Robb
He was the Lord of Winterfell now. All the North from the Wall to the Neck was his responsibility.
He sent food and steel to the Night's Watch as his father promised. And even though he had only been at his new station for a few weeks he had yet to find a deserter which he was happy for.
His own keep of Winterfell needed looking after. The tallest tower of the keep was struck by lightning over a hundred years ago. And since then no Lord of Winterfell has decided to fix it, that was until Robb.
But none of that compared to his bannermen.
Lord Ryswell's three quarlesome sons were always causing trouble in the Rills. Each fighting over one petty reason or another.
The Umbers kept reporting of small tribes of Wildlings who made it passed the wall, growing in numbers each day. Perhaps soon Robb might have to call the banners to fight this Mance Rayder the King beyond the Wall.
Ser Wylis sent ravens offering for Robb to come to White Harbor for a tourney, to christen a ship, and so on. But Robb needed to put business before pleasure.
Every day was work, work, work. But that didn't mean he couldn't take a break every now and again.
"Ninety eight." He counted with his eyes closed." Ninety nine, One hundred." He opened them and looked around to see the dense woods and forest around him." Ready for not here I come!" He took a step forward and began navigating his way around the woods.
His direwolf Grey Wind moving along right beside him. He put his nose to the ground and began to sniff. Robb followed right behind him.
"Good boy Grey Wind." Robb said." Sniff them out." The Direwolf moved forward until his nose brought him to one of the trees. Then he jumped up on his hind legs and pointed up into the tree.
"Found you." Robb smiled looking up in the tree.
"No fair." Bran said as he was climbing down." You used your Direwolf."
"Even without him I've had found you. "Robb chuckled." You always hide in the trees."
"ROBB!" called a voice." ROBB!" The Lord turned around to see his basatard brother Jon running towards him at full sprint. His snow white direwolf Ghost running with him.
"I don't think you get the point of the game." Robb smiled." I'm supposed to find you."
"Robb." Jon panted as he stopped before him. "Something's happened."
"What?"
"There's trouble."
"Take Bran." Robb pointed to his younger brother. "Find Rickon and get them back to Winterfell."
"Yes m'Lord." Jon nodded. He and Robb both stepped away from each other ready to do what they must.
Theon Greyjoy was the firt person he saw when he returned.
"What's the matter?" Robb commanded as he marched in.
"You have a guest my Lord." Theon said stepping towards him." From Hornwood." He stepped aside to reveal the man to him.
"Lord Stark." He said rising up. He was a boy of Robb's own age. He looked no different from any boy their age, except for the blood stain cloths. The first thing Robb thought was that he was a murderer or thief on the run.
"Who are you?" Robb questioned.
"Daryn Hornwood, my Lord. Heir to Hornwood."
"What's happened? What are you doing here?" Daryn straightened himself out although it seemed like it hurt him to do so.
"There's trouble in Hornwood. "He told. "The forrest."
"Wildlings?" Robb questioned thinking his greatest fears had come true. Daryn shook his head.
"Bandits." He told." Led by the bastard of Bolton."
"Bolton?" Robb questioned." Lord Roose Bolton."
"His bastard." Daryn told." Been leading a group of men from the forrest. Sneaking in and attacking the villagers. My father tasked me to find them. But I failed and my men were killed." His body began to shake and Robb thought he might fall over.
"Say no more." He said extending his hand, helping to balance him." I'll deal with this bastard. I'll free your lands of this problem. Theon." He turned to him.
"My Lord."
"Get my horse ready and round up the guards.
"Aye my Lord." At that moment Jon returned with Bran and Rickon.
"Jon." Robb said getting his attention." Get you horse and prepare to move out." Jon said nothing but acknowledged him.
"Let me come with you Lord Stark. "Daryn said getting his attention." Let me have another go at these devils!" The Young Lord was silent for a moment but nodded his head. It was Daryn's land and his right to defend it.
"As you wish."
The Greyjoy boy returned with the reins of two horses in his hands. He handed one off to Robb. At that moment his mother made her way through the crowd, making her way to her son. Walking beside her was Ser Rodrik Cassel.
"Robb." She called." Where are you going?"
"There's trouble in Hornwood." He responded."I have to go." She opened her mouth to say something but said nothing. She knew there was no stopping him, he was his father's son after all.
"Ser Rodrik." Robb said to the Master at Arms." Take care of everything until we return."
"Yes my Lord." He said. He took a step forward and Robb saw for the first time that he had something in his arms." I think you'll be needing this." He raised his hands and showcased the Valyarian steel blade of Ice to him.
His father had carried it into every battle he'd been in, and whenever he delievered the King's Justice. Maybe today Robb might have to.
"Thank you Ser Rodrik. "He said accepting it. He took the blade with both hands and handed it off to Theon. Jon had mounted up and so did Ser Wendel along with fifty of their household guard. The young Lord gave a last look at his mother and younger brothers before leaving. "Let's go!" he commanded.
"Onward!" Jon urged his horse.
"Yah!" Theon called slapping his. The two rode forward to ride at Robb's side. The direwolves Grey Wind and Ghost running alongside their masters. Ser Wendel was right behind them bouncing up and down in the saddle while their guards followed them.
The raiders had last been seen in the lands of the Hornwood Forrest. The natural cover of the woods making it easy for them to appear and then disappear. Hornwood lands extended down from the sheepshead hills and as far as the White Knife, bordering with House Manderly and House Bolton. Hence the current problem.
House Bolton was always the most unsavory of the Stark's bannermen. The Stark's most terrifying enemies during the Age of Heroes, and had more than once rebelled against their overlord. Bad blood ran in the veins of the Boltons. And Robb didn't know what to expect on this mission.
What he found was the worst. The small villages along the forrest had been raided and destroyed. Anything and everything of value was taken, homes burned to the ground, livestock killed and worst of all was the dead. Men, women, children, none were sparred. It was a gruesome sight, more terrible than Robb could have imagined.
The bandits were still out there. But Robb's mind went to the dead first.
"We'll bury them." He commanded. And so his men dismounted their horses to pay their homage to the deceased. All the time Robb mused the situation over.
The violence of these attacks. But it was cowards who attacked the helpless only to flee back into the woods. He wanted to find them and soon before anything worse happened.
"Robb!" called Jon. The young Lord picked his head up and looked over the horizon. Coming at them was a small group of less than ten men. But at the moment they were mounted on horseback while Robb and his party were not.
"Arm yourselves!" called Ser Wendel. Many of the men had discarded their weapons and armor to make burying the dead easier. Robb hoped it wouldn't be their undoing.
He himself was unarmed for the moment and quickly darted back to his horse to retrieve his sword from it's scabbard. At that moment the thunder of the horses hooves was getting louder and the men ran around preparing themselves for the skirmish to come.
Robb ran to his horse while his men had their swords drawn and spears at the ready, pointing at their oncoming foes.
"Halt!" Jon called to them." In the name of House Stark." But that did not slow them and they continued to charge.
Robb's back was to them when he drew his blade but he heard the nosies behind him. The stamping of hooves, the clashing of steel, the cries and curses of men.
Ser Wendel shot off a bolt from his crossbow and hit one of the attacker's horses, forcing him the horse to fall to the ground. Theon had managed to get back on his horse and crossed blades with one of the bandits. Daryn hit his blade against a man's shield before swinging again and stabbing him right in the belly.
At that moment one horse raced straight towards Robb. The Young Lord put both hands on his blade and prepared to swing. He could take the legs out from under the horse, forcing it and the rider down. Or he could jump to the side and slash the rider.
Luckily for him Grey Wind jump forward and sank his teeth into the horse. The sight of the Direwolf alone would frighten the animal but with its teeth in it, the beast was petrified. It cried out in pain as his reared up on it's legs before crashing to the ground. The rider being kicked from his saddle.
Robb advanced slowly as the fighting continued around him. The rider rose form his saddle clutching a sword in his right hand. But Robb had learned well the lesson of his father.
"Put down your arms." He pointed." And no harm will come to you." But the man didn't listen and instead charged forward. Now it was time to put Ser Rodrick's lessons to use.
He charged forward and swung his sword overhead. Robb put his blade up blocking it. Then stepping forward drove his shoulder into his enemy and knocked him back, staggering. Now it was his turn to advance as he gripped his sword with both hands and swung it. Steel clashed against steel as the man narrowly managed to block. But he wouldn't be so lucky again. Robb stepped forward with another great swing and this time cut his foe from his left shoulder across his chest. Red blood flew from his chest as a cry rang from his mouth until he hit the ground.
Robb quickly turned to the next foe but found the battle to be over as bodies covered the grass. Two of his own lay dead but every single man that rode against them was as well.
He didn't want it to be this way. It could have ended sheathed his sword.
"Lord Stark." Jon said approaching him." Are you hurt my Lord?"
"No." Robb shook his head." I'm fine."
"It seems our work here is done. What would you like done with the bodies?"
"Bury them." He answered." Bring our own back to Winterfell for their families." Jon simply nodded.
"Look!" Theon pointed." Over there!" He pointed to the body farthest away from the battle. The man who Ser Wendel had downed with his crossbow. The horse lay dead but the rider was trying to crawl away.
"Sieze him." Robb commanded. Jon and Theon led the charge and ran after him. He watched the two bound over until they fell upon the man. He cursed and screamed at them but they managed to grab him and haul him back. Theon and Jon held a thick bodied boy of about their age with long dark hair. The two pushed him down before Robb where Theon in a fit of anger kicked him. Robb raised his hand stopping him from doing it again.
"Who are you?" He asked. The boy let in a few deep breaths. He was badly injured, his leg no doubt. When his horse had fallen it had come down ontop of him.
"Ramsay." He answered in a hiss." Ramsay Bolton."
"There is no Ramsay Bolton."
"I am a BOLTON!" he yelled shooting up." The son of Roose Bolton Lord of-AH!" Theon sileneced by kicking him back to the ground.
"Lord Roose Bolton's son's name is Domeric." Robb told." The heir to a great house. You are nothing more than his natural brother."
"I am no bastard!"
"You are that and more. A bandit, a raider, a murderer! There's only one way to deal with men like you. Theon." He nodded to his friend and he quickly walked off." Jon, Daryn hold him down." Everyone did as instructed.
"You can't do this." Ramsay said." Do you know what my father will do?" Jon and the other men forced the bastard's head down right as Theon returned with Ice. Robb put both hands on the hilt and lifted it from it's scabbard. The sight of the blade awed everyone.
"Do you have any last words?" He asked.
"You can't do this." He hissed. "I am a Bolton! My Father is Lord of Dreadfort." He continued on after that but Robb wouldn't hear any more of it. There was no mercy left in this creature better to end it now and quickly. And with one swing of his sword he did just that.
Eddard
The Small Council met everyday sometimes for hours or for only a few minutes. Earlier on in Robert's reign the meetings were longer but it appeared the realm had fallen short of issues as of late. No Rebellions to fight, no Lord evading his taxes, the dungeons were mostly empty. And the few that were there would be sent up to the Night's Watch.
And the council had certainly changed over these last sixteen years.
Lord Stannis Baratheon of Dragonstone the Master of Ships. Lord Renly Baratheon of Storm's End, Master of Laws. Grand Maester Pycelle of the Citadel. Varys the Master of Whispers. Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Ser Barristan Selmy. And lastly Petyr Baelish Master of Coin. Ned was the newest face amongst them.
He had known Stannis, the Grand Maester and Ser Barristan the most but their conversations were brief. And Renly probably couldn't remember that last time he saw Ned, he was so young. The others were strangers to him.
"Anything else my Lords?" Ned said from his place at Robert's side. Their current matters were nothing of great importance. It seemed today would be one of the shorter meetings.
"Only one." Robert replied. He unfolded a paper and handed it off to Ned.
"What is this?" He asked taking it.
"A gift you might say." Robert smiled. Ned unrolled the paper and began reading the words, however it was not to his liking.
"A Tourney?" Ned said putting the paper down to stare at Robert. The King with a silly smile on his face.
"Ah a tourney." He chuckled. "In your honor. "He slapped a hard hand onto Ned's shoulder and the Hand silenced a groan.
"You just hosted a tourney last month." Stannis spoke up.
"Yes." Robert said pointing a finger at him." But that was before good old Ned here joined us. And I think we should celebrate that."
"I thank you for it. "Ned said." But it's not necessary."
"It is necessary." Robert urged." It's the first time you've been here to visit me in nearly ten years. And I want to spoil you like I've spoiled your sister."
"Robert-"
"It'll be fun Ned." He continued." My son's old enough to enter the lists and your's as well. And Edmure will come down for it I'm sure. We'll have a big family reunion!" Before Ned could say anything more Robert pointed a finger to Peytr.
"Littlefinger!"
"Your grace." He bowed.
"I leave you to manage the rewards. Something suitable, substancial."
"Have no fear, your grace." Peytr said." I'll do what needs to be done."
"Excellent. "Robert said clapping his hands together. He seemed pleased with the situation although he appeared to be the only one." If that'll be all then, my Lords." Without another word the King rose from his chair and headed out.
"Robert I-" Ned began.
"Not a word of it Ned." Robert said." This is all for you. All for you!" And he headed out.
"Don't worry Lord Hand." Ser Barristan assured him." It won't be as bad as you think. The Mad King left plenty of gold in these halls."
"I'd sooner that gold be put to better use than games."
"The King has his vices." The old knight said." It could always be worse." He nodded a goodbye before heading out. And all the other members had as well, all except one.
Ned prepared to leave himself until Stannis Baratheon blocked his path.
"Lord Stark." Stannis said as he approached.
"Lord Stannis." Ned returned the greeting. This was the first time Stannis was addressing him outside a meeting, and even during them he only ever nodded or spoke a single word of agreement with him.
"We are glad to have you Lord Stark. Jon Arryn was a good man, a loyal man. It's big boots you'll have to fill." He wondered if Stannis might have been jealous. Of Robert's two younger brothers it was Renly that he was more like, and Stannis was the polar opposite of the two. He was tall and powerfully built like his brothers but where they had full black hair Stannis had a recieding hairline. Where Robert and Renly were both charismatic Stannis was bitter. Where they were forgiving Stannis was hard. The only thing Stannis seemed to have in common with Robert was his leadership in warfare. He'd been here longer than Ned, serving his brother ever since he took the throne. But he'd never complain, he'd never sour. He would only do his duty.
"I am aware." Ned simply nodded. Stannis began walking and Ned walked beside him.
"This City is a plague." Stannis said pointing out the window." Thieves and cutthroats, the dregs of human kind all mixed together in a shallow, drunken stupor." Ned glanced out the window, beyond the walls of the castle." Jon Arryn did what he could to help clean it up but when you pluck out one weed two more grow in it's place."
"What are you saying Lord Stannis?" Ned questioned. Stannis gave a glance around before looking back to Ned.
"The Small council has fallen short in recent years. Jon Arryn, Hoster Tully, Wyman Manderly were all good men. But the eunich, the grand master." He shook his head." They both sat on the council with the Mad King, Robert was always too forgiving."
"They seemed to have done their duties well. And Renly sits on the council too, he no doubt can be trusted."
"Renly is a fool." Stannis growled." And don't even get me started on Littlefinger. I don't know what Lord Arryn was thinking when he brought him here."
"He is skilled with Coin hence his position." Stannis shook his head once more.
"If I were you Lord Stark I would replace the hole lot of them. And I know just where you can start." He stood in his place and now turned to face Ned.
"Where?"
"The Commander of the City Watch."
While Wyman Manderly sat on the small council he made his cousin Ser Marlon Manderly the Commander of the City Watch. And the battle-hardened northern knight made a fine Commander to begin this new era.
But when Wyman left the city his cousin went with him and a new Commander was needed. Janos Slynt had grown up a butcher's son but was Captain of the Iron Gate even during the days of the Mad King.
While shorter and fatter than Ser Marlon he was highly recommended, mostly by the new Master of Coin Petyr Baelish. And so for the last eight years Janos Slynt had been Commander of the City Watch.
"What of him?" Ned questioned.
"He's corrupt." Stannis told." Not the first man to take a bride I'd wager but it is a crime nevertheless. The man charged with guarding the City is not a man who can goes to the highest bidder."
"Indeed." Ned agreed." And do you have proof of this Lord Stannis?"
"I wouldn't come to you if I didn't." He answered."While Robert rode north to retrieve you two gold cloaks approached me and confessed Slynt's deeds."
"Take me to them." Ned said. And Stannis obliged. He brought the newly appointed Hand down into the courtyard of the Red Keep. And there two Gold Cloaks already waiting there for them.
"Humfrey Waters, Captain of the Dragon Gate." Stannis pointed to the one on the left." And Ser Jacelyn Bywaters, Captain of the Mud Gate."
"My Lord." The two greeted Stannis.
"This is the newly appointed Hand of the King. "Stannis pointed to Ned." The King's brother in law, Lord Eddard Stark."
"Good afternoon, Lord Stark." They greeted.
"Good Afternoon. "Ned replied." Lord Stannis has told me that you have some news concerining your current Commander?"
"Janos Slynt has been selling positions in the City Watch for years." Ser Jacelyn told." More than half the officers are in his pocket."
"And you two?" Ned asked.
"We earned our positions fair and square my Lord." Humfrey spoke up." Which is why we come to you about it now." Ned nodded his head.
"Are you two willing to testify before the King?"
"Yes my Lord." They nodded.
"Very well." Ned said." First thing tomorrow morning met us in the Throne Room."
Note: We're about at the half-way mark now. If you've come this far, maybe you're willing to go a little farther. I'm very excited to get the next part out which will set up the rest of the story until the end, which is why I have such quick updates. I'm even more excited to see what you all will think of it.
Until then stay awesome