Chapter 30:
EDDARD
The Warden of the North felt a hole in his heart after finding out his son, his Brandon was dead like his namesake, all thanks to Robert's paranoia and bloodlust.
Damn you, Robert Baratheon, to the Seven Hells, Ned thought, with silent tears on his face.
He still couldn't believe that the man he once considered his friend, would do something like this to him. He still couldn't believe it when Robert charged at him with his sword in hand until Jon stepped in front of him and duelled with him, with Jon getting slashed in the face and Prince Oberyn throwing a spear at his gut to save Jon before the king fell over and the Dornishman slammed his spear into the king's skull, killing him.
Ned might have thought it dishonorable and very unceremonious as he preferred for the two parties to settle their own differences without any interference, but now he was grateful for the Red Viper for saving his son's life. Grateful yet he felt empty at the loss of his former friend.
A loss which was still fresh in his mind as his brother Renly approached them.
"Renly," he heard his foster father say.
"Jon," Renly nodded at him before turning to Eddard. "Lord Stark, I must apologize for my brother's actions to House Stark. I cannot believe he would murder your son, a defenseless boy."
"Well, I can," the Red Viper hissed. "After all, it was your brother, who condoned the deaths of my sister and her children, who were also as defenseless as the Stark boy. Even more, he smiled at their deaths just like the Mad King smiled at the deaths of Lord Eddard's father and brother, so what is hard for you to believe? Hmmm?"
"Prince Oberyn," Renly said solemnly. "I understand you're angry and nothing I can do could ever rectify my brother's actions or bring back your family, but I promise you, that will all change starting now."
"Obviously," the Prince retorted. "House Baratheon's rule has come to an end, so you can forfeit any claim that you and yours have to the Iron Throne. I'm sure His Grace will spare you and allow you to continue to rule Storm's End for generations to come."
"I don't think you understand, Prince Oberyn," said Renly. "What I meant to say was that my future rule will change things from here on out."
The Red Viper suddenly laughed humorlessly. "As if I would continue to serve a Baratheon, for as long as I still breathe."
"Show some respect, Dornish scum," said Ser Loras, who glared heavily at Oberyn.
Prince Oberyn moved to speak, but was cut off by Jon.
"That's enough," Jon said. "This is between me and him."
The Red Viper huffed, but nodded at him.
"Lord Targaryen," Renly said. "I've heard so much about you and seen you from afar, but I've never had the proper chance to speak with you directly."
"Considering that I was the legitimized Bastard of Winterfell then, I don't see how you would have," said Jon.
Renly nodded, saying nothing.
"But now, the entire realm knows of who I really am," said Jon. "So now we can speak directly. Please, let there be no more bloodshed. There is already enough blood as it is, with the White Walkers coming."
Ned seemed to notice the whole room go silently cold at the mention of the White Walkers.
"Yes, there is," Renly said. "And I'm afraid there will be more if we don't settle our differences before they come down upon us."
Renly looked up at Jon, who seemed as surprised as Ned, by his honest tone.
"I forgot to mention that while my late brother was so occupied with killing your brother, the whole realm came across proof of the White Walkers' existence," Renly said, causing the Northmen to gasp, before turning to Loras. "Bring the Lord Commander in."
Ser Loras nodded and walked off before Oberyn said, "So His Grace..." He turned to Robert's corpse, spitting out his name, "... decided to follow through with his revenge instead of his concerns for the realm?"
"It was simply a case of unfortunate circumstances," Renly said. "The Small Council and I were discussing what we had seen, when Ser Meryn and the Other Kingsguard had Lord Arryn and Pycelle arrested on Robert's orders. We were all surprised to say anything."
"Unbelievable."
"Indeed," said the Lord of the Vale.
"So if you know about their existence, why are we even bothering to argue over the Iron Throne, when the White Walkers don't care who sits on it as long as we're all dead?" Jon said, catching everyone by surprise. "We should be working together on how to expel them once and for all, instead of focusing on petty disputes."
"What did you have in mind?" Renly asked.
"We call a truce for now, until we make sure once and for all the White Walkers are gone," said Jon, who unsheathed his sword and placed its tip downward before kneeling forward. "I, Jon Stark, born as Aegon Targaryen VI, later known as Jon Snow, swear by the laws of the First Men and the Old Gods, that I will not wage war on you or plot against yours, as long as the White Walkers threaten all that is ours. To do so is forfeit toy life"
Everyone was shocked by this, except Renly who did the same as Jon. "I, Renly Baratheon, heir to King Robert Baratheon, swear I will not avenge my brother's death nor seek out the Iron Throne for myself or harm upon you and yours. I uphold this promise by the laws of the Seven. To do so would forfeit my life."
Both men stood up and clasped their hands with a firm shake.