The Rise Of A Dynasty
Castle Black – 300 A.C
One week later...
Jon sat atop his horse holding onto his axe with his longsword strapped to his hip.
Alongside him also on horseback holding onto spears were Robb, Lyra, Theon, Beric, Lyanna, Arthur, Rickard, Harrion and Torrhen Karstark, Robbett Glover and Oswell Whent.
Behind them were over three thousand cavalry with another three thousand cavalry stationed a mile away from them.
They were waiting a good half a mile away from the infantry in hopes that could stay out of sight of the Wildlings and catch them off guard.
Night was fast falling north of the Wall as they waited in silence.
Meanwhile...
Ned was stood at the front of their 17,000 strong infantry lined along the wall in front of the outer gate to Castle Black.
The Nights Watch had sent ravens to every House in the North asking them to send as many men as they could to Castle Black to fight back the Wildlings.
As they had hoped for every House in the North had marched their men straight to Castle Black while the Shadow Tower and Eastwatch By The Sea also sent every able bodied man to Castle Black.
As Ned gazed out into the forest in front of them waiting for the Wildlings to appear Greatjon and Smalljon Umber walked up alongside him along with Galbart Glover.
Ned glanced at Greatjon Umber who was growling obviously ready for a fight.
"Remember the plan Jon" said Ned.
"Aye... draw them in and then strike" said Greatjon Umber.
"The archers and cavalry will deal with the bulk of their army as they charge out of the woods, we just kill the rest of them" said Galbart Glover.
Ned nodded.
"They usually flee when they feel the battle starting to turn, with any luck this will not last more than a few hours" said Smalljon Umber.
"And their giants, our Rangers say they have at least six" said Jeor Mormont walking through the crowd towards them followed by Benjen and two other Nights Watch Brothers.
Ned turned to him.
"We have four skorpians back there, the bolts should be big enough to bring down a giant" said Ned.
"Lets hope so" said Jeor Mormont gruffly.
Ned sighed and turned back to look at the woods.
He glanced to his left after a few seconds where he was barely able to make out the other three thousand cavalry led by Rickard and Roger Ryswell, Eldric Dustin, Mors Umber, Ser Wendel Manderly, Lord Harmond Locke and Lord Medrick Mazin.
They stood there watching the trees for another hour or so before the sight of a great fire caught their gaze.
The fire stretched all the way across the forest being in sight of the cavalry at both sides.
Ned turned around to face Roose Bolton and Wylis Manderly before nodding.
"Now" said Ned before turning back to face the front once more.
"Spears and shields Men!" shouted Wylis Manderly.
Ned and the others watched the Wildlings emerge from the trees as thousands of Northmen carrying large shields moved in front of the other Northmen followed by more Northmen carrying large spears.
"Ready!" shouted Wylis Manderly.
The Northmen holding the shields planted them into the snow while the Northmen with spears behind them positioned a spear between each shield forming a defensive line of shields and spears stretching right across their army.
"By the Gods" muttered Ned as four male giants emerged from the trees riding large woolly brown mammoths.
The giants rode out to the front of the large Wildling army which was at least 20,000 strong.
"I never thought I would ever see such a sight" said Galbart Glover in shock.
"That's not even half of them" said Benjen drawing his sword.
Ned nodded and unsheathed Ice before turning around.
"Bring the skorpians closer... and ready the trebuchets" said Ned.
"Yes Lord Stark" said Wylis Manderly before turning around and walking off towards the back of the infantry where the trebuchets and skorpians were located.
Ned turned back to the front where the Wildlings were holding back.
"Ready!" shouted Ned.
The others drew their weapons ready for a fight.
"Hold!" shouted Smalljon Umber gripping his greatsword with both hands.
They waited for what seemed like forever before the unmistakable sound of a war horn erupted from the Wildling lines.
On cue the Wildlings charged forwards roaring and screaming.
Ned turned around to see the skorpians being brought forwards as large rocks and flaming balls of wood flew over their heads from the trebuchets followed swiftly by a volley of arrows.
Ned glanced back at the Wildlings as they fell to the rocks, flaming wood and arrows before turning back to where Wylis Manderly was stood next to one of the skorpians.
"Now!" shouted Ned.
"Fire!" shouted Wylis Manderly.
Several snap bangs rang out around the skorpians as four bolts flew over the heads of Ned and the others towards the giants.
Three of them buried into the chest of one giant bringing him down instantly while the fourth hit another giant in the stomach causing him to drop to his knees and let out a deafening howl of pain.
"Reload" shouted Wylis Manderly as the Wildlings got closer to the infantry while more of them emerged from the trees.
"Give the signal!" shouted Galbart Glover.
Two Glover Soldiers picked up flaming torches and started waving them in the air as the Wildlings crashed into their spear and shield wall with some pushing their way past the spears to attack the shields.
"That's the signal!" shouted Arthur.
He and the others surged their horses forwards followed by the rest of the cavalry who were wielding swords and axes.
They charged at full tilt riding alongside the trees cutting the Wildlings down in droves as the cavalry on the opposite side rode towards the Wildlings charging towards the infantry as the trebuchets ceased firing.
Beric skewered two Wildlings on his spear before feeling it fly from his hand as it hit the second Wildling.
He quickly unsheathed his sword rapidly swinging it at the Wildlings as he rode through them.
He quickly glanced at Jon who was holding his axe down by his horse killing each Wildling beside his horse.
Robb had also lost his spear and like Beric was swinging his sword at the Wildlings as he passed them.
Once they had reached the end of the advancing Wildlings they turned their horses into the forest to kill the Wildlings before they could emerge from the trees.
One hour later...
Ned decapitated an onrushing Wildling as their shield line broke under the sheer numbers of the Wildlings and thanks to one of the giants knocking some of the shields away killing half a dozen Northmen in the process.
That Giant was thankfully being held back as the Northmen buried several spears into it.
"Keep it tight and push them back!" shouted Greatjon Umber as he took the heads off of two Wildlings with a single swing of his greatsword.
Their remaining shield and spear wall started to push the Wildlings back as another skorpian bolt buried itself into into the last Giants chest knocking it backwards to the ground.
Ned quickly sheathed Ice and picked up a shield and spear before joining their defensive wall.
"Push them back and surround them!" shouted Ned pointing the spear forwards on top of the shield.
The defensive wall roared and started to push the Wildlings back while the rest of their infantry charged around the defensive wall to flank them.
This action caused most of the Wildlings to turn and retreat only to be chased back towards the trees by the Northmen.
Greatjon Umber roared before running through the defensive wall after the Wildlings followed by Smalljon Umber, Galbart Glover, Maege, Dacey and Alysanne Mormont.
However before the Wildlings could reach the trees the Northern cavalry emerged from the trees and rode hard for the Wildlings breaking the retreating lines barely a minute later.
Several Northmen roared and raised their weapons as Jon, Robb, Lyra, Theon, Beric, Lyanna, Arthur, Mors Umber, Eldric Dustin and Oswell Whent rode towards them.
"We caught him Father" said Beric proudly as Mors Umber pushed a tied up man from the back of his horse onto the floor.
Ned dropped his shield and spear before walking over to the man realising it was Mance Rayder.
The man had changed so much from the Nights Watch Ranger he remembered at Winterfell many years ago.
He was now dressed in grey Wildling furs with neat medium length black hair and a slightly withered face.
"The King Beyond The Wall" said Eldric Dustin in a mocking tone.
Mors Umber dismounted his horse and pulled Mance Rayder to his knees holding his sword to the Wildling Leader's throat.
Mance Rayder locked eyes with Ned and nodded his head.
"Lord Stark" said Mance Rayder bitterly.
Ned said nothing only unsheathing Ice.
Mance Rayder sighed.
"If this is what it has to come too... do me favour and make it quick" said Mance Rayder.
Ned nodded.
"Do you have any last words?" said Ned.
Mance Rayder glanced at the Wall before bowing his head.
"This was my home for many years, just as much as Hardhome was my home… I wish you good fortune, in the wars to come Lord Stark" said Mance Rayder.
Ned walked over to him with Ice at his side.
"Mance Rayder... for the crimes of breaking your oath and deserting your post at the Nights Watch, and for your betrayal against your former Brothers... I, Eddard, of the House Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and Warden Of The North, sentence you to die" said Ned.
He raised Ice and swung it down beheading Mance Rayder.
Ned sighed as his body dropped to the floor.
"Build him a pyre" said Ned solemnly.
Two House Stark Guards nodded and walked into the trees to gather wood for said pyre.
Half an hour later...
Beric sheathed his bastard sword and slung his shield over his shoulder as he walked over to where Robb, Oswell Whent and Arthur were stood with Robbett Glover and Smalljon Umber.
At nearly 19 years of age Robb now stood taller than both Jon and Ned at 6'2 tall with neck length raven black hair and matching stubble.
Oswell Whent turned to Beric as he approached and smiled.
"You fought well Lord Stark, and you did well capturing Mance Rayder" said Oswell Whent nodding to Beric as Ned, Jon, Lyra, Theon and Benjen walked towards them.
Beric nodded.
"I fought as well as any other man Ser Oswell, and I was not alone in capturing Mance Rayder" said Beric humbly.
Oswell Whent nodded and turned to Ned who nodded with a proud smile on his face.
"You told me many years ago that you wanted to be a knight… even if it was not common for you Northerners to be knights" said Oswell Whent.
Beric's face lit up and he nodded.
"I did, and I still do Ser Oswell" said Beric barely able to contain his excitement.
Oswell Whent nodded and drew his sword.
"Kneel… Beric Stark" said Oswell Whent holding his sword at his side.
Beric swallowed nervously and moved in front of Oswell Whent before slowly kneeling down on one knee.
Oswell Whent looked down at him and placed the blade of his longsword on Beric's right shoulder.
"In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave" said Oswell Whent.
He moved his sword to Beric's left shoulder.
"In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just" said Oswell Whent.
He moved his sword back to Beric's right shoulder.
"In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the innocent" said Oswell Whent.
Beric looked up at Oswell Whent as he removed his sword from his shoulder.
"Arise, Beric Stark… a knight of the Seven Kingdoms" said Oswell Whent.
Beric stood up as applause broke out from the others.
"To Beric of House Stark" said Jon in a proud voice.
"A knight of the Seven Kingdoms" said Wendel Manderly.
Beric smiled and breathed heavily.
He smiled and shook Oswell Whent's hand and received hugs and congratulations from Ned and the others.
Winterfell – 300 A.C
Two days later...
Ashara was sat in Ned's Solar writing on a piece of parchment when a knock at the door interrupted her train of thought.
"Enter" said Ashara.
The door opened and Maester Lewin walked inside with a raven scroll in his hands.
"Maester" said Ashara bowing her head slightly.
"A raven My Lady... from Castle Black" said Maester Lewin.
Ashara nodded and took the raven scroll from him when he stopped in front of the desk.
Maester Lewin took a step back as Ashara broke the crow sigil seal and unrolled the scroll.
The Wildlings have been defeated and Mance Rayder is dead. Expect our return two days from now. After capturing Mance Rayder and defeating his second in command Beric was also knighted by Ser Oswell.
Eddard Stark
Ashara managed a small smile and rolled the scroll back up.
"Have the castle prepared for Lord Stark's arrival, there will be a small feast to celebrate our victory against the Wildlings, and my Son's knighthood" said Ashara.
"Yes My Lady" said Maester Lewin with a fond smile on his face.
As he turned around to leave Ashara called out to him.
"Wait one moment Maester" said Ashara.
Maester Lewin turned around and walked back towards her.
Ashara pulled an empty raven scroll sized piece of parchment out of the drawer and started to write.
Lady Sybelle Glover
My Daughter Elia of the House Stark will be returning to Winterfell for a brief time when the King visits in three to four weeks. As such I invite you and your children to join us at Winterfell when she arrives to discuss your betrothal offer further.
Lady Ashara Stark, Lady Of Winterfell
Ashara waited for the ink to dry before rolling it up and wax sealing it with the Direwolf sigil.
"Send this to the Deepwood Motte Maester" said Ashara holding the scroll out towards him.
"Yes My Lady, will there be anything else you require?" said Maester Lewin bowing his head to her as he took the scroll.
"No Maester, you can go now" said Ashara returning to her work.
Maester Lewin turned around and left the Solar.
Ashara finished writing on a piece of parchment before rolling it up and sealing it as the door shut.
She opened the drawer and placed the parchment inside before she caught sight of Jon Arryn's letter in the drawer.
"I cannot be certain but I think my Mother had something to do with my Father's death, she hated him, and fled Kings Landing with Robyn as he drew his last breath" said Sansa hotly.
Ashara sighed and shut the drawer thinking about how she was going to explain to Ned the situation with Sansa Arryn.
Three days later...
"And she just turned up here without warning, with this letter from her Father for me to read" said Ned solemnly.
He was stood in front of the lit hearth with a mug of ale and Jon Arryn's rolled up letter in his hands.
Ashara was stood by the desk along with Maester Lewin.
"Yes... and she thinks that her Mother may have murdered her Father, the same Mother who abandoned her in Kings Landing when she fled back to the Vale" said Ashara.
"A dangerous accusation... one that could have gotten Lady Arryn and her sworn shield killed had the wrong person heard her speak of such things" said Maester Lewin.
"But if it is true... and Lysa Arryn indeed murdered Jon Arryn, why would she have done it, what would she have gained by killing him?" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"The Vale passed to Jon Arryn's Son Robyn after his death, a sickly boy of 8, as his regent until he comes of age Lysa Arryn would assume control of the Vale" said Ned.
"And what of the accusation made by Jon Arryn, if it is indeed true then Robyn Arryn has no actual birthright to the Vale" said Ashara.
Ned drank some of his ale and turned away from the hearth.
"Bring her here after we break our fast tomorrow, hopefully then we will be able to get to the truth of the matter" said Ned solemnly.
"Not now?" said Ashara in surprise.
Ned finished his ale and shook his head.
"It would do me better to sleep on it first, and then continue this tomorrow with a clearer head" said Ned solemnly.
Meanwhile...
Robb, Lyra, Beric, Arya, Theon and Lyarra were sat at one of the tables in the great hall drinking and enjoying sweets.
Nymeria, two other male Direwolves and one female Direwolf which belonged to Robb, Beric and Lyarra respectively were curled up at the bottom of the table.
The largest of the three was a dark and light grey male named Greywind which belonged to Robb. The second largest of the three was a black furred male named Shadow which Beric claimed and named as his own. The third was female and smaller than the other two with light grey fur with patches of dark grey whom Lyarra had named Winter.
Robb downed his ale before glancing at the windows.
"We best get to bed... Father says we should leave early tomorrow" said Robb with a sigh.
Lyra snorted slightly before sighing.
"Fine" said Lyra lazily as she stood up along with Robb.
"Why go back to Moat Cailin, you should stay here, Father wants you here for the Kings visit" said Arya.
"Your Father wants us to receive the King at Moat Cailin, as is our duty… and we have been apart from our Son for far too long" said Lyra.
Arya sighed.
"Fine" said Arya.
Robb nodded and bid them all goodnight before he and Lyra left the hall followed by Greywind.
Theon and Lyarra left them a few moments later leaving Beric and Arya alone with their Direwolves.
Arya turned to Beric as he sipped his ale.
"Will she be coming to Winterfell then?" said Arya in a distasteful voice.
Beric sighed.
"I expect so" said Beric flatly.
Arya scowled.
"And what will she say when she sees Leyla... your trueborn Daughter, you know how these southerners look at bastards" said Arya.
"She will have to live with the fact that Leyla is my Daughter" said Beric.
"Oh how wonderful you imagine this will be... she will spend every waking day imagining that your Daughter will be Daemon Blackfyre reborn, not to mention she will be insulted that you fathered a Daughter with another woman" said Arya.
Beric sighed.
"Hopefully she will change her ways once she meets Leyla, and realises that a one year old girl is not responsible for her Father's crimes" said Beric as he stood up.
Shadow stood up a few seconds after him.
"I am going to bed" said Beric.
He turned and walked out of the hall with Shadow before Arya had a chance to reply.
The next morning...
Ned was sat at his desk in his Solar with Ashara, Jory Cassel and Maester Lewin stood at the side of him when there was a knock at the door.
"Its Lady Arryn My Lord" said one of his Guards named Desmond from outside the door.
"Send her in" said Ned.
The door opened and Sansa Arryn walked inside while Brienne was stopped at the door.
Sansa turned back to look at Brienne.
"Let her in Desmond" said Ned.
Desmond bowed his head and stepped aside allowing Brienne inside.
Once Brienne entered Sansa sat down in front of Ned while Desmond shut the door.
"Wine?" said Ned picking a pitcher of Arbor Gold up off of the desk.
Sansa nodded as Brienne took up position behind her.
Ned poured Sansa a goblet of wine before glancing up at Brienne.
"My Lady?" said Ned.
"No… thank you My Lord" said Brienne dutifully.
Ned nodded and poured some wine for himself and Ashara.
There was total silence in the Solar for a few moments before Ned pulled Sansa's letter out of his drawer and placed it on the desk in front of her.
"May I offer my condolences on the death of your Father My Lady, he was a good man" said Ned solemnly.
Sansa bowed her head as she took a sip of wine.
"Thank you My Lord... he always spoke very highly of you" said Sansa sadly.
Ned nodded and glanced down at the letter.
"How did he die... if you do not mind me asking" said Ned.
Sansa took another larger sip of her wine.
"Fever, it was out of the blue... one day he was fine, the next his health was deteriorating, fortunately he had time to have that letter written for you before his mind went" said Sansa sadly.
Ned glanced up at Ashara.
"It was a sudden fever then?" said Ashara curiously.
Sansa nodded.
"Yes Lady Stark… by the time we realised something was wrong Grand Maester Pycelle said there was nothing we could do" said Brienne dutifully.
Ned nodded.
"And your Mother… and Brother?" said Ned sternly.
"They fled Kings Landing when he died… without informing me, my Father's Squire Ser Hugh told me that they have returned to the Eyrie" said Sansa.
Ned nodded.
"Very curious… though I have to ask about what your Father told me in his letter… about your Brother" said Ned.
Sansa nodded and took a big sip of her wine.
"My half brother you mean Lord Stark… if my Father's words are correct then he is no Arryn" said Sansa flatly.
Ned sighed.
"How did your Father come by such information My Lady?" said Ashara.
"I do not know… but as you know he was a man devoted to honour and the truth, he would not have used his last words to speak lies" said Sansa.
"True… but that is still a dangerous accusation, as is accusing your Mother of murdering him, you must be very careful of whom you speak to about this" said Ned sternly.
Sansa straightened up.
"You still have allies in the Vale My Lady… men and women loyal to your Father, who will stand behind you if you press your claim to the Vale" said Brienne dutifully.
Sansa glanced up at her and nodded.
"Lord Royce and Lady Waynwood were two of your Father's most loyal friends, Lady Hardyng is your Father's younger Sister but she might press her Son Harry's claim to the Vale, I imagine the Corbray's and the Redfort's will side with you as well, they were always loyal to your Father" said Ned solemnly.
Sansa turned back to him and nodded.
"My Father used his last words to ask you to support me if I press my claim" said Sansa.
"He did" said Ned.
Sansa raised her eyebrow at him.
"Will you support my claim Lord Stark?" said Sansa Arryn.
Ned remained silent for several moments before taking a drink of his wine.
"Your Father was like a Second Father to me… he was a good, loyal man, House Stark will stand behind you if you ask, provided you do not shame his good name by shedding blood in his halls when the time comes" said Ned solemnly.
Sansa nodded.
"Thank you My Lord" said Sansa dutifully.
Ned stood up.
"You are welcome to remain at Winterfell for as long as you like" said Ned.
Sansa stood up and bowed her head.
"Your offer is greatly appreciated Lord Stark… but I shall leave for Runestone in a few hours" said Sansa.
Ned nodded.
"My Son Robb will send 10 of his best men with you when you leave Moat Cailin… the road to Runestone can be quite dangerous to travel alone" said Ned solemnly.
Brienne nodded.
"Thank you My Lord… is there anything else you wish to speak of?" said Brienne.
"No… you can go… and take the letter with you, you will need it" said Ashara.
Sansa took the letter from the table before curtsying and leaving the Solar followed by Brienne.
Ned and Ashara waited for a few moments before standing up and walking out of the Solar arm in arm.
Moat Cailin – 300 A.C
Four days later…
Robb was sat in his Solar with Lyra and Wendel Manderly by his side while Thor Wull stood in front of the desk.
Robb unrolled a small scroll reading it.
Robb
If you are reading this then Lady Sansa Arryn has safely arrived at Moat Cailin with her sworn shield Brienne Of Tarth. You are to send 10 men with them to Runestone and ask that they remain there for some time until Lady Arryn is ready to press her rightful claim to the Vale.
Your Father
Robb handed the scroll to Thor Wull.
"Gather nine of your best fighters, you will ride for Runestone with Lady Arryn and remain there until you receive further instructions" said Robb as Thor Wull read the scroll.
Thor Wull looked at him before nodding.
"I will" said Thor Wull gruffly.
Robb nodded.
"Good… prepare your men for travel, you are to leave within the hour" said Robb.
Thor Wull nodded and walked out of the Solar.
Wendel Manderly followed him out of the Solar leaving Robb and Lyra alone.
Once the door closed Robb pulled Lyra into his lap and placed his hand on her stomach.
"So… boy or girl this time?" said Robb stroking her stomach.
Upon their return from Winterfell Lyra discovered that she was nearly three moons pregnant to her surprise.
Lyra smiled and placed her hand on his.
"Perhaps another boy, and he will be more handsome than his Father" said Lyra jokingly.
Robb smirked.
"Or a little girl more beautiful than her Mother, not that there would be much effort on her part" said Robb teasingly causing Lyra to slap his chest.
Robb kissed her and bit her lower lip before pushing everything off of his desk in one sweeping move.
Winterfell – 300 A.C
Two weeks later…
Lyanna was stood on the balcony outside her old chambers looking out into the courtyard as Robert led the royal convoy through the gates into the courtyard followed by Prince Edric Baratheon and surprisingly Prince Quentyn Martell.
The Prince Of Dorne was now a man grown at 23 years old with shoulder length black hair and tanned olive skin. He was around 5'10 in height dressed in a House Martell tunic and breeches with furs and a cloak around his shoulders and a Dornish curved sword strapped to his waist.
Lyanna turned away and walked back inside as Ned and the others knelt down when Robert brought his horse to a halt.
She found Arthur waiting for her and gave him a quick kiss.
"Not yet, not until he gives Ned an offer" said Lyanna flatly.
"And if he does?" said Arthur warily as he led her over to the door.
Lyanna sighed.
"If he is as keen as he is on his Son marrying my Daughter… then it is only fair that he finds out exactly who she is, and what he is getting himself into" said Lyanna.
Arthur sighed.
"If your sure?" said Arthur as he opened the door.
"It will be all right… I have you to guard me if such talks do take place" said Lyanna.
Arthur nodded and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Meanwhile…
Robert released Ned from his hug.
"We need to talk" said Robert gruffly.
Ned nodded before turning to greet Catelyn as she approached him while Robert moved to Ashara.
"My Queen" said Ned dutifully kissing her knuckles.
Catelyn curtly nodded to him before stepping to the side as Prince Quentyn Martell walked towards him along with Minisa who was sporting a small baby bump showing that she was nearly three moons pregnant.
"Lord Stark… may I introduce Prince Quentyn of the House Martell... your Nieces Husband" said Catelyn flatly.
Ned bowed his head to Prince Quentyn who had a neutral look on his face.
"My Prince" said Ned causing Prince Quentyn to give him a stiff nod.
He turned to Minisa and managed a small smile.
"My congratulations Princess" said Ned bowing his head to her.
Minisa nodded.
"Thank you Lord Stark… could you have someone show me to my chambers, I wish to lie down for a short while" said Minisa dutifully as she clutched a wolf pelt around her shoulders trying to stay warm.
Ned nodded and turned to Jon and Margaery the latter of whom was holding onto Torrhen.
"Jon… you and Margaery show Princess Minisa and Prince Quentyn to their chambers in the old First Keep, the first floor will do" said Ned as another wheelhouse made its way into the courtyard bearing the sigil of House Hightower.
Jon nodded and walked over to Minisa and Prince Quentyn followed by Margaery who handed Torrhen to Talla Tarly.
As Jon and Margaery led Minisa and Prince Quentyn towards the old First Keep Robert turned back to Ned.
"Keeping secrets from me now Ned?" said Robert gruffly.
"Your Grace?" said Ned questioningly.
"Not telling me that your Son is now an anointed knight, I shall have to toast him at the feast tonight" said Robert.
Ned sighed.
"It was only a few weeks ago when he was knighted Robert" said Ned.
Robert chuckled.
"And what did he do to earn his knighthood?" said Robert.
Ned glanced at Beric as he made his way towards the House Hightower wheelhouse as Elia climbed out.
"He fought with bravery in the battle against Mance Rayder's Wildlings, he killed Mance Rayder's second in command and captured the Wildling King himself, Ser Oswell Whent knighted him straight after" said Ned proudly.
Robert nodded.
"A worthy honour… but like I said we have to talk" said Robert gruffly.
Ned nodded.
"We will… after I greet my Daughter… I have not seen her for nearly two years" said Ned.
Robert nodded.
"Do not take too long… I want to visit your crypts" said Robert gruffly.
Ned sighed and nodded before walking away from Robert towards Elia as Alyssa climbed out of the wheelhouse.
Elia locked eyes with Ned and wrapped her arms around him as he stopped in front of her while Ashara made her way over to them.
"You look beautiful Elia" said Ned softly as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Thank you Father" said Elia softly.
Ned smiled and held her for several moments before letting go of her allowing Ashara to wrap their Daughter in a tight hug.
"We have missed you" said Ashara softly as she held Elia close to her chest.
Elia smiled.
"I missed you all as well… but I love it in Oldtown, and the Hightower is amazing, but it is easy to get lost sometimes" said Elia happily.
Ned smiled.
"Your Mother has a gift for you… in the kennels" said Ned softly.
Elia smiled and let go of Ashara who took her hand.
"Come on" said Ashara as she led her Daughter away from the wheelhouse followed by Alyssa.
Ned watched them make their way towards the kennels before walking back to Robert who was waiting for him by the entrance to the crypts.
Meanwhile…
"In here Princess" said Beric.
He led a sceptical Myrcella Baratheon into his chambers where the Wet Nurse was sat in a rocking chair holding Leyla against her chest.
Myrcella Baratheon stood still by the open door while two House Baratheon Guards stood outside.
She locked eyes on Leyla with a look of shock and slight anger on her face as Beric stopped next to the Wet Nurse who stood up bowing her head to him.
"Who is that My Lord?" said Myrcella Baratheon in shock.
Beric sighed as he took Leyla from the Wet Nurse before walking back towards Myrcella Baratheon.
"Myrcella, this is Leyla… my Daughter" said Beric softly.
He turned to the Wet Nurse as he saw Myrcella Baratheon's face sour at his words.
"Take her to my Mother" said Beric handing Leyla to the Wet Nurse.
"Yes My Lord" said the Wet Nurse bowing her head to him.
Once the Wet Nurse had left Myrcella Baratheon walked towards Beric with an icy look on her face.
"You dishonoured me… and now you parade your bastard before my eyes, I thought a knight would have more honour than this" spat Myrcella Baratheon.
"She is my Daughter, you will not insult her even if she is a bastard" said Beric bitterly.
Myrcella Baratheon seethed as the two House Baratheon Guards stepped through the door.
Beric held his hand out wordlessly assuring them that he would not attack Myrcella Baratheon before they could move closer to him.
"What will become of her… when we are married?" said Myrcella Baratheon.
"What?" said Beric icily.
"What will happen to her when we are wed, when we start our own family" said Myrcella Baratheon.
"You ask that… you ask me if I will be raising my Daughter when you already know what the answer will be" said Beric sternly.
Myrcella Baratheon glared at him.
"I will not have your bastard around our children" said Myrcella Baratheon angrily.
"Oh yes you will, she is my Daughter not yours, and if I say she will live with us then damn you she will live with us" said Beric icily.
"You wish to dishonour me further?" said Myrcella Baratheon bitterly.
Beric growled.
"I admit, I dishonoured you by lying with another… but you are dishonouring yourself by punishing a motherless girl for something her Father did, something she had no control over" said Beric icily.
Myrcella Baratheon huffed.
"Fine… I will tolerate her living with us, but I will not be a Mother to her, no matter what you say, I will not allow her to bring more shame on me" said Myrcella Baratheon bitterly.
Beric sighed.
"Fine" said Beric.
Myrcella Baratheon gave him a stiff curtsy.
"I will see you later My Lord" said Myrcella Baratheon icily.
As she turned around Beric spoke up once again.
"Myrcella"
Myrcella Baratheon turned to face him once again with an icy look on her face.
"Must you punish Leyla simply because she is not yours?" said Beric in a frustrated voice.
Myrcella Baratheon glared at him.
"We are promised to each other… and you dishonoured and betrayed me, your bastard is the mark of that dishonour and betrayal" said Myrcella Baratheon icily.
Beric growled slightly causing the House Baratheon Guards to step closer to him.
"She is my Daughter… her Mother died giving birth to her, she has never known a Mother's touch, or a Mother's love… is it too much to ask that you give her that, that she can at least feel something close to that as she grows up" said Beric in a strained voice.
"You ask me to be a Mother to your bastard, have you no shame?" said Myrcella Baratheon spitefully.
Beric sighed and moved closer to her.
"I am asking you to be a Mother to a little girl who has never known what it is like to have a Mother, surely you cannot be so cold as to refuse that" said Beric.
Mycella Baratheon suddenly slapped him on the cheek.
"Do what you wish with the bastard, raise her in our home if you wish, but I will have nothing to do with her, and nor will our children when they are told exactly what she is, I will make sure of it… count yourself lucky that she was not born a boy, otherwise I would have made sure that she was sent to the Wall" said Myrcella Baratheon bitterly.
Beric growled.
"You disgust me Princess, threatening a little girl simply because you want to punish her Father… get out, go to the King and tell him that I will not take you as a Wife, I will not marry a girl who cannot look past a name to be something close to a Mother to an innocent little girl" said Beric angrily.
Myrcella Baratheon reeled back in shock with traces of tears in her eyes before turning around and leaving followed by her Guards.
Beric sighed and slammed the door shut before walking over to the bed sitting down on it.
Meanwhile…
Ashara led Elia into one of the cages in the kennels where the last female Direwolf rose to its feet to greet her.
It was light grey and white in colour and had grown to the size of a hound.
"We missed your name day… so here is your present" said Ashara softly.
Elia remained outside the cage in slight fear while Alyssa stood behind her.
Ashara turned to Elia as she stroked the Direwolf's head.
"Come… you need not be frightened of her, she will not harm you" said Ashara softly.
Elia slowly made her way into the cage and over to the Direwolf which slowly walked towards her.
Ashara looked at her Daughter as she slowly reached out to pet the Direwolf.
"What is her name Mother?" said Elia softly as the Direwolf nuzzled her hand.
Ashara smiled.
"She has not been named yet… it is up to you to name her, and to care for her" said Ashara softly.
Elia smiled and knelt down in front of the Direwolf which nuzzled her cheek pushing her back slightly.
"What about… Ash… after you Mother?" said Elia glancing up at Ashara who smiled.
"I think it is a lovely name" said Ashara softly.
Elia smiled and stood up.
"Grandmother told me I look just like you did at my age" said Elia softly.
Ashara smiled.
"She is quite right… you have the Dayne look, had you not been born a Stark people might have thought you to be a Dayne" said Ashara softly.
Elia smiled and gave her Mother a small curtsy which warmed her heart.
"Come on Ash" said Elia happily.
Ashara smiled and followed her Daughter and Ash out of the cage before shutting the door.
"Arrangements will be made to allow you to bring her to Oldtown, but she will have to remain in the vicinity of your chambers, though the men will be able to take her out on a hunt if we go with them, such a thing will be good for her" said Alyssa.
Elia smiled and thanked her before leading Ash out of the kennels into the courtyard.
Alyssa turned to Ashara.
"We will be taking a ship to Oldtown when we leave here… Artos wants me to give birth there instead of Kings Landing, even though Elia loves it in Kings Landing" said Alyssa.
Ashara smiled and hugged her Niece.
"Congratulations" said Ashara.
Alyssa smiled and wrapped her arms around Ashara for a few moments before letting go of her.
Ashara took her arm before leading her out of the kennels.
Ten minutes later…
Ned and Robert were walking through the crypts as Ned lit the torches on the wall with the torch in his hand.
"Oh how I will miss that old fool… he always had his troubles raising me" said Robert fondly.
"He did a decent enough job of raising you, its not his fault you never listened" said Ned jokingly.
Robert chuckled.
"At least he did a good job with you… even if he did turn you into a bit of a miserable fucker for a time" said Robert.
Ned sighed.
"What happened to him Robert?" said Ned solemnly.
Robert sighed.
"No idea… he was fitter than a man his age should be for Edric's Name Day four moons back, and then he was bedridden as his mind started to go… thankfully Pycelle was able to make it mostly painless when he went" said Robert in a defeated voice.
"What about his Wife, and his children?" said Ned.
"She took her Son and left Kings Landing before we could send Jon's body back to the Eyrie, the Daughter left not long after that… mind you that Wife of his was always a strange one… feeding that Son of hers from her teat at his age, honestly, what Mother feeds a 7 year old from from her teats, no wonder the boy is sickly" said Robert in disbelief.
Ned sighed.
"The boy is sickly you say, how so?" said Ned.
Robert turned to him.
"The boy is thin and weak, pale skinned and wary around others, it did not help that his Mother practically hides him under her skirts wherever he goes, and now the Vale will fall into the hands of a sickly boy with a mad Mother" said Robert.
Ned sighed.
"Perhaps his Daughter should rule the Vale then, I have heard she is a strong young woman" said Ned.
Robert stopped dead in his tracks.
"That is treason Ned and you know it… sickly as he may be the Vale is still his birthright" said Robert gruffly.
Ned sighed.
"You are right… forget I said anything" said Ned quickly.
Robert stiffly nodded before they carried on walking.
Ned let out a small sigh and followed Robert through the crypts.
Ned placed the torch in a slot on the wall besides Lyanna's statue as he and Robert came to a halt in front of it.
Ned sighed and took a step back as Robert moved closer to the statue placing a single hawk feather in her hands.
"Every time I think about her… I just see this fucking statue down here, a statue that does not come close to showing her true beauty" said Robert sadly.
Ned sighed.
"We were supposed to unite the great houses of Stark and Baratheon, but there is still time for that" said Robert.
Ned nodded.
"Our houses will be united in two years Robert, when my Son marries your Daughter" said Ned as Robert stepped away from the statue.
Robert turned to face Ned with a serious look on his face.
"That is not all… for some reason my Son is very keen on the idea of marrying your Niece, and despite my best attempts to dissuade him he still refuses to listen to me" said Robert.
"Your Grace?" said Ned.
"He tells me that he loves your Niece, loves her… played that old trick on me, asked me if I would truly deny him the chance to marry the girl he loves, when I was denied that very thing myself" said Robert flatly.
Ned sighed.
"Your Niece will be legitimized as a Stark before the betrothal is announced in Kings Landing" said Robert sternly.
"I will think about it… and discuss it with my Wife" said Ned solemnly.
Robert sighed.
"See that you do… but that is not all we have to discuss" said Robert sternly.
"What else is there that we must discuss?" said Ned.
Robert managed a small smile.
"Lord Eddard Stark… I would name you Hand Of The King" said Robert.
Ned sighed before kneeling in front of Robert.
"I am not worthy of this honour Your Grace" said Ned humbly.
Robert sighed before clapping his hand on Ned's shoulder.
"Get up Ned" said Robert amusedly.
Ned stood to his feet where Robert clapped his hand on Ned's shoulder.
"I am not trying to honour you, I am trying to get you to run my kingdom while I eat, drink and whore my way through whatever years I have left" said Robert.
Ned sighed.
"Dammit Ned just say yes… you helped me win that ugly throne, now you can help me keep it, so my Son can sit on it when I am gone" said Robert.
"My place is in the North, not Kings Landing" said Ned solemnly.
"Piss on that, your place is by my side, I am asking you as a Brother to help me run my kingdom" said Robert.
Ned sighed.
"I will think about it… you will be remaining at Winterfell for some time correct, at least give me that much time to consider your offer, what you are asking me to do will be a big change Robert" said Ned.
Robert sighed.
"I need you there Ned, more so since Stannis suddenly left Kings Landing without a word, last I heard he has since returned to Dragonstone with his Wife and Son" said Robert gruffly.
"Why did he leave?" said Ned curiously.
Robert shrugged.
"No idea" said Robert flatly.
Ned sighed.
"Very well… I will think about it Robert" said Ned solemnly.
Robert frowned slightly before swiftly turning around and walking away from Ned without another word.
Later that evening…
"I belong up here with you… not in that rats nest they call a capitol" said Ned in frustration.
Ashara glanced up at him.
"You can always say no… it is not up the King to make that choice for you" said Ashara softly as she traced her hand on his chest.
The pair were lying in their bed while Ned had his arm around her shoulders holding her close to him.
Ned sighed.
"The King gets what he wants, that's why he's King" said Ned flatly.
Ashara leaned up to his face.
"I will not let him take you south" said Ashara sternly.
Ned chuckled.
"I'll say… listen… fat man, you are not taking my Husband south" said Ashara with a smirk and poking him in the chest.
Ned chuckled.
"He rode all this way… he will not leave without me" said Ned flatly.
Ashara sighed and pressed her head into his chest.
"If he is so determined for you to go south with him, then I will go with you" said Ashara.
"To that rats nest, I think not" said Ned quickly.
Ashara raised her head to him and traced her finger on his chest.
"If you are to serve as Hand Of The King… then you need someone who knows how the game works to help you navigate the politics of Kings Landing" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"You said Kings Landing is a dangerous place, do you think I want you there in harms way?" said Ned solemnly.
"No more than I want you there" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"I do not know" said Ned.
Ashara kissed him.
"Jon and Margaery will rule Winterfell in our absence if we go south, they are 21 and 20 years old now… and no doubt that the King will demand that Beric come south with us as well, and maybe we could bring Arya and Bran as well, it might do them good to see the capital" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"I know Bran would enjoy it, perhaps we could have him squire for a knight" said Ned.
Ashara managed a small smile.
"That is if you decide to accept the Kings offer" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"If what Sansa Arryn said was true, and her Father was murdered… I owe it to him to find out the truth, being Hand Of The King would certainly help that" said Ned solemnly.
"All the more reason for me to go with you" said Ashara.
Ned sighed and nodded.
"Okay, but we will take Jory and plenty of Guards with us, along with Arthur and Oswell" said Ned.
Ashara nodded before climbing out of bed.
"Be a dear and find Beth Ned, my hair needs to be braided before I show my face in the hall" said Ashara as Ned stood up.
"Very well" said Ned before leaving their chambers.