Jon

His father was gone. He'd ridden out with the King and Mace Tyrell that morning. Jon watched them go from the walls of the Red Keep with Sam and his sisters. They rode off until they looked little more than ants in the distance while the army still exited the Capital.

Ser Jaime had gone with as he was ordered. And Jon made it a point to see him off.

"Good Luck, Ser." He said." I will pray for your safe return. There was no reply from Jaime. No sly remark or retort just a smile and a nod of his head. Lady Brienne was there to see him off as well though he had more words to say to her on his departure.

Jon stayed in the Capital. Jon had wanted to go with them. He had already gained his knighthood. So who's to say that on some unknown battlefield he couldn't have earned his white cloak, and they journey he started nearly a year ago would be over. And another would begin.

He was the sworn sword of the Prince after all and a member of the Household Guard. But King Robert had more than enough men to guard his wife and two remaining children. Ser Richard Thorpe and Brienne of Tarth were amongst them with Lady Brienne being the Queen's personnel guard. Though truth be told Jon had not seen his Aunt since the King and his father had left. No doubt she still grieves for Gendry.

In fact all of the Capital seemed to. Edric who was usually jolly and charismatic was more solemn and was not as talkative as he once was. Princess Bella was similar dealing with both the loss of her brother and a permanent scar.

That's where Jon was going now to meet with his cousins. Accompanying him was his best friend Samwell Tarly now back to becoming a Maester after relinquishing his Lordship of Horn Hill to his brother Dickon.

The duo approached the bed chamber of Princess Bella and found it guarded by newest member of the Kingsguard Ser Loras Tyrell. He was tall and handsome,his long brown hair and golden eyes to match his armor. He had been tasked by Ser Barristan along with his new sworn brother Ser Balon to guard the royal family, while the Lord Commander and Ser Jaime rode with the King. But even with Loras in the order there were still three open positions. Jon knew he would have to move fast if he wanted it now. Because if he failed now who knew how long he'd wait before another opened.

"Jon." Loras nodded to him. Jon and Loras had traveled together across the Stormlands and back to the Capital together. During that time Loras said little but Jon understood his pain. But Loras was never cruel or rude to Jon because of this." Tarly." He added to Sam.

"You look very gallant in that armor Ser Loras." Jon said." Though I never knew you aspired to join the Kingsguard."

"I thought it the best way to serve the realm and our Royal Family." Loras responded.

"It armor suites you." Sam said. Loras nodded his thanks." But what made you suddenly so interested in joining? And at such a young age." Loras had only just turned seventen, a year older than Jon. The Dragon Knight was Seventeen when he donned the white cloak. And Ser Jaime Lannister younger even, Jon thought.

"When the sun has set, no candle can replace it." Ser Loras answered. He was talking about Renly, Jon knew. Before Sam could question him Jon spoke.

"We've come to see the Princess."

"I'm afraid she does not wish to be disturbed." Loras said stepping in his way. The door opened up behind them and there stood Prince Edric.

"Jon." He greeted his cousin with a smile." Come in." He stepped aside allowing the two entrance. He nodded to Ser Loras as he closed the door behind him, though not all the way.

Inside Jon saw Princess Bella Baratheon sitting in front of a mirror with Sansa and Arya behind her. Sansa had tied Bella's hair behind her head and was using whatever lotions and makeup was at her disposal to help the poor Princess' image. The red scar ran across the left side of her face, from ear to chin.

Jon and Sam walked behind Edric, stopping when the Prince did only a few feet behind the girls.

"It doesn't look so bad." Sansa told." We can easily hide it by braiding you hair to one side." But Bella did not seem to agree and the sight of the scar made the tears start to build in her eyes.

"I'm hideous!" she let out." A freak." Edric gave Jon a quick glance and he quickly understood what it meant. She'd been like this for days now.

"Hunchbacks and dwarfs are hideous." Edric said walking across the room until he stood behind his sister." And you are neither." He leaned down and smiled at her in the mirror.

"I've read in some cultures across the narrow sea." Sam spoke up." That they wear scars from battle as a badge of honor." And that made the little Princess smile, even if it was only a small one. Edric leaned down to kiss her on her cheek before turning away.

"Come." He said with a wave to Jon. The Prince led the way out the door with his bastard cousin and the master in training following. Once out the door Ser Loras made a move to follow them but was stopped when Edric waved the young Knight away, instead choosing to have him guard his sister.

"She's looking better." Jon commented as they walked along." I hope she gets better." Simple words but he didn't know what else to say. Edric was silent and only nodded in reply.

They walked along the castles walls, looking remarkably fresh despite the battle held there only a few days ago. Looking over the side you could look out across the narrow sea on one side and across the fields of westeros on the other. This would all be his someday. From the Wall to Sunspear, the Second Baratheon to sit on the Iron Throne.

"You've done your duty. "Edric said." No man can deny that. You protected me from the battle and if it weren't for you my sister would be dead just like Gendry." There was sadness in his voice when he mentioned his brother's name. But he pushed past it and mustered his confidence for what he had to say next. "I'd name you to the Kingsguard myself right now if weren't for the fact that only the King or the Hand can appoint a white knight." The cousins had spilt blood together. Jon had been there during Edric's first battle, by his side every minute just as family should be.

"You honor me cousin." Jon smiled." But there is no use talking over what cannot be. There is still time for me."

"As you wish." Edric nodded.

"Ser Jon Snow. Ser Snow." Sam smiled." It has a nice ring to it. You'll be a Kingsguard in no time now, and Lord Commander not long after that." Jon laughed.

"Yes and when I become Lord Commander you'll become Grand Maester Samwell Tarly." So from that day forward they called each other 'Grand Maester' and 'Lord Commander'.

Eddard

Ned had never truly loved the sea. He had wanted to sail on a Manderly Ship but Robert insisted they ride on a Lannister ship to 'appease' Lord Tywin. The Captain of the Ship claimed they had a fine strong wind and a following sea but the way the boat thrashed about Ned thought otherwise. He had already lost his breakfast to the rolling of the ship. Robert only laughed at him. The Kingslayer enjoyed his suffering as well.

"What's the matter Stark?" He hollered as he slapped a heavy hand onto his friend's back. "Sea too much for you, haha!" Ned could not understand how Robert was so calm on their voyage when he himself had greater reason to fear the sea. When he was a boy his own parents had been killed by the sea and yet there was no fear in Robert's eyes.

At his side were the two white Knights sent to accompany the King. The Lord Commander and the Kingslayer.

"Your Grace!" called a voice. Everyone turned over to view a man pointing over the port side of the ship. Looking over everyone could see their destination starting to appear in the distance.

Gulltown was the major port of the Vale as well as the largest city in it. During their fostering in the Vale Ned remembered having gone to visit it on a few occasions when Jon Arryn went to visit his relations. But House Grafton were the true owners of the City.

They were once proud Targaryen Loyalist. And as the ships approached the Harbor and the three headed Dragon could be seen alongside the Golden Tower it was clear they'd gone back to their old ways.

During Robert's Rebellion Robert himself killed Marq Grafton who had stayed loyal to the Mad King. By the end of this day he may have killed another.

Robb

The arrival of Lord Tywin and Edmure Tully assured the victory for Robb and his forces. After their victory over the Greyjoys in the Iron Islands they turned their army East and came to help. The battle along the Trident was over, the dragons were killed and whatever remained of the Targaryen army had been captured. There was one task left.

For the first time in his life Robb got to see a Targaryen face to face. Twenty years ago they were all too common but in this day and age he'd have better luck finding a Giant. But Robb had once believed those fiction as well but now he'd seen both a Giant and Targaryen.

The False King was down on his knees hands behind his back in chains. His long silver hair flowing past his shoulders while his violet eyes stared right at Robb. He was surrounded by two of Lord Tywin's own men-at-arms while a combined number of men from North and Riverlands combined surrounded their captured foes. Amongst them Robb recognized the sun and spear of House Martell led by its Red Viper. And of his own kind Robb saw Ser Jorah Mormont, Dacey's cousin.

Grey Wind stood by his master's side as he overlooked the beaten army. To their right were Tywin Lannister and his westermen while Edmure and his Rivermen were on his left. They'd heard the distressing news from the Capital. The Targaryen army failed to take it and instead moved North. Once they'd finished in the Iron Islands they quickly moved against this old foe. If things had gone a different way in King's Landing the biggest traitors of Robert's Rebellion would not go unpunished.

"That is him." Lord Tywin pointed to the kneeling King. And perhaps this was the boy's first time laying his eyes on Tywin as well because the sneer on his face grew even wider than the one he showed Robb. But his anger only seemed to please the Lion of Lannister." Take his head. All of them." He looked to the other prisoners. Tywin's men prepared to do as ordered but it was Robb who spoke next.

"No!" He commanded. All eyes quickly turned to him." We're not needlessly butchering those who cannot defend themselves. The battle is won, they are our prisoners, the war is over!"

"The war cannot be over." Tywin quickly replied." So long as he lives." He pointed a slender index finger in Aegon's direction." The blood in his veins gives him more of a claim to the Throne than Robert, his son or any Baratheon!"

"And don't you forget it." Aegon said rising to his feet." For I am Aegon, son of Rheagar Targaryen. Rightful King of the Andals and the First-Uh!" He stopped as one of his guards knocked him in the back with the hilt of his sword sending him to the ground. But that outcry caused Aegon's supporters to grow restless in their chains.

"Enough!" Robb commanded. He turned back to Tywin." It is not the King's Justice to kill prisoners of war and beaten men. He must be taken back to King's Landing and given a fair trial for his actions." But that seemed to what Aegon was waiting for.

"There will be a trial to decide my fate." He said sitting back up. He shook his head allowing his long hair to flip over his shoulder." A trial by combat." A poor choice of words on Robb's part as he played right into Aegon's hands. The trial by combat could either allow this war to end in one stroke or escalate. Aegon rose to his feet." I will be my own champion. Who dares face me?" His eyes turned to Robb. His opponent who he'd battled with these past few days." Are you man enough to face me Stark?"

"Very well. "Robb said stepping up." I accept your terms!" Now of course Lord Tywin was no fool and was not willing to risk more blood and death on the fate of Robb Stark.

"Make it a trial by Seven!" He let out. The infamous trial by seven, a trial by combat but with seven combatants on each side. Before anyone could object Tywin continued." No doubt the 'King' has supporters who will fight for him." Aegon turned over his shoulder to see Jon Connington the first to his feet followed by Oberyn Martell.

"So be it. "Aegon said. He along with six more of his men were freed from their chains and given their weapons. But Robb was also in need of his own team.

"This is too risky a gamble. This is exactly the kind of attitude that got your Uncle Killed." Tywin said to Robb." And now I'm going to do what I should have done sixteen years ago." He glanced over his shoulder." Ser Gregor Clegane will fight on your side." Robb looked up to see the Mountain that rides in all his glory standing over a foot taller than any other man.

"Lord Tywin!" Both Robb and Tywin turned as Lyle Crakehall pushed his way through the crowd to make himself known before his Liege Lord." Allow me the honor to represent the Westerlands and your House as well." Lord Tywin responded to the Strongboar with a simple nod. Robb was glad to see the Strongboar join their ranks, he was a good man and skilled with a sword. Then he turned and looked for other possible candidates.

"There should be representatives from all our armies." Edmure spoke up." And I will represent the Riverlands in this-" He was cut off by a slap to the back by his Uncle.

"You'd be lucky if you lasted even a minute." The Blackfish said." Besides there's no way you can fight with those wounds." He pointed to Edmure's shoulder. He'd taken a blow from a spear when they first rode in. Luckily the spear managed to miss his head and instead knocked him off his horse. "Send another in your place." Edmure turned around to the faces of the Rivermen behind him.

"I offer my sword Lord Edmure!" Karyl Vance called out hoping to gain favor by calling Edmure 'Lord'. A trial by seven has not happened in over a hundred years, no doubt everyone wanted to be apart of it.

"I led the siege on Blacktyde." Lord Tytos Blackwood said." I am the best choice."

"I'll fight." Lucas Blackwood called out. He was the Second son of Lord Tytos and had fought beside him in all the battle of this war. He had proved his worth on Blacktyde when he was the first through the gates of Blacktyde castle where he slew it's Lord.

But at the sight of his rival distinguishing himself Lord Jonos Bracken called out. A son of Walder Frey's spoke up but was quickly quieted down.

"I am the best choice!" But Edmure's attention went to his old friends Marq Piper and Patrek Mallister.

"Ser Marq." He finally said." You will represent our people in this fight." Smugly Marq took a step forward, his long blonde hair flowing behind him his hand rested on his sword.

That overall made four; all they needed was three more. There were few pickings from the Vale. Harrold Arryn had been wounded in the fight or he would have gone himself. His choice would have been Mychel Redfort "The Dragon Slayer" but he had been wounded from his previous fight. Ser Lucas Corbray could not fight if his brother was on the opposing side for the fear of kinslaying.

But the Vale found their representative in the form of young, bold Ser Robar Royce second son of Yohn Royce. That made five, two more. Robb now turned to his own people; he'd fight better knowing he had a Northmen at his side.

"Lord Stark!" Ser Wendel Manderly "The Dragon Slayer" jumped forward." I am at your service. This Sword!" He showcased his blade to his liege lord." Was meant for killing Dragons. Let me had another to the list." He turned and looked at Aegon.

The look on the Smalljon's face was of pure fury.

"That's him." He pointed a finger at Prince Oberyn." That's the man who slew my father!" The armor described by the dying GreatJon and that worn by Prince Oberyn seemed identical." Let me finish what he started!" Ser Kyle Condon Ser Donnel Locke and Ser Ronnel Stout all offered their swords as well. But two faces made themselves clear to Robb without muttering a word. it was in fact the two people he cared most about in his army.

Ser Domeric Bolton and Lady Dacey Mormont.

"I cannot let you." Robb quickly said.

"We swore our swords as your personnel guards." Domeric said." We're with you till the end."

"To whatever end." Dacey quickly added. Robb only nodded in reply. Now with their seven gathered they walked forward. Between Gregor Clegane and Lyle Crakehall they'd have all the strength they needed. But would brute force be enough.

A small portion of the field had been made out for them to have their battle in. Walking towards them from the other side was King Aegon's team. Made up of the King himself, His Hand Jon Connington, Prince Oberyn Martell, Lord Commander of Aegon's Kingsguard Ser Jorah Mormont, and his Kingsguard members Ser Gerold Dayne, Lyn Corbray, and Archibald Yronwood.

They approached each other and Robb found himself face to face with the false King.

As they stood Prince Oberyn eyed Ser Gregor carefully and Ser Jorah looked at his cousin. It had been six years since they last saw one another and now it seemed they would have to fight each other. Jorah looked at her and his eyes were drawn immediately to the bear shaped pommel poking out over her shoulder.

"Is that?"

"It is." She nodded. She reached her arm back and unsheathed it slightly, showing him the Valyarian steel blade." Taken from your father at the wall. Lord Jeor Mormont is dead." Ser Jorah's face tightened and his lip quivered.

"They send women to fight us." Aegon snickered." This battle has already turned in our favor."

"Don't be so sure." Robb quickly said.

"There's no wolf this time to save you." Aegon said." I'll beat you at your own game." Robb ignored Aegon and instead turned to Ser Jorah.

"Everyone here is entitled to a fair trial. "He told." Except you. You have already been found guilty of a crime and your punishment is long overdue."

"You have tried already to take his head, Ned Stark." Aegon said." But you will not have it."

"This is not Ned Stark your Grace." Jon Connington leaned over to his King. Aegon looked from his Hand to Lord Commander and finally to the Stark before him.

"I am not Ned Stark." He answered." I am his son Robb." All this time he had thought it was Ned Stark the traitor who he'd been fighting. Yet it made his blood boil even more too known it was the son before him, but it made him all the more pleased to know he'd kill him soon.

And with nothing else to say they turned. They would start fifty yards away from each other and when the signal was given they would turn and advance on each other.

As they walked back Robb turned to Domeric on his right. He was the friend Robb always though Theon to be. But Theon was a traitor and Domeric had always been there, even in the beginning when he was a green boy to support him.

"Ser Domeric." He said." You've risked much for me in this war. You married a Frey girl so he could cross the Twins, followed me in all my battles and now into this the most dangerous of all." He'd give his life for Robb's in a heartbeat and he knew that. "You never had any true brothers." He continued." But know now, we are brothers!" He slapped his hand over Domeric's as he swung the other arm around his shoulders.

Once that was said he turned to the warrior woman on his left Dacey. The first woman he'd ever laid with, the only true love of his life.

"If this is to be our last moment." He said." Know that I will die with you in my heart." He leaned up and kissed her on the lips infront of everyone, Gods be damned. If it was to be the last thing he ever tasted he was glad it was her.

"And you in mine." She answered when he was done.

Suddenly the call was given and the combatants turned in on each other. The Trial by Seven had begun.