Jon
He had known Robert most of his life, and his father Steffon before him. It was a shame what happen to poor Steffon. With him gone it was Jon Arryn who stepped in to fill that void. Jon himself never had sons, not that he didn't try. But the years passed and after two wives and just past sixty he had lost hope.
So Robert and Ned became his sons. He laughed with them, taught them, and scolded them when necessary. Poor Ned was always getting dragged into Robert's mischief.
There was a restlessness in Robert these days, more now than there ever had been before. He was always wearing his armor now, the only thing to change would be if he wore his helm or not. All he'd ever enjoyed was fighting, drinking, laughing and women. Gods did Robert love women above all else. Espeically his Lady Lyanna. And Ned was always right beside him telling him he shouldn't do it but going along with him anyway. One had never seen a better pair of friends.
He had hoped it wasn't over between them. After all this time, and growing up together, Jon hoped that their friendship wouldn't end because of one fight.
Ned might have left but the majority of the rebel Lords remained in King's Landing to advise the new King. There was much to do since their victory.
There were prisoners to pardon or punish by the King's wish, Targayen loyalist still gathered while the last Targaryens had fled to Dragonstone with Stannis Baratheon hot on their trail. But these details did not interest Robert. Dorne, Pardons, Prisoners none of it mattered to him. He sat on the small council where they all tried to make sense of the situation but Robert hardly tried.
"You're Grace." Jon said getting his attention." We have much to do. A Kingdom to rebuild. Mace Tyrell and all his bannermen have bent their knees. Only Dorne remains to defy us, but the sooner your brother has captured Queen Rhealla and Prince Viserys the better." Jon did not know Stannis very well but he heard he was an honorable lad not unlike Eddard. No doubt he would capture the Royal Family with the least amount of violence required so as not to repeat Lord Tywin's actions.
"But what to do with them after?" Hoster Tully questioned." Dorne will rally to them. They lost Prince Lewyn of the Kingsguard along with Princess Elia and her children. They will try to crown Prince Viserys next." Jon looked to Robert hoping he would have the answer.
"We can send the boy to the Wall." Jon said when Robert wouldn't." Eddard is always talking about how men are needed there."
"And the Queen?" Hoster questioned." We might as well send her to the silent sisters. Perhaps from there we can make a new peace with Dorne." Jon continued to look at Robert hoping he would say something." Give them the bones of their Family as good will."
"It's a good start Lord Hoster." Jon nodded.
"The Realm has a new King." Lord Tywin finally spoke up." The sooner the Dornish can accept that the better we'll all be." There was a grim speech in Tywin's voice than made a man's blood run cold. Everyone knew about the Reynes and Tarbecks but with the added blood of Princess Elia, Tywin might as well look like death itself.
"Here, Here." Hoster banged his hand against the table. Jon once again turned to Robert, hopefully mulling the thoughts over in his head.
"Your Grace." Jon spoke." What do you think?" Robert finally stirred.
"My only concern is my Queen." He announced." When Lyanna is returned to me we shall marry as entended." Silence filled the room, eyes shifting in everyone's head. Robert that poor fool, he still held out hope for Lyanna Stark.
"Uh Your Grace." Jon said getting his attention. He paused a moment as he came under the stare of Robert's fierce eyes." We don't yet know what has happened to Lyanna. Whether she may be…." It was hard for him to say, to break Robert's spirit so." Dead or Alive."
"She's alive." Robert responded proudly." I know it. I can feel it in my bones." But he seemed to be the only one in the room to believe it.
"You're Grace." Lord Tywin said standing up." Noone has seen Lyanna Stark since Harrenhal and that was over a year ago. I think it's safe to assume the worst of her situation." Robert's eyes squinted at him." But the King still needs a Queen. And my own daughter is still unmarried. And would make you a fine-"
"Enough!" Robert commanded slamming his hand onto the table." I'll hear now more of this talk."
"My Lords." Jon Arryn said stepping between them." It's been a long day. Perhaps we should dispand for today and meet first thing in the Morning?" They all gave their silent agreement and turned to go their separate ways.
The second he rose from his chair his knees ached. War was a young man's game and a year of marching and fighting began to take it's tole on the Lord of the Vale. He rose to his feet and looked for Robert only to see him disappear into the hallway. But before he moved to follow he was stopped.
"Lord Arryn." Tywin's voice called. Turning around Jon saw the Lion of Casterly Rock standing in his place.
"Yes, Lord Tywin?"
"I wonder if I might have a word with you."
"You may." Jon said as he stepped out from behind his chair. He didn't really want to talk to Tywin and instead wanted to go after Robert. But Tywin wasn't a man to suffer slights even one as minor as this.
"I was wondering when the King will begin to perform his duites."
"Duties?" Jon questioned.
"With Dorne still in open rebellion, the Capital to rebuild and the dungeons overflowing awaiting the King's Justice." They had Tywin to thank for most of those problems. But Jon knew Tywin only cared about one of those problems, and even then it was only on person in particular. His son.
When their forces took the City it had been Eddard who first came upon Ser Jaime in the Throne room. His sword covered in blood and laid across his lap as he sat in the Throne of Kings.
"Have no fear Stark. "He said." I was simply saving the seat for our friend Robert. It's not a terribly comfortable chair, I'm afraid." But Eddard had Jaime chained up and locked away in the Dungeons, one of the first to be imprisoned. Lord Tywin understood the necessity and of the action but he must have felt it went on for too long.
"The King is very busy." Jon said." The idea of being a King is still new to him. That's why he'll need men like us besides him, to help him rule." He immediately regreated saying that.
"Yes. "Tywin hissed." And I hope the King knows how great a friend the Lion of Casterly Rock could be." It sounded like a threat.
"Oh he knows already." Jon had known Tywin from as far back as the Ninepenny Kings. And even then he knew Tywin was a man of great wisdom, power and ambition. He would have to act wisely around the Warden of the West." But you have nothing to fear the King will begin delivering Justice tomorrow." Tywin raised an eyebrow.
"Will he?"
"Oh yes." Jon nodded." You have nothing to fear, my Lord." Tywin said nothing but the coldness in his eyes was enough to send a chill down any man's spine." If you'll excuse me, I forgot something important I had to tell him. Good day."
"Good day." Tywin responded quietly with a small nod. Jon then turned and began looking around for his new King. It's like they were back in the Eyrie all of a sudden with Robert hiding from Jon after he'd done something bad. But he didn't have Eddard to hide behind this time.
Jon looked down the halls for any trace of the Stag King. And so he began his own search. He checked the King's quarters, the Throne but saw no trace of him. Until he went to the courtyard.
The first thing he heard was grunting and cursing, with the sound of metal clashing against metal. And looking out into the yard he saw King Robert in full armor, warhammer in hand. Against him were his own men, those who had been with him throughout all his battles.
Robert had always been a strong boy. And would use his great strength against Eddard, Elbert and anyone else foolish enough to think they could match him.
Ser Silveraxe Fell had originally been against him when the war started. He followed his Father into battle at Summerhall after Robert had already beaten House Cafferen. And in the second battle of the day Robert slew Silveraxe's father in single combat and then took his son for a hostage. But somehow threw drink, song the merriment of music and the charms of Robert Silveraxe became one of Robert's men. Following him from Summerhall to later fight at the Trident.
And as his name suggest he carried around a big double bladed battle axe. And it was right now in the courtyard that the Warhammer of the King and the Axe of Lord Fell met. Ser Fell was a boy of seventeen with a long legs, a powerful chest, shoulder length brown hair with a tight square face. And Robert at a small four years senior dwarfed the boy.
Ser Rolland Strom was the bastard son of Lord Bryen Caron. A stocky man of average height, with a black hair and long beard that went down to his chest. His face was covered with scars, many of which had been earned at Summerhall and the Trident. And although his face had been cut many times no doubt he'd done worse to the men who'd cut him.
With a single swing of his hammer he toppled Ser Fell to the ground. He quickly turned as Ser Rolland advanced armed with a longsword in one hand and a shield in the other. Robert quickly turned on his heel, swinging his hammer to meet the sword. But with that one hard swing he managed to tear the blade from Ser Rolland's grasp. The Bastard put up his shield and blocked as Robert swung one more at him, knocking him off his feet once more.
"Robert." Jon called as he approached the King. The antlered helm turned and he saw Robert's face looking at him beneath it. " Robert, we need to talk."
"Talk of what?" He asked. He quickly shot into a stance." You here to test your might?" He laughed. Jon managed a soft chuckle as he put both his hands up defensively.
"It would be a poor show." He answered." No we must talk of your Kingdom. Good knights." He said to Ser Fell and Ser Rolland." If you'll excuse us." The two did not argue and instead dipped their heads to Robert.
"Your Grace." They said before leaving. Jon watched the way they looked at him before leaving and how proud Robert looked standing there.
"Alright." Robert said removing his helmt and holding it against his right hip." What's this all about?"
"It concerns our current state of affairs, your Grace. Dorne is still in open rebellion, your Small Council needs to be rebuilt, your Kingsguard choosen, and the Black Cells are full of the condemned awaiting your justice."
"Justice." Robert repeated." I'll be a fair King unlike that maniac Aerys. If they bend their knee to me I'll give them their lives and lands back. If not they'll get the sword or the Wall."
"True words." Jon said. But Robert had given such a simple answer, anyone could have said that. He wasn't thinking like a King just yet." But it won't be that easy. "As for your Small Council. Who do you think you can trust?" He was going somewhere with this.
"You of course Jon. Aside from Eddard there's no one I trust more." Jon simply nodded his head. There needed to be more." Lord Hoster of course and perhaps Tywin Lannister."
"Lannister." Jon repeated." Do you have anything planned for him?" The King did not answer and that concerned him." Be careful." He warned." Lord Tywin is a powerful man."
"Tywin Lannister doesn't scare me." Robert boasted.
"He should. He's a dangerous man, you'd do best not to anger him."
"I can't stand this beating around the bush. Say what your going to say!"
"Lord Tywin only came to your side when victory was assured at the Trident. And he believes he did you a service when he took King's Landing no matter how brutal his methods. You would do best to reward him for it."
"Reward him how?"
"The Mad King kept Jaime Lannister close thinking he would always have Tywin's support."
"What luck it did him. "Robert chuckled.
"Pay attention!" Jon said sternly gaining Robert's full attention." Jaime Lannister sits in the Black Cells accused of breaking his oaths and killing his King, and it will be you who must pass judgement on him. When you do you will pardon him. He can't be killed but at least released from the Kingsguard. Give Tywin back his heir and he will forever be in your debt." Robert apparently didn't have to think twice on the matter.
"Fine, Fine. "He said with a wave of his hand." I'll pardon the Kingslayer." But the next part Jon knew Robert wouldn't like at all.
"And his daughter. "Jon began. He paused when Robert turned his attention back to him." Could you at least….consider the option of Cersei Lannister." He could see the fury and outrage building in Robert's eyes." Until-"
"NO!" he yelled." I will never give up on Lyanna. I started this whole damn war for her!"
"I know, I know." Jon said. Robert had never stopped talking about her. From one battle to the next he ate, slept and breathed Lyanna Stark. And the dream she would come back to him." We can wait to see if Lady Lyanna returns-"
"When she returns." Robert fumed pointing a finger at him. Jon gave a small nod but didn't change his statement.
"But if she does not." He said next." Will you at least consider Cersei?" Robert said nothing but snorted and stormed off down the hall. This was not a good start for Robert's Reign.
The next day Robert did as Jon Arryn had told. He sat on the Iron Throne and prepared to pass judgement on the comdemened waiting in the Black Cells.
But before the Knights and men at arms could be gathered the King had another mattered he had to attend. He sat in the Throne with the Lords Arryn, Tully, and Lannister before him.
He was meant to be King now. And as the King they were his subjects to do as he bid, whatever he commanded. They had helped win him this Kingdom and that needed to be repaid.
"My Lords." He began." The King isn't the only one who runs the Kingdom. He does so with the help of his Hand, his Kingsguard, and the Small Council. In these trying times only the most loyal and trustworthy of men can sit on my council. And I have not forgotten those most loyal to me." He rose to his feet and began desending the steps. He came first to the Lord of Riverrun." Lord Hoster you raised your banners in my cause and put down any of your bannermen that didn't. More importantly my marriage to Lyanna and Ned's to your Catelyn's will make us family, no matter how distant." He put a hand on Lord Hoster's shoulder." I name you my Master of Ships." A smile grew under that great red beard.
"Thank you your grace." He answered. But that wasn't all.
"How old is your son Lord Hoster?"
"Edmure." Hoster said." He's only eleven."
"I shall have him brought here to King's Landing." Robert told." Where he shall be my squire." What a great honor.
"My Liege." Hoster said dropping to one knee." Thank you, Thank you."
Moving along he came to the Lion of Casterly Rock himself Lord Tywin.
"And you Lord Tywin. It was your actions that assured my victory and reign on the Iron Throne. I name you my Master of Coin. No man is more suited to it than you." There was little emotion in Lord Tywin's face, except for the quick flash of rage in his green eyes. No doubt he had expected the Hand's position for himself.
"Thank you, Your Grace." He answered." I will serve you well." With a smile Robert moved aside and came to Jon Arryn himself.
"Lord Arryn." He said." Jon. I save the greatest honor for you. You know me better than any man. You've watched me all my life and have helped me grow into a man. And now you'll help me grow into a King." He paused a moment as he took in a big breath." I name you Hand of the King." Jon Arryn managed a warm smile, showing what little teeth he had left. Robert reached up and pinned the symbol of the office to Jon's chest himself. The Position suited him. Here in King's Landing he could keep Robert out of trouble just as he had done in the Vale.
"Thank you…..son." He held his arms out. Robert in turn opened his arms wide and wrapped Jon in a big hug. Then the King turned aside and began walking back to his Throne.
"I save my Master of Laws position for Eddard Stark upon his return." He turned and sat back down on his Throne." Lord Hoster. "Robert pointed to him." I give you the floor, bring them in one by one as I command you."
"Yes, my Liege." He answered. He desended the steps and began rallying his guards. His most loyal bannermen Lord Jason Mallister and Lord Tytos Blackwood would stand beside him. The young knight Ser Damon Vypren would stand guard for Lord Hoster in cause some of those being judged became to violent.
"Lord Arryn. Lord Tywin." Robert looked to them both." You both shall sit as judges with me during these trials."
"Of course your Grace." Tywin said. He walked over to stand on Robert's right. Jon Arryn moved to his left.
"Robert." Jon said moving to stand beside him." Do you know what's to be done?"
"Pass judgement." He told." I'll give mercy to any man deserving and justice to any man who deserves it. I'll even let a few take the black if necessary, as Ned and Lyanna would like."
"The King will do what is necessary, I have no doubt. "Tywin agreed.
The King had no Kingsguard as of yet so his most loyal knights stood beside him. Ser Silveraxe Fell, Ser Balon Swann, Ser Rolland Storm, Lord Yohn Royce from the Vale who had known Robert since he was a boy. Lord Tywin's three younger brother Ser Kevan, Ser Tygtt and Ser Gerion stood close by his side. Knights and men at arms aligned the room, standing behind them would be the gathering crowds.
The halls quickly began to fill. The Great Banners of Hosue Baratheon were held in every corner of the Throne Room. The sigils of House Arryn, Tully and Lannister stood beside them. And men, women, Lords and Ladies, knights from all over the Seven Kingdoms came to bare witness to this event.
And when Robert stood all went silent.
"I Robert of the House Baratheon, First of Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms will be presiding over these trials. With my shall be my Lord Jon Arryn the Hand of the King and Lord Tywin Lannister." Robert then sat back down and the trials began.
Surprisingly the first to arrive for trial was not Ser Jaime Lannister, but instead was a name more closer to home for Robert.
"Presenting Lord Ronald Connington of Griffin's Roost." Hoster announced. He had been the former Castellan of Griffin's Roost but had since become the Lord since his cousin Jon Connington had fled from Westeros.
Even as Robert had won House Cafferen, House Fell, and all the Great Houses of Westeroes to his side he could still not win one of his own bannermen. Lord Jon had been a close friend of Rheagar and had even become King Aerys hand of the King when the war had broken out. He led the Mad Kings army during the battle of the Bells where he wounded Lord Hoster Tully and killed Ser Denys Arryn, Jon's nephew and heir. Needless to say Jon's attempt to end the Rebellion that day fell and the Mad King had him banished.
Like his cousin Lord Ronald was tall but his hair was not as fiery red and instead more mild. Across his chest was the symbol of his house a red griffin against a white background on the right, a white griffin against a red background on the right.
"Lord Ronald." Jon announced." You stand accused of treason and rebelling against your Liege Lord." It had always been Jon who had been the bold one, Ronald had always been more reserved especially now.
"We had a duty to our King."
"Indeed you were following your King. But there is a new King now. But before I was your King I was your Liege Lord and when I called my banners you did not answer." Robert pointed to the ground before him." But I can forgive you. Simply Kneel and re-swear your oaths." Lord Ronald gulped down a breath and did as he was told.
Jon Connington would never have surrendered. He would never have bent the knee to Robert, and would even choose death before the Wall. But Ronald had something Jon didn't, he had two young sons at home to think about. What good would it do them for him to defy a King?
"Don't be too merciuful your Grace." Lord Tywin said leaning over to him." Who's too say what House Connington would have done had you lost." Lord Tywin's words rang in Robert's ears.
"By Royal decree I pardon House Connington of their crimes. But as punishment I hereby strip them of their lands."
"No your Grace!" Roland pleaded. But the second he took a step forward the guards crossed their speards and blocked his path." Not all of them please!"
"Yes not all of them." Robert said leaning forward." But most. The rest shalle to be divided up by the Houses Mertyns, House Morrigen and House Swann. And from this day forward the Connington's will not be a House of Lords but a House of Knights."
In truth House Connington did not have to be severly punished. Others Houses, other men had done worse during this war and they would receive a lesser punishment if none at all. But House Connington was one of the strongest Houses of the Stormlands, their support would have made it much easier during the Rebellion. More importantly Jon Connington's dislike and later great hatred of Robert Baratheon was well known.
There was nothing to be discussed after that.
"Take him away." Robert commanded with a wave of his hand. The now Knight of Griffin's Roost was escorted away. "Next!"
"A wise move, your Grace." Lord Tywin said." You've just weakened what was a very powerful enemy. And you've also gained three greater allies." Looking into the crowds they could see the Lords Merytns, Morrigen and Swann smiling amongst themselves." They won't forget that."
Hoster Tully came in next, the guards surrounding a slim man close to forty with black hair and eyes with a grim face to match.
"Presenting. "Hoster introduced." Ser Alliser Thorne of House Thorne. Caught defending the battlements of King's Landing during the Siege."
"A Sack is what it was." Ser Alliser spoke out. His voice was as cold and as hard as his eyes. " A Siege implies fighting back but there was nothing anyone could do when those gates opened."
"Silence!" Jon Arryn yelled." There will be order in the King's court. Ser Alliser said nothing but squinted his eyes and snarled in Lord Tywin's direction.
"Atone for your actions." Robert added." Bend your knee and you may return home."
"I've already bent my knee." Ser Alliser said." To House Targaryen."
"There's still fight left in this one." Tywin said." Give him the sword or give him the Wall." Robert nodded.
"Yes that's the choice I give you." He said." You can face the Headsman and loose your's or I give you the choice to take the Black and live out your days at the Wall." Ser Alliser scoffed.
"That's no choice at all." He said. He paused a moment." I'll take the Black."
"Very well." Robert growled." Take him away." He pointed to the doors.
They were not the only men to face the King's justice that day. Other knights who had fought for House Targaryen were given the same choice as Ser Alliser. Some choice to bend the knee while others give between loosing their head or the Wall, choose the Wall.
Hoster Tully and the Riverlands had his own version of House Connington. Raymun Darry was the fourth born son to Lord Darry, but House Darry was as loyal to House Targaryen as House Connington if not more so.
Raymun Darry had fought besides his Father and brothers at the Trident where amongst them only he survived. His cousin Ser Jonothor Darry was a member of Aerys Kingsguard. Ser Willem Darry had been the Master at arms of the Red Keep, he taught Rheagar how to fight and now hid away the remaining Targaryens. And House Darry kept their loyalty until the very end, even after Hoster had put one of their villages to the sword.
Lord Raymun received the same punishment as Ser Ronald. House Darry lost lands and power to House Roote, House Whent and others. Once one of the more powerful bannermen to House Tully had become one of the smallest and poorest with a few words and the stroke of a pen.
Others received their sentencing and when the day's work was concluded hundreds of sentences had been passed. But there still thousands to go.
Robert
This old fool had been prattiling on forever.
"I, I, I, I only did what was best for the realm." Grand Maester Pycelle told. He alongside Varys, Ser Jaime Lannister and the rest of the Red Keep's household had been arrested. Pycelle himself not only served the mad King, but his father Jaehaerys, and his grandfather Aegon.
The Grand Measter's was so soft and dry it practically lulled Robert to sleep.
"When, When the Mad King consulted us I told him top open the gates when all other's advised against it. I was the one who put the idea in his head."
"So you're saying you are responsible for the fall of King's Landing and the end of the Targaryen line?" Jon Arryn questioned.
"No. "Pycelle shook his head, his long white beard flowing wildly." Our great King Robert did that on the Trident when he slew Rheagar, that vile beast." He snarled at the end. Robert could only sit back and wonder why he was still talking.
"Your Grace." Tywin leaned over to him." A touch of mercy would be suited here." He told." This Grand Maester has a lifetime of experience with Kings. That would be something we'll most definatly need." Robert simply nodded his head. This old man had talk on long enough.
"I, I, I knew since the beginning what foul creatures the Targaryens were." Pycelle continued to rant. Robert quickly shot to his feet.
"Grand Measter." He announced.
"Yes, your Grace."
"I hereby pardon you and welcome you to your old position on my Small Council." A thin smile appeared under that great, white beard.
"Thank you, your Grace." He nodded." I will serve you well. Better than any other King I've served. I swear it by my chain." Robert had hoped the pardon would silence him, instead it made him talk more. He nodded to Lord Hoster who stepped up and did his duty, moving the Grand Measter aside.
"Next!" Robert called. These games of court began to bore him. He had been expecting another knight, another Lord, or maybe even the Kingslayer himself. But there was a slight delay in the next person to be judged." NEXT!" Robert yelled even louder.
Lord Hoster nodded and his knights brought in the next man to be judged. It was a face all the Seven Kingdoms knew.
Ser Barristan Selmy Kingsguard to King Aerys and his Father before him. The hero of the Ninepenny Kings who had fought besides Prince Rheagar on the Trident. It had been Robert's mercy that saved Barristan's life that day, sending his own measter to tend to Ser Barristan's wounds rather than his own.
The White Knight walked into the middle of the room. He wore his white armor and cloak to match but there was no weapon on his belt. The man was a hero by all accounts, even Robert couldn't deny that. And had already made up his mind.
"You've done no horrid crimes to me Ser Barristan." Robert said." You're a man who had only done his duty, and none can fault you for that." Chatter of agreement when up around the room." I herby pardon you Ser Barristan and grant you a place on my own Kingsguard as Lord Commander." Ser Barristan seemed delighted. The White cloak was all he had ever known. He'd given up the lands and titles of his Father to die in service to a King. And since that did not happen on the Trident he could continue to do so.
"You're Grace." Ser Barristan said as he dropped to one knee." On my honor I will serve you for the rest of my life. I will be the shield that protects you, the sword to defend you. And under my guard I will build you a fine Kingsguard, the greatest in history!" The hall erupted clapping their approval and cheering.
"Rise Lord Commander." Robert said with a wave of his hand. Barristan did as enstructed." Give him his sword." Hother left and returned with Ser Barristan's sword. The knight smiled as he fashioned it to his belt, he was hole again." Come. "Robert waved with a smile." And stand beside me Lord Commander." Barristan continued to smile as he climbed the steps to the Throne, the hall cheering his name still. Men moved aside to give the Knight his space on the King's left. Robert stood up in order to shake Ser Barristan's hand, the knight quickly taking it and smiling.
This certainly helped to bringing a lighter feeling into these dark times.
"Trials are concluded for today." Robert told. "We will resume them first thing in the morning." He said no more and began walking away, the First of his Seven following after him.
Jon had risen from his seat to follow as well but Lord Tywin had gotten o him first.
"An excellent move your Grace." Tywin said as he stepped before Robert blockig his path." The name of Barristan Selmy has great meaning in Westeros, that will rally some to your cause."
"Ser Barristan is a good man." Robert told turning to the Knight." I expect nothing but the best from a War hero of his caliber."
"You shall have it your Grace, I guarantee it."
"And if I may, your Grace." Lord Tywin said getting their attentions once more." Since you've started to rebuild your Kingsguard let the Westerlands show their allegiance by offering you one of their swords." He gave a wave and at his command the knight came. Walking towards them was a tall robust young man with jet black hair. His coat of arms was across his chest, a big fiercesome boar. "Ser Lyle Crakehall is one of the best knights of the Westerlands." Tywin told. Looking at him it wasn't hard to see why. Powerfully built with a big chest, arms like tree trunks, fists like hams and thick squat legs. The sight of him made him earn his name "The Strongboar".
"We should be glad to have him." Jon spoke.
"Indeed." Robert said." Strongboar." He repeated." I like the sound of that."
"Not as well-sounding as Demon of the Trident." Ser Lyle chuckled in a booming voice. It seemed as if there was an instance connection between the two robust warriors.
"Well come on then." Robert said putting one arm around Ser Lyle's shoulders and then leading him away." I would like to see how well you live up to your name."
It felt so good to finally be out of that damn Throne Room. After sitting in the Throne for long long his legs had fallen asleep and his back ached. To try and get the blood flowing through his body again Robert went for a walk around the castle and then he went out into the courtyard for his favorite activity. Combat.
Now this was what he was meant for, action. In Tournaments or War itself Robert's true calling, his true passion was fighting.
Ser Lyle Crakehall stepped forward swinging down with the sword in his hand. Robert put up his hammer and blocked, catching the mace against the shaft. Then with all his force Robert pushed back and knocked the Strongboar back.
A small crowd had gathered to watch them. Knights, men at arms, and many ladies of the Houses of Westeros came to watch their new King.
"Your Grace." A voice as light as a breeze but as beautiful as a song called. Robert could only think one name.
"Lyanna" He thought. He quickly turned around only to find disappointment. It was not Lyanna Stark of Winterfell but Cersei Lannister of Casterly Rock.
"I am so pleased to finally meet you."
"We have met before." Robert told setting his hammer aside." The tourney at Harrenhal."
"Yes." Cersei said with a smile." But we only saw each other then, we've never talked before." Robert gave her a quick glance up and down. She really was a stunning woman. Her eyes like green emeralds , hair like golden sunlight, lips red like roses and a long crimson silk dress to match. "Is that the hammer that did it?" she asked." The Hammer that killed Rheagar?" Robert nodded his head.
"It is."
"My brother always preffered a sword."
"The dwarf, my Lady?" Robert laughed. Cersei managed a small smile but there was a bitterness in it.
"Certainly not." She answered. She paused a moment. " May I talk with you, your Grace?"
"We're talking now." Robert said. Cersei continued her smile.
"I mean privately." There was a hint of mischief in her green eyes when she said it.
Robert wondered whose trick this was Jon Arryn's or Tywin himself, maybe even both. He knew he shouldn't, he was already bethroted to Lyanna despite what everyone else was saying. But Robert always had a weakness for the Ladies, especially pretty ones.
"Certinaly, my Lady." He handed off his hammer, a young squire stepping up to take it away. Then he stepped forward and began walking side by side with Cersei.
He knew this probably looked suspicious. Cersei Lannister walking side by side with the King. Yes, he was King now more importantly a King without a Queen, and no doubt all the Lord of Westeros with pretty young daughters would try to grab for the King's attention. But with both Tully girls married, no children from the Arryns, Dorne still in open rebellion it seemed that House Lannister was the only suitable match for King Robert. Only one other could compete beside them.
"I saw what you did in court today." She said." It was simply marvelous, you gave those traitors what they deserve."
"I gave every man a choice." Robert said." They were the ones who had to take it."
"A wise decision. "Cersei agreed with a faint nod." I think wisdom is the first and foremost factor in a good King." Robert simply nodded, allowing her to speak more." Wisdom and then power." King Robert simply nodded. He watched as Cersei glanced over the castle walls down into the streets of King's Landing.
"Have you ever been to King's Landing before your Grace?" she asked.
"When I was much younger." He answered." My Father was named to the small council briefly."
"I practically grew up here." She said." I know it just as well as Casterly Rock." Robert simply nodded once more." My brother was with me too. I hope you don't blame him. Yes I'll agree Kingslaying is wrong but he was a Mad King and it needed to be done." Robert didn't want to have this conversation again, he'd already heard it enough.
"Aye." He said." It had to be done."
"Your Grace!" Called a voice. Turning their heads Robert and Cersei saw Hand of the King Jon Arryn walking towards them. He walked over to them, seemingly somewhat disgruntled when he saw Cersei standing there beside him." My Lady. "He greeted her kindly before turning to the King." Your Grace your brother Stannis has just arrived from Dragonstone. He's waiting for you in the Small Council's chambers."
Robert would have preferred if it was Eddard come back with Lyanna. But if Stannis was here that meant the Targaryens were too, and that meant there was no one else who had a claim tohis Throne.
"We'd best get going then." The King answered." Lady Cersei." He said turning to her." If you'll forgive this sudden interruption-"
"Not at all. "she smiled." You are a King and the King must rule his Kingdom." She reached out and took his hand in her's. Her touch was soft and delicate." Go on, I'll speak to you later." She smiled at Robert with her dazziling green eyes and bright smile. So Robert smiled back.
"Of course, my Lady." He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it. Then he quickly turned and began walking away with Jon Arryn.
Stannis still looked as stuck-up and stern as Robert remembered. The last time he had seen him, Robert had called his bannermen and prepared to ride to Summerhall to face the loyalists. And Robert had given Stannis one simple command "Hold Storm's End". Afterall he couldn't afford to lose his home or else risking everything to try and take it. Evident by Stannis standing there he had done what he was ordered. But Robert had then given Stannis another task, sail to Dragonstone and get the last of the Targaryens.
When Robert arrived Lord Tywin and Lord Hoster were already seated at the table while Stannis stood on the other end of it. Standing behind Stannis were his two guards Ser Aemon and Ser Andrew Estermont both cousins to Robert and his brothers on their mother's side.
"You're here." Robert said." Then the Siege of Storm's End has been lifted?"
"Yes, your Grace." Stannis nodded." By Lord Eddard Stark."
"And where is Lord Stark now?" Jon Arryn questioned.
"He did not say." Stannis told." He took six men and rode south." What could be taking Ned so long to get back here? The King did not like the sound of that, not one bit. "Your Grace." He continued turning to Robert." I am here to report on my mission to take Dragonstone." The King strummed his fingers along the throne. Stannis was here and there were no Targaryens with him.
"Speak." He grumbled. If Stannis was worried, fearful or anything it did not show.
"I took Dragonstone in your name." He told." The Garrison surrendered when they saw our ships coming. But by the time we landed Ser Willem Darry had already taken Queen Rhealla and Prince Viserys across the Narrow Sea." Now this was just another problem to deal with. Any and all living Targaryens only left illegitimacy for Robert's rule, even if it was only a boy just on the edge of manhood.
"You've failed me brother." He said rising to his feet. An assault on Stannis in every sense, all it lacked was the physicality." Court is concluded for today." He turned and prepared to leave.
"Robert." Jon Arryn called, getting his attention." What of the captured men at Dragonstone?"
"They were the last Stronghold to harbor the Targaryens." Robert told. "They shall get either the sword or the Wall. It's their choice." He concluded the matter at that and walked off.
That was the worst news he could have heard today. And today he wanted no more part of it. He didn't want to see anyone. Not Stannis, not Jon Arryn, not Tywin, not anyone.
It was early morning when they started the trials, late afternoon when they'd finished, and early evening when Stannis arrived. The sun was beginning to set in the sky and the darkness of night starting to crawl in.
Robert hadn't gone to bed this early since he was a baby but it was the only way for all his problems to stop at least for a little while. He would sleep and forget about the Targaryens, about Stannis, about war until the morning where they all became real again.
There was a soft knocking at his door. It's a strange hour for visitors, Robert was half tempted to simply ignore them. And if they persisted he'd demand they leave. But it was probably Jon Arryn arriving with some news about the current state of the realm. As the new King Robert imagined that would be a poor thing to ignore.
He rose from his bed wearing hardly more than a thin tunic. He grabbed the door with one arm and swung it open and looked out to see who was standing there in the night. It wasn't Jon Arryn.
"Lady Cersei?" He questioned.
"Your Grace." She said lifting her dress and kneeling slightly before him." I hope I did not distrurb you."
"Not at all my Lady." He lied.
"May I come in?" she asked." I can't sleep and could use some…..company." Robert knew this wasn't going to be good. But against his better judgement he opened the door and allowed her inside." Thank you." She smiled.
She wasted no time in making herself comfortable. Sitting herself down in a vacant chair, crossing her legs and making sure they were noticed.
"What troubles you my Lady?" The King asked turning to her.
"This war has been hard on all of us." She mused." I have trouble sleeping some night as I think of all those gallant, brave knights who have died trying to keep the realm safe." How terribly noble of her.
"I always find that wine helps he sleep." He said. It's sure what he wanted to be doing now. He motioned to the jug and two glasses on the table." Would you care for some?" Cersei Lannisted beamed like the sun.
"Arbor Gold has always been my favorite." Robert had already crossed the room and began pouring.
"This is Dornish wine." He said." My favorite." He handed a glass off to her as he began to fill his own. He hadn't been looking at her but her heard the slightest sound of a sip and a sultry 'hmh' escaped Cersei's lips.
"Delicious." She said liking her tongue around her red lips for every last drop." I can see why it's your favorite." She took another small sip." It's my favorite too now." Robert finished filling his glass and turned to Lady Lannister. He said nothing but raised his glance in a silent cheers." To your Health." She said. Robert managed a small smile as Cersei dipped her head back and drank more, Robert himself only did a small sip." What's it like your Grace?" she asked.
"What's what like, my Lady?" He asked. He turned and sat down on his bedside.
"To suddenly go from a Lord to a King?" Originally Robert would have been one of the most powerful Lords of Westeros, rivaled by only seven and surpassed by one. But now House Baratheon would be that one House above all others.
"I don't know." He answered." In truth, I'm still trying to figure it out. Princes prepare their whole lives for when they become Kings. I'm going to have to figure it out as I go along."
Cersei rose to her feet, taking another sip of wine as she crossed over the room and sat next to him. The bed compressing even more as she sat down beside him. She reached out and put her hand over his.
"You don't have to face that problem alone." She said." You have good, wise men to council you. Jon Arryn, Hoster Tully, my father, even me." At that last name Robert slowly turned his head and looked at her." I could be a great friend to you, your grace." She said as she began rubbing her hand over his.
Suddenly there was a knocking at the door.
"Come in!" Robert called thankful for the distraction. The door opened wide and in walked Jon Arryn.
"You're Grace." He said. Robert and Cersei turned to face him." Ned is riding down the Kingsroad."
Robert wasted no time in running out of the room and out to the gates. It didn't matter that he was almost half naked with his cloths prashially ripped.
The knights of his house all gathered in the courtyard, Lord Hoster Tully at the head of the group. Following behind Robert was Jon Arryn and Cersei Lannister.
The crowd parted as Robert came outside. Robert ignored the bows and "Your Grace" the men said as they stepped aside.
"Lord Hoster." Robert said as he approached." Where is he?"
"We received word that he stopped nearby in Stokeworth a few nights ago. He's traveling the Kingsroad."
"Who's with him?" Robert questioned. Hoster simply shook his head.
"They did not say." So they waited. And a long wait it was but the anticipation was worse than the wait itself. There was no sound in the courtyard, and even when there was a whisper or a faint grumble the King commanded silence.
And before long the clip-clop of horse hooves could be heard coming up the rode.
"Open the Gate!" King Robert roared before the figure even came into his sight.
"Your Grace." Lord Hoster said reaching out." A moment please." The stomping came further, and as it did it was clear that there were more than one horse. At least two or three.
A black figure began to take shape in the night and Lord Hoster stepped towards the gate to meet him.
"Who goes there?" He commanded. Robert took a step forward, waiting to hear the reply. He had hoped this was it. That after all these weeks apart Ned had finally come back.
"Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North." Came the answer.
"OPEN THE GATE!" Robert yelled before Hoster even had the chance. The guards on the towers began to move and the gate was lifted up allowing the travelers passage. And in rode Eddard atop the same horse he had left with. His body wrapped tightly, his left arm clutched to his body while the other remained on the reins of his horse. But he wasn't alone. Riding alongside him was Howland Reed of the Neck on a great red stallion. And sitting before Howland on his horse was a young lady.
"Lyanna!" Robert cheered as he stepped forward, ready to rip her off her horse. But the second he took that step was when he noticed something was wrong.
Lyanna's skin was very pale, her eyes completely shut and even the slightest movement of the horse beneath her seemed to startle her.
"Easy Robert." Ned advised." She was badly hurt when we found her."
"I'll take her inside." Robert said as he scopped Lyanna up in his arms. "And make sure she's taken care of." He had already begun walking away." Move aside!" He commanded and all men quickly did.
But Robert had been so fixated with helping Lyanna that he hadn't noticed something else. He instead burst into the Red Keep with Lyanna in his arms, kicking down doors, and looking as crazed as a mad dog. Until at last he found what he was looking for.
With one swift kick he knocked another door down and inside found the wrickly old figure of Grand Maester Pycelle. The old man was preparing for bed himself, already undressed and laying down against the sheets when Robert found him.
"Grand Maester!" Robert roared as he stomped inside.
"Y-Y-Yes, you're your Grace, how can I-"
"Help her!" Robert commanded. But as fiercly as he roared he placed Lyanna down gently. He made sure her head was rested against the pillow and that nothing on the bed disturbed her.
"Your Grace." Pycelled nodded." I-I don't"
"Now!" Robert roared. He would not say it again. But that seemed enough to put in fear in Pycelle and send him to work.
Jon
In the aftermath of his leaving Lord Hoster and Arryn approached Eddard.
"It's good to have you back here my boy." Jon Arryn smiled looking up at Ned. But the same emotion wasn't shared on Ned's face. He looked even grimer than when he had left. But how? He'd saved his sister and brought her back to become the Queen. Aye she looked hurt by Grand Maester Pycelle had no doubt seen worse and done better.
But observing Eddard more closely Jon found something strange. His left arm was clutched hard against his chest and covered by his long grey coat.
"What is that?" Jon pointed to Eddard. Ned looked from his foster Father to his own arms. He turned his arm slightly to reveal a small pink faces hidden amongst the fabrics.
"This is my son." He answered.