Chapter 5
-Winterfell, 278AC-
The Great Hall of Winterfell was filled with men and women from various noble houses of the North, they were here for the birthday of Brandon Stark and the celebration was still in its early hours, children were running around playing with each other, lords and ladies were conversing while enjoying the feast that House Stark had prepared.
Lord Rickard Stark sat at the head table watching all this unfold with a cold look on his face. Many wondered why he had such a look on his face when there was nothing around that should invoke such an expression.
All around the Great Hall of Winterfell the wealth of House Stark was on display; there was the massive chandelier of glowing ice crystals that hung from the center of the hall, and the ice crystal lamps have replaced the torches in every room of the castle, banners with the Stark Direwolf emblazoned with silver thread hung from the walls, over a dozen new tapestries expertly made depicting several ancient stories involving Starks decorated the hall beautifully, a wide variety of food from roasted boars, goats, and chicken to over a dozen fish dishes along with baked goods that are uncommon in the North, were decorating all the tables and the drinks from Dornish red wine, Arbor gold, and various other liquor from Essos filled crystalline jugs that never seem to run dry no matter how much the guests indulge.
It was the kind of overt display of wealth that even House Manderly could only afford on special occasions and even House Stark would not have had the luxury to do this before, it was only possible due to the benefits that are given to them by Eddard Stark.
Rickard Stark's blood boils just thinking of that child who bares his name and his nights are restless from emotions that thoughts of the boy invoke in him.
Rage, disappointment, resentment, and disgust are what he normally feels about the boy, he does feel some guilt and shame when he visits the grave of his wife, but that is only because he knows she would have wanted him to love the boy with her gone.
Rickard could not love the boy and when he had seen him beside his dead wife Rickard snapped and unleashed all of his emotions including his grief on the boy in a hateful banishment from Winterfell.
He knew that he had acted rashly but by the time he was ready to speak to the boy rumors of a Stark in Essos started to circulate, meaning the boy was beyond his reach and Rickard chose to let the matter remain as it was.
Rickard wanted to put it all behind him and focus on his kingdom, and his plans for his children but that never came to pass.
The boy had not struggled in the strange lands of the East, he had thrived beyond Rickard's wildest imagination and made himself a king, the first king bearing the Stark name in almost three centuries and it wasn't even a Stark of Winterfell that had accomplished that feat.
The North sang his praise, the Lords of the North spoke of him with respect, mothers told their children of the Lone Stark that freed slaves and punished those that stole others' freedom, young boys wanted to grow up to be him and young girls wanted to marry him.
His loyal lords have started to question his decision to banish the boy from Winterfell, they saw what he did was as very short-sighted and rash which one of the more polite comments that had been made about what he did over the last few years.
What most of the northern lords did not realize but he along with a few others did was that; for every benefit, Eddard brings the North his actions isolate the North more from the South.
The South didn't care or didn't believe when word came of a Stark taking over the lands of Pentos, and why should they as the boy would not be the first second son who tried to forge a destiny in Essos.
What did have the South up in arms was when the boy had destroyed an army of Dothraki horse lords and then used their death in a blood ritual to create a massive forest. The South had been set ablaze with gossip, rumors, speculation, and concerns in regard to what the boy had done. But it was when the stories of towering weirwood heart trees that the former slaves have taken to worship under the guidance of Eddard Stark that the whole thing got worse.
The High Septon and the Faith of the Seven were up in arms about Eddard Stark, they openly declared him as a demonic heretic that should be put to death by any faithful believer in the Seven that are One.
Some of the more pious Southern Lords had sent a few knights and some hedge knights along with a few priests of the Seven to Pentos to remove the demon from the earth. All of these men whether they be knights or priests were slaughtered brutally and only their heads were sent back preserved in a layer of ice that refused to melt to any flame aside from wildfire.
News from the South had said the Faith tried to force the Crown to send troops to Pentos for this was a holy war to them but the King had refused to start a war over one man, no matter what kind of magic he possessed. But House Targaryen was nowhere as powerful as it once was and couldn't just refuse the Faith, so they had to give up something else that wouldn't immediately trigger a war.
The King allowed the Faith of the Seven the leeway to gather volunteers to go to Essos with a restriction on the lords of noble houses and their heirs, it would not do for noble houses to go extinct for this foolish holy war.
The Crown also increased the taxes for the North by fifty percent to further appease the High Septon but Rickard knew the truth.
The increase in taxes was used to both leech off the economic growth of the North while funding the war that the Faith wanted to engage in, this would allow the crown to pacify the Faith while weakening the North and Eddard Stark without them losing anything in the process.
If the Faith won the war which was very unlikely to happen, then the Iron Throne could lay claim to the spoils of war since most people fighting in the war would technically still be sworn to the Iron Throne.
If Eddard Stark emerged victorious from the conflict which seemed more likely than not, the authority of the Faith of the Seven would take a large hit and would weaken them enough that they couldn't challenge the Iron Throne for a few decades at least.
It was a devious and cunning and well-thought-out plan that stunk off Tywin Lannister, Lord Tywin was the one who really ran the Seven Kingdoms while the King with his random moods only destabilized the realm.
Regardless of what happened though the North will be hurt by it.
Rickard did not care for these men playing with the fate of the North as if it belonged to them but he doesn't have the power to defy the Iron Throne yet.
The Faith has been putting pressure on his allies in the South and Rickard had to push up the marriage of Brandon to Catelyn Tully to ensure that Hoster Tully didn't pull back from the alliance out of fear of the Faith.
Rickard glanced at the Tully girl that was sitting at the high table with his family, she had the red hair and blue eyes of a Tully, and although she was still fifteen years old she was already a beautiful woman, she wore a woolen dress in blue with grey and white colors to show her allegiance to her future husband's family.
He had made sure that she felt welcomed into his home and has given her duties that the Lady of Winterfell would normally do, so she can get used to the staff and running the household.
Catelyn was the one who planned the entire celebration with some helpful advice from him to ensure she would not unintentionally alienate any of the noble houses of the North, Brandon had been impressed with what she did although his foolish son would not admit it out of stubbornness.
Now all that was left for Rickard to do was wait until she turned sixteen then he will have them married, allowing him to focus on his daughter Lyanna and her future marriage to Robert Baratheon, the heir to the Stormlands.
He will have to start making plans for Benjen for House Stark will need a more secure hold on the North in the coming years.
A shout of surprise followed by the laughter of his two youngest children drew his gaze to where Lyanna and Benjen were seen feeding three Direwolf pups that were sent as a gift by their estranged brother Eddard.
They were brought to Winterfell by Lord Manderly a few hours before the celebration had started, there was a group of a dozen men in full armor made of shimmering wintersteel that accompanied the Lord of White Harbor.
Rickard had questioned why they were there only for Wyman to laugh and say they were there to protect the precious cargo that he had been entrusted with.
Lord Manderly had a few carts that were covered with him that Rickard had assumed was the cargo only to be shocked Wyman pulled out a small whistle made of pure ice, Wyman blew the whistle which shattered after use and then three direwolf pups bounded forward from behind the armed guards.
His children had immediately been taken with the pups that looked like a full-grown wolves, while Catelyn looked like she might just faint from the only the sight of them. Rickard had to coldly glare at his children to ensure they didn't get close to the pups until Wyman had explained the situation.
"These three Direwolf pups were entrusted to me by King Eddard Stark when I had visited Pentos for trade purposes. King Eddard knew that his twin brother's birthday and with a war going on couldn't make a trip to visit," Lord Wyman explained calmly though, the man did look Rickard in the eye and gave a small nod.
That was all the confirmation that Rickard had needed that Wyman had told the boy that he would not be welcome at Winterfell as long as Rickard drew breath.
The Lord of White Harbor continue his explanation. "He sent them with an honour guard as he considers his Direwolves his family and his wrath would be terrible for any who harm them," the man had shivered with a dazed look as of he was remembering what Eddard had said to him.
"The largest one with grey fur is called Wildbeast and is intended for Lord Brandon, the one with black fur is named Nightsong and is intended for Lord Benjen, lastly another with black fur and the only female of the group called Lyra for Lady Lyanna," when Wyman had said the last names for the pups all of the Stark's had gone silent in shock.
Brandon had tears in his eyes as did Lyanna and only Benjen looked confused which was understandable as they never spoke much about his wife, when the young boy was around.
Rickard was deeply affected by the names of the pups and was halfway between rage at the boy, and wishing to thank the boy for each of those names for the pups had something to do with his late wife; Wildbeast spoke about her wilful nature and fiery spirit that made even him cower when her wolf's blood ran hot, which is something that his first son still strugles with.
Nightsong was without a doubt a refrence to the fact that Lyarra had sung to Benjen while he was in the womb over the last six months of her pregnancy; her singing was the only thing that calmed the overexcited bane enough for her to get some sleep.
Lyra was the name Lyanna had called Lyarra when she was just learning to say people's names not just mama or dada, it had stuck for at least three months until his daughter had learned to say her mother's name properly.
Rickard had seen the moment Benjen realized the significance of each name due to Brandon telling him, the boy had looked pained but it didn't last long as his new Direwolf had moved over to him to comfort him. Benjen latched on to the pup and cied in its fur trying his best to hide his tears from onlookers.
His other two children had approached their Direwolves and embraced them as well, it took several minutes before they broke the embrace and returned to standing at Rickard's side to greet the guests, and their Direwolves took position beside them without a single prompt from his children.
Rickard could swallow his pride enough to acknowledge that the boy had loved his wife as much of not more than him, and no matter what animosity that may exist between them that has not been passed over to the boy's feelings for his siblings.
And as he watched his children's smiling faces with the necklaces that the boy had made for them hanging from each of their necks. Rickard can't help but wonder how things would have turned out if he had not through the boy out.
-Red Keep, 278AC-
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen released a tired sigh as he walked through the halls of the Red Keep.
"Was it that bad?" Ser Arthur Dayne, one of his most stalwart allies asked him.
"Yes, it was," Rhaegar answers with a tired look on his face.
Prince Rhaegar had just been in a meeting of the Small Council as was expected of him being the crown prince of Westeros, but instead of discussing topics of actual relevance to the seven kingdoms. It was spent trying to persuade his father from tearing the realm apart.
His father, Aerys Targaryen wanted a marriage of pure Valyrian blood for Rhaegar as he was convinced it would bring the magic of their Valyrian blood back.
This was something that was well known to those of Westeros for his father wasn't the first Targaryen King obsessed with bringing back magic to their family, all in the pursuit of bringing dragons back into the world.
The Tragedy of Summerhall is not something that anyone will soon forget, it showed what this obsession could bring down on all those involved but his father did not hard this warning for what it was.
Aerys had never given up on his obsessions and after what happened at Duskendale, his father has become increasingly unhinged as the days go by.
And the target of his deranged focus was the same person that every noble lord in Westeros is talking about; King Eddard Stark.
His father uses the fact that Lyarra Stark was from a branch family of the Stark bloodline and her marriage to Rickard Stark joined the bloodlines together, which produced a child with all the magical powers of the Old Gods as evidence that his desire for a pure Valyrian marriage was correct.
It was almost funny that his father had been jealous of Eddard Stark and wanted to kill him, yet now his father was using Eddard Stark as proof of his insanity. Some days his father would praise Eddard Stark and then he would called Eddard Stark a traitor to the realm, completely disregarding the fact that the Stark King didn't swear to any oath.
"What happened this time?" Ser Arthur Dayne asked as he walked beside Rhaegar.
"Father planned to send Lord Steffon Baratheon to Volantis to find me a bride of proper Valyrian blood," Rhaegar had said that part with an annoyed sneer in his voice. "Lord Steffon told him such a journey was impossible with the war with King Eddard Stark and Lys, and Tyrosh was still going on. The seas were just too dangerous and they would have to wait before such a voyage could be undertaken,"
"I take it the King was less than pleased," Ser Arthur said sarcastically which earned him a laugh from the Prince.
"You would be right. If it were not for me, Lord Tywin, Varys and the other members of the Small Council, father would have had Lord Steffon executed for an act of treason that didn't happen," Rhaegar sounded tired and annoyed as he said this. It has been getting harder and harder as time past to control the worst of his father's actions.
He is secretly glad he doesn't have to remain in the Red Keep with his father unless requested. Rhaegar much preferred the calming atmosphere of Dragonstone.
He does feel guilty for his mother due to what she has to go through at the hands of his father but he can't act against his father yet, he doesn't have the allies or the resources to act, not yet or ever if things continue the same way.
Due to his father and Lord Tywin's plans, the North has become more isolated from the South and the Iron Throne than ever before. Which was the wrong move on their part as far as he was concerned.
One glance at the Red Keep and the value of keeping the North close to them would be clear; crystal lamps, chandeliers of glowing ice crystals, perfect glass windows some with intricate designs depicting stories of their family have replaced all the Old ones in the castle.
Dragonstone was the same with the old windows and torches were replaced for the newer products that King Eddard Stark is offering to Westeros.
While it is true that King Eddard Stark is the one with the wealth, army, and fleet that one should want as a friend, they can't ignore the fact that his home is the North and his family will be the ones ruling it for the foreseeable future.
If the North is attacked and his family put in danger, there is no doubt in Rhaegar's mind that Eddard Stark will let Westeros feel his wrath and while the Seven Kingdoms is a much larger threat than Lys, Myr and Tyrosh they are just as divided in their loyalties.
Rhaegar hates his father but he would still defend his family if they are attacked, he would kill floor them with little hesitation and that tragically also includes his father as those he would kill for.
He knows that the Faith are the main antagonists to the Eddard Stark and the North by extension for their worship of the Old Gods, but someone smart enough to have never lost any military engagement to date, would be able to see through that the Crown is doing.
"So, are you still going forward with your plan?" Ser Arthur Dayne asked quietly so as not to be overheard.
There was almost always someone listening in this snake pit of a castle.
"Yes, I am," Rhaegar said just as quietly.
"I don't think you should take such a risk Rhaegar. You don't know if the man will welcome you with open arms or if the man will just kill you on site, there has to be safer paths," Ser Arthur argues in a low yet firm voice.
"It is the only choice I have!" Rhaegar snapped quietly before composing himself and continued. "I can't let my father remain on the Iron Throne much longer or all of Westeros will be engulfed in the fires of war and House Targaryen might well be destroyed by it. Going to Pentos in secret to meet with King Eddard Stark and try to create an alliance to take my father off the Iron Throne, is a solid plan," Rhaegar explains with a hard look in his eyes.
"Is it?" Ser Arthur Dayne asked with a raised brow.
"What are my other options? Play lapdog to Tywin Lannister and marry his daughter Cersei. Marry a Tyrell and pray that they all support me over my father. The Vale, Stormlands, North and the Riverlands are all in some form of alliance which will soon be cemented by two marriages, they will not bend to my will simply because they have no reason to do so. The Iron Islands are useless to me and Dorne will only give support if I marry Princess Elia Martell," Rhaegar laid it all out for his friend.
There was no easy options in Westeros and each of them carried their own risks.
"With King Eddard Stark, I know that he will not care about the Iron Throne or who sits on it, as long as the North is not harmed. If I can get his support then there won't even be a need for a war given how close King's Landing is to Pentos. The fighting would end in one decisive blow at the capital city and all that would remain would be for me to control the chaos my father's removal will cause," Rhaegar said with a serious yet hopeful look in his eyes.
He knew he was being overly optimistic about how things will turn out and going by the look on his friend's face, he thought so as well.
"What will you offer him for his help in making you king?" Ser Arthur asked the question that Rhaegar had been hoping to avoid answering.
Rhaegar said nothing and that said everything. Ser Arthur scoffed then remained quiet leaving Rhaegaralone with his thoughts.
It was not as if Rhaegar hadn't given it any thought but it was almost impossible to predict what Eddard Stark will want from him. Rhaegar had no sisters to offer for marriage, he had no lands to offer, no titles, honors or gifts that would actually intrest a man that can get anything he wants from the vast lands of Essos.
He was going into this blind and he might end up paying a price that he never wished to.
Well, he had some time to figure things out while this war carries on before he has to meet the Wolf King of Pentos.
-Red Keep, 278AC-
Varys the Spymaster for Aerys Targaryen sat at his desk in his private chambers with a blank piece of parchment in front of him, his mind was not on what was in front of him but on the news his little birds have brought him.
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen was plotting to remove King Aerys Targaryen from the Iron Throne.
The Prince and his companions thought they could have secrets in these walls but nothing stays secret in the Red Keep.
Normally Varys would inform the King of such news like the loyal servant he portrayed himself to be, or he could let this information reach the ears of other intrested parties and see how he could manipulate things for his own goals.
He couldn't do either of those things in this case unfortunately and the reason was who Prince Rhaegar is planning to ally himself with; King Eddard Stark.
A shiver passes down his spine at the Stark King's name alone, Varys unconsciously placed a hand on his upper shoulder that a terrible scar lay hidden under his large robes.
To say his last interaction with the Wlf King of Pentos was unpleasant would be an grave understatement; Varys had bearly got out of the city with his life intact although now bore a taken of King Eddard Stark's mercy on his body for the rest of his days.
Flashes of glowing eyes and large fangs accompanied with the screams of a man, woman and children echoing off of a pristine walls, the smell of blood, organs, bodily fluids overpower the pufumes in his chambers.
Varys grabbed a jar of wine and chugged the drink until the voices, smells and images retreated back into the darkness of his mind, where he had them locked away.
It has been a few years but still what happened haunted him still, Varys fears Eddard Stark far more than he feared his old master that had cut off his male parts. That man was a fool dabbling in arts he didn't fully understand, Eddard Stark on the other hand seemed to know exactly what he was doing with the power he wielded, making him an enemy Varys wants to avoid at all costs.
Just imagining Eddard Stark marching an army on Westeros froze the blood in his veins with terror. No! Eddard Stark can not set foot on Westerosi soil or they will all suffer for it.
Varys wasn't too clear on what happened next as he took another chug of the jar of wine finishing it all, he was mildly aware that he was writhing something or two somethings, he thinks he called two of his little birds to deliver something for him before his mind went black.
He slept well for the next several hours not knowing the chaos that he had unleashed in his drunken state. Varys drowned out his demons but he had released everyone else's demons.
His little birds found him as he woke with a splitting headache, that is where he learned what had happened while he slept.
The King had ordered the arrest and execution of Prince Rhaegar, Jon Connington and Ser Arthur Dayne for treason against the Iron Throne. A bloody battle had ensued after those orders were given; Prince Rhaegar had escaped with his companions thanks to the men he had brought with him from Dragonstone, they made it to his ships and sailed away from the capital to parts unknown.
Over a thousand men died that night and Ser Gerold Hightower was one of the casualties of the battle, killed by Arthur Dayne while the commander of the Kingsguard was moments away from killing Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.
Varys knew that the men from Dragonstone only numbered two hundred at most, which could only mean that members of the household guard for the Red Keep came to the Crown Prince's defense against the Mad King.
This was a complete disaster, the King already was overly paranoid and now when some of his own soldiers stood with his son, not him. King Aerys will be looking for enemies everywhere and will more than likely lash out at anyone in his vicinity, their guilt or innocence will mean nothing as those people are burning on a stake.
The smart one have already fled the city, one of those individuals being Lord Tywin Lannister, the Hand of the King or former Hand of the King now.
Varys wanted to kill the fool that started all this but he has no wish to kill himself, so that impulse will have to be ignored for now. He had a Mad King to deal with and he only hopes he does not join the other unfortunate souls on a bed of green flames.