Author's Note: Welcome to my ninth story known as The Fathomless Blood of the Targaryens. Yes, my ninth story…hopefully the last one I put out for a while. As I think I'm doing all the fanfictions I currently want to do at the moment. Now, firstly to start I'm going to do my best to make this a mix of both the books and show in this story, but mainly of the show. For my own reasons of course, as it also means I'll be using the show's timeline for reasons of my own. So without anything else to say, let's get into this first chapter shall we.
I don't own Game of Thrones or the ASOIAF Series which both belong to GRRM
"..." Character P.O.V.
'...' Character Thoughts
"..." High Valyrian, Old Tongue, or any other languages
Chapter 1: A Great Tale of Ice and Fire Begins, Aftermath of the Rebellion
House Targaryen of Dragonstone.
Descended from one of the forty Dragonlord families of Valyria, and one of the last surviving remnants from the great empire of the Valyrian Freehold.
Known for being of the Blood of the Dragon.
Taking what is theirs through Fire and Blood.
Being the first Royal House of the Seven Kingdoms through the path of conquest over most of the continent of Westeros.
Kings of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men.
Lords of the Seven Kingdoms.
And Protectors of the Realm.
A very noble, proud, strong, and vigorous House that has reigned supreme over the continent of Westeros for nearly three centuries. With each ruler being either exceptional in their command over the realm, cruel to the point of bringing the realm over into total chaos, or sometimes even being outright unworthy of ever being able to hold leadership over the realm.
Due to those of their own House and many of the other Great Houses of Westeros playing a simple, yet so very significant and dangerous game. The very game that can both further a House's position and power throughout the realm, or destroy it from the face of the earth entirely.
The very game that leaves very few seeking something in particular, or many seeking something that will allow them to stand at the top in their corner of the world.
A game where you play until you win, or die. There is no middle ground.
The Game of Thrones.
A game of power that's only purpose entails struggle for the players that seek to further their position or sit themselves and their House upon the Iron Throne that commands rule over all of Westeros. The very seat which on many accounts has caused many wars, both internally and externally. With the results of each battle and outcome of every war for such a seat of power being sometimes very minor, or sometimes very steep.
Even now more than ever, as the Targaryens now stand utterly defeated in open rebellion. Their royal armies shattered, their dynasty torn to shreds.
A catastrophe in itself which has led to the rebel victors standing supreme in the bloody conflict. Leaving one of the Great Houses that started the whole rebellion in the first place to claim victory over the Iron Throne by right of conquest.
But not without all being lost for House Targaryen, as certain members have managed to remain in the world of the living thanks to fate. All in order to take back what is theirs in the future.
Alongside facing even greater threats that are coming from not only nearby, but from far away across the ocean as well. After all…
The Game must go on as it always has...
- Prince's Pass, Red Mountains, Dorne, 281 AC -
A quiet morning with calm winds blowing through the hot and dry air.
This was the thought that was currently running through the head of Lord Eddard Stark, the second son of Lord Rickard Stark and Lady Lyarra Stark. Who a year and a half earlier had found himself named the new head of House Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and Warden of the North. And who had also now found himself currently riding through the Prince's Pass in Red Mountains of Dorne with a small company of his choosing on horseback. All because both his father and older brother, Brandon Stark had been brutally executed at the hands of the Mad King known as Aerys Targaryen the Second of His Name.
Which became the second key factor that led to the breakout of another rebellion that was named after Ned's close friend, Robert Baratheon. A man whom he had met at the age of eight years old whilst being fostered by Lord Jon Arryn at the Eyrie in the Vale of Arryn.
"Ned! We should be arriving at the tower within the hour!" says the raised voice of someone next to him, speaking out on their horse.
Making Ned turn his attention over to the person who had spoken out to him, which was a man by the name of Howland Reed. Ned's close friend and bannerman, who is the current Lord of Greywater Watch and head of House Reed, who holds dominion over the Crannogmen of the Neck.
A small man in appearance like all Crannogmen. Wearing a shirt of bronze scales, wielding a three-pronged spear and a leather shield whilst a longsword is strapped firmly to his waist.
"Aye, we should Howland. We should." says Ned being short in his response, speaking calmly as he did so.
Something for which Howland had noticed immediately from his Lord and friend that he had followed into battle.
"Is there something wrong, Ned?" asks Howland, sounding clearly concerned for his friend.
As he and the rest of the small company turned their horses to their left in order to follow the changed path. That was slowly switching up a bit whilst they galloped further into the mountains.
"It's really nothing that important, Howland." begins Ned, speaking out to answer. "Just that it all finally comes to an end. After this…" says Ned trailing off towards the end, as his tone held nothing but weariness.
Due to all stemming from how the rebellion came to end in the first place, as it had also ended some days ago in the form of certain events taking place all across Westeros. Firstly with the Mad King's son and heir, Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen dying at the Battle of the Trident in the eastern Riverlands. With said death also coming at the hands of Robert Baratheon himself, who had faced the Targaryen prince in single combat, and eventually managed to smash his war hammer into Rhaegar's chest. Prompting the blow to be so hard that the rubies adorning Rhaegar's armor were shattered free to litter the river. Giving that area on the banks of the Trident in which Rhaegar had died a new name; The Ruby Ford.
Leading to events further down the line inevitably giving rise towards the second incident that would eventually and officially end the rebellion. Which began when news quickly spread of who won at the Trident, and how the outcome came to be.
"You sound tired, my friend." says Howland matter-of-factly, stating what he could clearly see in Ned's expression.
"Aye, that I am." says Ned speaking more firmly now, as he gave another very short response.
Something for which made Howland let out a small sigh of his own, before speaking once again.
"And you also haven't been sleeping very much either as of late." says Howland, deciding to finally get to the point by bringing this small detail out into the open.
With Ned in response turning his head over to Howland, before opening his mouth to speak again.
"Can you really put blame on me for that, Howland?" asks Ned, still sounding firm with curiousness in his voice.
"No I don't suppose I can, my lord." says Howland, answering honestly as he thought about it. "Considering it's been the same for me too. Especially after King's Landing…" says Howland continuing to speak, with his voice becoming a bit quiet at the end.
All the while leaving those last few words to have an effect on Ned. Who in turn went on to let a very heavy sigh escape from his lips, as he had a certain thought of his own on the matter.
'Yes...naturally anyone would lose sleep after the madness we witnessed going on in King's Landing.' thought Ned with a grim mindset, as he started to remember it all very clear.
When news of the outcome at the Battle of the Trident had finally reached the ears of a man by the name of Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West. A man who from the beginning of the rebellion had appeared to be neutral and refused the call to arms from both the loyalists and the rebels alike, only up until that point at least. As the Warden of the West only decided to officially act when he heard that Rhaegar had been slain on the battlefield with his royal army shattered and defeated. Which in turn quickly prompted the man to act by appearing at the gates of King's Landing with an army of twelve thousand men. Simultaneously beating the rebel forces from the Trident led by Ned Stark in getting to King's Landing first by only a few mere hours.
From there on, Lord Tywin had professed his loyalty to King Aerys in the name of the old "friendship" he had shared with the king long ago. Something for which didn't sit well with few and many alike, as this very proclamation in itself didn't stop the Master of Whisperers, Lord Varys in the slightest from trying to counsel King Aerys to keep the gates locked.
'A very smart strategy to go through with. If only he had listened to his counsel…' thought Ned with disappointment present in his thoughts, whilst closing his eyes.
Already knowing full well that the Mad King Aerys had chosen not to listen to Varys, but instead chose to listen to his Grand Maester known as Pycelle, who advised otherwise. Leading to Aerys eventually giving the order for the gates to open for Tywin's men to enter the city. As once they were inside, only then did the forces from the Westerlands show their true colors by proceeding to sack the city whilst raping and murdering its people. Leaving no one to be spared on all accounts. Including those of the royal family. So when Ned had finally arrived, he found Lannister banners hanging over not only the Red Keep but the rest of the sacked city, corpses of its inhabitants littering the streets, and Tywin's firstborn son, Ser Jaime Lannister sitting on the Iron Throne with a smirk on his face.
All while Aerys' corpse was slumped below it with blood pooling from his body. Leaving the problems to not even stop there, because when Robert had finally arrived in the city at a later point, he was presented with the bodies of Rhaegar's wife Elia Martell, and their children Rhaenys and Aegon Targaryen. All wrapped in Lannister cloaks courtesy of Lord Tywin in order to hide the blood.
"But even with that in mind Ned, that doesn't seem to be what's really been bothering you for some time now." says Howland whilst eyeing his lord, still being very attentive as these words silently got Ned's attention once again. "Which is why instead of pointing out the problem, I'll ask you directly. Just what is bothering you so?" asks Howland in a more firm tone of voice.
Leaving Ned to remain silent on the matter for a few moments, before finally finding his words to give Howland a very short and straight-to-the-point answer.
"It's Robert." says Ned finally, with the words coming out in a low growl.
"Robert? What about him?" asks Howland with a raised eyebrow, only for his question to be met with silence from Ned, making the Crannogman ponder for a moment before speaking once again. "By the Old Gods, Ned. Please, do not tell me that this is all about the argument that the both of you had back in King's Landing?" asks Howland with a bit of shock in his tone.
"It is." says Ned, finally deciding to confirm it.
While at the same time, turning the reins on his horse with the others in his company doing the same in order to follow not only their lord but the path as well. Which was heading further uphill.
"Ned, you and I both know that there was nothing you could do." begins Howland speaking once again, only once he had managed to catch up to Ned on his horse at full gallop.
"And that is my exact point on the matter, Howland." says Ned, responding with irritation in his tone, as his thoughts continued to dwell on about it. "There was nothing I could do, Robert didn't bother himself in listening to the reason that came from my lips. So instead, he chose to disregard me entirely in favor of appeasing those who didn't bother to help in this rebellion when it first started." says Ned with a stern look in his eyes.
"Even still, it surprises me that you never saw it coming." says Howland with a small shake of his head, whilst letting out a sigh as he did so. "Especially when he had that damn gleam in his eyes." says Howland, whilst now looking up to the sky.
"What gleam?" asks Ned confusedly, deciding to look over at the Crannogman with narrowed eyebrows.
"The murderous kind of gleam that all men or women have when they develop a very profound hatred. The very kind that seems to border on madness." says Howland in response, before speaking further. "You know me, Ned. I'm quiet and observant. Immeasurably more so than that of Lord Bolton." says Howland, calmly and proudly speaking of his subtle ability.
"That much is certain." says Ned with a nod.
"Which leads to my next word on the topic. Whenever I had the chance to watch Robert from time to time at a distance, I also listened to conversations being spoken around him." begins Howland, peaking Ned's attention and curiosity even further now. "Especially when someone spoke of the Targaryens in his presence." says Howland, giving his small assessment on what he had seen from the man.
"I see...it honestly would explain certain things pertaining to him directly." says Ned, now understanding Howland's words while also understanding Robert a bit more too. "But that still doesn't explain why such hatred had to be brought onto others that didn't affect him directly." says Ned with finality in his voice on the subject of Robert's behavior.
As he started remembering exactly how the argument between himself and Robert had gone on the day when the stag in question had finally arrived in the city. Ned not only wanted Ser Jaime punished for breaking his oath and killing his king, but also for justice to be passed on both Ser Gregor Clegane the Mountain and Ser Amory Lorch. The latter two of this group of three men, who in Ned's mind were not only just utter disgraces as so-called knights of the realm but were beasts that on all accounts deserved to be shipped off straight to Dorne in order to face proper justice for the crimes they committed.
Because according to what Ned was able to learn of the situation from Tywin's men in the city, both Ser Gregor and Ser Amory had been able to scale the walls of Maegor's Holdfast during the sack. From there on, men had entered the royal apartments with the Mountain tearing the infant Prince Aegon from his mother's breast and dashed his head against a wall, all while Elia had pleaded for mercy. And when that was done, Ser Gregor had turned his attention on Elia by brutally raping her, before finally smashing her head in. Whilst the three-year-old Princess Rhaenys, who had been found hiding under her father Rhaegar's bed was killed by Ser Amory, who in turn stabbed the little girl over half a hundred times. Very fates in Ned's mind that should have never come to befall on the three.
Leading to exactly why Ned was so outraged and disgusted by the act, for which on all accounts he called murder. Stating that the young prince and princess were no more than babes. Something for which Robert had dismissed promptly with his response being both low and cold laughter. Followed by his even more shocking and spine-chilling words.
"I see no babes, only dragonspawn."
The very words that not only shocked Ned but had also managed to make him freeze on the spot in horror.
As in that very moment, Ned had finally and fully realized just how far gone the Robert he had once known really well was.
"Yes...it would probably be wise to stop speaking of him then." begins Howland, looking to his right with a more stilled look in eyes, upon noticing the amount of discomfort in Ned's expression as they talked about Robert. "Better to turn our focus back on what's awaiting us." says Howland speaking with driven determination, deciding to look back at what's in front of him.
"Aye...at the Tower of Joy." says Ned in a determined tone of voice, accompanied by narrowed eyes that immediately replaced his expression of discomfort on the previous matter of talk.
The very place for which Ned and his small company we're currently heading towards since they had left King's Landing on the very day Ned had his blazing argument with Robert. All because Ned had found it better to go on ahead with his army, and end the fighting that was still going on elsewhere. Leaving the Lord of Winterfell to turn his full attention on lifting the siege at the castle of Storm's End, the seat of House Baratheon in the Stormlands. Something for which Ned was able to make quick work of as the Lord of the Reach, Mace Tyrell, and his armies yielded immediately to dip his banners to Eddard without a fight. Which concurrently had saved both of Robert's brothers, Stannis along with all of their men stationed at the castle from starving out and resorting to cannibalism.
Leaving the siege fully resolved in its entirety, with Mace Tyrell deciding to march himself along with his forces back to the Reach in order to finally return home. Casting off all of the aftermath responsibilities of such a siege onto Ned. As his army, from that point, had to tend to feeding the nearly starved out garrison at Storm's End. Which had also been supported by a smuggler named Davos Seaworth beforehand. Before Ned finally received a raven that delivered a message straight from Ashara Dayne, his older brother's former lover. Which gave him crucial information on the one thing that he had been searching for since the rebellion had begun.
The very thing Ned was currently riding for. The very thing which became the first key factor in starting Robert's Rebellion, and led to both Ned's father and older brother dying at the hands of the Mad King.
Ned Stark's young sister, Lyanna Stark.
Who had been abducted a year and a half earlier by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Just ten leagues away from the fallen and ruinous castle of Harrenhal, and was now currently being held up in the Tower of Joy. The place Ned assumed Lyanna has most likely been since her abduction and for the whole duration of the entire rebellion. Without a doubt being guarded by certain members of the Kingsguard who had helped Rhaegar in the very act of abducting Lyanna in the first place. Something which was right to assume on Ned's part, as these certain knights of the Kingsguard haven't been seen for quite some time now.
'Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Gerold Hightower the White Bull. Ser Oswell Whent the Black Bat, and Ser Arthur Dayne...the Sword of the Morning.' thought Ned grimly with closed eyes.
As he never would've expected to be without a doubt battling these three very knights in sword battle to the death. Though with how things have gone so far, Ned had really hoped that there was a chance that this could all be solved without bloodshed.
A thought and hope that would be supremely balanced on how Ned was going to approach the situation once he was able to reach the tower.
- Tower of Joy -
It was now midday for the surrounding area around the Tower of Joy, quiet and devoid of any sort of noise. For the most part at least, as the sound of a whetstone being put to work on a blade was at work. With its owner being known as Ser Gerold Hightower. A fierce man despite his old age who was quietly sitting on a nearby rock, repeating through the small ceremony of its sharpening process. Before a few moments later, Ser Gerold decided to turn his head to look over the horizon upon hearing the sound of horse gallop in the distance, which was soon accompanied by the Lord Commander now seeing seven men on horseback.
Deciding to squint his eyes in order to get a better look, Ser Gerold immediately noticed the five on horseback riding towards the tower. And from there looking from first to last he saw Eddard Stark, the new Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Lord Willam Dustin of Barrowton, Ser Mark Ryswell, Lord Howland Reed of Greywater Watch, Ethan Glover, who he had recognized as the last surviving member of Brandon Stark's company that rode for the capital looking for Rhaegar Targaryen. As for the last two, Ser Gerold saw Martyn Cassel and Theo Wull. A sight that didn't phase him at all on the outside, but on the inside, it was a sight that he was expecting for some time now.
Ser Gerold from that point went to look over his right shoulder in order to look to his other two sworn brothers. Ser Oswell, who had been sitting not too far from him in the shade, whilst silently continuing to listen to the gallop of horses approaching the tower. Along with Ser Arthur Dayne, who was now calmly walking to retrieve his helmet sitting on a nearby rock a bit closer to the tower. Picking it up only to look towards Ser Gerold with an impassive expression on his face, as his eyes for a moment had said differently. Something for which Ser Gerold had picked up on by letting out a small sigh, deciding to get up now in order to sheathe his sword and grab his helmet as well.
Silently walking shoulder to shoulder with Ser Arthur with Ser Oswell waiting for them to catch up. Before he too went to fall into step alongside his sworn brothers. None of them decided to speak or even say a word either, as Ned along with his small company had finally reached the top of the hill by foot. Mostly likely reaching this point now only because he and his group had to secure their horses up to the posts below. So when both groups had noticed each other, the air was still quiet without conversation.
As it also didn't take long for both parties to finally get somewhat close to each other, leaving Ser Arthur to decided that their distance from far enough for both sides' comfort. As the knight in question moved quickly to drive his sword known as Dawn into the ground. The very same sword that gave him his title, and which also stopped both groups in their tracks upon taking notice of how far apart they were from each other. Leaving both groups to look at each other silently with hands on the pommels of their swords, as Ned, from his standpoint, eyed all three of them with a stony face. Ser Arthur doing the same, before finally opening his mouth in order to speak.
"Lord Stark." says Ser Arthur, greeting Ned with a nod and a sad smile etched onto his face.
Making Ned return the small courtesy, as he spoke.
"Ser Arthur." says Ned calmly with a nod of his own in return, before continuing to speak further. "I looked for you on the Trident." says Ned matter-of-factly.
"And we weren't there." says Ser Arthur in response, answering these words with a clear answer.
"Your friend the usurper would lie beneath the ground if we had been." says Ser Gerold, finally deciding to speak on this as well.
Causing Ned's eyes to turn icy for a moment as he spoke.
"He is no friend of mine." says Ned, coldly responding to Ser Gerold.
Leaving such a statement to now cause a bit of confusion amongst the present Kingsguard members, as Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell looked to each other for a moment with a confused expression. Ser Arthur on the other hand was somewhat the same but was also studying Ned when he said such words.
And alongside that Ned's small company who stood behind him seemed to be a bit on edge, as Lord Willam and Ethan looked at each other seeming a bit uncomfortable now. As Howland on his part looked over at Ned with worried eyes, due to immediately noticing that the anger for Robert had slipped out at that very moment. Something for which Ned immediately realized himself as the words came out too quickly, which is exactly why decided to quickly calm his temper before speaking once more.
"When King's Landing fell, Ser Jaime slew your king by stabbing him in the back with a golden sword, and from there I wondered where you three were." says Ned speaking more calmly, seeming to now have fully reigned in the temper he had a moment ago. "So, can I assume that at the order of Rhaegar, you three have been guarding my sister all this time?" asks Ned to the three knights before him.
"Yes, we have been and far away at that." says Ser Oswell, deciding to speak now. "Though had we been in King's Landing, Aerys would still sit on the throne and our false brother would be burning in the seven hell right now." say Ser Oswell, speaking on the matter further.
"Aye, but the Mad King is dead, as is Prince Rhaegar who was cremated per the traditions of his House." says Ned, deciding to remind them of these facts. "Which is why I'm inclined to ask Sers, would you all not bend the knee?" asks Ned, seeking an answer from the knights.
"Our knees do not bend easily." says Ser Arthur, answering Ned with an immediate answer.
Ned looked at Ser Arthur for a few moments, before slightly moving his head over in order to look at his companions. Which were all still wearing emotionless expressions on their faces. Leading Ned to ultimately turn his head back to the last three knights of the Kingsguard.
"Ser Oswell, I have married your niece Lady Catelyn. Surely you would like to see her, or at least give her some bit of solace in the fact that you're still alive and well." says Ned, causing the knight in question to keep his mouth shut whilst breathing deeply. "Ser Gerold, I would believe the same goes for you when it comes to your own House and the Tyrells, even Ser Barristan who fought at the Trident found the will to bend his knee." says Ned, causing Ser Gerold to give no visible reaction as he stood wordlessly. "And Ser Arthur, you still have your sister Ashara. I know you were good friends with Prince Rhaegar, but as it remains he is dead now." says Ned, ultimately arriving at Ser Arthur who silently nodded upon hearing these words.
"Yes, this all true." says Ser Arthur, confirming Ned's words with a calm expression.
"Which is why I'll ask you again Sers, why not bend the knee?" asks Ned with persistence in his voice.
"Because, unlike the others who came before us, we swore, took, and take our oaths very seriously." says Ser Gerold, deciding to speak in a more firm tone of voice. "Oaths that we will continue to uphold as the last members of the true Kingsguard." says Ser Gerold with even more finality in his voice.
"So you intend to keep your oaths to a fallen dynasty that has been overthrown? A dynasty whose last scion was a rapist that took and held my sister against her will?" asks Ned, looking a bit frustrated. "One whose final king took pleasure in burning Lords and Smallfolk alike for not following his mad whims and wishes?" asks Ned, going even further by speaking of Aerys.
"Rhaegar was no abductor or a man who raped. He was twice the man that usurper is, or ever will be." says Ser Arthur, speaking in a slightly scowling tone of voice. "So yes Lord Stark, I intend to keep my oath not only to my friend but to what he left behind. As I would never bend so low to the foul stag that killed him." says Ser Arthur, giving a straightforward reason as to why.
This not only caused more frustration for Ned but also left him rather confused by the wording Ser Arthur just used. Though with that being said, Ned didn't have a chance to dwell on those words further because Martyn Cassel seemed to have started making his attempt to move forward in order to fight.
"Cassel!" says Ned shouting out quickly, causing the man to freeze in his tracks with a look of confusion. "Stand back! Now!" says Ned shouting out the order with a stern expression on his face.
Making Martyn Cassel immediately, but begrudgingly stand down. Proceeding to stand where he previously stood whilst putting his half-drawn sword back in its sheath. As Ned turned his attention back on Ser Arthur.
"Ser Arthur, what did you mean by Rhaegar was no abductor or a rapist?" asks Ned, wanting a more clear answer to the words that came from the Sword of the Morning.
Who in turn didn't immediately speak in order to give an answer, as he turned his head back to look at the Tower of Joy for a second. Before turning his head over to look at Ser Gerold now.
"Lord Commander Hightower, how long have you known me?" asks Ser Arthur, confusing the man in question.
"For a good number of years, but I don't-" begins Ser Gerold, only to be cut off.
"And in that time have I ever disobeyed an order from you in the past?" asks Ser Gerold, once more.
"No, but-" begins Ser Gerold, only to be cut off again.
"Then do you truly trust me as a sworn brother on what I am about to do, despite how it will defy the orders that you gave?" asks Ser Arthur, looking the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard directly in the eyes.
Ser Gerold in question doing the same by looking back at his sworn brother with stern eyes, before deciding to look to Ned and his small company of six. Still seeming to take his go at getting the measure of the Northmen before him. Only to then look back at Ser Arthur who was still standing tall waiting for the answer he would give. Which caused the Lord Commander to let a sigh escape his lips before speaking.
"I do." says Ser Gerold with a nod, finally coming to an answer.
"Then at my request, I ask that you let me escort Lord Stark and one of his other companions into the tower." says Ser Arthur, making his request.
Ned himself looked to Howland for a moment, before looking back in front of him to see what Ser Gerold's answer would be. As the man in question seemed to be contemplating the request in his head. After all, Ser Gerold and his two sworn brothers were meant to guard it. Though if Ned were being honest, he could see that from the man's expression that his thoughts turn elsewhere for a moment.
Something for which didn't last long as Ser Gerold let out a sigh, before giving his answer to Ser Arthur.
"Very well, you have my permission, but I'm coming with you." says Ser Gerold nodding his tone leaving no room for argument, causing Ser Arthur to nod as he turned his head to Ned. "Whoever you choose Lord Stark, choose them quickly and wisely. Leave your weapons here with your men as well." says Ser Gerold.
"As you wish." says Ned in utmost agreement to these terms. "Howland you're with me, leave your weapons here as well. The rest of you will stay here and don't cause any trouble for Ser Oswell." says Ned speaking in added authority, whilst taking off his sword belt.
"Yes, my lord." says Howland with a nod, as he too began to take off his sword belt alongside his other weapons.
Deciding to leave them in the hands of both Ethan and Theo, as both Ned and Howland turned to the knights. Leaving Ser Arthur and Ser Gerold to turn to their sworn brother Ser Oswell, who gave them both a small nod of the head. With that done Ser Arthur turned his head back to Ned, giving the man a small head gesture for both of them to approach.
And without a moment's hesitation, both men started to walk with Ser Arthur and Ser Gerold in a haste. Now proceeding to make their way up the stairs in total silence.
"Father!"
Though that didn't last long for Ned, as he stopped walking all together upon hearing this. Looking rather confused too, as he turned his body in order to look around his surroundings. Only to find nothing, which only added to further the confusion he was feeling now. Before a gloved hand was placed firmly on his left shoulder, which in turn brought Ned back to being aware of his surroundings. As he found the owner of this gloved hand to be Ser Arthur, who was also confused but not for the same reason.
"Is something wrong, Lord Stark?" asks Ser Arthur, looking concerned.
"No, nothing's wrong. Just...just thought I heard something for a moment." says Ned, still looking and sounding very confused.
"Probably just the wind, Lord Stark." says Ser Arthur, making his input on what Ned might have heard.
Before a very audible scream from the tower caught their attention. Making both the Lord of Winterfell and the Sword of the Morning look up towards the tower with a surprised expression, as Ned's expression seemed to be more on the side of concern.
"Come on, we need to hurry. Your sister is waiting for you." says Ser Arthur, grabbing Ned's arm.
Pushing him a bit forward as they proceeded to run up the stairs. Both men moving quickly now, as they managed to catch up to Howland and Ser Gerold in a matter of seconds. With Ned of the two running past the both of them in a panic to get to his sister quickly.
- Inside The Tower of Joy -
Reaching the highest floor of the tower took little time for Ned, as both Howland and the two Kingsguard were not that far behind him. Leaving him to frantically look both in both directions, before sighting a lone door at the end of the hallway. A sight for which made him continue his charge, as Ned didn't even bother to knock upon reaching the door. Deciding to forcefully barge in without a moment's hesitation, causing the door to fly back into the wall of the room. Resulting in two of the three occupants, already present in the small room, jumping in a bit of surprise at the door being roughly thrown open courtesy of Ned.
Who was currently taking in the permeated scent of blood and roses in the room, as he looked to the two females on his right for a moment. Before looking to the bed to find his younger sister Lyanna lying in it, slim frame and all with black hair and grey eyes.
"Ned…?" asks the gentle, soft, and quiet voice of Lyanna trying to get a good look at who entered the room.
"Lyanna…" says Ned breathlessly, as he went to take off his gloves while kneeling at her side.
"Is that you?" asks Lyanna, speaking again. "Is that really you…?" asks Lyanna with disbelief in her voice.
Feebly raising her hand towards Ned in order to grab his own, as he decided to meet his sister halfway. Holding her right hand gently now whilst using his left hand to softly caress her forehead. All while Ser Arthur, Ser Gerold, and Howland finally manage to reach the room. As the Crannogman in question looked on silently with shocked eyes at seeing the state in which his oldest friend Lyanna was currency in.
"You're not a dream?" asks Lyanna with a small smile, wanting to make sure.
Which left Ned's lips curling up into a small smile too, as he spoke.
"No, I'm not a dream." says Ned speaking softly, giving Lyanna the confirmation that she needed. "I'm here. Right here." says Ned, reassuringly.
"That's good, I'm glad you came. I've missed you, big brother." says Lyanna, speaking in a faint manner with her smile still present.
"Missed you too, little sister." says Ned with a small chuckle.
"I'm so sorry, you know? About father and Brandon…it's all my fault, I got them killed because of my actions..." says Lyanna trailing off, as tears started to stream down her face. "Please, forgive me?" asks Lyanna, begging for forgiveness.
"There's nothing to forgive. So don't go blaming yourself for this, Lyanna." begins Ned, softly chiding his sister. "You couldn't have predicted what would happen, none of us could." says Ned, trying to make her aware of this much as he spoke in a comforting tone.
"Maybe...or maybe not. Though even with that being said...it still stands that I...and Rhaegar followed through with actions...that led up to this point..." says Lyanna, causing Ned's expression to be one of confusion.
"What do you mean?" asks Ned, wanting to know the meaning behind her words.
"I ran away...Ned. I ran away with him." says Lyanna, shocking Ned whose eyes widen upon hearing this. "We also wed in secret too, you know...on the Isle of Faces. In the sight of the Old Gods...and the New. Also tried sending ravens...regarding my disappearance...all of which never made it to where...they needed to be." says Lyanna, making her brother aware of these certain details.
As Ned's mind in that very moment could only shift into a whirlwind of complete and utter shock at hearing this all come from his sister Lyanna. All because Ned had honestly thought that this rebellion had started with his sister being kidnapped by Rhaegar, and led to her inevitable suffering unspeakable acts brought on at the hands of the fallen Targaryen prince himself. So to hear the truth that Robert's Rebellion was built not only on a lie but also on fragile ground was a lot to take in. As the fragile bit of this problem lay solely on the fact that the entire rebellion could have been avoided. For a time at least, because Aerys was still very mad and the rebellion would have only been delayed.
With that said, it didn't stop Ned from noticing that there were still a few questions left unanswered. The first of them being who was it besides the High Septon that oversaw this private wedding ceremony between Lyanna and Rhaegar. The second in particular being more on the side of wondering how exactly did Elia take all of this before her death. As for the third being who exactly intercepted and destroyed the messages that the ravens carried, simultaneously leaving the fourth question to be who exactly told Brandon that Lyanna had been abducted by Rhaegar, which inevitably led to both his brother and father being put to death at the hands of Aerys. Leaving the last three of these four questions to weigh heavily on Ned's mind right now.
"I know you have a lot of questions...most of them you'll find in that chest in the corner behind you." begins Lyanna, getting Ned's attention once again as he shifted his sights on the corner for a moment. "Others...you'll find with Arthur, Gerold...and Oswell." says Lyanna, diverting Ned's attention back to her. "I'm sorry I can't give them to you myself personally, due to the state I'm in…" says Lyanna trailing off at the end.
Giving rise to a bit of confusion for Ned, as he started to finally realize how pale his little sister was. Which led him in deciding to look towards the lower area of her body that laid on the bed. Now just noticing all of the blood, which was still continuing to flow freely from Lyanna's body. A sight that drove his heart into even further worry and concern.
'Gods...why is she bleeding? No, why is she still bleeding?' thought Ned with uneasiness.
"I know it looks bad, but what's done...is done Ned." says Lyanna, getting Ned's attention again. "The bleeding can't be stopped...I'm going to die." says Lyanna with more tears silently dripping from her eyes, deciding to give Ned the straightforward answer.
An answer in itself that Ned did not wish to hear coming from his sister's mouth. An answer which was now hurting him with every passing whilst looking to Lyanna. Oh, how Ned wanted to cry at that very moment, though for the life of him right now he had to hold those tears back from escaping his eyes. Leaving the shaking of his hands to make up for the immense fear and hopelessness that he was feeling in his heart right now.
"You're not going to die." says Ned in denial of what he was seeing, as he sounded a bit desperate for it to be so, but knew it wouldn't be.
"Don't...tell me...what I already know, Ned. I can feel it." says Lyanna in a stern tone of voice with the strength she had left.
Finding it very hard herself to say these words to Ned, who was clearly struggling to come to grips with the fact that she had little time left. As Ned seemed to still be in denial when he turned to Ser Arthur.
"Get her some water!" says Ned, shouting at this order to Ser Arthur.
"No, no water. Just listen…" says Lyanna, trying to get Ned's attention.
"Is there a maester?" asks Ned urgently, looking at Ser Gerold now.
"Listen to me, Ned." says Lyanna more assertively whilst putting a hand on his left shoulder.
Making Ned turn back to his sister with Lyanna herself pulling him down to her level in order to speak.
"Rhaegar and I, we had twins. A boy...and a girl." begins Lyanna, revealing this vital information to Ned. "Our little boy...who came out into the world first...his name is Jaehaerys Starkerys Targaryen. As for our little girl who came into the world second...her name is Visenya Starkerys Targaryen." says Lyanna revealing the names of her children in birth order.
Leaving total silence to overcome Ned in that instance, as he continued to listen with slightly widened eyes as Lyanna was not yet finished speaking.
"If Robert finds out, he'll kill them. You know he will. You have to protect them." says Lyanna with urgency in her voice, as she started to lean back. "Promise me, Ned..." says Lyanna with further urgency, pushing the point by beseeching for Ned to accept through a promise.
Though with that said, Ned didn't say a word. Deciding to only lean back silently, as he took in all of this information that seemed to be bombarding him all at once. As it was all so very dire and very true. If Robert ever got word that Lyanna had children by Rhaegar, he'd probably stop at nothing to see them both killed on the spot and without hesitation. That much was clear to Ned, after the events that took place in King's Landing.
Specifically with Elia and her children who were presented to Robert in the throne room. A memory that seemed to not only be haunting him at that very moment but also was very much running through his head over and over.
"Promise me..." says Lyanna, restating her earlier words with a sniffle.
Ned was still so very silent, trying to give himself a moment to think. Before said thoughts were abruptly interrupted all by the distinct sound of two crying babies. Causing him to look over his shoulder to see a woman who was clearly a midwife holding both infants in her arms. Wordlessly moving forward in order to give them over to the Lord of Winterfell. Who had graciously without a word opened his arms, and accepted them carefully. Now getting a perfectly good look at them both.
Starting with the boy, who was wrapped in a black silk blanket with red dragons and grey direwolves dancing across its fabric just like the one wrapped around his twin's. As Ned immediately noticed that Jaehaerys looked just every bit like that of Lyanna. Including his Stark coloring of black hair with his eyes on the other hand being just every bit like his father's, which were a strikingly beautiful shade of purple. From there on Ned turned the boy's sister Visenya, and saw that she in contrast inherited not only her father's Targaryen coloring of silver-gold hair that seemed to glow stronger than her predecessors. But also his Targaryen pale skin and strikingly beautiful shade of purple eyes.
Seeming to both be very small, very healthy, and wide awake whilst looking up at Ned. Whose heart at that very moment seemed to melt a bit for the both of them.
"I love them both so very much, I'd do anything...to seem them protected." begins Lyanna, looking at her two children whilst quietly caressing both of their heads, leaning her head forward in order to place a kiss on their heads as well. "All in order to see them both grow...live long...and see the world for all it is with their own eyes. It's what Rhaegar would have wanted too...so please..." says Lyanna trailing off at the end, as she decided to lay her head back down onto the pillow, before turning her eyes back towards her brother. "Promise me, Ned..." says Lyanna with a small smile, as she repeated herself again.
Words that made Ned looked back to Lyanna, who seemed to be fading quickly. A very sight that currently tore into him harder than any sword could. As this seemed to be the catalyst that finally let the tears fall from his eyes.
"Promise me..." says Lyanna once more, still wanting assurance from her brother who was still silent.
Something for which didn't stop the Lord of Winterfell, who at that moment seemed to finally be coming to a decision of his own now. As Ned decided to look from her, and to the babes in his arms for a moment. Before lifting his head back up in order to look his sister directly in the eyes, as he spoke with brimming determination.
Two words that would officially seal the promise that she wanted Ned to carry out.
"I promise." begins Ned, finally speaking the words that Lyanna wanted to hear with steadfast determination. "I promise I'll protect them both with my life, and bring them up as my own." says Ned with a further and unwavering determination to keep his sister's promise.
"That's good...I can finally...rest now..." says Lyanna, giving one last wide smile of happiness.
Letting her eyes begin to drift and shut forever, Lyanna was at long last finally able to rest easy. Knowing her children would be kept safe and protected in the care of her brother Ned. Who at this very moment currently had his eyes shut tightly at the sight of his now-deceased sister, cursing himself in the process as the tears escaped freely. Though even with that being said no one could really blame Ned. He had lost his father, he had lost his brother Brandon, who was originally supposed to be the next Lord of Winterfell, and now he had lost his sweet little sister.
Such a loss that wasn't just felt by Ned, as tears began to spill from Howland's eyes as Lyanna was a great friend to him since the Tourney of Harrenhal. The Kingsguard ordered to guard Lyanna, and who came to know Lyanna over time here at the tower held saddened expressions of their own as well. Leaving last but not least the two infants, a prince and princess who were now left in the world without a mother and father. Both of which were crying very loudly too, almost as if they too could sense that their mother's presence in the world had all but finally…
...faded away entirely to move on for the afterlife.
This is something to be expected really. Considering from the time I was born up until the point I was able to really understand and comprehend the world, I understood one thing.
All tales begin small, even in birth. That's the way of the world.
Like my Valyrian ancestors from House Targaryen and my First Men ancestors from House Stark, they all began small.
Before the circumstances around them ensured that they would grow to be ever so strong.
Just like this tale in particular...but instead, it begins with a promise.
A promise that has seen fit to groom me to be...ever the best. Not only for myself but for others.
Starting with my careful education on how to be a matchless lord, to my ferocious and strenuous training in combat and survival, and to how I can better be a great military commander in battle.
After all…
This tale isn't only about promised princes, prophecies, or the Song of Ice and Fire…
It's actually about...
The Fathomless Blood of the Targaryens
Done!, good, bad, don't like it that's on you. So yes, I figured I'd stopped the chapter here as in my head it seems like the best stopping point. Now, I don't really have much to say in this end chapter note other than I hope you liked this first chapter, please review, and I'll see you all for the next chapter.