A Song Unsung
This chapter will be short but it serves a strong purpose. The information in this chapter may or may not foreshadow to future events.
Chapter 2: Benjen/Eddard
281 AC, Harrenhal
Benjen
The Tourney at Harrenhal was the talk of Westeros and indeed it should have been. Aside from the knights, the castle itself was a sight to see. Harrenhal was the largest castle in the entire seven kingdoms. The grounds of the seat of House Whent were full of people from all over Westeros.
Benjen hadn't strayed far from the North much. The North along with Dorne had cut themselves off from the other five kingdoms. Though his father, Lord Rickard Stark had been trying to reconnect with them. Part of that reconnection was his older brother's betrothal to Catelyn Tully, the eldest child of Hoster Tully, the Lord of the Riverlands. Then again the King had become a paranoid man and had been speaking of taking land from the Starks. Benjen remembered his father saying that the king thought the North was far too large for one family to rule it.
For the first time in four years he and Lyanna were together with their big brothers, the pack was back together. He noticed his brothers had changed in those four years.
Eddard had had fallen in love with Catelyn and the two would be married just after the tourney. He wasn't as rigid when he was around her, she made him smile. Though he was still mostly the same Ned that he knew.
Brandon had become a famous sellsword known around the world known as the Wild Wolf. He had only heard stories from the guards in Winterfell. Brandon had rarely written to his family but the letters he did send were refreshing.
He wanted to see if his brother had improved on his already impressive skills. That was the sole reason his eyes were focused on the two jousters in front of him, the finalist. Brandon's armor was a dark grey, with a snarling direwolf on the chest. The same direwolf sat on the center of his shield.
His opponent was none other than the crown prince, Rhaegar Targaryen. The prince was covered in black armor with rubies encrusted in his chest plate. His dragon wing helm sat atop his silver hair.
"Do you think that Brandon is going to win?" Benjen asked Lyanna.
The only answer Benjen received was silence. He looked over to see the reason she didn't answer. Her gray eyes were locked in on the two riders as they took off.
Brandon charged forward on his spotted mount to meet Rhaegar and his black horse. It seemed as if every living thing had stopped moving and breathing as the riders inched closer. Benjen himself held his breath as the riders met each other.
The loud clang of a lance hitting the steel armor of both contestants filled the silent grounds. Both Brandon and Rhaegar had scored glancing hits.
"He got lucky, Brandon almost had him." Lyanna said
"I don't know Lyanna, it looked like Rhaegar had the better hit." Benjen countered.
"There's no way Brandon would lose to a man that feminine." Lyanna said looking at Rhaegar.
They silenced themselves as the riders readied themselves and charged each other once again. Unlike the charge before this time the charge seemed to happen in an instant. Rhaegar and Brandon met in a loud crash. In a strange sense of déjà vu the two warriors struck each other, only this time they both flew from atop their steeds.
The crowd instantly broke out and a roaring cheer. Benjen looked over to Lyanna and smirked. She in turn gave her own smirk.
"What, he didn't lose."
Both siblings released a laugh but soon stopped when Eddard swiftly stood up with his hand on the pommel of his sword. He wasn't alone as Robert and their friends from the Vale stood up doing the same. Brandon's group that consisted of his squire, Ethan Glover, Kyle Royce and Jeffory Mallister also joined them. Benjen followed his brother's eyes and saw the reason for his distress.
The king had stood up as his son had been unhorsed. He silently signaled for the present kingsguard to apprehend Brandon. Benjen saw Eddard move to intercept them but Catelyn tugged at his arm.
"Do you think it wise to challenge the king?" She whispered.
"He is my brother and he has done no wrong." Eddard gently pulled away.
Lyanna stood to go with them but Eddard gave her a sharp look, "Sit."
"I'm not just going to sit here while our king sets his dogs to upon Brandon." She argued.
"Lyanna, listen to Ned." Benjen pleaded.
Rhaegar looked over to the large group and shook his head in a negative motion. Eddard stopped as Rhaegar raised his hand stopping the incoming kingsguard.
"Father, let him be. He was only doing his duty as a participant in this tourney." The prince spoke in a smooth but booming voice.
Aerys seemed to be conflicted. His long fingers were deep in his unkempt beard. A blank look sat look on his face as he thought of what to do. Listen to his heir and give the Stark boy mercy or show the northerner that the royal family was off limits.
"Those damned Starks think themselves above us, always have. They must know that dogs bow at the heels of dragons, but not today." Aerys was nearly consumed in his dark thoughts but managed to bring himself back to reality.
Aerys gave a slight nod to Lord Gerold Hightower, who had been looking back for confirmation. The kingsguard removed their hands away from their blades. The large group who rose in defense of Brandon did the same, retaking their seats.
Rhaegar smiled and gave an affirming nod to the former Stark heir who was now standing with his helmet off.
"Thanks for that, you can go on with the crowning of love and beauty I have my own beauty to attend to." Brandon said with a smirk.
Rhaegar mounted his horse and procured the crown of love and beauty. As expected the prince began riding towards his wife but all went deathly silent as he rode by her. Benjen tensed as he stopped in front of his sister. The prince proceeded to place the crown on her head.
Although Benjen was just a kid, he knew that was a bad thing. A married man had just dishonored his wife and placed his sister in the middle of said dishonor. Benjen could see the fire light in Lyanna's eyes as the crown of flowers sat on her head. He was surprised as she sat silently with a small smile on her face. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Ned and a couple other men holding Robert down.
"The bastard!" He heard Robert curse.
Instead of a booming cheer per usual of the crowning, Rhaegar was met with near dead silence. There were few people who saw the good that came from his actions but being the elegant prince that he was, he smiled as if nothing was wrong and rode off. The king ended the activities for the day as the last ray of sunlight had long left the lands of Westeros.
Eddard
"By the Gods, I can't believe he would do that." Eddard said in a low harsh tone.
Catelyn lied beside him in their tent. She put a gentle hand on his shoulder and it seemed to instantly calm him down.
"Ned, this is the south, honor isn't what it is in the north and I'm sure the prince meant nothing by it." She said softly.
The northerner scoffed, "Prince or no prince, he is a married man."
"And you are soon to be one." She whispered.
Ned froze as her hot breath hit his ear, "And I cannot wait until that day."
Ned knew where this was going just as it had many times before. Once again honor had come into play. He would not take her maidenhood before they said their vows in front of the Gods, old and new. He stood up with a surprising swiftness.
"Cat, I love you but you know we cannot do this."
Catelyn knew Eddard would always stand by his honor. That was one of the many things she loved about him. Eddard was a man of his word, if it left his mouth then he would give his life to see it done. That was also one of the reasons he disliked the south, it was full of liars and schemers.
"I know my love, besides we do not have to wait long." She said with a smile.
Eddard gave a wry smile, it was bittersweet. His father and Lord Tully thought it would be wise to move the wedding date up. Eddard and Catelyn didn't have a problem with it, as it made sense since a lot of the attendees were close. Then again he was leaving the place he knew as home. He and Robert would be separated but he would get to be with his family again and his future wife.
"I need some fresh air." He lifted the flap of the tent before looking back, "If you need anything, there are guards right outside the tent."
Cat nodded and gave one last smile before Ned disappeared into the night. Ned knew exactly where he was going. First he picked up his younger brother and their newest friend, Howland Reed. He then led them to the tavern where he spotted Robert, Brandon and many other men and some women.
"So you finally decided to get from under your lady?" Robert slurred as he spotted him.
Ned ignored his drunken friend and turned to his brother, "So, how does it feel to be in Westeros again?"
"It feels good to see my family again but the thrill is not the same." He told them.
"So the stories of the Wild Wolf are true?" Benjen asked, wanting to hear stories of his brother's adventures.
"Yes they are, little wolf."
Instantly he was bombarded with questions by those around him. He just smirked as the questions hit his ears.
"Okay, I tell you all one story." He was met with a cheer. He sat the pint in his hand down and looked out at the crowd in silence. He gave Eddard a quick smirk before beginning to speak.
"I had been a sellsword for a few noble bastards and I heard of a company called the Windblown. I set out in the deserts of the Disputed Lands to find them."
"The Disputed Lands?!"
"What company were you looking for?"
"How many men have you killed?"
Eddard watched as his brother shined under all of the attention. Even Robert was asking if he could go with Brandon on one of his contracts. This was the man that was groomed from birth to be the next Lord of Winterfell.
"Your brother certainly is interesting." Howland said leaning over close to Ned.
"Yes he is." Eddard continued watching his brother get all the attention for the rest of the night. Benjen gleamed as his brother told more and more stories. It had been a long time since someone besides Catelyn made him smile.
His night out was at an end. Most men were drunk and stumbling back to their tents. Eddard was on his way back to his tent when he heard whispers of men. Curiosity got the best of him as he stalked towards the voices. The voices became louder and dark figures became visible. He couldn't make out the identities of the two figures but it soon became clear as to who they were as they continued speaking.
"My prince, it is not wise."
"There is no changing my mind, my friend."
There was a sigh, "I've grown tired beyond my years, Rhaegar. I am not sure I can continue living this life."
Eddard could hear the sorrow in the voice of the second man. He felt pity for the man. He had never heard such pain in a man's voice.
"So you mean to abandon me in my time of need, your king!" A furious response, there was a short term of silence, "I'm sorry, Arthur but I cannot allow you to leave now."
"So be it, my king." The lack of life in his voice was troubling. "But there is one thing I may ask of you."
"What is it?" The Prince asked with irritation clear in his voice.
"Please refrain from striking my sister."
There was a short pause, "I am the crown prince and she is a lowly handmaiden, I will do what I please." Again there was a moment of silence before Rhaegar spoke once more, "I am sorry, old friend. It seems you are not the only one who has grown tired. You are dismissed for the night."
Eddard had heard all he needed to hear. He moved away quickly before he was discovered. He returned to his tent and embraced his wife-to-be. Many thoughts ran through his mind before sleep finally took him.
The morning dew coated his beard as he and his party road towards Riverrun. He and his brother's led the party. Ned rode in the center, Brandon his left and Benjen took the right. Lyanna wanted to be stubborn and ride with the men but at the behest of Ned she sat in the carriage with Catelyn.
"So I heard father has begun rebuilding Moat Cailin." Brandon said looking at Ned, "Why is that?"
"I'm sure you heard of the whispers coming out of the Red Keep, King Aerys has been letting his madness consume him." Eddard told him.
"Yeah, father has been getting real cautious of late." Benjen added.
"I bet it's a sight to see with its towers standing tall." Brandon said imagining the ancient hold of the First Men.
"Only three towers have been rebuilt, there's a lot more to finish. You can see it when we ride to meet father." Benjen told his older brother.
"I'm sure old Aerys didn't take it well when he heard of its rebuilding." Brandon surmised.
Benjen shrugged, "He hasn't taken any action as of yet."
"There's a rumor in Tyrosh of two lines of House Blackfyre. Maybe Aerys should be more worried about what's happening outside of his kingdom."
A solemn silence overtook the Stark trio. The rest of the ride was either spent in silence or the boys reminiscing on their childhood adventures. Soon Riverrun came into view and the large group halted in front of the castle.
A rare break in his cold northern personality occurred as his eyes fell on a man that he openly despised. Petyr Baelish, the sneakiest man Eddard knew, a man with no honor and to him a man with no honor was not a man at all. Eddard had tolerated him in the beginning because of his friendship with Catelyn but each time Eddard visited Catelyn he could see him skulking around. He even continued to challenge Eddard and lost every time.
"How was the tournament, Catelyn?" He asked.
"It was as expected from a tourney at Harrenhal." Catelyn answered, "Where are Lysa and Edmure?"
Petyr smiled, "They're waiting for us in the Garden of Celia."
Petyr led the four Starks and the would be Stark to the garden. When they arrived they could hear the sound of a child's laughter. Lysa was chasing little Edmure around the garden. They didn't notice the group until the Petyr cleared his throat. Edmure's face lit up as he ran towards his sister.
"Cat, I missed you!" The exuberant boy nearly knocked his sister over as he leapt into her arms.
"I missed you as well, Edmure." She said smiling.
"Cat, it was just supposed to be us." Lysa said looking at the Starks.
All four Stark siblings ignored her rude comment and continued to stand in silence. Catelyn sent her sister a soft glare.
"They are my family."
"Yeah, Lysa, Ned is our soon to be goodbrother." Edmure added smiling at Ned.
"You are not married yet, Catelyn. You only met Eddard four years ago—."
"That's Lord Eddard to you." Lyanna said cutting her off.
"We are your family, Petyr, father, Edmure and I." Lysa continued.
"Do not speak another word, child!" The Lord of the Riverlands spoke in a harsh tone as he limped their way.
"Father, I didn't—."
"I said not another word."
His tone left no room for argument. Lysa dropped her head and remained quiet. The Lord Paramount of the Riverlands turned to Eddard.
" Lord Eddard, I'm sorry for my daughter."
"It is fine, my lord, I'm sure she just misses her sister." Eddard replied.
Hoster gave a weak smile, "If there is anything to make your stay here at Riverrun suitable, just ask."
"I assure you my lord, everything is fine." Accepting the answer Hoster limped away.
"Ned, Ben and I are going to head to meet and the rest of our northern brothers and sisters. You and Lya can have all of the fun here." Brandon told his brother.
"Make sure you go straight to the Moat, father wouldn't be pleased with lateness." Ned told him.
Brandon smiled, "I'll make sure to do just that, little brother."
"Until next time, Wild Wolf." A rare smirk appeared on his face as his sister said goodbye.
"You keep Ned safe, Lya." Brandon said as he hugged his sister.
"As if anything could harm the block of ice that is Eddard Stark." She japed.
All four siblings chuckled, "Come on Ben, we need to get going."
The oldest and youngest of the Starks made their leave. Lyanna stood to her brother's left as Catelyn stood to his right.
"Come Lya, we shall leave Catelyn to spend time with her siblings." Ned told his sister.
"You don't have to leave, Lysa is wrong for what she said." Catelyn told Ned.
"I know my love, but you need to spend time with your family." A smile appeared on his face, "Soon you will be a lady of the North."
Catelyn smiled and gave her betrothed a kiss. Ned released her and she turned went back to join her siblings. The two Stark siblings walked through the courtyard of the castle.
"How about we spar, Ned?"
"I don't think Robert would appreciate me scarring his bride to be." Ned told her.
Lyanna feigned shock, "By the Gods, Eddard Stark japing? I must remember to thank Catelyn for making my brother such a happy man."
"Aye, you must. She will soon be a Stark and I will know true happiness."
Lyanna couldn't help but smile as she looked upon her brother. Even as a child Ned didn't smile much but since she had seen him with Catelyn he smiled more than ever.
"If I remember correctly, your favorite thing to do was ride." Lyanna smiled as she heard the playfulness in his tone.
"Let's see if your time in the mountains has lessened your riding skills."
The two went to the stables and mounted their horses before riding through the lush fields of the Riverlands. For hours the Stark siblings roamed the country side. The sun had abandoned the lands of Westeros and the moon had taken its place. They had returned back to the castle.
"Goodnight Lya."
"Night, Ned."
Ned watched as sister walked back to her room. Knowing she was safe he began making his way back to his room. He took in the fresh of the Riverlands as a cool breeze passed by.
"Stark, I will not give up Cat so easily." Ned sighed as he turned to see the man who had been a thorn in his side for years. The thin man held a blade in his hands pointing it at Ned.
"Baelish, if you have any sense you will put down the blade and take your leave now." Anger threatened to seep through his hardened surface but his stern personality beat it back down. His wolf's blood was putting up a hell of fight but his sense of honor was stronger.
Petyr said nothing else as he sneered and charged. Ned quickly unsheathed his greatsword and placed it in a defensive position. Petyr swung his sword as soon as he was in range. With surprising swiftness Ned brought the heavy greatsword down against the smaller blade, knocking it out of Petyr's hand.
"Leave now while I still allow it." Ned threatened with the edge of his blade digging into Petyr's neck.
Petyr frowned before angrily turning away. His small figure began disappearing into the night. As he disappeared Ned released a massive sigh of release. He had let the sneaky man bring him out of his character once again. His wolf's blood had almost won. In his mind he knew Petyr would never leave his love alone.
"By the Gods that fool is lucky to still have his head." In his head he knew he wouldn't be so merciful the next time.
His put his greatsword back into its sheath on his back. He relaxed his posture and continued his journey back to his room. He had already decided he would not tell anyone what had happened. He didn't want anything interfering with his wedding.
Moat Cailin
The Gods seemed to approve as the sun looked down on them. Ned couldn't help but smile, everything seemed perfect. The weather was in their favor and all of the guests had arrived on time. He stood in front of the godswood looking at the attendees.
The courtyard was full of both northerners and riverlanders alike. Ned's own father Lord Rickard Stark arrived with many of his bannermen. The most notable being Roose Bolton, Medger Cerwyn, Wyman Manderly, Greatjon Umber, William Dustin and Ned's own friend Howland Reed.
Suddenly all seemed to stop. All eyes were on his bride. The light wrapped around her as if she was sent from the heavens themselves. Their eyes met and at that moment Ned knew he had found the love of his life. Her father took his seat as she stood in front of him.
They recited their vows in front of the Old Gods and his northern brethren. They sealed their marriage with a kiss and it was done, House Stark and House Tully were united.
There were roars to bed his lady wife. Usually he would not want Catelyn to experience such a thing but it was tradition but more than that they both had waited a long time for this moment. He carried her in his arms and disappeared into the recently finished Brandon's Tower. He became a different man, his wolf's blood came alive that night.
I hope this chapter did you all justice. You can see a little bit of divergence happening and Lyanna spending time with the Blackwoods is because Melantha Blackwood is Rickard's grandmother. I don't know how she was related to the Lord of Raventree Hall but here she is his sister.
