Prologue
Crown Prince won the duel against the Stormlord putting an end to the revolt by four of the seven kingdoms. With Lord Tully's defeated and captured by Ser Barristan Selmy earlier in the day and more than half their forces are either dead or injured, the rebels under Lord Jon Arryn surrendered. Rhaegar Targaryen acted cleverly and waited for the rebels to attack first making them come in the range of their hidden archers positioned in Saltpans and ordered to rain arrows mercilessly on the massive rebel army and the northern fleet coming to surround them from both sides.
Robert Baratheon led men against the defenders without heeding the words of Lord Arryn saying this is their best chance to win against the crown. He fought valiantly killing many and died after Rhaegar cut his throat ending the war. The revolt was initially started by him leading his men from Stromsend against the three Storm lords who gathered at Summerhall to attack the region capital with the support of Tyrells.
When the three voiced opinion to stay loyal to the mad king at the clandestine gathering of important lords in Quiet Isle, the Tyrells formed a plan to gain ascendance in the eye of crown by exposing the plot of Storm and Vale lords to rebel against the crown. Citing it as an insult to him and his family by the Crown and the Reach lords, Robert started the rebellion with a victory at Summerhall and joined forces with the three Storm lords following their defeat. They marched on the Reach to Highgarden only to be held by Randyll Tarly at Ashford. This made them change course and head north to join the forces with Vale who are coming to River lands.
Eddard Stark called his banners after going home from the Quiet isle hearing the news of his father and brother burning to death by mad king in the capital. He could only amass a small force of eight thousand men in quick time as majority of Karstarks, Umbers Glovers and Mormonts are sent to aid the wall against the wildlings and another twelve thousand joined later during war.
Mad king ordered the capture of Robert when he marched north after seizing castles of Grassy vale and Tumbleton and the defenders has an upper hand in the war from thereafter. The rebels suffered a loss of ten thousand men in Stoney Sept and the crown prince with the help of Reach and Dornish armies later liberated the castles seized and took back majority of Storm lands in his route to capital from Dorne in the following months.
With the remaining army of Storm lands grouped under Stannis at the Storms end, the prince and the others sent an army of twenty thousand under Randyll Tarly to camp at Bronze gate blocking their way out and await instructions. The ships of Storm lands were destroyed by Redwyne fleet before the army could escape by sea and join the rebels in River lands.
When Tywin Lannister refused to join any side and stayed neutral, Lord Arryn and Lord Tully tasked Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon with fifteen thousand men to block the Golden road and stop the Lannisters from attacking the rebels from behind or join his forces with crown. The two friends are also tasked to retake the castles lost to the prince and relieve the army of Storm lands when the chance arrives. The River lord and Lord of Vale attacked the crown lands with forty thousand men to march on Kings landing before the armies of south arrived reinforcing the crippled forces of capital.
Their plans weren't fruitful as the Kingsguard under Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Jonothor Darry and Prince Lewyn Martell led the forces of crown this time and held firm at Duskendale and east of Black water rush forcing them north towards the Crack claw point. They suffered great losses from surprise attack of Dornish navy on the coast of Bay of crabs and the arrival of southern army under the crown prince towards the peninsula forced them west to avoid getting surrounded and they regrouped at Riverrun.
They pressured Eddard Stark to order his fleet in attacking the Dornish to challenge the defenders and the Warden of North agreed reluctantly. Robert Baratheon doesn't like the task of blocking roads and marched for Riverrun to join the rebel forces taking half the army posted to guard the Gold road after hearing the defeat of rebels at the borders of Crown lands.
Northern fleet of six thousand men joining the battle gave them hope when they freed more than five thousand imprisoned by Dornish forcing the defenders to move south into Crown lands towards Harrenhall and another six thousand northern infantry joined them in Riverrun bolstering their ranks. The rebel army swelled but the prince's move on Harrenhall and its capture put them in back foot again when the Dornish navy took saltpans leaving Maidenpool to Northerners with minimum losses and the forces of rebels were cut off from joining the others in Riverrun easily.
The tides turned for the rebels courtesy of Ned Stark and Stannis Baratheon within a moons turn. Eddard Stark left his post with a small force of four thousand (mostly northerners) and smashed The Reach host of triple their size holding seize to Tumbleton castle releasing ten thousand storm landers and imprisoning the Tyrells. He consulted with Stannis and together they marched on Bronze gate from both sides sandwiching Randyll Tarly and his army. They won the battle with considerable loss but twenty thousand men are ready to march north to aid the rebels in a fortnight.
Robert Baratheon and other main lords were overjoyed to hear the victories and decided to march on the crown prince's army at Saltpans refusing to heed the words of Lord Arryn who asked to wait for the forces to join in three moons turn. Their decision to implement the same tactics of two sided attack was foiled by crown prince who cleverly divided a portion of Dornish army under Prince Oberyn and asked him to mercilessly sink the ships carrying rebels to saltpans.
When the two forces are battling against each other, Lord Tywin marched on the capital with twenty five thousand men and entered the city after Grand maester convinced the mad king to open the gates against the warnings of Spider. Ser Jamie of Kingsguard killed the mad king and his necromancers and smuggled princess Elia and her two babes out of the capital during the slaughter and escaped to Dragonstone.
Hearing the news of rebels surrender, Ned rode to prince's pass with a small group and the rebels under Stannis left to Kings landing with the captured loyalists. Rhaegar is crowned King and the Royal family reunited in two moon turns. To their joy they added another Targaryen princess to their family during the great storm of Dragonstone. Rhaegar ordered to send two thousand men for Princes pass to guard Princess Lyanna Targaryen and escort her home after the pregnancy but the raven from his friend Arthur Dayne informing her passing in eighth month due to illness crushed their happiness.
NED
'Who are you ... Ser' asked the guard inspecting all people in long line waiting to enter the city. He mumbled the last part after eyeing his appearance.
'Eddard Stark of Winterfel' he answered with authority alarming the guards and making people standing around him step away.
'Ser ... Eddard ... Ser ...' the guard stammered. 'Lord Stark' a Knight in Targaryen armour came from behind the guards calling his name and asked 'State your reason to enter the City'.
'I was told the King summoned me here' he answered calmly.
The Knight eyed him for a moment and replied 'come with me Lord Stark' motioning to follow him and called 'no one enters before I come back' to the guards. The knight led him through the mud gate into the city saying he will be escorted to the Commander of City watch.
They took Muddy way from Fish monger square and walked along the Hook to reach the castle. The knight escorted him to a man dressed in Targaryen colours and in discussion with other Knights at the gates of RedKeep and presented him.
The city watch commander is surprised by his presence and dismissed other knights. He greeted Ned politely and led him to a room inside the castle. Asking him to wait he left the room in a hurry and returned with Jon Connington, Jon Arryn, Hoster Tully and Tywin Lannister half hour later. Jon Connington, the friend of King made a few snide remarks about him but Ned remained silent.
After small discussion with others Jon Arryn took custody of him for the night and led him to another tower. They didn't speak much en route to the room and Lord Arryn told him about going before King on the morrow and asked him about his thoughts on accepting the king when they are in the privacy of his new room for the night. He immediately replied his wish to spill no more of northern blood, his foster father's relief showed in his eyes. Lord Arryn asked him to rest looking at his state saying the following day is going to be busy and tiring.
His thoughts moved from his days at The Eyrie as ward and Lord Arryn's plan of uniting their houses to the tourney of Harrenhall, the events followed and the rebellion against throne. The men rode north to avenge his family are fallen in foreign land never to return home.
His life changed from a second born son to the Lord of Winterfel and the first action he took as the Lord led to death of more than fifteen thousand northerners. The woman he loved died giving birth and he found out about her being with his child after his marriage to his Lady wife to aid the rebellion. His wife is pregnant and he is about to stand trial for rebelling against the throne. Sleep consumed him quickly with numerous thoughts and tiredness only to wake on the morrow.
The news of Eddard Stark in Kings Landing spread very quickly among the lords and other Wardens and the King's order of his trial the following day at dinner changed the mood. Rhaegar also asked Lord Arryn and Lord Hoster to not meet with Eddard before the trial saying he wishes to know the true opinion of Lord of Winterfel.
*ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE*
The commander came with twenty gold cloaks at mid morning to escort him to the throne room for trial. He felt naked when his Sword was taken by the guards and his thoughts ran from his family to Robert to Ashara and the babies he sent with Howland. He is sure Howland will keep them safe but he didn't like parting with them so quickly.
Entering the throne room he saw Rhaegar seated on the Iron throne looking regal with Ser Barristan and Jamie Lannister standing guard. He is surprised to see the Lannister Knight there but he didn't show it. He scanned the room and saw Tywin Lannister, Jon Connington, Jon Arryn, Mace Tyrell, both Martel princes, Hoster Tully, sitting in the front row and several noble lords standing behind them.
He spotted Wyman Manderly and Medger Cerwyn among the standing men and nodded. Queen Elia is seated in the gallery to right of throne away from all the lords surrounded by knights holding a baby. The room is packed and murmurs started the moment he entered the room.
'Eddard Stark' Rhaegar called his name leaning forward in the throne looking at him.
'Rhaegar Targaryen' Ned answered locking his eyes with Rhaegar in the same voice silencing in the room.
'That's your King you are speaking to' Jon Connington shouted standing up but the two only stared at each other as if studying one another.
'Why are you here Lord Stark' Rhaegar asked after few minutes leaning back.
'For Justice your grace' Ned replied bowing his head slightly. The muttering started again in the room and Rhaegar raised his eye brows.
'Justice for what Lord Stark' the king asked again after a couple of minutes.
'I plead to release any Northerners you or any other lords hold as prisoners. Also I request to give us back the men who died in the several battles and their belongings' he politely replied with emotion.
Rhaegar and other lords were surprised with this and the King answered 'that will be done'.
'A year ago my father came here to plead for my brother's release. They were dishonoured and killed in these very halls. As head of House Stark I request you to honour them by giving back their bones' he continued in the same tone.
'I was made aware of what happened to your father and brother Lord Stark. I regret it happened and we will decide what can possibly be done to respect them' Rhaegar assured him truthfully.
'House Stark will be grateful and indebted to you your grace. I also request you to allow House Baratheon the rights to honour Robert Baratheon' he requested and again Jon Connington shouted 'Robert Baratheon is a usurper and he will be dealt as such'. Many lords voiced their approvals and shouted insults.
'I won't deny rights for the dead Lord Stark but house Baratheon will be held responsible for the actions of their Lord. Not only House Baratheon, Every house will be held responsible for their actions during last couple of years' Rhaegar declared in a raised voice silencing everyone.
Ned looked at him for few moments and replied 'I... thank you your grace' sincerely bowing his head.
'You are a traitor for aligning with usurper and rebelling against crown Stark' Jon Connington shouted again and several other lords followed suit 'traitor of the realm' 'usurper' 'Traitor' 'disgrace' and Mace Tyrell shouted 'northern savage'.
'Enough' roared the King silencing the room and ordered 'Commander, throw out the next man who disrupts my court'.
'Lord Stark if you have nothing to say, tell me what happened at the Tower of joy' Rhaegar commanded Ned in the same voice.
Ned stiffened at the mention of that and his face changed to a stony mask. He looked at his king and answered 'I found my sister your grace and she died in arms'. No one said anything including the King. Rhaegar eyed him as if saying him to continue.
'I rode to Prince's pass from Bronzegate with six men after receiving the news about the Battle of the Trident. We were greeted by Kingsguard at the tower. They refused my entry and didn't allow me to meet my sister. We duelled and they lost. I found my Sister abed in a pool of blood and she died in my arms. I made a pyre and sent her bones home' he answered trying his best not to show any emotion.
Rhaegar sat back in the throne hearing the news and looked at Elia. No one spoke for few minutes and Tywin Lannister asked 'you defeated the White bull and the sword of the morning' catching everyone's attention.
'We fought Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell there my lord. We didn't find Ser Arthur there' he replied checking his words. 'You stabbed them in the back' blurted prince Doran Martell.
He was surprised by the accusation and replied 'No. Both of the Kingsguard are alive and I sent them to Skyreach for treatment'.
'Home... Where are you taking her' the King asked suddenly turning towards him from the Queen.
'She is a Stark and Winterfel is her home' he answered carefully not liking where this discussion is going.
'She is my wife and a Targaryen princess. I command you return her to me' the King's voice echoed in the throne room. He glared at the King demanding explanation only received a look challenging him to question his authority.
'Your grace, if you consider us worthy of truth...' Tywin Lannister started carefully.
'I married Lyanna Stark in Dragonstone twelve moons ago. My wife Elia stood witness for our union'. Rhaegar announced to the entire court cutting Tywin. None spoke following the declaration. Both Martell princes looked at their sister asking her to deny but she refused to look at them surprising Ned.
'Attacking Kingsguard on duty is treason Lord Stark. Surely you must have known that' Jon Connington stated loudly with a sly smile diverting the attention of court.
Ned stood there looking directly at the King not bothering to answer Connington. 'You rebelled against the throne and attacked loyalist forces killing my men' Rhaegar stated ignoring the comments of Jon Connington.
'I marched south for justice to my family. I joined force with River lands, Storm lands and Vale to seek it. My father came in peace he was dishonoured and burnt alive. I came with force' he gave his explanation not averting the King's gaze.
'You speak of honour yet you were accused of savaging Tyrell army at Tumbleton' Tywin Lannister started 'The northern Savages attacked us at night like barbarians slaughtering our men in camps' Mace Tyrell accused standing up.
Ned glared at him for a minute and replied in a civil tone 'Mayhap that knock on your fore head is not treated Lord Tyrell'.
Mace Tyrell shook with anger and glowered back. Jon Arryn and Tywin Lannister failed to hide their smiles. A few lords laughed Martells the loudest.
'You were accused of leading an army into Tyrell camp at night slaughtering their men in sleep' Rhaegar questioned him.
'We fought the Tyrells at mid morning your grace. The battle happened on river bank not at their camps' he answered without accusing anyone.
'You fought and defeated an army thrice your size. They will write songs in your name Lord Stark. Pray tell us how you defeated the three most dangerous Kingsguard knights with only six men and honour' Oberyn Martell mocked him.
'You talk about honour as you own it Prince Martell. Tell me are you not the one who ordered arrows on northern men swimming ashore in saltpans' he retorted.
'They attacked our fleet at Maidenpool and killed our men. We gave what we got' Prince Oberyn replied and added 'Justice' with a smirk. Ned became enraged and replied seriously 'Aye the Martell way'.
'How dare you accuse my family' shouted Prince Oberyn getting up from his chair but Ned stood his ground.
'Enough Prince Oberyn' Rhaegar barked without looking at him. 'Lord Stark, when Lord Tyrell put forth the accusation, I tasked Lord Lannister, Prince Doran and Lord Arryn to dig deep. The Tyrells and Reach stood by their word and the Northerners stood by you. The Stormlanders here knew nothing about the battle. We decided on what is to be done with you and the other Northerners when you bend knee to the Throne. Lord Arryn negotiated on your behalf' the King stated explaining the events concerning the northern lord.
'House Stark swore fealty to the Targaryen kings and I won't defy your rule my King' Ned declared going down on his knees.
'You chose well Lord Stark saving many lives and our time. Enough battles were fought already and the realm is bleeding. My Lords let's conclude this trial and start a new era of peace' Rhaegar said asserting the words Peace and motioning him to stand.
'Your grace I express my gratitude to Lord Arryn for negotiating on behalf of me and North. I plead to know what his grace and the other lords decided for us' he asked without getting up.
'Rise Lord Stark' Rhaegar asked him and said 'Lord Connington if you will please'. Jon Connington gave a triumphant smile when King mentioned his name and pulled a note getting up from his chair. Ned got a bad feeling already looking at that smirk.
'It is decided that the losses incurred during the war to Throne and Loyalists will be taxed upon Lords of Vale, Storm Lands, River Lands and North for rebelling against the crown. The taxes will be revised later based on their loyalty'. Jon Connington stopped reading his note and smiled 'War comes with a price Lord Stark and we will see how your Northern honour will take these. I believe you swore allegiance too early'. Many Reach and Dornish lords laughed with Mace Tyrell the loudest. He stood calm looking straight deciding to hear the worst.
'No personal insults Lord Connington. This court already dragged too long let us finish this' Rhaegar spoke in a no nonsense tone silencing everyone.
'For attacking their Ships and killing their men fighting against rebels, Prince Doran demands the rights on White harbour and Widows watch for fifteen years. To prevent any complications later, the children of House Manderly and House Flint should be sent as Wards to Sunspear.' Jon Connington stopped with a smirk. Lord Manderly shouted his protest but a glare from the King silenced him. Ned is having difficulty in controlling his rapidly changing emotions calm to serious and angry for claiming their lands and CHILDREN. The armies attack each other in war and to fill the losses of victors they are taxed already. He looked between Dornish princes, seated lords and the King and waited for Jon Connington to finish before saying anything.
'For slaughtering his army and killing his family, Lord Tyrell demands your two first born children as wards in Highgarden till they reach the age of eighteen' Jon finished reading the last part and folded his note. He frowned. False accusations are one thing and asking him to accept he fought without honour and giving away his children is another. He fisted his hands to stop shaking with building fury.
'Lord Stark, If you accept these demands we will conclude the trial' Rhaegar said allowing him to speak.
He closed his eyes composing himself and started 'The north swore allegiance to the throne your grace. We will pay whatever coin the throne decides to charge us for this war. Twenty thousand marched south on my orders and less than three thousand men are returning home. I stand here accused of treason and Northerners are branded savages and barbarians by lords loyal to the throne. My life changed from a second son to the Lord of Winterfel. I lost my father, my brother, my sister and my friend who is a brother in all but blood'.
'Careful Stark, proclaiming Usurper as your brother will be considered treason' Jon Connington announced cutting him and Mace Tyrell growled 'you are not the only one who lost family. My family and men defending this realm were slaughtered by your Savages'.
'I swear on the old gods and my honour we fought fairly and treated our enemies with respect. We never savaged or dishonoured our foes yet I know my words carry little weight in this court' he spoke in a clear and determined voice looking around the court and stopped at the King. Murmurs erupted among the crowd and he locked eyes with the king before continuing 'There are no neutral witnesses for our actions except the gods. Your grace let the gods be the judges of my trial. I Eddard Stark Lord of Winterfel demand trial by combat'.
A stunned silence fell in the hall which is only broken after few minutes by Jon Connington. 'Lord Stark I hope you remember the champion of House Targaryen is fire'.
Rhaegar shouted 'EAAIIHHH...' getting up from his chair. The two Kingsguard knights immediately moved their hands to hilt of their swords and all the guards straightened. Tywin Lannister, Jon Arryn and Martells looked at Jon Connington with disgust. Mace Tyrell also looked offended by that idea. Ned stood his ground looking at the steps below Iron throne.
'Ser Barristan, escort Lord Connington out' the king growled. Connington's smile is replaced by fear and shame. He stood and walked out of the room without lifting his head while Ser Barristan walked beside him.
'My Lords, Lord Stark demands trial by combat. As there are no neutral witnesses, I see it as a fair request and just to grant it. The trial will happen today afternoon. I want this finished before dark and we start a new era of peace from the morrow' Rhaegar passed his sentence settling into the throne.
'Your grace you understand that there will be three fights' Tywin Lannister asked the King and several lords of Reach and Dorne voiced their approvals.
Rhaegar raised his eyebrows at this and looked at Ned who stood like a stone. 'Two Lord Lannister, Lord Stark accepted the throne's command' Rhaegar corrected Tywin Lannister and again murmurs broke out in the room.
'Lord Stark as you requested the trial, state your champions' Tywin asked and he immediately answered 'enough northern blood was spilt in south my lord. Northerners followed me in the battle fought and died valiantly. I will be their champion to restore their honour'.
'Ned...' Jon Arryn stood but Rhaegar stopped him by saying 'Lord Stark, both fights will happen today'. 'I don't want to overstay my welcome your grace' he answered boldly.
'Very well, Lord Tyrell you have three hours to bring the champion of Reach and Prince Doran you have a half hour more' Rhaegar announced this time standing up. 'I will be my brothers champion your grace' Prince Oberyn declared surprising his brother and sister.
Rhaegar
Ser Osmond Blackbar is chosen by the Reach lords when Mace Tyrell failed to persuade Rhaegar from allowing Ser Barristan to champion the Tyrells. Rhaegar declared a man of Reach should fight for them like a northerner is fighting for their cause and they chose the big knight from Bandallon.
The training yard inside Redkeep is chosen for trial and King Rhaegar sat in the stands with Queen Elia while the two Kingsguard stood guard. Jon Arryn, Hoster Tully, Black fish, Lord Manderly and several other northern lords grouped together behind Eddard Stark. Many lords cheered and shouted encouragements while the man of action stayed calm and occasionally nodded his head slightly scanning his surroundings. They all quieted when a man bigger than all the others in the yard came forward.
'Is he the Tyrell Champion' Elia exclaimed looking at the man who stood a head taller than Rhaegar himself. 'Ser Barristan' she said looking at the man and failed to notice his smile.
'Yes your grace. Ser Osmond Blackbar from Bandallon is a renowned knight of Reach' Ser Barristan answered looking straight. Eddard Stark's unsheathing of the sword drew their attention.
'That is Ice my queen. Valyrian great sword of House Stark' Rhaegar told Elia who is looking at the blade in awe. 'Who do you think will win?' she asked him looking between the two champions.
'It's not lady like to bet my queen' he replied smiling and she glared at him and immediately turned serious 'I don't want him to die Rhaegar. She called him the quiet wolf and said he is honourable to core'.
His smile died at the mention of her and he looked straight averting her gaze. 'He is Lyanna's brother Rhaegar your good brother. Why does it have to be like this' Elia questioned. They never discussed her now after the raven brought the news of her death. They are yet to accept the truth she left their lives.
'The man standing there is not Lyanna's brother Ned your grace. He is Eddard Stark Lord of Winterfel and he did us a great favour demanding Trial by combat' he answered schooling his features and explained when she gave a confused look 'this war will end today with these two fights. If he had accepted those demands, it means he had lit a pyre which will burn for generations to come disturbing peace of this realm'.
She raised eyebrows and asked 'and you Rhaegar or King?' after couple of minutes.
'King and you are queen of seven kingdoms' he told her after a minute giving nod to start the fight. They announced the reasons and calling himself, Tywin Lannister and Ser Barristan as judges and motioned to start the fight.
Ser Osmond charged towards his opponent and attacked him. The sound of steel meeting steel echoed through the yard. He is powerful and put too much force in each blow. Ned is undoubtedly skilled of the two. He deflected strikes and duelled with ease. He didn't attack and allowed his foe to do the hard work. A minute of falling back later he started using the yard to his advantage. He moved gracefully covering the entire yard parrying the big man.
'Eddard Stark will win your grace' Ser Barristan declared suddenly and Rhaegar said 'I believe judges are also not allowed to bet good Ser' making Elia laugh and Jamie smile. The bold knight said 'he is in your league Ser' without turning spiking the young knight's interest in fight.
After matching his opponents blow for blow for ten minutes Ned made his first move where he faked a move sideways and the big man lost his footing and stumbled. Ned moved back allowing his foe to regain his balance and looked at the Tyrells. Ser Osmund steadied himself and charged at his opponent and dance started again. In less than five minutes the big man tired himself. Force behind his blows reduced and his speed dimmed. Catching this Ned moved faster forcing the big man to follow him.
Within minutes Ser Osmond exhausted and fell easily to Ned's dummy moves and Ned glanced at the Tyrells whenever he stumbled. When Ned forced Ser Osmond to lose his footing and moved back Mace Tyrell cursed and few of his lords followed. Ser Osmond stood for a few seconds catching his breath and charged at his opponent with a yell. This time Ned attacked deflecting the blow and the big man fought with surprising strength.
Ned deflected a blow to his leg, feigned a move and cut his opponents leg. The Valyrian blade tore open his leg from knee to thigh. The big knight yelped and balanced on his sword without falling. The northerners clamoured and the Tyrells quietened. Ned moved few steps away and looked at the Tyrells. He sighed when Mace Tyrell started shouting encouragements.
'Declare him winner and stop the fight Rhaegar surely he is winning' Elia pleaded from his side. He nodded his head and whispered 'I may be King but I cannot Elia. Tyrells won't yield and Ser Osmond will fall' the events about to happen.
The big man took a couple of steps, catching his foe distracted lunged pushing his blade forwards aiming for Ned's chest. Ned turned in time to see his opponent flying towards him. He deflected the strike staying his ground, moved his sword in an arc gracefully severing the big man's head and sidestepped avoiding the collision. The Reach Knight's body fell with a thud and head rolled towards the Tyrells.
Elia gasped beside him and Tywin Lannister looked for his approval. He nodded and Tywin made the announcer proclaim Lord Stark as winner lifting accusations on northerners. Lord Tyrell stood to leave the yard but sat back when Oberyn Martell came holding a spear. Jon Arryn and Hoster Tully looked relieved and Blackfish thumped Ned's back. Manderly checked his side and blurted 'It cut deep and needs stitches'. Hoster Tully ordered his men to get cloth and water and Jon Arryn examined Ned. They moved to the edge of the yard and Ned sat on a stool regaining his breath.
'Stop this madness Rhaegar you are the king and they are your kin. I can't believe my brothers demanded the northern lands' Elia pleaded and he is torn. He didn't expect Ned deciding to fight both the trials and he is shocked when Oberyn stood in front of the court and announced as champion. He cannot stop this fight without offending Tyrells and they are his staunch allies. Cancelling the fight or intervening on between offends both Starks and Martells.
He sighed and said 'I cannot stop this trial my queen. Not without offending them' pressing the word queen.
'Then declare one of them winner during fight and be done with it' Elia shouted turning towards him in her seat. Looking at his wife he said 'Ser Barristan, now you saw Eddard Stark, tell us who you think will win'. This changed her attention.
'Both of them are skilled your grace, like our lad here' Ser Barristan started pointing to Ser Jamie who gave a proud smile. 'This will be an interesting fight. Prince Oberyn is fast and Lord Stark is patient but these are still boys' Ser Barristan said including Jamie Lannister with them to his annoyance. Tywin interrupted them calling 'Your grace'. He gave the permission to start the fight and waited.
Oberyn took the field without an armour and spear in hand showing few actions like spinning, thrusting and cutting with both hands before stopping at a corner waiting for his opponent. Ned to their surprise stepped in with a bastard sword and shield and moved to the center. Oberyn started circling his opponent spinning the spear with both hands. He knew this is an equal match and going to be exciting.
'For a man who fought the legendry Kingsguard and lived to tell the tale you turned out ordinary lord Stark' Oberyn called without breaking his actions. Ned stood calm in a defensive position scanning his moves. Oberyn thrust forward saying 'here I thought you will cut him down like cheese'. Ned blocked it and moved couple of steps back by the force. Oberyn pulled back and followed it with a jumping thrust saying 'and you barely won in the end' forcing Ned onto one knee.
Ned deflected the spin through cut standing up only to be forced down by Oberyn's cut down. Ned raised his shield above his head and kneeled blocking the spear and grabbing the chance Martell prince thrust his spear again. Ned managed to move shield down just in time or else the spear would have pierced his abdomen. He rolled sideways avoiding the cut followed and moved few steps away to regain his stance. Oberyn started circling his foe again and Ned took his defensive position. They started again and ten minutes later they came back to same positions.
'Declare my brother winner and end this madness Rhaegar. Lord Stark is not trying to attack anyway' Elia blurted. He understood she is frightened for their lives and the cheering died around them. The fight is like a training exercise to others except few Knights. 'What do you say Ser Barristan' he asked the seasoned warrior expecting an interesting answer and got one 'Lord Stark will win or they both fall your grace'.
'Ser Barristan, Lord Stark is trying hard to block Oberyn's attacks and my brother can fight whole day that way' Elia declared.
'Prince Martell will not tire easily my queen but...' Ser Jamie finished that sentence 'he is not patient enough' making the elder knight smile and queen scowl. 'Then declare Lord stark winner and end this fight. You are the judges' she snapped.
The first slip from Oberyn and Ned broke Prince Martell's spear in two forcing him to duck and roll away from following attack. Oberyn dived to his corner and picked up another spear only to find Ned standing in a defensive position at the center. This time he didn't circle his foe but attacked him. They continued again with Oberyn thrusting and cutting and Ned blocking and defending covering the entire yard.
'I believe he is only trained to defend growing up with the usurper' Ser Jamie remarked following their movements making Rhaegar smile and Ser Barristan laugh. Elia sat like a stone beside him. She didn't believe Ser Barristan but the moment Ned broke the spear and stood without attacking Oberyn her opinion changed. He patted her hand and she turned towards him. Fear, he saw fear in those eyes and she pleaded silently with him to stop the fight but he knew that will alienate three of the seven kingdoms including Tyrells. He gently took her hand in his and kneaded it reassuringly.
'Is this how you won the Tumbleton Stark, Mayhap the Tyrells killed each other after a drunken night and you went there in time to catch remaining men' Oberyn taunted attacking. Ned defended without any retort and fell to one knee at the center of the yard blocking a high thrust.
'Are you or all the northerners like this' Oberyn baited going for a side cut which is deflected by sword. Ned got up and took a step back blocking Oberyn's spear.
'I pity northern woman' Oberyn said thrusting forward and Ned blocked not falling for his words. 'To satisfy with men like you, they are welcome in Dorne to enjoy real men' Oberyn continued his taunts without breaking attack 'why make the ladies travel. After today we have the Dornish pay visit to White harbour'. Ned's moments faltered and he regained his defensive stance again quickly. Clamour started from the northerners and many Dornish and Reach lords shouted insults.
Rhaegar thought Oberyn is going too far and the Martell prince crossed line the next moment. 'Heard your sister was the only one with brains in your family' Ned stilled hearing that. 'Mayhap she found fire in crown prince after disappointments with frozen cock'. Rhaegar's hand squeezed Elia's tightly and he heard Elia gasp beside him by those words. The next moment spear hit the target piercing side of stomach only because Ned remained frozen without blocking the attack.
Prince Martell gave a cry of triumph and the quiet wolf howled in pain when the spear is pulled back. Ned deflected the next strike with sword and swung at Oberyn's thigh getting a light cut on his own calf in return when the spear is pulled back. Oberyn stumbled back and attacked again bringing the spear in an arc. Ned pushed it away with his shield and swung his blade missing the arm of his foe by a whisker. Oberyn rotated around and brought the spear to the open unprotected side of his opponent. Ned moved forward avoiding the strike and locked the spear under his shoulder.
Oberyn pulled the spear intending to cut the shoulder and Ned turned faster and broke the spear with his shield. Oberyn tried to move away but Ned completed the rotation and punched the Martell prince in the chest with his shield. Oberyn is bodily lifted by the blow and fell on his back few feet away. Before he regained his breath, Ned came onto him stepped on right forearm and pinning him down with other on his thorax heavily. Oberyn tried to push his leg away with left hand but a neat cut to his arm just above elbow rendered it useless.
It happened so fast. One moment the northerner howled and a minute later his opponent is at his mercy. The entire yard became silent. Ned pressed hard on Oberyn's chest threw his shield away took his sword in both hands lifted high and brought it down.
'NO...' a piercing scream and the sword stopped just above prince's throat. Rhaegar who is concentrating on the yard missed his wife getting up and moving to the edge of the platform and Ser Barristan and Ser Jamie blocking her way down. She pleaded 'no... Please...' tears rolling down her cheeks.
Ned turned his head towards Prince Doran who is too shocked to react. Tywin Lannister loudly asked 'Prince Doran if you concede' breaking him from shock and the Dornish Prince blurted 'YES' immediately. Tywin Lannister turned towards Rhaegar asking for permission and he nodded.
'Lord Stark...' Tywin started but Ned beat him saying 'LIVE' loudly looking at Oberyn and took away his leg. The northerners roared in delight and the others sighed in relief. Taking two steps towards his corner, he fell to knees supporting the body weight on his sword. Lord Manderly reached him first and caught him.
The announcer proclaimed Lord Stark as winner and North free of any binds to the Reach and Dornish kingdoms. Ned was escorted to the corner and had his wounds cleaned. Rhaegar pulled Elia to aside and calmed her.
Fifteen minutes later Ned with other northern lords, Jon Arryn and Hoster Tully came to stand before the platform waiting for him. Tyrells and Martells left the yard but many lords form both kingdoms waited for the conclusion. The remaining lords in yard quietened when Rhaegar raised his hand.
'The gods graced you Lord Stark' he said not deciding where to start and Ned replied slowly 'No your grace, they graced our children' surprising him.
'Aye, let's pray them to look after all our children and the future ones to come' he said and when no one spoke he sighed and continued 'we have few things to discuss Eddard. My wife and I seek your presence in our solar later today evening'.
Ned is surprised by the request, looked at his lords and spoke 'Forgive me your grace. We would like to go home and leave tonight. My younger brother is holding Winterfel for more than a year. Winter is coming and I don't want him to do it without help for we only have each other now'.
Rhaegar is not used to receive 'No' for an answer and warned 'don't make me command you Lord Stark. I want to clear things between our families and intend to do it without force'
Ned studied him for a few minutes and answered 'I love my sister your grace and knew her better than anyone. I can tell apart the truth in all the hearsay concerning her disappearance'.
Rhaegar became furious at his good brother for being stubborn. Yes, he doesn't want to accept the bitter truth of his love leaving them and Stark is acting as if he is the only one who lost her.
Before he can say anything Stark stated 'we northerners never fared well coming south. I know she did what she thought was right and in the end all it earned her was a cot to die with guards posted outside the keep on foreign soil far away from the loved ones' with sorrow.
That did it. How dare he show my failure as a husband and father on my face 'Careful Stark, don't you dare say we never cared for her' he threatened.
'I will not judge my sister, my family or anyone your grace. They are gone but the decisions they made and the things they did will haunt our next generation. I don't want to stay in a place where my family blood is spilled' The Stark replied respectfully.
'Very well then run back to your North stubborn fool. Freeze in that place you call home' he shouted furiously getting up.
'Rhaegar' Elia whispered from beside and he silenced her with a look. She gave a look saying you are making a mistake but he is too enraged to consider. 'Ser Barristan, take thirty men and escort Lord Stark out. Bring me princess Lyanna' he commanded. The Kingsguard is surprised by the command but didn't let it show.
Ned knelt and pledged 'As Lord of Winterfel and Warden of the North, I thank you on behalf of northerners for allowing our fallen the rights and allowing my request of Trial by combat to prove our honour. We pray for your long and peaceful rein. Winter is coming and the North remembers'. The other northerners chorused the last words kneeling alongside their liege lord. Rhaegar left the yard furiously without acknowledging the kneeling men.
Later that night, sitting beside him in their solar his wife said 'you said Eddard stark did us favour by demanding trial by combat. But North and we are not at peace'.
'Well he is a stubborn fool' Rhaegar snapped. Elia smiled weakly and whispered 'aye I saw an obstinate king and a stubborn lord. Not good brothers' putting her head on his shoulders. He placed a hand protectively around her middle and sighed.
Their thought of Eddard Stark's favour to the realm by choosing trial is true but little did anyone think about the reaction of Tyrell's loss to Starks again or Prince Oberyn's take on defeat in the duel. They also didn't expect it will be several years before Eddard stark rides south again.