A song unsung
Here's a quick chapter for you guys. It's all about Jon Arryn this chapter. We didn't get much of him in the books or the show so I can only hope I portrayed him in the correct way.
Chapter 6
299 AC, King's Landing
Jon Arryn
His age had caught up with him. In his many years of life none wore on him like the recent ones. It all started when the mad king murdered his nephew and heir Lord Elbert Arryn, Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, Lord Hoster Tully and Lord Paramount of the North, Lord Rickard Stark. Then the war and the kidnapping of Lyanna Stark.
He had stood by Robert's side ruling the kingdom from the background. Over the years he sadly watched his foster son rot away and be replaced by layers of filth. He tried to sway the man but the memories of his failures had been stronger. Now word had come that he had been taken and only the Gods knew where. He had stalled the Lannisters for as long as he could but ever since the arrival of Lord Tywin Lannister his efforts had been severely hindered. Coupled with the fact that he held sensitive information there were those in the Red Keep aiming to silence him before he could do any lasting damage. His age along with his duties had weighed down on him and he wasn't sure how long he would remain among the living. That was the sole reason why he sent for his other foster son, Lord Eddard Stark.
In the case of his demise he knew his former ward would surely see things through. He chuckled with a sad expression on his face. He had taught Ned plenty of things but his honor came from his blood. The Reach may have been seen as the home of chivalry but the North was the home of honor. The Starks were known for their staunch sense of honor. Although that had led to the early demise of many of them in the past.
"My lord?" one of his loyal guards said waking him from his thoughts, "Lord Stark has arrived, he and his retinue have just entered the Dragon Gate."
"We shall meet them, come."
Jon exited his quarters and gathered the rest of his guard. As they walked the streets of the capitol he could see the dire condition the city was in. It would only get worse in the coming days. His eyes spotted Lord Stark and his group of guards. The man gave a small smile and Jon gave one back.
"The years haven't been kind to you, Jon." Eddard said in a mixed tone. As they exited their embrace Jon could see the slight look of japing but the concern in his former ward's eyes was far more prominent.
"Do not worry yourself, Eddard." He knew the northern lord to be reluctant but he still had sway over him and he would not express his worry or least not openly.
"Besides we have much to talk about." The lord of the Vale walked off with his foster son.
The two walked through the city with their guards around them. The two parties received numerous looks. Eventually they made it back to the Tower of the Hand. Jon insisted their guards wait at the entrance of the tower. Eddard found it unusual but nonetheless agreed. Jon sat his old body down resting his bones. Eddard sat in front of him waiting for him to speak.
Instead the elder man slid a large book in front of him, 'The Lineages and Histories of the Great House of the Seven Kingdoms'. Eddard read the title before Jon opened it.
"What is this?" He asked confused as to why the book was in front of him.
"What do you see when you look at Robert's children?" The seriousness in his voice was one he rarely used. The last time he used it with Eddard was when he informed he and Robert of the oncoming war.
Eddard took his time with his response. His mind went back to Moat Cailin when he watched the royal procession leave. Gold and green, that's all he remembered. The queen and her children all had matching hair and eyes. Jon must have realized his findings.
"And what of the remaining Baratheons?"
Ned instantly saw knew the difference, "Jon, even someone as bold as the queen would not dare do this to a king."
"When have I ever led you astray, Eddard? This was something I would not want to be true but it lies in front of us. Robert spends so little time with them he himself did not notice but someone did. Stannis brought this to my attention, even young Shireen shares the Baratheon traits. There has never been a Baratheon child without blue eyes and black hair."
"Who else knows besides Stannis, you and I?"
"No one, this news would not be taken well by the Lord of Casterly Rock. Tywin will no doubt deny it even if he believed it to be true. That man will do anything to keep his family in a place of power."
A deafening silence entered the room. Ned brought his hands to his face and buried it in them. Jon remained silent and let the younger man take in all the information. He could not say he felt better after telling him. He had only put him in more danger. He knew war would follow and it would tear Westeros apart. That didn't bode well for the continent as rumors of the Targaryen children marrying and creating powerful alliances.
The boy Viserys to a daughter of a magister of Pentos and the girl to a powerful khal. He knew not what the boy got from his marriage to the magister's daughter but the girl's new husband supposedly was the most powerful khal roaming the Dothraki Sea, boasting a force of forty thousand fierce dothraki riders.
"Why have you or Stannis not told Robert of this treachery?" The quiet anger in his tone barely contained.
"The Lannisters influence runs deep. They have eyes and ears everywhere. On the council the Grand Maester is a Lannister man through and through and Baelish—."
Ned growled at the man's name. After leaving Riverrun the man had disappeared for years before returning and getting a spot on the small council as Master of Coin.
"—but I planned on doing it soon. Now Robert has gone missing and the Lannisters will rule the kingdom. We must send ravens to Stannis and Renly. We both know Tywin won't allow his family to fall so low again."
Ned sighed, war had come again. Another civil war, he would not let the war touch the North. A fire began burning in him. His best friend had been betrayed and the woman to do so was bold enough to continue on with life and let her bastard sit on the throne.
"Do you know who the real father of these children?"
"There have been whispers but none have been confirmed as of yet." Jon stood up and Eddard mimicked him.
"You must go, keep your hand at ready. The time to call your banners will be soon. If you hear of my demise take this letter to Lord Yohn, he will make sure what needs to be done is done. Lysa has not been right of mind as of late. My poor son still suckles at her tit."
"What do you mean, Jon? You have many more years left in you." Eddard asked concerned for his father figure.
Jon released a dry laugh, "That I do but there are many who wish me dead and I fear they will succeed. That is why I have called for you and informed you of the treachery in this snakes pit we call a capitol."
"I will not leave you to die here, Jon. I will bring the entirety of the North and crush whoever dares to challenge me." His voice rose slightly higher than he intended.
Jon smiled inwardly as the Quiet Wolf once again showed he was fierce as the Wild Wolf. He would need that tenacity in the future.
"Be silent, Eddard. You know me, boy. I will not keep you here and it would look suspicious if the hand left in such a dire time." Eddard saw the smile on his foster father's face and he knew he had accepted his fate long ago.
Ned sighed for what felt like the thousandth time, "So I am to lose you and Robert within two moons?"
"Do not forget your family, your blood. Contact your brother, he has made quite the name for himself in Braavos. His forces will be needed in the coming days. He also holds the biggest threat to the Lannister dynasty."
Eddard's thoughts drifted towards his elder brother. Brandon Stark had left Westeros with riches from his time cutting through the south. His meager company had grown from eight hundred swords to two thousand, mostly infantry with little cavalry. The last time Eddard had seen him was two years ago when he brought his children to see their family in the North. Cregan was a year older than Robb. He was a miniature version of his father in almost every way. Then there was Alyssa, a beauty in her own right. She was a mixture of her mother and father. She had her mother's tanned skin and face with father's long dark hair. Last was little Mauricio, he had the look of his father but his mother's amber eyes.
Then finally his mind landed on his brother's ward, Rhaenys Targaryen. The girl had been lucky her grandfather chose to take her from her mother. Little Aegon did not get that chance, he had died with his mother. Despite his treacherous act of killing the king the former kingsguard protected the little princess until Eddard himself stormed into the throne room. After many minutes of yelling he had convinced Robert to let the girl go back to Essos with his brother.
If he had heard right then Rhaenys and Cregan had become enamored with each other. Brandon had no problem with it as Rhaenys had no desire for the throne. She had seen what it did to her ancestors and how it caused the downfall of her family. Eddard had thought it would bring back memories of Rhaegar and Lyanna but he had long came to terms with those memories and he and his brother would not forsake Cregan and Rhaenys for the foolish actions of others.
"Aye, I will let Brandon know. The girl will be a target for the damned lions. She only lived without fear because Robert trusted Brandon but Robert's boy—I mean the Lannister boy would have no qualms."
"I will do my best to keep her out of harm's way but with the Lannisters having many in the court in their pocket I don't think I can do much. I hear the boy is to be crowned tomorrow, you have to leave now."
"Robert has only been gone but a short time and they've already given up on him?" Eddard growled as they walked towards the door.
"The Baratheon reign is over, for now."
"If Robert is dead, who will succeed him? Stannis is next by law but the man is not liked by many."
"He may not have the charm of his brothers but he is the rightful heir. I highly doubt either Baratheon brother would give one of Robert's bastards a chance to claim, although the boy at Storm's End is highborn."
Jon embraced the younger man before letting him go, "Until next time, Eddard."
He watched the Stark man walk out. He called for one of his most trusted men. Teo Hunter was the second son of Lord Hunter and the brother of the current head of House Hunter, Lord Eon. He was around the same age as Jon and he had served him for over twenty years.
"Teo, make sure Lord Stark and his men get out of the city safely."
The man nodded before leaving to fulfill his duty. Jon went back to sit at his desk. Night had quickly fallen and he was glad for it. Ned would leave under the cover of darkness. The Lannisters would question his brief visit but they would not be able to do anything about it. A knock came at his door.
One of his guards poked their head in, "The queen has called a council meeting."
Jon nodded at the young man, dismissing him. A meeting this late could only be bad news. He was still the hand so he still had a duty to do.
His guard flanked him as he entered the meeting chambers. Everyone was there from the spider to the queen. Though there was a new addition.
"Lord Tywin I did not expect you to be here."
"I've been invited as an honored adviser, Lord Arryn." Emphasizing on his last name indicating he felt he should address him in the same way.
"May I ask why this meeting has been called at such an hour?" Jon inquired.
"The prince will be crowned tomorrow and some things are going to change." The queen said with a smug look on her face.
Jon knew why they had called the meeting, "Robert has not been gone for long and already you will place the crown on the boys head."
"I would watch would I say if I were you Lord Arryn. You won't have the power of the hand for much longer."
"Am I required to stay for the ceremony or can I keep my pride and return to my home?" Eyes moved from the hand to the queen.
"Joffrey has no need for you so I see no harm in you leaving but it would be sensible to leave at first light. The night can be a dangerous place for a man of your age."
Jon gave a slight incline of his head. He would take the threat seriously. The queen had never liked him. After realizing Robert would never truly love her she began her play at securing the throne for her family. Jon was the biggest threat to that and now she had the chance to rid herself of him.
He took his leave as did the other council members but he noticed the grand maester remained with the two Lannisters.
He carried himself in a noble manner as he made his way back to his quarters. Though his mind was in a flurry. He needed to get out of the city as quick as possible. He made it back to his room and began packing. He had already ordered Teo to get his men together and ready to go. His eyes darted in every direction as he approached his horse.
"We are ready to leave, my lord." The eldest guardsmen sat atop his horse.
"Then we shall be off." Jon nodded at the guard standing at the gate who then opened it.
The group of valemen traveled with due haste. Soon the darkness became too much and Jon ordered a stop so they could make camp. They had just made it past Rosby and he had his men on alert. The Lannister's power reached far and wide.
Jon sat in his tent. His mind going through the possible outcomes of the war. Stannis would no doubt press his claim but then again Renly could press his. Jon sighed, Stannis was the rightful heir but the man was as hard as the obsidian that sat beneath his castle. Renly on the other hand was loved by many. But he like Stannis had his faults. The man did not have a mind for war and that could cost him dearly.
Then there were the Lannisters. Tywin would no doubt raise his banners and fight for his family. The man would be a formidable opponent for anyone who challenged him. He had great commanders in his son and heir Lord Jaime. The young man was known to be the best swordsman in the realm. Then Tywin's own younger brother, Kevan and Last Addam Marbrand. The west would surely be a problem.
Jon was snapped out of his thoughts as he felt a sudden heat at the back of his neck. He turned and saw nothing but darkness. Suddenly something lunged from the shadows with speed unknown to Jon.
"My lord!" A scream came. Jon sat frozen as the shadow lunged for him. The young guard who screamed his name tackled him to the ground.
Jon scrambled to his feet as fast as his old bones would let him. His blade out he looked around for any sign of the assassin only to find his savior bleeding from a wound in his side.
"Ser Teo!" He screamed. In less than a minute, men flooded into his tent.
Teo looked down at the dead man in horror, "My lord what's happened?"
"Assassin." Jon answered in a low tone.
Seeing his lord in shock Teo began giving commands. He sent men to scour the camp for anyone suspicious. He also doubled the guard for Jon. The two now sat in the tent alone.
"Jon, in all my years of knowing you I've not ever seen such fear in your eyes." The old Hunter was concerned for his old friend.
The Lord of the Vale remained silent with a far off look in his eyes before speaking one word, "Magic."
I know this chapter is extremely short but I wanted to get it out and it served a good purpose but one the bright side, Jon Arryn still lives, YAY! But seriously Jon could play a big part in the war. I know this still seems like it hasn't changed much but just wait and you'll start seeing more changes in character and the plot. Next chapter is going to be much longer and it's going to throw you guys for a loop (I hope). And I bet you guys are wondering who these guys are who kidnapped Robert and who their mistress is. Well in due time my dear readers but as always until next time, Lknight out.