Chapter 2
(Winterfell, 281AC)
Benjen Stark walked through the corridors of Winterfell greeting all the men and women of Winterfell as he makes his way to the courtyard to receive his brother Eddard and his wife Ashara Dayne Stark.
When he had received Ned's letter those months ago he had no idea what was going on, Ned was going to make himself King? The North was going to war? Father and Brandon weren't coming home? The letter left Benjen with too many questions and not a week later the news came that his father and brother were killed by the Mad King, and his remaining brother was being called a traitor to the realm, it had shattered his world and Benjen had found himself using the tasks Ned had given him to distract him from the pain of his father, and Brandon's deaths.
Benjen could see the sea of tents and the large number of campfires the men use to cook and keep themselves warm, the last time he was informed there were over fifty thousand men-at-arms gathered with about seven thousand fighting men that joined up with the different army groups, and more people were coming every day.
Eddard's orders had most of their bannermen bringing their own supplies with them before they gathered at Winterfell, it made sure that Winterfell didn't have to strain themselves to feed all those men, there were also hunting parties going into the Wolfswood from time to time so everyone was well fed.
Ser Rodrik Cassel the master-at-arms of Winterfell was drilling the men daily to make sure everyone stays sharp, and the fighting men that had no formal training were being trained in the basics so that they can fight as part of the army better, others have taken up Rodrik's example and making sure that the entire army keeps their skills sharp for what's to come.
There was a lot of grumbling when the Northern Lords had arrived at Winterfell and Eddard the one who Benjen call the banners wasn't there. Benjen knew that some of the lords didn't like that Eddard was raised in the South instead of the North, some had doubts that he was a true Northman but those were the lords that favored Brandon over Ned. But none of them doubted Eddard's martial skills. Benjen himself knew nothing of war but he believes in his brother and hoped he would survive the war and bring Lyanna home.
News from the South of Eddard crushing the largest of the Loyalist forces of the Vale had reached Winterfell, the tales told of Eddard clad in full plate grey armor with blood-red runes glowing as he cut a path of destruction through the city, leaving only the dead in his wake ultimately ending with him killing the leader himself with two throws of a spear that gutted the man then tore his head from his body. The lords were initially surprised by the news but soon enough they started praising Eddard for as they called it "showing those southern bastards the might of the North", the stories spread over the army and the men were more determined than ever now that their new Liege Lord leading them already secured a victory for the North, letting them all know he is a fierce direwolf worthy of the Stark name.
He had received a raven saying Eddard was in White Harbor along with his wife Lady Ashara Dayne Stark who Benjen now knows is pregnant with Ned's child, and Benjen is happy for the news that he will be an uncle despite all the bad that has happened.
Benjen arrived at the courtyard to see the household of Winterfell waiting there for his brother to arrive, he nods to Ser Rodrik, Vayon Poole, Maester Luwin that has replaced the previous Maester who died falling down the stairs several months ago, and the other members of the household, Lords Umber, Karstark, Dustin, Ryswell, Glover, Mormont, Manderly, and Bolton was there as well.
Twenty minutes later Eddard rides into the courtyard looking regal and powerful atop his warhorse in his full plate armor covered in blood-red runes that glow, he had his direwolf helm on which he takes off when he comes to a stop before Benjen.
Benjen noticed how his brother's shimmering silver eyes soften as they lock eyes his brother gets off his horse and walks to him pulling him into a hug, which lets him feel safe and loved even though his brother had armor on.
"It's great to see you, Benjen," Eddard said with emotion.
"Welcome home Ned," Benjen said, equally emotional.
They break apart after a minute and Benjen finds kind purple eyes watching them, he looks at Lady Ashara Dayne Stark atop her horse wearing furs and riding breeches looking at home in the North even though it has been over a year since she married his brother, she is still as devastatingly beautiful as she was when he first met her all that time ago, Benjen could see how his brother had fallen in love with this woman.
"It is good to see you again Benjen, and I am sorry for your loss," Ashara said as she hugged him tightly.
"Thank you and it is good to see you again Ashara," Benjen spoke as he returns the embrace.
His brother greeted the other lords and a war council was planned to be held the next morning, Eddard said he had an announcement to make at the feast that was being held for his return and asked that all the northern lords be present for it, when that was done Benjen lead him to their father's solar that was to be Ned's now, Ashara, Ser Rodrik, Vayon Poole following them into the solar the maester was dismissed by his brother.
"How many men do we have as of now?" Eddard asked from his seat behind their father's desk looking as if he belonged there.
"We have fifty thousand men-at-arms from all the northern houses put together, around fifteen thousand are mounted on horseback, of those five thousand are heavy cavalry with full plate armor, the rest are light cavalry with half plate armor or ringmail and studded leather armors, twenty-five thousand can serve as both heavy and light infantry with around a quarter of them having full plate armor, the rest are half plate armor with ringmail and leather armor, we have five thousand archers armed with powerful longbows, the remaining five thousand are spearmen. The seven thousand fighting men that joined up can serve as reserves for the archers, spearmen, and infantry groups, when we don't have them protecting our baggage train, hunting for food, or acting as scouts for quite a few of them are very talented woodsmen." Ser Rodrik reports.
"That is almost the full strength of the North, did they leave adequate forces left to protect their lands while we are at war?" Eddard asked.
"Yes they did, I spoke with each of them and they assured me that their lands were well protected," Benjen said, speaking for the first time since they entered the solar.
"And the forces for House Stark and House Stark of Sea Dragon Point?" Eddard asked.
"Twenty-five thousand of the thirty thousand men-at-arms of House Stark of Winterfell will be marching with us to war, giving us five thousand men for heavy cavalry in full plate armor, five thousand for light cavalry in half-plate armor, ten thousand heavy infantry in full plate armor, two thousand military archers and three thousand spearmen," Ser Rodrick reports and Eddard nods looking pleased with the news.
"As for the forces of House Stark of Sea Dragon Point, half of them are staying back to secure the Sunset Coast from possible attack, so we will only have fifteen thousand men-at-arms coming with us of which only five thousand are mounted heavy cavalry with the rest being heavy infantry," Ser Rodrick finished his report.
"Good, I don't know if Benjen has told you but I plan to crown myself as the first King of Winter since Torren Stark bent the knee, the North will no longer be bound to the Iron Throne we will rule ourselves again as one kingdom," Eddard said to Ser Rodrik and Vayon Poole.
"He did My Lord but are you sure you wish to do this now, why not wait until after the war?" Vayon Poole asked.
"If we wait until the war is over it will be too late by then, Eddard needs the North fully united behind him so he doesn't just win this war but dominates it. The Rebel forces have three leaders in Eddard Stark, Jon Arryn, and Robert Baratheon, Robert has a Targaryen grandmother so some of the Southern lords will be pushing for him to take the Iron Throne for someone has to or the Seven Kingdoms break away from each other," Ashara spoke surprising everyone in the room including Benjen himself only his brother Eddard wasn't surprised.
"Ashara is right, we the North needs to enter this fight with where we stand clear to everyone so no one gets this confused, that this war is a war for justice for what the Targaryen King and Prince have done to the Starks not a war for the Iron Throne," Eddard said firmly silencing the room.
Benjen was a bit unnerved by how much Ned had changed since the last time he saw him, the way he carries himself and speaks one would think he has been a lord for years not just a few months ago, they talked about a few more things then his brother and Lady Ashara went to clean themselves up for the feast later tonight.
A few hours later the feast was in full swing with everyone having a merry time, people were eating with a grin and drinking without restraint, men were making jokes and telling stories, and some men and women were dancing or talking intimately like he would sometimes see his older brother Brandon do with a few of the serving girls.
If he closed his eyes Benjen could for but a moment forget that he lost his father, brother and possibly his sister as well, he could forget that the people that he can see feasting might never come home from the war.
He wasn't granted such an escape though as the guilt he bore continues to remind him of his sins.
There was a banging sound from near him that reverberated through the hall silencing everyone, he looks to his side and saw his only living brother Ned rise from the high table.
"My Lords, it warms my heart to see that so many of you have answered my call to arms, and on behalf of House Stark, I thank you all for your loyalty and faith in my family. I will continue to prove worthy of it. To the North!" Eddard gave a toast with a smile on his face.
The smile on Ned's face grew wider as all the people in the hall cheered his name and that of House Stark.
"I know you all are aware of why I have called all the banners for war," there was a string of curses and hate-filled shouts after those words from Ned, but they only stopped when he raised his hand for silence. "So I won't repeat it again, this will be a fight for justice and vengeance for all that those Targaryen Kings have done to the North since Torren Stark bent the knee!" Eddard's words came out in a vicious snarl that made all of the men jump to their feet with looks on their faces that promised death to their enemies.
Benjen could feel the rage and the hatred for the Mad King along with Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. He felt as if he was slightly suffocating with the mood of the hall yet as he takes a glance at Ned, he sees his brother looking perfectly at home with all the noise of hundreds of shouting angry voices.
"But I will not ask you all to die in a war just to gain the justice and vengeance the North is owed," Eddard raised his hands to stop all the lords that looked ready to argue with his last words. "That does not mean we won't fight in this war, we will be and you have my word on that. If I am going to lead men and women of the North to fight in the South for yet another king sitting on that Iron Throne, then I will make sure it will be worth the price we will have to pay!" Eddard said loudly, making all the assembled lords look at him in a mixture of anxiety, hope, and disbelief.
"I Eddard of House Stark of Winterfell, Lord Paramount and Warden of the North, declare as of this moment that no northerner will ever pledge their fealty to another king but the King that sits on the Throne of Winter! We are of the North and followers of the Old Gods! We are of the blood of the First Men! We have ruled ourselves for thousands of years and we will rule ourselves once more!" Eddard's words were said with a powerful voice that touched the hearts of every person in the hall.
"The North knows no King but the King in the North whose name is Stark, you have my blade, King Eddard Stark!" Lord Jeor Mormont of Bear Island declares as he drew his sword and bent the knee.
"Ha! Finally, we can throw off the rule of those sister-fuckers. All their Kings and not a single one were worth the loyalty, the gold, and the lives we gave to them! What right do they rule me and mine? What do they know of the North, of our way of life? It was the dragons we bowed to and all the dragons are dead, while their riders are all mad fools that set the realm ablaze for that stupid chair of melted swords. You have my sword, my loyalty, and my life King Eddard Stark!" Lord Jon Umber shouts as he draws his sword and bent the knee to Eddard.
"House Reed has always held faith with House Stark from the moment we bent the knee. The magic of the Old Gods has gone dormant for centuries but it has been steadily growing stronger in the last century. I stand here now to say that, I can see that you are the one chosen by the Old Gods as their champion to bring their power and rule back to this land. I pledge the eternal loyalty of House Reed to King Eddard Stark a true King of Winter reborn!" Howland Reed said with a reverence that moved those that saw it.
Benjen watched with wide eyes as more and more lords of the North bent the knee to his brother, pledging themselves to him as the King of the North.
The celebration lasted until the next morning with many of the lords passed out drunk from all the ale they had consumed.
The official coronation ceremony was held a few days later for his brother Eddard to be crowned as King of the North with Ashara Dayne Stark as Queen of the North, the crown his brother wore was reforged from the original crown of the previous Kings of Winter.
It was now made of a silver-white metal with runes running along the length of it that glow a pale white-blue color, it had a trio of direwolf heads with two facing the sides and one facing forward, small bronze blades running the length of the crown pointing upwards, three similar blades were joined with the direwolves, two behind the ones facing the sides and the last one coming from the maw of the facing forward running down to rest on the forehead of the wearer, it was the crown of a warrior king.
Ashara's crown was similarly made of silver-white metal with pale white-blue runes running along the length of it, but it was feminine in design and had Amethyst gems encrusted in the crown.
Benjen himself was now a Prince and his brother's heir until his child was born.
The melancholy that had taken hold of the North after the death of their Lord and heir, was now replaced with a burning fire of hope, pride, and determination with Eddard as their King.
The army moved out a month later, Benjen looked at the lines of men and women in a tight formation that they were drilled in until they could maintain it on the march without difficulty. His eyes move to their shield and armor that now have the protection runes engraved on them, thanks to Eddard working with Mikken and the other blacksmiths to make sure that everyone had some extra protection going into the war.
The runes are not as strong as the ones that Eddard had for his armor but would let them tank blows that would normally kill them for a time, they all had the same gaps in their armor as anyone else and valyrian steel still cuts through their armor the same as if there was no protection.
"Benjen!" Eddard calls out to him prompting him to turn to see his brother walking toward him.
Eddard was wearing new armor that he had found in Winterfell's secret vaults; the breastplate was made of a silver-white metal with three folded layers, a direwolf on the chest along with runes of bronze in patterns along the sides of the armor. The shoulder pauldrons were folded, rounded, and ended at a point with four direwolf claws of bronze. The neck was lined with midnight-black wolf fur. The gauntlets were made with three layers of thick silver-white metal with a thick bronze spike knuckle to punch or block a sword with. The grieves cover the legs from the thighs to the soles of the feet in layers of silver-white metal with bronze designs and runes on it. A long-sleeved shirt and pants made of midnight-black metal that gives protection underneath the armor and a layered silver-white metal skirt cover his upper thigh and crotch area from attacks.
A pure white cloak with a direwolf head of bronze thread on the back, a midnight-black wolf's fur lining the collar of the cloak, and a bronze chain tying it to the armor.
The helm is made of the same silver-white metal, it frames the head perfectly with only his eyes, nose, and mouth exposed in his hands.
The armor was made during the Age of Heroes for future generations of Starks so they would be prepared for the return of the Others according to the carvings that were on the base of the pedestal the armor was found on, it had protection runes vastly more powerful than what Ned said he can recreate on his own, it can withstand valyrian steel as if it were a normal sword but the armor wasn't the most shocking thing found in the vault, that honor belongs to the blade strapped across Ned's back; the legendary blade the original owner of the name Ice.
The original Ice is a crystal greatsword with a handle made of weirwood and wrapped in leather covered in runes, the blade of the sword is as wide across as a grown man's hand, seven feet long, and is alive with moonlight and has a faint blue glow, it is extremely sharp capable of cutting through ringmail as if it is silk.
The blade is naturally cold, emanating a chill that is able to cover a metal blade in frost, and shatter a steel blade in a few blows. It is made of an unknown substance with ice-like attributes, as tough as valyrian steel yet carries half the weight.
The only sheath that could hold it was the one it was found in and it was made out of weirwood with straps of bronze metal on it covered in runes.
Ned had left the valyrian steel greatsword Ice in his solar until he decided what to do with it after the war.
"You are the Stark in Winterfell and I need you to look after Ashara and the child or children until I come back, I am counting on you brother," Ned says, holding Benjen's shoulder tightly and looking him directly in the eyes.
"You have my word that nothing will befall them on my watch, so go and bring Lyanna back home Ned," Benjen said, locking eyes with his brother.
"I will do my duty as the King of the North and the head of House Stark, Ben I promise you that," Ned said then turned away abruptly moving towards his warhorse.
Benjen frowned at his brother's words but knew better than to press the issue after what happened in the Godswood a week ago.
(A week ago, Winterfell Godswood)
"I'm sorry, what did you just say Ned?" Benjen asked in a very nervous tone of voice as he looked at his older brother, now his king sitting down on the trunk of the ancient weirwood heart tree.
"Don't take me for a fool Benjen, you heard me perfectly the first time but I will repeat it once more time," Eddard looked at him with cold eyes that made him feel like he was naked in a blizzard. "Did you know that Lyanna was going to run away with Rhaegar Targaryen before it happened?"
Silence lingered after Eddard said those words and Benjen hated the silence for it felt like he was being crushed under the weight of his brother's cold eyes, and the knowledge of what he was responsible for.
Benjen shifted nervously, his breath came out as raged breaths and he felt parched even though he was just drinking with Ned before they came here.
Throughout all his discomfort Ned just sat there like a frozen statue, not moving, not blinking, not speaking and if not for the puff of white from his breath Benjen would think he didn't need to breathe.
Benjen wanted to keep his promise to Lyanna and stay silent, but from the look on Ned's face that was not an option for him at all. He could try to lie but he couldn't do that before a weirwood heart tree as that would damn him in the eyes of the Old Gods, and his brother forever.
So reluctantly he opened his mouth and told Ned everything; Lyanna being the Knight of the Laughing Tree, him covering for her when she snuck off to meet with Prince Rhaegar, the love letters that she asked him to help hide then destroy after she left. Everything.
When he was done Benjen felt a large weight had been removed from his shoulders, the guilt that has been eating at him all this time has been greatly lessened but it was in no way gone.
Now he had to face the punishment he justly deserved for causing the deaths of his father and Brandon.
"You will not be joining the Night's Watch. You will be given a Lordship and you will be married to a northern woman of my choice," Eddard said as he stood up from the tree trunk with frigid eyes that held no warmth.
"No! I need to pay for what I did! I killed them! I am the one that should have died-" Benjen's words were cut off by his brother punching him in the face and knocking him on his ass.
Benjen felt pain all over his face and neck from the punch, he had never been hit by his favorite brother for anything before and he looked at Ned with shock clear on his face.
"Never say that again!! Brandon chose to go to King's Landing without a thought to the consequence of his actions! Father chose to risk it all to save an impulsive son despite knowing he was walking to his death! Lyanna has never wanted to take up the responsibility of the position she was born in and only wanted to enjoy the benefits! She used your love and loyalty to get what she wanted without a thought to what it would do to you Benjen!" Eddard shouted at the top of his lungs frightening Benjen.
No one spoke after that for a few minutes before the silence was broken by Eddard.
"There is enough blame to go around for what has happened and you carry only a small amount. So you will do what you are told and repay your debt to House Stark by ensuring that our family bloodline continues to grow. As for me, I will have to clean up the mess that our sister made and get justice for our family while fighting a war I never asked for," Eddard said firmly yet his eyes held a deep hurt and betrayal that wasn't being shown on his face.
Benjen sat there for a few moments looking into the eyes of his brother that had always put his family, his people, and his friends first, break.
"I always wanted to know the truth; did he kidnap her? Was she tricked to go with him? Did she try to escape when she heard the news of what happened to their family? What was she apologizing for as she lay in a bed of blood? Did she mourn for her Silver Prince or for her family?" Eddard's words were said with a voice void of all emotion. "I guess I finally got the answers to those questions. It is as they say "be careful what you wish for" if I didn't know this I would have still fought to save the architect of our family's tragedy but now, the only family I have left are you, Ashara, Robert, Jon and any children I have in the future," tears were flowing down his face as he spoke those final words.
It was the scariest thing he had ever seen; watching Eddard Stark break from the actions of his sister and then watching as wherever love he had for her turned into a cold frigid indifference that sent a shiver down Benjen's spine.
He couldn't move, he couldn't offer any help or comfort to the person he always thought was unbreakable, and he couldn't even register some of the things Ned had said.
Benjen just sat there as Ned wiped the tears from his face then he walked out of the Godswood in silence with heavy footsteps.
It was only a few minutes after Ned left before he started to cry, whether it was from sadness, shame, guilt, or relief from not having to live with that secret anymore he could not say.
(Present time)
Benjen shook those memories away and as much as it hurt him to watch his brother become this man that can't even say Lyanna's name without a tone of cold indifference, as if she was not his sister that he loved. It was worth it as it made their relationship stronger than before.
It wasn't perfect by any means, he still wants to go to the Night's Watch and he still wants to make Ned forgive Lyanna for everything, but he can't risk pushing Ned on this as he doesn't want to see his brother like that ever again.
Waiting beside his brother's warhorse was two massive direwolves that stood shoulder to shoulder with the large warhorse, the fur of the alpha Silverfrost was silver-white matching Ned's armor and the other one had midnight-black fur making Ned call her Midnight, they were two of a pack of direwolves that Ned had brought back from the Beyond the Wall years ago but had refused to bring them South until now, a female direwolf with snow-white fur named Winter has become his sister by marriage Ashara's constant companion, a younger male direwolf with grey fur he called Skrull has become his companion.
The rest of the pack that wasn't too young or had pups to look after was going to join the army South, giving Ned around two dozen direwolves at his command.
His brother's new Royal Guard was already mounted and waiting on their king, they wore full plate armor with bronze protection runes on it, their shields, and all their weapons. Benjen had known a few of the men that now comprise this new elite group for years and yet ever since they performed some ritual with Ned to join the ranks they have changed drastically.
He didn't know what happened and Ned refused to tell him, but those men now gave off a wildness or an aura of ferocity that wasn't there before, it both reassured him and made him very nervous.
He was mostly glad for whatever had happened as it meant that there was a greater chance of Ned coming back home alive, so Benjen watches his brother march out with the Northern Army at his back and hopes Ned returns with Lyanna alive.
While Eddard was in the North gathering his army for the march South into the Riverlands things have been progressing in the other Kingdoms.
The Vale has finished off all pockets of loyalists in their territory and is fully united under Jon Arryn, they had around thirty thousand men-at-arms with fifteen thousand of them being light and heavy cavalry, ten thousand light and heavy infantrymen, two thousand military archers and three thousand spearmen, they also had five thousand more fighting men from levies, free-riders, and hedge knights.
From the letters Jon sent Eddard they are planning to take the crossing at the Trident then fight their way through to taking Saltpans and then taking as much territory as possible on the eastern side of the Riverlands. Once they are done there they will hold the position until either Robert's Stormlands army meets up with them or Eddard's Northern army joins up with them first.
Things in the Stormlands were going greatly in the Rebel's favor; Robert struck the loyalist forces en route to their rally point around Summerhall defeating three separate loyalist forces in one day, he captured the leaders of said groups and their heirs. The lords were executed for treason to their liege lord and their heirs were given the choice of pledging their loyalty to Robert as their Lord Paramount or going to the Night's Watch.
Their families were then ordered to present themselves to Storm's End where the young children will be fostered in the castle until they are of age to ensure that the next generation is loyal to House Baratheon.
Robert did not extend this kindness to House Connington as the head of their house Jon Connington was the main instigator of the loyalist movement in the Stormlands. Robert also hated Jon Connington with a passion so he killed all the men over twelve years old and sent the women and children to the Silent Sisters, and the Sept stripping House Connington of all lands and titles, all the lands of the former noble House Cunnington was claimed by House Baratheon.
The Stormland lords that have remained neutral are now pledging their support to Robert against the crown, if things continue Robert will have the entire Stormlands united under his banner in a month's time.
Robert sent letters to both Jon Arryn and King Eddard Stark in regards to the army of the Stormlands, which stands strong with twenty-five thousand men-at-arms at present, ten thousand were light and heavy cavalry, twelve thousand were heavy and light infantry, a thousand archers and two thousand spearmen.
That number is expected to grow as his rule of the Stormlands continues to stabilize.
The lords of the Reach were being called up by their Lord Paramount to muster their forces to fight the Rebel Lords, though given the size of the army of the Reach along with all the politics involved. They are taking their sweet time in making proper preparations.
The Dornish army was slowly being gathered from all over Dorne at Sunspear and nobody was under the illusion that they are fighting due to loyalty to the Mad King.
The Westerlands and the Iron Islands are making no moves to join either side of the conflict at the moment.
As for things in the Riverlands, the kingdom was split between the lords supporting the rebels, and the lords loyal to the Crown. House Tully is supporting the rebels but it is not by choice; the Mad King has declared them traitors and has made a royal decree to have them stripped of their lands, titles, and their place as the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands.
Every Lord that had an axe to grind with Hoster Tully was using this chance to destroy his house and elevate their House to being the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, by being the ones to deliver Hoster's family's heads to the King.
Only Houses Mallister, Vypren, Blackwood, Wayn, Vance of W.R., Smallwood, Piper, and Keath were allied with House Tully, the rest of the Riverlands were against them.
House Tully was slowly losing with most of the Riverlands against them, their ravens are routinely shot down so they couldn't reach out to the other rebel factions. Hoster and many others wondered why the King had declared House Tully traitors when they did nothing, some just assumed that the King is now fully insane, and the greedy opportunists didn't care about why they were just glad to have the chance to gain the Riverlands for themselves.
The truth of Aerys sudden decision to call for the death of House Tully was something that would never come to light as it was Eddard Stark who told him; Eddard used his gift as a greenseer to give Aerys a dream that made him aware of some of those that plotted against him since before Harrenhal.
Eddard did this not only to force Hoster Tully's hand in honoring their alliance without forcing himself or Jon to marry Hoster's daughters but to set the board in a way that their enemies and allies are clear from the start.
The fact that it made a certain family from the Riverlands an enemy waiting to be destroyed was a coincidence and nothing more.
Eddard knows that Hoster Tully would never accept him taking Catelyn as his second wife under almost any usual circumstances, as his grandchild will not be first in line to inherit the North.
But with the situation changed as it has, he has a good chance of convincing Catelyn's ambitious father to marry her to Elbert Arryn, making her the Lady of the Vale.
Eddard loved Catelyn as his wife for over eighteen years and as the mother of his children, but he has had ample time to let go of such feelings for her and now only wishes that she lives a happy life where she belongs, in the South.
As for Lysa Tully, Eddard wanted her nowhere near Jon after he learned she had killed him for her lover Baelish. Eddard knows Baelish only used her as a replacement for her sister Catelyn.
With her marriage to Elbert Arryn, Catelyn will be the Lady of the Vale making her much closer to Baelish than before but Eddard is not worried for her as she is a loyal woman that takes her vows seriously, plus Elbert is far better looking and far more charming than Baelish making it very unlikely that Catelyn will ever be tempted by him.
Eddard had accepted a long time ago when he realized he had the chance to change things that he will probably not have the same children in this life, but he would not and could not give up on Ashara now that she was alive again, he chose honor and duty over being true to himself before which he will not repeat the same mistakes again or will he live his life with the same old regrets.
Almost a month after marching away from Winterfell the Northern army under the command of King Eddard Stark entered the territory of the Riverlands, officially joining the war against the Mad King.