The Rise Of A Dynasty
Kings Landing – 300 A.C
Later that night...
Ned sighed as he closed the door to his chambers.
Turning around he saw Ashara sat at the table with Beric, Arya, Lyarra, Bran, Talia Forrester, Eddara Tallhart and Jeyne Poole starting their supper of ducks and vegetables.
"Long day?" said Ashara glancing up at him as he made his way over to the table.
Ned sighed as he sat down at the table.
"The King is staging a tournament in my name… one which we cannot afford" said Ned wearily as he poured some ale for himself.
"Cannot afford?" said Ashara questioningly.
Ned sighed before taking a swig of his ale.
"We can talk about it later" said Ned glancing at the others.
Ashara nodded.
"Very well" said Ashara warily.
Ned sighed and helped himself to some boar before a knock at the door got their attention.
"Yes" said Ned.
The door opened and Jory Cassel leaned inside.
"Apologies My Lord… but the Queen would like to see young Beric in her chambers" said Jory Cassel.
Ned turned to Beric who could see Ser Manfred Mallister of the Kingsguard stood behind Jory Cassel.
"I will see her now" said Beric flatly.
Ned sighed and nodded.
"Go on" said Ned solemnly.
Beric walked around the table and over to the door.
Jory Cassel stepped aside as Beric walked through the door.
Once the door was shut Beric followed Manfred Mallister along the hallway followed by one of the Stark Guards.
After several minutes of walking the three of them came to a halt outside of the double doors leading to the Queens chambers.
Manfred Mallister knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" said the voice of Catelyn from inside.
"Lord Stark's Son is here Your Grace" said Manfred Mallister.
"Send him in" said Catelyn.
Manfred Mallister turned to Beric with a flat gaze as he opened one of the doors.
Beric nodded.
"Thank you" said Beric flatly as he walked past the Kingsguard into the chambers.
The Queen's chambers were rather spacious easily twice the size of his own back at Winterfell.
There was a large four poster bed at one end of the room along with a hearth and door leading out to a balcony. On the other side of the room was a circular table and chairs with pitchers of wine and trays of sweets and fruit.
Catelyn was sat at the table dressed in her evening gown with a glass of Arbor Gold wine in her hands.
She turned to look at him.
"Please, sit" said Catelyn gesturing to the seat across from her.
Beric slowly made his way over to her as Manfred Mallister shut the door.
As he sat down opposite her Catelyn poured him a glass of wine.
Several uncomfortable seconds of silence passed before Catelyn straightened up.
"Thank you for agreeing to speak with me Lord Stark" said Catelyn flatly.
Beric nodded and sipped his wine.
"What did you wish to speak to me about Your Grace?" said Beric warily.
Catelyn gave him an almost convincing fake smile.
"I thought it best to have a little discussion… about what happened between you and my Daughter" said Catelyn in a slightly strained voice.
Beric straightened up.
"What about it Your Grace?" said Beric flatly.
Catelyn sipped her wine.
"I admire your decision to raise your Daughter Lord Stark… but you must understand how it looks from my Daughters point of view" said Catelyn in a strained voice.
Beric sighed.
"I understand how she feels Your Grace… but she needs to look at it from my point of view as well" said Beric flatly.
Catelyn frowned.
"My Daughter has known for some time that you are to be her Husband, that she will have to be eternally faithful to you as you spend your lives together… so you can understand why she was upset to find that you had been unfaithful to her" said Catelyn in a slightly bitter voice.
Beric sighed.
"What I did upset her greatly, I understand that… but how she treated my Daughter is unacceptable Your Grace, she is but a babe" said Beric flatly.
"And how would you have reacted if she had come to you with a child of her own?" said Catelyn icily.
Beric sighed and sipped his wine.
"I would have been upset with her yes… but that does not mean I would take it out on that child" said Beric.
Catelyn seethed.
"You must understand… presenting your bastard before her eyes and asking her to raise her as if she was one of her Daughters is insulting" said Catelyn bitterly.
"So is insulting a Man's child to his face" said Beric bitterly.
Catelyn was taken aback slightly.
"You love your Daughters Your Grace?" said Beric quickly.
"More than anything" said Catelyn bitterly.
Beric nodded.
"So do I, and she always comes first in my life" said Beric icily.
"Even before your promise to my Daughter?" said Catelyn bitterly.
Beric stiffly nodded.
"Yes, just as your Daughters always come first in your mind" said Beric stiffly.
Catelyn drank some of her wine.
"I am sure you and Myrcella could come to some sort of arrangement about the whole situation regarding your… Daughter" said Catelyn sternly.
Beric sighed.
"Princess Myrcella has already heard my thoughts on the matter, and I hers… Leyla will live with us in the North" said Beric icily.
Catelyn finished her wine.
"See yourself out Lord Stark" said Catelyn stiffly.
Beric stood up before bowing his head.
"Farewell, Your Grace" said Beric.
He turned around and walked back towards the door.
Once he left the Queens chambers the Stark Guard escorted him back to the Tower Of The Hand.
Later that night…
"So what is this about the Crown not being able to afford this tourney?" said Ashara as she sat down on Ned's lap with a glass of wine in her hands.
The two had walked up to their chambers not long after the others had gone to bed.
Ned was sat on the edge of bed with a weary look on his face.
"The Crown's coffers are empty, and they are three million Gold Dragons in debt, to the Iron Bank, the Faith, the Tyrells… we even owe a million to the Lannisters" said Ned wearily.
Ashara slid off of his lap onto the bed and placed her hand on his arm.
"Not good… when I was here last the coffers were always full, and I doubt much was spent during Robert's Rebellion" said Ashara flatly.
Ned nodded before glancing at Ashara's wine glass.
She smiled and gave it to him before he downed it.
"Sorry" said Ned with a slightly guilty look as he handed the now empty wine glass to her.
Ashara smiled and placed the wine glass next to her feet.
"Its okay" said Ashara.
She bounced on the bed a few times before chuckling.
"Its very comfy" said Ashara softly.
Ned chuckled before moving closer to Ashara softly kissing her.
Ashara sighed and wrapped her arms around his head as he pushed her back down on the bed.
Three days later…
Ashara stood at the gates leading into the Red Keep courtyard watching as a small convoy of riders escorting two wheelhouses and two wagons.
Arthur, Bran and ten House Stark Guards were also stood with her as the convoy approached the gates.
The riders were bearing two sigils which were the golden crowned skull on black sigil of House Manwoody of Kingsgrave and the red cockatrice with a black snake in its beak on gold of House Gargalen of Salt Shore on their banners.
Ashara stepped forwards as the riders brought their convoy to a halt looking at her and the others with neutral faces.
Ashara straightened up.
"Lord Manwoody, Lord Gargalen… welcome to Kings Landing" said Ashara.
Two of the riders curtly nodded to her as a House Manwoody Guard and House Gargalen Guard helped a woman out of each wheelhouse.
Ashara smiled and stepped towards the wheelhouses as she recognised two of her old friends.
Lady Jasline Manwoody nee Qorgyle was a short slender woman around 40 years of age with long black hair down her back and tanned olive skin. She locked eyes with Ashara with a warm smile on her face.
Lady Myria Gargalen nee Martell who was a distant Cousin of Elia Martell was a tall curvy woman around 44 years of age with shoulder length brown hair and slightly darker tanned skin. Unlike Jasline Manwoody however she was looking at Ashara with a neutral look on her face.
Ashara smiled and gave Jasline Manwoody a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"You look lovely Jasline, and I have missed you so much" said Ashara softly.
"So do you… the Northern climate definitely agrees with you, or maybe it is being back in the south that has made you look so lovely" said Jasline Manwoody softly.
"Your too kind" said Ashara softly as she let go of Jasline Manwoody and turned to Myria Gargalen who was still looking at her with a neutral look.
Ashara walked over to her.
"Lady Stark" said Myria Gargalen flatly.
Ashara was slightly taken aback.
"Lord Stark has had chambers prepared for you… as our honoured guests" said Ashara politely as the late 40's Lord Gargalen walked over to Myria Gargalen.
To her surprise Lord Gargalen spat in front of her feet.
"We have no love for House Stark, who fought and killed our people because his whore Sister seduced Rhaegar Targaryan" said Myria Gargalen icily causing Ashara to feel shocked.
"Nor you or your Brother's… who conspired with Lord Stark to keep Princess Rhaenys Targaryan as a hostage" said Lord Gargalen glancing at Arthur with a bitter look on his face.
Ashara straightened up.
"Then why did you accept my invitation?" said Ashara glaring at Myria Gargalen.
"Myria" said Jasline Manwoody in a strained voice as she stepped towards them.
Myria Gargalen glared at Ashara.
"To finally tell you the truth… that whatever we had all those years ago means nothing any more, you married a traitor who fought for the Usurper, you are dead to us" said Myria Gargalen bitterly.
"That is unfair Myria, she was married years before the war started" said Jasline Manwoody bitterly as Arthur stepped in front of Ashara protectively.
Ashara sighed.
"House Stark rescinds its invitation towards House Gargalen" said Ashara bitterly.
"Good… we have no desire to experience the hospitality of the Usurper's Dog" said Lord Gargalen bitterly.
Myria Gargalen turned on her heel and walked back towards her wheelhouse while Lord Gargalen walked away from them.
She watched Lord Gargalen and his riders lead one of the wheelhouses and one of the wagons out of the gates.
Ashara sighed and turned to Jasline Manwoody as a young 16 year old muscular man with short black hair and olive skin dressed in a grey and gold tunic and breeches with a Dornish curved sword strapped to his waist.
"Jason… this is Lady Ashara Stark, the Hand Of The King's Wife, she and I are old friends… my eldest Son Jason Manwoody" said Jasline Manwoody turning back to Ashara.
Jason Manwoody bowed his head to Ashara and kissed her knuckles.
"My Lady" said Jason Manwoody warmly as two other Boys who were similar in looks to Jason Manwoody dismounted horses.
Jasline Manwoody turned to the two Boys who were 15 and 11 years old respectively while a young, short black haired girl climbed out of the wheelhouse.
"These are my younger Sons… Jonas and Alex, and my Daughter Leyla" said Jasline Manwoody gesturing to Jonas Manwoody who was 15, Alex Manwoody who was 11 and Leyla Manwoody who was 13.
Ashara smiled and greeted each one of them in turn before beckoning Bran over to her.
Bran walked over to stand next to her.
"This my youngest Brandon… though he prefers it if we call him Bran now" said Ashara ruffling Bran's hair.
"Youngest… what about your other children?" said Jasline Manwoody.
Ashara smiled.
"The two eldest are back in the North with their own wives and Sons ruling in our stead, our youngest Daughter Elia is at Oldtown with her Cousin… my twin 16 year old Son and Daughter are here with us" said Ashara softly.
She and Jasline Manwoody continued to exchange pleasantries for a few minutes before they finally realised they should head inside the Red Keep.
Two hours later…
Ned was sat at his desk writing a raven scroll when there was a knock at the door.
"Yes" said Ned not looking up from the desk.
"Lord Royce is here to see you My Lord" said Jory Cassel.
Ned raised his head to look at the door.
"Send him in" said Ned placing the scroll to one side.
The door opened and Lord Yohn Royce walked inside followed by his Son's Ser Andar and Ser Robar Royce walked inside along with their Cousin's Ser Albar and Myranda Royce.
Lord Yohn Royce of Runestone was a 6'6 tall, muscular imposing man of 52 years of age. He had short greying brown hair dressed in a white full length tunic and breeches covering his rune encrusted bronze chest plate with his longsword and dagger strapped to his hip.
The Eldest Son was Ser Andar Royce. He was a 6'5 tall, muscular man who was 35 years of age with short brown hair dressed in a white tunic and breeches with a steel breast plate and a longsword strapped to his hip.
His second Son Ser Robar Royce was slightly shorter at 6'4 with the same short brown hair was stood next to him. He was 29 years old and like his Brother he had a muscular build and was dressed in a white tunic and breeches with a steel breastplate on his chest. His bastard sword was strapped to his hip with his rune encrusted shield was slung behind his back.
Ser Albar Royce was a 6'5 tall broad shouldered man of 24 years of age with short black hair with thick black whisker like facial hair. He was dressed in light steel plate armour, dark grey breeches and a grey cloak.
Myranda Royce was a short but buxom woman of 22 years of age with long curly brown hair flowing down past her shoulders.
Ned stood up and shook Yohn Royce's hand.
"Lord Royce… welcome to the Capitol" said Ned warmly.
Yohn Royce nodded his head with a smile on his face.
"How are you… my old friend?" said Yohn Royce as the other four Royce's remained near the door.
Ned let go of his hand.
"Coping… it still feels strange being back here" said Ned solemnly.
"Of course" said Yohn Royce with a hint of remorse.
He turned and gestured for Andar Royce to step forward.
"You remember my Son Andar?" said Yohn Royce gruffly as Andar Royce stepped towards Ned and shook his hand.
"Lord Stark" said Andar Royce dutifully.
"Ser Andar… you were just a young man the last time we met" said Ned fondly.
Andar Royce nodded.
"I know… that day on the Trident after we crushed the Targaryan's" said Andar Royce gruffly.
Ned nodded and turned to the other Royce's as they approached the desk.
"My Son Robar, my Nephew Albar, and my Niece Myranda" said Yohn Royce nodding his head to each of them in turn.
Ned nodded to them.
"My Lords… My Lady, please sit down" said Ned dutifully.
Myranda Royce took the seat opposite Ned while the male Royce's stood behind her.
"I had expected your Father to be here My Lady" said Ned looking at Myranda Royce.
Myranda Royce bowed her head slightly.
"My Father cannot leave his post at the Bloody Gate Lord Stark… so he instructed my Brother, Cousin's and Uncle to attend in his stead" said Myranda Royce courteously.
Ned nodded.
"I assume that the arrangements I made with your Father have not changed My Lady" said Ned solemnly.
"They have not changed My Lord Hand" said Albar Royce gruffly.
"Our Uncle wishes for the wedding to take place at Winterfell as soon as possible… though he regrets that Lady Arryn is not allowing him to leave the Bloody Gate to attend the wedding, nor is she allowing the wedding to take place at The Eyrie" said Robar Royce.
Ned nodded.
"Good, I believe that settles the matter" said Ned.
"Agreed" said Andar Royce.
Ned nodded.
"I will send word to my Son to make all of the necessary arrangements" said Ned.
Yohn Royce nodded.
"Go on… Lord Stark and I will speak alone" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
"Yes Father" said Robar Royce as Myranda Royce stood up.
He, Andar, Albar and Myranda Royce bowed their heads and leaving the room.
Once they had left Ned turned to Yohn Royce and poured him a glass of wine before pouring one for himself.
"I was hoping to ask a favour of you Lord Royce" said Ned.
"What sort of a favour Lord Stark?" said Yohn Royce.
Ned sipped his wine.
"I was hoping that my Son Brandon would be able to squire for one of your Sons" said Ned.
"My Son Robar is in need of a squire… your Son can squire for him, though he will be required to return to Runestone with us after we travel to Winterfell" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
Ned nodded.
"If his Mother agrees to it then he will do so" said Ned.
"Your Wife should agree to this… it will be good for your Son" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
Ned nodded.
"Mothers can be like that when it comes to their Sons" said Ned with a trace of amusement in his voice.
Yohn Royce chuckled.
"My late Wife was the same when it came to Rodrik, when I sent him to squire for Lord Redfort" said Yohn Royce with a hint of sadness in his voice.
Ned frowned slightly.
"She was your second wife?" said Ned sadly.
Yohn Royce frowned.
"She was… fever took her just as it took my first wife" said Yohn Royce remorsefully.
Ned sighed.
"I remember… I had just returned from a visit to the North only for Lord Arryn to bring me, the King and Elbert to Runestone for her funeral, though truthfully Lord Arryn was a little surprised when you married again, he told us he never thought you would since you and Laena Grafton were so close" said Ned sadly.
Yohn Royce sighed as he had a large sip of his wine.
"Fortunately life has been kinder to you and Lady Stark" said Yohn Royce.
Ned sighed remembering the still painful memory of the week following Brandon's birth.
He straightened up.
"My Son Brandon may be 9 Yohn, but he would make a good squire, I promise you" said Ned.
Yohn Royce nodded.
"I have no doubt, have your Son brought to my chambers after supper tonight" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
"He will be there… Jory" said Ned loudly.
Ned turned to Jory Cassel who opened the door.
"Find Lady Stark and Bran" said Ned solemnly.
Jory Cassel nodded to him before shutting the door and walking away.
"Let me write this raven… then we can talk further" said Ned.
Yohn Royce sat down in the chair and motioned for him to continue.
Ned started to write on a raven scroll.
Jon
Lord Royce, his Sons and his Nephew will be escorting Myranda Royce to Winterfell for her wedding to Theon and are expected to arrive in two moons time. They will be wed in the Godswood before leaving for their keep in the Wolfswood. And be sure to give mine and your Mother's congratulations to Theon.
Your Father Eddard Stark
As Ned sealed the scroll there was a knock at the door.
"Come in" said Ned.
The door opened and Ned looked up to see Robert walk in before shutting the door.
Ned and Yohn Royce stood up bowing their heads
"Your Grace" said the two men at the same time.
"Yohn… it has been a long time" said Robert gruffly as he shook the elder Vale Lord's hand.
"That it has Your Grace" said Yohn Royce dutifully.
Robert sat down and poured a glass of wine for himself.
"I heard that you have some misgivings… about this tournament" said Robert gruffly as Ned sat down opposite him while Yohn Royce stood next to Ned.
Ned sighed as Robert took a swig of the wine.
"We cannot afford it… not while we are three million in debt" said Ned flatly.
"Littlefinger will find the gold for the tournament" said Robert gruffly.
"From whom?" said Ned in disbelief.
"From god knows who but he will get the gold" said Robert gruffly.
"Your Grace… it would be unwise to borrow more gold that you cannot pay back, especially from the Lannisters and the Iron Bank, the latter of whom could fund the Targaryans if they attack us" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
Ned sighed and picked it up taking a sip.
"This tournament will be a welcome thing Ned" said Robert gruffly ignoring Yohn Royce's words.
"Fine, but do me a favour and call it something other than the Hand's tournament, I do not want any part of it" said Ned.
"Piss on that, its your tournament and that will be the end of it" said Robert quickly.
Ned sighed.
"If you say so" said Ned.
The three drank and talked for the next several minutes before there was a knock at the door.
"Yes" said Ned.
The door opened and Ashara walked inside followed by Bran.
"My Lady" said Yohn Royce dutifully bowing his head to Ashara with a fond smile on his face.
"Lord Royce" said Ashara warmly.
Bran bowed his head to Robert and Yohn Royce one after the other.
"Your Grace, My Lord" said Bran with a hint of nervousness.
The two Men gruffly nodded to him.
Ned stood up with his hands on the desk as Jory Cassel shut the door.
He turned to Yohn Royce who nodded.
"I have found a knight who will take you on as a Squire Bran" said Ned.
Bran smiled and looked up at Ashara who rubbed her hand on his shoulder and smiled at him.
"Who Father?" said Bran excitedly.
Ned glanced down at the desk.
"You may squire for Lord Royce's Son Ser Robar… but there are some drawbacks to that" said Ned.
Bran smiled but Ashara frowned slightly.
"What your Father means Brandon… is that you will have to go wherever Ser Robar Royce goes, even if it means leaving Kings Landing for Runestone" said Ashara flatly.
Bran frowned.
"So I will have to leave here with him?" said Bran.
Ned sighed.
"It is a squires duty to go where his knight commands him young Lord Stark" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
"If you choose to squire for Ser Robar then yes… such sacrifices will have to be made Son, but he will be travelling to Winterfell for a short time after the conclusion of the Hands tournament… and I am sure that Lord Royce will allow you to bring Summer to Runestone with you" said Ned solemnly.
"If the wolf causes no trouble then you may bring it to Runestone, such a creature would be good for hunting" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
Bran looked up at Ashara before looking back at Ned and Yohn Royce.
"Will you let me squire for him Father?" said Bran hopefully.
Ned nodded.
"Good choice Lad… the Royce's are good people, and exceptional fighters, you will learn a lot from Ser Robar" said Robert gruffly with an approving smile at Yohn Royce who bowed his head to him.
Bran looked down at his feet with slight nervousness.
Ashara sighed and nodded.
"Very well… you can squire for Ser Robar" said Ashara.
Robert turned to Ned with a curious look on his face.
"Why is Ser Robar going to Winterfell in the first place Ned?" said Robert curiously.
Ned sat down and sipped his wine.
"His Cousin Myranda Royce is set to marry Theon Greyjoy within a week of their arrival, the two will be given a suitable holdfast on my land" said Ned.
"The lad might be the Son of a traitor… but it is still a somewhat decent match for my Niece, better than the others she has received that is" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
Robert let out a booming laugh.
"Marrying a Greyjoy, Gods what has her world come too?" said Robert amusedly causing Ned to sigh and Ashara to scowl.
After a few moments of silence Robert stood up.
"I think I will take my leave" said Robert.
He turned around and walked out once Ned and Ashara had bowed their heads in goodbye to him.
Yohn Royce followed Robert moments later after bidding farewell to the Starks.
Later that night…
Beric and Lyarra walked into the King's royal dining chambers where they were to have supper with the entire Royal Family.
Robert and Edric Baratheon were sat at one end of the table with Lyanna, Myrcella and Cassana Baratheon. Prince Quentyn Martell sat between Minisa and Catelyn at the opposite end of the table as they helped themselves to the food.
Beric and Lyarra walked towards the table and bowed their heads.
"Your Grace" said the two at the same time.
Robert gruffly nodded.
"Sit" said Robert gruffly.
Lyarra bowed her head and took an empty seat across from Edric Baratheon while Beric took the only other available chair in between Lyanna and Myrcella Baratheon.
Once the two were seated Edric Baratheon turned to Lyarra with a smile.
"That is a lovely dress Lyarra" said Edric Baratheon confidently.
Lyarra smiled and looked down at it.
The dress was southern in style similar to the dresses of the Reach and was made out of light blue and white silks.
"Thank you My Prince… Lady Margaery had a few of them made for me before we left Winterfell" said Lyarra softly.
"If only your Cousin would wear dresses like that, instead of walking around in tunics and riding breeches" said Lyanna Baratheon in a strained voice.
"Arya has always preferred riding clothes to dresses… just as she prefers swords to needles" said Beric flatly.
"Swords?" said Myrcella Baratheon in shock.
"Your Mother and Father allow her to fight with swords, that is not very ladylike" said Minisa in shock.
"Perhaps it is not ladylike… but my Uncle teaches his Daughters how to fight" said Prince Quentyn Martell shrugging his shoulders.
Beric sighed.
"My Father encouraged her to train with a sword, as well as a bow, spear and dagger" said Beric.
"Is she good with a sword?" said Cassana Baratheon curiously.
Beric turned to the youngest Baratheon Princess who was poking at her food with her fork.
"She is quite talented yes, our Brothers trained her well" said Beric.
"I had no idea you trained girls to fight in the North" said Cassana Baratheon.
"Not every House does so… but House Mormont trains its Daughters from as young as six" said Beric.
Myrcella Baratheon straightened up with a strained look on her face.
"Do you intend to train our future Daughters to fight My Lord?" said Myrcella Baratheon flatly.
Beric turned to her and sipped his wine.
"I will teach my Daughters how to defend themselves… and should they wish to learn how to use a sword I will have someone teach them how to do so" said Beric flatly.
Myrcella Baratheon sighed.
"But Ladies do not fight with swords, that is for the Men" said Myrcella Baratheon.
"She is right Lord Stark… sword fighting is usually for the Men" said Catelyn flatly.
"In the south yes… but things are different in the North" said Beric.
"The Boy has a point… my ancestors were Storm Queens who fought and won battles all over the Stormlands" said Robert gruffly.
"That was a long time ago Robert… things are different now" said Catelyn icily.
Beric sipped his wine feeling a little bit awkward at the tension between the King and Queen.
Meanwhile…
Ned led Bran through one of the hallways towards Yohn Royce's chambers.
The two remained silent while Bran walked with a slight spring in his step as they reached the door to the chambers which were being guarded by two House Royce Guards.
"Lord Stark" said the Guards gruffly before one of them knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" shouted Yohn Royce gruffly.
"Lord Stark and his Son for you My Lord" said the Guard.
"Send them in" shouted Yohn Royce.
The other Guard opened the door and stepped aside allowing Ned and Bran to enter the chambers.
Yohn and Robar Royce were stood up around a small circular table looking at them.
"Lord Stark" said the two Men at the same time.
Ned nodded to them.
Robar Royce walked towards them.
"This is your Son then Lord Stark, the Son who is to be my squire" said Robar Royce gruffly.
Ned nodded and ushered Bran forwards slightly.
Bran looked up at Robar Royce for a few moments before bowing his head.
"I will not let you down Ser" said Bran quickly.
Robar Royce looked him up and down.
"Has he trained with a sword?" said Robar Royce gruffly turning back to Ned.
"Since he was eight" said Ned.
Robar Royce sighed.
"Not as long as I expected… but we can work on that, he will start his training tomorrow just before we break our fast" said Robar Royce gruffly.
Ned nodded.
"I will have suitable chambers prepared for you to practice in" said Ned.
Robar Royce nodded and turned back to Bran.
"He will be in my company for the whole day until the time for supper" said Robar Royce.
Ned glanced down at Bran and nodded.
"Very well" said Ned sternly.
"I will make a man out of your Son by the time he finishes squiring for me Lord Stark, I assure you" said Robar Royce gruffly.
Ned looked back at Robar Royce.
"Is there anything else you require of my son Ser?" said Ned solemnly.
"No" said Robar Royce gruffly.
Ned nodded to the two men.
"Then we will leave you too it, my Son will need his sleep for the long day tomorrow" said Ned sternly.
The two Royce's bid them farewell before Ned and Bran left the chambers.
The Wolfswood – 300 A.C
Five days later…
Jon, Theon, Smalljon Umber, Daryn Hornwood, Eddard Karstark and Karl Cerwyn rode up a path alongside the Wolfswood followed by two dozen House Stark Guards with Ghost, Shadow, Nymeria and Summer in front of Jon and the others.
"Is that it?" said Smalljon Umber sarcastically as Theon's new holdfast appeared before them.
It was rather small consisting of three square keeps joined together by several roofed walkways surrounded by a small wall and an Ironwood gate. The entire holdfast was backing onto the Wolfswood.
"You best hope that Wife of yours likes it" said Eddard Karstark amusedly as they rode towards the holdfast.
Theon rolled his eyes.
"I am sure she will… but there are other ways of keeping wives occupied… not that you would know about that Karstark" said Theon sarcastically.
Jon and the others chuckled while Eddard Karstark looked annoyed being the butt of the joke once again.
"Hopefully you will not get bored with your new wife, she might make you a eunuch if she finds you in a whore" said Eddard Karstark teasingly.
Theon smirked.
"Fortunately I am well acquainted with Myranda Royce… I doubt she will bore me anytime soon" said Theon amusedly.
"With a chest like that she would struggle to bore any man" said Jon cheekily.
Theon snorted.
"Wait until you get a proper look at it during the bedding ceremony" said Theon cheekily.
"I am surprised you want men to be ogling your Wife's supposedly massive teats" said Smalljon Umber amusedly.
"Well you guys just have to settle for looking… I am the one who gets to play with them" said Theon sarcastically.
The others chuckled as they rode through the Ironwood gate into a small courtyard where a young Maester and a handful of Guards and a few members of the household staff were waiting for them.
The courtyard was rather small only containing a small barracks, kennels and stables.
"Lord Greyjoy… welcome" said the Maester.
The Maester was in his early 20's with shoulder length black hair with wolf furs on top of his Maester's robe and a few links on his chain link necklace.
Theon nodded and dismounted his horse before the Maester bowed his head to Jon and the others.
"My Lords" said the Maester.
Jon and the others nodded to him as they dismounted their horses.
"What is your name?" said Theon gruffly.
"Hadrian My Lord" said Maester Hadrian.
Theon nodded.
"What is the status of this castle?" said Theon.
"The larders are being filled with grain and meat from the small number of farms on House Stark's land, we received a supply of wood for the hearths that should last us a year at most… and we have enough sheep and pigs to feed all of the castle's occupants for at least six moons" said Maester Hadrian.
Theon nodded.
"How many staff and guards are there in the castle?" said Theon.
"20 guards My Lord, with around 13 household staff myself, a Stablemaster, his Wife and their two Sons, three Cooks, a Kennel Master and his Daughter, and three servants responsible for maintaining the castle… so that would be 33 occupants in total" said Maester Hadrian.
"And there is enough room in the castle for all of them?" said Theon in slight surprise as he looked up at the Main Keep.
"Most of your staff apart from the servants and eight of the Guards live in a small village half a mile from here My Lord" said Maester Hadrian.
Theon looked around the courtyard.
"Have chambers prepared for us, and show us the rest of the castle" said Theon.
Maester Hadrian bowed his head to him before turning to the three servants and sharply nodding his head to them.
"You heard your Lord… have chambers prepared for them with haste" said Maester Hadrian sharply.
The three servants bowed their heads and walked inside one of the three towers where the main chambers were located.
Kings Landing – 300 A.C
One week later…
Ned sighed as he sat at the table in the Small Council chambers with a glass of wine in his hand.
Varys, Littlefinger, Brynden Tully, Grand Maester Pycelle, Renly Baratheon and the new Master Of Ships Prince Quentyn were sat at the table with him while the Commander of the Gold Cloaks Janos Slynt was stood in front of the table.
He was a short balding man who was around 30 years of age dressed in his dark gold coloured chainmail and plate armour on top of a light yellow tunic and breeches along with a light gold cloak. He was holding a gold ovular helm in one hand with his other hand on the pommel of his sword.
"Its the Hand's tournament that is causing all of this trouble My Lord's" said Janos Slynt.
"The Kings tournament… I assure you the Hand wants no part in it" said Ned in frustration as he took a drink of his wine.
"Call it what you like, the city is packed with more people flooding in every day, last night we had three riots, a brothel fight, two stabbings, a tavern fire and a drunken horse race down the Street Of Sisters" said Janos Slynt in a frustrated voice.
"If you cannot keep the Kings peace… then perhaps command of the City Watch should be given to someone else" said Renly Baratheon with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"The tournament is good for the people… it gives the rich a chance at glory, and the poor a chance to look upon them with envy and excitement" said Varys.
"Every inn and tavern in the city is crammed full, and the whores are walking bow legged in the streets" said Littlefinger amusedly.
"I am sure the tourney puts coin in many a pocket Lord Baelish, including yours" said Ned sarcastically.
"I need more men to help me keep the peace, with the crowds as big as this, or else we will have chaos on our hands" said Janos Slynt in a frustrated voice.
"There are 2,000 Gold Cloaks in the city, that should be enough to keep the peace" said Brynden Tully.
"You will get fifty, Lord Baelish will see it paid for" said Ned.
"I will" said Littlefinger in surprise.
Ned turned to him.
"You found money for a champions purse, I am sure you can find money to help keep the peace" said Ned quickly.
Littlefinger nodded.
Ned turned back to Janos Slynt.
"I will also give you 20 of my Household Guard, until the crowds have left" said Ned.
Janos Slynt bowed his head to him.
"Thank you My Lord Hand" said Janos Slynt.
He turned and walked out of the Small Council chambers.
Ned turned to the others.
"If there is nothing more to discuss My Lords, I think we should leave it there" said Ned solemnly.
As they all stood up and left Grand Maester Pycelle turned to Ned.
"Sometimes this heat can be unbearable for an old man like me… I often envy you Northerners and your summer snows" said Pycelle as he started to hobble away.
Ned let out a small chuckle.
"Grand Maester" said Ned.
Pycelle turned to face him.
"I would like to talk to you about Jon Arryn, if its convenient" said Ned flatly.
Pycelle nodded and hobbled over to him.
"Of course My Lord Hand" said Pycelle.
Ned took a step towards him.
"I want to talk to you about how he died" said Ned solemnly.
Pycelle fumbled slightly before hobbling over to the table and taking his seat once more.
"There is not much to talk about, one day he was fine, the next he was not" said Pycelle flatly.
"Just like that?" said Ned flatly.
Pycelle nodded.
"And you are sure it was fever that took him?" said Ned.
"Very sure My Lord Hand" said Pycelle.
Ned nodded and walked towards the table.
"I heard some poisons are undetectable, even after death" said Ned flatly.
Pycelle fumbled slightly.
"Lord Arryn was well loved by all, men all through the Seven Kingdoms respected him greatly" said Pycelle.
"I heard poison is a woman's weapon" said Ned sternly.
"I heard that too… but Jon Arryn died of natural causes, not surprising given his age" said Pycelle.
Ned nodded before bidding farewell to him and leaving the Small Council chambers.
Later that night…
"You should attend the tournament Ned" said Ashara softly as the two laid in bed together.
Ned sighed as he brushed a few strands of hair out of her eyes.
"I have no desire to attend the tournament" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara smiled.
"I know you do not like the fact that it is in your name… but it would take your mind off of everything that has happened" said Ashara softly.
Ned kissed her before slowly nodding.
"All right… I will attend the joust tomorrow, no doubt Robert will keep pestering me if I do not attend" said Ned.
"Good" said Ashara softly as she kissed him.
Ned wrapped his arms around her shoulders as he kissed her pulling her on top of him as she ground her hips against his.
The next morning…
Jory Cassel walked along the arena grounds used for the jousting where Jon Arryn's former squire Ser Hugh Of The Vale was walking in paces talking to himself.
He was a 5'11 short young man who was around 16 years of age with short neat red brown hair dressed in a dark blue tunic and grey breeches.
"Ser Hugh Of The Vale" said Jory Cassel clearly as he approached Ser Hugh.
Ser Hugh turned to face him with an annoyed look on his face.
"Yes" said Ser Hugh sharply.
Jory Cassel stopped in front of him.
"Lord Stark wishes to meet you urgently, he awaits you in the Tower Of The Hand" said Jory Cassel.
"What about?" said Ser Hugh.
"I cannot say Ser, only that he wished to speak with you" said Jory Cassel.
Ser Hugh straightened up.
"Remind me, who are you again?" said Ser Hugh flatly.
Jory Cassel straightened up.
"Jory Cassel… the Captain of Lord Stark's Guard" said Jory Cassel.
"No Ser… so you are not a knight?" said Ser Hugh snidely.
"No" said Jory Cassel.
"Well I am… and if Lord Stark wishes to speak with me then he can come and see me himself, instead of sending you" said Ser Hugh snidely.
He turned around and continued walking down the arena talking to himself.
Jory Cassel watched him walk away with slight amusement before turning around and leaving.
Two hours later…
"And what did he say?" said Ned.
"Said he would not speak to me My Lord, since I am no knight, only to you if you came to him" said Jory Cassel.
The two were riding down the Street Of Steel.
Ned chuckled.
"Knights… they strut around like roosters down here, even the ones who have never seen an arrow coming there way" said Ned sarcastically.
The two glanced at several younger knights dressed in various types of plate armour holding onto helms some with overly large feather plumes on them.
"This one is meant to be the best in Kings Landing, but he is the most expensive as well" said Jory Cassel as they approached a blacksmiths forge belonging to Tobho Mott.
Ned nodded and the two dismounted before walking inside.
The forge was quite spacious with various weapons and armour lining the racks along the walls.
There was a near 6'3 tall muscular black haired man around 16 years of age dressed in a dirty tunic and breeches with a black leather apron tied around his front. He was stood over the fire in the middle of the forge hammering away at a glowing white hot piece of metal.
The much older and shorter Tobho Mott was in his late 40's with balding brown hair and he was stood to one side watching the younger man as he cooled the metal in a large bucket of water.
The older man turned to face Ned and Jory Cassel as they walked into the forge.
"My Lord Hand" said Tobho Mott.
Ned nodded his head to him.
"I heard your the best smith in the city" said Ned flatly.
Tobho Mott straightened up.
"Aye I am, the boy too, he has an exceptional talent for forging weapons, rather strong for his age, though my work does not come cheap Lord Stark" said Tobho Mott sharply.
Ned glanced over at the young man.
"Let me see some of his work" said Ned flatly.
Tobho Mott bowed his head.
"At once My Lord… Gendry" said Tobho Mott sharply.
The young man looked up at them and placed the now cooled piece of metal and the hammer to one side before walking towards them.
He stood opposite Ned and Jory with his hands behind his back.
"Show Lord Stark the helmet you made lad" said Tobho Mott sharply.
Ned kept his gaze on the young man as he turned around and picked up a black helmet designed like a bulls head complete with two small holes for eyes, two holes on the nose for breathing and two long pointed horns on the top of the head.
He handed it to Ned who looked down at it with a proud smile on his face.
"This is very fine work" said Ned glancing at him.
"Its not for sale" said Gendry quickly.
"Boy this is the Kings Hand, if his Lordship wants the helmet then you will give it to him" said Tobho Mott sharply.
"No I made it for me" said Gendry.
"Apologies My Lord Hand" said Tobho Mott quickly.
Ned chuckled.
"There is nothing to forgive… keep up the good work lad" said Ned in an approving tone as he handed the helm back to Gendry.
"Thank you Milord" said Gendry quickly.
Ned moved a little closer to him.
"Look at me for a moment" said Ned.
Gendry slowly looked up at him.
Ned felt a little stunned as he realised who he was looking at.
Black hair and blue eyes.
Ned quickly straightened up and turned to Tobho Mott.
"My Son requires a short sword… something small enough for a boy of nine to wield" said Ned flatly.
Tobho Mott bowed his head.
"You heard his Lordship Boy… get him a short sword, preferably one that you just made" said Tobho Mott sharply.
Gendry placed the helm back on the table before turning and walking over to one of the sword racks containing dozens of short swords.
Ned sighed and turned to Tobho Mott.
"If there ever comes a day when that boy would rather swing a sword than make one… you send him to me" said Ned flatly causing Jory Cassel to look at him in slight confusion.
Tobho Mott was a little stunned but bowed his head in reply.
"Very well My Lord" said Tobho Mott in slight confusion.
Ned nodded and turned back to Gendry who walked towards him carrying a sheathed short sword.
"Something like this Milord?" said Gendry as he partially unsheathed the blade.
Ned nodded.
"Aye that will do… how much?" said Ned as Jory Cassel stepped towards Gendry and took the sword from him.
"Twelve Gold Dragons My Lord Hand" said Tobho Mott.
Ned sighed and opened the coin purse on his belt handing the right amount of gold to Tobho Mott.
"Good day" said Ned flatly.
He and Jory Cassel walked out of the forge and mounted their horses.
"Who was that boy My Lord?" said Jory Cassel as they started to ride back up the street.
Ned sighed.
"That was King Robert's bastard Son" said Ned solemnly.
The two carried on riding back up the street.