The Rise Of A Dynasty
Kings Landing – 300 A.C
Three moons later...
Ashara walked into the Solar where Ned was sat at the desk looking over a scroll with slight frustration.
She was holding onto an unrolled raven scroll as she shut the door.
"The Iron Bank are calling for a repayment of a tenth of their loan… and we cannot pay them" said Ned in frustration.
Ashara sighed and walked towards him.
"And now they might fund the Targaryans against us" said Ashara.
Ned nodded.
"They always get their money back, one way or another" said Ned flatly.
Ashara handed the raven scroll to him.
"From Robb" said Ashara as Ned read the scroll.
Ned smiled.
"Lyra has had a boy, Theo" said Ned fondly.
Ashara sighed.
"We should have been there, and for our Granddaughter's birth three weeks ago" said Ashara regretfully.
Ned sighed.
Margaery had given birth to a Daughter Ellara three weeks ago.
"Perhaps we should go back north and meet them" said Ashara.
"Robert will not let me go back north" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara scowled.
"Who says it is up to him whether you stay here or not?" said Ashara bitterly.
Ned sighed.
"He is the King, the King gets what he wants" said Ned flatly.
"If you wish to go north then you can go north, he will just have to accept that" said Ashara.
Ned stood up.
"I will go and speak to him now" said Ned flatly.
He walked over to her and she took his arm.
The two of them left the Solar and made their way through the Red Keep followed by Jory Cassel for the next twenty minutes before coming to a halt outside Robert's chambers where Jamie Lannister was standing guard.
"Lord Stark, Lady Stark" said Jamie Lannister dryly.
"Ser Jamie" said Ashara.
"We need to speak to the King" said Ned flatly.
Jamie Lannister knocked on the door.
"What is it?!" barked Robert from inside the chambers.
"Lord and Lady Stark to see you Your Grace" said Jamie Lannister flatly.
"Send them in" shouted Robert.
Jamie Lannister opened the door for them.
"Go right in" said Jamie Lannister dryly.
Ned and Ashara walked past him into the chambers.
Robert was sat at his table with a slightly bored look on his face while Barristan Selmy was stood opposite him and Olyvar Frey was stood to his side holding onto a gold pitcher of wine.
"Do you remember your first Ser Barristan?" said Robert with a sigh.
Barristan Selmy nodded with a sigh.
"Of course Your Grace" said Barristan Selmy solemnly.
"Who was it?" said Robert before curtly nodding his head to Ned and Ashara.
The two sat down in the empty seats across from Robert.
"A Tyroshi in the first battle on the Stepstones, never got the name" said Barristan Selmy.
"How did you do it?" said Robert as he beckoned Olyvar Frey to pour some wine for Ned and Ashara.
"Lance through the heart" said Barristan Selmy.
Robert nodded.
"Mine was some Stone Crow on the way North from the Eyrie, caved in his skull with my hammer, Gods I used to be strong then… you remember that day Ned?" said Robert nodding his head towards Ned.
Ned nodded.
"I do… that was my first as well" said Ned solemnly.
"How did you do yours again?" said Robert.
"It was another Stone Crow, I cut his throat" said Ned flatly as he sipped his wine.
Robert nodded and turned to Olyvar Frey.
"Wine" said Robert gruffly.
Olyvar Frey stepped towards the table and started to pour wine for Robert.
He only poured a few drops into the goblet before stepping away.
"What are you doing?" said Robert sternly.
"Its empty Your Grace" said Olyvar Frey nervously glancing down at the pitcher.
"What do you mean its empty?" said Robert gruffly.
"There's none left" said Olyvar Frey.
"Is that what empty means?" said Robert quickly.
Olyvar Frey froze up.
"So, go and get some more" growled Robert causing Ned and Ashara to sigh.
Olyvar Frey quickly turned around and walked towards the door.
"And tell the Kingslayer to get in here" shouted Robert.
Olyvar Frey quickly opened the door.
"Kingslayer, get in here" barked Robert.
Jamie Lannister turned around and walked through the door standing near Barristan Selmy.
"We are telling war stories… what was your first kill, not counting old men" said Robert amusedly.
Jamie Lannister straightened up.
"One of the Outlaws of the Brotherhood" said Jamie Lannister.
Barristan Selmy gave him an approving nod.
"I was there that day, you were just a squire back then, 15 years old" said Barristan Selmy in an approving tone.
Jamie Lannister turned to him.
"You killed Simon Toyne with the Counter Riposte… best move I ever saw" said Jamie Lannister fondly.
"Good fighter Toyne… but he lacked stamina" said Barristan Selmy.
"So tell us… your outlaw, any last words?" said Robert.
"I cut his head off so no" said Jamie Lannister flatly causing Barristan Selmy to chuckle.
Robert sighed.
"What about Aerys Targaryan… what did the Mad King say when you stabbed him in the back, I never asked… did he call you a traitor, did he plead for a reprieve?" said Robert mockingly.
Jamie Lannister remained silent and unmoving.
"He said the same thing he had been saying for hours… burn them all" said Jamie Lannister flatly.
Robert sighed.
"We need to speak with you Your Grace" said Ashara as she sipped her wine.
Robert turned to her and nodded.
"Fine" said Robert.
He looked up at his two Kingsguard.
"Out" said Robert gruffly.
The two Kingsguard bowed their heads before walking out of the chambers.
Once the door was shut Robert turned to Ned.
"What do you want to speak about?" said Robert gruffly.
Ned straightened up.
"We are planning to return to the North to visit our new Grandchildren in a few days" said Ned flatly.
Robert looked shocked before looking rather displeased.
"No, I need you here Ned" said Robert gruffly.
Ned sighed.
"We have not met our Grandchildren yet, we had to leave Winterfell with you before they were born" said Ned.
"Your the Hand Of The King Ned, I need you here, not up north where you are no damn use to anyone" said Robert gruffly.
Ashara sipped her wine.
"With respect Your Grace… you cannot make my Husband stay here, even if he is the Hand Of The King" said Ashara flatly.
Robert scoffed.
"You can go north, you can take your children with you as well, but Ned will stay here where he is needed, as will your Niece" said Robert.
"Robert, we will only be gone for a few weeks, surely you understand our reasons" said Ned.
Robert scowled.
"Your the Hand Of The King Ned, your place is in the capital, you will stay here" said Robert bitterly.
"You cannot force us to stay here Your Grace" said Ashara.
"I can and I will, I am the King, I get what I want" growled Robert.
"King or no King, if my Husband wishes to go back to Winterfell you cannot stop him" said Ashara.
"Do not speak to me like that" growled Robert bitterly.
"Then do not presume that my Husband can be told when he can or cannot visit his Grandchildren, even by a King" said Ashara bitterly.
Robert growled.
"I could have you whipped for that" growled Robert.
"Do not speak to her like that again Robert" snarled Ned.
Robert was taken aback.
"Your staying in Kings Landing to help me and the rest of the bloody Small Council to run the realm, your Wife can go back to Winterfell if she wants, and that's the bloody end of it damn you" growled Robert.
Ned sighed.
"Fine… I will see you on my return Your Grace" said Ned icily.
"You are not going anywhere Ned" said Robert bitterly.
Ned and Ashara stood up.
"I will see you when I return, our ship will be leaving in three days" said Ned icily.
He and Ashara walked out of Robert's chambers and back in the direction of the Tower Of The Hand followed by Jory Cassel.
Later that night…
"Its not so much that he does not want me leaving my position as Hand Of The King… I think its more that he wants it to be the way it was when we were young" said Ned flatly.
He and Ashara were sat at the table in their chambers enjoying their supper with Beric, Arya and Lyarra.
"He must learn that he cannot always get what he wants" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"Somehow I doubt that will be possible" said Ned wearily.
"I can stay here Father" said Beric.
Ned sharply turned to him.
"What?" said Ned.
"If I go back to Winterfell I do not think I will want to come back and be apart from Leyla again" said Beric flatly.
Ned sighed.
"You should go back to Winterfell and see your Daughter" said Ashara sternly.
"I would like to remain here Mother… and I really doubt the King would simply let Lyarra go with you either" said Beric flatly glancing at Lyarra who sighed.
"The King will not let me leave either" said Lyarra.
Ned sighed.
"Very well, you can stay here… and serve as Hand Of The King in my absence" said Ned.
"But I cannot do that Father" said Beric in slight protest.
"You will have too… there are certain matters that need to be attended too, namely the Iron Bank calling in part of their debts" said Ned solemnly.
Beric sighed and nodded.
"Okay" said Beric in resignation.
Ned nodded.
"Good… you have it in you to be Hand, Jory and most of our Guard will be remaining here with you, as will Ser Oswell and your Uncle Arthur" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara sighed and patted Beric on the arm.
"Is this what you really want?" said Ashara testily.
Beric turned to her and nodded.
"Yes Mother" said Beric dutifully.
Ashara sighed and nodded.
"Very well" said Ashara proudly.
The family returned to eating their supper.
Three days later…
"You take care of yourself, and listen to Jory's advice" said Ned solemnly.
He was stood at the docks near the ramp leading up to their ship.
Ashara and Arya were already on the ship looking down at them from the deck.
Lyarra, Arthur, Oswell Whent and Jory Cassel were stood behind Beric.
Beric nodded and glanced at the Hand Of The King pin on his tunic.
"I will Father… give Jon and Robb my apologies for not coming with you" said Beric.
Ned nodded.
"Farewell Son" said Ned placing his hand on Beric's shoulder.
Beric clapped his hand on top of Ned's.
"Farewell Father" said Beric.
Ned bowed his head to the others before turning around and walking up the ramp onto the ship.
Beric and the others waited until the ship had left the harbour before walking back up to the Red Keep.
Half an hour later…
Beric walked into the Small Council chambers with one hand on the handle of his sword followed by Jory Cassel.
He saw the other members of the Small Council turn to him.
"These chambers are for the Small Council Boy… what are you doing here?" said Brynden Tully sternly.
Beric approached the table and pulled a scroll out of his pocket.
"Your speaking to the Kings Hand, use respect" said Jory Cassel frostily.
Brynden Tully laughed.
"This Boy, the Kings Hand… on whose authority?" said Brynden Tully in amusement as Beric handed the scroll to Renly Baratheon.
Renly Baratheon unrolled the scroll.
"In my absence I hereby name my Son Ser Beric of the House Stark as temporary Hand Of The King… to take my place on the Small Council until my return from Winterfell, signed Eddard Stark, the Warden Of The North and Hand Of The King" said Renly Baratheon.
He looked up at Beric and handed the scroll back to him.
"Take your seat, we do not have all day" said Renly Baratheon.
Beric pocketed the scroll and sat down in the empty chair in between Varys and Prince Quentyn.
Prince Quentyn turned to Jory Cassel.
"This is a Small Council meeting, unless you are on said council then leave" said Prince Quentyn.
Beric sighed and nodded to Jory Cassel.
"Wait outside Jory" said Beric.
Jory Cassel bowed his head before turning around and walking towards the entrance.
Beric pulled a second unsealed scroll out of his pocket.
"The Iron Bank are calling in a tenth of their loan, some 80,000 Gold Dragons with interest,… we must find a way to pay them" said Beric handing the scroll to Renly Baratheon who unrolled it.
"And how do you propose we do that My Lord Hand?" said Littlefinger in a slightly amused voice.
Beric sighed.
"You found money for a tournament… find some to repay the Iron Bank, before they start funding our enemies" said Beric icily.
Littlefinger remained quiet but bowed his head.
"I am sure you can manage that Lord Baelish" said Brynden Tully frostily.
"A representative from the Iron Bank will be arriving in two weeks… you can give me the gold so I can be sure he gets it" said Beric flatly.
"Very well My Lord Hand" said Littlefinger.
Suddenly they were interrupted by the sound of someone walking into the chambers.
Catelyn walked towards the table followed by Ser Manfred Mallister.
They all stood up and bowed their heads.
"Your Grace" said Beric along with the others.
Catelyn turned to Beric as Ser Manfred Mallister pulled her seat out for her.
"What are you doing here?" said Catelyn sternly as she sat down.
Beric bowed his head to her.
"My Father named me Hand Of The King in his absence Your Grace" said Beric as he and the others took their seats.
Catelyn stared at him with a stony look on her face.
"Very well… carry on My Lords" said Catelyn.
Beric nodded and turned to Littlefinger.
"Have the gold sent to the Tower Of The Hand" said Beric.
"The Tower Of The Hand?" said Catelyn sternly.
Beric turned to her and bowed his head.
"The Iron Bank wrote directly to my Father Your Grace, I should be the one to ensure that their money is paid to them" said Beric.
"No… I will meet with them myself, the gold will be sent to my chambers when their representative arrives" said Catelyn sternly.
Beric remained silent for a few moments before nodding.
"Very well Your Grace" said Beric dutifully.
He leaned back in his chair as they continued the Small Council meeting.
Winterfell – 300 A.C
Two weeks later…
Ned and Ashara looked down at their Granddaughter Ellara Stark as she slept peacefully in her crib.
She had the look of her Father with traces of dark brown hair with the Stark grey eyes.
They glanced at the crib next to hers where Theo Stark was also sleeping peacefully.
Ashara smiled as she realised that he looked like Robb did when he was born with traces of raven black hair and grey eyes.
"And to think the King was so adamant that you would not come here to see them" said Ashara icily.
"Its like you said… he cannot always have his own way" said Ned softly.
Ashara took his hand.
"Are you worried… about Beric?" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"He is a man grown Ashara… he knows how to look after himself, and he is in safe hands" said Ned solemnly.
"Still… I would prefer it if he were not in that stinking city without us" said Ashara.
"I needed someone I trusted to serve as Hand in my absence" said Ned.
"You could have picked Arthur" said Ashara.
Ned nodded.
"Arthur is Lyarra's sworn shield… he needs to be by her side, not serving as Hand Of The King" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara sighed.
"I would rather remain here for a little longer… but I do not feel comfortable leaving our Son in Kings Landing where we cannot protect him" said Ashara sternly.
Ned sighed.
"We will not stay here for longer than necessary" said Ned.
Ashara nodded and squeezed his hand as they stayed there watching their new Grandchildren in silence.
Later that afternoon…
Ned was stood next to Ser Rodrik as the two watched Gendry practice his sword fighting against Jon.
"The Boy is rather strong for his age… especially with a hammer" said Ser Rodrik gruffly.
Ned nodded.
"He could have been a hell of a warrior had he not been a smith" said Ser Rodrik.
"Just like his Father" thought Ned solemnly.
They watched as Jon knocked Gendry's sword away before pointing his own at Gendry's chest.
"Again" said Ser Rodrik gruffly as Gendry picked his sword up.
Jon nodded and attacked Gendry again.
Ser Rodrik sighed.
"Only ever seen one other man as good with a hammer as this Boy" said Ser Rodrik gruffly.
Ned turned to him.
"Who is this Boy My Lord?" said Ser Rodrik.
Ned sighed.
He stood there in silence for several moments.
"King Robert's bastard Son" said Ned flatly.
Ser Rodrik stayed quiet as he looked at Gendry once again.
"Does he know?" said Ser Rodrik.
Ned sighed and shook his head.
"No" said Ned solemnly.
Ser Rodrik nodded.
"Will you tell him?" said Ser Rodrik.
Ned sighed.
"I do not know yet" said Ned flatly.
Ser Rodrik nodded.
"Mikken says he is a fine smith, though he spends more time in the forge trying to stay warm when Mikken is not putting him to work" said Ser Rodrik gruffly.
Ned sighed.
"I doubt the Boy has ever seen snow before, or left Kings Landing" said Ned watching as Gendry parried one of Jon's attacks.
Ser Rodrik stiffly nodded.
"All right… leave it there for today, your needed back in the forge Boy" said Ser Rodrik.
Jon and Gendry separated and put their weapons back on the rack before walking back over to Ned and Ser Rodrik.
"Father" said Jon.
"Lord Stark" said Gendry bowing his head.
Ned nodded to them.
"Walk with me" said Ned solemnly.
He turned around and walked towards the gate followed by Gendry who quickly caught up to him.
"How are you finding life at Winterfell?" said Ned.
Gendry remained silent for a few moments.
"Good Milord" said Gendry nervously.
Ned chuckled.
"Not used to the cold yet?" said Ned.
Gendry nodded.
"I will have the seamstress make you some warmer clothes… that is her house right there" said Ned nodding his head towards Myra The Seamstress's cottage as they passed it.
"Thank you Milord" said Gendry.
Ned nodded.
"Ser Rodrik tells me you are very gifted with a hammer" said Ned humbly.
"If he says so Milord" said Gendry.
Ned chuckled.
"Your far too modest Gendry Waters, just like my Son" said Ned amusedly.
"Apologies Milord" said Gendry nervously.
Ned smiled.
"There is nothing to apologise for lad" said Ned as they approached the forge.
Mikken walked out holding onto a smithing hammer.
"Come on Boy, I need you to put boiled leather on all of these breast plates" said Mikken gruffly.
Gendry nodded before walking past Mikken into the forge.
Mikken walked towards Ned.
"Boy crafted himself some armour to go with that helm when I was not here" said Mikken.
"I trust you let him keep it" said Ned sternly.
Mikken had a slightly nervous look on his face.
"I will have it returned to him Lord Stark" said Mikken quickly.
Ned nodded.
"See that you do… after you make sure it is suitable for the cold" said Ned sternly.
Mikken bowed his head to Ned before walking back into the forge.
Three days later…
Ned sat at the chair in the Lord's Solar drinking some ale when there was a knock at the door.
"The Boy is here Lord Stark" said the Guard outside the door.
Ned sighed.
"Send him in" said Ned.
The door opened and Gendry slowly walked inside with a nervous look on his face.
"Sit" said Ned as he poured another mug of ale.
Gendry sat down in front of him in silence as Ned slid the other mug of ale across to him.
"You wanted to see me Milord?" said Gendry nervously.
Ned nodded.
"I did" said Ned.
"What about?" said Gendry.
Ned took a swig of his ale.
"I was not completely honest with you" said Ned solemnly.
"About what Milord?" said Gendry.
Ned sighed.
"You have your Father's looks, and his strength it seems" said Ned flatly.
Gendry looked at him in confusion.
"I do not know who my Father is Milord" said Gendry.
Ned sighed.
"I do, I grew up with him… I saw him in you the moment I looked at you" said Ned solemnly.
Gendry took a sip of his ale.
"Who was he Milord?" said Gendry in a slightly hopeful voice.
Ned finished his ale and poured another.
"His name… is King Robert Baratheon" said Ned solemnly.
Gendry froze up for several moments before downing his ale.
"The King?" said Gendry in shock.
"Aye… you have the Baratheon look, just like his Son, and his eldest Daughter, black hair and blue eyes" said Ned solemnly.
Gendry refilled his ale and took another swig.
"Does he know about me?" said Gendry.
Ned sighed and shook his head.
"I doubt it, he has sired more than a few illegitimate children over the years… his own Daughter included, she is here at Winterfell" said Ned regretfully.
Gendry slowly nodded.
"So what happens now?" said Gendry.
"Your still a smith, you will remain here as such, my Son and his Wife will be informed of who you really are, and I will inform your Father about you when I return to Kings Landing" said Ned solemnly.
"I understand Milord" said Gendry.
Ned nodded.
"You can go now lad" said Ned solemnly.
Gendry bowed his head before standing up and finishing his ale.
Ned watched him leave the Solar before taking another swig of his ale.
Kings Landing – 300 A.C
The next day…
"My Father is still furious that Lord and Lady Stark left Kings Landing" said Edric Baratheon.
He was walking along one of the corridors arm in arm with Lyarra while they were shadowed by Arthur and Barristan Selmy.
Lyarra sighed.
"They wished to see their Grandchildren for the first time… I wish I could have gone with them as well" said Lyarra regretfully.
Edric Baratheon sighed.
"Maybe we can go back after our wedding, hopefully with news that you might be pregnant yourself" said Edric Baratheon causing Lyarra to turn red.
"Thinking ahead of yourself now My Prince" said Lyarra.
Edric Baratheon smiled and kissed her.
"Maybe I just want to have children with you" said Edric Baratheon.
Lyarra smiled.
"And you will… but please, do not treat me like your Father treats the Queen" said Lyarra.
Edric Baratheon looked at her in mock insult.
"I love you, you will be the only one who I will lie with, no whores, no mistresses or lovers, just you" said Edric Baratheon.
Lyarra smiled as they continued walking before they were approached by Willas Tyrell, Lyanna and Myrcella Baratheon.
"My Prince, My Lady" said Willas Tyrell modestly.
"Edric… My Lady" said Lyanna Baratheon flatly.
Edric and Lyarra nodded to them.
"I was hoping Beric would be with you" said Myrcella Baratheon with a sigh.
"Unfortunately being Acting Hand Of The King is taking up a lot of his time Princess, perhaps you should go and see him at some point, I am sure he would appreciate the company" said Lyarra.
"Perhaps you should join us for drinks and sweets" said Myrcella Baratheon.
"That would be very nice" said Lyarra softly.
She and Edric followed the three along the hallway.
They walked through the castle and out into the floral gardens.
They arrived at a table filled with sweets and wine sitting down at it.
"Lady Margaery has had a Daughter in case you were not aware My Lord" said Lyarra looking across at Willas Tyrell as she poured some wine for herself.
"I know, and hopefully she will let her be fostered at Highgarden this time" said Willas Tyrell.
Lyarra sighed.
"That is up to her and Jon My Lord, she is their Daughter" said Lyarra flatly.
Willas Tyrell shrugged.
"So you say… we are still her family, as is her Daughter" said Willas Tyrell.
"When will Lord and Lady Stark return from the North?" said Lyanna Baratheon.
Lyarra shrugged.
"A week or two I imagine" said Lyarra sipping her wine.
"He is Hand Of The King, he should have remained here, especially after our Father rode all that way north to ask him to be Hand" said Lyanna Baratheon.
"He wished to visit his Grandchildren, your Father has no right to tell him that he cannot do so, especially since they are old friends" said Lyarra flatly.
"You mean the King?" said Myrcella Baratheon icily.
"Its quite alright Myrcella" said Edric Baratheon quickly.
"She should use respect when referring to our Father, he is the King" said Lyanna Baratheon bitterly.
"And I said it is alright" said Edric Baratheon sternly.
Lyarra sat there sipping her wine in silence as the tension around the table grew.
One week later…
Beric was stood with Arthur, Oswell Whent, Jory Cassel and the rest of the Stark Guards at the docks.
Robert, Edric Baratheon and Lyarra were stood in front of them with Barristan Selmy and half a dozen House Baratheon Guards at their side.
They were all stood there watching as the crew from the ship lowered a ramp down onto the dock.
Beric stepped forwards as Ashara walked down the ramp followed by Ned and their Guards.
Ashara smiled and wrapped him in a hug before doing the same to Lyarra.
"Took you long enough to come back Ned" said Robert gruffly.
Ned sighed and stiffly nodded his head.
"I am back now… and I left a capable Hand in my absence" said Ned glancing at Beric as he approached them.
Robert scoffed.
"The Boy did not do too bad in your absence… but he is only a boy of 16, a boy of that age should not be Hand Of The King" said Robert gruffly.
Ned sighed.
"I think we should return to the Red Keep" said Ned as he gave Lyarra a quick hug.
Robert nodded before swiftly turning around.
Ned and the others followed him back through the city towards the Red Keep.
Half an hour later…
"Alright Ned… what is it you wanted to speak to me about?" said Robert gruffly as he sat down in one of the chairs.
He and Ned were in the latter's Solar in the Tower Of The Hand.
Ned sighed as he poured two goblets of wine for them.
He turned around and sat down opposite Ned handing one of the goblets to him.
Ned took a sip of his own as Robert took a swig of his.
"I have one of your bastards at Winterfell" said Ned flatly.
Robert looked at him in shock.
"What?" said Robert in shock.
Ned sighed.
"A Boy of 16 named Gendry, he was a blacksmiths apprentice to Tobho Mott before I had him sent to Winterfell to work in the forge" said Ned solemnly as he sipped his wine.
"Why?" said Robert questioningly.
Ned sighed.
"Perhaps the Boy can make a name for himself at Winterfell, and it would be a better life up there than down here, he crafted himself some fine armour and a warhammer, very fine work for an apprentice" said Ned fondly.
Robert chuckled.
"How do you know he is one of mine?" said Robert gruffly.
Ned chuckled.
"I grew up with you for six years Robert, he has the Baratheon look, I know a Baratheon when I see one, and he has just as much strength as you had at that age" said Ned.
Robert chuckled.
"I heard Mya is at Winterfell with Greyjoy's Wife" said Robert.
Ned sighed and nodded.
"She is" said Ned sipping his wine.
Robert sighed.
"How was she… when you saw her?" said Robert flatly before downing his wine.
"She was well" said Ned.
Robert sighed and stood up before refilling his wine.
"Ahh… I never was much of a Father to her, not since I became King" said Robert regretfully.
Ned sighed.
"God knows how many bastards I have, given that I only knew of two before today, and one of them is now my Heir… hopefully this Gendry can make something of himself with your Son" said Robert flatly.
"I am sure he can" said Ned.
"Who knows… maybe they will be like me and you when we were kids?" said Robert fondly.
"Who knows" said Ned.
Robert sighed.
"Does he know… that he is one of mine?" said Robert.
"Not until I told him" said Ned solemnly.
Robert finished his wine.
"I should take my leave" said Robert flatly.
Ned sighed and nodded.
"As you wish" said Ned solemnly.
He watched Robert walk out of his Solar without another word presumably to go and indulge in some wine and a whore.
Kings Landing – 301 A.C
Three moons later…
Ned walked towards the Small Council Chambers with a serious look on his face.
He had been informed that Robert had called a Small Council meeting not five minutes ago as he walked through the courtyard with Ashara.
He felt puzzled since in all of his time at Kings Landing Robert had not attended a single Small Council meeting insisting that he did not have to be there when Ned and the others could handle such matters without him.
It had not taken him long to realise that while Robert may have fought to wear the crown he had little interest in actually ruling instead participating in endless hunts in the Kingswood, drinking and whoring.
He also had Ned preside over court hearing the endless pleas of the smallfolk for days on end despite Ned insisting that Prince Edric Baratheon should do so instead as his Heir.
"Your the Hand Of The King, you will preside over court for me, let the Boy spend time with your Niece" said Robert gruffly.
Robert had even shown little interest when Princess Minisa gave birth to a Son named Lewyn Martell two moons ago.
On top of all this Ned was endlessly trying to work out the truth on whether or not Jon Arryn was murdered as he suspected by sending his men to speak to various apothecaries and even sent one of his guard's named Heward to the Citadel to speak to some of the Maester's about poisons on his behalf.
Ned approached the entrance to the Small Council chambers and walked inside.
To his surprise Robert was seated in the centre of the table along with Varys, Littlefinger, Grand Maester Pycelle, Renly Baratheon, Prince Quentyn and Brynden Tully.
Ned walked over to the table where Robert had a stony look on his face.
"Your Grace... My Lords" said Ned.
None of them spoke up as Robert kept his steely gaze on Ned.
"What is the meaning of this?" said Ned warily.
There was total silence for a few minutes before.
"The whore is pregnant" said Robert slowly and icily.
Ned sighed.
"You are speaking of murdering a child" said Ned correctly guessing exactly who Robert was referring too.
Daenerys Targaryan.
"I warned you, back in the North, I warned you, but you did not care to hear it... well hear it now... I want them dead, mother and child both" said Robert icily.
Ned sighed.
"And that fool Viserys as well, is that plain enough for you?" said Robert icily.
"You will dishonour yourself forever if you do this... people will speak of you as the King who murdered a babe in its mothers womb, is that how you want people to remember you?" said Ned in disbelief.
"Honour... I have 7 kingdoms to rule, one king, 7 kingdoms... do you think honour keeps them in line, do you think honour keeps the peace, no... its fear, fear and blood" roared Robert.
"Then we are no better than the Mad King" said Ned in disbelief.
Robert banged his fists on the table.
"Careful Ned, careful now!" shouted Robert.
Ned growled slightly.
"You wish to assassinate a girl, because a spider heard a rumour from halfway around the world" said Ned bitterly.
"It is no rumour My Lord... the girl is indeed pregnant" said Varys.
"Based on whose information?" said Ned.
"Ser Jorah Mormont... he serves as an advisor to the Targaryan girl" said Varys.
Ned scoffed in disbelief.
"Mormont... you bring us the whispers of a traitor and present it as fact" said Ned bitterly.
"Jorah Mormont is a useful spy" growled Robert.
"He broke our laws, fled our lands... he is a traitor who deserves death" said Ned bitterly.
"Jorah Mormont's a slaver, not a traitor... a small difference I know, to an honourable man" said Littlefinger.
"If we commit murder on the word of this man" said Ned.
"It would do the realm a service... I lived through the reign of the Mad King, who is to say his Son and Daughter are any less mad than he was?" said Brynden Tully.
"And if she is pregnant what then, a Targaryan at the head of a Dothraki army" said Robert angrily.
Ned scoffed.
"The Narrow Sea still lies between us and them... I will fear the Dothraki the day they teach their horses to run on water, which is never" said Ned.
"Do nothing... that's your wise advice, do nothing, do nothing till our enemies are on our shores" said Robert angrily.
Ned sighed and took a step closer to the table.
Robert scoffed.
"Your my Council, speak sense to this honourable fool" said Robert angrily banging his fists on the table and glancing around at the other members of the Small Council.
"I understand your misgivings Lord Stark, truly I do, this truly is a shocking thing we must do, a vile thing, but sometimes we who presume to rule must sometimes do vile things for the good of the realm... if the Gods grant Daenerys a Son, the realm will bleed" said Varys.
"Says the man who whispered in the Mad Kings ear for years, I bet watching him burn people alive got you used to vile things Lord Varys" said Ned bitterly.
"I bear this girl no ill will of course... but would it be better, kinder even, that she should die now, so that tens of thousands might live, is her life truly more valuable than the people of Westeros?" said Pycelle fumbling slightly.
Ned sighed in disbelief.
"We should have had them both killed years ago" said Renly Baratheon.
"There will be another bloody war if we do not do this, a war with an enemy that kills for sport, fighting for a madman that would burn our lands and people without a second thought" said Brynden Tully.
Robert and Renly Baratheon nodded in agreement.
"When you find yourself in bed with an ugly woman, its best to get it over with... cut her throat and be done with it" said Littlefinger with a hint of amusement as he sipped his wine.
Ned sighed and walked towards the table.
"You answered my call for war when the Mad King murdered my Father and Brother, and I was the first to name you as king... I followed you into war against the Ironborn when you asked, without doubt, without second thought... but I will not follow you now" said Ned placing his hands on the table.
He locked eyes with Robert.
"The Robert I grew up with... did not tremble at the shadow of an unborn child" said Ned in a disappointed voice.
Robert slowly stood up with his hands on the table.
"She dies" said Robert bitterly.
Ned stood up straight.
"I will have no part in it" said Ned flatly.
"Your the Kings Hand Lord Stark... you will do as I command or I'll find me a Hand who will" said Robert in slight disbelief.
Ned sighed and removed the Hand Of The King pin from his tunic.
"Then good luck to him... I thought you were a better man" said Ned throwing the pin onto the table before stepping away.
"Out damn you, I'm done with you" growled Robert.
Ned turned around and started to walk away from them.
"Go run back to Winterfell, I'll have your head on a spike... I'll put it there myself you fool" shouted Robert as Ned carried on walking.
Ned walked back through the Red Keep in a bitter mood.
As he approached the stairs leading to the Tower Of The Hand he felt a sharp pain in his right leg and collapsed to the floor with a cry of pain.
He looked down at his right leg to see blood gushing out of a deep wound to his thigh while a man walked around him carrying a bloodied spear in one hand.
Unfortunately he did not get a good look at him above his waist before he slowly passed out.
The last thing he heard was the sound of footsteps rushing towards him with shout's of "Father" and "Lord Stark" ringing in his ears.
Later that night…
Ned stirred as he woke up in his bed in the Tower Of The Hand.
He was dressed in a green silk undershirt and breeches with a bandage wrapped tightly around his right thigh.
Ashara was lying next to him with her arms around his neck and shoulders while Beric, Arya, Lyarra, Arthur, Oswell Whent and Jory Cassel were stood around his bed.
Ned groaned and tried to raise himself up but felt a sharp pain in his right thigh.
"Stay in bed… Pycelle said your leg needs to heal" said Ashara sternly.
Ned groaned.
"How long was I out?" groaned Ned.
"Six hours" said Arya in a worried voice.
Ned groaned and collapsed onto the bed.
"The attacker?" said Ned groggily.
"He was a Cats Paw Father, we caught up to him in the crypts" said Beric.
"And?" said Ned.
"He killed himself before we could question him Lord Stark… Essence Of Nightshade" said Oswell Whent dutifully.
Ned sighed.
"I suppose that is that then" said Ned flatly.
"I will double the Guards patrolling the Tower Of The Hand" said Jory Cassel.
Ned nodded before there was a sharp knock on the door.
"I thought I said not to disturb us!" shouted Arthur sharply.
"Forgive me Ser… but the King and Queen are here to see Lord Stark" said the Guard outside the door.
"Tell them to come back later" said Ashara loudly.
There was silence outside the door before it suddenly slammed open and Robert walked into the room followed by Catelyn.
The Guard appeared in the doorway with a bitter look on his face.
"I told you that you could not come in Your Grace" said the Guard angrily.
"Shut it!" shouted Robert.
"My Husband needs to rest Your Grace" said Ashara bitterly.
Robert scoffed.
"He can rest when we leave" said Robert bitterly.
He pulled the Hand Of The King pin out of his pocket and threw it onto the bed causing Ned to sigh.
"Put that damn thing back on Ned, or I swear to the Gods I will pin the damn thing on someone like Jamie Lannister or Hoster fucking Tully" said Robert bitterly.
"Perhaps you should make my Father your Hand, he would see that the realm prospers under our rule, instead of undermining royal commands" said Catelyn bitterly as she glanced at Ned.
"Shut up woman" growled Robert.
"You cannot expect my Husband to remain as your Hand, when he was just attacked in this very castle" said Ashara hotly.
"And the attacker is now dead… no more harm will come to him" said Robert angrily.
"It was a Cats Paw… and whoever hired him may try to attack Lord Stark again" said Arthur.
"Then I will double the number of Guards in the Red Keep" said Robert angrily.
Ned sighed and propped himself up against the headboard.
"I will remain here, until I am fit enough to return to Winterfell" said Ned.
Robert scoffed.
"You will put that damn pin back on and resume your position as Hand Of The King" said Robert angrily.
"He is not a servant that you can order around Your Grace" said Ashara bitterly.
Robert looked at her with an annoyed look before sighing.
"Give us the room, all of you" said Robert flatly.
Ashara turned to Ned who sighed and nodded to her.
"Come back in a few minutes" said Ned flatly.
Ashara stood up and walked towards the door.
Catelyn followed her out before the others reluctantly left as well.
Once they were gone Robert sighed and poured himself a glass of wine before turning away from Ned.
"I need you here Ned, I mean it" said Robert flatly.
Ned sighed.
"I never loved my Brothers… terrible thing for a man to admit but it is the truth… you were the Brother I chose, not Renly or Stannis, you" said Robert flatly as he drank the wine.
"Your Grace?" said Ned.
Robert finished the wine in one gulp and turned to him before standing up.
"I will leave you to think it over, but I need you here, more than you think" said Robert flatly.
Ned sighed.
"The Targaryan Girl?" said Ned.
Robert growled.
"Seven Hells, not this again… she dies and that will be the end of it" said Robert in an annoyed voice.
He turned and walked through the door.
Ashara and the others walked back through the door before shutting it.
"There is something else Lord Stark" said Oswell Whent as Ashara sat down on the bed next to him.
Ned turned to Arthur who pulled a folded up scrap of parchment out of his pocket.
Ashara sighed and turned to Jory Cassel.
"Jory, take the Girls and Beric back to their chambers" said Ashara flatly.
"Yes My Lady" said Jory Cassel before walking over to Arya and Lyarra followed by Beric.
Arya looked at Ashara ready to protest but Ashara simply glared at her Daughter.
Arya bowed her head and followed Jory Cassel out of the door.
Once the door was shut Arthur handed the scrap of parchment to Ned.
Ned unfolded it and read it.
Be sure to wound him but do not kill him
Ned sighed and he folded the parchment in half once again.
"Who would have wanted to do this?" said Ned solemnly.
"Someone who thought you were asking too many questions… about Jon Arryn" said Arthur.
Ned scowled.
"Then perhaps I was right with my suspicions… about him being murdered" said Ned bitterly.
"No doubt, but why?" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"I do not know why… but as for who, I can think of only one person, his Wife" said Ned.
"We cannot prove she was involved" said Ashara.
"No… but I sent Heward to the Citadel three weeks ago, and he found out that Jon Arryn could have been poisoned with Tears Of Lys, its designed to kill slowly in the right dose, and can look similar to a fever" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara sighed.
"How do we prove it?" said Ashara.
"We cannot… all we can do is watch our backs, whoever attacked Lord Stark will probably try again" said Oswell Whent.
Ashara nodded.
"We will speak more of this in the morning" said Ashara.
Arthur and Ser Oswell bowed their heads before leaving the room.
Once they shut the door Ashara laid down next to Ned resting her head on his chest.
Ned smiled as he placed his arm around her shoulders.
Ashara sighed as he held her close to him.
"Why did we leave Winterfell?" said Ashara.
Ned kissed her forehead.
"We came here because the King needed my help… and because Lyarra and Beric had to come here" said Ned flatly.
"I wish we had never left Winterfell" said Ashara flatly.
Ned sighed.
"Me too" said Ned solemnly.
The two laid there in silence until they eventually went to sleep two hours later.