Chapter 5: Nothing to Fear
Ned Stark was at a loss of what to do. While breathing normally, Bran was unconscious, and his bandages needed to be changed every quarter hour to stop the bleeding. Catelyn was frantic, spending every moment at Bran's bedside and barely eating anything brought to her. His children and Jon were scared; especially Robb who was asking him each hour about Bran's status. His family's fear would be bearable if it wasn't for the Lannister's own despair.
Shortly after learning about the murder attempt on Bran's life, and defending the Kingslayer of all people, the assassin stiked again. This time the assassin tried to kill the King's own son. One of his guardsmen, Donnis, had decided to check on Tommen Baratheon because he had an inkling that the boy was in danger to. Donnis stated that Tommen also witnessed Jacks fall, and, maybe, someone caused the fall and would try to kill him too.
Luckily, Donnis discovered the assassin right before he could strike a sword in the boy's chest. He immediately detained the assassin and the King and some of his guardsmen were in the middle of questioning the assassin. Ned wished he could listen in on the questioning, but he understood that Robert wanted to learn the truth before exposing the traitor in their midst.
Why did he have to live in a world that would endanger young boys? In the North, Ned prided himself in living in a place where danger and murder was a rarity. He was sure that the danger originated from the arrival of the Lannisters and the other from King's Landing.
Someone knocked at the door.
"Lord Stark," Ned opened his door to find Ser Preston Greenfeld. According to Robert, the short man was a rarity in the Kingsguard; knighted more for his swiftness and sneaking around than his skill in battle. "The King would like to see you. It's about the assassin."
Ned nodded, thankful that Robert decided to share with him some details about the man who brutalized his son.
Ser Preston led him to the King's chambers. The Kingslayer was guarding the door; Ned felt his judgment as the man's green eyes stared blankly. Inside the guest room, Robert sat on the bed and rubbed his beard. His eyes looked scared, and he lacked his usual smile.
"Ned. What to do. What to do. This is why I need you as my Hand. That way all these terrible decisions wouldn't be up to me."
"How can I help?" While Ned wanted to know if Robert knew who hired the assassin's, it was better to be a friend. He knew how terrible choices related to one's family can be.
"I don't know if you can." Robert continued to rub his beard. "I have to protect one son over the other. That's the extent of it."
"What do you mean?" Ned pondered his friend's statement. Did this mean Joffrey was involved?
"Joffrey hired the assassin to kill Bran because he was jealous, and Tommen too because he thought it would be funny." Robert let out a loud chuckle. "Funny. His little brother, almost dying. How can anyone hope to understand that kid?"
"Joffrey?" Ned's skin started to itch. The boy he was planning to betroth Sansa too. He guessed, but the confirmation shook his very soul. "He killed Jacks. He tried to kill Bran." It took every ounce of restraint to not utter the words that Joffrey should never be king. It was not his place to decide who deserved to be in the monarchy.
"He didn't kill Jack's at least. He was on the hunt, remember?" Robert chuckled. "We got that at least. The fool likely got overly drunk and fell out a window."
Ned then remembered. Joffrey had bragged about shooting deer and Wildlings the whole journey over, and then spent the hunt struggling to aim his bow. He had heckled Theon Greyjoy for being a stinkin crawfish, and the Theon had ended up scoring a deer and a fox. Ned recalled being annoyed at the waste of the dead fox. Another dead animal that no one would bother to eat.
"He tried to kill your son. Tommen." How did his friend become so callous? He remembered the Robert who he grew up with in the Vale. The boy who scorned a village boy who beat up his servants.
"Yes. You can't tell anyone. If word of this got out, my whole legacy will be ruined. This would be the end of the stability of the Baratheon dynasty. This could lead to war." As Robert yelled, his whole body shook, causing the bed to squeak beneath him. "If word got out, that dragon bastard and that dragon whore might use that reason to storm King's Landing and steal my throne!"
While Ned understood his friend's fear, he was disappointed that Robert lacked any perspective of the danger this posed on his family. "This is inconvenient." He rubbed his tired eyes. What could he do to protect his children from Robert's oldest son? A boy willing to hire someone to kill his own brother. "But I can't let Sansa get betrothed to Joffrey. I will not endanger her to your son's dangerous wills."
Robert nodded. "I expected that much. As much as I would like to join our families that way, it seems that the better option is to join Tommen with one of yours. Maybe the adorable Arya, little Lyanna." His friend grinned at his idea.
"Arya and Tommen are a good match." Ned liked the idea. Tommen was already a good friend of Bran. He proved that he had a better temperament than his brother. Arya would be safe with him.
"Since I am being so agreeable, I believe that, in return, you should just agree already to be my Hand." Robert buckled up, and the bed screeched. "Please Ned. Stop being so stubborn and agree already. I need you to handle the kingdom, watch Joffrey and make sure he stops with all of his tomfoolery."
Ned wanted to shout, 'Tomfoolery was cutting up a sibling's hair while they were sleeping. Tomfoolery was throwing chucks of food at someone's hair. Tomfoolery was sneaking shit underneath someone's pillow'
Ned closed his eyes. He must not speak out about the pain in his stomach. His friend really was going to let Joffrey get away with attempted murder. Ned understood; his friend had a kingdom to keep from a plethora of enemies. But that didn't make his decision hurt any less.
"I'll consider agreeing to be your Hand if you agree that my children stay in Winterfell, and that Catelyn can foster Tommen. Tommen should stay in Winterfell after he's healed" Ned thought that was the best option. None of his children would be safe in King's Landing, and Tommen deserved to be free from a brother who was eager to see him dead.
As Robert pondered Ned's request, Ned felt like time was set still during those long, never-ending minutes. Now that Ned knew about the danger Joffrey posed to the Kingdom, Ned was less reluctant to be Robert's hand. He could make sure the boy stayed out of trouble, and make sure that Robert was safe from the Lannisters. They already killed Jon Arryn. The Kingslayer knew that his children were in danger; Ned heard from Jory about how the Kingslayer predicted the possibility of Bran being in danger. Who knew what Cersei wanted, or what she was involved with? Jacks was dead. There were so many reasons that showed the kingdom needed Ned's leadership.
"Fine. If that's what you want." Robert finally decided. "As long as you promise, on your honor, to not tell anyone about Joffrey."
"I promise."
"But you promised that I'll marry the prince!" Tears spilled down Sansa's face as she took the news that Ned decided against her betrothal with Joffrey.
As Catelyn rubbed their oldest daughter's back, Arya snickered, and Robb stayed silent.
He had called his family up to his chambers to tell them about his decision. It had been a struggle to get Catelyn to agree to leave Bran's bedside. Despite Ned telling her it was important news, it took Jory watching over Bran for her to agree.
He wished he could at least tell Catelyn about Joffrey, but he made a promise to Robert. That outweighed his earlier promise to himself that the only secret he would keep from Catelyn was Jon's true identity.
"The King and I talked it over, and we both agreed that Joffrey's match should be more political. I want you to be with who adores you and will make you his first priority. As a Prince, and the future King, Joffrey would always have to focus on running his kingdom over you."
"But Father," Sansa whined. "I don't want to marry anyone else. I want to go to King's Landing and explore the city! Not stay stuck here where nothing ever changes."
"Enough." Ned raised his voice. "I made my decision, and you will abide by it. We will discuss a better option at a later date."
Sansa continued to cry, this time pressing her face into Catelyn's left shoulder.
"Why can't we at least go to King's Landing?" Arya spoke up. "You did say you wanted to bring us to have family around. It be a fun adventure!"
"I did want you, Sansa and Bran to come. But while we will soon behead the man who harmed Bran and Prince Tommen, there are similar dangers in King's Landing. It's better for all of you to stay home with family. You deserve to be around when Bran wakes up."
Arya pouted, but said no more. Ned knew that he would have to reign her in again later. Ned had not yet told the group about the betrothal between Arya and Tommen; he wanted to consult Catelyn first about the matter. It was the least he could do.
"Arya and Sansa, you may go, there is some other business I would like to discuss with your mother and Robb."
Sniffling Sansa left, and Arya followed. The younger girl kept looking back, as if hoping Ned would change his mind and let her in on the meeting.
"I'm sorry about Sansa, Father," Robb said a few moments after the girls left. "She was really taken by Prince Joffrey and excited about being a Princess, and, maybe, Queen someday. It might be a while until she can adjust to losing that dream."
Ned nodded. "I'm not worried about Sansa. While she's sad now, I know she wouldn't be happy with Joffrey. He wouldn't treat her right and isn't the most stable." At least he could admit that Joffrey was dangerous, even if he was incapable of stating the reason.
"I agree, Ned," Catelyn said. "I wish you told me first before telling the news, but I am ashamed that I was so focused on Bran, I forgot the others."
"Mother, you have no reason to be. Bran's near death is a shock to us all. I can't believe someone sneaked in and tried to kill two children." Robb trembled.
Catelyn pulled him close and kissed their son's forehead. "The man will answer for his crimes soon. I pray that both children will awaken soon."
"I will pray for their survival at the Godwoods again tonight. You may join me if you like, Robb," Ned offered.
"I would love to." His son grinned bashfully.
It would be good to spend some time with his oldest. Who knew how long it would be until Ned returned home?
"Now I wanted to talk to you both about a different betrothal. I offered the match of Prince Tommen and Arya instead. While I distrust Joffrey, Tommen is a good kid."
"Bran loves him." Robb nodded. "Arya doesn't mind him. I don't think she has much of an opinion about him actually."
"I like that idea as well. I can see Arya and Tommen growing to love each other as we did." Catelyn smiled.
Ned remembered how distant Catelyn was when they first married. It took years of constant efforts and displays of affection for her to finally open up to him. He spent several more earning her love. He didn't realize that the love was real until two years prior. That was after talking to Catelyn in bed for an entire night, and her saying those words for the first time.
"I'm glad to hear that. The King is planning to leave in two days' time. I'll tell the girls the news tomorrow."
In the darkening shadows reflecting from the moonlight hitting the surrounding trees, Ned prayed at the Godswood tree with Robb and Jon at his side. After the family meeting, Ned had invited his nephew over because he wanted to talk to him as well before their separation.
First, Ned would pray. He prayed that Bran would survive and that Joffrey and the Lannisters would not ruin Robert's reign. As the leaves dropped around him, Ned hoped that the old gods were listening. Despite the boys' silence, Ned felt agitated. A conspiracy of ravens fluttered nearby; their croaking disrupting any prospect of peace.
After an hour of silent prayer- maybe the length of prayer would be enough, Ned spoke first to his oldest child. "I appreciate you coming with me tonight. In two days' time, I will leave Winterfell behind and I will entrust you, Robb, to look after your siblings. Robb, I know you will care for your mother during this difficult time. You have done so much already."
Despite the darkness, Ned could tell that Robb was beaming from his words.
Ned turned to Jon. "I talked to Benjen and he told me of your interest to go to the Wall." Benjen had told him the night before after describing his conversation with the Kingslayer. Ned had dismissed it trivial earlier. But something about the events of the day before made Ned certain that he might not come home again. "I believe it is a good vocation, if it is what you want to do." Ned did have no objection. Lyanna's child would be safe at the Wall.
"Thank you, Father." Ned's stomach ached at the term. "I will make you proud." Why did Jon have to refer to him as so? He may be of his blood, but Jon would never be his son. But the boy had a tough enough time with being a bastard, Ned would hate to cause him further trouble.
"That is all I had to say to the two of you. If you wish, you can spend the night with me here."
"That's what I want to do tonight. Tonight, is about praying for Bran's and Prince Tommen's recovery." Robb insisted.
Jon nodded in agreement.
Ned felt relieved that he had a chance to talk to each member of his family before his journey South. Ned wished he knew what else to do about the problems at his doorstep. But prayer was the easiest solution. He could only hope that the future would work itself out.