"Disclaimer: I do not own SW or GOT!

Ned Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, stared at his eldest son Robb, his ward Theon, and his nephew Jon as they recounted the events that led to where they were now. "We left Bran, Rickon, and Arya with mother at Winterfell with a garrison of about 200 men to hold the castle and the other lords did something similar. It took some doing but we managed to convince mother she was better off staying with Bran, Rickon, and Arya."

"I imagine that was difficult." Ned said, amusement clear in his voice. His head turned to lock eyes with Jon. "You understand what you are taking on now?"

Jon nodded. "I do father. I don't much like it, but I understand why it is necessary."

Ned nodded, unable to keep the pride from showing on his face. "I'm proud of you Jon, all of you really. You handled yourselves like lords. I gather the Greatjon was most impressed and that is difficult to do." Eddard straightened himself a bit. "Alright Jon I need you and Theon to go entertain the lords for a bit. I have something to discuss with Edric and Robb." The other two boys nodded and left quickly.

Ned turned to Edric and Robb who both had suspicious looks on their faces which made Ned's mouth twitch in amusement. Edric was wise, but he was still young compared to Ned and Robb was only ten years younger which may seem like a long time, but really wasn't as far as it went. They both had similar thought patterns although Edric was clearly the more experienced warrior. "I have a mission for you two. Keep Ice Robb." Ned addressed his son who was unbuckling Ice to hand back to his father. Robb stopped midway and looked at his father confused. "You're broader than I am so it makes more sense for you to wield it. Besides that, you are my heir so it is time for you to take on the duties of a Lord which includes using the family sword. Just don't lose it." Ned advised dryly as Robb refastened the buckle somberly. "I need the two of you to take a number of men and go across the Narrow Sea." He fished a scroll from his pocket and handed it to Robb. "That's from a contact of mine in King's Landing. He understands what's best for this country. In Essos, you'll find Jon's aunt. Last we heard, her husband and unborn child had died and she was crossing the Red Waste to find an army. She may have found one by the time you get to her but you must convince her to join her army with ours and to support her nephew's claim to the throne." He withdrew the box that Robb had handed him on arrival that contained the proof of Jon's parentage and handed it back to Robb. "Use this to convince her of the truth. But be careful. Somehow, she was able to hatch three dragons so you could be in danger."

Robb looked shocked at the news of the dragons but quickly regained his composure. "Very well father. We will go."

Edric watched Ned curiously for a moment before a small smile came to his face. "I'm assuming this contact of yours is a certain spider." Ned looked at him sternly. "Fear not my Lord, I won't give him away. If it is your wish, I shall accompany Robb. However, it may be best if it is just the two of us and Greywind. No need for a large number of people to take up resources. I'm pretty sure she'll be in civilization by the time we get there. In fact, I know just the port to dock in." He looked at Robb who nodded and continued for him.

"We'll leave on the morrow father. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get back with Jon's aunt and the sooner we can get this done and get back to Winterfell."

Ned grinned at his son before embracing him. "Go quickly then. When you return, we'll march south and make the Lannisters wish they had never heard of the Starks."

After they departed, Robb looked at Edric. "How do you know what port to dock in?"

"Because, my Lord, there really are only four places to dock once you get past the Red Waste. If she started through the Red Waste weeks ago, but now we're told that she's still alive, then I'm certain that she's at the second port. It is the first of the three slave cities, Astapor. It takes a while to get through the Red Waste, but not so long that she shouldn't be in Astapor by the time we get there, so I'm sure she got through Qarth and she's probably either in Astapor or nearly there. There she could get a hold of an army of Unsullied. Think of adding that army to our own infantry."

"You're absolutely sure about this?"

"Absolutely, my Lord."

"Very well, I trust your judgement."

Edric grinned at him. "Thank you, my Lord. Now then, let's get some rest and then we'll leave on the morrow." Edric made his way to his chambers, finding a trunk at the foot of his bed. He had requested that this was brought from Winterfell when Ned had written the letter for Robb to march south. He heaved it onto the bed and opened it to find the only thing to have survived the explosion of his ship. It was the armor that he had worn throughout the Clone Wars. He closed it again and moved the trunk down and sat down to meditate, preparing himself for the journey ahead.

Early the next morning, Edric stood up, stretching and, after a quick wash, opened the trunk again and pulled out the items within. It was a black Jedi battle robe. It contained a robe and armor that you put on over the robe itself. He strapped on the chest plate, the black boots and greaves and the vambraces over his forearms, and gloves. He strapped the belt around his waist before clipping both his lightsaber, and his master's lightsaber on each side of his waist. Then came the outer robe that was sleeveless with a hood and remained open in the front. He looked at the last item in the trunk, at a helmet that he had worn briefly after his master's death. It went over his head and would seal itself so that it would not move during battle. It looked like a skull when he wore it and was very useful in battle. That's not me anymore. He had been so angry after his master's death that he had worn it as a way to express his anger. He missed his master a great deal, but he had long realized that the mask represented the darkness in him and, while he had no problem embracing some of that in battle, that was not who he was as a whole any more. But he could not dismiss its usefulness and darkness could be very helpful in a fight. It would also serve to scare enemies. So, with a sigh, he picked it up out of the trunk and carried it with him. They left with little fanfare but with a few encouraging words from Lord Stark and Jon as they set off from the gates.

An hour later, saw the two men and the direwolf making their way towards White Harbor in order to sail to Essos. They traveled in companionable silence, stopping every now and then for Greywind to hunt while they ate. "I suppose you're looking forward to the journey." Edric stated, causing Robb to snort.

"Not likely. I'd rather be with my men."

"I can understand your sentiment Robb, but what we are doing is just as important."

"Aye I know."

Robb may have verbally agreed, but Edric could tell that the young Lord didn't much like it. Still he said nothing as they continued their trek towards the harbor. He completely understood where Robb was coming from. In Robb's mind, this was an errand that had no real effect. Edric himself was unsure whether or not Daenerys's Targaryen would even accept their offer. But Ned thought there was a chance and if Ned thought there was a chance, then Edric would go with it and see where it led. Edric winced at the thought of the landing in such a hot area. He preferred cold weather so the idea of having to spend any length of time in the heat was daunting. The sweat he knew he was in for was taunting him from the future. With a sigh and a shake of his head he dispelled the complaints that were forming in his mind and set his face to a grim line as they plod along.

Days later, they came to the Bay of Crabs which was situated at the foot of the Mountain that led to the Vale. "Why is it my Aunt hasn't joined the fray yet?"

Edric shrugged. "Who knows. Your father thinks she might be losing it a bit after Jon Arryn's death. Personally, I don't know your Aunt but based on what your uncle Blackfish has told me, family has never really ever meant that much to your sister. She hated your grandfather for marrying her off to Jon Arryn so this could be a form of protest on her end. But, as I said, who really knows?" Robb nodded with a frown.

"Why are we sailing all the way around to Astapor?"

"It's either that, or dock in Pentos and trek through a lot of unfriendly territory, including the Red Waste."

"Aye. I've just never been much for sailing."

"Me either. I hate it to be honest. I've been seasick more than once. Especially on the way to Bear Island. That was horrible. But this is the easiest way. Besides, it'll prepare us for the voyage back."

Robb only rolled his eyes but a grim smile graced his features for a moment as the bay came into sight.

In Riverrun…

Ned rubbed his eyes as the heavy feeling assaulted him. He was bone tired, having not had much rest since arriving at Riverrun. He was deploying his men to man the borders, watching to make sure that Tywin Lannister didn't try anything. He really missed his wife. The last time I held her in my arms was the night before I left for King's Landing. Oh, I was such a fool. Edric was right. It had been all for naught. Now Jon is having to take on something that he had hoped to avoid taking on and I'm hundreds of leagues away from home. Ned shook himself. No use thinking like that. Robert wouldn't want a bastard ruling in his name and this will also bring honor back to Raeghar's name, once the truth comes out. No, I just have to make the best of what I've been given. And, with that, Ned Stark set himself and got back to work. He had a war to plan.

Down in the yard, Jon surveyed the men. The distaste that he felt at having to fight for a throne he had never wanted remained, ever present. He hated the idea of being responsible for leading an entire country. But he could never deny his father the chance to avenge his friend. He was also well aware that the Lannisters would never leave them alone, especially now that the truth was out. All possible dissenters would need to be dealt with. With a scoff he turned to find Theon working with the archers. He and the Greyjoy heir had never really gotten along when they were younger. But Edric had helped them to find common ground and it helped to start a friendship between the two of them. Jon still hated how Theon treated women, but they were still friends. Good mood returned; Jon turned to find the man that had raised him striding towards him. "Jon! We need to talk about our next move. I've sent for the other Lords and we'll meet in Lord Hoster's study." Jon nodded apprehensively as he followed his father. No, Ned Stark was not his blood father, but Ned Stark was as good as. That was plenty good enough for Jon.

King's Landing…

Jaime Lannister watched as the city watch marched by on patrol. He scoffed as one of the men stumbled briefly before correcting himself. With a shake of his head, Jaime turned back in to go into the Red Keep. It wasn't much of a break from the rest of the shit hole that was King's Landing though. Joffery was mad. Jaime had hated to admit it for many years, but he could see it now that Joff had the crown. He could no longer deny it. Recently, his younger brother Tyrion had arrived from Casterly Rock and had quickly brought to Jaime's attention some of the things that his son was doing. Jaime hated it. He loved Cersei. They were two halves of the same whole. And they had made two normal, beautiful children. But Joffery had the madness in him. His sister was loathed to admit it herself, but he could see the despair in her eyes, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. Joffery had ordered the deaths of many Captains since Ned Stark's escape. Damn Stark. Jaime thought wryly. He was glad they had gotten away. Though he would never admit it, he had gotten along well with Ned Stark's advisor, Edric. They had spoken many times and Jaime had always felt that he could confide things to Edric. Though he had never told the advisor his relationship with Cersei, but he had told him about some of his other thoughts. Edric had been a great listener, never inserting his opinion where it wasn't needed. Ah well. War is war and we have to do what we have to do. He was well aware of what would happen should anyone find out what he and the Spider had done to aid in the Stark's escape. But he couldn't find it within himself to care. He knew that neither he, nor the Spider, would tell and everyone else that knew were either dead or on the other side of the war. Jaime's face set with distaste. Oh, how he had wanted to kill Little Finger for what he had done to that poor girl. But he was also aware that what Joffrey had done to the Stark girl, plus his role in sending Jeyne Poole to Little Finger, had been just as bad. The way the other King's Guard had urged Joffrey on and encouraged him was despicable. Then, Joffrey had forced the one honorable captain of the King's Guard to retire. Ser Barristan Selmy had been furious, yet composed. Jaime had always admired the man and could not, for the life of him, understand what Joffrey had been thinking in letting him go.

"You look to be in deep thought brother." The voice of his little brother, Tyrion, broke him from his musings. "Do I look the kind of man to ever be in deep thought, brother?" Jaime quipped back causing Tyrion to grin.

"No, I'll admit that you do allow yourself to go into deep thought when no one is looking." Jaime chuckled. "Pathetic aren't they." Tyrion nodded at the city watchmen as they passed their position once again.

"Just slightly."

"If our glorious leader would stop killing them then we wouldn't have to keep finding new recruits."

"Yes, well who is going to tell him, you?"

Tyrion snorted. "I already did. All he did was yell that he's the king and can do what he wants."

Jaime rolled his eyes at that. "Well, no doubt father will have something to say when he gets here."

"He's coming here?"

"Yes. I sent him a raven and he responded that he was on his way. I might be leaving soon little brother."

"Gods, please don't leave me with our idiot sister and her idiot son." Tyrion grumbled.

Jaime smiled. "Well then, I suppose you'll just have to come with me then."

"I'm surprised that you aren't fighting to remain a kings guard."
Jaime shrugged. "I had some conversations with Stark's advisor before they had to leave. It helped me see things from a new perspective."

Tyrion raised his brow at that. "Edric Black? Yes, he does seem quite reasonable. You could certainly have done worse. However, I am surprised that you opted to conversate with him to begin with."

Jaime nodded in understanding. "It wasn't planned I assure you. At first, I spoke with him to get a feel for him. After a couple of conversations with him, I realized that he was quite easy to talk to." Jaime stated. He frowned a bit. "I almost hate that I would have to kill him in battle." This caused Tyrion to laugh. "That is assuming that one of our other enemies don't do the job first." Part of Jaime wished that the war had never happened. So many lives, lost senselessly.

Astapor…

Robb grunted irritably as they disembarked from their ship. It was hot, really hot and Robb hated the hot weather. It had been slightly warmer than he was used to in the Riverlands but he had grown used to it. But in Astapor it was unbearably hot and he desperately hoped that he wouldn't have to be here long enough to have to get used to it. He glanced over at Edric who had donned his old battle mask and had his hood up over it. It was disconcerting to say the least and it had frightened the men on the ship. Edric had seemed different after putting it on. He had even threatened the men on the ship with their lives if the ship was not there when they returned. The Edric that he knew would not have done that. Robb frowned at that thought but left it unsaid as they continued through the crowded streets in search of the dragon queen. There were people of all kinds milling about the docks which had Robb and Edric both on edge a bit. Edric had his mask on, which had shocked Robb at first. He never knew that his friend could look so frightening. But he supposed that was the whole point of the mask. When Edric spoke, it came out deeper, and oddly inhuman. Greywind seemed completely unfazed by the change and instead gazed lazily at passing strangers who all gave them a wide berth.

"So how are we going to find her?" Robb asked.

"By reaching out into the force." Edric answered mechanically. Edric stopped for a moment and went still as he searched the force for direction. Suddenly, the force flashed a warning as an arrow came seemingly out of nowhere toward Robb. The arrow stopped in midair a few feet away from Robb, who cursed as he hurriedly drew his sword. Greywind began to growl, a deep, rumbling growl that began in his chest as his hackles rose and his teeth became bared. The arrow dropped to the ground, Edric releasing it from his force hold as a group of 25 men in leather stitched gear surrounded them. "Well now, I see we have aroused the curiosity of the welcoming committee." Edric commented.

"Is this really the time for that?" Robb demanded.

"No, not really. But then again it always baffles me when so many want to die so quickly. I usually resort to a joke when I'm baffled."

The leader of the group of men snarled. "You won't be joking when our swords are in your guts, foreigner!"

With a sigh, Edric cracked his neck as he withdrew his lightsaber. With a snap and hiss, the violet hued blade sprang to life, causing a few of the men surrounding them to back off. Edric could feel their fear and couldn't help but to take some of it in, his eyes flashing yellow for but a moment. "Is that so?"

Another of the men laughed viciously. "You're surrounded, prepare to die!"

As the growls of Greywind became louder and more threatening, Edric couldn't help the angry calm that flooded him then. "All that we are surrounded by is fear, and dead men."

Whew boy! I'm sorry that took as long as it did but I never promised quick uploads! Obviously, that quote at the end comes from the Vader Down comic. It's one of my favorites so I had to include it. I wasn't going to have the mask but then I decided that Edric would be much more threatening in a war time scenario with the mask. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to drop a review!