Bran

There had been a time when he had dreamt of an exciting sojourn past the Wall. He'd imagined encountering snarks and grumpkins as well as direwolves and giant mammoths. The reality of such a journey though had shattered his illusions just as quickly as Ramza Snowstorm's hilt shattered frozen bones. With the increased attacks the Stormriders and the brothers of the Night's Watch had agreed that it was best that they no longer split their forces.

In the week since the Stormriders had ventured from the Wall they had encountered some four score of Others, all in varying states of decay and death. After enduring four attacks the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch had decided that they had found enough evidence to conclude that the men that had been lost were dead. A score of rangers had been part both groups that had attacked the expedition, though there were far more wildling corpses.

They had even spotted traces of another pack of direwolves, though the intelligent beasts had decided that the Stormriders were too much of a threat for them to do anything other than howl at in the night. The snarks and grumpkins though eluded them.

"Not what I thought it would be like."

Bran turned around in his saddle to look at his sister's former betrothed. It was still hard to believe that he had been the one to hire the assassin that had injured his mother and that he had done so simply out of spite after being slapped by his uncle and told to offer his condolences to the lord and lady of Winterfell.

"What failed to impress you?" Sandor asked as he also turned to note the former prince.

"I've always heard that the Wall protects the realm from the Others and the wildlings, but I did not think that we would actually encounter the Others," he stated. "None of the handful of Crows that came down to King's Landing ever mentioned that they had actually seen the Others, much less encountered them, yet in a week we've fought over four score of them."

Sandor nodded.

"We saw that they can… reanimate animal corpses, but are there not more animals north of the Wall than just the score or so that we fought?" Now everyone had turned to look at Joffrey as he appeared to be making a valid point.

"Even if there are fewer animals living in the north than everywhere else there has to be enough to sustain the population of wildlings plus enough to sustain the wildlife," Radd added. "There could be thousands of them out there."

His words sent a chill through all of them though only the other Stormriders seemed to be unfazed.

"Assume there are more," Alma chimed in. "If they aren't properly disposed of their numbers can quickly swell. The ones we encountered were probably just a fraction of their true numbers. They also did not seem to be deterred by our numbers. In fact they seemed to wait for more of their number so that they could attack us the second time."

"They're smart," Meliadoul interjected. "I think they did not expect us and were simply testing us. Had they encountered wildlings or" she turned to the Lord Commander "Night's Watch rangers there would be another score of Others."

"We must contact the King," the old bear growled. "He must know how much of a threat we face! Once we return to the Wall we will send ravens to King's Landing as well as to all of the Northern lords and Winterfell. We need more manpower to re-garrison the other castles along the Wall as well as the resources to repair them."

"Give us Icemark," Ramza implored the Lord Commander. "We can repair and re-garrison it as well as commit resources to restore Queenscrown. We will serve the Night's Watch, and thus the realm, but we cannot do it if we are actually part of the Night's Watch."

Bran was still surprised by the sudden request. In the short time that he had been with the Stormriders he knew that they did not do things lightly. Ramza was the undoubted leader of the troupe but he often let Cid or Beowulf speak for the troupe, yet for Ramza to come out and request something like this meant that he had circumvented the two older men.

The Lord Commander eyed the young warrior and considered his request.

"You saw how effective our magic is," the Stormrider added. "We will do what we can to instruct the sworn brothers of the Night's Watch in the use of magic, but we need a castle to operate from. Icemark will provide us with that and given the state of many of the holdfasts in the Gift it is clear that there are not many civilians who are providing the Night's Watch with taxes and other resources."

None of the other Stormriders spoke, each trusting in their leader's decisions. Though he was the newest member of the Stormriders even Bran had spoken with the young warrior since leaving the Wall. All of the Stormriders knew that they could approach him, even the trainees, but the fact that Joffrey was often around him made it difficult for Bran to seek him out. Ramza had noticed and had begun to send Joffrey off with Radd or Cid whenever Alma or Rapha sought him out.

"I will allow you to fortify and garrison Icemark until the Night's Watch is capable of re-garrisoning it," the Lord Commander finally said. He turned to the lumpy steward, "Sam, draft the notice and attach it to several ravens – one for each of the currently garrisoned castles along the Wall. Tell the scribe at each castle to send a copy of the letter to each of the Wardens and to King's Landing.

"I suspect that you will only keep Icemark until the spring. Once word of the Others reaches the Wardens and the King they are likely to send any Lannister men they capture in the war to the Wall."

Ramza nodded, accepting the old bear's words.

Bran still did not know what to expect from the Stormriders. Since being healed by them he'd spent the majority of his time with Alma, Rapha or Reis and it was clear that the three women were not like the others in the troupe. What he did understand was that the majority of the Stormriders learned their craft on the battlefields. Unfortunately for him learning to use his abilities was best learnt away from the battlefield first.

Under Jojen's tutelage he had begun to skinwalk at night, taking over Summer's body at night though he had yet to follow Jojen's instructions to either draw a pattern in the snow or drag branches to make something. In comparison it was more than what Jojen could do with his Greensight which was a sort of futuresight, though his dreams were often metaphorical in nature and could be misinterpreted. Still, the young lordling of House Reed knew much about their gifts and was even instructing Reis, Rapha, and Alma as they learned the ways of his magic.

Their interactions were not one-sided as the Stormrider's magi had taught them how to brew healing drafts out of the hardy winter plants. It was but the start of a long journey, one that even Ramza had not been able to complete. Then again, from what the women had told him everyone had their own paths in life to take.

X

Radd

The chill of the north was far worse than anything natural he had ever experienced making him grateful for fire in the brazier. But it was not the warmth that the brazier had prompted the mercenary to lite the fire.

In the weeks since the Stormriders had left King's Landing he had heard nothing from Marach. While it had been difficult to set up the brazier the former assassin had not contacted them since. Knowing Marach as he did Radd was curious but not concerned. While Ramza would never ask any of them to do anything that he would not do himself, Radd knew that some of them were more compelled than others to fall back on their old tendencies and ways. In Marach's case that meant that he would think to deal with the greatest threat to Ramza's dreams without trying to bother their esteemed leader.

When they'd left the capital the King and the Hand were preparing for war with the Lannisters in the Westerlands as a result of the execution of Tywin Lannister's eldest son and daughter yet it was near two months since then and not a single word of what was happening in the south had reached the Wall. While it might be that no one was able to send any word north, Radd knew that Marach would know. His silence meant either one of two things – Marach had decided to assassinate the Lord of Casterly Rock and failed, or he had managed to secure peace. If he had then what had it cost? Surely his friend would not leave the Stormriders, not when his sister remained.

Seeing no spark in the dragon's skull he knew that none of their number in King's Landing were tending their brazier. Sighing in disappointment Radd allowed the fire to die down before he poured the hot embers into another brazier so that it could heat the small chamber even after he left. Busy as Ramza was he would suspect that something was up. More than likely he would even ride down to King's Landing.

"You overextended yourself," he chided Joffrey as he passed by the training yard. The former prince had begun training with a light but powerful hatchet, a sign that Kenneth believed he could be trained as a squire while Mycah was helping Meliadoul stock the storerooms.

He knew that Ramza did not want to deal with the myriad of paperwork and documentation that was needed for the Stormriders to assume control of Icemark. The Thunder God was officially the leader of the Stormriders, with Beowulf as the second, but that did not mean that they would let Ramza off the hook. As the unofficial leader of the troupe he was required to at least learn what he would someday need to do. Rather than training Joffrey in those squirely duties he had instead insisted that Kenneth train all of their recruits. Even Bran was not exempt from the training, though he was still learning to hit a mark with his stones.

Radd was glad that the older trainees were learning how to spot weaknesses in their opponent's armor, shield, helm, and weapons and how to take advantage of it. Firsthand experience told the mercenary that those who profited most from war were not the victorious lords, but the blacksmiths. During the War of Lions the troupe had spent millions of Gil, and they were but a troupe a score strong.

The addition of Gendry to their number would save them much gold, though all of the Stormriders had learned to maintain their equipment there was only so much that they could do. Yes, they were better equipped than even the Kingsguard, but that did not mean that their weapons and armor would not break someday. The mercenary knew that over-reliance on quality weapons and armor could spell doom on the battlefield.

Mentally he took stock of the items that the Stormriders had left with their brothers and sisters in King's Landing. Marach favored the staff, keeping two Whale-whiskers with him at all times along with two sets of armor, a score of various elemental balls, potions, throwing knives and stars. Each of the others were similarly equipped, though Wilfrid was a scribe he was also skilled with long swords, bows, and knives; Bert and Rose favored the eastern blades along with their katanas; and Pauline was a master of ranged weapons along with the subtle silks and cloths employed by a dancer.

Along with their equipment came the skills that each had worked to develop and hone, though there was only one way for them to communicate with the rest of the Stormriders. They had only prepared so many dragon skulls, but the girls had managed to create one more since settling in at Icemark.

There would be six of them heading south - Radd, Ramza, Meliadoul, Brienne, Anya, and Walder. The later three had become adequate knights, at least in the eyes of Kenneth and Temperance, which would be more than sufficient against given their age. Anya was actually starting to train as a monk, her lithe figure more suited to weaponless combat than to swinging a sword or axe. Walder was quickly learning to be a master chemist, his dexterous fingers hinting at a future in the magical arts but his keen eye making him an expert marksman that would rival even Pauline. The "Beauty" of Tarth was a master with the long sword and was now learning to use a spear.

"Wha'cha doing?"

Looking over the troupe's inventory he wondered what had happened to Gendry's nose that caused the boy to have such a wet rasp. "Packing. What happened to your nose?"

"Katia," the muscular boy replied. "She tried to break me bull helm but it held. Too bad it broke me nose instead."

Shaking his head Radd focused his attention for a moment before casting a quick healing spell. "You should have seen Lady Alma. As to your helm – if you had padded it correctly it wouldn't have broken your nose."

Gendry stretched his jaw, moving the muscles on his face to test his nose once the spell had repaired the damage done by the former lady of the night. "I was but then I saw you coming here and my bull helm is my first creation. I'll make sure to adjust the next one to have padding."

"You're getting better," Radd stated as he eyed one of the blades that the powerful boy had recently finished. "Soon Kenneth will show you what you need to do to forge a nice suit."

Still fixated on the weapons being packed away the smith continued to eye him, "Where you going?"

"Back to King's Landing," he replied as he approached a magically locked chest.

"What's in there?" the boy's curiosity prompted him to ask instead of questioning why Radd was headed south.

"Something I hope we don't have to use," Radd muttered as he pulled out the long weapon. Still bundled in fur he placed it in a special pack. It was as long as his forearm but far deadlier than its size and weight suggested. It would change this world just as the return of magic was slowly doing. "Tell Walder, Brienne, and Katrusia to find Meliadoul so that they can ready their mounts. Have mine and Ramza's readied for the morning as well."

When Gendry failed to move he turned to look at the boy. "You're wondering where we got all these weapons, am I right?"

The muscular boy nodded, "And how you came by all of them."

"One day, when you earn your emblem, you'll be allowed to arm yourself with the weapons in that room," he nodded at the smaller storeroom where the special weapons were stored. It was the room where he'd returned the locked chest. "But these, these that we did not give the Night's Watch, they are the spoils of war. In the wounds of old Valyria we fought many, some even thought to make themselves kings." It was a practiced lie, repeated so often that it had nearly become fact.

Defeated, Gendry rushed off to seek out the others that would be departing.

To all but Alma and sometimes Cid, their old lives in Ivalice were forgotten. Most of the others were from noble houses, only Rapha, Marach, and Radd had not, but Ramza, Alma, and Cid were from notable noble houses. Thunder God Cid had led armies in the War of Lions as well as the Fifty Year War, and been a trusted advisor to the prince before being betrayed, "executed" and finally joining up with his friend and rival's son. Ramza and Alma were the bastard children of their father leading their brothers to look down upon them despite their father's best efforts to have them treated as equals. Their oldest brother's ambitions though had led to him poisoning their father, conspiring to bring about civil war, and assassinating the prince. If not for Ramza's interference, the Church's plot, and their manipulation by the Lucavi, Dycedarg's plan may have succeeded. Unfortunately for all Ramza had foiled and slain all of those possessed by the Lucavi and slain his brothers in the process. Ramza's childhood friend had managed to take advantage of the Church's plot, kept the warring factions from trusting the Church's attempts to mediate, and even married the Princess on his way to becoming the King.

Yes, there was much that the Stormriders did not want to remember. They had all been branded as heretics, traitors, and assassins, though some of those claims were true, there were many more sins to their names than even they had wanted to acknowledge. Better to let everyone think that they were mere sellswords who had dared to venture into the ruins of Valyria. Though they had initially appeared in outside of the ruins of the nation they had managed to travel to Westeros by enchanting a ship and sailing east. They'd even run into several of the famed raiders from Pyke on their voyage before landing in the Riverlands.

Though this world was far larger and had a greater population than their homeworld, it was less magically and technologically advanced. They still regarded plain Valyrian steel weapons as the best and had yet to turn it into armor much less unlock the secrets of enchanting the metal. Thus far the Stormriders had only used ancient swords which were still several steps above the Valyrian steel blades that only a handful of knights in Westeros used. Their other blades would cut through the steel armor like hot knives through butter and that did not take into account the magical spells that some of them contained. That was why Marach had been able to destroy the armor of the Lannister knights so easily with his Whale Whisker. Any weapons made of the remains of magical creatures like the direwhales of Ivalice or the dragons native to both Westeros and Ivalice were bound to be stronger than weapons made with materials that were not imbued with magic. Equally matched fighters could be given an edge if they had superior equipment, but thus far the Stormriders were already a match for most of the elite warriors in Westeros. With the benefit of their superior weapons the score of them could best ten times their number.

They had left some Mythril and the instructions on how to forge it into Valyrian steel with the master smith in King's Landing, but it would be Gendry who would learn to add magic to metal. Someday his weapons would be stored in the small closet.

Weapons packed, Radd sealed the closet, ensuring that no one save for the command staff could access the weapons. The regular weapons in the storeroom were safe as they were, but the magical ones were only to be used when necessary.

The same number of Westeros weapons would have overwhelmed even the mighty Kenneth or Sandor, but the weapons that he hauled were made in Ivalice and thus far lighter yet stronger than their native counterparts. It was one of the reasons why they had managed make the trek from Winterfell in such a short time as they had. Less weight allowed them to move further, faster, and put less stress on them and their mounts. The special horseshoes that they had given their mounts also allowed them to travel swiftly and cover more ground without straining them so long as the rider or someone with the rider could activate the enchantment.

Even with their magic enchantments the handful of Stormriders who were heading back to King's Landing would be tired when they did get there. Ramza always pushed the troupe hard but he also knew that he could push them and just how far. Still, the newest members and recruits had not been broken in yet. Radd hoped that this trip would not make or break them.

Brienne

As the eldest and most traveled of the Stormrider's first group of recruits Brienne had thought she knew what was in store for her in the North. The cold she had expected yet to actually feel the chill air of the Wall as she stood atop it had been something altogether. It had been as breathtaking as the cold had been numbing.

When Ramza had asked that she accompany him and a few others back to King's Landing she had quickly accepted. While Tarth was not as warm as Dorne it was far warmer than the North and the Wall. Like all of the Stormriders she had been assigned a room in Icemark and while she had done all she could to keep the room warm every night she felt the nearly overwhelming chill of the North and clutched at her blade.

All of the Stormriders kept their blades close to them, even at night. It had been a lesson that Ramza and Radd had stressed on all of them even when they had been at Winterfell and Castle Black. It had been why they had survived their first encounter with the Others when they had been north of the Wall.

Like many of the others she had begun sleeping in her armor, getting used to its weight and feel around her and keeping her ready for any surprise attacks. Slipping into and out of armor was surprisingly easy as their light yet durable armor was designed so that one needed little assistance when donning it. As someone who had not taken the knightly vows Brienne did not have a squire yet had managed to don her armor with little help, whereas most knights needed a squire or two to assist. Unlike heavy full plate mail the Stormriders wore a light plate mail made of Valyrian steel over light dragon skin leather. It was comfortable and almost felt as though she wore no mail at all.

Icemark had only two truly hot places now that the Stormriders occupied the keep – Gendry's forge and the new hotspring/sauna that Kenneth had managed to find. The discovery was useful in that it provided them with fresh water and a place to bathe.

Still, she was glad to be headed south again. Few would have dared to ride from the Wall in the midst of winter. Each blizzard dumped several feet of snow making the roads all the more difficult yet the Stormriders rode on relentlessly unimpeded by the weather.

"Why do we ride to King's Landing," she finally asked on the third night as the party set up a hastily erected camp amongst a circle of boulders.

"The King has summoned us," Ramza answered as he eyed the darkness beyond their campfire. It was the first time she'd ever detected a hint of bitterness in his voice. "After the failed assassination attempt Jaime Lannister wished for a Trial by Combat, but the injuries he had sustained prevented him from fighting on his own behalf as well as Cersei's behalf. Maester Pycell has healed the Kingslayer sufficiently for him to fight but Lord Stark's arm has not healed sufficiently and thus he has asked for me to be his champion since I won the Melee."

"But it was an assassination attempt on the King," she remarked.

Radd shook his head, "He was not the only target in the assassination attempt - the Hand of the King was also targeted."

"But the King's claim has precedent," Ramza interjected. "The fact that the Hand has picked a champion suggests that he does not believe that the King is capable of defeating the Kingslayer presently.

"It is said that Lord Stark believes that when he passes judgment on someone he should be the one to execute the order, but as he is injured he cannot fight. The King would like to champion himself but due to his station the Hand and the small council have insisted that he choose a champion. He has chosen his champion from amongst the Kingsguard – Loras Tyrell."

"That is why we rush to King's Landing?" Meliadoul asked. Brienne knew that all of the younger girls talked about whom in the troupe they preferred and Ramza had been the popular pick until Temperance had let it slip that he and Meliadoul were a secret couple. Of all the women perhaps only Alma cared more about Ramza's wellbeing and that was because she was Ramza's sister. Her evident concern for Ramza was obvious.

"Lord Tywin Lannister has agreed to not raise his banners to avenge his children," Ramza added, "but he wants King Baratheon to allow his children to be able to invoke their right for trial by combat."

Radd shook his head, "He suffered a wound to his left thigh that forced him to use a crutch. He was bound and sitting when we saw him."

She knew that It would have been simpler had they just killed him after the trial but would it have been the right thing to do? For once she was glad that she was not the one to make those decisions.

"I will take first watch," Meliadoul stated, ending the previous conversation, "Walder."

"Aye," the black haired boy nodded as he took his pack from his mount.

The others began preparing for their nightly ritual. Their party of six allowed for three watches of two each night. The first and third watches were easiest, as they allowed for uninterrupted sleep, but the second was far deadliest as those had been the shifts when their party had been attack. As such it was the shift that Ramza always took, his keen senses always detecting the presence of any possible threats. Meliadoul always took first watch, and Radd the third, but the other members were always rotated after three days. After a week on the road Brienne knew that it was her turn to take the second shift with Ramza.

Little was said on the ride south as the pushed their mounts first past Winterfell and Castle Cerwin. Their pace was slowed only after an encounter with several packs of wolves and a bear, prompting a stop at a holdfast to sell the meat and fur. It took them three weeks to reach White Harbor when it would have taken anyone else at least six.

She was surprised that they had managed to secure a ship south as few of the ship masters were willing to take their vessels out into stormy winter waters. Fortunately Ramza had found the captain of the First Sister and convinced him to fill his hold with ice. Though frozen water was abundant in the north, it was a luxury in the south as only the nobles were able to afford to keep their milk and wine chilled.

Ice from the Wall was rarely sold as the three ships that the Night's Watch controlled primarily scoured the coast to keep arms dealers from selling to the wildlings north of the wall. Though few northern lords liked the wildlings it was rumored that House Bolton tended to ship their wares north so that the wildlings could harass the Karstarks and the Umbers.

Ramza made note of the rumors, vowing to stop in Widow's Watch upon their return so that he could investigate the rumors on their way back to the Wall. It struck her as odd that he took such interest in the various rumors that they heard, though he tended to focus on those that spoke of troubles that various lords or nobles and their people suffered. The Stormriders also had a way of taking on odd jobs in the holdfasts and villages that they passed through. The importance of the King's summons though meant that the small group was not able to take on any job requests at present.

With no extra duties the little room to practice the Stormriders had two options – stay in their cabin or on the deck away from the crew. There was little for them to do in their cabin save for practicing the hand signs that the troupe favored when they were in battle or on patrol. Dexterous fingers had been a necessity for the recruits allowing them to mix potions as well as communicate silently.

"You used the wrong hand," Radd sighed as he repeated the signal with his right hand. "When you use your right it means you are going to circle around the opponent on your left; use your left and it means you are about to attack the opponent to your right."

Brienne repeated the signals with the correct hand, relaying the message that she was going to flank the opponent on her left.

"Better."

She nodded then watched as Walder signaled his response. "I did not see you using hand signs during the Melee."

"That's because those of us in the Melee have fought together long enough that we don't need to signal each other," Meliadoul replied. "When you fight with a team long enough you get to know their habits and tactics. It helped that we were fighting on a level field and only had to defend."

"What of the encounters north of the Wall?" Walker asked as he watched Radd complete a sequence of signals. "Ramza was shouting out directions then."

It was Radd's turn to nod. "How many times have you all been in battle? The girls encountered the bandits in the Kingswood, but the boys ran into nothing on the way to Storm's End. We've been using hand signs for a while, but like Meliadoul said there comes a point in time when you just know what your teammates are going to do and what is expected of you and them. Tactics may change given the terrain or equipment, but ultimately it comes down to knowing what your role in the battle is."

Ramza

King's Landing found itself experiencing a mild winter, though winter in the Crownlands was more akin to summer in the North. A bone-chilling drizzle drove the bulk of the inhabitants indoors, leaving few to witness the arrival of the Stormriders on the First Sister. He was glad to see Marach greeting them at the docks without a company of guardsmen or knights. The ravens that they had sent in White Harbor apparently had reached the capital, relaying their message and expected arrival date.

"It is good to see you Marach," he greeted the olive skinned youth, extending his hand.

"It is good to see you as well Ramza," the former assassin returned, clasping his hand and embracing him. "We are being watched."

Ramza nodded then released his friend.

"I see you have not allowed the North to slow you down," Marach said as he greeted Radd with a friendly hug, though he did not embrace Meliadoul or the newer members. "I've had the house readied and the potential recruits ready for your inspection."

Ramza nodded. Waving his hand he signaled for the troupe to follow Marach to the house. Despite the light mist the sound of hard training greeted the Stormriders as they approached the small mansion. Wilfrid and Pauline were instructing over a score of armored figures, some of them obviously young men others clearly women, but most appeared to be androgynous beneath their leather mail.

The promise of a few dragons a year and the potential for further fame and fortune seemed to appeal to the youths of Westeros. Only a score of potentials were armored, but another two score were standing around watching the training with eager eyes. "The Hand has sent the Gold Cloaks to practice with us twice a week," Marach explained. "Petty crime in the city has dropped significantly since we set up the recruitment center. Master Mott feels that simple but hardy mail is beneath him but has referred us to one of his former students that is fundamentally sound and quick. Master Walter is glad for the referral and business. Bert and Rose ensure that none of the trainees sneaks the weapons off of the premise while Wilfrid and Pauline are busy instructing them in the basics duties and abilities of a squire and chemist." What was not said was that Marach had kept himself busy keeping himself abreast of the affairs of the court even though little appeared to be going on.

"We will need plenty of capable arms when we return north." He wanted to know more, specifically who was watching the house and why, what measures had Marach taken. Was it one of the possible recruits or were there others involved and how much did they know?

"Sup with us tonight," Marach suggested. "Tomorrow you can test the recruits. The King and the small council did not expect you to arrive so soon. They will convene the trial in two days once Loras arrives with his sister."

Ramza nodded. The rest was not welcome, though at least he had an opportunity to spar with the new recruits and with Bert and Rose. In truth he was apprehensive about the pending duel. Most, if not all of Westeros viewed him as a perhaps one of the best swordsman amongst the Stormriders, but the truth was that he was far from it. Cid, Beowulf, and Meliadoul were leagues better than he was with a sword, while Kenneth and Rose edged him out three out of four times. What separated him from the others though was his guts and ability to take hits while returning them. His fight with Loras during the Melee was proof that he was not the best as the elegant knight turned Kingsguard was able to land more blows against him than he had received but it was only Ramza's superior armor and constitution that allowed him to win.

'Cloud would have cut down all of them in a flash,' he mused as he recalled the spiky haired blond. 'Compared to Cloud I am but a novice with a sword.'

Eddard

Word of the Stormriders' arrival quickly reached the Red Keep though the King and all the members of the small council had known of their arrival days ago. Few had expected the Stormriders to arrive as quick as they had, forcing the various lords and ladies to rush to complete the final leg of their own respective journeys. Lord Renly who had ventured to Highgarden with Sir Loras Tyrell to marshal troops for a war that had not happened was at least able to negotiate with Mace Tyrell on the King's behalf, securing the now single regent a new wife. Even now they were speeding along the Roseroad, their expected arrival only a day behind the Stormriders who had obviously rushed to White Harbor from the Wall during winter.

Only Lord Stannis had returned, though several other lords along with their knights were headed to or already in King's Landing now that Tywin Lannister had answered the King's summons. Littlefinger was busy entertaining the various minor lords who had arrived while the spider was attempting to discover why Tywin had come to King's Landing and what he was up to.

The Warden of the West was a shrewd and cunning man. Leaving Casterly Rock as he had proved that he was loyal to the king and willing to forsake his children, but there were some who whispered that he was secretly plotting to have his children freed, thus the need to double the guard around the prisoners.

As much as he suspected Tywin of something he could not help but think that the Stormriders were somehow involved. Their numbers had swelled in the weeks since the Warden of the West had arrived with a small party of his most powerful and notable knights. Sir Gregor Clegane was the most obvious threat - his overwhelming size, combat prowess, and reputation forced the Ned to devote three of his own knights and men at arms to keeping tabs on him at all hours of the day. Yet it only served to remind him that he lacked the man power to keep tabs on the few Stormriders that had remained in King's Landing, though in truth he knew only Marach because the elusive dark-skinned youth had presented himself to him during the failed assassination attempt. Four other Stormriders had been present as well, though they had slipped in and out of the shadows, keeping their faces from being seen by any except their teammates and perhaps those they dispatched.

The fact that they had purchased a house near the commons and market that they used to host promising recruits had drawn much attention and made Wilfrid and Pauline Stormwaters into easily recognized figures, but the other three were much more elusive and made few appearances save for when they trained their recruits when they donned their helms, masks, and shawls that hid their faces and features.

He knew that they were skilled, but what truly alarmed him was that they each had several weapons made of high quality Valyrian steel. He'd caught glimpses of their weapons when the five had intervened and foiled Cercei Lannister's failed coup and assassination attempts. The Kingslayer's skill with a sword was renown throughout the land, yet he had been forced back by the mysterious female Stormrider. Her masked companion seemed to have flowed around two of the rogue kingsguard like air, weaving in and out of the path of their long swords while scoring telling cuts on their bloodstained armor and cloaks. Even the quality armor that the kingsguard was able to afford had failed to stop the Stormriders' blades. Both of the other rogue kingsguard had died, along with a half dozen Lannister men.

Thinking back to the Melee, Ned wondered how the things might have played out had all of the participants used real blades rather than blunted tourney blades. Then five of the Stormriders had cut down close to a score each before Ramza had emerged victorious. The notion that they each had access to Valyrian blades was terrifying.

Though the Stormriders and Ramza claimed to serve the realm and had even stationed themselves in Icemark along the Wall, but he knew that their numbers were set to grow. When they first came to King's Landing they were just over a dozen strong. When they left they had doubled in number. Judging from the size of the mob around their house in King's Landing there were possibly another score of potential recruits if not twice that ready to ride out once the trials were over.

It did not help that the King's heir was among their number. He knew that Ramza and Beowulf suspected though Cid seemed to understand even if he said nothing about it. Ned would not be surprised if Marach knew who the boy's mother really was. The olive-skinned youth was perhaps as skilled as Varys, though few knew the extent of his reach. Yet another thing about the Stormriders that worried him.

They were only a score strong, yet they were a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of besting groups far larger than theirs, they had more Valyrian blades than all of the noble houses in Westeros, and they had acunning mind gathering information. Then there was the fact that they were popular with the commoners and even many of the lesser noble houses.

As the assembled lords, ladies, and a select few knights gathered in Small Council's chamber Ned could not help but feel a bit apprehensive. The wound to his arm had healed but robbed him of the strength he had needed to wield Ice. He was glad that the guards had seized the weapons of the nobles and knights, leaving only himself, the King, the Kingsguard, and the Stormriders armed.

Seeing the blue-grey cloaks and their emblem he could not help but think of the honors that the group had been bestowed in the past few months. Winning the tourney held in his honor they had requested that the boy everyone had thought to be the King's heir join their ranks. Then they had helped foil an assassination attempt, been granted a position somewhat between Kingsguard and Night's Watch, they'd even been allowed to man Icemark and used the castle as their base of operations while a few of their number traveled the realms.

The small council had little to do in raising the Stormriders - that had been all his work, though the King had readily agreed. Even Robert had curbed his fury, allowing them to keep Cercei's bastard child alive even though he was proof of her incestuous relationship with the Kingslayer. For once Robert was showing some foresight as he had even decided to draft a decree recognizing his bastard sons as his heirs should his new marriage result in no children.

Even now the Stormriders present stood out from the crowd, evenly spaced and mixed in with the Kingsguard. Only Stormriders' more senior members stood in the inner circle while the others stood with the golden cloaks of the city guard.

He gazed at the future queen, accompanied by her brother the future captain of the Kingsguard. There were eere similarities between the Tyrell siblings and the Lannisters – one beautiful daughter, one son raised to the Kingsguard at a young age, and another son crippled/deformed. He knew that he was not alone in hoping that the Tyrells would not follow in the Lannisters' footsteps.

The chamber suddenly went completely quiet as the former Queen and disgraced Kingsguard were led before the assembled nobles and knights. All eyes went from the defiant former queen as she stood tall, seemingly indignant at having to be chained and having had her children shipped across the Narrow Sea. Her brilliant green eyes looked not at the King or the Hand, but at the future queen then to the High Septon.

Her brother and lover followed. While he was more sullen and less defiant, he appeared to not be bothered with the fact that he would soon be fighting for his and perhaps his sister's life.

"He always was one to trust in his sword arm more than anything else," Littlefinger muttered beside him.

Ned nodded even as his eyes followed Jaime Lannister's gaze to Loras Tyrell and then to Ramza Snowstorm. 'He honestly thinks that he'll best both of them,' he thought even as he watched the Kingslayer shift his attention first to Robert then to him, 'but he wishes he was fighting us. He had his chance to kill us but we were unarmed and unawares.' His injured arm seemed to throb at the recollection of that dark night. It continued to nag him even as the High Septon, the head of the tribunal that had been called upon to judge the siblings, announced the charges and then informed the audience that both of the Lannisters had chosen to forego a trial and instead chosen to have their fates decided by trial through combat.

All eyes seemed to focus on Jaime as he stepped forward, had his shackles removed, and then was presented with his sword and shield. The Kingsguard and Stormriders stood at attention even as Loras was announced as the King's champion.

"I must apologize," the handsome youth said as he bowed his head. "While I am honored to be selected to represent your highness, all know that I was bested by Ramza Snowstorm of the Stormrider during the Melee held in honor of the Hand. He should be your champion."

There was a slight murmur as Loras stood up and turned to Ramza. "While he may not be a member of the Kingsguard he has sworn to serve the Realm along with the rest of the Stormriders. They even have an honored place here, guarding the chamber alongside the rest of the Kingsguard."

Eddard stepped forward, "Sir Loras is correct – the Stormriders have been recognized as servants of the Realm. Due to the injuries suffered in the failed assassination attempt I am not able to represent myself and have named Ramza as my champion; I see no reason why the King cannot call upon one of their number to be your champion."

"Fine," Robert grumbled. "Ramza Snowstorm, would you be my champion in this affair?"

With a nod, Ramza stepped forward, "I shall."

Ned watched as the former Stormrider turned Kingsguard patted his former commander's shoulder before leaning forward and whispering something into the other's ear. Ramza gave a slight nod of his head before walking into the open.

Several noble lords who had taken the vows of knighthood gasped as Ramza drew two curved blades made of Valyrian steel rather than the more traditional sword and shield or even lone longsword. Only the Kingslayer seemed to be unimpressed, then again, he had faced the Stormriders' blades before.

Ramza stood in the center of the chamber, waiting for the Kingslayer's advance. For a moment Jaime eyed his opponent before slowly circling to Ramza's left. The younger blond stood unmoving, waiting for his opponent to strike first. The Kingslayer did not disappoint, striking once he was completely behind Ramza.

The flash of sharpened steel proceeded the ring of two quality blades meeting and then the sound of another striking a sturdy wood and steel shield. The Kingslayer backed away, unfazed by his failed attack while Ramza stood his ground.

Again the former Kingsguard circled around the Stormrider, looking for an opening though Ramza kept him from capturing his back as he had done before. After two more exchanges the Kingslayer's shield was rendered useless as several blindly quick blows by Ramza had shred the fire-hardened wood and even cut through the steel reinforcement. In an uncharacteristic show of courtesy the younger warrior allowed the Kingslayer to remove the shield from his arm rather than have it weigh him down.

It appeared to be a mistake as Jaime whirled his blade around, adding speed and strength to his attacks. Yet as quick and powerful as his blows might be they never struck home as Ramza danced around the strikes, rarely even being forced to parry even as he scored telling blows against the supposedly more veteran fighter. Each strike clearly cut through armor, a tell-tale sign that the blades were made of Valyrian steel as even heavy platemail failed to fully stop a blade made of Valyrian steel.

Eddard had to give the Kingslayer grudging respect as the man lasted for nearly ten minutes before Ramza finally caught him with a deep slash across the abdomen and a second scored on his chest, cleaving through metal and bone before finally sending a spray of blood into the air.

Rather than dealing a killing blow to put the man out of his misery Ramza kicked the man's battered blade away before wiping the blood off of his own blades and sheathing them. Picking up the battered sword he eyed the carved lion's head on the blade before returning his attention to the fallen knight.

Cercei could be heard sobbing as everyone watched Ramza put Jaime out of his misery.

'She truly loved her brother,' Eddard thought as he listened to her sorrowful cries. 'She morns her brother and lover even though she should be concerned with her own fate.'

"The trial is over," the High Septon stated from the other side of the King. "Jaime Lannister has lost, but as he was also Cercei Lannister's champion her life is forfeit."

The two eldest members of the Kingsguard grabbed hold of Cercei, bringing her out before the crowd and especially the King. Somehow she managed to steel herself as she stood before the King.

Adorned in dark green silks that hid a chainmail vest Robert stepped forward. "End it."

From where he stood he could see the hesitation in Ramza's eyes. The boy was a warrior and a killer, but he was no murderer or executioner. Killing Jaime as he had was a mercy, but killing Cercei was another thing altogether. "My lord King," he said as he stepped towards his friend and lord.

Smoldering fury was in Robert's eyes as the King turned his gaze onto him. "Northman justice, eh? So be it." Taking his battle axe in hand, Robert strode before his former queen. With a mighty swing he drove his weapon into her skull, shattering it and sending bits of blood and brain onto the pristine cloak and armor of the two Kingsguard that had been holding her arms.

"Let that be a lesson to any who would test me!" he declared as he stood before the crowd. "I will not falter! I will not tolerate anyone plotting against my rule! I will not show any mercy to those who commit treason!"