Throne Intrigue
Robert's rebellion was successful. But after the rebellion the Houses wanted to gain more power over the Iron Throne. Robert's Rebellion had succeeded. But what then?
King's Landing 289 AC.
Ned
It was almost evening. Darkness had begun to fall on the streets and people were slowly returning home, but Silver Street was more crowded in the evenings. Silver Street was known as the street of gamblers. The best gamblers in King's Landing came to the street in the evening. Ned knew this. Crowds and darkness were what Ned wanted. The wrong eyes and the wrong ears could have made it worse. Secrecy was important to Ned.
Ned was waiting where they had planned. He wasn't sure if Wyman Manderly was the right man for the plan. He trusted him, but Wyman was too slow for this plan. Any mistake could ruin everything. Ned had a plan. He just wanted everything to be perfect. Otherwise, the Lannisters might find out.
After Robert's Rebellion, the kingdom had lost economic power. Tywin Lannister had lent the kingdom money. Debt had become power. Ned plotted to break the Lannisters' power. He proposed Wyman Manderly as Master of Coin. Robert accepted this offer immediately. But that wasn't enough for Ned. He convinced the king to open the old mint in White Harbor. The White Harbor and the North had become economically strong. All this angered House Lannister. Tyrion could understand. Jaime didn't care. Cersei was furious. And Tywin was unresponsive.
Ned wasn't worried. He wasn't afraid. Ned had a plan.
An arm touched Ned. Ned looked calmly. '' Surprised?'' . That was Lyn Corbray. He was looking at Ned all cocky.'' We shouldn't wait here any longer.'' Ned was not surprised, but that was not the plan.
Ned looked at the arrogant knight. ''Where is Sir Bartimus?
'' The plan had to change. Lord Wyman will give you the details, if you like.''
Ned hadn't planned this, but he couldn't waste time. He said nothing to Lyn Corbray. He didn't like him. Sir Lyn Corbray knew that. He expected their short journey to be a quiet one. They began to walk. Ned was trying to understand why the plan had changed. Something might have gone wrong. Maybe it didn't make sense to come here alone. Ned knew there was a risk. He had come here knowing that. He wondered about Lord Wyman and Sir Bartimus and Bartimus' son Rogar.
'' You may ask whatever you wish, my lord. My answers will not satisfy you. I can only say that nothing has happened to Lord Wyman.
'' What about the others?'' Ned had given up hiding his curiosity.
''Lord Wyman brought me into the plan later. I think he did well. If it hadn't been for me, the Lannister spies would have discovered everything.''
"Will you tell me what happened, Sir?
Lyn laughed smugly.
'' There were some problems at the port. "We saw Benedict Broom at the harbor.
"And then what?
''He was watching the merchants. Lord Wyman ordered Sir Bartimus. We needed a bit of mayhem. Sir Bartimus did it. So I brought the merchants to Harmond's house and here I am.''
Ned was glad no one was hurt.
"If you ask me, I should have done it. Bartimus the Drunkard's skill is unquestionable, but the risk was unnecessary.
'' "Lord Wyman must know something.
''I think Lord Wyman just wants some action, that's all. I think it's safe to say he needs it. At least he'll be a little weaker.
Ned didn't answer. When they arrived at Harmond's house, no one was waiting at the door. Across the street he saw Garth from the Wolf's Den. That made sense.
Lyn Corbray knocked quietly on the door.
"I hope we're not waiting for Lord Wyman to open the door. Otherwise we may have to wait until morning.
The door opened. Rogar was standing in front of Ned. Ned involuntarily smiled at Rogar.
"Welcome, my lord.
"Hello Rogar, how are you?
''I'm fine, my lord, I'm so glad to see you. Everyone's inside waiting for you''
Ned entered the house with slow steps. Yellow lights illuminated the narrow hall. When he entered the room it was not crowded.
He locked eyes with Wyman.
"Welcome, Lord Stark, we've been waiting for you.
"Welcome.
"My Lords and Ladies, I may be a little hasty. I ask you to forgive me for that, but we are all aware of the importance of time for us.''
The chamber door swung open. Garth of the Wolf's Den was looking at Ned with a flustered expression.
"My lord. ''
"What happened?''
"The King's Hand has been killed, my lord.''
Silence and fear suddenly took over the room. No one could find the right words. Ned had lost his composure. The words seemed to freeze in his mouth.