(King's Landing: 7/31/298 AC) Ned II
'It's hot, I'm tired, and I'm starving,' Ned thought to himself, before adding, 'and in desperate need of a hot bath.' He and several of his household guard had entered through the Dragon gate of King's Landing, along with the Lady Azula and her small group of Flameguard. The rest of his household had arrived through the Gate of the Gods, as Ned had not wished to let them see the possible remaining carnage from the fire. 'They will be safe,' Ned thought, 'Jory is with them.'
Several days past, a rider had come in the night, bringing news of a small fire having broken out in the Eastern Barracks, of the Gold Cloaks, by the Dragon Gate. As they grew closer to the gate, Ned noticed thin slivers of grey smoke still rising from the ruins of the top levels of the burnt out building. He heard a horse come up next to his own, as a breeze wafted a fruity, floral scent into his nose, drowning out the fetid smell of the city. Following the pleasant aroma was a smooth, refined, voice.
"They had said it was small fire, which sparked in the kitchens," the Lady Azula whispered, eyeing the damage, as she rode with him around the barracks. Several gold cloaks were scattered about, removing debris and assorted items from the streets. The group's entrance into the city had held little audience due to the City Watch having cordoned off the area, several days prior, to quench the flames and restore order. The bodies had long since been removed.
"It may have been small, my lady," he added, "but the Commander of the City Watch and several of his officers were reportedly caught by the flames."
"A tragedy, to be sure," the Lady of Dragonstone stated, somewhat unconvincingly, "and somewhat baffling."
"How so?" He asked, wondering what she was getting at.
"The Gold Cloaks have barracks within the Red Keep, and Commander Slynt would rarely travel out," she clarified. "So what was he was doing with his officers here in the Eastern barracks? I suppose he was merely doing inspections?" she questioned, bringing her hand to her chin in a thoughtful manner. "As Commander of the City Watch, I assume that would have been one of his responsibilities as commander, would it not?"
"I should hope so, my Lady," he answered, thinking the question reasonable. He observed the Lady Azula continuing to analyze the scene before she yawned, and continued speaking.
"Truthfully though, what does it matter? He was corrupt anyways," the Lady Azula stated. "Many a murderer, and rapist, escaped justice by simply offering him coin, Lord Stark," she stated, after spying a stray cat prowling the nearby alley. "You are better off never having dealt with that frog-faced man. Besides, Lord Arryn sought his removal, you know?"
He looked at her, as his mind swirled with thoughts and memories of his late foster-father, eyes telling her to continue.
"Lord Arryn had two men prepared to come forward, accusing Slynt and his officers of taking bribes and selling positions, before the two had suddenly died on their rounds," Azula resumed. "He had even presented proofs of Slynt's 'activities' before the small council, only for his Grace to shrug them away."
"How do you know this?" he asked, glancing towards the Lady of Dragonstone, and awaiting her response.
"Stannis told me," she replied, glancing at him. "If I am to live here, Lord Stark, then my safety is of the utmost importance to me, and him. If he tells me the Commander of the City Watch is corrupt, then I will know to not trust the man."
"What reasoning did the King give for ignoring the proofs?" he asked, curious on why Robert had allowed such corruption in his city.
'"They all steal," she answered. '"Better a thief we know than one we don't, the next man might be worse." The Lady of Dragonstone cast a grim expression towards him, before adding, "Those were Robert's words as my husband had heard them. Even as he told me, I knew as well as he did, that Baelish's words were in the King's mouth." The Lord of Winterfell looked at the Lady of Dragonstone, as she turned her attention back down towards the rubble, pondering if she had spoken truly before he saw her lift her head away from the debris. "And here comes the royal door greeter," she uttered.
As he turned to follow her eyes, he saw a small, somewhat richly dressed man, guarded by three gold cloaks, approaching him. Several of his household guard grew closer, prepared to defend against any threats. 'Good men,' he thought. "Do you recognize him, my Lady?"
"Yes," she replied. "He is a royal steward, I forget his name, but he has no doubt been sent to retrieve you for a small council meeting."
"To discuss Slynt's replacement?" he asked, knowing Robert had broached him about the subject when they had heard news of the fire.
"Most likely," the Lady Azula replied, eyes focused on the man as he grew closer.
"Welcome, Lord Stark," the man said, clasping his hands behind his back, and giving a small bow. "Grand Maester Pycelle has called a meeting of the small council, and the honor of your presence is requested."
He had grown somewhat annoyed at being unable to properly investigate the fire, but he understood the importance of electing a new Commander of the City Watch.
"If you wish, Lord Stark," the smooth voice offered, "my guard and I will be honored to escort you to the Red Keep."
"The offer is appreciated, my Lady, but I would not wish to impose," he answered, nodding his head in gratitude.
"Nonsense! It is quite alright," she replied, "as I was already planning to head there, to speak with my Lord Husband, anyways," she explained.
"Very well," he answered, giving her a small smile, "I would appreciate the company."
The royal steward cleared his throat, catching their attention, before he spoke, "If you would both like to change into something more appropriate?"
Both he and the Lady Azula, stared at the man, before he understood, and retreated back, with his guard, to wherever it was they had come. Together they rode around the ruins of the Dragonpit and the base of Rhaenys' Hill before they entered flea bottom. His household guard and the Lady Azula's Flameguard closed up, forming a protective shield around them. The majority of the small folk rushed out of their path, and he heard the Lady Azula sigh, before she spoke, "The Butcher of Shipbreaker,' is not a title I am proud of, Lord Stark, but it at least allows us for a fairly unmolested ride."
He thought on her title and still wondered if there was truth to it. The majority of her crew had remained silent on the event, with only a few ever uttering a single word. Of the few that had, they told of how the Lady of Dragonstone had offered mercy to the survivors of the destroyed Redwyne fleet, only to be betrayed once the survivors had been allowed aboard. The garrison at Storm's End had been too far to see what had transpired, and so the only word Eddard Stark and the rest of the realm could go by was the word of the Lady Azula. Nevertheless, slithering throughout the realm were rumors of the Lady Azula's ferocity and ruthlessness. 'Rumors which Cat believed to be true,' he thought. Even as he contemplated their legitimacy, Ned knew the houses of the Reach bore a pure hatred for the Lady of Dragonstone due to the humiliating defeat she had handed them in the war. 'They were the likeliest culprits in spreading those foul words,' he supposed.
Ahead of his group, and blocked by their guards, a handful of smallfolk approached. A woman, within the group, bearing a small child of what appeared to be eight namedays, pleaded for the Lady Azula's attention and called out her name, "My Lady Azula?! My Lady Azula?! The Savior of Storm's End!" The wife of Stannis Baratheon turned towards the woman. "We beg of you to grant us passage to Dragonstone," the woman said, after having gained Lady Azula's attention. "My daughter, whom I have named in your honor, is very weak and hungry. We will work for food and a roof over our heads." Towards the back of the group, a man shouted, "I will work the fields, clean the stables, whatever you wish!"
The Lady Azula raised her hand, in a placating gesture, before declaring, "All people are welcome on Dragonstone, but I have business to attend to within the Red Keep." She turned towards one of her Flameguard, "Ser Justin!" she beckoned.
A lone, large Flameguard approached the Lady Azula and her mount. "Yes, My Lady?" the knight answered, before lifting his bone white faceplate, revealing a clean shaven man with rosy cheeks, blue eyes, and a head of neatly cut pale blonde hair.
The Lady Azula reached into the coin purse, strapped to her side, and presented several coins of silver and gold to the Dragonstone guardsman. "Take these," she said, dropping a few coins into the man's hands. "See to it that each of them receives a gold piece each," she ordered. "And as for the girl and her mother," Azula began, glancing at the child and mother, "bring them along, to make sure they are fed."
"As you command, my Lady," the knight replied, bowing his head, and lowering his white faceplate. Ser Justin took the coins and began distributing a gold piece to each individual within the small crowd.
"I cannot promise you a time in which I will address your requests," Lady Azula proclaimed, "but rest assured they will be addressed."
"Thank you, my lady! Thank you! May the Seven watch over you!" they cried, gradually dispersing upon receiving a gold piece from the fair knight.
The Lady of Dragonstone looked to the mother and child, who had remained, "I would be honored if the both of you would join us on our travel to the city center. Ser Justin will be more than happy to escort you to find something to eat, from there."
The little girl's eyes lit up, causing Ned to smile slightly. "You are truly blessed, my Lady," the woman uttered reverently, as the fair knight took to his steed and raised the small girl to ride with him. The girl's mother remained at the Ser Justin's side.
As they continued their march down through the Street of Sisters, to the city center, the Lady Azula offered a suggestion to the Knight, "I have yet to visit, but I hear Xai Bau's serves a soothing tea, that pairs well with the pork dumplings." Ned saw her cast a look towards the girl, before playfully adding, "And if they can, Ser Justin, have them bake some cherry custard tarts for the girl." The Lady of Dragonstone paused, winking towards the little girl, who licked her lips. "Also, make sure they remove the pits," she added, before whispering to him, "I hate when I find those in my tarts." She turned back towards the fair Knight and ordered, "Once they have eaten, and you have escorted them back to flea bottom, meet back with me in the Red Keep."
"Without fail, my Lady," Ser Justin nodded his head.
As they neared the city center, Ned noticed several commoners pause to stare at them, whispering amongst themselves, with others scrambling out of the Lady Azula's path. While surveying his surroundings, he caught sight of a little boy perched on the rooftops looking at him, before vanishing back beyond his sight.
"Varys' little birds," the Lady Azula revealed, causing him to turn towards her. "In King's Landing, when you think you are alone, you are not alone. Be wary."
As he thought on Azula's warning, his attention was drawn to the little girl riding with Ser Justin. He did not know how long she had been staring at the Lady of Dragonstone, but Azula appeared to be oblivious to it. As the Lady rode, he saw how she held herself, strong and proud, and as he looked towards the girl, he saw an innocent smile form on her little face. 'She reminds me of when Arya first saw Ursa,' he remembered.
Upon nearing the city center, Ser Justin, spoke, "By your leave, My Lady, I will escort them to Cobbler's square where Xai Bau's teashop resides."
"Go," the Lady of Dragonstone replied. "We will speak again in the Red Keep," she instructed before the knight bowed and steered right. As he, the child, and woman, slowly merged into the throng of people going about their business, Ser Justin and the child remained high above the crowd atop his black charger.
His gaze shifted to the imposing form of the Red Keep, and the equally large shadow that it cast.
"Ready to revisit the place where we first met, Lord Stark?" questioned the Lady Azula, as they set down the path towards the Red Keep.
"No," he answered plainly, "Not in the slightest."
Their procession to Red Keep had been relatively silent, even with their weaving through the crowds. Then she spoke, as they near the archway leading into the Keep. "Lord Stark, if I may?"
"Yes?" he replied, his eyes still surveying the home of his friend, the King. The towers jutted into the sky, as the gulls were heard cawing in the distance.
"A suggestion for Commander of the City Watch?" she responded, causing him to turn his attention towards her.
"Who did you have in mind?" he asked, face grim.
"If I felt the men would have accepted it, I would have suggested myself," she replied. "However, I know they will not, so if you would perhaps consider Lee, one of my Commanders?"
"Commander Lee?" he asked, knowing little of the man. He recalled the man having served during the Greyjoy Rebellion and the Stepstones, but had never dealt with him directly.
"Yes. He is a straight forward man that has a mind for tactics and strategy. He is one of our best instructors at the Grand Academy, and I know my husband will suggest the same, knowing he would be the best choice. He also tutored my son Ser Steffon. Teaching him the ways of honor and service," Azula answered.
"I have yet to meet this Commander Lee, or your son," he said, "who Bran thinks the world of."
"He is a good son, strong, honorable, and with a good heart," he noticed the last part her words catching in the Lady Azula's throat, causing her voice to break slightly. Quickly, she recovered, and continued, "Like your sons. Like Bran, who during the course of our journey, let me know how he wished to be my son's squire," the Lady Azula let the statement hang in the air, like the floral scent that surrounded her. "I could speak to him, you know? It is no bother."
"I should like to meet him first, before I consider it," he said while trying to form a picture of the young knight from what he had seen of Stannis, Azula, and their daughter Ursa.
"Of course, I would expect nothing less," she answered.
Before long, he and the Lady Azula, along with their guard, entered into the Red Keep. Passing beneath the raised portcullis, nestled between two guard towers. Handlers greeted them, holding the reigns of their horses, as they all dismounted.
"Greetings again, Lord Stark," bowed the small man, from earlier, who had somehow managed to arrive before the rest of them.
"Where is the King, and the rest of my household?" Ned questioned, his voice sounding like ice.
"His grace is still touring the city, and your household is making its way here, as we speak," the small man replied. "However, the small council still awaits your presence, Lord Hand."
"Yes, I know," he answered, still somewhat annoyed at the summons taking away from his investigation. The small man bowed, and disappeared yet again, back to where he had come.
"Come, Lord Stark," the Lady Azula stated, staring after the form of the retreating man, "there is a room of opportunistic men awaiting another man, like my husband, to reign them in."
A small snort of amusement escaped him, causing the Lady Azula to snort as well. "Oh, my!" she brought her hand up to her mouth, "how unbecoming of a lady!" The Lady Azula smiled, and looked sheepishly towards him, before growing a serious expression, "Tell no one, Lord Stark."
Ned's face returned to its stoic, natural state. "You have my word, My Lady," he stated, before presenting a bow towards her. Even as this briefly bizarre exchange transpired, he found himself, even more, conflicted on his thoughts of the Lady Azula. 'She was known for her keen intelligence, both in matters of war and trade. Her actions in the rebellion had earned her a reputation as both a hero and villain, in the songs and tales of both the former rebels and Targaryen loyalists. Doubly so in the Greyjoy rebellion, and yet here she was…' his mind trailed off as he stared at her, smiling at him, responding to his earnest reply. 'Smiling at me, being normal,' he finished. The thoughts felt odd, swimming in his mind.
So lost in thought was he, that he failed to notice when they arrived at the small council chambers. He heard an arrogant voice shatter the silent contemplation of his mind. "The Butcher of Shipbreaker Bay escorting the honorable Eddard Stark? I do not believe I was ever going to see the day when you would cast aside your honor to be in the pleasant company of someone with a reputation bloodier than my Lord father's," proclaimed Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer, the Kingsguard who murdered the king he was sworn to, Aerys Targaryen.
"There are worse people to be in the company of, than your father, Kingslayer," he spat, eyeing the Kingslayer and the dozen red Lannister guard, flanking him. "Lady Azula is not one of them."
"Oh come now, Lord Stark, have you never heard of 'The Fires of Shipbreaker' or 'The Storm Queen's wrath?' or the best one, by far, the one of the Tarly boy? What was it?" the Kingslayer retorted.
"Careful, Kingslayer," the Lady Azula growled, all previous signs of mirth having disappeared from her face, only to be replaced by a face wrought of steel. "Those are rumors perpetuated by enemies whose distaste for me is quite well known. I will not have my name sullied with accusations of murdered children. I am not Tywin Lannister."
"'The Broken Huntsman!'" the Kingslayer declared, having seemingly ignored Lady Azula's warning. "But we both know it should really be, 'The Broken Huntsboy.' Although, I am not entirely certain such a title exists, perhaps just 'The Broken Boy?" The Kingslayer raised his eyebrow with a smirk.
The Lady Azula's face was cold, but he saw the fury in her eyes, as she responded, "Or perhaps a new song shall be written of 'The Melted Kingslayer?'"
"Sounds like a very interesting song," the Kingslayer stated. "It's too bad you are a woman, I would like to have challenged you, blade to blade," he continued, a smile still plastered on his face. Ned noticed the Kingslayer's hands beginning to drift towards his sword, with the Lannister guard quickly following his example.
"You wouldn't be as much of a challenge as you think you'd be, Kingslayer," the Lady of Dragonstone replied in a low hiss. Soon enough all found their hands drifting towards their blades before the doors to the Small Council Chamber swung open.
"What in the seven-hells is going on out here?!" came the roaring voice of Stannis Baratheon.
