AN: Thanks to anyone who has reviewed my story, I appreciate constructive criticism. I'd like to clarify a few things. I've added a few more personality flaws to James, like humbleness, him playing down his prowess and not all woman being infatuated with him. I also changed the outcome of his fight with Jaime in the streets from the last chapter; he suffered a slash across his arm by the Kingslayer and a few Lannister soldiers ruffed him up.
Also I want to clarify that this story won't continue on until it has no ending. Think of this as the first part of a series, or the first season of a television show. I plan on making three series, an epilogue and eventually a prequel to this again for reading,
Once again I own nothing.
-x-
James sat on a log between Robb and Theon in the Wolfswood outside of Winterfell. It was a cold and damp day as they sat there watching Bran riding a horse. The boy's ankle had finally healed and this was his second time riding, James was happy to see it. Robb told him about how Bran was attacked by Wildling's the first time he went riding in the Wolfswood. Robb had killed three of them and Bran fought back kicking and screaming, biting his captor, but Theon saved his life with an arrow through the wildling's chest. They even captured one of them, a woman named Osha. She was mostly confined to the kitchens, and when James meet her she was sarcastic and disrespectful. Osha was tall and slender with shaggy brown hair. She often spoke of the old gods and children of the forest, but James never listened. All the joy he had in life fled with him on the day he was attacked in the street by Jaime. His throbbing right arm was a constant reminder, Maester Luwin had said it would scar; and the Kingslayer had left a permanent mark on James's body. A Lannister men-at-arms had broken his nose, which Maester Luwin was able to repare. The journey back to Winterfell did not go smooth, as if the Gods could shit on him anymore. James formed a fever from his wound while on a small cargo ship making it's way to White Harbor. The captain himself, a small stout man with a bulbous nose, had cleaned and bandaged the wound and gave him milk of the poppy, but it did not remedy it.
As James rode into Winterfell, on the back of Lyanna, he had been slunched over and was dazed; moving in and out of consciousness. The last thing he remembered was falling from his horse as he could hear the muffled yells from Robb, barking out orders to guards. He awoke the next day and Luwin told him that he used boiling wine to seal the wound, and that he applied a new bandage.
"It will leave a fine scar," he told him, "It'll be a constant reminder of why you shouldn't have gotten involved,"
During his respite he decided to not return to King's Landing. James decided for once to do the honorable thing and follow the oath he swore; he planned on returning back to the Wall to tell Mormont the truth. James hoped Mormont was merciful on him, as he wasn't allowed to meddle in the realms affairs, but honor was beckoning him back. He planned to leave as soon as he healed. His constant thought's were on Ned, but that was in the past now. He had to split himself from Ros, Cersei, Ned, Arya, Sansa and all of those he loved. It was for the best.
James watched from the log as Bran rode back and forth on a white mare, laughing and yelling as he rode. Half a smile tugged at James's face as he saw his brother finally smiling again, but his arm hurt too much; and his nose was swore. Robb noticed the change in his demeanor and the once fun-loving, wise older brother he had, was no more. The joy of life had gone from James's eyes, if it was even there to begin with. James looked down to the mud and earth of the Wolfswood as he examined the silver bracelet on his arm, the sword on his side, and the black clothing he was wearing. I never want to fight again…I never want to kill again, I never want to make love again or take up a sword again. Robb and Theon did not say a word and were keeping to themselves and watching Bran. Robb put an arm on James shoulder,
"You did all you could," he said looking at him, but James kept his stare to the floor, "Father will be alright,"
James let out a big breath as Theon began to talk, for once he wasn't obnoxious, "Robb is right, James. What else could you have done?"
"I don't want this pity party," James said solemnly,
Robb retracted and looked forward, but turned back to him, "What happened in King's Landing? What did you find out that was so urgent?"
"That someone was plotting against father," James said,
"And who was that?"
"I'm not sure,"
"What are we going to do?" said Theon looking over to Robb as James shrugged, "I'm not sure what we can do,"
"They attacked your father in the middle of the street, Robb. You must call your banners, the Lannisters already started the war!" Theon said as Robb shook his head,
"But you must-"
"-And why do you care, Greyjoy?" James said looking at him, "This isn't you House, this isn't your war,"
Theon gave him an angry look as his face turned red, "You always were a cunt, James. Why don't you quit feeling sorry for yourself and do something about it. All you've been doing is walking around Winterfell expecting everyone to feel sorry for you, enough already."
James stood up and gave him a hard shove as Theon fell over the log. He got up and shoved James back who stumbled, they were about to throw fist's when Robb stood up between them,
"That's enough!" he yelled, sounding like Robb the Lord, and surprisingly like Ned, "Now take a seat, both of you,"
He commanded as James and Theon sat down, still eyeing one another, "Theon is right, James. You must go back to King's Landing, not back to the Wall where you're no damn use to nobody."
"What would you have me do, Robb?" James asked,
"Go back and save them," Robb said when James laughed, "Do you think I'm some kind've one man army? There is nothing I can do for them-"
"-Yes there is!" Robb yelled, "You can still save Sansa and Arya, did you forget about them too?"
"No, I haven't. But let's say I could make it back, how would I get around without them noticing who I'am? No doubt the Queen has the Gold Cloaks and her men-at-arms searching all of King's Landing for me, I can't just walk into the Red Keep!"
"No, you can't" Robb said, "But who said you had to look like you?" Robb smiled, "We can cut your hair and change your outfit" he said standing up pacing back and forth, "Yes, Yes, you can grow out your beard even more and I can lend you some of Jaime Lannister's clothing!"
James looked at him, perplexed, "How in the hell do you have some of the Kingslayers clothing?"
"He left some behind, at Winterfell. We found some of his clothing on his bed, Lannister colors. It'll be perfect!"
James scoffed, "Perfect, you say? And where am I supposed to stay? How am I going to get inside the Red Keep? No doubt by now Cersei has doubled the guard, that bitch,"
"You can stay in that inn by Eel Alley, use a fake name." Robb sat back down, "James, you are known throughout the realm for your looks, and your hair, you have a recognizable face-"
James scoffed but Theon spoke this time, James had forgot he was there, "No, it's true. I know you don't like compliments, but if we were to cut your hair and grow out a beard, you'd hardly be recognizable. And with your nose, you look different; not to mention you'd be wearing Lannister colors!"
James put a hand to his chin, thinking, "Ok, I can see that passing. But, and this is a big but, how am I supposed to get into the Red Keep unnoticed?"
Robb's smile faded, "Didn't think about that part, yet."
Theon began to laugh when they both looked over at him, giving him weird looks, "The map!" he yelled laughing,
"You find this amusing, Greyjoy?" Robb said but Theon continued laughing, "No, you fools the map! James could get in using the map we found in his pocket!"
James noticed Robb's eyes grow wide, "Yes! How could I forget! Theon is right," he began to talk really fast, "You use the map the Spider gave you! How could we be so foolish!"
James finally smiled, but felt it go back to a frown, "Even if I did, I still can't, Robb. I'm a man of the Night's Watch and aren't supposed to get involved-"
Robb scoffed, "-And has this oath ever stopped you, in the past?"
James shook his head, when Robb continued, "Did they stop you from getting involved in the first place, or loving a woman?"
James let out a small laugh, "You have truly grown up, Robb. Father would be proud,"
Robb smiled, "So do you consent to this? Will you let Theon cut your hair?"
James gave it a moment's thought, "Yes," he replied, "I'm due for a haircut anyway, but how much do you think Theon would have to cut?"
"Most of it, if not all of it, James." Theon said, "We have to make you look different, and this is the only way. I'll cut over the ear and around the top, it'll be short like Robb's."
James groaned at the thought, but knew it had to be done, "Just because I consent to getting my haircut doesn't mean I'am saying yes to going back. I will talk to Maester Luwin tonight and see what he says. Father alway's went to him for counsel and it's about time I did,"
"Ok," Robb said, "Now bend your head forward and get it over with,"
He gave a nod to Theon and he stood up unsheathing his dagger, standing in front of James. The strands of hair fell one by one, as James sat there watching his hair float away. The whole time he kept his gaze on the floor as a gradual pool of black hair formed on the Wolfswood floor. He felt a huge weight being removed from his head as Theon cut away, and finally it was all over.
"Done," Theon said standing back and looking at him, "I'd say this is my finest work. I cut my own hair all the time,"
He sheathed his dagger and sat by James. Who dragged his hand threw his hair; arm throbbing in pain. James felt the lightness of the short hair, and tried to reach for the long curls that were once there. Robb was laughing,
"You look great," he said as James punched him hard in the arm, he flinched in pain and started massaging it with his hand.
By now it was getting dark and Robb ordered a host to bring them back to Winterfell. They made it into the castle and Robb invited James to sup with him and the men, but he declined; wanting to take the time to go see Maester Luwin, who was in the turret. James brought some supper for the Maester as well, it was just some Mutton from the kitchens with bread and ale. He knew that the Maester would give him great advice on what to do next, and in his gut he thought Luwin would advise caution, his heart thought otherwise. The Maester's Turret is under the rookery in Winterfell and oversee's the Hunter's gate. James walked up the stairs, with the food and a servant to help, as he knocked on the door.
"Come in," yelled Luwin as James shoved open the door and ordered the foot set on the table. The Maester's room was small with a table and many desks with books and papers on them. Most of the papers show the constellations and different stars in the sky. The room was cluttered with all sorts of items, such as different herbs, medicines, and various ointments. Catelyn always spoke of how Luwin was an untidy man. Maester Luwin always talked about his theories about why we have such long summers and short winters, why the dragons died out, among other things. A small hearth is present on the wall, which Luwin had going, and there is a bed. The rookery is there too; where they keep all the messenger ravens. Maester Luwin is always the first to receive messages as they come and go. A large looking glass is standing to the right as you walk in, which the Maester was peering through; looking at the stars and scribbling notes down on a parchment. The night sky was upon them as he and Luwin sat at his table, eating. The room was illuminated by candle light.
"As much as I enjoy the supper, James. I know when people have something on their mind, speak,"
James took a drink of ale, "I do have something on my mind, Maester. I need your counsel,"
"I'm here to serve House Stark. I've offered your parent's my counsel numerous times, so tell me, what is troubling you?"
"My family," James said looking at his soup,
"It's only natural that you should, James. Your father will be ok, there is no need to worry about him,"
"I know, Maester. That's not what troubles me now,"
Luwin looked at him perplexed, "What do you mean?"
"Robb and Theon think I should go back and try to fix this," James said, eyeing his reaction,
Luwin's eyes grew wide as he leaned forward, "You tried that already. And look what happened,"
James looked down to his arm, it was still throbbing. "I know that you want to help, but there is nothing more you can do. Honestly, James, what do you think you can do? Go down there and prevent something that is out of your hands? You can't save your father and sister's as much as you want to. Plus, you're a man of the Watch, you took a vow. I think it's best that you go back to Castle Black and hope Mormont is merciful. The Queen knows you're in Winterfell, James. The best place is to go to the Wall; where she can't touch you."
Luwin finished his Mutton and set the plate aside, he took the mug of ale in his hand, sipping daintily. James sat there in his own thought's as he realized the Maester was right, there was nothing more he can do. Suddenly Luwin was chuckling to himself,
"Let me ask you something, James."
James nodded, "How would you have gotten back inside the Red Keep?"
"Well, I was to enter via Blackwater. You see Robb got it in his head that I can sneak back using the map, I received by Varys. I would stay at an inn in Eel Alley under the name Brandon Snow, and sneak in through the tunnels. It's the reason they cut my hair. My appearance would be altered with my beard and now larger nose; I'd also wear some of the Kingslayer's clothing that he left behind. They thought it was a good idea."
Luwin placed a hand on his beard and rubbed, "Alas, that doesn't sound to foolish. Certainly using the tunnels means that nobody will see you, and you wouldn't have to go by guards. You already look different with the short hair and beard. However, I think wearing Jaime's clothing is folly. If you are posing as a bastard, you have to dress like a bastard. Try posing as a common sellsword. I'd recommend wearing boiled leather over chain mail,"
Luwin sipped at his ale again, "That's what I'd do. Nevertheless, that is irrelevant now. You aren't going back, are you?"
James remained silent but shook his head as Luwin gave him a look, trying to see if he was telling the truth, "Good, now you should get some rest. Those wounds need healing. I'd recommend drinking some sleep wine."
James nodded and got up as Luwin handed him a skin of sleep wine, he was about to leave when he turned around,
"Do you think I could pull it off, Maester? Do you think I could honestly save them?"
"James Stark," he began, "I don't know why you don't think highly of yourself. You're a smart lad, always have been. Benjen always says how you are a natural leader and have potential, but you don't take yourself seriously and until you do; you won't notice what you're capable of,"
James gave a nod and walked out of the turret towards his room. He drank the sleep wine and dozed off. During the night he had a bizarre dream where he was in the crypts, but his father was there; his tomb across from Brandon and Lyanna's. James woke up in a cold sweat, his arm throbbing, nose painful. That morning he went to the Great Hall to break his fast with his brother's, but they were already there with Maester Luwin; even Bran was there. All of them had somber faces and James could tell something was wrong. Robb, Theon, and Maester Luwin were standing by a table, reading what looked like a raven scroll and Bran was sitting down, listening. James took a seat as a cook brought him out black toast, with eggs and bacon, with water to drink.
"What's wrong?" James asked taking his place between Robb and Theon, "Take a look," Robb said handing him the Raven's Scroll. Already, James could tell it wasn't good: the scroll gave off this ominous vibe. He began to read and could tell it was written by Sansa. James eyes grew wide as he read while eating, crumpling the paper in his hand in anger. It read that the King was dead and Joffrey is the new King. Sansa wrote that Ned had tried to steal the throne from him, and was branded a traitor; he sits rotting in the black dungeons. Even worse, was her pleading Robb to go down to King's Landing and personally bend the knee to the new Boy King. It had no mention of Arya.
"How could Sansa write this?" James said standing up, "Does she have no honor?"
"Those weren't her words," Luwin said calmly, "But the Queen's,"
James nodded his head in agreement, "Robb you can't mean to go down there, they will never let you leave. There is no mentioning of Arya!"
"I know, that is what disturbs me the most," said Robb, "And I'm going down there to bend to the Bastard King, but I'm not going alone," Robb smiled, "Maester Luwin, call the banners."
Maester Luwin gave a smile and was about to do so when Robb stood up, "Will you ride down there with me, James?"
James shook his head, "No Robb, I'm leaving for King's Landing." they all smiled at him, even Luwin, "Today,"
-x-
James made it back to King's Landing within two weeks. He had ridden hard, it cost him the life of Lyanna in the process. She died when they arrived to White Harbor, and James could not give her the funeral he'd hoped for. He took a ship back and only stayed in the bottom of the ship, with all the other rat's and lowborn folk. On board were other sellswords and small folk, fleeing to the capital from the Riverlands. James took Luwin's advise and posed as a common sellsword, he grew out his beard and kept his hair short. His nose had healed somewhat but still looked misshapen from the look of it, the Maester had done his best. Nobody recognized him on the way, and for that he was grateful. To everyone aboard the ship he was known as Brandon Snow, a sellsword bastard from the North. Nobody trusted him and he didn't blame them.
When finally the ship docked at the Blackwater Rush he began to walk to Eel Alley, to hopefully find some room at the inn. He had heard through that a recruiter from the Night's Watch was taking men at the Mud gate. James knew it had to be Yoren. He walked into the city when he noticed two men on horses walking towards him. One was a boy and the other was a fat man with his hood up. James noticed he had a bit of stubble and wore chain mail over boiled leather. Finally the two men stopped beside him when James looked up, the fat man was smiling.
"Hello there, Lord Stark," he said, and finally he realized it was Varys, "Lord Varys?"
"Good job," Varys said, he handed James the other horse as the boy got down and ran off, "One of my little birds. Here come up on the horse and walk with me. We need to talk."
James hopped on the horse and walked with Varys, King's Landing smelled of shit and it was overcrowded, "All these people…" James said as they parted in front of them,
"Yes, it's such a shame. There might be war coming to the Riverlands and all this increase in small folk has really put a dent in the cities supplies. Why is it always the innocents who suffer most, when these high lords play your game of thrones?"
"I'm not sure," said James watching two kids fight over a dead rat, he looked away in disgust, "You truly are some sort of sorcerer, Varys,"
the Spider chuckled, "I'm not sure if that was a compliment or an insult. But I must say, thank you. Trust me, your get up is quite convincing, posing as a common sellsword and all. If I hadn't known you were coming, I would've hardly recognized you,"
Varys laughed some more, "Where are you taking me?" asked James,
"Why to your inn in Eel Alley, of course."
"How did you-"
"-My little birds, Lord Stark. Or should I say Brandon Snow…you see knowledge is my trait and my little birds are everywhere. Surely, you have figured that out by now,"
James scoffed, "Thank you, for all the kind words. You said we had to talk?"
"Yes, of course how could I forgot. We must talk about your father, of course. I'm afraid Lord Eddard isn't doing so well, these days."
"What happened to him?"
Varys handed a copper to a beggar before turning back to James, "Well surely you have heard, Brandon. Your father was arrested for treason. You see, he was foolish enough to go and tell Cersei that he had figured out her little secret about her children. This subsequently led him to go and do the honorable thing, try and dispose of her and Joffrey by buying out the Gold Cloaks, believing Stannis is the rightful heir now that Robert has died-"
"-But he is," James said, when Varys waived a hand in the air, "Yes, the law does say that it would go to Stannis. But you know Cersei, she doesn't give up power that easily. So, she acted first and had bought the Gold Cloaks, who betrayed Lord Stark. The Queen also sent her men-at-arms, about a hundred of them, to purge the Red Keep of your father's mere thirty household guard; and they did. All of them were killed and then they arrested your sister, Sansa."
"Where is Arya?" asked James,
"The Stark girl is nowhere to be found," Varys laughed, "She has managed to go into the dark. Not even my little bird's can find her."
Finally they arrived at the inn when James was about to get off his horse.
"Well, thank you for the update. I really must be going Lord-"
"-No, don't go" Varys said, grabbing James by the arm, "I do hope you still have that map I gave you?"
James nodded, "Aye, I do,"
"Good," Varys said, "I'm here to take you to Lord Eddard. He is in the black cells and I know how to get in, undetected,"
James looked back to him and sat there on his horse, thinking, "Alright, take me to him."
They made there way to a secret tunnel that on the map, showed it led directly into the Red Keep. However, Varys knew another way and he took James to the dungeons. The dungeon of the Red Keep has four levels. On the upper level are cells with high narrow windows where common criminals are confined together. The second level has smaller, personal cells without windows for highborn captives. Torches in the halls casting light through the bars. The third level cells, the "black cells", are smaller still, and have doors of wood so that no light enters them. These are reserved for the most vile and dangerous prisoners. Varys grabbed a torch and lit up the way as James followed him through the black cells, it reeked of piss and shit. All one could hear were the cries of men.
"He should be over here," Varys said in a whisper, "I've visited him once before, and trust me you won't recognize him."
"What did you guys talk about?"
"I told him that Cersei will let him take the black, if he confesses and bends the knee to Joffrey. Wouldn't you like to have your father on the Wall with you?"
James swallowed as finally the light shown upon a man who once looked like Eddard Stark. James ran over and kneeled next to his father and Varys stood behind him, shining the light on Ned's face. Ned looked up and put an arm over his face, eyes squinting. Ned was in chains, sitting on the floor, his beard had grown out more and he looked skinnier than before. Varys handed James a skin of water, which he handed over to Ned.
"Drink," James said unscrewing the skin, his father gulped it down. "Easy, Easy, you'll want to save that,"
"James?" Ned said, his eyes adjusting to the new light, he grabbed his face, feeling the beard, "My boy. It is you, what have you done to yourself?"
"I'll explain later, father. Robb is headed down here now, with a northern host behind him." James said,
Ned smiled, as if he was proud, "Robb is just a boy,"
James fiddled with his fingers, nervous, "What madness drove you to go to Cersei? I told you not to you, you honorable fool. You stupid honorable fool!"
Ned gave a hoarse laugh, "The madness of mercy, James. I told you that I couldn't let her children die…not again…not again,"
James looked down on the floor, saying nothing, he felt grief take over him, "I'm getting you out of here father!" James yelled unsheathing his dagger,
"Oh, if only your dagger could cut through steel. If not, than I feel he isn't going anywhere." Varys said standing from behind him, James sheathed his dagger and for the first time he felt lost.
"You can get him out of here, can't you?" James said looking back at Varys in desperation, as if he was a child.
"I can, but will I? No."
James scoffed at him and turned back to Ned, "Father, take the black," James said when Ned looked up at him, "Do it, just confess to these false sins you never committed. Think about mother and Robb and Rickon, Bran, Arya, think about them-"
"-Think about your life, my lord." Varys said,
Ned scoffed, "Do you think my life is such a precious thing, to me? I've lived all that I can," he looked away from them,
"Don't talk like that!" James yelled, "Listen to your son, my lord. Think about Sansa's life, is that not a precious thing my lord? She begged for your life to Joffrey today, so sad to see such innocence go to waste."
James knelt as a few moments of silence passed, "On her knees begging for me, did you laugh with the others?" Ned said
"You do me wrong, my lord. I don't want your blood spilt,"
"I don't know what you want. I think we've all given up trying to guess," Ned said looking up at him, ignoring James,
"Peace, my lord. All I want is peace, so for your sake and Sansa's take the black, Cersei is no fool. She know's that a tame wolf is more useful to her than a dead one. There is a reason she let's you yet live, and took your son into her bed-"
"-Little Birds," James said when Varys just nodded, Ned yelled, "You'd have me serve the women who murdered my King, butchered my men, played my one son like a fool and nearly killed the other!"
"I WANT YOU TO SERVE THE REALM!" Varys yelled, his voice booming off the damp walls, "You will confess to your vile treason, take the black, tell your son to lay down his arms, and proclaim Joffrey as the true king!" Varys bent down next to James, "Cersei knows you to be a man of honor, she will keep to her word."
"And you'd think I'd throw away my honor, for what? For a few more years of this," Ned said motioning to the black cells, "Living out my life like some dog," Ned looked forward, staring into the darkness, "You play your part well, Lord Varys. You grew up with actors and have learned their craft, but I grew up with soldiers; I learned how to die along time ago,"
"Such a pity," Varys said, "Such a pity. Come James, we must go,"
Varys got up and grabbed his arm, James shrugged him off, "No!" he yelled, "I won't leave my father!"
"Cersei will be here in a an hour to visit him and repeat the same thing's we've just said, we must leave. I'm afraid there is nothing you can do,"
James nodded and looked to his father, "Please, listen to him. Say the words,"
"Save yourself, boy." Ned said, "Go, leave."
James than embraced his father and stood up.
-x-
He followed Varys back out the way they came and made his way to the inn. He was hoping to formulate a plan, and save his father. Varys left him at the inn as he made his way into his room, it was smaller in comparison to the one he had before, but it would do. While there he fell to sleep and that same dream of Ned being in the crypts. James woke up from the bed dazed. He threw open the window and saw a huge mass of people running down the street. It was a mass gathering of some sort, and he had to know what was happening,
"Hey you!" James yelled at a couple of boys running by, "What's happening?"
"They're taking the traitor to the Sept of Baelor!" one yelled, "Everyone is going now!"
James closed the door and ran over to his table, shoving the map in his pocket and grabbing the blue flower. He was dressed like some common sellsword and fortunately he had a cloak on him. He snapped on his sword belt and ran down the stairs of the inn as he burst outside. The air was thick and dusty as James followed the crowd of people down to the Great Sept of Baelor. He flipped on his hood and made his way down the street. The sept was located at the top of Visenya's Hill, surrounded by a white marble plaza. It features a statue of Baelor, which stands tall and serene upon his plinth; his face is a study of benevolence and large gardens, capable of holding hundreds surround the sept. The sept itself is an impressive marble domed structure, It has 7 crystal towers, each of which has bells. James arrived and made his way to the front of the crowd, going to the entrance into the Sept where he knew his father would be led out. He stood there with the crowd as they grew rowdy, shouting "Traitor!" and other obscenities, Gold Cloaks held them back.
Finally his father was led out from the entrance, hands bound, two Gold Cloaks escorted him forward. Some people tried to hit him while others kept jeering, yelling 'traitor' over and over. James stood there as his father was being lead closer to him, he hoped Ned noticed him through the hood. He decided to remove it as Ned passed him, he gave James a double take and jerked to turn around and face him. A thought passed through his mind of killing the Gold Cloaks and saving Ned, running off, but it was folly.
"BAELOR!" Ned yelled at him as the Gold Cloaks pushed him forward, "BAELOR!" he yelled once more as James looked to the statue, he saw a tiny figure standing at its feet. James strained his eyes to notice it was Arya. She sat there clutching the statue, her clothes were extremely dirty and she had a grease on her face.
He pushed through the crowd making his way towards her. James pushed and shoved as he tried to make his way through, but they wouldn't budge. He looked to the dais and saw that Sansa was standing there with Cersei, Joffrey, the High Septon, a few member's of the Kingsguard, and the rest of the small council. Finally the Gold Cloaks stood Ned in the middle of the stage, he stood there looking defeated; a former shell of the once great man James knew.
"I'am Eddard Stark!" he yelled, "Lord of Winterfell and Hand of the King!"
Ned gave a look to Sansa who smiled and nodded, "I come before you to confess my treason; in the sight of Gods and Men."
James stood there and watched as his father confessed, keeping his gaze on him and not Cersei; who he feared would recognize him. "I betrayed the faith of my King and the trust of my best friend, Robert. I swore to protect and defend his children, but before his blood was cold: I plotted to murder his son, and seize the throne for myself,"
The crowd began to boo and jeer as they began to wave back in forth, as if they were a wave crashing upon a shore. A rock flew and hit Ned in the head as he stumbled, the Hound sat him back up. James looked back and saw Arya was still there, except this time Needle was drawn.
"Let the High Septon and Baelor the Blessed, bare witness to what I have to say," Ned said, "Joffrey Baratheon, is the one true heir to the Iron Throne. By the grace of all the Gods, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm."
The crowd grew violent again as the High Septon shushed them, "As we sin, so do we suffer. This man has confessed his crimes in sight of Gods and Men. The Gods are just, but Beloved Baelor taught us they can also be merciful. What is to be done with this traitor, your grace?"
The crowd roared as Joffrey, ever the perfect king, raised a hand and they grew quiet, "My mother wishes me to let Lord Eddard join the Night's Watch. Stripped of all titles and lands; as he would serve the realm in permanent exile. My lady Sansa, has begged mercy for her father," Joffrey grew quiet, but James noticed a sinister look on his face, "But they have the hearts of women, and so long as I'am your king…treason will not go unpunished. Ser Illyn, bring me his head!"
James was in shock as the crowd began to rock back and forth, shouts and curses were in the air alike. Ned looked back to Joffrey in despair as Cersei tried to counsel him. Sansa began to scream and cry as a Kingsguard member held her back. Varys ran over to the King and was talking to him; probably trying to dissuade him from kiling Ned. Littlefinger was smiling. There was nothing more he could do for Ned; James had broken his promise to Lyanna, he had failed. Now his thought's were on Arya, as he turned around and noticed she was no longer sitting on the statue. James pushed and shoved his way through the crowd, making his way to the statue as he heard Arya yelling for people to move.
"Leave me alone!" she yelled, brandishing Needle, "Get away from me!"
She walked past James as he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to him. She violently spun as he held her by arms, looking at her in the eyes,
"DON'T LOOK!" James yelled as Arya fought to get away, "SHUT UP! Look at me! Arya, LOOK AT ME!"
"Let go! Who are you?" she screamed and kicked, "LET GO!"
He heard the unsheathing of a sword as he brought Arya close to his chest. Blocking her view from Ned. James heard Sansa's pleas as he felt a couple of tear's trickle down his cheek.
"James?" Arya said looking up at him, as he looked down on her and smiled, "It's me, child. Look away, look away."
Arya closed her eyes and kept to James. The crowd's shouting drowning out the Sansa's screams. Finally James heard the sword cut through the air, and the cutting of flesh. The crows began to fly around, cawing.
AN: Yup, Ned had to die. I didn't see any plausible way in which James could've prevented his death. Even though he had the map and warned Ned not to tell Cersei, it still wasn't enough. Ned's honor will always get the best of him.
