Chapter 7:
The morning sun shone through the high circular dome of the Sept of Baelor, the Golden statues of the seven exquisite in their places atop their pedestals. Thousands filled the pews of the cathedral, surrounding the body that lay still upon the granite alter placed directly in the middle of the circular room.
The royal family and their favored guests sat high up in their secluded viewing box. The King in his Royal black and red doublet of his House, his Northern Wife the Queen Lyanna Stark, with a matching dress of deep midnight black, with highlights of blood red throughout.
The princess of Dorne, Elia, sat to the Queen's left, the young Rhaenys next to her with Prince's Aegon and Aemon upon their mothers laps.
Usually the death of any of the Royal family would ignite the grief of all who lived in the city of Kings. However, King Aerys was not one of those Royals. Not a single man, woman, or child could be seen grieving for the mad man, not his widow or children.
The dowager Queen stood over her deceased husband and brother, her beautiful face etched from stone.
"Aerys is dead. He is dead and the Kingdoms of Westeros are better for it. I ask that for those who once knew him as he was before the madness, to remember that man, the one who was a kind and gentle Prince for that was what he once was. His madness nearly destroyed our country..." Her voice grew hard as she continued, eyes sweeping the tiered room.
" I will not however ask you to grieve for him, I will not for I am just as grateful as all of you that he has finally descended into the Seven Hells." Her melodic voice filling the domed cathedral, the emptiness filled with her testimony, and none dared to make a noise as she placed a single white rose upon the dead Kings chest and swiftly turned to glide up to her family.
Eddard Stark stared hard at the decomposing body of his father and brother's murderer. Justice had been removed from his hand before he could dispense it.
A week prior:
Upon his arrival to King's Landing and the delivery of his sister and Nephew into the waiting arms of the King, and his former wife the Princess Elia, he had played the part of the Noble Warden of the North. He forced himself to play politics as his blood boiled for revenge. The King, I knew, was sure of how I felt, from the looks he gave me through out that day and into the evening feast.
Before the end of the welcoming feast I was forced to endure the constant lick spittle of the southron nobles, even some of my wife's family's vassals spent time attempting to lick my boots to gain favor. I steadily ignored them all with my patented look of silent apathy.
My Northern Lords knew me better, other than the typical inquires of my health and that of good wishes they left me alone to my own devices. My Vassals knew when not to poke an irritated Direwolf that's for damn sure.
It was nearing the end of the feast when Jon caught my attention as he walked by, bidding the lords and ladies of the realm ado. His eyes caught mine in a subtle 'follow me' as he passed.
Standing a bit too quickly I had begged my own goodbyes, the King and several of his own advisors immediately doing the same. Lyanna had made it known she was still weakened from the journey, and with the Princess of Dorne they left for the evening, quietly speaking between themselves.
Not giving the two ladies another thought I followed after Jon, the King just in front of him.
He walked quickly as was his habit, but not no longer being a child I matched his steps as we move our way through the halls towards what looked like a singular tower surrounded by a dozen guards with a white cloaked individual at the main door spear at the ready.
"Open." Jon's voice called simply.
Not bothering to wonder who was there being guarded so heavily I followed silently.
The men didn't hesitate as we swept through the now opened portal to enter a bare stone hall, obvious of the former trappings and luxurious decorations that seemed to gave been removed.
" This way Eddard." Jon's voice seemed to age ten years in those few words.
Nodding I did as I was bade.
Minutes passed as we climbed numerous steps winding up towards the peak of the tower. All the windows were barred so closely that not but an arm could pass through.
I noted the various guards posted on the landings of each level, wooden batons instead of swords at their waists.
Finally reaching a heavy barred wooden door Jon paused to give another white cloaked Knight a nod as he turned toward me.
"Before you dispense justice you may deem necessary, I believe it would do you good to meet the man and allow you to speak as you please instead of thousands of onlookers." He stopped to take a calming breath.
"Do not harm him while here Ned, I know its silly of me to say as you are more honorable than that, but I must for the King's sake. " he finished and gestured for the knight to unlatch the door.
'Stay Calm Ned' I think to myself as I pass the young blond haired knight with a handsome grim set face.
Entering the tower room I notice how bare it was, similar to the rest of the building, only singular lanterns spaced high upon the walls gave light to the otherwise darkened room.
A desk and chair sat to one side, a single inkwell and quill sat upon it, no paper in sight.
Then the only other furniture was the chamber pothole and bed with a wizened man clothed in white sitting upon it.
"Who dares enter my chamber unannounced!" His raspy voice hissed, face hidden behind long dirty nail curled hands.
"Eddard Stark." I tell him, stepping towards the desk and bringing the chair out of reach of the maded elder man.
" Ah! The boy finally brought you! Now he must bring the Baratheon brat and I will forgive him of his folly!" Aerys cackled out loud, his face rising in glee.
"No, the King is only doing as he promised." I correct him quietly.
His silver hair was in disarray, causing his confusion to look even more insane.
" What is the meaning of this? What would that ingate promise a traitor?!" He screeched out, standing from his seated spot upon the bed. Well attempted to stand.
As he rose he was jerked back down, the chains attached to his legs and arms not allowing him to leave his place upon the bed.
He seemed almost startled, as if he didn't know he was chained to a bed.
The confusion faded slowly though, his gaunt face becoming almost...sane.
"You. .. Yes..Rhaegar mentioned you.." He muttered, gently moving himself within the limits of his restrictions.
" You are the one to decide my fate. A Stark as the judge, and executioner for the King who had his father burned alive.." The gleeful madness gone from his voice, replaced by a matter of fact tone, on a bored looking face as if he were talking about crops or the weather.
" You had my father burned alive when he requested a trial by combat." I stated before taking a breath. I could feel my anger rising .
"My brother died attempting to cut his free, suffocating with a rope around his neck."
The pure rage I had been harboring coming to the surface as I shouted at him, my place in the chair long forgotten.
"WHY!?"
"A Dragon is above answering to the whims of his servants." He scoffed back at me, one shackled hand lazily waving away my question.
"You will die by my own by my own hand, Aerys Targaryen." I tell him quietly, staring him in the eye as I then turned to bang on the door to leave.
"Bah! Stark you may take my head, but remember Rhaegar is my son!" He retorted, the madness back in place.
I stalked out of the circular room, attempting to reign in my rage. Oh that fucking madman was going to die. I swept by Jon, not bothering to look his way. Jon and the Kingsguard who stood at the door both didn't utter a word as I stormed by.
It was not to be.
By morning Aerys had opened his own throat with those filthy broken nails. All the effort of keeping him away from a weapon didn't help when he had his own hand at his disposal.
Present:
The rites had been said, the King had stood to say a few words of the man he was, though even I could tell he seemed uncomfortable in doing so. Every member of the Royal family stood to leave, the King motioning at the body to then be taken to the dragon pit. This was where only the Targaryen's children came and watched as it was set atop a pyre to be sent off to the underworld per their tradition of burning the body, very much the same as the Northern way.
"Ned." I heard called out to me as I sat in an out of the way alcove, tucked into a corner of a long winding hall of the Red Keep.
"Lya."
She came up from the Western side, A smile on her face, little Aemon on her hip and ser Oswell at her back with the few handmaidens she allowed in her company, all Northern women.
"Ned come walk with me through the gardens!" It was phrased as a question though her tone told me it was not optional.
Sighing to myself I did as my beloved sister bade.
We talked of whimsical details of our trip, of the lords that had ridden to her at my back. As we walked the Kingsguard followed as a shadow, and the ladies began to hang farther back to allow us privacy.
"When will you go North?" Lyanna asked suddenly once we had entered the dowager Queens Garden.
"Soon I think." I tell her
" Uncle Tyne and Lord Blackvyne are leading the host back north in the morn. They both have been away from their own lands for a long while and uncle Tyne received word cousin Aron has returned from his voyage."
I continued to explain to her once I saw the look on her face.
"Aron! He left, what? 6 years ago?" She exclaimed, her happiness at hearing of favorite cousin clear upon her face.
"Oh! I wish I could see him Ned!" Her voice grew quiet then, as she suddenly latched onto my arm leaning into me as we slowly paced through the summer rose bushes and dragon Lilly's.
I could see the conflict on her beautiful face, her raven locks hiding her grey eyes from view, her cold hands tightened around my arm as she caught me staring.
"Have you heard from Ben?" She asked quietly
Looking up at me.
" I received a raven this morning, Winterfell has a new Maester, a well respected man who grew up in White Harbor. Ben sends his love." I tell her neutrally.
"Maester Luwen I believe his name was, father's Maester passed some months ago or so the letter said. He brought with him two younger trainee's to help with some of the projects I ordered Ben to begin."
"Projects?" She gave me a questioning look, head tilted to the side.
"I had a few ideas that could benefit the North, I was going to speak to King Rhaegar this evening about them. I was hoping you would join us as well." I say
" It would be my pleasure Ned." She tells me warmly, her smile lighting up her face.
Little Aemon took that moment to let us know he was hungry.
" Ah my little one, come let us get you fed my little wolf!" Lyanna laughed at the squirming babe in her arms.
Chuckling to myself I escort my sister and nephew back towards the castle, her ladies in waiting swarming in as the Kingsguard gave ne a nod.
" I'll see you at dinner Lya." I say as I give her a kiss on the brow.
"Alright Ned." She relies with a smile.
I meander aimlessly for a while, through halls and archways until I come out of the castle at the training yard where groups of men were practicing their skills.
Taking a breath I see the GreatJon swinging his ugly greatsword against a straw dummy.
Jon noticed me standing there watching and called out, " Ned! How about a spar eh?"
I look at the man, and shrugged in acceptance.
"Why not?" I mutter under my breath.
I walked over to the weapons stand and took a moment to find a suitable tourney sword.
Shifting through the racks I find a pair of greatswords for us to use.
" Here " I toss him one of the two and spent a few minutes to warm up with the dulled steel in hand.
A few upper swings, and some lunges to familiarize myself with the weapon. Well balanced in my hand indeed
Settling in an upper guard I look over to the GreatJon, who shouted,
"Be on your guard Stark!" His bellowing laugh filling the immediate area.
Shaking my head I took a step forward and began to circle the giant man.
It was then the man's demeanor changed, gone was the boisterous Umber, and in its place was a man who knew combat, his serious expression making it known he was taking me seriously.
'Good.' I think, taking a breath and taking quick steps towards him. My blade swung in an arch from the left meeting the dulled steel of Jon Umber in a clang. Pulling back I press him with quick short swings, up, left, Down right, three strikes from the same angles until Jon took the initiative and began his attack.
Like a wildling be swung from all directions, using his superior strength to overwhelm me.
Unfortunately for him, I had spent nearly ten years sparring against Robert Baratheon and his warhammer.
Weathering his strike I moved to his left and lunged forward followed by a flurry of steel as we began a deadly dance of steel.
Sparks flew as we spent half an hour trading blow after blow, our breathing became laboured as we spar, groups of men stopped to watch as the Warden of the North and the berserker of Last Hearth stood toe to toe.
Jon disengaged for a moment, I could see he was rushing to find a way to defeat me soon, the sweat covered him from brow down.
I saw my opportunity come as I pressed the attack, sending a high blow towards his head, forcing him to back track as he overextended his reach to keep up.
At that moment I rushed forward in a series of jabs I broke through his guard and knocked his blade away and sent a heavy boot to his chest.
He went down hard on his back, my blade to his throat.
"Yield!" I rasp out in between gasps of breath.
"Aye I yield!" He yelled back, exhaustion clear on his face.
Dropping my blade towards the ground I lent forward to help the large man up.
"A hell of a warm up eh Ned?" Jon laughed as he took a canteen from boy waiting for us at the weapons rack.
"It was, wasn't it?" I said just as out of breath as I poured water atop my head before guzzling down several mouth fulls.
Giving the man a pat on the back I replaced the sword on the rack and turned to see the group of onlookers had grown to include the King and his ever present guards Ser Arthur and Lord Commander Hightower.
"Excellent swordplay Lord Stark, maybe I could get in a spar at dawn?" Arthur Dayne called out as I approached the King.
"I don't know my Lord, you are not an easy opponent I am sure." I reply stoic like.
"After dinner my King would it be convenient to meet?" I ask Rhaegar as he stared at me in I believe approval.
" Of course my Lord, one of the Kingsguard will guide you to my solar afterwards."
He tells me in his melancholic voice.
I bow in deferment to the King as he paces toward the rack I had abandoned to retrieve a long sword, as Ser Arthur did the same.
Nodding to myself I turned to return to my quarters to have a bath prepared.
A few hours later a serving girl came to my room to alert that supper was to be served in the Royal dining area with the Royal family that evening.
Thanking the girl I set down the book I had been reading, a 'history of agriculture in the seven realms and beyond'. Not a riveting read in any stretch, but incredibly informative all the same.
Picking up my dagger I placed it at my belt and left the chamber to follow the young girl to the dining area. Becoming familiar with the Castle over the recent weeks I had a good guess at how I would find my way back later.
Entering the Kings apartment suite she showed me in and a guard announced my presence.
"Warden of the North Lord Eddard Stark!"
Sighing at the unnecessary and formal announcement I entered quietly and took my place next to my sister, little Aemon was absent though.
The King sat at the head of the table, my sister to his left and Jon Arryn and his wife to his right. Princess Elia and Rhaenys next to them.
Queen Rhaella and Visarys entered and took their seats to my left. The Queen Dowager graced me with a small smile as she sat.
"Mother, how are you?" The King asked as the servants began bringing out dishes.
" I am well my son, young Daenrys just went down to sleep with Aemon and Aegon before I left." She told him with a widened smile, her beautiful Valaryian features lighting up at the thought of the children.
Rhaegar shared a smile with the women present.
The dinner continued at that pace for a bit, simply topics were breached but nothing of real importance.
Jon looked over at me from across the spread of food and inquire,
"Ned, when will you go North son?"
His voice cutting through the chatter of his wife.
I could see his eyes begging me for saving.
"In a weeks time Jon."
That got Lyanna's attention quickly.
"You did say it would be soon didn't you?" She said.
"I've been away for too long, Ben has been doing well but he is still a boy and I shouldn't make him wait." Was my answer to Jon's questioning look.
"Then we must spend some time together before you go!" He told me with a small smile.
Reaching for his glass of wine in front of him he stood and looked me in the eye.
"It was a pleasure to raise you as my foster son Eddard. May the gods bless you and your family in the future!" He said as a toast.
Not sure what to say I raised my goblet of mead in response.
"If you need anything in particular Lord Stark, don't hesitate to ask." The King spoke, his voice soft but audible above the rustle of the table finishing their own drinks.
"Thank you, your Grace."
The dinner fell into a lull afterwards, though the King's eyes were on me as he finally bid his family good night. Seeing my chance I stood and did the same, Ser Lewyn motioning me to follow him.
We only walked but a few minutes before reaching a set of large oak doors, Ser Arthur standing outside. Gracing me with a nod he swung open the door and alerted the King.
Entering the solar I saw it was richly decorated in deep burgundy and blacks. Finely made furniture filled the room, a massive desk stood back against the wall, with several comfortable looking high backed chairs in front of it. Myrish carpets laid upon the floors, and the King standing by a window overlooking the city.
"In all of my dreams I never believed I would have been able to see my mother smile like she did tonight." The King began as he turned to face me, a packet of parchment in hand.
"Through the years of abuse my father put her through, and the hell she has lived it amazes me she still has the lightness I remember as a child." He said walking behind his desk, motioning me to take a seat.
" The Queen is a strong woman sire." I say in respect of the Queen mother.
"That she is, but we are here to speak of other things are we not?" He muses to me, picking up a decanter of wine and pouring two cups and offering one to me.
Not to be rude, I took the glass with one hand and settled down in the armchair with a muted thank you.
"No sire, I had a few requests of you actually."
He seemed intrigued.
He bade me to continue by waving a hand, so I did.
"The North doesn't have the best land for farming at the moment, though we make do our land for most houses are not suited for it." I begin after a moment to sip the sweet wine.
"300 years ago your family sought to give the New Gift to the Night's Watch even though they already held a massive stretch of the North.
But in that time nearly all inhabitants had left due to the watches neglect for the land so far from the Wall." I tell him.
"I am proposing you revise this gift so that house Stark may make use of the farmland that is arguably the best in the North. Now obviously the Watch will not like this, taking it as a King interfering with their business however I have a solution to the benefit of all involved." I finish with another sip of wine to calm my nerves.
"It was my ancestors intent to show favor and support by this Lord Stark, and I am inclined to continue to support the Watch." The King tells me from his chair, though I could see I have peaked his interest.
"That may be sire, however that land has not been used in 300 years. I do propose that with this land being farmed a portion will go to supporting the Wall, to feed and clothe the men stationed their and fund the repairs from export of goods. This land is wasted on men who do not farm but fight as it is.
No, I ask that house Stark be given the control of the New Gift so that my people may be fed and the lands patrolled and cared for as it should be. I am having surveys completed at this moment to see what resources are available on all of my lands in the North that owe me allegiance. My brother Benjen would take up lordship of the region to help resettle more of the lands and begin lumber collection as well." I explain respectfully
"How would this benefit the crown my lord?"
"We would make port in King's Landing for export to southern Kingdoms, and a levy could be set for the entry of goods and the shipping as well. That way the Crown would have another income as Northern lumber is always in demand."
Taking a moment to ponder my offer the King nodded slowly.
"5% of total sales would go to the crown, with a pittance of a levy on the export but not the shipping to King's Landing so that your people are not overtaxed." He looked at me for my response.
"For the other resources, House Stark would keep all revenue and only pay the set taxes as per the Northern charter" Rhaegar stated after a thought.
"That is more than reasonable my King." I tell him.
"I would ask that the lumber sold to Dorne be at a slightly lower price than the other Kingdoms, and that is the only concession I will ask on that Lord Stark."
I took a moment to think it over.
'Dorne is a desert, and they would most likely buy more than the other Kingdoms as it was.'
"I agree, your Grace."
"So be it, I will have the Grand Maester pen the charter by the day after so that it may be signed." He tells me as a knock is heard on the door.
"Open." Rhaegar calls out.
"Sorry for my tardiness my love, Ned." Lyanna's voice fills the room.
I watch as the sad King's eyes light up at my sister's presence.
"My dear, I didn't realize you were joining us!" His melodic voice greets her as we stand as she gave us both a kiss.
"That is my fault sire, I forgot to mention I asked her to do so." I say abashed at my thoughtlessness.
"Never to worry I am here now, so tell me what has been discussed?" She commands taking a seat at my side.
We explain our commerce deal.
"It's brilliant Ned!"
"I wanted to bring one more topic up as well Sire." I say, turning my attention to him
" Rhaegar in private please." He says with a nod to continue.
"Right. Well I was going to ask if I could proposition some of the small folk in King's Landing to travel North to settle those lands. I was going to see about making contact with the Wildlings as well, to see if a trade agreement for furs could be made with them to stop the raiding of our lands." I reveal to them.
"Flea bottom is overfull and in disrepair. If any small folk wish to go they have my blessing and ships will be provided to transport them as well." He tells me without a moment of thought.
"It would do well for our country for the Wildlings to halt their raiding brother." Lya says, her own glass of wine in hand.
"If it is possible, please do. I fear that if we did not do something to help those people we may have a war at our hands from what my great uncle has said in his letters from the Watch." Rhaegar tells us, though Lyanna didn't seem surprised by that piece of knowledge.
"What so you mean?" I question.
"It has been noted that a brother of the Night Watch has deserted a few years ago and has been bringing the clans together for a few months at least. It was only recently brought to his attention you see."
"I will look into when I return North' Rhaegar."
I tell him.
"Thank you good brother, I have a feeling the North is about to enter a time of change and for the better." The King tells me, raising his glass in salute.
