The Catspaw Succeeded – Healing and Changes

A few notes. Thank you everyone for the reviews. I don't want to give any plot items away – but I will mention that the travel times/distances are going to be an annoyance. GRRM was so vague yet contradicting at times. So I will have to be vague as well when it comes to them. If it's really important to the plot I will specifically mention distances or travel times.

Yes, Catelyn was not the only one who made mistakes in canon. I was just inspired by the idea of her not being around to make hers and the ramifications of that.

I do not have a beta but I do review several time and try to avoid as many spelling and grammatical mistakes as I can. Apologies in advance for any I have missed.

Ned and the girls arrive in White Harbor – with a +1. Cersei returns to Kings Landing to a find it changed from how she left.

- Eddard -

If it was not unbecoming of a Lord, let alone a Lord Paramount, Ned would have kissed the ground as soon as he landed in White Harbor. Ever since his near drowning during a storm in the Bite when trying to reach the North at the start of the Rebellion he had disliked sailing in open water. He picked the fastest boat he could find in Maidenpool and had promised a good sum for the captain to change his plans and sail straight to White Harbor instead of going to Braavos first. He could not, however, get the captain to skip his stop in Gulltown. It was only to pick up a small but expensive allotment of cargo, he was told. Eventually Ned relented. But that short delay turned into a blessing in disguise. While the cargo was loaded the captain brought aboard another passenger. Ned Stark blinked in surprise when he saw the man in front of him. He was older than he had last seen him, with a wind burnt face and gray hair. But even if he didn't recognize him right away those deep blue eyes and the clasp of his cloak would have clued him in.

Ser Brynden Tully looked at his Nephew-by-law at first with shock. The look went to a smile that then slowly died away. "Hello Ned. I am so sorry about Cat and Brandon"

"Thank you, Ser Brynden" Ned replied. They greeted each other by clasping their arms. Brynden grimaced and said "How many times will I have to tell you to call me Brynden?. Or even Uncle if you feel you have to be proper?"

Ned had a small smile for that. "More times than I can remember." The smile disappeared and his face turned solemn. "I will thank the Old Gods for this good luck. You can meet the girls. I take it you decided to sail for White Harbor instead of traveling by road North?" Ned asked.

Ser Brynden nodded, "Yes. I received a raven from Robb about what happened. I drank myself blind in grief that night. The next day I wrote to Lysa informing her I would be leaving the Gates of The Moon and heading for Gulltown to set sail. I told her she could meet me there and we could travel together. I met with Lord Grafton to inquire about a ship for our group when I arrived. He had a message from Lysa waiting for me. She let me know that it was 'much to dangerous for my Sweetrobin to leave the safety of the Eyrie'. I also found out she wrote to Lord Grafton and informed him that not a single ship in the Gulltown fleet could be spared for my travel. Lord Grafton seemed to be quite thrilled to tell me this. He's still has not forgiven those that rose up against the Targaryans"

Ned frowned at this. Internally he was incensed. "I had not thought Lysa to be so cruel. She will not come to say goodbye to her own sister?"

Brynden shook his head in disgust. "That dreamy eyed girl who cried while she married Jon Arryn in Riverrun all those years ago has turned into a paranoid woman. It has become worse since she returned from Kings Landing. She fears plots everywhere and from everyone. I visited her when she arrived back. I received no warm greeting. All I did receive were shrieks and orders to return to my post. She was upset I had left the Gates of the Moon because she needed 'every able bodied man in the Vale protecting her son'. Pah!" spat Brynden. "She is lost to her paranoia, I fear. It's been six years since she birthed her son and she still insists on feeding him at her breast for Seven's sake! I tell you Ned, I fear for the future of the Vale."

Ned nodded in agreement. "I had heard from Robert that Jon planned on having young Robert Arryn fostered with Tywin Lannister. From all descriptions of young Robert I have heard, Tywin would have broken the poor boy. I offered to have him fostered in Winterfell and be with his cousins but Robert refused to change it, Though I doubt he will be going to Casterly Rock anytime soon. He also stated that Jaime Lannister would be named Warden of the East. He refused to reconsider that as well"

Ser Brynden looked troubled at that. "Tywin Lannister wouldn't have broken the boy. That man knows no limit to ambition. He would have eventually had Robert Arryn married and twisted around the finger of some pretty Lannister relation and the Vale would have ended up with a Lannister puppet in charge. And as for the Kingslayer as Warden of the East" - Brynden spat on the deck - "nobody in the Vale would follow that man into battle."

Ned nodded in agreement. Everything he was hearing was making him begin to doubt the veracity of the secret letter from Lysa. He was about to bring up the letter when they were interrupted by a voice. "Father, who is this?" They looked over and Ser Brynden gasped in shock. Sansa and Arya were standing by the door that led to the cabins they would be using. Ser Brynden walked over and knelt down in front of the two girls. He looked them both over slowly. "Your mother wrote to me about you two. Sansa you like just like your mother at that age. But even more beautiful." Sansa preened at this and Arya scowled. She hated how people fawned over her sister. Brynden spoke next to Arya. "And you, her little wolf. You may have heard this too, but I see your Aunt Lyanna in you. I saw her when she was but a year or so older than you when your Lord Grandfather and my brother were beginning the negotiations for the betrothal of Cat to your late Uncle Brandon. I was sent to Winterfell to bring his offer. She was as skinny as a stick like you and the same look in her face. I didn't see her again until the tourney of Harrenhal. She had bloomed from the little colt she was then to the beauty they speak of now in reverence. You no doubt will be just as beautiful as she was. "

Arya stood there, mouth agape in bewilderment. She had always been told she resembled her Aunt Lyanna and that her Aunt had been beautiful. She never could really accept it. But having someone who had never met her before, essentially repeating what her Father had been trying to tell her all along, with such sincerity and emotion behind it shocked her. She was not sure how to take it. She glanced at her Father who seemed to be giving her a satisfied look. I told you so.

Sansa elbowed her back to the present. Sansa had already given her thanks and had been waiting for Arya to do the same. Arya somehow remembered the courtesies she had tried it ignore for years. "Thank you, Ser. Your words are most...kind?" He chuckled at that. Arya then launched ahead with her thoughts. "Are you our Uncle Brynden? The Blackfish? You must be! You have the Blackfish sigil on your clasp! Can you tell me about The War of The Ninepenny Kings? Do you need a squire?"

Ser Brynden started laughing and Ned could see a wet glint in his eyes. "Oh there is the wild and impertinent girl I was told of." Ned could see some of Brynden's sadness lift away talking to his grand nieces. "She despaired at how you preferred to be in the yard and muck around in the mud instead of sewing and dancing. I see what she meant. While I do not require a squire right now, I wouldn't say no to a traveling companion to Winterfell. If your Father does not mind that is."

Arya almost cricked her neck turning her look to her father. He nodded to Arya but added "You will still do your morning lessons with the Septa while we sail. But once we make land we will be riding straight for Winterfell. Since you prefer your horse to the carriage, you can ride beside Ser Brynden. Now, we need to get below decks so these fine sailors can finish their duties and we can set sail. He turned to Brynden. Can you join me after you are settled? My cabin is the next to last on the left.

Brynden nodded and left to settle himself into his own cabin. Later that evening they spoke in the privacy of Ned's cabin. Ned was straight to the point. "What are your plans we have put Cat and Bran to rest? Are you to head back to The Gates of The Moon?"

Brynden shook his head. "No. Before I boarded the ship I sent a raven to both The Gate and to Lysa resigning my position. I intend to go to Riverrun and see Hoster and Edmure. I have received fewer letters from Hoster and more replies from Edmure." Normally he would be thrilled to see Edmure finally taking a larger role but all he speaks of are his 'adventures'. Before Ned could say more Brynden added "Why? Is there something you wish of me?"

Ned nodded. "I will need to be in Winterfell for the foreseeable future. But I tell you Ser Brynden – someone sent that man to murder my son. He was unconscious from a fall from a tower. I know Bran is...was young but he was as surefooted as any animal. There is no way he fell. I fear he was silenced. I may need someone to take our investigation south. Are you willing to take on this role?"

Brynden almost looked disappointed he even needed to be asked. "You know our house words! 'Family, Duty, Honor'. I will do whatever it takes to help you find the true perpetrator of this!"

Ned looked relieved at this. "Thank You, Uncle". Brynden nodded, wished him good night, and departed for his own cabin.

For the entirety of the voyage Brynden had a shadow by his side. Two actually. Brynden was impressed by the direwolf pups. Though they looked as large as good size hounds now. Arya and Nymeria trailed Brynden around the deck of the ship. Arya peppering him with questions and requests about his travels. He did not only spend time with Arya. He spoke with Sansa at mealtimes as well. He spoke of her mother during her childhood. The forced closeness during their journey was healing for all involved.

When the ship arrived in White Harbor they were met by an honor guard. Ser Wendel Manderly, the second son of Wyman Manderly, the Lord of White Harbor, greeted them. "Welcome to White Harbor, Lord Stark. We have an escort, provisions, and a carriage for your daughters ready for you. My Lord Father wishes to invite you to rest for the evening in New Castle, but understands if you would prefer to leave immediately."

Ned looked to the sky and noted the long shadows present. Deciding they would not make it very far before having to stop for the night he said "We accept your father's offer. Let me introduce my daughters. This is Sansa and Arya. We are also accompanied by Ser Brynden Tully. He joined our group when we docked in Gulltown."

Ser Wendel greeted each one of them in turn. Ned and Ser Brynden were given mounts and the girls escorted to the carriage that took them to New Castle, the seat of House Manderly. The direwolves made quite an impression on the people present. The horses became restless and a few men backed away.

After being presented to Lord Manderly in the Merman's Court the party proceeded to their rooms. After cleaning up they ate a late meal and the girls grudgingly retired for the night. Ser Brynden proceeded to the yard to stretch his legs and sword arm after limited space on the ship. Ned was brought to Lord Wyman's solar. Drinks were poured and they began to talk.

Ned began speaking first after taking a small sip. He was not a fan wine but he would drink the sourest Dornish Red at this point. "I know I thanked you earlier, but please, you are in my debt for preparing the escort and provisions for us." Lord Manderly accepted it with good grace. "You are welcome, My Lord. We are forever loyal to the Starks.". There was silence for a moment when Wyman spoke again. "My Lord, we received the raven detailing the need for provisions and an escort. We did receive another raven a few days later formally announcing the tragedy. I understand this was sent to the all the houses of the North. Will there be a gathering of the Lords?"

Ned sighed. "Yes, there will. We will have a private ceremony for my wife and son. After that we will invite the Lords of the North to meet. I know they will have many questions for me. Not just about what happened but what my future plans will be." Noting that Lord Wyman had two young grand daughters, he decided to nip any subtle plots now. "Thankfully, I still have four living children with Cat. Two boys and two girls. My house's future is secure. I will not need a wife for more heirs."

Lord Wyman was a shrewd man and understood the message. "Of course my Lord". "My son Wylis will be a part of the escort. With him going, my youngest granddaughter Wyla could be a companion to your daughters. She is but a year or two older than Sansa I believe.

"Yes, two years I believe". And only one year younger than Robb. Ned saw what Lord Manderly was hoping to accomplish. But Ned knew that he needed to reward the Manderlys for their service, and having Wyla with them would go a long way towards that. "She would be welcome. I noticed she is quite bold, yet still refined. She may bridge the gap between Arya and her sister."

Lord Manderly gave great belly laugh at that. "Yes she is!" Ned and Lord Manderly continued their discussions late into the evening. The next morning the party set forth for Winterfell.

- Cersei -

As the Royal Party approached Kings Landing, Cersei Lannister felt something she had not felt since before she married Robert. Uncertainty. Deep, concerning, uncertainty. She had been pondering what having Stannis as Hand was going to be like. Jon Arryn had been easy deal with. Stannis would not be.

She had been meeting with Lord Renly and Ser Barristan at the inn when the news that Catelyn Stark and her nosy brat had been killed reached her. As soon as she could find out some details and leave without making a scene she immediately went to Jaime. She found him a distance from the inn. He had finished cleaning his golden armor and was sharpening his sword. She immediately began to berate him. "What were you thinking?!" she had shrieked at him. He looked at her in puzzlement.

"What are you talking about?" he demanded

Cersei looked around to ensure they were alone. "The Stark boy!" she hissed. "Why did you do it? Why did you send someone to kill him?"

Her brother looked at her with a serious expression. "What. Are. You. Talking About?!" he ground out slowly. "I didn't send anyone. Are you saying he was murdered?"

Cersei believed him. Cersei could lie as easily as breathing. Jaime though could never lie to her. "Yes!" she said. "I've heard half a dozen tales as to how but I was able to overhear Stark talking to Robert. Someone set the library in that hovel of a castle on fire as a distraction and went into the boys sick room. He killed the boy AND he killed Catelyn Stark as well! This is not good Jaime. Even someone as dull as Eddard Stark will suspect he was killed for a reason. If it had been just the wife it wouldn't be so dire. But that they killed a boy who had been unconscious screams that someone wanted him dead and the wife was just in the way!"

Jaime said nothing. He looked out into the distance in thought. This concerned Cersei. Whenever she brought any sort of concern to him, even ones that could result in them losing their heads he would make a jape and attempt to kiss her to distract her. But he did none of that. He almost looked sad. I don't have time for this! "Are you actually upset about the boy?" Jaime ignored her, picked up his armor, and stalked away.

Cersei had returned to the inn and went her husband. For once he did not have a tavern wench in his room and he was not passed out drunk. He was sitting at a desk that was brought in and he was looking over something. "What does the Hand intend to do now? Go home or continue on to Kings Landing with us?" Robert looked up in annoyance. "Not now woman. I care not for your complaints". Cersei ignored him and sat down in a chair. "If he intends to go home he cannot stay as Hand. Will you finally do as I asked and name my Father as Hand?"

Robert put the paper he was reading and stared at his wife. "Ned is going home. He resigned as Hand. But before we left we talked it over and have decided on a new Hand."

"And?" she asked. "Who did you decide on?"

Robert looked at her and actually grinned. "Stannis will be my next Hand".

"What?!" Cersei yelled "Stannis? Why in Gods name would you name him? You HATE him! How can you slight my Father like that?"

At those words Robert's smile disappeared and a hard expression appeared. "Slight your Father? His daughter is the Queen. His grandson will be the next King. His oh so important legacy will live on. I think he had been honored enough. And I do not hate Stannis. He may be boring and a stick in the mud, but he is my brother. I need someone who I can trust to rule."

"And you cannot trust my Father? Are you saying he would not rule well?" Cersei demanded

"Oh he would rule, and rule well. But not for my benefit. It would be for his benefit. I need someone who would rule with the Crown in mind. Not to satisfy their pride"

Oh how she raged at him. But he would not relent. She was also incensed to find out Robert had also seen fit to punish her son. Robert overheard Starks man describing how he found Joffrey, Sansa, her beastly younger sister, and some peasant by the river. Robert had slapped Joffrey across the face and taken away his sword. All for maiming some peasant. He informed the Hound that Joffrey was not allowed a edged weapon for the foreseeable future. He refused to believe her son over the word of some barbarian guardsman!

Joffrey was also behaving odd. Ever since that day he was sulky and short tempered. He refused to tell her what was wrong. He would normally be this way for a few hours after Robert punished him but it never lasted this long before. He also refused to have Clegane guard him now. He insisted on having that buffoon Trant guard him. And she had no time for Tommen's crying. At least Myrcella kept herself well composed.

As they rode through the city and towards the Red Keep she had to hold a perfumed silk to her face. She hated the road but she did not miss the stench that filled this city. As they arrived at the Red Keep she noticed something was amiss. It took her a while to figure it out but she noticed the men at arms. Normally, at her insistence, the outer walls and gates leading to the Red Keep were guarded by Baratheon men but once inside the gates and especially in Maegors Holdfast it was Lannister men. The number of Lannister men had outnumbered the Baratheon men by 3-1. But she only saw a handful of Lannister men now and most were outside the walls of the Red Keep. As they exited the carriage and traveled to the Royal apartments she continued to only see Baratheon men. From a window she saw the Crowned Stag flying from the top of the Tower of the Hand and realized Stannis had already arrived back in the capitol. This must be his doing! she thought.

As she and her family settled into the Red Keep she waited for her maids to appear. But the ones who did come to her she did not recognize. "Who are you? Where are my maids?" she demanded

They all looked down at the ground until one spoke up. "Your Grace, we are your maids. The ones before us left the Red Keep. We have been assigned to your service by the castle Steward"

"And WHY did they leave my service without my leave to do so?" Cersei was livid. Her maids were one of her primary sources of information. She learned many things from them. They spread out across Kings Landing when not working and she paid well for their information.. She had learned about the affair between that wretched little flesh monger and the trout throug them. She also had several pieces of backmail on members of the Kingsguard. They all broke their vows of chastity except for Selmy. Oakheart had a secret paramour, some Crownlands daughter here at court, but the others went to various brothels. She had been compiling that information. But now she would have to start all over with new informants. At least those inside the Red Keep.

"We do not know, your Grace. The entire castle staff was interviewed by the Hand and Ser Davos after he arrived. Many were dismissed after that. For those the Steward didn't replace by promoting, Lord Stannis brought in from nearby villages.

Cersei was starting to shake with rage now. Stannis had no right to interfere in the staffing of her household. She immediately left her room and stalked to the Tower of the Hand. Boros Blount trailed behind her – huffing and puffing as they went. When she reached the outer door to the office of the Hand she saw Ser Barristan and a bearded man. He was wearing fine clothes that were ill suited for someone so...common looking. She did not bother knocking and barged into the room. Stannis was seated at the desk and Robert was seated in front of it. They looked up in surprise as Cersei came in. Before anyone could protest she started her tirade.

"How dare you dismiss my servants! You have no authority over MY household. I demand that you bring them back. And why do I not see the Lannister guards in the Red Keep as well?"

Robert looked to Stannis as if to say "I told you so". Stannis then stood up. "Please take a seat, your Grace. I was just finished explaining to my brother some of the changes that I have implemented for the safety of his Grace, for you, and for your children."

Robert stood from his chair. "I already have a headache from this copper counting. You can complain all you want but I have agreed with what Stannis has implemented. Make your grievances to him but I wish you luck changing his mind." Robert followed this up with a laugh and departed. Barristan Selmy departed with him.

Once the door was shut she started again. "Our safety? Why would we not be safe? We had plenty of fine soldiers guarding us!" Cersei said hotly. "And what does that have to do with my servants?"

Stannis looked at her and without any emotion said. "Yes, there were many soldiers. Lannister soldiers. It was unbecoming of a King to be primarily guarded by soldiers not of his own house. I dismissed the majority of the soldiers back to Casterly Rock and I brought replacements from the Stormlands. The number of Baratheon and Lannister soldiers are now at the ratio as Kings of past. And since I am also allowed a contingent of men as Hand, it makes the Red Keep even more secure for Robert. What with them being loyal men of the Stormlands."

Cersei couldn't believe this. "Those soldiers are from house Lannister and paid for by House Lannister. There was no harm in keeping them.

Stannis shook his head. "No, they were not being paid by House Lannister. I have a new young maester with me here. Pylos is his name. He earned a rare white gold link at The Citadel in the study of a monetary discipline called finance. He is quite good at untangling matters of coin. He has been reviewing the Crowns expenses for me. Littlefinger has been distracted lately and did not protest. Maester Pylos noted that despite the princely sum of gold sent every moon by your father for the expenses of 'Lannister' men, it actually was the Baratheon coffers that they were paid from. When the expenses were paid for each month, the Lannister gold was not enough to cover YOUR expenses. So the Crown paid for them. Since Robert is the crown, they were paid with Baratheon gold."

"My expenses!" shrieked Cersei "I do not have expenses. I am the Queen! I am part of the Crown!"

Stannis almost looked like he was about to smile. "Yes, you are Queen. And normally your expenses would be covered by the Crown's accounts. But when you married Robert you insisted on having your wardrobe, your jewels, your barrels of wine, soldiers, and staff paid for by your father since the amount budgeted by the then Master of Coin was 'a pittance compared to what was required for a Lannister.' I was Master of Ship when this happened. If I recall, I believe you barged into the meeting of the Small Council then as well ". Cersei made a face like she had bitten into a lemon. Stannis continued. "Ever since then your expenses were to be paid by your father After Pylos dug through the Crown's household accounts he was able to determine the Crown has been subsidizing your spending for over 10 years now. "

In a reversal of roles Cersei was now grinding her teeth in frustration. "The crown has been borrowing money from my Father for years. He is owed quite a lot of money. If what you say is true, then Lannister gold has been paying for them!"

Stannis nodded. "The crown does owe a substantial debt to your father. And Robert shares the blame as well with all his feasts, and hunts and tourneys. But your spending also contributed to it. When the gold provided by your father was not enough to pay for your soldiers, as well for all the dresses, and wine, and jewels you had to have, the Crown was forced to borrow from your father to pay for the things he was supposed to be providing the gold for. With a substantial amount of interest I might add. I've seen the figures. It turned out that the more you spent, the more gold your Father earned!"

Cersei never was one for numbers. Despite the maester's best effort, she never was good at sums as a child. She did not care how much something cost, or who paid for it. She was a Lannister. And now a Queen. A Queen did not care what something cost. "I want those men back and INSIDE the Red Keep. I want my servants back and I don't care how much Littlefinger has to borrow from my father or at what interest it is!"

Stannis was beginning to show impatience now. "If you want to them back, write to your Father if you must. Ask him to fund your needs. But I have already sent him a raven stating we will not be borrowing from him anymore. But from now on, if your expenses for each month go over what is provided, the difference will be taken out of what is sent for the next moon. At the rate of your spending the last few months before your trip north, even with the cost of the soldiers removed, Pylos estimates that all the gold your father sends will be used for overages within 4 moons."

Stannis paused to let this sink in. "As for servants in the Red Keep that were dismissed, I had my men do some discrete checking. It was found that many servants were taking bribes for information, stealing, or giving outsiders access into the Red Keep itself. After the death of Lady Stark at the hand of an unknown intruder, I found it prudent to shore up security here. The Master at Arms, Ser Aron Santagar, agreed with me. So did Lord Commander Selmy when I spoke to him earlier. We wouldn't want anything to happen to Robert, would we?"

Cersei stood up and leveled one last glare at Stannis. She stormed out of the office – the door slamming against the wall as she flung it open.

Ser Davos Seaworth walked into the office with a small smile. "My Lord, I would never presume to ask how your meetings go, but there is no need to ask about this one. I think she could have been heard all the way to Flea Bottom".

I know I took some liberties with Pylos. But he's described as young but very smart. And I had to have a way to explain the findings. Stannis has now ensured that the majority of men surrounding Robert (and himself) are loyal to them. For those wondering about Littlefinger, we shall hear from him soon.