Eddard
The smell of the scent of the godswood reminded Eddard so much of Winterfell. Taking a deep breath he let the feel of the air calm his nerves.
"Damn you Ned!" his friend cursed. "Why did I let you call me to the godswood at such an ungodly hour?"
Standing tall he turned to face his king. "Robert," he said, hoping to appeal to his friend and not his king, "I apologize but there is something that I needed to discuss with you away from court though it involves your household."
For a moment Robert glared at him, soaking in his words.
"Do you recall our conversation this morn?"
Robert nodded, "Aye, what of it?"
"You yourself said that you feared to leave the kingdom to Joffrey and Cersei and her council," each word seemed to release some tension in his shoulders. He could tell that Robert was interested.
"You know as well as I do that he will never be able to live the wild life that we had when we were his age, not as long as his mother hovers protectively over him." He noted his friend's nod. "With her over whispering into his ear he is not like to become the type of son that any man would be proud of. But Ramza Snowstorm, bastard that he might be, he would make any father proud."
The look on Robert's face told him that he was seriously considering the idea.
"The Stormriders are a humble and loyal lot – loyal to each other and to no lords it is true, but loyal to the kingdom. Most of them are only a year or two older than he is, but I hear that they are taking on youths who have not been able to squire with anyone. Let Joffrey be with others who are his age for a while. I know that you have no fosterlings or wards that he can be around, even at court there are few around his age. This would be an opportunity for him to travel the kingdom with others his age and for him to learn of how the world works without his mother constantly whispering into his ear or hovering over him."
"Cersei won't like this," Robert grumbled.
He nodded. "I doubt she will, but Joffrey needs something like this. How else would you attempt to make him into the kind of man that other men strive to be and that any father would be proud of? I am sure that when he comes back he would be a son-in-law that I would have no doubts about Sansa marrying."
Again Robert nodded. From the look on his face he could see that his friend was convinced but that he had yet to reach the point where he would be willing to go against his wife's wishes or endure her temper.
"If I had this opportunity before departing Winterfell I would have sent John and Rob with them. I know that many of the lords are looking to have their second or third sons, and even some of their daughters ride with them since the troupe is not signing on under any one lord."
As Robert considered the offer, Ned could not help but think back on his secret conversation with Lord Varys. Sending Joffrey out would disrupt the Queen's plans and would perhaps provide him with more time to discover the truth behind John Aryon's death and the attempt on Bran's life. If she feared him now, she would definitely hate him once Robert sent Joffrey with the Stormriders.
"Have you discovered who their families are?" Robert asked finally.
Ned shook his head, "There were many orphans after your rebellion and many unclaimed children as well. If they are the children of some lord or lady I doubt anyone could claim them, though no doubt there are many who would want to claim them now."
A somber sigh escaped his friend as he shook his head. "Any man would be proud to call Ramza his son. The lad is nearly a man grown yet he has accomplished more than even most seasoned knights."
"We have been at peace for over a decade," Ned added. "That is a good thing."
"Yes, yes it is," Robert agreed.
'And this could ensure more peace,' Ned thought as he eyed the king's face. "He would not be alone. Sir Loras has asked to accompany them, as have several younger knights and if he wishes, Joffrey can even bring the Hound with him."
Again Robert gave him a skeptical look.
"I would not suggest this if I did not believe them to be honorable men."
Finally Robert nodded. "What do we do?"
"We tell no one," Eddard stated. "When the Stormriders come to court tomorrow they will ask a boon rather than for the gold that they won in the Tourney. All you have to do is tell them yes or no."
"Cersei is not going to like this," he grumbled.
Ned walked over to his friend and put a hand on Robert's shoulder, "You are the King. There is nothing that you do or say that she can overrule."
Ramza
In the few months since arriving in Westeros Ramza had come to accept that this world was large, far larger than Ivalice. As large as Westeros was it was insignificant compared to the rest of the world and how little those in Westeros knew of the rest of their world. The sheer size of this world was going to make things all the more complicated.
"I fear that you will need to stay here," he finally admitted. "There is just too much that we do not know…"
"You want me to keep the King safe and report to you?" Marach asked skeptically.
"Bert, Rose, Pauline, and Wilfrid will stay to assist you." He knew his friend well enough to know what he would need and what he wanted. The assassin was best suited to this job, but for him to work at his full potential with such a small staff he would need his sister far away from him. After all he did not want her to see the depths that he was willing to let himself sink. "Just promise me that you won't do anything stupid."
Marach smiled, "I'd ask the same of you but I know better."
Ramza returned his smile.
"The taimat skull braziers will allow us to communicate, and Wilfrid has brewed more than enough potions to last even you a few months. Just go easy on Gendry and mycah."
"I doubt that they will be training with me yet." While he was their best and most knowledgeable in the various weapons and skills, Kenneth was the best instructor. "I might have my hands full with Loras and Brienne."
"That's what you said about Cid and Meliadoul too," it was rare for the assassin to slow any mirth beyond a smile, yet the usually solemn youth managed a chuckle.
*Are you sure about this?* Marach finally asked, switching to their native tongue.
Ramza forced himself to maintain a warm tone in his voice in case someone was listening in, *War would be bad for the people. I care not for who rules Westeros, but I do not want the people suffer. The lords will not care about the suffering that the commoners will surely endure. This may make the Queen reconsider her plans.*
*Or make her rush them.*
Again he nodded. *He is nearly old enough to rule. The boy is not fit to rule as he is currently. And if he does not rule then he will be little more than a cruel puppet that thinks nothing of the common people.*
*Perhaps he will be the king who sees this world burn.*
Ramza shook his head, *If he is then he is. I will try to keep this world from dying.*
*You think that Reis is right?*
*I think that the dragon spirits believe this world is unbalanced. I may not have your magical ability, but even I have felt how wrong the flow of this world's magic is.*
*Resorting the balance may not keep the peace nor will it ensure that the people will be safe.*
For a moment Ramza paused. *I know,* he wanted to say more, but he couldn't. Finally, *Keep the King alive, but if it comes down to it the Hand is more important. It will be hard to replace you on the trail, but I believe I have found a man that may aid you here.*
It was Marach's turn to be intrigued. While Ramza had a clear eye for assessing how honorable and honest men were, he rarely delved into the seedier side of things. *I believe the man is associated with the Guild of Faceless Men and is willing to assist you with information and establishing contacts.
*I hope that Gendry is able to take the field once we leave the capital, though he will not be facing bandits yet.*
"Brienne of Tarth," Marach said as he switched to the common tongue of Westeros "is a formidable blade."
Ramza nodded.
*She may not be a sword of the King's brother, but she is devoted to him.*
*I will have Temperance keep an eye on her.*
"The sell swords Bronn and Chiggen are capable," the assassin added. *But they are only interested in themselves.* Of all the sell swords and free knights that wished to travel with them those three were the most intriguing.
*As were you once.*
A smile threatened to form on Marach's face. *Be careful.*
*We will.* Extending his hand he returned his friend's awkward smile, "We shall meet again."
"We shall," the other man said as he reached out to grasp his hand.
Brienne
The sound of metal clashing rang through the air as dozens of young hedge knights and free riders sought to prove themselves worthy of joining the Stormriders. It was no surprise that many young lords wished to join the now renowned group as they had acquitted themselves well in the Hand's Tourney, but the fact that they were now taking Prince Joffrey with them had sparked keen interest by other noble families with young and eager swords.
Not wishing to have their numbers swell unnecessarily the Stormriders had demanded at all applicants pass a string of tests to ensure that only those worthy would join their ranks. Being able to read and write, not being the heir to a noble family, and of course being a capable fighter were the most important factors, though rumor was that there was also a test of character, loyalty, and honesty that each applicant needed to pass before they would be considered. The rumored tests had eliminated nearly a score of the applicants while the official tests had eliminated all but a handful.
It was no surprise that Loras Tyrell had passed. The Knight of Flowers was the second of Mace Tyrell's three sons. As a noble he had learned to read and write along with learning to wield a sword and lance. Other notable new members were Walder Vance and Alyn Haigh, both were grandsons to Walder Frey through their mothers and also the third sons of their respective fathers, had impressed Cid and Beowulf enough that they had been allowed to join the Stormriders.
Three young hedge knights had been allowed to join, each glad that they had come to King's Landing for the Hand's Tourney. But it was the addition of the four young women that had the commoners talking. The four were commoners, not even sure who their fathers were, and had no formal training, yet they had endured the same tests as Loras Tyrell and passed. In truth none of them had managed to best Ramza, but neither had Loras.
Though they were allowed to travel with the Stormriders, they were not part of the troupe as membership had to be earned. It was of that fact that several other hedge knights, free riders, and sell swords camping around the Stormriders, each hoping to at least travel with or around them in hopes of catching their eye.
"You are getting better," Temperance stated as she helped one of the new girls to her feet. "You still need to know how to set your feet when you attack, but your balance is getting better."
Turning to address all of the girls the dragoon stood tall. "That will be enough for tonight. Make sure you check with Lady Alma about your bruises, I would not want you to be too banged up when we ride in the morn. Be ready by dawn, so be awake before then – if you are not then someone will wake you."
It was not until Temperance was out of earshot that the other men began to mutter their snide remarks.
"I'd love to wake up the red."
"Once they're on the road they'll be the ones getting ridden."
Several snickered at the remarks. One did not.
"If you feel the need to whisper when the Lady is not present it must mean that you are afraid of her wraith." The group turned around, startled by the sudden appearance of Ramza Snowstorm. "It is attitudes like that which we do not want or need in our troupe. You had best leave now or we will cross more than words."
Unwilling to face his wraith the men hastily departed.
"Make sure someone is always with the girls," Ramza said to Meliadoul. "I do not like how those men leered at them. Someone will need to stay with them on the road as well."
Regardless of her own thoughts about the Stormriders Brienne knew that she needed to ride with them. Her own preference was to stay beside Lord Renly, but he had insisted that she go with them. His faith in her ability had made her grateful for all of the time she had dedicated herself to her training. She would serve him with her sword arm, even if it meant that she had to go with the Stormriders.
Reis
The ride out of King's Landing had gone just as Ramza had expected. Departing early, the Stormriders had managed to get a good hour or two between them and the free riders who had wanted to follow them. With Marach and the Darkstorm twins the free riders had found themselves hampered. A thrown shoe here and there, a stiff hangover, saddles that needed repair, and the occasional pack that had found itself unpacked – all hindered the free riders as they attempted to catch up to the Stormriders.
Less than a day out of the capital the troupe had split, allowing them to travel faster, confuse their pursuers, and allow them to engage the more aggressive wildlife. Speed had always been one of the Stormrider's greatest assets. Unlike an army of thousands or even hundreds, the troupe of less than two score could move freely and quickly throughout the land, allowing them to reach their destination before their enemies could muster the necessary troops to stop them.
The split had also allowed the newly recruited girls a chance to become accustomed to the troupe as the women comprised one group and the men the other. Ramza had not liked the way that many of the men had leered at the girls, some of whom had worked in the brothels yet had felt that that was not the life for them. They had not been the only ones, but only four had endured enough to convince Ramza, Cid, Meliadoul, and Beowulf that they were willing to actually work towards changing their lot in life.
By the time that they two groups reunited in Storm's End over a fortnight later the four girls had begun to adapt to their horses and saddles, armor and weapons training. While they were not yet frontline fighters they were capable in their support roles and could defend themselves long enough for one of the more experienced fighters to aid them.
The splitting of the Stormriders also allowed her and Ralpha to slip away at night without drawing the attention of the new members. With only Brienne to consider, the pair of mystics was able to sneak off at night to plant weirwoods and even carve out a few new heart trees in the few weirwoods that they had found.
Kenneth and Wilfrid's discovery that this world's magic required elemental catalysts had made the use of their magic easier, but it was her discover that this world's elements were fire, ice, and earth that had shifted the troupe's use of magic. By drawing on earth and time they were able to turn seeds into young seedlings that would be capable of enduring the coming winter. The same magic allowed them to carve several ancient oaks, turning them into the venerable trees and increasing the flow of magic into the forest. If the scribe's calculations were correct then it would take a month for the land to feel the change and another generation for the wildlife to begin showing effects.
In a fortnight they had encountered several bands of bandits and brigands, most daring to hunt in the King's Wood without permission and all of them taking up arms against the women that they had thought were easy prey. Nearly a score had been cut down, while another half dozen had been captured, providing the new recruits with ample opportunity to prove themselves.
Upon joining up with Ramza's half of the troupe she could easily say that the boys had a far harder time. While they had not encountered any bandits they had crossed paths with several hungry packs of griffins – beasts that resembled a strange combination of chocobo that the hindquarters of a behemoth. By all accounts the mystical predators had not been sighted in over two centuries nearly coinciding with the extinction of dragons.
"If you had brought the griffin's head here you would have been famous!" Joffrey's voice lacked the cockiness that he had displayed in King's Landing, a sign that the first leg of their trip had not been fruitless.
Ramza for his part had taken the crown prince under his wing, dedicating his time to hammering out the boy's notions of, well, everything. "We did not need to kill it," the blue eyed youth stated. "So we lost a deer to it, there were plenty of others and the rabbit stew we had that night was excellent."
"But"
"I care not for fame," Ramza interrupted. "As it is I am more famous than I want to be as the winner of the Melee and as a Stormrider.
"As yourself, 'Who would benefit from killing the griffin?'"
"You would have," scoffed the Prince.
"Now ask yourself, 'Who suffers because the griffin is dead?'"
The green eyed youth looked at his mentor questioningly, unsure of the answer. Finally, "No one."
Casting a quick inspecting look at mycah as the youngest of the Stormriders held up a duck in one hand and a chicken in the other, Ramza pointed to the duck. "The other griffins would have suffered," he corrected. "If we had fought for that deer we would have had to fight four adult griffins. While Sandor is an excellent sword, I doubt that between the three of us we could have handled four griffins. They were far too quick to be hit by your bow, and you were far too lightly armored to handle one by yourself."
"We could have gone back to the camp, roused the men, and hunted the griffins down!" Joffrey exclaimed.
Ramza shook his head as several heads turned to eye them.
"Griffins roost where none can reach them." Using a slightly hushed tone that only the prince and Ramza could hear she joined their conversation. "We spotted a nest on our travels, though Temperance believed that it had long been abandoned."
"Then how do you know it was a griffin's nest?" the Prince demanded. While he had come to accept the men as his equal he had yet to do so with the women of the troupe.
"Mind your tongue," Ramza reprimanded lightly. "It does not do for you to raise your voice to your elder and senior, especially in public."
Behind them Sandor chuckled. Though he had been known as the Prince's faithful guardian and protector, his time with the Stormriders had appeared to soften the hard mask he usually donned.
"My, my apologies," Joffrey said with a slight bow. "I meant no disrespect, but who is it that you concluded that the abandoned nest was that of a griffin?"
"The feathers," she replied with a soft smile. "They were far different from that of the hawks and eagles we spotted, and while we did not encounter one, Temperance did see a few in the skies."
Again Joffrey was skeptical.
"You've seen me jump," Ramza stated. "Like Temperance, I too am a master dragoon. Only a dragoon could reach such heights without actually flying. And while I might be able to reach a griffin's roost I doubt that even I could clear out an entire nest. Nor would I want to over a deer."
"I doubt that my uncle has reached Storm's End." Joffrey's shifting of the topic signaled that he had ceded the point to his mentor and seniors. "He is not the type of man to take a ship that is not his own and even though we did not stick to the main road it took us but a fortnight to arrive. His entourage would take at least three weeks to travel through the Kingswood."
All of the Stormriders knew that the prince did not like to sup with mycah. The incident at the Trident was still fresh in both boys' minds, and the fact that mycah had proven himself a capable fighter and chemist under Kenneth's tutelage had irked the proud prince. Reis knew that Kenneth was not the best swordsman, but he was capable of holding his own against Sandor despite never besting the big man. Kenneth's strength had been held in check by Ramza and Cid as they had decreed that none outside of themselves were to display the skills they had learned as Dark Knights, Templar, or Sword Saint. While he was not a master dragoon, he had learned enough to be a considerable opponent. Favoring the sword he was itching for a chance to display the mystical abilities he had retooled to fit the flow of magic in Westeros.
"We will notify the castellan of our presence," Ramza stated. "Cid and Beowulf have already left to meet with him. If we are invited to sup with him then we shall, but we need to replenish our supplies and take our prisoners to the dungeons first.
"Reis," Ramza turned to her, "would you speak to Ralpha about visiting the taverns?"
She knew what he was asking. On the surface it would appear to be an errand to resupply their water, wine, and milk as well as other supplies while actually inquiring about any jobs and bounties that might need to be handled. It was a good opportunity for the newest members of their troupe to endear themselves to the locals as well as earn some coin and gain experience. While Ramza often preferred to handle these things himself his current duties prevented him from doing so. With Cid and Beowulf meeting the castellan and Marach in King's Landing it fell to Ralpha to handle those duties.
"Tend to your horse, your armor, and your weapons," Ramza ordered Joffrey as the group returned to the commons. Their trip into the markets had been much quicker as Storm's End was significantly smaller than King's Landing.
Though the younger boy stiffened, he nodded before heading back to their tent in the commons. Each of the Stormriders tended their own equipment instead of relying on a squire such as the knights in Westeros favored, a lesson that Joffrey had learned when the day that the troupe had split. Failure to be ready on time meant that your name was entered into the hat more times for guard duty, ensuring that you would have more rotations and thus less time to train. It also meant that you were left out of skirmishes or sorties. While a craven might prefer that, all of the members of the Stormriders knew that the best way to master their craft was in actual battle.
Before Ramza could move to inspect their temporary camp in the commons of Storm's End Reis' keen eye noted the presence of Cid and Beowulf along with a stern man who appeared to be the castellan of Storm's End. The fact that two score of Lord Renly's knights accompanied them signaled that something was amiss.
"It appears that we have been ordered back to King's Landing," Ramza whispered so that only she could hear. She eyed him, unsure of what to make of that tidbit of information. "Continue your mission. Take the girls and mycah to White Harbor. Escort the prisoners to Castle Black and wait for us there."
She nearly lost a step as she turned to follow him instead of heading to see Ralpha. Of all of them she had traveled the least with the troupe in Ivalice yet she and Beowulf had never doubted his decisions. They owed him and the other far more than they could express with words or deeds, yet he had never asked for anything. He had even told them that they could have gone their own way once they had settled things with the Holy Stones, but they had opted to stay with him.
They trusted him to give them the information that he felt they needed, and he trusted them to impart to him the information that they felt he needed. Each Stormrider had a role to play, and they did not all need to know what each of the other members was up to.
Nodding, she headed towards the girls' tent. All of the original Stormriders knew that Marach and a team of four others had remained in King's Landing. Given their particular skills, or at least the skills that they specialized in that the others did not, it seemed likely that they remained to gather information, but she did not know if they had been successful.
Still, she had her mission, and she was going to be allowed to follow thru with it even if Ramza was not with her for it.
Ramza
Fair winds guided the Seventh Sister into King's Landing providing Ramza with another view of the capital city that he had not previously had. Though he had again split Stormriders up he knew that this trip would unite him with those that he had left behind giving them enough manpower to handle their summons back to the royal city.
The truth was that the Stormriders as a whole were not ordered back to King's Landing, only that they return Joffrey, and thus Sandor Clegane. He'd chosen Loras, Brienne, Gendry and Cid to accompany him back while Beowulf took the rest of the company north on the First Sister to White Harbor along with their prisoners to be taken to Castle Black.
He knew why they were being summoned, thanks to Marach. Lord Eddard Stark, the Hand of the King, had finally discovered the truth behind Joffrey's true parentage, confronted the Queen, and then informed the King. The Queen had responded with a botched assassination attempt on the King and the Hand, foiled by the men he had left behind to guard them. The Queen, Kingslayer, and two of their three children were being held captive while they waited for the third to be returned so that the King could deal with them as a whole.
This was going to be troublesome, and complicated. Ramza hated when things became complicated. While he did not like the laws in Westeros, he knew that he had to abide by them. His strength was not in playing out different scenarios but in preparing his team to handle everything and anything.
He was not surprised when a company of knights, all baring the King's standard of a black stag with a crown on a golden field, met them at the docks.
"What's going on?" Taken aback by their escort, Joffrey eyed the knights.
"We know as much as you do," Cid replied. "The King requested that we bring you back immediately."
"Perhaps something has happened to your brother or sister," Sandor suggested. "Or there was an attempted assassination on one of your family."
The presence of another company of knights, this time gold cloaks, kept the commoners at bay and made their trip up to the castle quick. He could feel the tension thickening as they approached the castle.
Dismounting, he handed the reins to his mount to Bert. From the way the ninja moved it was clear that everyone thought he belonged there. Not wanting to draw any attention to his man Ramza strode towards the castle, leading the other Stormriders into castle and up into the throne room. The King's men and the gold cloaks followed behind.
He was surprised to see the Small Council was in attendance, though on hindsight he should not have expected it. In the time that it had taken the Stormriders to ride in from the docks the members of the small council had assembled. The Queen and her children, Tyrion Lannister, as well as the Kingslayer in ragged silks and chains stood on one side of the chamber along with three other members of the Kingsguard, each bloodied, bruised and chained. A full company of knights wearing the King's sigil stood guard throughout the room, half of them positioned behind the shackled prisoners.
"Mother!"
Ramza grabbed the boy's arm, holding him in place. "Be still," he ordered the princeling. "Remember your training."
To his credit Joffrey did as he was told, even matching Ramza's steps as the group presented itself to the King and the Council. Cid took the lead then came Joffrey, Ramza, and Gendry, with Loras, Sandor, and Brienne in back.
He'd known that the Hand had been injured by one of the now renegade Kingsguard in the attempted assassinations but had not known the extent of the man's injuries. The fact that his left arm was unfortunate, but he was standing under his own power was a good thing. Still, his usual stern and humorless visage held hint of his thoughts or emotions save his general disapproval.
"I understand if you have questions about why you were summoned back to King's Landing to appear before the Council," Lord Stark stated as he stood before the dais and the King that he represented.
As the face and voice of the troupe Cid nodded in response. "I had not thought that we would be summoned back to court so soon, it has only been a few short weeks since we departed."
"Much has changed since then. I discovered that the Queen has perpetrated a treasonous act against the King with the aid of her brother and lover, Jaime Lannister, they committed adultery."
Joffrey paled beside Ramza, quivering as he processed the information.
"Cersei has admitted that Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella are not the product of her marriage but of her affair with Jaime Lannister."
Ramza moved quickly, clamping his hand on Joffrey's arm to support him and to keep him from acting rashly. Around them the company of knights reached for the hilts of their swords or gripped their spears, ready to act should the Stormriders make any aggressive action.
The King glared at Joffrey, then at Cersei and the Kingslayer.
Seeing that nothing was going to happen yet, Eddard Stark resumed, "Furthermore Cersei Lannister attempted to have the King and those loyal to him assassinated and make it look as though Lord Renly Baratheon had attempted to usurp his brother and take the throne for himself.
"Arys Oackheart, Boros Blount, and Meryn Trant assisted in the attempt to assassinate the King, Lord Renly, and myself, as were a half dozen knights sworn to House Lannister.
"Sir Steffon Swyft, Sir Cedric Payne, Sir Lorimer, Sir Addam Marbrand, and Tywin Serrett took up arms against the King at the bequest of the Queen and were slain or died of their injuries. Those who were the head of their houses will have their titles stripped, their lands repossessed and distributed to loyal lords. The other families will have their children sent to Winterfell, Storm's End, and Dragon Stone where they will be wards of the respective Lords who rule with the King's favor.
"Tyrion Lannister has been accused of attempting to assassinate Bran Stark and conspiring with his siblings to assassinate the King."
Finally he turned his gaze to Joffrey, then to his siblings Tommen and Myrcella, then to Gendry, and again to Joffrey. "As the bastard children of Jaime Lannister, Joffrey, Tommen, and Mrycella have been removed from the register and are not recognized as King Robert Baratheon's heirs or children. Furthermore they are not entitled to any of House Lannister's lands or fortunes. They will hence forth be known as Joffrey Rivers, Tommen Rivers, and Myrcella Rivers."
The former queen sobbed at the proclamation, falling to her knees as her children were stripped of everything that she had tried to provide them.
"Myrcella and Tommen will be taken to the Free Cities across the narrow seas where they can live in exile," Eddard added once the cries of their mother had subsided enough that he could be heard. His cool grey eyes locked with Joffrey's until the youth averted his eyes. "Joffrey, as you are nearly a man grown, the choice is yours – death beside your mother and father, banishment alongside your siblings, or service with the Stormriders until you are old enough to take the black and join the Night's Watch."
A/N
I think I'll end this chapter here.
Dreamingfox