Breakwater, Sweetsister, the Narrow Sea, 282 AL
The stew was thick with leeks and barley and carrots.
"My lord, I implore you, kill him and send his head to the king" said the maester to Lord Robar Borrell.
Ned stood up, the chair scraped against the stone floor so the maester turned around.
Eddard Stark's hand brushed against Ice's hilt, subtly but just obvious enough so that the maester could see and cringe away in fear.
"Lord Stark is protected by the guest right" replied Lord Robar "you would have me dishonor my House for all eternity?"
"No of course not, my lord...but..."
"Enough! Your words are poison. Leave us"
The maester scurried off from the hall.
"I have arranged for you to leave us, in a fishing boat. It will take you to White Harbor, so that you may call your banners"
"I thank you, my lord" replied Ned.
"If you lose, you were never here" he said.
Five months later
Just outside Stony Sept, Riverlands, 283 AL
Eddard Stark heard the bells tolling as he donned his helm. He mounted. Behind him was the Northman host, Umber and Bolton, Glover and Hornwood, Manderly and Karstark. They were joined by the lords of the Trident, all but three, Lords Mooton and Darry and Ryger.
Ned drew Ice and pointed it forwards, and a warcry that would freeze the hearts of men leauges away erupted.
"Winterfell!"
The hosts galloped into the city.
Ned cut left and right, killing three Connington men. As they streamed into the town Robert and the part of his host that remained after Ashford charged out of the houses they were hidden in and gave battle.
Ned slashed at the throat of a Mooton, and opened it. A fountain of blood came forth.
Eddard turned and saw Lord Jon Connington on his horse.
He galloped towards the Lord of Griffin's Roost, but a large rock fell down from a burning house. A large cloud of dust emerged from the ground. It filled his eyes and suddenly he was on the ground, beside his dead horse.
Ned stood up, his ears ringing.
He balanced himself and charged into the fray. He cut down three men and made the fourth (a knight) yield.
He killed a Mooton man-at-arms and turned to crack open the skull of Connington spearman. Again saw Jon Connington, and tried to make his way towards him, but found himself surrounded by foes, side by side with Robett and Galbart Glover. They fought their foes bravely and were victorious, but Galbart took a spear in the shoulder.
Ned told Robett to drag his brother off the field.
Eddard seperated a Connington man from his arm and another from his head.
Ice's blade was red. Ned was no longer dressed in the armor he had borrowed at the Eyrie, when he arrived at White Harbor he had the smith, Artos forge a fresh one, with the direwolf of his House hammered out over the chest.
Eddard charged to the side of Robert who was fighting six men at once. He cut down two, while Robert killed the other four.