A song unsung
This chapter you'll be seeing a lot of Robb. You'll see a person who's been missing. His appearance should shed some light on some things but not a lot and it might give you some ideas of the future of this story. Oh and before I begin this chapter I want to thank a few authors for their help. VVSINGOFTHECROSS, SarellaMartell and jjsmith5, thank you guys for the help and the inspiration.
Chapter 8
299 AC, Unknown Location
King Robert
"Bastards, why won't you cowards come face me?" The true king of Westeros roared.
This had been his routine since his first day awakening on the ship. He didn't know how long he had been a prisoner. His days were spent in a small dark room. Small rays of light snuck in through the cracks in the wall. The darkness felt unnatural, every bit of light that snuck in the room seemed to be swallowed by the shadows. The only constant light was from the small hole in the door in which his nigh existent rations of food and water were delivered.
"Shut yer fucking mouth, king." One of his guards drawled in his foreign accent.
"Why don't you make me, coward?" Robert rushed the door with his chains clanging behind him, slamming his fist into it.
This time the guards remained silent. The imprisoned ruler didn't know how long he had been gone, a moon or maybe two he guessed. His mind drifted back to his last day in Westeros.
He was going to see his best friend—no his brother, it had been too long. He was going to make amends for his foolish actions over the years. The north and the south would be united in marriage, Ned's daughter and his son. But the Gods had other plans. He had made numerous amounts of enemies during his reign. They included the remnants of House Targaryen, House Greyjoy, the pirates of the Stepstones and many more within his own court.
Robert wasn't the brightest of men but he was no fool. The Lannisters had solidified their power in the royal court over the years. He wanted to do something about but he was too busy drowning in phantom pains.
"I've dishonored my father. I am not worthy of being king, I never was." He silently cursed himself.
"Robert!" His head snapped up to see his dead father seething in anger.
"Father?"
"You've dishonor me and your name and yet you continue to do so."
"You're not real, my father died long ago!" Robert screamed.
"I am here boy. The Gods have deemed it fit to send me back. You have failed as man, as a brother, as a father and as a king." The image of his father glowed with the legendary fury of the Baratheons, "A failure."
Robert listened and each word hit true. Whether his father was really there or not he was right. From the darkest corners of his mind rose anger, fury.
"I never wanted any of this!" He swung his hand at the spot where his father once stood only to hit air.
"What are ya' yapping on about in there?" One of the guards screamed.
The sound of heavy boots hitting the ship's deck could be heard. The guards grew silent as the footsteps neared. Soon they stopped in front of the door. Robert could hear whispers but nothing more. He brought his arms up to shield his eyes from the sunlight as the door swung open.
A low chuckled sounded off, "Are you so fragile that the morning warmth breaks you?"
Robert brought his arms down to see the giant who cut him down. An instant fury grew inside of him but an even stronger feeling of weakness quickly quelled it.
"For a savage you're well spoken. Not like the rest of these bastards."
The large man smiled, showing his sharp teeth, "There are very few of us who are allowed to be educated by the mistress."
Robert wasn't a man who feared easily but the man in front of him seemed to exude fear. His tone was low, almost a whisper but it carried far. He stood with confidence and Robert knew firsthand that he could carry himself in battle.
He shook the unfamiliar feeling, "Who is this whore of a mistress you—."
Robert never finished his sentence as he found a large fist in his gut. The man stepped back and gave Robert a fierce glare. His tone was dangerously low. It sent shivers up the spine of a man once feared as a demon in battle.
"Never speak of the mistress in such a way. It is only her mercy that is keeping your heart within you."
"Fuck you and your mistress!" Robert roared in defiance.
A massive fist collided with his face sending him to the ground. Hit after hit his face soon became a bloodied mess. His breaths were ragged and his limbs heavy. With little strength he had left he looked up.
"Who are you and what do you want from me?" Robert barked out.
His captor quickly changed from angry to cheery once again. The man's sudden mood changes made Robert weary in his weakened state.
"Apologies, I am Zomoyo of Sothoryos, eternal servant of our lady mistress. As for what we want with you, you were in the way of things so I was commanded to remove you."
The legendary Baratheon fury returned, "In the way, I am the king! I am the way!"
"Unfortunately for you, that is the exact reason for your removal. Now behave, we will reach our destination shortly and everything will be clear." With that the man exited the room and Robert Baratheon, the deposed king was once again left in darkness with only the whispers of his dead father to fill his ears.
Winterfell
The winds of winter were coming. The present wind made sure that it was known. Bone chilling cold could be felt as it passed. Robb stood in the godswood of Winterfell as he had become accustomed to in the time of his father's injury. It had been a fortnight since his father had arrived with his head wound. In the godswood he felt at peace but it was where he came with his problems.
He was a fervent follower of the obscure Old Gods. So when word came about his father and then his betrothed he instantly asked why it had to happen. He didn't get answers as of yet but they did bless him with the companionship of his direwolf, Grey wind. The growing pup sat beside him. He was the biggest of his siblings. The direwolves were great additions to the family, loyal to their masters. Although his lady mother kept his younger siblings from their intended partners the Stark children visited them in the kennel. Their mother had been healed and brought to her pups. She behaved far better than Robb expected an adult direwolf to.
"ROBB!" The heir of Winterfell snapped his head towards the direction of the scream.
He took off running to the entrance, following the familiar voice of his sister, Arya. He quickly came upon her and she was shaking, not with fear or sadness but with joy.
"Father is awake!" She didn't give him any time to reply as she turned and ran off.
Robb didn't waste any time, taking off after her. His mind raced as joyous thoughts filled him. Once again the Old Gods answered him. Now the only prayer left unanswered was—No. He quickly banished such thoughts and focused on his father's good health.
He burst through the door of the room he visited many times. Arya was already there, as were the rest of his siblings, including his natural-born brother. But they were not the ones he was focused on. His father gave him a rare smile.
"Robb." The father and son embraced, "I heard you performed well as Lord in my absence."
"I had the best man in Westeros to teach me."
"I've also heard of the foolishness of bringing direwolves into our home." Lord Stark said with his eyes on Grey Wind.
Robb opened his mouth to explain his actions but his father held up a hand, effectively silencing him.
"But before we get into that your mother showed me the letter." Robb didn't need to be told what letter.
"I'm fine father we can't do anything about it anyway."
"Aye, we can't. Lord Tyrell was always an ambitious man. Perhaps even more so now that his mother is with the Gods."
"Ser Arthur said as much. I suppose we will have to find me a new wife." It pained him to say it but he had a duty as heir of the north.
Ned looked to his wife and he saw the pain in her eyes. No mother wanted to see their children hurt. He himself felt bad for his boy but he couldn't give him what or rather who he wanted.
"In time son but for now we prepare for what's to come."
"Prepare, what do you mean father?" Jon asked speaking up.
"A new king is going to be crowned. That means new oaths will need to be sworn. All the Lord Paramounts will be summoned to king's landing."
"My love you've just awoken, you need rest." Lady Catelyn put her hand on her husband's shoulder with a concerned look in her eyes.
"I've rested long enough, but I'm sure there is time before Robert's boy calls for me."
Just as Lord Stark predicted Prince Joffrey had been crowned and now he called for the Lord Paramounts to come and swear new oaths to him. He had only been up for a week before the raven came. He enjoyed the time he had with his family. He settled things with the direwolves, although his lovely wife was still upset with him for allowing the children to keep the beasts. Even he had one, after the children picked theirs out their mother seemed to gravitate towards him.
Now he was leaving again, to that Gods forsaken place they called a capital. It wasn't war but it was dangerous nonetheless. He was going into a lion's den. With Robert gone Tywin had no doubt secured his family's hold on the throne.
He wasn't going alone. On his right sat his son and heir Robb. He wanted him to come and see how things worked in the capital and he had begged his father to let him come. On his left sat his commander, Ser Arthur Dayne. Behind them was his personal guard, no more than thirty men. All trained to be better than the rest of the realms soldiers, the best of the best. He and Robb also had their direwolves accompanying them.
"My Lord, if we wish to make it to White Harbor in proper time then we should leave at once." Ser Arthur said advising his liege.
Lord Eddard nodded, "Take the men to the gate, I will be there shortly."
The knight nodded, he commanded the men to follow him. Eddard was left with his wife and son. He watched as Robb said goodbye to his mother before going to join the rest of the men. Lady Catelyn held a longing look in her eyes as she watched her son ride off.
"You worry too much, my lady." Catelyn said nothing as she planted a tender kiss on her husband's lips.
"Take care of our boy, Ned." The Lord of the North nodded stiffly before riding off with his men.
They had been traveling for a few days when they decided to make camp. White Harbor was only a day's ride away. They would reach the seat of the Manderlys the next day.
Lord Stark spotted his son sitting by the lone fire in the camp. He wore his usual stern look but as his father Lord Stark could see the pain and anger hidden behind his eyes. The liege lord of the North stood up and went to his son.
Robb was so enamored with his thoughts he failed to see his father approach him, "What's on your mind, Robb?"
Although he already knew what his son what thinking of, he wanted him to say it out loud. He remembered when he first told Robb of his betrothal to the Beauty of the Reach. He told him that she would be his best friend for life, as opposed to telling a boy of eight years that his fate had been decided when he was but a babe. As all kids were he was excited to meet her. Ned had corresponded with Lady Olenna about sending Margaery to Winterfell as Robb would not be traveling south if it wasn't absolutely necessary. The Queen of Thorns agreed and would accompany her granddaughter north. The Tyrell ladies made it safe. The children were children and clashed at first but time went on and the bond grew tighter.
"I can't let her go, I won't let her go." Ned's face tightened as he prepared himself for what he was about to say.
"Robb, you know there's nothing to be done. Margaery is out of our reach, she is betrothed to the soon to be king. Things are already strained between the Lannisters and the Starks. We do not need to make an enemy of the crown."
Robb remained silent. Ned released a sigh and set his hand on Robb's shoulder. He gave it a firm squeeze before walking away.
Grey Wind ran around his mother, Winter, nipping at her heels. He smirked at his direwolf's name. It was a play on his house words, her ashen coat was similar to direwolf that stood as the sigil with his family. Though she did have a small amount of white mixed in there.
The idea of keeping mythical beasts such as direwolves as pets seemed mad at first. He witnessed the connection his children had with their companions, he experienced it firsthand. Winter didn't seem to leave his side. He felt something he couldn't explain.
"My lord." He turned to his right seeing his good friend Ser Arthur.
"We're amongst ourselves, Arthur, no need for such formalities."
The dornishmen visibly relaxed, releasing all of the tenseness in his muscles. He sent a frown in the direction of his closest friend as they stood at the edge of camp.
"I haven't seen you in such a foul mood since Robert suggested killing Rhaenys."
Eddard snorted, preferring to keep those memories in the past, "I fear our time of peace is over. War is coming back to Westeros once more."
"What makes you so sure, Ned?"
Ned kept silent before turning to his most trusted soldier. Arthur narrowed his eyes in concentration. His old friend hadn't actually been himself since his awakening. No one else noticed because they were happy he was awake again but Arthur noticed.
"The Gods came to me while I was out." A short moment of silence came between them, "I dreamt of many things, I only hope not all of it comes to life."
His answers were vague but Arthur would not force the issue. He had lived through war and peace. The last war nearly cost him his soul but he was saved, Lord Stark saved him. He was betrayed by a man who he thought could be great only for him to succumb to madness.
"Whatever is to come." Arthur put a hand on Ned's shoulder, "I'll be at your side no matter what."
Eddard smiled breaking his usual frozen exterior for a moment. The two men sat in front of the fire speaking on their times as children for the next twenty minutes before retiring to their own tents.
The night came and went. The sun was still rising into the sky when the northern group broke camp and continued their journey to White Harbor. The rest of the trip went unbothered. They were welcomed with open arms by the sons of Lord Wyman Manderly.
"My lord, the city of White Harbor is at your service."
"My lord Father is waiting for you in the main hall." Ser Wylis informed them.
Eddard nodded, he and his party followed the sons of White Harbor. As they walked through the halls of New Castle the northerners looked on in interest at the castle built in reminiscence of the Manderly's former seat, Dunstonbury. The Manderlys, all though they had been in the north for more than a thousand years, they never really let go of their roots of the Reach. They still worshipped the seven and they weren't as cautious with their coffers as their fellow northmen.
Statues of the Manderly sigil, the merman were everywhere. Extravagant colors littered the wall. Many treasures were shown, likely to show the wealth of their house. The sightseeing had come to an end as they approached the great hall.
Eddard was not surprised when he spotted the Lord of White Harbor sitting upon his seat. His fat overflowed over the sides of the chair. He could see why the man's own people called him Lord Lamprey. Nonetheless Lord Wyman was one of his most loyal supporters.
"Lord Stark, I hope White Harbor has been accommodating."
"Lord Manderly, I thank you for your continued support." Ned said avoiding the question he could not really answer as he had just arrived.
"House Manderly owes House Stark everything, my lord. We will never stray from your side. You will always be able to count on us." Lord Wyman said in a voice that betrayed his seemingly helpless appearance.
"It has been a long day my lord. My men and I are weary from our travels." Ned told the large men.
"As is expected, my lord." The large lord waved his eldest son Wylis over to him, "Show Lord Stark and his men to their quarters for the night."
He turned back towards his liege lord, "The ship will ready after we break our fast, my lord."
The Lord of the North nodded before being led off by Wylis. After being shown to their rooms Ned and his men stayed in for the night. The morning would bring the second half of their journey to the capital.
This chapter isn't as long as I wanted it to be but I felt the need to put something out. Next chapter will be exciting I assure you. Some people will do things you expect them to and some will do the unexpected, until next time, Lknight out.