Reign of Silver Wolf- Obsidian Knight
Chapter -I
AN:-
This is my first asioaf/got fic I do not own any of these all characters and entire Got/Asoiaf universe belongs to G.R.
I have searched a lot but anywhere I could not find a Benjen centric fic. The closest I came to one was "Dragonstone" which is more Jon rather than Benjen so for the sake of my curiosity I have decided to write one. So enjoy!
For the basis for this fic Benjen is Lyanna's twin. Ned is not so competent. Jon is more or less raised by Benjen and Catelyn bashing. Cruz I don't like her.
Winterfell, 280
Benjen was anxiously waiting in father's solar no now Ned's solar, Ned's letter was short and it didn't specify anything. He looked up at it again.
I have reached river lands. Travelling with my lady wife and son.
Will reach Winterfell in a moon turn.
Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell.
When letter of Robert's victory had come, he was overjoyed. But that letter was not specific either. What was with his brother and half written letters? Robert had won. Ned was marching to relive the siege at Storm End's. But they still had no whereabouts of Lya. So he was going to search. When news reached them at Riverrun that Lyanna was abducted by the prince, he could not believe it. Brandon the rash fool he was had rushed to confront a mad king. He did not listen to his council of waiting for father to arrive and had gone ahead. Father had followed thinking he could persuade the king to release his son and heir. How had that ended? Both imprisoned and one burned with wildfire while other was strangled trying to free his own father. Tears prickled at his eyes. Within a moon turn he had left for Winterfell father and Brandon were dead. King was calling for heads of Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark for treason. Jon Arynn had refused and raised his banners. Robert and Ned had escaped and had asked him to call the banners. All within a moon turn. He groaned. So had the rebellion begun?
Now Ned was returning to Winterfell after two years for the first time. With his wife and son. Benjen sneered. What was father thinking of bethroing Brandon to Catelyn Tully was beyond his reasoning. After Brandon's death Ned was forced to marry Catelyn at spear point. The audacity of Hoster Tully to blackmail his brother and refusing to raise his banners till then. Poor Ned he had no choice but to marry that trout. Benjen had nothing had Catelyn Tully. At least he thought that but she was clearly unfit to be lady of Winterfell never mind the lady paramount of the north. She was too rigid, believed in seven and was supposedly very pious, spent her days sewing and spoke flowery language. In all she was to southern. How northern lords would accept a southern woman as their lady was beyond his comprehension. Now she was his good sister and lady of the north. He shuddered.
It was that entire master's fault who had filled his father's head with southern ambitions. It was all know that Starks don't do well in the south. Bethroying Brandon to Catelyn Tully, Lyanna to Robert Baratheon, and the worst of was fostering Ned at Eyrie with the Arryns. They had filled his head with only being just and honor bound. That was all he thought about. The lords were already whispering that he was being too southern and their fears were valid as he had apparently promised to build a sept for his lady wife at Winterfell. A sept at Winterfell blasphemous! He had managed to quell their thoughts of him for now but who knows what may happen in the future, at least that master was executed, trying to send a raven to citadel about his failures by a letter inn a snowstorm. Benjen had to take is head himself as per the northern customs. How father used to do it he never knew. He still felt uneasy remembering as Walys' blood sprayed on his body.
"My lord, banners are visible outside the gates." Benjen was broken from his musings by Jory Cassel, son of master at arms at Winterfell. He looked up and replied, "Well then open the gates." Jory nodded and walked off to carry his orders. Benjen slumped; he was tired he could not wait to finally turn over these duties to Ned. He gathered his stuff and left for the gates.
Jory was right the banners were indeed visible. Benjen stood in front of the gates waiting for Ned's party to arrive. Ned was riding in the front. Sitting atop his horse with that solemn face. He was followed by, was that a wheel house? Bloody trouts could not even ride a horse. Benjen snorted. He was followed by guards and a cart. Dread started to pool in Benjen's stomach. He could not say that he had given up hope but, no-no need to think about these things right now whatever the matter Ned will tell him. Ned's horse stopped in front of him. He dismounted. Benjen could not hold back anymore and rushed to his brother. Both brothers embraced each other. Benjen looked up at Ned's face and he could tell that he was weary and tired. Lines were etched across his face and his eyes were bloodshot.
"where is Lyanna?" he asked Ned grimaced as if in pain and replied," She is no more Ben." he waved his hand to bring forth the cart. There was a chest on it; Benjen looked at it at his world shattered.
Lyanna his sweet baby sister was no more. He still remembered her laughs. Their swordplay, the riding trips they took in Winterfell's wolfs wood. Her voice was fading. He could not, his legs felt weak and the dread started returning. He felt cold empty somehow. Ned was shaking him and saying something but his voice was distant. He felt so cold so empty. His twin sister was no more. He still could not believe it.
Ned shook him once more, breaking Benjen from his daze, he replied, "oh" and again "oh" "Are you alright?" he asked
"I don't know" Benjen replied. He still could not believe that his sister was dead. He stood their frozen in shock. When he felt Ned shaking his arm.
"Let's get inside" both brothers turned towards the gates. What Benjen failed to notice was a baby being held by a wet nurse who resembled a Stark.
When they finally arrived inside. Benjen took his leave saying he wasn't feeling well. Ned nodded. He went to his rooms and threw himself on the bed. It was true Lyanna was dead. It hit him like a storm. And still, even without thinking the words, he felt a sob rise in his throat. The pain was no less unbearable, for months he had held on to the hope that she may be alive but no more. Lyanna, his sweet sister- He squeezed his eyes trying to hold back tears.
All the emotion that he had bundled up came rushing forth. He collapsed and started sobbing. His breath caught on the lump in his throat. They fought a bloody war for her yet they could not bring her back. Misery and sorrow, was that all that was left to him now. After spending the entire morning crying in his chambers, he decided to spar and went to the training yard. He ended himself wandering the halls after an hour of blindly chipping away at the dummies. His feet, unbeknownst to him, took him to Lyanna's chambers out of habit. When he felt tears flowing down his cheeks, he halted. He used to come here in the middle of the night when they were younger, and they would cuddle together under the furs, talking and giggling and making up stories. They'd never have another chance to accomplish something like that...
He left her chambers and decided to visit his nephew. After all he was a Stark Tully blood or not. He was yet to see him as he had apparently broken down when he had heard the news. When he arrived at the nursery. There was another cradle to one side, and another opposite it. He saw little Robb, named after Ned's dear friend Robert. If little Robb turned out to be anything like Robert then all would go to hell"- by the Old gods" he cursed. How anyone thought that he would be fit to be a king. He turned toward the another cradle, Benjen lent over the cradle and found himself looking into a pair of unfocused eyes the exact same shade of grey as Father's and Lyanna's. And, he supposed, his own. Benjen blinked, and the babe seemed to realize he was there. Those dark Greyeyes focused and looked up at him and for long moments, then a sweet smile stole over his face and the babe reached out with a hand at Benjen's nose. Somehow, despite everything that was wrong, still confusing, even about whose this babe was, Benjen could not help but smile back.
Then the realization hit him. Of course, Lyanna's mysterious death and appearance of a Stark babe at Winterfell. He resembled his mother quite a lot; there was hardly anything of his father in him. Considering what had happened to Rhaegar's other children, he hoped that Ned better have a plan to explain his sudden appearance. He quickly strode out of the nursery and marched right up to Ned's solar
He stopped outside the door, then reached up and rapped his knuckles against the solid old oak. Without waiting for permission he entered. Ned was sitting across the desk; he had Winterfell's harvest reports of last ten years strewn across the table. He waited for Ned to look up at him. "So, of whom is the child?"
Ned averted his eyes. "I've fathered a bastard during …"
Benjen sneered at his brother. "Ned, even after all these years you lies are pathetic. I knew Lyanna better than anybody! Do you think she would not tell me of her infatatuition with Rhaegar?"
"You cannot mean …!"
"I had thought it was a fleeting, of course I hadn't expected my sister to run off. So a Blackfyre?"
Ned sighed, and shook his head," Jaehaerys is Lyanna's trueborn son by Rhaegar Targaryen" Benjen startled, almost fell from his chair. But he was already married so how—bloody Targaryen. What did he fancy himself Conqueror comes again?"
"But she was so young how she had never thought of the risks. Our own mother had died birthing us. And Lya was fifteen for God's sake!" Benjen shook his head at his sister's foolishness.
Ned nodded. "I made a promise on her deathbed. I will protect him however I can. Robert can never know, he was gleefully laughing at dead Targaryen babes. Iron throne changes all"
"And father ever thought of wedding Lya to a man like that," Benjen slumped and rose again. "And don't you dare defend his behavior by associating it with iron throne; he had signs from the beginning."
Ned shut his eyes in pain. "I will not, killing little babes to and justifying their deaths as an excuse to secure his throne." he sighed. "Claiming him as a bastard was the only way."
"And what about you're Lady Wife? Besides no child deserves to be raised as a bastard, and certainly not him."
"No. This secret has already been told to enough people. Also it is more believable as all know of my affection for Lady Ashara Dayne."
"Ah yes your affection for Lady Ashara what a way of putting it. Were you not married to her when you dishonored her. And last I checked we're not Targaryen. Also does your wife know?"
"I found the High Septon in Dorne, he agreed to annul my marriage. No, I don't think she does."
"So Hoster Tully basically forced you to marry his daughter knowing you were already married."
"Aye he did, the Septon at Riverrun knew too, he agreed as long as I broke my previous marriage"
"Catelyn should not know any of this" Benjen finally answered. Ned nodded and agreed," the less people know the better."
"Lady Ashara miscarried. It was a little girl she named her Alysanne. She was stillborn. She had agreed to claim him as her own but—"
Ned broke off with a pained expression.
"She is not dead she merely faked her death, sent me a letter saying she wishes for a new start, in Essos probably."
Ned gave a sigh of relief, "I don't know if I can handle another death due to my actions"
Benjen said nothing, merely nodded and asked," what is this I hear about a sept at Winterfell? The betrothal contract Father signed stated that all children will be raised following the Old Gods."
"I know but I have brought shame upon my wife, this is least I can give her. As for the children they will have to choose for themselves."
"Ned are you hearing yourself? In the north we follow the Old Gods, we are the First men. The northern lords already doubt your ability to lead. Don't give them a reason to, or we'll have a rebellion on our hands too." Benjen answered outrageously.
"I am the lord of winter fell, they shall follow me. And I have already promised Catelyn, so a sept will be built." Ned answered coldly.
"Then be it on your head, I shall have no part in this folly." Benjen said getting up.
"Are you leaving? I know you wanted to travel when you reached your majority." Ned asked with resignation.
"I won't. At least not for a couple years. After all I will have to spend a few years with my favorite nephew. Gods know how you will raise him if I will it to you. And Lya won't ever forgive me. " Benjen answered cheekily and quickly left.
Ned sighed and muttered "Some things never change."
Later that night at dinner. Ned was sitting at the head of the table as the lord of the family should. To his left sat Lady Stark. Seeing her sit in the place that was empty his whole life made Benjen feel uneasy. He quietly took his seat to Ned's right, place where Lord's Heir sat. It was a not so subtle barb at the Catelyn, he wondered if she would pick on it. Apparently she did as her face contorted into a haughty expression and she huffed. Ned meanwhile was oblivious to tis exchange, "I went through father's old letter he was planning to make restore Moat Cailinn and Sea Dragon point as seats for you and me. Those plans will have to be halted for now as our coffers cannot handle the expense. We can resume them after a few years."
Benjen meanwhile was staring open mouthed at Ned," we had over 750,000 dragons in taxes last year. What are you going to do with all that money?"
Ned replied with stern face," the lords need to be compensated for losses. We have start filling granaries. Also Robert has increased taxes to rebuild King's Landing after the sack."
Benjen was outraged," why should we pay for damages? Ask him to send a letter to Tywin Lannister after all it was his men who has burned down the city. He is his Son in law as well. He could surely foot the bill."
Ned meanwhile took a sip of his wine before replying," Alas if only we could do that. But Tywin Lannister has refused to take responsibility as what happened was during war and it was not his fault as his men broke ranks and burnt down more than half the capital, also he has stated that if Robert wants the capital he could pay for it himself."
Benjen snorted, "If Robert lets Lannister have free hand then, he might as well hand over the crown to them."
Ned was angry due to what Benjen had said about his friend but he knew that it was true. As if it was not enough that he had married Lady Cersei. Rewarding them for killing the Targaryen children. So he remained quiet.
As the silence fell, Lady Trout herself spoke for the first time," I will have Robb shifted to my rooms as soon as possible." Ned nodded, while Benjen frowned.
"Why can't he stay in the nursery?" he questioned. Lady Stark spoke as if it was obvious. "You cannot expect him to stay with a bastard!"
Her voice sounded shrill at the end. It had already started to grate in Benjen's ears.
"What's wrong with him staying with Jon? Are they not brothers?"
"But-but he's a bastard" She replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Ned hearing where this conversation was going decide to interfere before Benjen further soured Catelyn. Benjen meanwhile did the exact thing he feared.
"Funny you mention that, my lady as I think he is more trueborn when compared to your son."
"What! What do you mean he is a trueborn? He is just some low wench's spawn. Isn't he Ned?" as she looked towards him. Ned meanwhile did not reply. Benjen gave an amused chuckle and decided to humor her.
"So you truly did not know?" he finally asked. "Know what?" Catelyn did not like how this conversation had taken a turn. She had hoped she could convince Ned to move her baby boy away from the bastard.
"Ned had married Lady Ashara Dayne after Tourney at Harrenhel. Before the Old Gods as well as the Seven. I was their witness along with Princess Elia. Your father tried to marry you to an already married man. So Jon is a trueborn by you standards. And you son is-" he broke off.
Catelyn felt tears pricking at her eyes. She had known that her father wanted to have advantageous matches for both her sister and her. She was not happy when father had dictated that Lysa marry Jon Arynn, he was as old as her Father if not older. But she had reminded her younger sister of their house words "Family, Duty and Honor" as her father had asked her to do the duty to the house she complied. But never in all those years had she contemplated that he would marry her off to an already married man. This meant that her sweet Robb was truly a bastard. This could not be true, her good brother surely must be lying. Thinking such she turned towards Ned and questioned him.
"Is it true were you already married?" Ned who had refused to meet her eyes till then spoke one word which shattered her heart, "Yes."
Hearing this she fled not even looking back to her chambers. Believing this to be a dream from which she would soon wake up.
Ned watched the retreating figure of his wife and gave a sigh. Gods! He was tired of all this. He looked over to Benjen who had mirth in his eyes and said, "Was this really necessary?"
"Yes, it was. We could not let her treat Jon however she wished." Benjen replied with a serious face. He certainly could have done so without making Lady Trout cry. But it was too much of an opportunity to pass.
"I wished she had being given more time to adjust. She has certainly taken it hard, we should give her some time." Ned said with a sad expression. He may not have loved her, but he had come to care about his wife a lot. After all she had given him a son. He truly wished they could have had a happy marriage.
"Sure, whatever you say." Truly he could not care less. But Ned need not know that. He got up thinking how to start construction again at Sea Dragon Point. Come to think of it Father had sent a few miners to explore the area around the mountains and hills, they had not yet come back. Perhaps he should visit his holdings soon. It might have something note-worthy to mine, yes he should definitely visit.
Catelyn meanwhile was having an emotional breakdown. She had bolted the door as soon as she had arrived and then proceeded to cry her eyes out. She had all longed to go north when she was first engaged to Brandon, and to tell all of them how a real Lady should act and behave. She fantasized about how she would win over all the northern lords and convert them to all to the Seven. With all the barbaric Northerners civilized and bowing before real gods, how simple would it be for her children to rule. But Brandon had died and her father told her she was to marry his younger brother, and her position as Lady of Winterfell. She had not wanted any Stark but tall, handsome, dangerous Brandon. Then she had wed Ned and seen him off to war, with a child in her belly.
All of that had come crashing down, when he had returned from war bringing back home a bastard to be raised alongside her own children. She had hoped that Ned would not for sake his vows and remain true to her. But it was all for a naught, they were never married, he already had a wife and a trueborn son by her who looked all like a Stark. Whereas her own son looked like a Tully in comparison. She began wondering if perhaps the curse of Harrenhel had started affecting her family. As her mother was a Whent, who had died in childbirth. Catelyn falsely married to a pagan Northman, Lysa married off to a man older than her father. At least she would have her septa brought forth from Riverrun, after construction of a sept she would make sure that her Robb was raised right. The bastard would have no right to claim Winterfell. Yes and no one would know of all this. She vowed, wiping her tears and finally drifting to sleep.
Benjen thought that he had enough fun with lady trout. After all he did not want to break her. He truly felt disgust at Hoster Tully, who for his own ambitions had forced his daughter to marry an already married. And another one to marry a far older man. But as his mind left this and focused again on the matter that had plagued his mind since this morning. Having his mind focused on work helped so he decided to do just that. Nevertheless she would have not wanted him to wallow in misery. "Oh Lya" he muttered as he proceeded towards the stables.
Now was as good of a time to visit his new holdings. He asked the stable boy to saddle up his horse and ordered a few guards from barracks to accompany him. As he passed the gates he told the guards his intended destination and galloped off. May haps a ride would help him clear his head.
Reviews are welcome. Also how often would you like updates? RIGHT NOW I think 3 to 4 weeks in between chapters.
-The Obsidian Knight
