A song unsung
There is a big time gap between this chapter and the last, so you will see a lot of changes. This chapter represents the start of the present timeline. You guys are going to be surprised at some of the changes. To find out the extent of the major divergences keep reading!
Flavio S: I can tell you Mace did not die but your other questions can be answered with this chapter or maybe you can pm me and I'll let you in on the inner workings of Aerys' head.
Chapter 4: Ser Arthur
299 AC, Winterfell
The North, the largest of the seven constituent kingdoms. It had given birth too many great warriors. The war known as Robert's Rebellion took many of those warriors to the afterlife but also gave life to new ones.
Eddard Stark, known as the Quiet Wolf showed that he could not only bark but bite. Garnering control of the northern army in place of his father, he struck down each obstacle that presented itself. By the end of the war the entirety of the seven kingdoms had heard his bark, although he wasn't the only Stark cutting through the loyalist forces. Brandon sailed from halfway across the world with his ragtag group and a couple unexpected friends. The man known as the Tattered Prince and his company known as the Windblownrode with the Wild Wolf and his pack and a mysterious warrior who lent his 3000 swords. They sailed through the treacherous waters where the islands known as the Stepstones lay. The whispers of the oncoming group of mercenaries caused ripples in the war.
That had been many years ago, now there was peace in the seven kingdoms or rather in the lone kingdom. Today was a special day. It marked the return of the heir of the North. Robb Stark had returned from his fostering with the Lord of Runestone, Lord Yohn Royce.
The dining hall of Winterfell was booming. Many of the northern lords came from their castles to welcome the young lord back. Lords Umber, Cerwyn, Bolton, Hornwood and Dustin were some of the main guests. The Greatjon's boisterous laugh echoed through the hall.
"Ser Arthur?" A voice called out.
The Dornish knight turned to find the guest of honor smiling at him, "My lord, what can I do for you?"
"How about we spar?" The smirking heir asked.
A smile graced the knight's face, "You are a hundred years too young, Lord Robb but—."
"You've been here but a day and you're already pestering Ser Arthur." A familiar voice cut in, "Besides, I've been asking him for a fight for years."
The former Kingsguard turned to see the younger brother of his liege, Lord Benjen Stark. It was among his first days in the North when Lord Eddard traveled with his brother beyond the wall to show him what the life of a ranger was like.
Despite Lord Stark's thoughts his younger brother swore the vows of a watchman. He was a third son and wasn't in line to inherit anything so he felt he could do as many of his ancestors did and serve on the wall.
"Uncle Benjen, it's good to see you." Robb said hugging his uncle.
Benjen smiled, "You left a boy and came back a man. Your grandfather would be proud of the man standing before me."
"Father never talks about grandfather, what was he like?" Robb asked, curious to hear about his father's predecessor.
"He was a lot like Ned, though Ned has changed over the years. He's not the same as he once was." Benjen said giving a sad smile.
Arthur saw the sadness in the elder Stark's face, "I think your uncle has more pressing matters to tend to."
"I suppose I should tell my brother I'm here, until next time, Ser Arthur, Robb." Benjen said leaving the knight and lordling alone.
"I better get going too. It is my celebration after all." Robb smile and turned to leave but he turned back towards Ser Arthur, "I'm looking forward to that spar."
The violet eyed man turned to reenter the feast when the subtle sound of leather boots hitting the stone ground of the old castle.
"The morning never seemed so bright."
Ser Oswell Whent appeared at the opposite end of the corridor, a former kingsguard just like Arthur. He was donned in all black, a black brother. Just as Arthur had been given a new life, so had Oswell. Arthur had given the rest of his life to the man who had brought him out of the darkness and back into the light. Oswell decided to atone for his sins by serving on the wall.
"Oswell, it's been too long, my friend." The two knights embraced in a hug.
"It has, the life of a ranger is a busy one," Oswell told him, "How has life been here in Winterfell?"
"The best it's been since my days as a lad in Starfall." Arthur told him with a phantom smile.
"Then it's good we didn't cut Lord Stark and his men down all those years ago." Oswell darkly joked.
"That it is, Lord Stark is as good of a man that I've met. Let us reminisce over a flagon of ale." Oswell nodded and the two former kingsguard walked back into the great feast.
Oswell looked around in slight awe. As a ranger he didn't often get to attend such events. There were people everywhere enjoying themselves, quite the opposite of his daily view.
"Mayhaps I chose the wrong life."
Arthur smirked, "Some would say. The North treats me far better than the south ever did."
The two fell into a moment of silence as they thought back to their time as kingsguard. Their earlier years together had been relatively quiet but then the madness started to settle in. First it was the many failed births of the king and queen children. Then there was the defiance, the Kingswood Brotherhood and finally the whispers of Rhaegar planning to replace his father, the king on the throne began to spread throughout the realm. The king ultimately decided that he could be on the only major power in the realm and called his lords to the Red Keep. Arthur knew not what happened at the beginning of the meeting but in the end four men lost their lives. Rickard Stark and Hoster Tully were the two deaths that sparked the rebellion.
"Were we fools to think that Rhaegar was any different than his father?" Arthur asked his longtime friend.
Oswell remained silent for a moment, "He once was, you know that better than any of us."
"That I do, but I was also the one who saw the Targaryen madness rise within him. I did nothing to stop him. It was far too late when I chose to act. He and Lady Lyanna had let their foolish and selfish actions fuel the fires of war. We both lost ourselves to the Targaryens but the Starks—." He stopped and looked towards Ned sitting at the center of the head table.
Oswell looked the Stark family too. His dark eyes focused on the Benjen, "The tales of their honor were whispered throughout the halls of Harrenhal. It wasn't until that day that I realized what honor truly meant."
"I owe much to Lord Stark, he did more than just save my life." The knight put down his cup of ale and stood up.
"I understand, Arthur. Though Lord Stark saved my life, Benjen has been the one who's guided me through my time at the wall." Oswell said standing up as well.
"I can't count on two hands how many times he has stayed my hand from splitting one of those bastards in two." Both men chuckled.
The two separated, Oswell went to mind his own business and Arthur returned to stand at Ned's side. The rest of the night went well, Robb reveled in all the attention he was receiving. He had been prepped for it his entire life. All of the guests had either left or settled in the accommodations that Lord Stark prepared for them. Arthur ended his night in his room down the hall from his lord's bedroom.
The morning sun shined down on the ancient seat of House Stark. Though the morning had barely begun the castle was alive. Ser Arthur had been given a precious job by Lord Eddard. He had been given command of a special garrison of men, the Winter Wolves. He personally trained them and led them in the field. They were tasked with keeping order throughout the North and protecting the Stark family.
He stood in the courtyard of the first keep with his second-in-command, Jory Cassel. They stood in front of their men as the morning dew coated their steel boots.
"A raven arrived in the dead of the night from Lord Reed." Arthur said looking out at the men he trained, "It appears the king has decided to grace us with his presence. We have but a few weeks' time before he and his party arrive."
"If I may speak freely, Captain?" One of the soldiers asked. Ser Arthur gave him an affirming nod, "Why has his grace waited so long to announce his arrival to our lord?"
"The king did not send the raven, a scout reported back to Greywater Watch. Then there the point of the king and Lord Stark haven't spoken since the Battle of Bloodstone. His grace may have meant for it to be a surprise." Arthur told him.
They seemed to accept his answer so he began their everyday training. First they would go through the basic offensive motions and then onto the more advanced. The same would be done with defensive motions. Next they would pair up and take turns being the attacker and defender while Ser Arthur and Jory walked around. They would step in and give help or advice if they deemed it necessary.
Soon it was time for their daily duels. At the end of each training session Arthur would pick six of his men to fight in three one-on-one duels. He used it to hone their battle skills and instincts when their stamina was at its end.
"Alston, Medrick, step forward." Arthur said calling his first two combatants.
Alston, the third son of Lord Tarwick Frost of the Whispering coast stood with his blade leveled. His lithe frame and platinum blond hair pointed towards his strong Frost genes. His opponent, Medrick Ironsmith preferred weapons were twin warhammers. Being brought up as a blacksmith's son gave him much practice swinging a hammer.
"Begin!" Arthur boomed.
Arthur watched on with keen eyes as two of his best fighters tested their skill against one another. Alston knew he didn't have the strength to block Medrick's attack so he stayed quick on his feet. Medrick swung downward with the hammer in his left hand. Alston easily dodged the powerful but slow swing but he had fallen into Medrick's true attack. Alston's eyes widened as he saw the second swing out of the corner of his eye. Using his agility, he turned just enough to get his sword in between the hammer and his back. Although the two clashing weapons still was enough to send Alston flying to the ground.
"Match, Alston you needn't rely on your memory so much. Because you've known Medrick for many moons, you thought that you knew how he fought. Remember, your instincts will never betray you unless you betray them."
The young northerner nodded in understanding. Arthur congratulated Medrick on his win and sent the two back to the spectating area. Arthur called two more men take their places in the yard.
The rest of the fights went as usual. He had already dismissed his men for the day. The dornish knight chose to remain in the tiltyard. He knew he was growing older and he was not as fast or as strong but yet he still had a long life to live. His skills with a sword were still said to be the best in the land with few coming close to matching him.
There were his two former brothers in arms, Ser Barristan and Ser Jaime. Then there was the second son of Lord Mace Tyrell and the man called The Hound. Lord Eddard could be considered too but he was a better commander than he was a warrior.
Sweat poured down his face as he swung the legendary weapon, Dawn. The pale blade glistened in the moonlight. As a child his uncle Vorian had been his combat teacher. He always told him to treat your weapon as if it was an extension of your body.
As his arms moved, so did the sword. Every movement was smooth and fluid. There wasn't a wasted action.
"If I were a suspicious man, I would think you a spy and I would cut you down where you stand." Ser Arthur said stopping his movement.
His eyes drifted towards the gate leading into the tiltyard. From the darkness stepped a frail man in a dark cloak. Arthur frowned as he didn't recognize his face. He didn't trust strangers, especially ones that snuck up on him. He dropped Dawn down to his side but kept a firm grip on it.
"I'm no spy, my lord, but I do come bearing information." He said in a low slithery voice.
The man stopped a safe distance away from the knight. Arthur saw distrust in the man's eyes but also a sense of superiority. He didn't like the feeling he was getting from the man.
"Why would I trust you? I know you do not serve Lord Stark."
A ghost of a smile appeared on the man's face revealing his rotting teeth, "A smart man but sometimes the knowledge you have isn't enough."
Arthur remained calm as he stared down the stranger, "Give me one reason why I shouldn't cut you down."
"I have information regarding an attack on your king's party." His voice was just above a whisper but it carried with the wind.
The swordsman froze at the proclamation. He didn't miss the man referring to King Robert as your king and not the king or our king.
"You will tell me now so I can relay to Lord—."
"I will only give this information to Stark myself." The man interrupted.
"You will tell me now or I will—."
Ser Arthur was yet again cut off, "You will what, cut me down? You do not have the time for such brutish acts. Take me to your lord, now."
His tone carried a little force. His hand twitched as he kept from cutting the man in half. Arthur knew what he had to do. He gestured for the man to move and so he did.
"If you plan any harm for Lord Stark and his family, your life will be forfeit." Arthur warned,
"My life has not been my own for many lifetimes, Arthur Dayne." The stranger said in his low tone.
It didn't take long for them to reach the Lord's chambers. Arthur softly knocked on the door. A few moments passed before a stern faced Eddard swung open his door.
"Gods, Arthur I assume you have good reason for waking me at such an hour?" Eddard's eyes quickly landed on the cloaked stranger, "Who is this man?"
"My lord, this is why I have woken you. This man says he has information about a pending attack on the king's party."
That seemed to wake Eddard up. His eyes were wide and his back straight, "Take him to my solar, I shall meet you there."
His lord shut the door to get dressed. Arthur turned to the man and led him to Lord Stark's solar. The man moved to sit down but Arthur stopped him.
"That seat is only for guests of Lord Stark."
"Am I not a guest?" The cloaked man asked.
"That depends on what you tell me." Eddard said walking in dressed lightly.
He sat down in front of the two standing men. Arthur instantly moved to his side. Neither man missed the smirk appear on the stranger's face.
"The king is to be attacked in two days' time."
Both men of the North stiffened, "How do you know this?"
Eddard jumped up and grabbed the man but he stepped back and bolted towards the window. Dawn was off of Arthur's back and in his hands in an instant but the man was faster. He stood perched in the now open window. The shadows of the room seemed to flock to him as he stood there.
"That is not the question, my lord. The question is can you make it in time." He jumped back into the darkness of night.
Eddard and Arthur ran to the window but they could see nothing but darkness. The moonlight seemed to have been forgotten the small area where the man had jumped.
"Beware the shadows; darkness is not your friend." Both men froze as the man's voice hit their ears. Their eyes frantically searched the area for him but to no avail. Eddard turned to his best soldier.
"I want my family protected. " Arthur fervently nodded, "And I want this man found, no man can survive that fall!"
Ser Arthur turned to leave but stopped mid-step, "What of the attack on the king, my lord?"
Eddard seemed to be deep in thought, "Gather the Wolves, we ride at first light."
The Sword in the Morning watched his lord storm off. Arthur jumped into action, barking commands to the guards standing outside.
He himself went to check the spot where the man's body should have been but he found nothing. Quickly shaking himself of dark thoughts he gathered extra guards for the Stark family. He informed Lord Stark of his findings or the lack thereof, his lord remained quiet before voicing his disbeliefs. He dismissed his right hand for the remainder of the night. With most of his duties done he traveled back to his home and attempted to get some rest before they rode out to stop the supposed impending attack on the king.
The sun peaked over the walls of Winterfell as Lord Eddard Stark and his Winter Wolves exited the ancient castle. He had Ser Arthur gather fifty of their best men. The cool crisp air of the North clenched ahold of their bones. To a southerner that might have been a problem but those to who called the North their home it was refreshing.
Eddard Stark sat atop his mount looking out at his lands. He had once again been forced to say goodbye to his wife because of his duty to the king. His children had still been asleep but Lady Catelyn had put on a strong face. He gave a grim smile as he remembered the words she had said to him each time he left her.
"Come back me; come back to your family, Lord Stark."
She had said that to him when he left for the rebellion. It was one of the main things that kept him going. Thoughts of his family outweighed every threatening thought that entered his mind. When the faces of the men he had killed tried to haunt him, the faces of his family overpowered the guilt and the dread. Once again he would have to dive into the breast of danger for his king, his friend, Robert Baratheon.
"Move out!" In perfect synchronization each mounted soldier began moving forward.
As they sped over the frozen ground Ser Arthur moved to his place beside Lord Stark. A frown appeared on the man's face as he thought of the stranger's warning.
"My lord, where are going? We did not receive a location from that man."
"We will inspect every inch of the kingsroad from here to the neck!"
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I wanted it to be longer but I couldn't add anymore without rushing into what's going to happen next. By the way it would be a lot of help if you guys let me know how you like or dislike the divergence so far. Throw in some suggestions, maybe I'll incorporate them with my own ideas. Next chapter is going to be very very exciting. Until next time, LKnight out.