Chapter 7-Unraveling the Conspiracy
Tyrion for his part looked shocked, confused, and wondering when in the Seven Hells he had time to conspire to murder Bran Stark?
Was he really that drunk the night before the Royal Caravan had left Winterfell?
However, no sooner had these knights pointed their swords at Tyrion did the very world around him, Catelyn, and Rodrik seem waiver. It was as if the world around them was now in a nearly invisible ocean where all things except the three of them couldn't move. Looking around, they soon found a figure emerging from the shadows to reveal it was Naruto in all his masked glory, monk staff in hand, and a twinkle of mischief in his three eyes.
"Damn Cat. When you want to make a point, you really make a point," remarked Naruto with a chuckle soon after.
"Naruto? What are you doing here? You're suppose to be at King's Landing," asked Cat in shock while Tyrion was trying to figure out what Naruto did to everyone around him to be frozen like this.
"Relax. Everything is fine so far. What you see before you is a copy of the original sent to stick to the shadows to keep an eye on you and Rodrik in order to oversee that your trip back to Winterfell was a safe one. And to think, it was all going so smoothly before you decided to make a lynch mob out of knights. Great speech by the way. I found it to be very moving," said Naruto, as he saw Cat was not amused.
"Tyrion tried to murder Bran. My son!" said Catelyn while pointing at Tyrion.
"I don't see how that is possible since I was nowhere near your son for most of the time I was at Winterfell. And not only that, but why would I try to kill the boy? He has a good head on his shoulders and a knack for climbing from what I have been told. I actually gave him the plans for a climbing harness he can have made to ensure the next time, there is something to stop his fall," replied Tyrion with Catelyn glaring at him.
"Someone from House Lannister tried to murder my son. Twice! Once by pushing him out of a window at the top of the tower. The second was with a rare valerian steel dagger with dragon bone hilt. One of a kind from what I have been told. One, I was told that you had in your very possession at one point," countered Catelyn with Tyrion frowning.
"I don't deny the blade is mine. I won it on a bet from Littlefinger. But that doesn't mean I gave it to an assassin. Such a rare item is not something I would wish to have someone I hired to kill use. Not that I'm saying I did it mind you," replied Tyrion quickly at the end when he saw Catelyn's eyes harden further.
"What did you do with the dagger before now?" asked Naruto with Tyrion thinking for a moment.
"It was originally in with my luggage. I had planned to show it to Ned Stark given his own weapon Ice was made of the same steel as my dagger. I wanted him to inspect my weapon and get his opinion on it. But I had indulged in too much wine and fallen asleep with the pigs and had to freshen up. After I did, I went looking for it, only to find that the dagger wasn't there. I suspected it was taken from me by my nephew Joffrey since the boy knew about it and wanted one for himself. As it was one of a kind, I suspected the lad had taken it, and hidden it elsewhere among his own luggage. It wouldn't be the first time the boy has taken something that doesn't belong to him and then say it is his by right as being a Prince and future King of the Seven Kingdoms to get his way. My sweet sister does encourages his behavior more often then she should," explained Tyrion with Catelyn not being impressed by his story.
"I will not believe anything you say," said Catelyn angrily.
"No, but I'm sure you would believe what I have to say," offered Naruto with Catelyn, Tyrion, and Rodrik looking at him.
"I get the feeling none of us are going to like what you have to say," remarked Rodrik with Naruto nodding slightly.
"With all due respect to Lady Stark and her grand speech to rally these men to her cause, I know Tyrion did not try to kill Bran on those two separate occasions," replied Naruto with Tyrion looking pleased to hear this since the Sage was always said to speak the truth to others even when they didn't like it.
"It was his dagger!" countered Catelyn while Naruto shook his head.
"Even if it was his dagger, he never gave it to an assassin to use. In any case, why would Tyrion want to kill Bran? Your son has done nothing to earn Tyrion's ire. Besides, Tyrion himself does not hire assassin's to kill someone. He maybe a Lannister, but he's also one of the few who doesn't resort to that type of thing. Its not in his character," replied Naruto with Catelyn lessening her glare at the now happy dwarf of a man in front of her.
"It may not have been Tyrion, but it was a Lannister who tried to kill Bran," said Catelyn with Naruto nodding in agreement about that much being true.
"Yes that is very much true. But not just one Lannister. It was two. If you must know, the two guilty people, who made the attempt twice on young Bran's life were in fact Jamie and Cersei Lannister. Your siblings Tyrion," answered Naruto with Tyrion now looking from pleased to horrified.
"What? Why in the name of the Seven did Jamie and Cersei do that?! Not even being in the Kingsguard and the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms get immunity from that!" stated Tyrion with Naruto glancing at Catelyn and Rodrik to see they were shocked to hear this too.
"Because Jon Arryn suspected Robert's children that Cersei brought into the world were not really his children. In fact, Bran caught Jamie and Cersei being sexually intimate in the tower, and Jamie threw him out of it to keep their secret from being discovered. When you told Myrcella about how Bran would live when asked in front of her parents, Jamie sent his agent with your dagger to finish the boy off in his sleep. He also figured since you didn't show the weapon off to anyone aside from a select few, no one would know who the dagger's owner really was, and thus would be the perfect weapon to end Bran's life before his awakening," explained Naruto with Tyrion looking shocked by this news while Catelyn and Rodrik looked livid.
"Are any of the Queen's children Robert's?" asked Rodrik with Naruto shaking his head.
"Not a one. Not one drop of Baratheon blood runs through their veins. None have a right to the Iron Throne. Not that Jamie or Cersei will admit as much since they know what would await them if the secret got out. The secret they would anyone and everyone to ensure it stayed buried," explained Naruto while Tyrion groaned and mumbled something no one could understand.
"We have to tell Ned! We have to tell King Robert!" exclaimed Catelyn with Naruto shaking his head no.
"No you can't actually. First, there is no real proof of what I have told you outside the fact one would have to question the looks on all three children. Something Cersei could easily spin as saying her Lannister blood from her family is stronger then the Baratheon blood in Robert. The evidence to dispute this, is in fact in the book Jon Arryn was looking into the day before he died. While a compelling argument to work with, it is still not enough, and even parading all of Robert's bastards to counter what Cersei will claim, the Grand Maester is in the back pocket of the Lannisters. He could easily claim in rare times, the recessive blood can come out instead of the usually dominant side that in this case would normally be Robert's blood. Your current evidence weighed against a Grand Maester and his years of experience will not be enough. Short of a confession by Cersei and Jamie to the acts that brought all three children into the world, you need hard evidence to say such accusations are in fact true," replied Naruto with the three people in the room not liking this one bit.
"But Bran is awake right now. Surely he told Robb and the others what he saw in the tower," countered Catelyn while Tyrion frowned since Maester Luwin had said otherwise when Bran was asked about it.
'No doubt done to keep me from learning the truth in case I was part of the conspiracy to murder Bran. Well played Maester Luwin. Well played,' thought Tyrion to himself.
"And Cersei and Jamie could easily say it was the perverted dream of a 10 year old boy with a questionable imagination that requires another Maester or possibly a High Septon inspect his mind for improper thoughts. The evidence against them could be challenged and the Lannisters could spin the accusations against you. They could say the accusations are made by an angry spiteful woman, who feels her husband should be King over the current one, and is trying to usurp the Crown with countless unsupportive lies," explained Naruto with Catelyn calming down and thinking things over.
'Knowing my siblings and Father the way I do, that is the exact approach I would take in their position,' thought Tyrion while seeing Lady Stark coming to terms with the truth as to how the truth they just discovered could easily be swept under the rug.
"So what do we do now Great Sage? We can't exactly stop this event around us from not happening," said Rodrik while indicating to this moment in time Naruto had frozen.
"No you can't undo it. Nor should you try to stop this. I have some other suspicions about who helped the Lannisters in killing Jon Arryn. While they have many spies under their employment, not even those two could have learned of Jon's movements so quickly. Even if Pycelle sides with the Lannisters. No. Someone else is involved since the poison that took Jon Arryn had to be delivered to him while he was eating or drinking. Most likely someone close to Jon in order to make it happen. Someone who wants the Wolf and the Lion to do battle so he or she can pick up the pieces when its all over," said Naruto, as he explained what he, and Ned found out so far with Ser Hugh of the Vale being knighted shortly after Jon's death.
"We need to go to the Vale. I need to speak to my sister about this since she sent me the raven that started my suspicions in the first place," replied Catelyn at last since her sister was in the Vale ruling over it until Robin came of age.
"And I will accompany you," said Naruto to the shock of the trio in front of him.
"Are you sure?" asked Cat with Naruto nodding.
"Chances are, you're speech to inspire these knights to raise their swords against Tyrion will reach the ears of your enemies among House Lannister in King's Landing. Where your husband is currently working to discover who killed Jon Arryn. My being with your group and Tyrion agreeing to come with us back to Winterfell after our stop in the Vale, of his own volition mind you, to resolve this...simple misunderstanding on your part, will enable you to save face when accusations are sent flying back," said Naruto with Catelyn now looking at Rodrik, who nodded in agreement over it.
"Very well. We will do this your way Naruto. I just hope whatever it is you are planning will prove worth the effort," said Cat with Naruto nodding.
"I hope so too. Tyrion, are you up for another adventure?" asked Naruto with Tyrion giving him a small smile and shrug.
"What do I have to lose? Aside from my head?" asked Tyrion while Naruto chuckled.
"No one will take your head Tyrion. Out of all the Lannisters in your House, you are the only one worthy of keeping theirs. Your Uncle Kevan is a distant second, but just barely since he supports your Father on questionable matters," said Naruto with Tyrion smiling and nodding.
"In that case, I guess we are off to the Vale!" stated Tyrion while Naruto gave a single nod.
"That we are my friend. Everything and everyone around you will come back into focus in a few seconds. They have no idea about what's going on regarding this conversation and for sake of the future, I would advise you keep it that way," replied Naruto with the three nodding before he cancelled the Genjutsu that covered the room.
And easily returned to life's regularly scheduled program with Tyrion Lannister officially being taken prisoner by Catelyn Tully Stark.
(King's Landing-Jousting Tournament)
Ned decided to take a small break from his duties as Hand of the King and go see the tournament his friend and King had created for him. He knew Robert meant well, but the man didn't know what it meant to restrain one's self, and listening to advice when given. Ned could actually see why Jon had trouble as Hand of the King since the elderly man had to deal with Robert's vices and wrestle with the various players on the Small Council to make headway in protecting the Seven Kingdoms.
The man had been shoveling a never ending pile of shit with a spoon and making little to no progress because the shit kept on being piled up.
"So you finally showed. I take it your duties got so boring it was either come here or slice your desk and the paperwork on it in half," joked Naruto with Ned glaring at him for a second.
"Mind your tongue. The paperwork Jon had before my term as Hand was immense and had to be handled. My own is no better," replied Ned with Naruto chuckled since it had reminded him of two Hokages who grumbled about the stacks upon stacks of paperwork they had to do in their office.
Silence soon covered the area until Petyr Baelish left to handle whatever it is he needed to handle.
"Ser Hugh is dead. He died jousting against the Mountain," said Naruto seriously while seeing Sansa flinch at the memory.
"Damn! We needed him alive for questioning," whispered Ned while Naruto said nothing over the matter.
"I highly doubt he knew anything. He was a pawn Ned. No doubt the ones we seek sent out agents within agents within agents before getting in touch with the late Ser Hugh. It is my personal experience that pawns are considered expendable because even if they know too little, it is just enough to cause enough of a ripple to start something. Whoever wanted to kill Ser Hugh before we could talk to him knew he had enough information to cause a ripple, and we would follow the trail to find who might lead us to the real culprits," said Naruto with Ned sighing.
"The road to getting justice is a long and harsh one at times," said Ned sadly with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Yes. Most of the time it is near impossible. But fortunately for us sooner or later, justice will be served in due time," replied Naruto while Ned nodding since he was expecting his hard work to eventually pay off.
"I found out more about why Jon went to the blacksmith before asking for the book," commented Ned with Naruto nodding.
"And?" asked Naruto to see what Ned would tell him.
"The blacksmith employed one of Robert's bastards. Possibly the first one. A boy named Gendry. Looks like the spitting image of Robert in his younger years. He has everything that says Robert is his Father. The hair, eyes, and the build are all Robert's features. With the right education, Gendry could become a member of House Baratheon," said Ned with Naruto smirking.
"No doubt. But we both know Cersei would never allow it. Contestation to the throne and all that," said Naruto while Ned sighed knowing it was true.
"Where is Arya?" asked Ned at last when he noticed his youngest daughter was not here.
"She's at her lessons," answered Sansa since she saw Arya had seen enough jousting by now to get bored with it and decided her time was better spent with her dancing instructor over this.
"Syrio says she's making some good progress. He's impressed by her determination to learn how to dance properly," said Naruto while the Mountain made his way over to the King while on his horse and saluted.
"It's the Knight of Flowers, Ser Loras Tyrell," commented Sansa with the said knight of the Reach coming out next and approached the trio before handing the girl a flower.
"A beautiful flower for a beautiful woman," said Ser Loras with Sansa taking the flower from his hands.
"Thank you Ser Loras," replied Sansa while Naruto held back a snicker since he was sure the girl would be shocked to know the man's preferences did not align with women, but rather with the same gender as himself.
Preferably with a certain Master of Law on the Small Council. Though considering how society these days frowned upon such people, it was expected of someone like Ser Loras to keep such things from being known. And playing the part of the charming knight who could woo any woman was a good cover in Naruto's mind.
As the Knight of Flowers rode his horse up to salute the King, the Mountain's own ride started to become agitated for some reason, and began to move around. It took its rider to jerk the reigns with his gauntlet covered hand almost harshly to snap the horse away and to get into position to face Ser Loras Tyrell. When both men got their lances and shield, Sansa looked away while grabbing her Father's hand since the image of what happened to Ser Hugh was still etched in her mind, and she didn't want to see another person killed again.
"100 gold dragons on the Mountain!" called out Petyr Baelish now that he had returned and seen the two getting into position.
"I'll take that bet!" said Renly while many were surprised someone would bet against the Mountain since the giant of a man had dominated the joust due to his immense size and strength.
"Now what will I buy with a hundred gold dragons? A dozen barrels of Dornish wine? Or perhaps a girl from a pleasure house in Lys?" questioned Petyr to himself.
"You could even buy a friend. Though considering you Lord Baelish, a hundred gold dragons may not be enough," commented Renly with a smirk on his face.
"He's going to die," commented Sansa since the last time the Mountain faced a knight she thought was handsome, Ser Hugh had been killed via a splinter of wood lodged right in his throat.
"Ser Loras rides well," said Ned while hoping his words would remove his daughter's fear of what she assumed was to come.
When the horn bellowed to start the match, both men charged toward the other with the intent to win the joust. But as the Mountain's horse got closer to Lora's horse, it started to become increasingly agitated, and move almost uncontrollably. This gave Loras the much needed opening with the Mountain distracted by his ride and thrust the lance right at the giant with enough force to knock his opponent down.
Naturally, the people the cheered at seeing someone best the Mountain in this event.
"Such a shame Littlefinger. I wonder if would have been nice for you to finally have a friend," commented Renly with a smirk since he knew of Loras's plan ahead of time and was waiting for someone to bet on the Mountain so he could bet against them.
"And tell me Lord Renly, when will you be having your own friend at your side?" asked Petyr while motioning with his head toward Ser Loras.
Petyr was one of the few people who knew both Renly and Loras preferred the company of the male persuasion over the opposite gender. In fact, Petyr also knew what few did in terms of the two men being lovers. Naturally, the laws of men and Gods forbid it, but the Master of Coin felt the Gods, if they were real, forbid a lot of things, and was all the more reason to embrace them in his mind. Hence why he had brothels that catered to all kinds of clientele, who had all kinds of Gods frowning vices to enjoy while living in this world. He also figured Loras had some kind of plan to best the Mountain in the joust, but didn't believe it would work, and thus wagered small amount of his money (no doubt one of his brothels had already made it back for him 10 minutes ago) on the giant of a man from the infamous House Clegane. When Renly bet against him for Ser Loras to win, it was clear to Petyr that the Master of Law knew something no one else aside from his secret lover did.
Of course, no one in the crowd knew how Ser Loras had technically cheated with the exception of Renly, and Naruto himself/ With his enhanced sense of smell, the Sage was able to determine the horse the Knight of Flowers was riding was female, and in heat! The horse the Mountain was riding was male and smelled the scent coming from Ser Lora's ride with its natural male horse instincts starting to kick in. The only reason it was unable to fulfill its mating instincts with the female horse was due to the Mountain on its back and commanding it to obey him.
Speaking of the Mountain, apparently the man's already short, yet very legendary temper had gotten the best of him, and was not pleased at losing against Ser Loras. He knew his horse was to blame, but said horse was not in range to lash out with his fury, and decided on targeting someone else entirely.
"SWORD!" yelled Gregor Clegane angrily and a squire, his or just some no named one quickly came with his sword, and presented it to him before taking it out.
And quickly brought it down on Ser Loras's horse with the single swing beheading the poor animal in front of everyone watching. People gasped in shock, many women cried, some quickly shielded their children from the gore, and the men were too scared to even react. Those who could draw their swords were too afraid to step into do something since they were afraid of being cut down by the rampaging Mountain, who was now focusing on Ser Loras after the Knight of Flowers fell into the dirt after being hit with the flat side of the giant man's sword.
It was clear what the Mountain intended to do and no one had the strength to stop it.
Or rather, three people did, but the first one didn't have Ice with him to wield against the Mountain. The second man had drawn his sword, but wasn't close enough to reach out in time to swing his sword to deflect his brother's blade. As for the third person, the man no one expected to appear almost out of thin air, had done so with only a mere ripple in the air indicating his arrival, and with his bare hand had successfully grabbed the sword of the Mountain coming down on Ser Loras like it was nothing.
This person? It was Uzumaki Naruto: The Demon Sage in all his masked glory.
"If there is one thing I cannot stand in this world since I have walked in it, is seeing sore losers like you act out like this!" stated Naruto coldly before he hit Gregor Clegane in his armored chest with an open palmed strike that sent the giant of a man flying backwards.
Many were shocked to see this. None ever expected the Sage to not only appear from one point to the next seemingly out of thin air, but actually struck the Mountain that Rides in the chest with a single strike. No one expected the blow to do that much damage or sent the giant Clegane off his feet, and flying back well over fifteen of those feet right into the wooden barrier for a wall. Many of the stories and songs told by the bards at taverns, the brothels, and Inns. throughout the Seven Kingdoms spoke of the Great Sage's power. His skill with a sword, with magic, and his skills in hand to hand combat. Many thought the stories were exaggerated to make the songs and stories earn the bards more money when they spoke them.
Now people were seeing that perhaps, these very songs, and stories all told by the bards in these places were quite possibly...true.
"You fucking masked cunt! I will kill you! I will kill you and all your loved ones! I will do to you what I did to Elia Martell and her children!" exclaimed Gregor Clegane angrily after getting out of the now destroyed wooden barrier of a wall he was on and moved to grab his sword a few feet in front of him.
Only to find himself wrapped up in ethereal chains with two of them piercing his legs in the back of the knees. Gregor cried out in surprise and pain, as he fell forward, but was yanked back after his knees hit the ground to keep him from falling forward face first into the ground. But what was more shocking to the injured giant, was the chains themselves did not come from the masked man in front of Gregor, but rather it came from behind the Mountain in the form of a copy of the Sage himself.
"That's pretty hard to do since all my loved ones have long since been dead before the Seven Kingdoms were ever forged into being," remarked Naruto's Shadow Clone, as it held the Mountain in place.
"There are two of them?!"
"How is that possible?!"
"Is his magic that potent?!"
"Could he be a Warlock from Qarth?"
"Could the second one be an apprentice?!"
"Shouldn't the King stop this?!
Those were the questions being asked and many were shocked to see two of them and one was shooting strange chains out of his back to hold Gregor Clegane of all people in them. Naturally, the Mountain tried to struggle, and break the chains with his monstrous strength he was well known for using on his enemies. His yells, threats, and curses now echoing throughout the tourney grounds were all that could be heard by this point. Some looked to the King to do something, but the man was too busy staring, and watching the scene play out before him with an uncertain look on his face. Even the Queen and her children watching this, namely Joffrey were unsure how to react to this since they could not openly defend the Mountain from harm.
Not after the stunt he pulled in killing Ser Loras's horse and then moving to kill the said knight himself over losing in a joust.
"Many people look at you Gregor Clegane and see an unbeatable foe. Many look at you as a literal mountain that cannot be scaled, climbed, or beaten. A true monster of a man if there ever was one. But do you know what I have learned in my years fighting monsters in days long past? I'll tell you. I learned no matter how big or bad the monster is, none of them have ever been able to withstand being struck by lightning through the heart," said Naruto in front of Gregor Clegane from where he stood with Ser Loras getting up with a look of awe in his eyes.
"Father?" asked Sansa while Ned put his hand on her arm.
"Watch Sansa. Say or do nothing. Normally, I would have you look away, but sadly it is a must that you look, and see why this man is to be feared above all others throughout the Seven Kingdoms," whispered Ned while feeling his very hair rising along his arm and in the back of his neck.
He knew what Naruto was referring to about lightning through the heart since he had done it during the Greyjoy Rebellion against one of Balon Greyjoy's most trusted naval commanders. It had been a horrifying experience to see through the spyglass on the ship he had been on when sailing for the Iron Islands. But to see it so close like this now was even worse since the electrical current he was feeling was much stronger.
Everyone watched in awe, shock, and some even in horror as Naruto went through the hand signs before going into the necessary stand to form the Jutsu his former sensei was famous for creating. Focusing his right hand to form the infamous Jutsu, Naruto stared right into the Mountain's eyes, which were now wide in shock, and even a hint of fear in them too since the reality of the situation seemed to finally dawn on the long proclaimed rabid dog of Tywin Lannister.
"How are you doing that?" asked Loras, as he saw the Lightning Jutsu form in Naruto's hand, and form a long pointed tip not unlike one would see on a sword.
"With a great deal control brought on by years of training, discipline, pain, and patience beyond all measure. You think forming this is difficult? You should see what happened to me when I first tried to form it. I destroyed my poor hand and had to wait days for it to regenerate bone by bone. Nerve by nerve. The blood vessels and muscle tissue mapping themselves around my hand before the skin could finally grow to cover them. It hurt...a lot!" answered Naruto before standing fully and supporting his right hand with his left.
"I can only imagine," whispered Loras in shock and awe at seeing lightning like that in the palm of someone's hand.
It was like seeing a God at work in his eyes.
"Gregor Clegane! In the name of all the men, women, and children you have murdered and raped over the years, as well as in the name of all the men, women, and children you would murder in the future, I hereby pronounce sentence upon your person. In the name of justice that is long overdue, I take your worthless life from this world, and with this very lightning in my hand to bring out delivering a punishment worthy of the Old Gods and the New!" declared Naruto with his Sharingan now active and saw Gregor Clegane struggling harder now to escape.
"Great Sage, if you kill the Mountain, then Tywin Lannister will seek punishment for this attack on his prized weapon," warned Loras knowing the Lion was not one to take such an act lying down.
"If Tywin Lannister has a problem with my actions, he can come see me personally, and I'll gladly explain to him. In the mean time, you may want to look away Ser Loras. This is going to get really messy real fast!" stated Naruto before crouching slightly and angling the Raikiri in a downward angle and ran straight toward Gregor Clegane.
No one could speak. How could they? Their eyes were transfixed on the sight of the Sage of legend use his power to not only restrain the Mountain that Rides, but to move in for a kill with lightning of all things in his hand! Even the Mountain, for all his initial struggles to get free, found himself unable to move at the sight of the Raikiri aimed at his body.
SQUELCH!
Even when Naruto struck Gregor in the chest, the man didn't fully realize his life was about to end painfully until a few long silent seconds following it. Of course by that point, the current of electricity running into his body from the Raikiri was spreading out, melting the giant man's insides, and even melting the armor into Gregor's skin.
And when the pain finally did register in his brain...all the Mountain that Rides could do was scream out in an almost unholy scream of agony. A scream that many bards would sing and tell about how it echoed throughout the Seven Kingdoms. When Naruto pulled his hand out, he flicked the blood off his hand, and stared down at the body now hitting the ground with his Shadow Clone undoing the Uzumaki chakra chains before dispelling.
"Don't bother trying to remove the armor from his body. Its completely melted into his flesh. I have essentially made the armor his tomb," said Naruto before walking away from the smoldering corpse that was once Gregor 'The Mountain that Rides" Clegane.
The entire time, no one moved. No one cheered. No one clapped. No one did anything! All they could do was stare at the sight of the Mountain that Rides having become the Mountain that Rode. Struck down, nay, destroyed by what many considered to be a single bolt of lightning in the hands of man, who was the closest thing to a God a mortal being could possibly be in life.
That is until someone stood up and actually started clapping. That person? Ned Stark: The Hand of the King himself. Everyone now turned to look at him clapping over what Naruto had done to Gregor Clegane. His eyes showing approval the act itself and his belief that justice was finally done. Looking over at Robert's chair, Ned saw the man looking at him for a few seconds to share a silent communication with each other, and it was after this mental talk was done did the King stand as well with his own hands in motion to start clapping. This was soon followed by Renly, Ser Barristan, and soon many of the common folk around them started clapping as well.
Even Sandor Clegane clapped his hands with a smile on his face that you couldn't remove regardless of the method used to do it. Everyone here knew of the Mountain's infamous reputation. What he had done to people in the past and had no doubt done in the present before the tournament. The men and children dead by his hands. The countless number of women the man had raped following the sacking of a House or a town he felt needed to be burned to the ground.
And for every sinful deed done, the man had been protected somehow by one Tywin of House Lannister. The Lion had constantly bought for Gregor's continued freedom with the seemingly endless mountain of gold he sat on and in return, Tywin had purchased the might of House Clegane to be called upon at a moments notice, and put a golden collar on the mad dog with the words "Property of House Lannister" on it.
And now that mad dog had just been put down.
When the clapping finally died down, Sandor Clegane walked over to the dead body, still smoking like cooked meat from the lightning destroying Gregor from the inside. He none too gently kicked his dead brother over to see the deformed face of the brother who had at one point deformed Sandor's own face as a child and kneeled down to inspect this now unrecognizable face. It was actually poetic justice in a sense for the Hound to see his older brother like this since the man had caused pain to everyone around him no matter who they were.
Sandor had even suspected Gregor of killing their sister and their Father, but could never prove it. Though deep down in his heart, the Hound knew his brother was a kinslayer, and would not be ashamed of it. The only reason the Mountain never admitted to it was because the act of kinslaying was considered the worst kind of killing there was in all of the Seven Kingdoms. Not even Tywin Lannister and all the gold in Casterly Rock could protect Gregor from such crimes if proven true.
Not that it mattered now.
"You killed our sister and Father you fucking bastard. You scarred my face over a toy I was playing with. You've killed countless people. Men and children. And raped countless women without remorse or regret. Now look at you. Dead. Charred. Cooked all over like a roasted pig on a stick. You must have been in a lot of pain beyond imagining before the end and death came to finish you off. Good. I personally don't care how you died so long as you are dead. My only regret now is I wasn't the one to do it personally, except in my dreams. And I have dreamed of killing you Gregor. The only reason I haven't is because I am not a kinslayer. I'm not you. I will never be the monster you were in life, but despite your shadow casting itself over mine in terms of deeds, at least I can say I outlived you, and didn't die this way. The way a monster should die," replied Sandor before he got up and walked away from the dead body of his brother.
And began to secretly decide what to do next with his life now that his brother was no longer in it.
(The Lands of the Vale)
The group led by Catelyn Stark traveled along the road toward the Vale, where her sister Lysa Tully Arryn had fled with her son Robin following her husband's death. She knew coming here was a risk given how Lysa in a state of panic had sent a message via raven to Cat about how the Lannisters had killed her husband. To bring one of the Lannisters to the Vale would not sit well with Lysa or any of the knights of the Vale since they were all loyal to Jon Arryn. That loyalty transferred over to Lysa and her son upon Jon's death so any dislike Lysa had toward the Lannisters, they would also have too, and would gladly kill Tyrion if given the order.
But Catelyn needed Tyrion alive through all of this. Naruto had explained as much to her that the physically small Lannister was more valuable alive then dead. Not to mention, the man was also innocent of the attempted murder of Bran and the murder of Jon Arryn. Not that Lysa would see it that way. Over the years, the younger of the two Tully women had grown distant from each other, and Lysa had become spiteful of Cat for the older woman's marriage being a success. Something Lysa's marriage to Jon had had not, even with young Robin being born as a result of it.
"Why are we heading here down this road?" asked Tyrion curiously since he had never been down this way before today.
"A slight change in plans. We are making for the Vale of Arryn, but not the usual route. I fear it is no longer safe to go the usual way to see my sister Lysa. And if we are to clear up some matters, we will need to get their safely," explained Cat knowing the secret path to the Vale was probably the best one right now.
"Ah, makes sense," replied Tyrion while the group traveled carefully along the road.
"Don't worry Tyrion. Nothing bad will happen to you or anyone else here. I won't allow it," said the Shadow Clone of Naruto while patting the short man's shoulder.
"I still can't believe I'm traveling along the road with the Demon Sage of all people. I have so many questions to ask you that I don't even know which one to ask first," said Tyrion since he had only met the man briefly in Winterfell, but never had the courage to ask him any questions.
"Start with the most obvious one and work from there," answered Naruto calmly.
"Okay. How did you do what you did? And don't say magic! I want an actual answer," said Tyrion while Naruto laughed.
"You're referring to the Inn. when I made everyone seem frozen in time while you, Cat, Rodrik, and myself were the only ones not looking like statues. The truth is I cast a weak illusion that freezes the minds of those its cast on without them even realizing it actually happened," commented Naruto with Tyrion nodded.
"Weak? They were practically frozen like statues. I could have picked everyone's pocket and not one of them would have realized it was me," said Tyrion with Naruto smirked.
"True, but you wouldn't do that because a Lannister does not steal money. He mines and spends it at his leisure," replied Naruto with Tyrion letting out a chuckle.
"Yes. I prefer to spend money on the simple things in life. Food, wine, and whores make much better uses of gold. Certainly over hiring assassins to kill a boy and possibly future Lord of the North," commented Tyrion while Naruto smiled behind his mask.
"Don't mind Lady Stark and her passion that you saw back at the Inn. when she had all those knights draw their swords against you. That's the Tully in her. They have always been a passionate bunch. Some more then others. Add to the fact someone tried to kill her son makes Catelyn even more passionate. Never cross a woman when her son is being threatened. Especially, if the woman just so happens to be a Tully," said Naruto with Tyrion nodding.
"I wouldn't know what a Mother is like and if mine would have defended me. She died when I was born. My Father blames me for it and rightfully so considering my deformed body caused her death," replied Tyrion with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"You are not responsible for her death Tyrion. No matter what your Father thinks on the matter," replied Naruto with Tyrion smiling amusingly at him.
"Don't hear him say that. He will run you through with his sword," commented Tyrion, as he knew what his Father thought when it came to him, and there was nothing but distain.
"I'm serious Tyrion. You wouldn't be the first person to have involuntarily killed their Mother when being born. It happens randomly. And with properly developed babies at that. Your...physical stature is merely an excuse for him to hate you further," said Naruto with Tyrion shrugging.
"That makes me feel a little bit better. If only slightly," replied Tyrion while Naruto just smirked.
"I would think knowing that your own Father, the great Tywin Lannister is wrong about you would be a huge ego boost. Not many can say they know Tywin Lannister is wrong about something," said Naruto with Tyrion smirking since that was indeed true.
"Now that you mention it, I do feel better. Thank you," replied Tyrion since he would hold onto that information for future use.
Any further conversation was suddenly interrupted when the group was ambushed by the Hill tribes that lived around these parts of the Vale. The musician of the group traveling t to the Vale had been hit in the head by a giant rock twice the size his head and was the start of the Hill Tribes ambushing them. While the Hill Tribes had the advantage of the ambush for a few seconds, the knights they were attacking were quick to react, and were effectively pushing them back to the Hill Tribes in the Vale lacking any skills in the way of wielding weapons.
Add to the fact Naruto's Shadow Clone was there to even the odds quickly enough with his staff, speed, and skills in Taijutsu. But what really ended the fighting was Naruto's use of the Mokuton bloodline in forming wooden spikes to shoot up out of the ground. Naruto had developed it years ago and calling it the "Sea of Bloody Trees Jutsu" with the name speaking for itself on what happens to those its used on. Countless spikes shot out of the ground, piercing body after body of Hill Tribesmen, and shooting them up off the ground to stay impaled for all to see while blood dripped down the wooden spikes.
Making it look like a sea of blood stained trees.
"You're first kill?" asked a sell sword by the name of Bronn, who had come on this little adventure because he knew something was going to happen, and could get paid well if he played his cards right.
"Is it that obvious?" asked Tyrion, who had used his small stature to his advantage, and surprised everyone when he save Catelyn Stark from harm by using a downed shield as a blunt object on a Hill Tribesman aiming to kill the Tully woman.
"Aye, it is. First kills for most people are usually the hardest," said Bronn since he had seen people kill for the first time and go into a state of shock or disbelief.
"Any particular remedy to take my mind off of it?" asked Tyrion with Bronn nodding.
"Aye, I do. You need a woman. Nothing like a woman after a fight," said Bronn while speaking like someone who had experience in these matters.
"Well, I'm willing if she is," replied Tyrion with Bronn laughing and the two sharing a moment of laughter before focusing on the task at hand.
"We need to get out of here before more of them come snooping around. Gather up your supplies so we can get to the Vale. The sooner the better," replied Naruto with the two nodding and the group, now slightly reduced in number, quickly moving out.
(King's Landing-Unknown Location)
Varys walked through the forest outside of King's Landing. Ordinarily, he didn't venture this far out of his domain of the capital, but this was a special occasion. He was meeting with the one person here no one could find and the one person who Varys had quite the healthy respect for since he was a child hearing the stories.
He was meeting with the Demon Sage.
"Your movements are very quiet. You could almost pass for an assassin the way you are able to move so silently," commented Naruto while sitting in mediation and surrounded by nature.
He also did it to get away from the people in the city and get some fresh air so his nose wouldn't be so damaged from the smell of shit everywhere. Add to the fact the people were trying to hound him over killing the Mountain was becoming a pain in the ass. He didn't do it for them like they no doubt believed. Naruto killed the Mountain simply due to the fact the man needed to die for crimes long overdue. The only reason he hadn't done it sooner was to teach Ned and others like him a life long lesson surrounding other people you trust. Ned had trusted Robert to punish Gregor and Amory Lorch after the sacking of King's Landing for what they did or rather what they think they did under the command of Tywin Lannister to "show fealty" to the new King of Westeros.
The life lesson Naruto wanted to teach Ned back then was the true character of a man is to give them power and see what he does with it. Does he do what you would have done? Or does he do the opposite? Does the man you know betray you and the convictions the two of you both believed in growing up? Does he spare the monsters employed by others merely because they did something he believed was right when deep down you know they are not?
Naruto had hoped Ned would have eventually taken action against the Mountain, but the man was too honorable for his own damn good. Ned was a good leader. No question. But at the same time, Ned put too much faith in people believing in the same things he did, and trusting them to follow the same path without even considering the idea they might think differently.
Alas, with his life lesson for Ned, and others around him being a complete flop, Naruto had used the tourney, and the Mountain's own actions as an excuse to end his life. And if Tywin Lannister did have a problem with this, the elderly lion could certain seek him out to have a discussion on the issue.
"Your love of nature is indeed something to behold Great Sage," said Varys calmly while he walked toward and stopped a few feet from him.
"Sit," commanded Naruto while Varys gave a polite smile, but kept standing.
"Thank you Great Sage, but I would prefer to stand. Grass and dirt stains are hard to get out. Not to mention suspicious if seen by those who would seek to discover what I have been doing when not around the inside part of King's Landing," said Varys with Naruto looking up at him.
"You can either have dirt and grass stains on your clothes or blood when I slice your legs off at the knees for not obeying. Now sit!" commanded Naruto coldly with Varys sighing before he complied.
"Really now, must we resort to threats? I'm not your enemy Naruto. I never have been," said Varys while Naruto was not amused.
"Your actions since I left King's Landing in Robert's hands say differently. Or did you think I wouldn't know about your plots and schemes to put a Targaryen back on the Iron Throne?" questioned Naruto with Varys giving him another polite smile.
"I am merely doing what I must for the good of the realm. Surely, you have seen what I have seen with your own three eyes? The poor are consumed in despair. The rich keep getting richer. Most, if not all of the time at the expense of the poor. The Crown is now 6 million in debt, no thanks to the Master of Coin. The current King drinks, hunts, and has sexual relations with whores while siring about 20 bastards to his bloodline. All of which he would never acknowledge as his own. Not all that surprising since he barely does with the three children that are suppose to be his own legitimate ones in the first place. When King Robert does die, by whatever may come his way, the Iron Throne, and the Kingdom as a whole will fall into madness unless someone strong can take control. While Robert was a great general and fighter when it came to leading armies in war, he is sadly not a King. Not a proper one anyway. Neither is his brother Stannis or Renly given the former is too militarily strict in how he rules and the other...well we both know how the Master of Law has little chance of marrying a woman to sire a legitimate heir of his own to keep House Baratheon on it," answered Varys while Naruto narrowed his three eyes at him.
"And so you back the Targaryens. The original bloodline that ruled over Westeros and made the Iron Throne," said Naruto with Varys nodding.
"Considering the other candidates? I would think you would approve. Ned Stark is a great leader as well. But too trusting and naive. Even with you to guide him during these times of uncertainty, shadows, and deception swarming all around the Capital. The man didn't even know House Bolton wanted the North and was planning to take it over when House Stark was too weak to sustain control over it. How can a man like that possibly run the Seven Kingdoms when he is blinded from seeing enemies within his own domain up in the North? House Tyrell is no better. They have been trying to play kingmaker for years, wanting to marry one of their own into House Targaryen to claim the throne for their House. The Queen of Thorns was the closest by far, but she decided to take control of her own destiny rather then be married off to a man who had been arranged for her. And as for the Lannisters...do I need to even go that far? Not that it matters since they married into the current Kingship and will have a child of their blood inherit the Iron Throne," explained Varys with Naruto nodding since the man did have a point.
"If Robert knew you were planning to have someone of Targaryen blood rise up to claim the seat of power, you would find yourself in a very...nasty situation my friend," said Naruto with Varys smiling thinly.
"As would you Great Sage when considering the fate of Elia Martel and her children are not what they appear," countered Varys with Naruto's eyes revealing nothing.
"So your little 'birds' in Dorne finally told you. When and how long have you known?" questioned Naruto with Varys still smiling thinly.
"Not that long. My birds had to work hard to get close to the royal family, earn their trust as servants, and learn the truth about all three of them being alive. Not to mention getting the information out to me without being caught is much more difficult in Dorne. All due to the secrecy behind the fact members of the Targaryen royal family still live in different regions of Essos. Rheagar's two children are safe in Dorne. The Mad King Aerys II own children Daenerys and Viserys are part of a Dothraki Horde belonging to Khal Drogo with word reaching me that the girl is pregnant with Khal Drogo's child. A son possibly if the rumors are to be believed," said Vary with Naruto just looking at him.
"And what will you do with that information surrounding Rheagar's children still being alive with their Mother? Hold it over my head? Tell Robert the horrible truth that they are alive and have grown strong in Dorne since they escaped the sacking of King's Landing?" asked Naruto with Varys shaking his head no.
"It would do little in gaining his favor. Besides, we both know the man well enough that he would order every assassin in the Seven Kingdoms after them. If that happens, it will cause a rift between Lord Stark and King Robert, and cause new untold problems for the realm. Not to mention all the supporters of House Targaryen still around will rise up to fight Robert's right to rule when the opportunity presents itself," replied Varys while he saw Naruto nodding.
"That and Rheagar's children are your ace in the hole in the event Daenerys or Viserys fail in their quest for the Iron Throne," surmised Naruto since he knew Varys always had a backup plan in place in the event something went wrong.
"You know me all too well Great Sage. I almost wish you would take the throne yourself and rule. You would make a far better King then Robert or his predecessor following his time filled with madness," said Varys while Naruto shook his head.
"I have seen what that chair does to people. If it doesn't drive them to madness, it drives them to ruin, and becoming a shadow of their former selves. Besides, I'm a Sage to the end, and prefer to keep myself away from such things," said Naruto with Varys shrugging at his response.
"I had to ask. Just in case you ever thought of becoming a King. I know there are many who would support you. Especially after the incident at the tournament where you killed the Mountain. That alone will get you the support of the smallfolk and all the families of those who lost loved ones to him," replied Varys before he stood up gracefully.
"The Mountain had his death coming. I just sped things up. For now, the two of us are on the same page Varys. I wish for us to stay that way in the near and distant future," said Naruto with Varys nodding.
"As do I Great Sage," replied Varys and moved to walk away before his arm was grabbed by Naruto.
"Good, because I want to make something perfectly clear to you right now so there are no misunderstandings between us. I want stability for the realm. Robert's rule is coming to an end and a dark time will come with it ending. I want to keep this darkness from getting out of hand and spreading throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Whatever side I take, you are to side with me, and ensure the person who succeeds Robert, if only for a short time, even if they are Regent, will not have their rule impeded by you, or anyone else on the Small Council. That the King or Queen who takes the throne has your complete backing if I say they are worthy. If you support anyone else or try to weaken them for your own gains, I will annihilate you in every sense of the word Varys. Not just your body. But your mind. Your very soul! Do you understand me?" said Naruto with Varys nodding once and had an impassive look on his face.
"I learned long ago not to cross you Great Sage. I am not Littlefinger. I know where my limits are and know where not to reach for things I shouldn't. If such things play out, I will side with whoever has your backing in the event King Robert perishes and his son is considered not qualified to rule. All I ask is that the person who sits on the throne be one with the capability to rule well and save Westeros from itself," replied Vary before the hand on his arm was no longer there and he walked away.
(Small Council Room-Sometime Later)
Ned walked into the room and was surprised to see Robert there. And not just that, but the man was sober, and serious all in one. Ned hadn't really seen him like this since the war against the Targaryens, which meant some extremely serious news surrounding the Mad King's children had reached the King's ears, and had his undivided attention.
"The whore is pregnant," said Robert angrily while throwing the parchment on the table for Ned to pick up and read.
"And?" asked Ned like this was not bad news.
"And? She's pregnant! Meaning her child, if its a son could rally that Dothraki Horde his Father has now, and march them here to do Seven Hells knows what! I won't have it Ned. I won't allow it!" exclaimed Robert angrily.
"You're speaking of murdering a child. A child that hasn't even been born yet," protested Ned with Robert's anger rising.
"I warned you this would happen. Back in the North when I showed you the message of how the bitch had married Khal Drogo. I warned you, but you didn't care to hear it. Well hear it now! I want them dead. The Mother and child both! I also want that fool Viserys dead too. I can't risk him siring an army of heirs either. Is that plain enough for you? I want them both dead!" commanded Robert while Naruto appeared in the room at that time.
"You'll dishonor yourself forever if you do!" protested Ned while Robert's face became red with anger.
'I'm almost tempted to use the Edo Tensei to bring Lyanna Stark back to life just so she can hear what Robert is saying. But that would probably kill him and knowing she would never approve of it while saying such things to his face,' thought Naruto while he saw the King getting angry over Ned's words.
"Honor?! I've got 7 Kingdoms to rule. One King, 7 Kingdoms! Do you think honor keeps them all in line. All the High and Low Lords living in them? In the South, the West, the East, and the North?! Do you think honor keeps the peace?! No! Its fear that keeps the peace Ned. Fear and blood!" exclaimed Robert while Ned narrowed his eyes at him and became cold as the Winters in the North.
"Then we're no better then the Mad King. Then we replaced one form of madness for that of another!" Ned shot back and Robert looked to be getting angrier.
"Careful Ned. Be very careful what you say to me now and next," warned Robert to his old friend.
"You want to assassinate a little girl. Who recently became a woman and Mother due to being pregnant with a child that knows nothing of why it is targeted by most of the men in this room. And for what? Because the Spider here heard a rumor from one of his little birds?" challenged Ned with Varys shaking his head.
"Not a rumor my Lord. The Princess of House Targaryen is indeed with child," replied Varys at last while glancing over at Naruto.
"Based on whose information?" asked Ned since he was sure Varys knew the source of the information.
"Ser Jorah Mormont. He felt this information was worth a pardon for his past crimes for slavery. The King agrees that it is worthy and the papers are being written up as we speak to pardon the man so that he may return home a hero," replied Varys with Ned scowling angrily.
"Even if what you say is true Lord Varys, the murdering of this girl, and her unborn child is wrong. You know it is wrong Robert, but your anger is blinding you! The Narrow Sea lies between us. I will fear the Dothraki when they teach their horses to ride one water," exclaimed Ned with Robert getting angrier at him.
"I agree with Ned on this one Robert. Do not provoke what does not need to be provoked in the first place or you'll end up losing everything you have gained. Do nothing," added Naruto with Robert not liking his response either.
"So that's your answer to this? Do nothing! That's your wise advice? Huh? Do nothing until our enemies are at our shores? Backed by those here who would support them in secret and create a foothold for them when the time is right? All of you! You're on this Small Council for a reason! Speak sense to this honorable fool and this Sage, who both think we should do nothing!" exclaimed Robert while looking at the men in this room to support his decision.
"Personally, I bear this girl no ill will Lord Stark, but should the Dothraki invade? How many innocents will die? How many villages will be burned down? Men killed, women raped, and children enslaved to these barbarians? All because we did nothing now? Is it not wiser, kinder even that should she die now that tens of thousands of lives might live?" asked Pycelle with Naruto narrowing his eyes at him.
'Says the man on the Lannister payroll and secretly betrayed Jon Arryn when he inquired about the book on the lineage of Noble Houses of Westeros. You told Cersei and Jamie what Jon was doing and Littlefinger offered his help knowing he could get someone close to Jon in a way that poisoning him wouldn't be difficult,' thought Naruto while glancing from Pycelle to Littlefinger.
"We should have had them both killed them years ago," added Renly after Pycelle.
"When you find yourself in bed with an ugly woman, its best to close your eyes and get it over with. Just cut her throat and be done with it," said Petyr with Ned frowning further and Naruto narrowed his eyes.
'The voice of experience I take it. But what ugly woman is he referring to with his words? The man runs countless brothels in King's Landing and is surrounded by beautiful women despite their profession. I wonder...,' thought Naruto since he was now starting to see a hidden piece of the puzzle from a new angle and a new suspicion of sorts regarding Lord Baelish's time around Cat's family.
"I followed you into war Robert. Not one, but twice. Without question. Without any form of hesitation. Without doubt to your cause. Without second thoughts on whether what we were doing was right or not. But I will not follow you now. The Robert I grew up with didn't tremble in the shadow of an unborn child," said Ned when he now walked up to the table standing between him and Robert.
"She dies," said Robert coldly with his tone saying the decision was final.
"I will have no part in it," countered Ned just as coldly.
"You're the King's Hand, Lord Stark. You will do as you are told or I will find a Hand who can and will!" said Robert and expecting Ned to fold over the issue.
Only to be surprised when Ned took off the pendant stating his position as Hand of the King and put it on the table...hard!
"And good luck to him. I thought you to be a better man. But now I see the madness that once plagued the Mad King has once again taken another King I once called a brother!" said Ned before he turned around and began walking out of the room with Robert now going into a rage.
"Out! Get out! Damn you Ned, I am done with you! Go on then, run back to Winterfell! I will have your head on a pike before the days end. I'll put it there myself you damn fool!" Robert called out to Ned's retreating form while Naruto sighed and shaking his head.
"Your anger will be your undoing Robert. By the time you realize this, it will be too late," said Naruto sadly before there was a ripple around his form and the Sage was gone.
(Tower of the Hand)
Naruto later appeared in Ned's room, the Northern man ignoring him while he packed his things in a hurry, and didn't care about the sudden entry into the room. It wouldn't matter anyway since room wouldn't be his for much longer. Nor did he mind that Jory came in moments later seeing the concerned and fierce look on the former Hand's face.
"Get the men ready to leave. Don't ask for anyone's help. Do it yourself!" commanded Ned knowing anyone outside of his own men and servant moving stuff would only give the enemies here a chance to stop them.
"Yes my Lord. Also, Lord Baelish is here to see you," said Jory before he bowed and let the Master of Coin before setting out to do his duty.
"What do you want Littlefinger? I'm busy!" asked Ned while moving around the room quickly.
"For one, his Grace went on about you in some length after you took your leave. He does offer the Sage his gratitude for slaying the Mountain. The King didn't have a chance to do so after the tourney and this matter with the Targaryen girl popped up. Impressive on how you killed him by the way," remarked Petyr while the memory of the Mountain's death was burned forever into his brain and still trying to figure out how the Sage made a blade of lightning form in his hand.
"What can I do for you Lord Baelish? My time is short and my temper right now is even shorter," questioned Ned with Petyr smiling thinly at him.
"As yes, the second reason as to why I'm here. When do you return to Winterfell?" asked Petyr with Ned frowning in confusion.
"Why do you care?" asked Ned with Petyr still smiling at him.
"If you're still here in King's Landing by nightfall, I will take you to the last person Jon Arryn spoke to before falling ill. If that sort of thing still interest you of course," said Petyr with words clearly trying to bait Ned into agreeing.
"I don't have the time. Or has your memory of what happened in the Small Council room with Robert somehow left your memory?" asked Ned with Petyr looking undeterred.
"It won't take more then an hour. I assure you," said Petyr with Ned frowning in thought before looking at Naruto.
"Should I risk it?" asked Ned in a whisper with Naruto nodding.
"You might as well Ned. Though I won't lie and say that I suspect this to be some kind of trap someone is setting now that you have removed yourself as Hand of the King. One of the perks of that job in terms of no one messing with you openly is now gone," Naruto whispered back with Ned nodding in agreement before summoning Jory to his room.
"Round up the men. All of them. I want them stationed outside the girls chambers. Who are your best swords?" commanded Ned fiercely.
"Hughert and Will," answered Jory.
"Fine them and meet me at the stables," commanded Ned with Jory leaving to carry out his orders.
(The Vale-Sometime Later)
Naruto watched from his position near the wall of the large room as he stared up at Lysa Tully Arryn of the Vale. She wasn't pretty like Catelyn had been in their youth. Out of the two of them, it seemed Lysa got the short end of the stick in just about everything. From her seemingly loveless marriage to Jon Arryn to her beauty in the looks department. It was clear Lysa did not "age gracefully" like her sister did over the years as time went by. Even the number of children both women had brought screaming into the world was almost a competition with Cat's five outdoing Lysa's one.
Especially since the one and only boy Lysa had birthed was, even now of all times, breast feeding off of her when the boy was clearly too old for such things.
It was like looking into the mirror and seeing a "What If?" scenario playing out. What if Cat become bitter in her marriage to Ned? Had she become bitter about Jon Stark being with them in Winterfell had Ned not told her the truth about his parentage? Naruto knew she was made of sterner stuff, but Lysa was clearly not, and it showed in her distain for seeing her sister again after so long.
It didn't help that Catelyn had brought Tyrion Lannister of all people with her to the Vale.
'But that's not the only thing off here. The boy has been clearly pampered way too much and hasn't done anything his entire life. His Mother has done everything for him to the point where he just relies on her to do everything. But why in this manner? Aside from the fact she cherishes him to the point of fanatical craziness, there something more here,' thought Naruto while really looking at the boy carefully with all three of his eyes and analyzing him at every angle.
Before his eyes widened and the pieces fit further into place.
"How dare you bring that thing here! And without my permission! You pollute my home with his presence. Your aunt has done a very bad thing Robin. A very bad thing. You remember your aunt, don't you? Isn't he beautiful? And strong too! Jon knew it. His last words were 'the seed is strong' before dying. He wanted everyone to know what a good strong boy his son would grow up to be in the future. Look at him dear sister. Look at the future Lord of the Vale!" exclaimed Lysa while she pampered her son even now with him breast feeding in front of everyone.
Cat, Naruto, and even Bronn for all his own crudeness thought it was disturbing to see for a child that old to be breast fed. Tyrion just found amusement in it and would have made a joke if not for the fact he was a Lannister in a hostile area where Lannisters are not well liked.
And being the least liked among his own House didn't exactly help here either.
'That boy is many things, but the rightful Lord of the Vale he is NOT! He is not an Arryn, but a bastard child of House Baelish. Of Petyr Baelish to be exact. Makes sense. The kid looks nothing like Jon Arryn, even in his younger years, but no one here remembers what the man looks like as a young man so no one would question it. But I can see the features clearly enough that they match Littlefinger exactly. Jon was constantly working as Hand of the King for years in King's Landing with no real time for his wife while Petyr was no doubt able to 'comfort' the woman when Jon was busy,' thought Naruto, as he had Petyr's energy signature in his mind and compared it to Robin's own, and saw the two signatures intertwine perfectly.
It was basically a DNA test without the DNA. The two were similar to the point where Naruto could say both were related to each other. Without question. It made sense why Lysa doted over Robin and spoiled the boy every second of ever damn day. Robin was Petyr's only (known) child and the only one Lysa could possibly have with him without raising any questions to the parentage. Even more so now that Jon Arryn was dead and any child she carried following the elderly man's death would possibly raise questions.
"Mommy, is that a bad man?" asked Robin curiously while Naruto thought the boy was clearly an idiot.
"It is Robin dear. It is a very bad man," replied Lysa with her eyes swimming in madness.
'Compared to the likes of Littlefinger and some other people I could mention, Tyrion is a King,' thought Naruto while Lysa was petting her son on the head.
"He's Tyrion the Imp of House Lannister. He killed your Father. He killed the Hand of the King," stated Lysa while Tyrion looked amused.
Oh, have I killed him too? I'm a very bad man if I did that," joked Tyrion while Catelyn glared at him for joking at a time like this.
"You will watch your tongue! These men are the knights of the Vale. They all loved Jon Arryn and they would die for him," replied Lysa sharply while glaring at Tyrion.
"But if you touch me, then my brother Jamie Lannister will see that you and these knights of the Vale do in fact die," warned Tyrion with Lysa bristling at the threat and Robin for all his spoiled short mindedness took offense to the words.
"You can't hurt us! No one can hurt us! Tell him Mommy! Tell him!" said Robin, who was practically yelling like a spoiled child with his words echoing throughout the large room.
"Tyrion, you're making it worse. Joking about this is not only inappropriate, but prevents her from listening to your case in being innocent of these charges," commented Naruto though he figured Lysa or Robin wouldn't listen no matter what.
One was clearly going or had gone completely mad and the other had been spoiled stupid by said mad person. And they were both the highest authority in the Vale.
"True, but something tells me she doesn't want to listen. Even if the truth was staring her right in the face," countered Tyrion with Naruto shrugging since the smaller man had a point.
"He's not wrong. There's something in that woman's eyes that doesn't sit right with me," whispered Bronn with Naruto nodding.
"You and me both. I just wish Tyrion would see it as clearly as we do," whispered Naruto while Bronn grimacing.
"Ser Vardis, my sister's tiny guest is clearly weary from his travels. Take him down to the cells below where he can rest. Introduce him to Mord," commanded Lysa while Tyrion saw the man named Vardis walking toward him.
"Who or what is Mord?" asked Bronn with Naruto frowning.
"I don't know, but Tyrion is unfortunately going to find out," replied Naruto with Vardis taking Tyrion away.
"Why don't you interfere? You have all this magic and power at your command. You could easily fix this in your own way. So why don't you?" asked Bronn curiously with Naruto looking where Tyrion was being taken.
"Because Tyrion still has a mindset where he believes being a Lannister and the amount of gold his House possesses can get him out of anything. Not to mention he thinks the names of those like Jamie or his Father will make people think twice before messing with him. I see a lot of potential in Tyrion to be something more then a Lord using his House's name to get away with things he may or may not have done. Sadly, in order to break him out of such mentality, Tyrion also needs to experience the harshness of reality of what it means to be a prisoner of someone who hates Lannisters more then they love gold or fear certain Lannisters when named. Tyrion needs to learn that being a Lannister or High Lord does not always give him ground to do whatever he wants and that people won't always let him," replied Naruto with Bronn nodding.
"It will be a harsh lesson to be sure," said Bronn knowing the woman on her throne here in the Vale would make Tyrion's life very miserable.
"True, but most life lessons have to be my friend. Otherwise, we end up like that!" said Naruto in a whispered tone while pointing slightly at Robin once more breast feeding in front of everyone.
"Good point," whispered Bronn since the sight before him was just wrong in his eyes.
(A/N: YAY! Another super long update. Hope you all enjoyed this. What did you think of my belief Robin is really Petyr Baelish's son? Makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Until next time...PEACE!)