10 blows. They were interrupted however.
It was Ser Mandon Moore.
'' Princess Arya, your father has instructed you to come to him at once.'' He said. He was the last loyal banner-man of Cersei. He had escaped the throne room while Ser Meryn, Ser Bolos, Ser Osmund, and two other kings-guard were killed while Ser Barrastian and Sandor Clegane were captured. It had occurred to him that capturing Eddard's two daughters would slow Eddard down, and perhaps Renly.
Syrio was not fooled. '' If lord Stark wants his daughter, why would he not send his own men?'' He noticed the 5 red-cloak guards escorting Ser Mandon.
Ser Mandon sneered. '' You can either come with us or we can drag you. ''
'' Child, we are done training for today.''
One of the guards lost patience.
'' Get out of the way!'' He yelled as he tried to rush past Syrio. He was met with a stunning blow to the head from Syrio's wooden sword. '' And now perhaps you should remember to treat me with more respect. '' He replied.
Ser Mandon glowered. '' Kill the Bravosi, take Arya alive. ''
His remaining men started to move foreword when one of them suddenly toppled over, a spear protruding out of his abdomen. The remaining 3 were killed in the same fashion.
Ser Mandon turned to face them. Only to feel the tip of a sword pricking him in the back of the neck.
Syrio had discarded his wooden sword and replaced it with a steel sword from one of the Lannister Banner-men.
'' Now we dance.'' He replied.
Ser Mandon realized he was trapped. There were 10 Stark soldiers on one side, 5 more men lead by none other than Eddard Stark on the other side, and this annoying '' dancing instructor'' poking him with a steel sword on yet another side. The 4th side was covered by wall. There was only one hope. If he could kill Syrio, he had a small window to grab Arya, and try to manipulate Eddard that way.
He swung at Syrio only for his blow to be slapped away by Syrio's own blade. Then as quick as a cat, Syrio slid under and behind Ser Mandon and stabbed him in the leg.
He crumpled to one knee but suddenly got up and... half of his head flew straight off with a single sword blow from Syrio and struck the wall. '' Remember Child, We are made of water. Even the brain. When brain is cut in half, red water spills out and we die. ''
Eddard was slightly amused by Syrio's attitude. '' Thank you, Syrio for keeping my daughter safe until I came. ''
'' Perhaps you should have come more quickly. Wood is good for teaching others respect, but Steel is for keeping them from bothering you. '' Syrio remarked.
Eddard turned to Arya. '' You need to get to your rooms, I am sending men to fetch Sansa as well. Renly is on the throne now, but there are still guards loyal to the Queen who is not happy about how things are turning out. ''
( OK, here is the first chapter. I own nothing, Game of Thrones belongs to GRRM and HBO. This is my first fanfic so please let me know how this story is going.
I edited this chapter because I just rewatched the canon scene where Eddard gets betrayed by Littlefinger and realized that I had left out too many details for this chapter.
Note that the city watch is not present during the courtroom. Littlefinger has no hand in this like he did in the canon version because Eddard didn't request his help, preferring to forgo his high standard honor this one time and accept Renly's help. This means that Cersei is not as prepared and doesn't have as many men on her side.