"That weasel" Catelyn fumed as the people around her broke into shouts of horror. This was not the same boy that she had known all her life, this was not the same Petyr. She refused to believe it. Yet she knew her denial meant nothing. The times had changed Petyr and that too for the worst.
"I should have carved him open when I had the chance!" Brandon snarled, face reddening from the betrayal his brother faced. "I'll gut him like a fish when I get out of here! I swear I will!"
"Alright, enough!" Ned shouted when he felt the muttering and shouts had gotten too much. "None of that will happen, but we know what kind of a man Petyr grows up to be. We can either stop him from becoming that or we can end him now."
"He's yet to become like that, right?" Catelyn questioned. "Maybe we can stop his fall before it starts."
"No, he's already spiralling" Edmure muttered darkly. "I've seen him after what Brandon had done to him. He's already plotting and planning. I don't think any is saving him anymore. We might need to make the hard choice concerning him" he finished. Catelyn looked crestfallen, while her father gave Edmure a contemplative look.
"Let's keep watching, and we can find more things to prevent, more people to stop before they get out of hand" Ned added, already tired of the outcries of outrage from his family, who were swearing vengeance and plotting murder.
The scene starts with Arya, we see that she has arrived at the slaughtered stewards. She sees her belongings lying on the ground.
"What happened here? Why are the Stark men dead?" Ned asked in a grave tone.
"After you were arrested Cersei ordered for Arya and Sansa to be brought to her. The Stark men were to be disposed of" Raven answered.
"Is Sansa alright?" Catelyn asked.
"Sansa was unharmed, at that point" Raven answered. He did not elaborate and Catelyn felt incensed at the lack of an explanation.
Arya Stark: Needle.
A stable boy appears.
Stable Boy: There she is.
Arya Stark: What do you want?
Stable Boy: I want you, wolf girl. Come here.
Arya Stark: Leave me be. My father's a lord. He'll reward you.
Stable Boy: She'll reward me, the Queen!
Arya Stark: Stay away!
Accidentally, she turns around sliding Needle through the stable boy's belly. Her first kill is a fact. Shook as she is, she runs off.
"She doesn't even have the time to process it" Ned grit his teeth in anger. The first kill always weighed the heaviest. Ned remembered his one, the nights he would wake up to that scene playing in his nightmares. The days food would not settle in his belly. All he felt was worry and sadness for his daughter and pure venomous rage for Cersei and her bastard.
The scene changes to Ghost and Jon. Ghost seems to be uneasy. Jon wakes up and talks to Ghost.
"Something horrible must be happening for the wolf to be uneasy" Ashara whispered, watching, thinking and stealing glances at Ned. The man was still boiling in his hate, that much was obvious.
Jon Snow: Ghost, what's wrong? Is something out there?
Jon decides to get out of bed, gear up and opens the door. Ghost runs off towards Jeor Mormont's room. Mounting his door.
Jon Snow: Commander?
Jon Snow: Stay.
Ghost waits at the front door, while Jon walks in.
Jon Snow: Hello? Who's there? Lord Commander?
As soon as he walks through the door, the door shuts and the corpse of Othor attacks Jon. Jon tries to stab him with his dagger, but nothing seems to phase him. Jon pulls himself loose, draws his sword and cuts off Othor's other hand. Then Jon stabs Othor through the heart. Othor falls down. Suddenly Jeor Mormont arrives.
Jeor Mormont: Snow!?
Jon Snow: Commander!
Othor gets back on his feet, pulling out Jon's sword out of his chest. Outside of the room, Ghost goes berserk, trying to get in. Jon grabs Jeor's lantern and throws it at Othor. Othor catches fire.
Jon Snow: Move move!
Jon grabs Jeor by his arm and flees inside a room, shutting the door.
"This is their first bout against a Wight isn't it," Brandon asked and Raven nodded. Brandon looked on grimly. "How did it get on this side of the wall? It looked like one of The Watch. Surely they don't bury their dead on this end of The Wall."
"He was one of two rangers that had gone with Uncle Benjen on his ranging beyond the wall. The two came back dead and on the backs of their horses."
"And Benjen?" Lyanna asked, fear gripping at her heart at the news of his brother gone missing.
"He is not found yet" Raven informed her. The news greatly unsettled The Stark family.
The scene changes to Winterfell, gathered Stark bannermen are having a feast.
"Robb's called the banners" Ned stated.
"Not surprised. His father and their liege lord have been imprisoned on accounts of treason. By now we can assume they all know you well enough to know that you won't do something like that without a good reason. And they have sworn loyalty to House Stark. They won't sit back while you suffer" Rickard stated calmly.
We see Greatjon Umber who is having a conversation with Robb Stark.
Greatjon Umber: For 30 years I've been making corpses out of men, boy. I'm the man you want leading the Vanguard.
Robb Stark: Galbart Glover will lead the Van.
Greatjon Umber: The bloody Wall will melt before an Umber marches behind a Glover. I will lead the Van or I will take my men and march them home.
"Ah, this will not be easy. A leader must learn how to balance the egos of his lords while also making sound plans" Barristan Selmy stated, curiously watching the boy at work.
"Let's hope Ned Stark taught his son that before he left" Arthur Dayne mused out loud.
Robb Stark: You are welcome to do so, Lord Umber. And when I am done with the Lannisters, I will march back North, root you out of your Keep and hang you for an oathbreaker.
Greatjon Umber: Oathbreaker, is it?!
"This does not look like it will end well" Catelyn muttered, looking on with worry for her son.
Greatjon Umber: I'll not sit here and swallow insults from a boy so green he pisses grass.
While Greatjon Umber raises his voice to Robb, Grey Wind rushes towards him and attacks, biting off 2 of his fingers.
Robb Stark: My Lord father taught me it was death to bare steel against your Liege Lord. But doubtless, the Greatjon only meant to cut my meat for me.
Greatjon Umber: Your meat...is bloody tough.
Greatjon Umber starts laughing breaking the tension and making everyone laugh along with him.
"You've raised him well Ned" Brandon too was laughing with those on screen. Beside him Rickard was smirking, a pleased look on his face. Ned smiled with pride at his son. The boy was growing well into the role of Lord and possible commander.
The scene changes to King's Landing, in The Throne Room where Joffrey had called his council and sat to listen to the people.
Cersei Lannister: Ser Barristan Selmy.
Barristan Selmy: Your Grace, I am yours to command.
Cersei Lannister: Rise, Ser Barristan. You may remove your helm. You have served the Realm long and faithfully. Every man and woman in the Seven Kingdoms owes you thanks. But it is time to put aside your armour and your sword. It is time to rest and look back with pride on your many years of service.
"Did she say it was my time to rest?" Barristan sat straighter, affronted at the notion of what he was assuming was a dismissal.
"The oath is for life" Arthur muttered, looking equally insulted.
Barristan Selmy: Your Grace, the Kingsguard is a sworn brotherhood. Our vows are taken for life. Only death relieves us of our sacred trust.
Cersei Lannister: Whose death, Ser Barristan? Yours or your King's?
King Joffrey: You let my father die. You're too old to protect anybody.
Barristan Selmy: Your Grace...
Cersei Lannister: The Council has determined that Ser Jaime Lannister will take your place as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
"Swat men away left and right, killing who she wants to be removed and placing people she favours in high positions" Rhaegar spat. "Joffrey's reign will not last long and will end bloody. You can have your daughter to blame for that" Rhaegar spoke to Tywin, who remained stoic. But his eyes burned with anger like wildfire.
Barristan Selmy: The man who profaned his blade with the blood of the King he had sworn to defend!
"She doesn't care. She wants her lover boy rising in the ranks" Olenna barked a laugh. "Your daughter thinks herself quite a clever thing. It will come to bite her in the ass soon enough."
"She's lost it" Jaime muttered. Ser Barristan was one of the finest knights in the Kingdom. And he did not doubt that age had done little to dull his blade. Losing him like this is nothing short of stupidity. He had always thought Cersei clever, but this? This was not clever.
Cersei Lannister: Careful, Ser.
Lord Varys: We have nothing but gratitude for your long service, good Ser. You shall be given a stout Keep beside the sea, with servants to look after your every need.
Barristan Selmy: A hall to die in and men to bury me. I am a Knight. I shall die a Knight.
Petyr Baelish: A naked Knight, apparently.
"I'll cut him to pieces and feed him to the hounds" Ser Barristan growled, enraged at what he saw. The anger only grew at seeing the men who were supposed to be his brothers in arms laugh at him. Damned oafs the lot of them. He was sure in his skills enough to be certain that even then he could cut through the five of you like carving a cake.
"Barristan" Arthur called for him softly.
"I'll die before I serve that wench and her bastard" Barristan snarled.
"Good thing you won't have to. This time around that boy won't even be born" the Sword of the Morning spoke.
The scene changes to Catelyn, who finds herself inside the Twins, which the Freys gathered to watch her audience with Lord Walder.
"So you've gone to meet up with Robb instead of heading back to Winterfell. And now you're standing before Walder Frey from what I assume" Ned mused out loud. "Robb should have gone to meet Walder Frey himself."
"I'm not sure what my future self is thinking, but I'm assuming it's because Robb going to meet Walder Frey would put him in danger. Walder Frey is an opportunistic man and as things stand, Houses Stark and Tully are not in The Crown's good graces. He would take the opportunity to imprison Robb and send him as a prisoner to The Lannisters. Sending him alone would be suicide" Catelyn explained.
"My daughter is in the right with this one" Hoster added his support to his daughter's words. "Walder Frey would make use of any means to get his family and himself in a better position. Sending Robb alone would have been suicide. But," he looked at Catelyn now, "not having Robb come with you was a bad move. Walder Frey would not take that lightly."
Walder Frey: What do you want?
Catelyn Stark: it is a great pleasure to see you again after so many years, my lord.
Walder Frey: Oh, spare me. Your boy's too proud to come before me himself. What am l supposed to do with you?
"Too proud for his own good" Edmure muttered in distaste. He had never liked The Freys, not with how loosely they treat their oaths and play around them.
Stevron Frey: Father, you forget yourself. Lady Stark is –
Walder Frey: Who asked you? You're not Lord Frey yet, not until l die. Do l look dead to you?
Ryger Rivers: Father, please –
Walder Frey: l need lessons in courtesy from you, bastard? Your mother would still be a milkmaid if l hadn't squirted you into her belly.
(gestures to Catelyn) All right, you come forward.
(kisses her hand) There. Now that I've observed the courtesies, perhaps my sons will do me the honour of shutting their mouths.
Catelyn Stark: is there somewhere we can talk?
Walder Frey: We're talking right now. Fine. Out! All of you!
(taps his new wife on the bottom) Oh! You too.
(To Catelyn) You see that? Fifteen, she is. A little flower. And her honey's all mine.
"Lecherous old toad" Lyanna muttered, face a mix of red and green in both anger and disgust at the old man's behaviour.
Catelyn Stark: I'm sure she will give you many sons.
Walder Frey: Huh. Your father didn't come to the wedding.
Catelyn Stark: He is quite ill, my lord.
Walder Frey: Huh. Didn't come to the last one, either. Or the one before that. Your family has always pissed on me.
Catelyn Stark: My lord, l –
Walder Frey: Don't deny it. You know it's true. The fine Lord Tully would never marry any of his children to mine.
"Things are not so simple between your two houses it seems. Why is that? Are they not your bannermen? What exactly has happened between your houses?" Elia questioned.
"Walder Frey is not like many men you'll find" Hoster Tully gruffed. "He is a scheming and gross man who is always looking for ways to advance his family's agenda. He's narcissistic and puts more value to his name than it's worth."
"That sounds like most rich lords you'll find in the lands" Oberyn pointed out. "House Frey is one of the wealthiest in The Riverlands. Daresay they might be wealthier than your house is, thanks to the toll they extract from crossing their bridge. That should be a good reason enough for them to be as self-important as Walder Frey acts."
"What my brother here is trying to say under his barbs" Doran cut in seeing Hoster Tully puff up in indignation, "is that as Lord Paramount you could have tried to better your relations with Walder Frey and what we're seeing could have been avoided."
Edmure had silently listened to what Oberyn and then Doran Martell had said. He didn't like Walder Frey, his opinion of the man would probably never change owing to how he had been raised. House Frey were upstarts, who came from nothing and rose in riches, not some ancient noble house like their patriarch presented himself as. But maybe if things between their houses were better, then what they were seeing could have been avoided. EDmure doubted it after a moment of thought, Walder Frey was not the kind of man to let lose an opportunity to boost the condition of his family and his personal agenda.
Catelyn Stark: I'm sure there were reasons –
Walder Frey: l didn't need reasons. l needed to get rid of sons and daughters. You see how they pile up? Why are you here?
Catelyn Stark: To ask you to open your gates, my lord, so my son and his bannermen may cross the Trident and be on their way.
Walder Frey: Why should l let him?
Catelyn Stark: if you could climb your own battlements, you would see that he has 20,000 men outside your walls.
"The Twins is a fortress that will not be easy to conquer" Jon Arryn mumbled pensively. "And The Northern armies only block one path. The other one is quite open. And them putting a stop to The Northern armies would put them in Joffrey's good graces. It is a losing situation for The North."
Walder Frey: There will be 20,000 corpses when Tywin Lannister gets here. Don't try and frighten me, Lady Stark. Your husband's in a cell beneath the Red Keep and your son's got no fur to keep his balls warm.
Catelyn Stark: You swore an oath to my father.
Walder Frey: Oh, yes, l said some words. And l swore oaths to the crown too, if l remember right. Joffrey's king now, which makes your boy and his corpses-to-be nothing but rebels, it seems to me.
"Had you and him been on pleasant terms or at the least respectable ones, Walder Frey would have supported you" Doran pointed out. Hoster said nothing, but Edmure took it in like a sponge. If not his father, maybe he'd have to do something to make sure The Riverlands were more united than this.
Walder Frey: if l had the sense the gods gave a fish, I'd hand you both over to the Lannisters.
Catelyn Stark: Why don't you?
Walder Frey: Stark, Tully, Lannister, Baratheon. Give me one good reason why l should waste a single thought on any of you?
The scene shifts back to the Crossing, Catelyn returns from her conversation with Walder Frey at the Twins and finds Robb and the others having a meeting in his tent.
Robb Stark: Well? What did he say?
Catelyn Stark: Lord Walder has granted your crossing. His men are yours, as well.
"What's the catch" Ned narrowed his eyes.
Robb Stark: Huh.
Catelyn Stark: Less the 400 he will keep here to hold the crossing against any who would pursue you.
Robb Stark: What does he want in return?
Catelyn Stark: You will be taking on his son Olyvar as your squire. He expects a knighthood in good time.
"That is not so bad" Lyanna mumbled thoughtfully.
Robb Stark: Fine, fine. And?
Catelyn Stark: And Arya will marry his son Waldron when they both come of age.
"That is" Ned blanched.
Robb Stark: She won't be happy about that. And?
Catelyn Stark: And when the fighting is done you will marry one of his daughters. Whichever you prefer. He has a number he thinks will be suitable.
"And he's weaselled himself a Lady of Winterfell" Brandon grunted.
Robb Stark: l see. Did you get a look at his daughters?
Catelyn Stark: l did.
Robb Stark: And?
Catelyn Stark: One was – Do you consent?
Robb Stark: Can l refuse?
Catelyn Stark: Not if you want to cross.
Robb Stark: Then l consent.
"It's clear he doesn't like it" Ashara muttered, "but it's the best thing for them should they wish to cross" she added. None of The Starks complained. They knew the circumstances and understood the plan Catelyn made. It was necessary for this war.
The scene changes to King's Landing, Arya follows the crowd to the Sept of Baelor. She climbs up the pedestal of Baelor's statue to get a better view of her surroundings. We cut to Ned Stark being taken from the sept and into the courtyard, in full view of the gathered populace; Baelor's statue is seen in the background to his left. Ned catches Arya's eye at the foot of the statue.
"No" Lyanna muttered, the colour draining from her face.
"Surely they wouldn't. The North isn't a small tract of land that they can ignore. Combined with The Riverlands and The Vale, they wouldn't want to have another war in their hands" Catelyn argued. "Lysa is the lady of The Vale now, she'll send men to help surely."
"Where is Lysa? What has she done in this time?" Jon Arryn asked.
Raven stared at Jon for a moment before the image on the screen faded and another one began to play.
The new scene begins from the Eyrie
Catelyn Stark: Ned rots in a dungeon and you speak of patience? He is your brother-by-law! Does family mean nothing to you?
Lysa Arryn: Family means everything to me. And I will not risk Robin's life to get caught up in another of your husband's wars.
Robin Arryn: I'm hungry.
Lysa Arryn: Hush now, darling. You just ate.
Catelyn Stark: You will not support us then? Do I understand you correctly?
Robin Arryn: But I'm hungry!
Lysa Arryn: Soon, love, soon. You're always welcome here, sister. But if you're asking me to send men from the Vale to fight...
Catelyn Stark: That is what I ask.
Lysa Arryn: Go on, sweet. Time for your bath. I'll feed you after.
Robin walks out of the room.
Catelyn Stark: If you fear for the safety of your son...
Lysa Arryn: Of course, I fear for the safety of my son! Are you an idiot? They killed my husband. You say they shoved your boy from a window. These people will do anything.
Catelyn Stark: And that is why we have to stop them.
Lysa Arryn: The knights of the Vale will stay in the Vale where they belong, to protect their Lord.
"So it's just The Riverlands and The North then," Jon said grimly. Lord Hoster's face was a mask but the anger he felt against his daughter and the cowardice she showed was burning inside him. A small part of him also felt guilt for what he had pushed on his daughter and couldn't help but imagine that maybe this was Lysa's revenge on them all.
"What's happened to her" Catelyn looked shocked at the sight of her sister. Lysa had become thick-bodied, looked like she has aged ten years and had become pale and fat-cheeked. Gone was the beauty that she beheld.
The boy looks a lot like Petyr, Edmure thought, eyes narrowing on his nephew.
The scene changes again and this time Ned is shown to be taken to a raised platform where Sansa, Cersei, Joffrey, and Littlefinger are standing. Sansa smiles warmly at her father as he addresses the crowd.
Eddard Stark: I am Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Hand of the King. I come before you to confess my treason in the sight of Gods and men. I betrayed the faith of my King and the trust of my friend Robert. I swore to protect and defend his children, but before his blood was cold I plotted to murder his son and seize the Throne for myself. Let the High Septon and Baelor the Blessed bear witness to what I say: Joffrey Baratheon is the one true heir to the Iron Throne, by the grace of all the Gods, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.
"He should be lenient now" Ashara mumbled softly, gripping Ned's hand as if her life depended on it. This Joffrey couldn't be that cruel, nor that stupid to cause war like this. Absolving the man and banishing him should appease everyone.
Grand Maester Pycelle: As we sin, so do we suffer. This man has confessed his crimes in sight of Gods and men. The Gods are just but beloved Baelor taught us they can also be merciful. What is to be done with this traitor, Your Grace?
Joffrey Baratheon: My mother wishes me to let Lord Eddard join The Night's Watch. Stripped of all titles and powers, he would serve the realm in permanent exile. And My Lady Sansa has begged mercy for her father.
"As it should be" Jaime muttered. Killing Stark would be a rash and irresponsible option.
Joffrey Baratheon: But they have the soft hearts of women. So long as I am your King, treason shall never go unpunished. Ser Ilyn, bring me his head!
"YOU BASTARD!" Brandon roared in rage, standing to his feet and looking ready to go through the screen to kill that bastard Joffrey. Catelyn and Ashara had gone pale and Lyanna let out a sob. Rickard's face hardened and the grip on his arm tightened. Robert too looked ready to smash the boy's head in and enjoy the sight of his brains across the floor. Jon Arryn looked panicked, his eyes burning with hate for the boy. The rest were silent but none of them looked happy. As for Ned, he had shut his eyes and resigned to the fate his future self was going to be dealt with.
Varys runs to the platform to talk to Cersei and Joffrey, and Ilyn Payne puts on his executioner's mask. Arya marches towards the courtyard but is grabbed by the arm by Yoren.
"No" Ned, who had opened his eyes to face his fate looked on in horror. He had not realised till then that both his daughters were about to watch him die. Joffrey did not deign it a mercy to shield his betrothed from this.
From Ned's perspective, the roars of the crowd become almost silent; he looks towards Baelor's statue but finds no one there. He lowers his head in recognition of his fate as the sound of Payne's longsword cuts through the hushed silence.
Ned felt numb, unsure of how to process any of it. He had just seen himself being executed, he had seen his daughters watch him be killed. On each side of him, he felt the pressure. He knew it was Lyanna and Ashara, both distraught. Brandon was raging, as was Robert, both emotional at the loss of their family. But Ned did not know how to deal with it. He slowly turned to look around. His father had his eyes shut, face turned away from the screen. He couldn't watch it. Catelyn was pale, hand covering her mouth and stopping her sobs.
"There is more to see" Raven interrupted them.
"Give us a moment to catch ourselves!" Brandon growled. "My brother just died! Your father just died! DO you not feel anything?"
"The whole reason I'm doing this is so none of that happens" Raven spoke coldly and Brandon shivered at the tone. "I'm showing you all of this so you all can work to prevent this and unite against the real enemy. So I suggest you sit down and watch, all of you" he turned away and Ned caught a glimpse of something on Bran's face. He'll talk to the boy after this.
The scene changes to a war meeting at the Stark camp. They sit at the table at night by torchlight.
Jonos Bracken: The proper course is clear - pledge fealty to King Renly and move south to join our forces with his.
Robb Stark: Renly is not the king.
"Renly?" Robert grunted in surprise.
"Renly has declared himself king, backed by The Tyrells and through them The Reach, and The Stormlands support his claim as well" Raven explained. "Stannis has done it as well, supported by a handful of Crownlands and Stormlands houses and some of the reach houses through his Florent wife."
Stannis' brows furrowed at the mention of his name while Olenna hummed at the mention of her house. So this was where her fate came into play.
Jonos Bracken: You cannot mean to hold to Joffrey, my lord. He put your father to death.
Robb Stark: That doesn't make Renly king. He's Robert's youngest brother. If Bran can't be Lord of Winterfell before me, Renly can't be king before Stannis.
Jonos Bracken: Do you mean to declare us for Stannis?
Galbart Glover: Renly is not right! if we put ourselves behind Stannis…
Greatjon Umber: My Lords. My Lords! Here is what l say to these two kings. Renly Baratheon is nothing to me, nor Stannis either. Why should they rule over me and mine from some flowery seat in the South? What do they know of the Wall or the Wolfswood? Even their gods are wrong! Why shouldn't we rule ourselves again? lt was the dragons we bowed to and now the dragons are dead! There sits the only king l mean to bend my knee to - the King in the North! (The Greatjon bows to Robb with his sword unsheathed; Robb rises)
Rickard Karstark: I'll have peace on those terms. They can keep their Red Castle and their iron chair too. (bows to Robb and extends him his sword) The King in the North!
Theon Greyjoy: Am l your brother, now and always?
Robb Stark: Now and always.
Theon Greyjoy: (takes out his sword, bows to Robb) My sword is yours in victory and defeat, from this day until my last day.
Greatjon Umber: The King in the North!
All: (chanting) The King in the North! The King in the North! The King in the North! The King in the North!
They all take out their swords and swear fealty to Robb as Catelyn looks wearily at the whole scene.
All: (chanting) The King in the North! The King in the North! The King in the North! The King in the North!
"A Stark King" Rickard spoke almost reverently. It had been so long since there had been one. The Greatjon was right, there were no dragons left. Now was a good time for a Stark King to rise. But he knew, even if the time was right, the circumstances were not. This would be a dangerous time for his grandson.
Daenerys walks towards the pyre and lights it on fire with a torch. Mirri Maz Duur starts uttering some incantations which quickly turn into screaming.
"What's happening?" Rhaella asked, seeing the look on her daughter's face.
"The witch there tricked Daenerys, who was desperate to save her husband from sure death. The witch took her child away and now she's planning to burn her in the pyre with her husband and herself."
"Herself?!" Rhaegar asked in shock, Rhaella beside him going rigid from shock and fear. "Why would she do that?!"
"You will see" was all Raven said.
Daenerys walks into the burning pyre as her dress catches fire. The flames engulf everything, and the screen fades to black.
RHaella shut her eyes, unable to watch her daughter burn, watch another child die.
We then cut to the next day in the morning. Jorah goes to the pyre to see if there's anything left of it. Amidst the smoke, a naked Daenerys appears, covered in soot and carrying three baby dragons in her arms and back. Everyone else bows to her as her dragons start screeching.
"Dragons" Rhaegar breathed out in reverence.