Chapter 2

Ned Stark

282 AC

In a large field twenty miles outside of King's landing the hungry and exhausted men of the Great Northern Army made camp. In the middle of this camp Eddard Stark was walking around checking his men making sure all had what they needed so that they could finally get some food and rest. After checking the men Ned made his way to his tent so he could get out of his hot and sweaty armor and lie down and catch what sleep that would come his way. As he entered inside he felt a great pain forming in his head, the pain so intense it brought him to his knees. He cried out as memories of a life lived started pouring through his mind.

The guards outside his tent, rushed inside to see what troubled him as the pain started lessening. His thoughts clearing Ned realized where he was and that the gods had succeeded at sending him back. He told his guards that he was fine and sent them out. As they were leaving he asked them to send someone to fetch Howland Reed.

While waiting for his friend, Ned started going over the plan that had been laid out. He hoped Jaime had succeeded and that Rhaenys and Elia were safe and away from the city. He knew his men had no chance at beating Tywin to the city, but he hoped he could get there soon enough to discourage a brutal sack like the one that happened before.

Ned's thoughts were interrupted as Howland entered his tent. "Lord Stark, you sent for me?"

"Howland, I told you to call me Ned." He then pointed to the extra chair in his tent. "Sit, for we have things to discuss."

Howland made his way to the chair and slowly sank into it. "I will try to remember that Ned, but only in private. I could never disrespect you in front of others." He rubbed his face trying to keep his exhaustion at bay. "What did you need to discuss."

Ned rooted around his tent and spotted his wineskin. He took a long pull before passing it to Howland. "I need to know, if you are aware of the prophecy of the prince who was promised." He stared at Howland and watched his face go from confusion to understanding. "I see from your face you have some understanding. Now, how much do you know of the children of the forest, white walkers, and a being called the Great Other." Ned actually smiled at the dumbfounded expression on his friend's face.

It took a few moments for Howland to compose himself and respond. "Do you remember how we met, My Lord?" At Ned's nod he continued. "Yes, the tourney of Harrenhal, but before I ventured to the tourney I spent a week on the Isle of Faces. I spoke with the green men, and even a few of the Children who live there, but what amazed me most was the message I received from the gods." He paused as if he were searching for the right words. "They told me that Champions had been chosen, and that my place was to help them any way I could. I take it my Lord, that you are one of the Champions."

Ned nodded. "Aye, I and two others for now, a few more will come later." He then proceeded to tell Howland about his past life and then what happened after his death. When he told Howland about the gods and how the Seven weren't against the Old Gods, his friends just smiled as if he knew that all along. Ned told him about the plan his children have come up with and the changes coming to the North.

After his tale Howland stood up and stretched his aching body. "I knew something was different about you as I walked in. You no longer carry yourself as if you were weighed down by your burdens."

Ned laughed. "Oh, it is still a burden being in charge, but after near twenty years of it you learn how to manage." Ned now stood and clapped his friend on the shoulder. "Now that you know, will I have your support when I make some hard decisions in the coming months?"

"Yes, you have my support, but it is not me you're going to have to win over it is the other Northern Lords and you know they are stubborn and resistant to change."

Ned sighed. "I am well aware how the Lords of the North will behave, though I think once they see some of the positives the changes bring they will change their tune somewhat."

Ned and Howland talked for a few more moments before Howland bade him a good night and withdrew searching for his own bed. Ned's fatigue finally caught up to him as he had barely laid down before he fell into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning Ned was one of the first men up. He made his way to the cooking tents and grabbed his breakfast and quickly scarfed it down. He went back to his tent and called for a page. After telling the page to bring the war council, he sat at the small desk in his tent and waited for the other lords, one by one the slowly made their way into his tent. Once they all had gathered Ned finally spoke.

"Today we take King's Landing." He waited for the cheers to quiet down before he spoke again. "However, I have received word that Tywin Lannister and twelve thousand men will be there before we reach the walls." He had to raise his hands to stop the whisperings and murmurs going around. "What you may not know is Tywin has declared for Robert. So, he marches to the capital with the same objective we have, though we all know what Tywin Lannister does in war. I want revenge but I will not butcher innocents to receive it. Do any of you have a suggestion as to how we should deal with this?"

Greatjon Umber strode forward and said. "I agree with Lord Stark, I will not sully my honor with the butcher of innocent people. I would suggest that you send a fast rider to Lord Tywin, asking him to wait for us so we can take the city together."

Ned nodded as he thought about it. "I like it; does anyone else have anything to add?" He waited a few moments and when no one spoke up he said. "Lord Umber's suggestion is what we shall do." He then turned to another lord. "Lord Flint ready one of you men, I will have the missive written and ready by the time he arrives." He then told the others to make ready the men to move out. He wrote a short message to Tywin and he hoped the man would abide by it, though he doubted the man would.

A short while after meeting with the other lords Ned was on his horse leading twenty thousand strong northern men toward the capitol. Three hours into the journey the messenger he sent to the Lord of the Casterly Rock had returned and told him that Tywin had read the message but told him that while he appreciated the offer of support he was not going to stop and wait. Ned was not surprised by the man and just thanked the messenger before turning to his men and told them to resume the march.

After what seemed an eternity the capitol came into their view, as Ned took in the sight he noticed the Lannister army still outside the city walls. He saw men carrying ladders while being fire upon by crossbows and other archers. He saw little of other siege equipment from the Lannisters and that surprised him. He knew Tywin and he doubted the man would besiege a city, while woefully unprepared. Then once he thought about it he chuckled to himself, he figured Tywin thought Pycelle would command the gates to be open, like last time. As his men grew closer to the city he had his men blow their horns announcing their presence and a parley flag raised. He chose a few Lords to accompany him to a small rise nearby in a neutral spot. He had men bring a pavilion tent, table, chairs and wine and he and his lords took a seat to wait for the response.

Shortly after they sat down, three men in Lannister livery arrived and Ned instantly recognized Tywin. As he looked over the other two, he assumed them to be Tywin's brothers, Kevan and Tygett. He stood as he addressed the Lord of Casterly Rock. "Lord Tywin, be welcome and partake of our bread and salt." He held out a platter with bread and a bowl of salt.

Tywin grabbed a piece of bread and stuck it in the salt and ate it quickly. "Thank you, Lord Stark may I Introduce my brothers." He grabbed one and moved him forward. "This is my Kevan, and the other Is Tygett. My other brother Gerion is protecting my home while we are here.' He gestured to the men with Northern host as Ned was shaking hands with his brothers. "I recognize Lord Umber, but sadly I do not believe I know the rest."

Ned introduced the lords with him; he was just finishing the introductions when five men made their way from the city. He saw two wearing the gold cloaks of the city guard, another two wore the livery of the Targaryen army, and the last man dressed in a style more common in Essos, Ned recognized him instantly. He called out to them as they were almost to him.

"Lord Varys, be welcome and please partake of our bread and salt." Varys dipped his head in acknowledgement as he and the men with him went through the guest right procedures. Ned spoke before Tywin got the chance. "Lord Varys, why would Aerys send his master of whispers to a parley, and not a military man?"

"My Lord Stark, last night King Aerys was assassinated in his chambers, his hand was also killed. All leadership is either dead or fighting elsewhere, so I made the decision myself to offer terms for the surrender of the city."

Ned watched Tywin from the corner of his eye and when it was mentioned the King was assassinated, his eyes betrayed his shock. Tywin quickly called out. "What about my son Jaime, I know he was the last Kingsguard in the city."

Varys shook his head. "He is alive as far as I can tell; he was last seen escorting Elia and her children to a ship bound for Essos."

Tywin just sat there as he absorbed the news. Ned took advantage of his silence to ask. "What are your terms of surrender my lord?"

"We will surrender the city in your custody as long as you make oaths that the people will not be harmed, their homes won't be burned, their wives and daughters won't be raped. We also want assurances the men of the city watch or army won't be harmed in any way."

Ned turned to his Lords and conversed quietly with them and they agreed that the terms were fine with them. He addressed Tywin. "Lord Tywin, do you have any problem with the terms presented." Tywin shook his head no. "Lord Varys on the behalf of Robert Baratheon I take command of this city, until he arrives or sends another to relieve me."

For two days Ned and his army stayed in Kings Landing keeping the peace and putting down small-time opportunists trying to take advantage of the situation. An hour after they had made it to the Red Keep his men found Ethan Glover alive in the black cells. Ned studied the man and noticed he seemed in good health if not a little thin after spending months in Aery's dungeon. Late in the evening on the second day a message arrived from Robert. It congratulated him on taking the city but asked him to turn it over to Tywin, so that he and his army could go to Storms End and relieve the siege his brother faced. Ned gathered his lords and the made their preparations to depart the following morning. Turning the city over to the Lord of Casterly Rock Ned jumped on his horse and lead his army to the Stormlands.

Exhausted and aching Ned dismounted from his horse. His army had marched for near a fortnight and finally they came to their destination. He saw the Tyrell army just sitting there not trying to scale the walls or in lines ready to attack. Though Ned wasn't surprised it had been this way during his last life, he had grown used to Mace Tyrell's ineptness in things pertaining to war. He signaled his men to raise the banners and sound the war horns. His army marched forward as they finally saw a reaction from the enemy camp. His army was just across the field from the Tyrell's when he saw the Parley banner start making its way forward. He halted the men and chose five lords to accompany him to the meeting.

As both side's riders met in the middle of the clearing Mace Tyrell greeted them. "Lord Stark, what is your business here? I thought you held King's landing for the usurper?"

Ned had to choke a scoff at the man's idiocy. "I'm here to break your siege of this Castle, my lord." He let the man think on that for a few moments and then continued. "Aerys is dead, Rhaegar is dead, his wife and children have fled across the Narrow Sea. Once your armies have surrendered or have been defeated Robert's conquest will have been mostly complete, only Dorne remains. You have no one left to fight for, the war is over. Move your armies back to the Reach and let us have peace." He drew his horse closer to the man and said quietly. "Or you can choose to fight and let your men be slaughtered by northern swords and axes. The choice is yours; will it be peace or war?" Ned whirled his horse away and resumed his place beside his other lords.

Mace Tyrell turned and conversed with his lords after a few moments he finally answered. "I choose peace; however, I do have some concessions. First, we will need assurances of safe passage in and out of King's Landing so we may swear fealty. Second, that war reparations won't be too heavy a burden for myself or the lords who fought with me, after all we were only staying true to our oaths."

Ned clenched his teeth at the slight insult he received. "I broke no oaths, for I never swore to Aerys. My father did but Aerys killed him, I never had the chance before he unjustly called for my head." He paused and thought about the concessions demanded by Lord Tyrell. "I can agree to the first, I will personally write the writ of safe passage for you and your lords. You and your lords may take a personal guard of no more than twenty men per Lord, the rest of your army must return to your lands. As to your second demand that is not within my power, though I do believe Robert will agree as long as it will bring peace. Are these satisfactory answers to your demands? Will you lift this siege?"

The lords of the Reach huddled together and after a short while Mace Tyrell answered. "We agree to your terms, I will have my army moved once I receive the writ you promised."

Ned turned to his men and called for a quill and ink. After dictating the writ for the Reach Lords he handed it to Mace Tyrell and said. "Here, as promised. Now please have your men called back so we can aid the castle."

Mace signaled his men and the retreated to their camp. Within minutes the camp was being dismantled and men were seen preparing to depart. Ned had his lords ready the provisions he brought for the people of Storms End, once he saw the Reach army withdrawing he had his men march to the castle. They had almost reached the walls when the gate was opened and a gaunt lean man made his way out to meet them. Ned recognized Robert's brother and called out. "Lord Stannis, we have provisions for you and your people. I am sorry I could not make it earlier."

Stannis waved his apology away. "Lord Stark, you hold no blame, I did my duty and you did yours." He almost collapsed as he reached Ned to shake his hand.

Ned grabbed hold of the falling Lord and said. "Let's get some food in you, for it would not do if the brother of the new king died of starvation."

Stannis shook his head. "Feed my men and my people, I will keep for a while yet. I am thankful you arrived when you did, we could only have stretched our stores a few more days."

Ned helped Stannis inside the castle and took in all the thin people with hallow faces. He had his men start passing out the food and had several go and send ravens to nearby castles to send more food and medicine. He even gave the people of Storms End a portion of his own supplies. After two days the people of Storms End had gotten some of their strength back, Ned just left a meeting with his lords and Lord Stannis readied himself once more for the saddle. Now that the people here were on their way to recovery he and a few others were leaving for Dorne to get his sister. He gave command of the army to The Greatjon and gave him orders to have the men return home. He also told his lords that once he returned north he would call a great council to make his plans for the north known.

Three days later found Ned Stark just outside of Blackhaven where he worked hard to convince the maester there to journey with him through the Red Mountains. He knew Lyanna died in his last life because no maester was there to ensure a healthy birth. His companions were the same as last time and they all gave him strange looks when he would pick a direction as if he had travelled this road before. After the fifth day Ned saw the tower in the distance and halted his men.

He turned to them and studied their faces; he didn't want a repeat of last time. He didn't want Martyn Cassel to die and leave Jory fatherless; he didn't want to see the scorn on Barbery Dustin's face when telling her of Willam's fate. He didn't want young Ethan Glover who served his brother so faithfully cut down by the blades of Ser Arthur Dayne, or see big strong Theo Wull skewered by Oswell Whent's blade. He didn't want to travel to Starfall and tell Lady Ashara that he killed her brother. He was going to change that fate, so he said to his men.

"My sister is in that tower up ahead. I know all of you were told she was kidnapped and raped." He paused as some of them let out a growl. "I used to believe that, but now I am telling you that as I thought about it I have come to see that it was a lie spread to hurt my family." His voice grew louder as he fed emotion into his speech. "Ethan you were with Brandon, who told him Lyanna had been kidnapped?"

Ethan Glover rubbed his jaw as he thought back to that fateful day. "Petyr Baelish was the one who came running up to Brandon saying he saw Lyanna taken by the prince."

Ned turned to the other lords. "Petyr Baelish the young man Brandon nearly killed when challenged to a duel for Lady Catelyn. It seems to me that he had reasons for telling that story, if he knew my brother's temper he knew it would cause him to do something like charge to King's Landing and threaten the Prince." He saw horror bloom on some of their faces. "I am not saying that he was lying either, I just want you to all go into this with cool heads. Three kingsguard were unaccounted for, I have reason to believe them to be here. Please start no fight until we get the answers we seek.' They nodded as he motioned them forward.

When they reached the tower Ned spotted the three kingsguard in the same place as last time he dismounted his horse and motioned his men to follow. He walked toward the kingsguard but stopped before getting too close and called out.

"I looked for you on the trident."

"We were not there." Said Ser Gerold

"Woe to the Usurper had we been." Said Ser Oswell

Ned started feeling a strong sense of foreboding. This was the conversation he had in the last life and it led to the death of most men here. "I came here not to fight, but only see my sister and gain answers to her disappearance."

"You are an enemy to the crown we swore our vows to, why should we let you pass to see the princess?" Ser Arthur said as he held his helm under his arm.

"Princess, you mean she married Rhaegar?" Ethan Glover called out behind Ned; whatever else he had to say was stopped as Ned glared at him.

"Yes Rhaegar took her as his second wife; she came willingly if that sets your minds at peace. As it is I cannot let known enemies see her as her safety is our top priority." Ser Gerold said as he moved to block the stairs leading to the entrance of the tower.

Ned ran his hand through his hair as his frustration grew. "Please I only want to make sure she is alright, I will leave my weapons here and swear a vow, let me see her."

Ser Arthur looked back to Ser Gerold who gave a quick nod. "Just you and one other Lord Stark, your weapons remain here."

Ned nodded gratefully and removed Ice from its scabbard. "Thank you." Ned motioned the Maester to follow, and at Arthur's questioning eye said. "I asked him to accompany us, as I didn't know what condition I would find her in." After seeing the offended look on the kingsguard face he added. "I knew not who she was with; I barely received a solid lead on her location."

Arthur nodded and led him up the stairs and into the tower. He looked around and noticed how small the tower actually was, a small sitting room and dining room on this level, and stair leading to rooms. Arthur led him up the stairs and knocked on the door at the end of the hall. A servant opened it and beckoned them inside. After entering Ned saw his sister sitting in a chair at the window and reading in the sunlight. She looked sad, her eyes were red from tears, and her face had a unhealthy pallor to it. She looked up from her book and saw him, she tossed it down and jumped up as fast as her large belly would allow and raced forward to grab him into a tight embrace.

"Ned!" Lyanna cried as she continued to hold him. "I'm so sorry. I know it was wrong of me to run off but no-one would listen to my complaints. I told you I wouldn't marry Robert, you would not listen. I told father but he would only tell me to do as I was told. Then I found someone I could love and took the opportunity presented. I didn't know what would come of it." She cried harder as she stayed in his arms. She told him once he asked the full story of her and Rhaegar starting at Harrenhal and finishing with her receiving word of his death. She wept even harder as she finished.

Ned just whispered reassurances to his sister as he held her tight. "Dry those tears Lya; it's not good for the baby."

"Oh Ned, what am I going to do? My husband is gone and the man who killed him will try to hurt my child I know it."

"Your baby will be safe in the North, but let us have the maester I brought check you over and make sure you both are healthy. You look as if you haven't been taking care of yourself." Ned said as he led her to the bed and motioned the maester to begin.

The maester wasted no time and checked all her vitals before trying to clear the room so he could go further into his examination whilst preserving her modesty. Both Ned and Arthur refused but both turned around as she undressed. Ned and his sister talked of inconsequential things as the maester went about his business. When he was done he started digging through his bags for medicine, he gave it to Arthur to check and went to Ned and whispered in his ear. "It is a good thing you brought me My Lord; your sister has not been taking care of herself. She does enough as to not harm the child but she is harming herself, she needs to eat more and take that medicine for the next week so she has enough strength for the birthing."

Ned gave his thanks and went to his sister's side. "Lya, the maester said you haven't been taking care of yourself, why is that?"

Lyanna shrugged and looked away. "I didn't see the point, my husband is dead, and my actions led to my brother and father being killed, why should I continue to live? How could I stand to let my child look at me and see what my mistakes have caused?"

"Oh Lya, you must live. Otherwise your child will grow up never knowing a mother's unconditional love, or feel a mother's embrace. I know you have lost; I know you made mistakes but tell me who hasn't." Ned stroked his sister's hair as he continued talking. "Let me tell you a story of what your child's life will be like without you." So Ned told her about Jon's life the previous time around. He didn't think she believed him but he told her anyway. He finished as Lyanna softly snored in her sleep, he was stretching his stiff back when he heard from behind him.

"Is it true?"

Ned whirled around and saw Arthur leaning against the door. "What?"

Arthur gestured toward Lyanna. "Is the story you told her true, how you were sent from the future to save the world? Is Rhaegar's son really the prince that was promised?"

Ned thought about his answer. "Aye it's true, every word I spoke is true." Ned walked past the contemplative kingsguard and made his way outside to his men. He told them about Lyanna's condition and the story she told him about Rhaegar. He told them his idea of faking Lyanna's death and hiding her and Jon from Robert in the North. They all agreed and talked over how they would accomplish the task. The conversation lasted late into the night and the finally broke it up and headed for their bed rolls.

The next morning Ned found himself once again at his sister's side. He made sure she took her medicine and had a healthy sized meal to break her fast. They talked about home and their longing to be back at Winterfell. He told her of the plan that he was working on and while hesitant she agreed to think about it. Ned also brought the kingsguard into the conversation, they vehemently disagreed at first.

"If the child is a boy, then he is king and we will not allow the king to be hidden away so your drunken friend can sit on his throne." Ser Gerold Hightower exclaimed.

"I agree Robert will be a terrible king, and it is not what I fought for. I fought because a mad tyrant murdered my father and brother and called for my head." Ned said getting frustrated with the man. "I'm not saying to not eventually reclaim the throne, I am just saying wait for now. Wait until the child is of age and actually can be King before putting him on a throne."

They argued over it for a while longer but Ned got them to agree with the help of Ser Arthur. They laid out the basic plan but all agreed none of it mattered until the child was born.

Over the next few days Ned continued to spend time with his sister, he noticed that she looked much healthier though she still had her moments of melancholy. Everyday Ned's companions would come and sit with Lyanna and just talk and keep her mind away from the dark places. Howland Reed was the one besides Ned who spent the most time with her, it made Ned happy to see his sister smile while talking to him.

On the morning of their seventh day there they heard Lyanna scream, Ned rushed into the tower and through her door. He was pushed out by one of Lyanna's maidservants and told no men were allowed for the birthing except the maester. Ned listened through the door as his sister screamed in pain; several times he almost burst through the door only to be held back by Ser Arthur and Howland. After what seemed an eternity a greatly exhausted maester came out with a bundle in his arms. He gave a nod to Arthur and addressed Ned.

"My lord, your sister had a tough birth but she pulled through in the end she is now resting. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy, who she named Daeron." He extended the bundle into Ned's arm and once he was sure the baby was secure he backed away. "You will be able to see your sister shortly."

Ned glanced down at the baby in his arms. He stared at his nephew and felt the same emotions that he had when he first held him last time. However this time he felt great apprehension as he knew how difficult life was going to be for the babe he held. He glanced at all the others around him from his men to the Kingsguard. "I present your King, Daeron Third of his Name, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms."