DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
A/N: Thank you all so much for your support you are the best! Now as I said in the last chapter I will start a rotation with this and my other stories to satisfy my other fans. So bare with me. This will the last chapter of the weekly updates and then it will be on rotation.
As for those of you who supported this story so far thank you all so much! Your reviews and likes are what keeps this story going.
Now on with the story itself for I will not keep you waiting.
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 4: The Fat King Robert
It has been nearly three weeks since Sansa and her friends left Winterfell. Lord Tyrion Lannister had sent a raven letting Lord Stark know that he had arrived at Castle Black. He is currently working his way along the wall towards the other two remaining castles run by the Night's Watch. The rest are run by the Free Folk and the town's peoples that reside there.
Tyrion reported that the Others are indeed making their way down from the Lands of Always Winter. And so far they are marching towards the east. If this keeps up then Ned Stark knows for a fact that they will finish crossing the Thenn Mountains within a year or so because of how the mountains are arranged. Winter is coming for sure but the signs point to another few years. Possibly even five if they are lucky. But winter is coming and the Others are already on the move.
Caster's Keep is a small town deep in the forests just beyond the wall. Their leader a free folk person named Caster has been recently been charged by the Council of Chiefs for sacrificing his own offspring to the Others. Ned Stark knows the laws that the Free Folk govern beyond the wall. And as such will remain out of this and let Commander Mormont sort this out.
As for his other reports everything seems to be going fine as far as Sansa and her party is concerned. There was a few run in's with bandits in the southern regions near the Barrowlands. But that was to be expected as criminals hoping to escape the Wall tend to hide in the Barrowlands. What they find is that Northerners do not like bandits and are treated accordingly.
Borrowton and Torren's Square had greeted Sansa and her party with open arms. As had Moat Cailin which luckily for them had just missed the King's Party as they made their way further south. Lord Stark was happy that they are safe. He may not admit it to his wife but he worries just the same about his oldest daughter and three wards. They are also part of his pack. But he knows that they must prove themselves if they are truly to be ready.
Walking outside he has just enough time to spare to get some much needed practice done.
Walking out towards the Godswood he stopped in front of the sacred weirwood tree and began the motions for his forms. Taking off his outer coat he stripped down to his breeches and his bare chest. Letting the cold chill calm his nerves he began to slowly move his body in the forms shown to him by his teacher. Slowly he lets his knees relax as he practiced his breathing.
"Mind if I join you?" a voice said and Lord Stark turned to find his wife standing there at the entrance to the Godswood.
"Why yes please do I just needed some time to relax," he said.
"Then by all means let us do it together," Catelyn said smiling.
Lord Stark smiled as his wife striped down herself to a more comfortable form. Then both husband and wife used fluid movements to slowly practice. Catelyn loves these moments where she can relax with her husband. It was even more apparent now that as the Lord and Lady or the North they must keep up appearances. As they moved they began to sync as one in the slow form of the fighting style that Lord Stark uses to relax.
"I miss these moments with you Cat," he said to his wife.
"I know my love I do too just doing this with you is enough for me," Catelyn replied.
With all the goings of the King's arrival they had many problems from reports of bandits to more reports from the Wall. It was getting on Ned Stark's nerves. So sometime in front of the Heart Tree with his wife practicing the ancient fighting arts was a way to go. With each breath he felt the stress of the day leaving him till at last he was relaxed enough to stop. Catelyn was only in her dress which was tailored to be fashionable and combat ready.
"Thank you Catelyn," Lord Stark said to his wife.
"You know I am always there for you Ned," she said to her husband and gave him a quick kiss to show her support.
"What brings you here now that my meditation is over," he said.
"I have received a raven from the royal party. Apparently the King had just stopped at a small town about a day's ride south of Cerwyn. So they should be here within two days," Catelyn replied.
Lord Stark could only nod his head in reply. Trust the King to run his horses ragged and his party to exhaustion just to get to the catacombs and see a dead woman.
Taking a deep breath he turned to his wife, "Send a Raven to Lord Cerwyn inform him of the King's arrival to his castle. I am sure he would be more then welcoming before coming here. After all there is a storm approaching and that should buy us some time," Lord Stark said.
"You are delaying the inevitable aren't you?" his wife said.
"In a way yes I am," Lord Stark replied.
"My love surely you are not thinking of accepting Robert's offer now?" she asked.
"My answer will still be no. The Long Night is not something to laugh about Cat. It is indeed real and the signs are there. The Wrights and the White Walkers are coming. I have to be ready for them," Lord Stark replied.
His wife sighed as she embraced him even with his shirt off.
"Well Robert will be here and you will have to get your mind together before you embarrass yourself and our family Ned," Catelyn replied.
Lord Stark sighed might as well get it over with.
It was about noon four days later that the first signs of the King's arrival was seen from one of the lookout towers. Bran was high on the tower with Pidge Snow a Bastard from White Tower and Piper Snowstrider a Free Folk girl from Winter Town whose mother is one of the servants here. All three of them were busy cleaning the bird poop and nests from the rooftops as well as collecting any Raven and crow eggs from the nests when Piper noticed the first of the banners.
"Bran what are those?" she asked.
Bran quickly ran over to the edge and looked hard.
From the woods to the south men started coming down the King's Road. Banners of red and gold as well as yellow and black filled the roadway.
"It's the King!" Bran said and quickly rushed down the side of the main building towards the stables below.
There Lady Stark has seen her son and shook her head. One of the training factors in Winterfell is climbing the walls. Special footholds help with learning to climb but each side was for a different step in the training. Girls are required to learn such a skill to and though the lady of Winterfell hates it. She has to go through the training too though at a slower pace.
"Bran? Why are you down here so soon?" she asked.
"I saw them mother!" Bran said excitedly.
"Saw what?" Lady Stark said.
"The banners! The Banners are here, I saw the King's Banners!" he said and his two friends quickly joined him.
"Go tell your father immediately and clean yourself up!" she said and the other two quickly followed after Bran.
It was not long after that the royal party started to show through the town's main streets. People from all over came to see their King and his men. Among them was Arya who climbed to the top of one of the houses with Bran, Piper and Pidge.
"Wow look at them!" said Pidge as the golden armor of the Kings' Guard filled the streets. They were also followed by soldiers from House Lannister and House Baratheon.
"Hey look at that boy with the short blonde hair!" said Piper.
"That must be Prince Joffery I heard he is a spoiled brat!" said Arya.
"Yeah Lord Tyrion had very low opinions of his nephew," said Bran.
"I'd say he looks like he has his cock stuck up his ass," replied Piper.
"Glad mother isn't here to scold us or else we would be in a lot of trouble," said Arya.
The children quickly leaped down from their perch and ran as fast as they could to Winterfell. Taking a side tunnel to be safe the group separated with Bran and Arya going towards their parents and the other two children towards the other servants. Once in place the two were given a glare by both their mother and their oldest brother Robb. Just as their mother was about to scold them the first of the King's Guard came riding in on a brilliantly white horse. This person made a sweep with his horse followed by a second and then a third guard. They were then followed by a darker horse with a boy no older then eighteen. His richly dressed outfit and golden hair could only be the Crown Prince. His bright green eyes seemed dull with disinterest as he too rode about and then finally dismounted his horse. The Stark children all knelt when their father kneeled to the king when he finally made his appearance.
The King then had his squire bring him some stairs as he slowly stumbled off of the horse. Lord Stark tried not to laugh at his friend's bumbling as he slowly gotten off his horse. When he finally gotten off and onto the ground he twitched his fingers to let Lord Stark and his family rise. When they rose Lord Stark and the King stared at each other for a while.
"Well now you certainly maintained your physical prowess Ned," the King said to him.
"You have not," Lord Stark replied.
"Are you saying I'm fat?" the King said.
"I'm saying that you are a whopping whale," Lord Stark replied.
Then as if nothing happened the King started laughing. It was a deep bellowing laugh and Lord Stark grimaced at the smell of wine and whatever it was that the King last ate. As he looked at the laughing King he quickly embraced Lord Stark with his laughing.
"Ned, Ned, you are always so honest that is why I love you so much," the King said between laughing bouts.
He then turned to Catelyn, "Cat how are you looking as lovely as ever," he said. Catelyn remembered her manners and curtsied the King.
"Who is this little girl!" he said to Arya.
"I'm Arya are you Fat Robert," she said. Her mother looked shocked, "Arya!" she said.
King Robert just laughed, "Aye a fine young lady you have here," he said and went to Bran, "Show me your muscles," and Bran showed him his muscles.
Then he moved on to Rickon and tossled his hair before looking at Robb, "So this is the boy who was named after me?" he said to Lord Stark.
"Aye that is Robb Stark short for Robert," he said.
The king smiled as he extended his hand and Robb took it with enthusiasm. Shaking it hard and firm the King was satisfied that such a young man could have such a strong handshake.
"Well now your hands are strong you got quite a grip there," he said and Robb beamed with enthusiasm.
"Now Ned take me down to the crypt I would like to pay my respect," the King said.
"I'm afraid I can't your grace," Lord Stark replied.
"Why not?" the King said annoyed.
"Because you have a wife to attend to. Surely she is in need of settling down Robert and we have a feast to attend to. When you are finished then we can go see Lyanna," Lord Stark said.
"Are you denying your king?" he said.
"No, I am denying a man who wants to disrespect his wife," Lord Stark replied.
Just as he said it a wheel house pulled up and several people quickly pulled out a stepping stool for the Queen and her small party as they quickly exited. The younger Prince and the Princess was quite impressed with the castle. The queen only snorted at the sight noting that she had seen far better. Both Starks bowed again to her as she offered her hand to be kissed, "My Queen," Lord Stark said.
"My Queen," replied Catelyn.
She gave them all a smile of content before walking towards her husband who was having a stand off with Lord Stark.
"I demand to see her Ned," the king said.
"No, like I said you will attend to your family first Your Grace, then the feast and then I will do as you requested," Lord Stark replied.
The King's Guard slowly pulled out a sword but the King held his hand to them. It was a signal to tell them to stand down. Knowing that Lord Stark is not going to back down.
"I see I came back just in time," said a jovial voice and the Prince and Princess rushed to meet the newcomer.
Lord Tyrion came riding in on his horse. The horse was used to the Imp and so laid down to allow him to get off. Then rising up again it was led to the stables by Hordor. As Tyrion neared the group the queen had a sour look on her face.
"Nice to see you too sister," he said to her and she sneered at him.
"Your Grace I'm sorry for interrupting but I need to ask Lord Stark if it was ok for me to start draining the crypts," Tyrion said.
The King's eyes lit up at the sound of it, "Drain the Crypts?" he said.
"I am sorry if I never told you sooner Robert but one of the pipes that feeds Winterfell's heating system burst and flooded the crypts. That was why I said we wait till after the feast. It would give the servants time to fix it," Lord Stark said.
"Well why didn't you tell me sooner!" the King demanded.
"I was embarrassed your grace," Lord Stark replied.
"I see well then you said it should be drained and cleaned by the time the feast is over yes?" the King said.
"Yes your Grace," Lord Stark replied.
"Well I will be off to see to the wife and the children and then we shall be off to the feast," the King said and Robb led them off into the castle to be situated in their rooms. The only ones who did not follow were some of the King's guard and the soldiers that came with the King.
"Tell them we have inns that can take them in if you don't mind Bran," said Lord Stark.
Bran quickly disappeared leaving the Queen, Lord Tyrion and the Stark Adults. Tyrion made his leave and started heading in the direction of the Crypts and hopefully the library. The Queen and the Stark adults looked to the queen who had a grateful look on her face.
"You did not have to tell my brother to lie to the King," she said.
"I had to Your Grace it would not be prudent if I had said otherwise. Besides it is rather rude of him to demand to see the remains of a dead woman while the wife he has is standing right before him," Lord Stark said to the Queen.
The Queen smiled for the first time, "I thank you for your kind act My Lord and I hope to see you at the feast tonight," she said and she walked away after her husband and children.
Lord Stark and his wife were now left in the courtyard alone. With only the servants running around to do their duties along with the Bastards of the castle. That left the Starks to do nothing as long as the King is here. The women while the king is here is forbidden from practicing their arts out in the open like they normally would. They instead have to do it in the library where the tables would be removed and the area cleared for combat training. The only exception is the Mormonts who are already known to have warrior women in their ranks.
The boys are allowed to do as they normally would but the Stark men were not allowed to help in the fields. This is to ensure that the King and the Southern Lords don't know of the North's true strength. The bastards will be servants and do their chores like normal. Seeing as the Southern Lords don't know who they are dealing with it was fine to remain as it was. But if King Robert were to treat the women like anything other then a servant they were to report to Lord Stark immediately.
"I hope to the Gods that you have the strength to resist Robert's temptation," said Catelyn.
"I hope so myself," Lord Stark said.
MEANWHILE
Arya was busy with her sewing. Seeing as it was also part of her weapons training she took extra effort into trying to do her best. Still her needlework is not the greatest. But she is only eleven years old so according to the Septa it is to be expected.
"Not bad I wish I could sew as good as you," said a voice.
Arya turned to see Princess Myrcella Baratheon or should she say Rivers sitting next to her. Everyone in the North knows of her true origins but the people of the South are in denial. Myrcella just like the other children are fathered by Jamie Lannister and through incest had birth the three royals. But unlike her rotten brother Joffery whom Arya can't stand looking at. Myrcella is actually tolerable being that she and her younger brother Tommen were in fact innocent.
Myrcella looked at her own needlework and it looks like a mess.
"You have you flick your wrist like this," Arya said showing her how to move the needle, "I may not be as good as my older sister Sansa but I am still learning," Arya said to her.
"Thank you Lady Stark," said Myrcella.
"I am not a lady that is my mother I am just Arya," Arya replied
"Thank you Arya I have never been good with needles," Myrcella replied.
"Don't worry I was horrible but the Septa is a good teacher. She said needlework is useful in fixing armor and she said that sometimes a wife has to help her husband when the squire is not available," Arya replied.
"Oh, um, if I maybe so bold but where is your sister? You mentioned your older sister Sansa but I did not see her?" the princess asked.
"My sister is away tending her duties as the future Lady of Winterfell. She and my half brother Jon have to travel the entire North to introduce herself to the other lords. And hopefully find a suitable husband for her," Arya said.
"Will you be taking such a journey?" Myrcella asked.
"When I am of age," Arya replied.
"Wow I wish I had such a choice," Myrcella asked.
"It is not that easy if Sansa chooses a man then that man has to go before my father. If my father does not approve then the marriage is off. But if he does accept the match then a wedding is called. But as of now my sister is only tending her duties. That is the ensure that the other holds have sufficient supplies for winter." Arya said.
"Couldn't the lords just simply sent ravens?" asked Myrcella.
"Not all of them are entitled to a Maester my lady," said Catelyn from the other side.
"Some of the lords in the North are too poor or live too far out for Old Town to send a maester to them. Even those that do would send us false reports and we would find out about looting or selling of goods under our noses. We even have to ensure that they are paying their taxes fairly. This way when Sansa is riding out with her half brother it is to ensure that the Lords know that the Starks ride out themselves and if we have to justice will be served. Though Jon is only a bastard he still has Stark blood and with Sansa there as a witness and a full blooded Stark. Then the other Lords will fall back into place." she said.
"Oh so what happens if someone were to kill Lady Stark?" asked the Queen.
"Then Winterfell will ensure that the house who has done it or the bandits who did it be rooted out root and stem," Catelyn replied.
"Must be hard to keep the other lords in line," she said.
"Oh they remember their place though some more reluctant then most. But they remember their place," Catelyn replied.
"How often did the Starks have to do such a deed?" asked Cersei.
"The Last time was about a hundred years ago with Lord Stark's Grandfather. The Greystarks and the Boltons has refused to pay taxes and had been stealing from their people. So when Lord Starks grandfather's brother went to investigate he was murdered for uncovering it. It was with luck that one of the servants requested that the maester send a raven to Winterfell and the Starks rooted out their treacherous hides root and stem," Catelyn replied.
"So they are extinct?" asked the Queen.
"The Greystarks very much so but the Boltons are not my lady," Catelyn replied.
"So how is my brother and what has he been doing these days?" the Queen asked.
"Oh he has been teaching the younger children as Maester Luwin is getting on in years. And he has been good with the upkeep of the castle. Like we said earlier the Crypts became flooded due to a rupture in the heating system. So he other then the Steward and the Maester are the only ones who could fix the problem. So that is where they are now." Lady Stark replied as she finished repairs on one of Rickon's clothes.
The queen knew that the lie was meant for the Princess so that she don't tell their father the truth. So the conversation quickly went to more meaningless topics. Until a servant called everyone to dinner.
MEANWHILE
Robb was in the courtyard practicing the more southern style of fighting. Since the northern style is forbidden to practice while the King is here. So Robb was working on his form with Sir Rodrick when clapping was heard. Turning in surprise he was startled to see Prince Tommen there along with Bran.
"I thought you were at lessons Bran?" asked Robb.
"Lord Tyrion is busy fixing the leak in the crypts so that leaves me here to show Prince Tommen around," Bran said.
"So you brought him here why?" asked Robb.
"I wanted to show off my archery skills!" Bran said excitedly.
"Well that can be arranged," said Sir Rodrick as he set up the target and gave Bran his practice bow. The boy was more then happy to show off what he had been practicing for some time.
The prince was impressed as he tried to shoot but his hand was unsteady and he was unable to pull back the bowstring. Disappointed he tried again but he was unable to do so. The third time resulted in the string snapping back into his face and he gave a yelp of surprise. Bran and Robb immediately went to his face to see an angry red mark on the prince's nose and lip. Robb instantly went for some salve.
"Here my Prince rub this on your face it will relieve you of the swelling," Robb said to him.
The prince instantly did so and was grateful for the cooling feeling that it gave. It also numbed the pain so that the swelling can go down.
"Wow, that is some strong stuff," said the Prince.
"Yes the plants only grow here in the North but they are very useful for welts and cuts," Robb replied and the Prince was glad for it.
"Here you're highness let me show you how to shoot a bow," said Robb and held it in front of him.
"Why are you wasting your time on this wimp for?" said a rather rude voice and they all turned to see Prince Joffery standing near the staircase.
Prince Tommen who was standing next to Bran only whimpered in fear as his older brother walked down. Joffery was confident and arrogant with a swaggar that could put anyone on edge.
"He was only trying to learn how to use a bow your grace," Robb said while bowing to him.
"Well he don't deserve it! His is a crybaby and a wimp who only plays with his cats. He doesn't learn how to fight and he sure as heck doesn't learn how to do anything but read," Joffery said.
"That is because you don't let me!" Prince Tommen replied.
"What was that?" Joffery said to his brother and marched over to the other Prince.
Prince Tommen backed away in fear as his older brother marched up to him. But it was Bran who blocked his way.
"Out of my way!" Joffery yelled.
"No," Bran said to him. Joffery's face was murderous as he lifted his hand to slap him. Only to be blocked by Bran's quicker reflexes. In an instant Bran's hand lashed out and grabbed the striking hand of the older Prince and twisted it causing Prince Joffery to yelp in pain. Then faster then Joffery could think Bran shoved him into the dirt.
Everyone was stunned as the body guards who protected Joffery ran to help him up.
"You little shit!" he yelled at Bran.
"You were going to hurt him first my lord and as you are in our house Prince Tommen as well as you are under our protection. That means we even have to protect our guests from themselves," Bran replied.
"Guards kill him!" Joffery said.
But the guards made no move to obey his order.
"What are you standing there for I said KILL HIM!" Joffery screamed.
"What is the meaning of this!" a voice said and King Robert came out of the main hall with Lord Stark and the Queen.
"JOFFERY!" the queen said as she rushed out to her eldest son. Holding him she checked him over, "Joffery! Are you ok?" she said her voice in hysterics.
"Kill him! Kill him!" he shouted towards Bran all his hatred mixed within.
"What happened here!" King Robert said as he marched over to where they all were.
"Bran was just defending Prince Tommen Your Grace!" said Robb speaking up for the first time.
"Why was Bran defending Prince Tommen?" Lord Stark asked.
"Because Prince Joffery was going to strike the younger prince father. Bran was only showing him his archery skills and when Prince Tommen went to shoot the bow himself it snapped in his face. So we got him some salve for the sting because it was a pretty good welt. Then Prince Joffery arrived and when Prince Tommen talked back to him he went to strike the Prince. That's when Bran stepped in and protected Tommen." Robb replied.
"Is it true my Prince?" Lord Stark asked Prince Tommen and when the younger Prince nodded his head. Robert glared at Joffery and the older Prince blanched at the sight of the King. Queen Cersei on the other hand was not detered.
"You hit my son! Your Prince! You should be lashed for it!" she screeched.
"Mother no!" Prince Tommen said for the first time as he stood in front of Bran.
"He hit your brother and you defend him!" Queen Cersei said to her younger son.
"Enough wife! The boy was only defending your son so shut your mouth," The King said to her and she glared at her husband, "He hurt our son! He dared to hurt our son!" she yelled.
"He was defending your younger son woman so shut your trap. That boy is as spoiled as a babe. He should have been learning how to fight and defend his country by now. Instead he sits and is weighed on because you insisted. At least Tommen wants to learn something useful," the King bellowed. The queen was silenced steaming in anger at the King's words.
"He is my child and my baby!" she bellows at him.
"That is enough both of you," Lord Stark said.
Both the King and the Queen glared at him for speaking to them that way but Lord Stark had his eyes firmly on the King, "You will not fight in my house! Save your fighting for the capital or on the road. Now my Queen this is all a misunderstanding. My son is brought up to protect those who can't protect themselves. That is the way of the North and seeing Tommen about to be beaten by his brother drives that instinct don't you agree?" Lord Stark replied.
"Yes, I guess your right," the Queen said between gritted teeth.
"Now that, that is all taken cared of I am going to check on the crypts and see how progress is going. If you are free your majesties I suggest you retire. After all you did have a long journey and I will send someone to get you for dinner," Lord Stark said as he left.
When everyone was gone that left the Queen with her two sons once again.
"Did Joffery really try to strike you sweetling?" the queen said to her youngest boy.
Prince Tommen nodded and quickly hid when Joffery rose from his position in the mud, "Don't lie to mother you little twit! I will cut out your tongue!" Joffery said.
"Shut your trap! Because of you Lord Stark is now angry with us for even trying to attack one of his sons. I don't care if you are the crown prince you will show respect in another man's home! Remember we are far from the capital and the men here will kill us if we so much as break their rules. Now come I have a few choice words with you about your behavior. Tommen," she said bowing to her son as she walked away.
Prince Tommen looked down towards the ground, "Thank you," he said his eyes shown how grateful they were.
"It was no problem my Prince," said Robb, "Perhaps we can show you how to properly shoot a bow would that help?" he said.
Tommen's eyes lit up, "Really? I would like that!" he said.
"Tommen!" the queen called.
"Coming mother!" he said and excused himself.
"That is some fine work you did back there boy," a voice said and both Stark boys turned towards the figure that emerged from the shadows.
A man dressed in golden armor appeared with a finely shaved face and short golden hair showing on his features.
"Sir Jaime," said Robb nodding his head and Bran also nodded.
"Lords Stark, it was nice to see Joffery put in his place once in a while. And I am glad to see that Tommen has some interest in something. Perhaps I can ask the king to get him an instructor to teach him in secret. His mother would never approve of him learning how to wield any weapon." The Knight said.
"Tommen at least wants to learn; his brother is another matter, no offense," Robb said.
"No offense indeed, now I heard that you are the finest swordsman around is that right?" Sir Jaime said smiling.
"No, that would be the Septa she is far better then me," Robb replied. Sir Jaime looked at him with curiosity.
"The Septa? Why would she be better then you?" he asked Robb and the older boy only smiled, "She took out even my father in a duel once because he talked back to her. He told us that story a thousand times," Robb said.
"I would gladly do it again Robert if you asked me nicely," said a voice.
They all turned to see the said Septa sanding there with her hands in her sleeves and a smug look on her face. Sir Jaime looked at her in surprise he had never thought that the Septa was a rather tall woman. In fact looking at her he saw that she hid most of her form in her dress which was loose like those of a Septa or a Maester. But the design was wrong they are not robes to look at but rather reminded him of sleeping robes almost. And her hair was hidden in a hood but her eyes can clearly be seen through the hood. They give off an eerie glow to them but by the dark brown color they had in the streaming sunlight. He can see the intensity that they shown to him...and the sadness.
"My Lady I did not mean to disrespect you," Sir Jaime said.
"I am no lady Sir Knight but I could not help but overhear someone saying I am a better swordsman then they are?" she said to Robb.
"Well it sort of slipped," Robb said.
The Septa smiled a him a warm smile as she turned to the Knight. "You must forgive me Sir but Septa was only a title. I am just merely the women's teacher and bodyguard." she said.
"Bodyguard? Then if you don't mind do you wish to spar with me then?" Sir Jaime said as an invitation.
The Septa smiled, "I would love to,"
MEANWHILE
"No," Lord Stark said to the King.
"Ned I need you down there," the King said, "That place is a nest of vipers and if I so much as twitch then it would be my downfall. I need someone I can trust down there!"
Lord Stark would not budge however, "I am needed here Robert. Winter is coming and I have to be able to oversee the North. Robb is not ready for it yet and my eldest daughter is off to oversee the taxes one final time before winter sets in." Lord Stark said.
"But Ned I really need you!" the King pleaded.
"That is why I am recomending Tywin Lannister instead. He has experience with being hand of the King and he would do better then me down there," Lord Stark said.
"Tywin will only do it to further his ambitions!" King Robert complained.
"But he can watch over the kingdom and the Realm has more respect for him then they do me," Lord Stark replied calmly.
"Ned you are my friend why would I march my men up here to the North if not to see my friend and to beg you to come south." the King replied.
"You did not come to see me you came to see Lyanna," said Lord Stark as he sat down at the table.
"What is taking your men so long then?" asked the King.
"It takes time to drain the water and even then to assess the damage done to the cavern and clean it up." Lord Stark replied.
It was then that commotion was heard from outside. The two men rose from where they were sitting in Lord Stark's Solar and hurried over to the window. It was there that they saw Sir Jaime Lannister dueling a woman with robes on.
"What in the name of the Gods?" the King said and wobbled his way out. Lord Stark only smiled and trotted afterward.
IN THE COURTYARD
Jaime had to admit that the Septa was fast. In fact she parried nearly all of his blows and those blows he should have been able to disarm her. But she was too fast and she managed to counter every move. He was covered in sweat and was panting while she hardly looked winded. Twirling her blade around she shown that she was better and Lord Jaime Lannister had to hold his own quiet well.
By now they had a gathering of all the King's men and the Stark men watching. News of the duel had hit the halls of the castle and everyone stood cheering. Even the Queen and both young princes and Princess. They had forgone using wooden swords a while ago and are now using real swords much to the Sir Lannister's dismay. Real swords meant they can easily get hurt so Jaime was given a run for his money when the woman only smiled. She then moved faster then he could and he could barely hold his own when she came at him with her sword out. He could see the dents in both swords and when she came down with her long sword and he came up with his broad sword. Both blades shattered under the tremendous force.
Not one to lose so easily he rolled to avoid the next blow to gain a new weapon this one a spear. And tried to thrust it at her only for her to roll her head around while he did so. And when he tried to get to her underbelly she just moved quickly away and using her arm she wrapped it around the spear. Then taking her leg she gave him a round house kick to the face forcing him to lose his hold on the spear.
Rolling away quickly he managed to get another spear ready and faced her. By now the crowds began to cheer louder as they are now facing each other. It was also in that instant that he realized that at some point that the Septa lost her outer robe. What she wore underneath was not the usual women's undergarments. It was similar to the dress of Dornish warriors but lacked armor. Her well formed figure gave her an athletic appearance. Her long dark hair was tied in a bun while her slightly slanted eyes gave her the look of a wild animal.
Jaime attacked again with another spear and she once again parried with the spear she took from him. He tried to throw a fist to her face but she easily slapped his hand away. Cheers went on as the courtyard grew louder. Her leg came swooping out at the last minute catching him off guard. He fell backwards but rolled out of the way just in time before her spear met his heart.
Swooping upwards he tried to disarm her but she proved to be too fast for him. Running away from her Jaime rolled and caught the sword in his hand before he swept it up just in time to defend against her spear. She rolled the spear tip around hoping to get him but he quickly ducked and rolled out of the way.
By now Jaime was panting at the amount of effort made to keep up with a woman who was barely making a sweat.
"You're toying with me!" Sir Jaime said to the Septa.
"How would you figure?" she said.
"I am over here sweating like a horse yet you are barely making a sweat!" he complained.
"How do you know I am not wiping away my sweat while you are not looking?" she replied smirking.
Growling he was starting to get angry and he tried to cool his anger down. Anger makes one stupid and she does not need to take advantage of that.
"Though I had to admit this was the most fun I had in a very long time," the Septa said as she too lost the spear and had gotten another sword. This one another long sword and began to twirl it around like it was a chain. Sir Jaime held his in front of him in a defensive position. Crouching down in a defensive position herself everyone cheered the Septa on.
This time Jaime Lannister is going on the defensive. She came at him like a wild cat with claws unleashed. A blur of movement that only the trained eye can see. Jaime had a hard time keeping up his defenses when she pressed her attack. Sparks flew from their weapons as he felt himself being pushed back as she came at him. He then tried to push his way forward till he felt something give in his armor.
He looked down to see his front breastplate had a large gash across it. Not enough to penetrate the leather underneath but strong enough to penetrate the metal. He looked up in surprise to the Septa who twirled her sword around. Finally snapping he rushed into the fight blindly coming after her with frenzied hits.
But once again she danced around him till at last she gave him two final hits. One roundhouse kick to the head and another sweeping motion with the same foot under him knocking him to the ground.
On his back he found himself with a sword at his throat before he could rise. Panting hard Sir Jaime looked up at the emotionless eyes of the Septa as she pointed the sword at his throat. He could not move for she had it in a position where if he were to move she would cut him and possibly kill him. He slowly raised his hands in surrender knowing that even if he tried to get the sword in this fashion from her he would lose some fingers. The cheering was deafening as the crowds around them cheered and slowly the sword was removed and a hand was offered.
Sir Jaime smiled as he grabbed at the hand offered and was surprised at the grip the woman had on her. At this point he was too tired to move but when he rose again and dusted himself off he held her hand and shook it.
"That was a good fight!" he said.
"I didn't have this much fun in a long time," the Septa replied smiling.
"Tell me who taught you how to fight?" he asked.
"My late husband," the Septa replied
"My apologies," Sir Jaime said as he looked at his armor. There were many good dents and sever places the armor had completely caved meaning that he was going to get some pretty good bruises come morning.
"Now that is what I call a very good fight!" said a bellowing voice and the crowd parted for the King as he marched up to them with Lord Stark in tow. The King was in a jolly mood as he walked up to his kingsguard and shook his hand. "Sir Jaime you outdid yourself this time my boy! I mean look at the way you fought in the ring against the best swordsman the North has ever seen!" he said.
"It was nothing Your Grace! The Lady and I had a little sparing match that is all," Sir Jaime said.
"Well that was one hell of a sparring match better then any tourney I've been to. Now tell me," he said turning to the Septa she just returned the sword to its place on the rack.
"How did a young lady like you learn how to fight like a seasoned knight?" he asked her.
"My late husband taught me how. We lived alone in the wilderness for a long time so he taught me how to defend myself against bandits and wildlings," the Septa replied.
"So after he died is when I presume you became a Septa is that correct?" he asked.
"Oh no Your Grace the Septa part is only a title given to me by the Stark family. They only call me that because of the way I dress." she said humbly.
The King laughed and seeing the wine spray from his mouth would have disgusted most women, but the Septa remained unmoving. "I should say that the Stark women are in good hands then if they have you to protect them. I should say that someone as beautiful as you..." as he said this she put her hand up in a silencing motion.
"Your Grace I am sorry to be rude but the flirting is only reserved between a husband a wife. And frankly your wife does not look like the woman who would take another woman flirting with her husband kindly. Even if it is in jest. So to save grace on both our parts I would have to depart for I have other duties to attend to. Good day Your Highness, Sir Jaime," she said as she walked away.
The crowds parted for her to allow her through. This left the King stunned as he watched the only woman who rejected him leave. She was graceful when she did it mind you but she reminded him of Lyanna. A woman who was stubborn but graceful in her movements. He watched as she grabbed her fallen robe and put it on her again before departing.
Sir Jaime was being held up by two other men seeing as he strength finally gave out and they hauled him to a bench. The King smirked as the crowds departed slowly leaving the two lords once again alone.
Well almost alone.
Tyrion walked out to them looking worse for wear as his sloshing shoes and his wet appearance had anything to go by.
"Well your majesty the leak has been fixed just give it a few hours for the waters to drain and another few to dry before it is safe to enter the crypts," Tyrion said.
"Thank you Lord Tyrion though you should not have done it yourself. You could have had the servants do it?" Lord Stark said.
"I had cleaned the sewers of Casterly rock by myself thank you Lord Stark, and I am familiar with the plumbing there as well as here. So I had to take it personally to clean the crypts. After all your family was the one who took me in when they didn't have to," was his reply before he left.
"Now then before we were interrupted…." the King said. Lord Stark could only sigh.
TBC
A/n: So how was that? I was watching a few videos on Youtube of Eastern vs Western fighting styles and the idea came up. So I thought why not have Jaime vs the Septa as a means to ending the chapter. Now as I stated in the beginning this will be put on a rotation after this chapter is posted so that way I can update my other stories as well. So it might take a while to write. Well with that being said what do you think? Please read and review and remember no FLAMES, BASHINGS AND LORE MONGERS PLEASE! Thank you.