AN: I don't own nothing, you know the drill.
The road to King's Landing had been a perilous one. Many brigands were on the kingsroad and more than once James was attacked, but he beat them back. He would have no safe haven until Winterfell, along the way small folk would give him looks, being a man of the Night's Watch. He was clad in black from head to toe, as was the right of his order. Along the way he had stopped at a few inns, most people took notice to who he was and around the North it seemed the word had spread about his duel with Jaime. Most Northerners had taken to calling him, "The Black Wolf" asking details from the duel; most telling ridiculous versions of what actually happened. It had it's advantages as, most inn keeps would never make him pay; which was good because he needed the money for the boat from White Harbor to King's Landing. The watch gave him a small pouch with some coppers, stags, and even a few dragons from James's personal collection. James would laugh at what some servant wench at one inn he stayed at near Queenscrown, named Bethany told him. That James had turned into a wolf himself and defeated the Kingslayer. After a few days of hard travel he finally arrived at Winterfell, Robb had opened the gates for him immediately when he was told James was outside asking for some respite.
When James rode through the gates he found Robb standing there with a few guards, even Maester Luwin was there, and Rickon. Bran was nowhere to be found, but probably in his bed resting. Robb looked ever the Lord with a doublet of grey and some black breeches. James went to the stables and ran over to them, Rickon ran over and flew into James's arms laughing as he than threw him into air. Robb shook his hand hard and James swatted it aside and gave him a hug, even attempting to hug Luwin who just laughed and shook his hand. James demanded to see Bran and he walked to the sickroom with Robb and Luwin; talking.
"How has Bran been?" James asked as he walked in between Robb and Luwin, a few guards following behind.
"He has been, sad. To say the least." Robb said sounding like a lord. "Summer stays at his side most of the day, but he can't walk yet. Sometimes at night, he has these night terrors. He wakes up screaming in his own sweat." Robb frowned, "He won't tell me what he dreams of."
"It'll be at least a month before he can attempt to put all his weight on his foot." said Luwin, "It was my fault for not noticing it was broken, a sprain would've been better."
"There is more to this picture." said James seriously, "I received the raven mother sent me. Who would want to murder, Bran?"
"The Kingslayer." said Robb to James's shock, than he realized his mother must have told them.
"Mother told you, didn't she?" asked James when Robb gave a nod, and Luwin put a hand on James's shoulder,
"She had to, I don't understand why you didn't."
"Because, the Lannister's would've murdered me if they'd known I had remembered."
"Damn them. Damn all of them." said Robb, James turned to him.
"We must keep this under wraps. I plan to uncover the truth of all of this in King's Landing, I know I was sent there now for a reason; i just don't know what the reason is."
"Any news of father?" James asked, as Robb began to explain of the fiasco on the Kingsroad. How Nymeria had bitten Joffrey and it subsequently led to the death of Lady.
"Damn that women." James cursed at how Cersei had ordered the execution of Sansa's beloved wolf. Lady was nice and kind, she picked up all of Sansa's qualities. James loved that wolf as much as he loved his younger sister.
Soon they were outside the sickroom, the door was closed and James was anxious; to see Bran after his fall. He had a feeling that Bran remembered, but was to scared to say anything about it. He would try and coax the truth out of him.
"I'd like to speak to Bran, alone. If you wouldn't mind." James said as Maester Luwin and Robb nodded, both walking off.
James opened the door and found Bran laying in bed, his bad foot propped up on a stack of pillows. He was sleeping and Summer was laying down by his side and his head raised up in wonder, when James opened the door. He than jumped off the bed and walked over to him; panting. James bent down and scratched him behind the ear as he took a seat next to Bran and gently nudged him awake. Bran slowly opened his eyes, he turned his head to look at James, his eyes widened as he rubbed the sleep out of them.
"Robb?" he said rubbing his eyes again, propping himself up.
"James!" he yelled as James took him in a hard embrace, he felt Bran's smile in his shoulder.
"I'm glad to see you! I thought everyone had left, but I'm glad you came back." Bran said joyfully, "Why are you here?"
"I'm on my way south, to King's Landing. On a recruiting mission. I thought I'd stop by and visit for a day."
"But you are a ranger. How can you be doing recruiting?" Bran said looking perplexed.
"The Lord Commander seemed to punish me for overstaying my welcome."
"But you were visiting, your family."
"You tell him that." James said before putting a hand on Bran's shoulder, "Bran…we have to talk about what happened."
Bran got angry and laid down facing away from James. "I don't remember anything." he spat out, "Why does everyone keep asking me."
"Because we care." James said,
"Bran look at me in the eyes." James demanded as Bran propped himself up and looked hard at him.
"Now tell me what you remember." James demanded as Bran got angry again, "I said I don't remember-"
"-You're lying." James said as he noticed Bran had looked down towards his feet when he said he hadn't remembered anything, "You always look at your feet when you lie, mother says so. Now tell me."
Bran remained silent. "Gods Bran, I was there that day. I know what I saw, I saved your life. You can tell me."
James noticed Bran had tears beginning in his eyes as they started to flow; James than hugged him tight as he began crying hard in his shoulder.
"Tell me about these, dreams." James said, padding him on the back as he wept,
"In my dreams I see them every night, their golden hair as bright as the sun, but I can't see their faces. Than all of a sudden he pushes me and I fall." Bran was crying harder now as James just hugged him, hoping he could personally send Jaime Lannister to the deepest of seven hells.
"And who is this person?"
"It was both of them." Bran said as that threw James back, he hadn't noticed Bran said 'they.'
"Who?"
"Jaime Lannister and the Queen."
"Cersei?" James asked him in shock. Why would Cersei be there with him?, "What were they doing up there, Bran?"
Bran retracted from his shoulder sniffling, he wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "They were doing what grown ups do. She was making weird noises and he was kissing her."
"Gods.." James said throwing himself back in his chair, Cersei and Jaime. The thought made him want to retch, the image of the Lannister twins swam in his head. And to think I actually had sex with a women who fucks her own brother…
"Bran are you sure it was her? Are you sure it was the queen?"
"Positive. She kept yelling about how I saw them."
"Ok, Bran. I believe you, but I don't want you telling anybody about this. I've got to go." James said as he gave Bran one last final hug.
"You have to leave, so soon?" Bran asked as James walked out of the door, he turned to answer him,
"Yes, it's important that I tell father of this. He must now."
Bran gave him a nod and went back to sleep as James ran to the courtyard. He ran over to the stables and demanded his horse, he realized he had to make it to King's Landing with haste, to tell his father what he had just learned. He hopped on Lyanna and turned her around to find Robb and Maester Luwin running after him, panting.
"What's the matter?" asked Robb as he was breathing hard, bent over.
"We saw you running, is something wrong?" asked Luwin,
"Bran remembers." James said, high on his horse, "He told me what I feared. It was Jaime Lannister, but it gets worse. The queen was with him and they were coupling when he saw them, that's why Jaime threw him out the window."
"Seven hells, the Lannister twins are in an incestous relationship?"
"Indeed, brother. That is why I must go now."
"Not without some more food." Luwin said as he ordered some salted beef, bread, and a wineskin brought to James immediately. The servant came over and packed it into James's knapsack when Robb got closer,
"You won't want to stop on your way down south. Ride forward, with all haste."
"I wan't no word of this spoken, keep it amongst yourselves. I need to get to father and tell him of this when I arrive." James said looking at both of them, "Goodbye."
He gave them a nod and kicked Lyanna forward as he made his way through Winterfell's gate's for the second time today. "Now to King's Landing, Lyanna!"
-x-
Since his trip to Winterfell, James had ridden for the capital with all haste. As if the wind was pushing him along, the news Bran had told him was one he expected to hear, except for the part about Cersei. Bran had seen her and Jaime having sex in the First Keep, and for that he almost paid with his life. James made good time on the Kingsroad as he made his way past Torrhen's square, for White Harbor. A ship was waiting to take him to King's Landing there, and he needed to be on it now. He finally arrived. White Harbor was a port-city located on the eastern shore of the, White Knife. It is clean and well-ordered, with wide straight cobbled streets that made it easy to walk around. The houses were built of whitewashed stone, with steeply pitched roofs of dark grey slate.
James left Lyanna at the nearby stables that was near the Sea Rock. He than made his way to the port and met up with Storm Dancer, the ship that would take him to the capital. It was a vast vessel with sixty oars, captained by a Tyroshi named Moreo Tumitis. Hailing from Tyrosh he can speak the Common Tongue fluently. He has sailed the narrow sea for roughly thirty years, as everything from an oarsman to finally, captain. The Storm Dancer is his fourth ship and fastest.
The voyage was a smooth and the wind was with them. James had no choice but to choose the galley, since it was the fastest ship they had to offer. He didn't, however, trust the Tyroshi as he knew they were notorious for their avarice. James often not chose to spend his time below deck; opting to spend time just with himself and his thoughts. His thought's constantly were on how he would tell his father the news, he knew he couldn't tell him so soon; for out of fear of his father doing something rash. He must tell him at the perfect moment, and James would know when that time would come. Surprisingly, someone he didn't expect was on his thoughts: Cersei. Bran's truth had sent chills down James's spine, the thought of Cersei and Jaime together was ever on his mind. It was an abomination to all Gods and Men, certainly, but James found himself wanting Cersei, like when she came to him after the feast. He couldn't explain why, but he did, even though the incestous relationship should've revolted him.
On certain occasions he would go up to the deck and watch the oarsmen row, or if he felt like speaking to the captain. Moreo often spoke of his adventures at sea, or which whorehouse was best in King's Landing, and even spoke of Tyrosh. When he finally noticed who James was, he told him how he had sailed his mother and Ser Rodrik to King's Landing not to long ago. He spoke of her urgency and how the 'old man' kept retching. At some points James would go to have a meal in the Captain's quarters with him. He would tell him stories of the Wall and what was beyond it, even recounting the duel with Ser Jaime; which even Moreo knew about and the oarsmen too. Some would call him 'Black Wolf' as he would walk by them. Soon within a few days they finally arrived into Blackwater Bay, and the Capital came into view.
James knew that three hundred years ago that city would've been nothing, but forest and fishfolk. It wasn't until Aegon the Conquerer decided to sail from Dragonstone and conquer the seven kingdoms that thing's changed, and it was there that his army landed; putting up a city made of earth and sticks. Now the city covered the shore as far as James could see; manses and arbors and granaries, brick storehouses and timbered inns and merchant's stalls, taverns and graveyards and brothels, all piled none on another. The fish market was alive with people and James noticed crooked alleys and streets that were so narrow. Soon, Visenya's Hill came into view and it's seven crystal towers stood majestic by the Great Sept of Baelor. Than Rhaenys Hill stood with its huge black dome, collapsing into ruin. The Street of the Sisters ran between them, straight and true. The city walls rose in the distance, high and strong. Soon enough, looking down upon them all from Aegon's Hill was the Red Keep, seven huge towers crowned with iron ramparts, an immense grim barbican, vaulted halls and covered bridges, barracks and dungeons and granaries, massive curtain walls studded with archers's nests, all fashioned out of pale red stone. Aegon the Conquerer had ordered it built, but his son Maegor the Cruel finished it. According to Old Nan, Maegor had killed every stonemason, woodworker, and builder who labored on it. Only the Targaryens knew it's secrets. That's where father will be…James thought looking at the Tower of the Hand.
Finally the Storm Dancer, docked at the Harbor by the Blackwater Rush and James docked off. He gave Moreo a dragon and some stags for his hospitality, which he greatly appreciated and made his way to the Mud Gate and the entrance of the city. When he entered he found the streets were dirty and the air reeked of fish. Children would play in the alleys and women were airing their laundry out of windows when suddenly two mounted gold cloaks approached him, one was the Commander, James could tell. And the other was a scrawny olive skinned man with black hair, and brown eyes. Gold Cloaks were no soldiers, just men who joined for the promise of food and some money.
"James Stark", the Commander said as he walked his horse up to him, "I'am Janos Slynt, the Commander of the City Watch, and I've gotten word from Jeor Mormont to escort you to the inn he has provided for you by Eel Alley on Visenya's Hill near the Red Keep."
Janos Slynt is a stout man, with jowls and a bald pate. He is frog-faced and built like a keg. "Very well," said James as the olive skinned gold cloak dismounted and offered his horse, which James mounted. They were walking the streets towards Eel Alley both of them in front while a column of Gold Cloaks walked behind them. James got looks as he walked by as most small folk noticed his black clothing. They spoke of arrangement's for Janos to bring recruits for the Night's Watch, in due time. James told him he was in no rush and the man only nodded, the rest of the way was in silence when finally they made it to the inn and he got off the horse handing it to the stableboy outside. Janos Slynt soon departed as James took his knapsack into the inn, which was a nice moderate one. The inn keep approached and ordered his belonging's brought to his room, as two cooks brought out ale and mutton soup for James to eat. He wolfed it down and paid the inn keep a few stags as he went outside and found his horse to go to the Tower of the Hand. The sun was blazing hot when he finally arrived outside the gates of the Red Keep. It was crimson red with thick stone parapets, some four feet high, protect the outer edge of the wall ramparts. Where the heads of traitor's are traditionally placed on iron spikes between the crenels at the gatehouse. The walls have great bronze gates and portcullises, with narrow postern doors nearby. The immense barbican has a cobbled square in front of it. Behind the walls are many small inner yards, vaulted halls, covered bridges, barracks and dungeons and granaries.
James noticed that a few gold cloaks were guarding the gate as he walked his horse to it, and they forced him to stop. "Who goes there?" a fat gold cloak yelled as they crossed their spears denying James entry.
"I'm James Stark, a man of the Night's Watch here to talk to my father, Lord Eddard Stark. The Hand of the King." he yelled as the fat one nodded and bid him entry. The Red Keep was a majestic sight as he made his way to the Tower of the Hand, departing from his horse. The Tower of the Hand is the chambers of the Hand of the King. Its Small Hall is a long room with a high vaulted ceiling and bench space for two hundred. The private audience chamber is not as large as the king's, but has Myrish rugs, wall hangings, and a golden-tinted round window that give it a sense of intimacy. The Tower also has a solar, and a garderobe. The tower has tall windows. He made his way up the stairs as most of his father's household guard were noticing him, offering their hello's. He was outside his father's office when he gave it a knock. He heard Ned's voice on the other side as Jory Cassel opened the door,
"James?" Jory said wide eyed as he opened the door and James walked in, he shook James's hand as Ned looked up from his desk reading a great brown book with yellow crusted pages, he walked over and gave James a big hug. He was wearing brown boiled leather over a grey shirt, with black breeches.
"What are you doing here, boy?" Ned said pulling off from the hug, "Aren't you supposed to be up at the Wall?"
"Yes father, I'd say you are right, but Mormont felt otherwise."
"What do you mean?"
"He feels that my I've forgot my place and I'm here on a recruiting mission." James said when Ned laughed,
"You're a ranger! You shouldn't be here." Ned scoffed, "But the Gods work in mysterious ways. So tell me, where are you staying?"
"In some inn in Eel Alley." James said as he heard Ned scoff again, "Non sense, you can stay here in the solar." Ned turned to Jory, "Send five of my guard to retrieve James' belongings in that inn, and make sure to pay the inn keep."
"Yes, my lord." Jory said as he walked out of the room
"Yes father, but that will be for later. We need to talk." James said as they both took a seat, he was about to tell him about Bran when they heard a knock on the door, James turned around in his chair as Arya was standing there in riding clothes, her eyes widened as she saw James.
"Father, I'm here to tell you that I've broken my fast with Sansa and I'm going to my dance les-JAMES!" she yelled running over to him as he ran out of the chair and she jumped into his arms, showering him with kisses again,
"What are you doing here?" she yelled again, "I'm so happy to see you."
"Here on a recruiting mission, Arya."
"Recruiting?" she said perplexed, "You must've gotten in trouble."
James laughed, "Yeah tell me about it. Anyway, I'd like to go see Sansa, take me to her."
"She is in the Solar with Jeyne. I'll take you there."
James and Arya took their leave from Ned as Arya led him to the solar. She was leading them down a hall when she began to talk,
"Did you see Bran?" she asked looking up at James as they walked,
"Aye, Indeed I did. He is doing very well, and should be able to walk soon."
"Hopefully, he can come down here and stay with us when he can walk again. I miss teasing him." Arya said with a smile, James laughed,
"I think you'd have to talk about that with father." They made their way further down the hall when James had to ask about the Kingsroad situation,
"When I visited Winterfell, Robb told me about what happened to Lady and Nymeria." James said as Arya frowned,
"I hate Sansa." she yelled, "Sansa, the King, the Queen, and stupid Prince Joffrey. It's all his fault Lady died, and that Nymeria is gone. He lied and so did Sansa."
James stopped her and brought herself to her eye level, "Don't say the Arya, the wrong people could be hearing." James took in a breath, "You don't hate Sansa. She was brought before the Queen and forced to call the Prince a liar. She had no choice."
Arya gave a shrug and looked down at her feet, "I don't hate her….not really."
"Good…at the end of the day we're family. And family stick together." James said as he got up and continued walking, they arrived at the solar,
"Even though Sansa wished me dead, instead of Lady." Arya said as James felt anger rise in him at that comment,
"She…did not."
"She did, but I ruined her dress with grapefruit."
"Why?"
"Because she was telling me how when she is queen I wouldn't be able to talk back to her."
"I'll speak to Sansa, don't worry." James said mussing her hair, "Have fun at your dancing lesson."
"It's not really dancing lessons. Father arranged me to learn water dancing with a sword master, his name is Syrio. I like him."
"Oh really, maybe I can see you in action." James said as he mussed her hair again, "Now, you don't wanna be late." she smiled and ran off as James entered the solar,
The solar was big with a large table in the middle, for the household guard to eat at. It was a long table with what looked like over a hundred chairs. The private quarters for his father and siblings were in each corner and there was a big window in the back that let in light and it shone over the table. Sansa and Jeyne were eating at the table, laughing, as Septa Mordane was at the end eating her porridge. James stood there waiting for them to notice and Sansa turned around, a smile appeared on her face, soon Jeyne noticed him too and he winked at her; she blushed. Sansa rushed out of her seat and ran to James's arms, her head placed on his chest. Since they were kids, Sansa always was close with James. He would always listen to her and understand her when she got mad, and everyone would take Arya's side. He would take time out of his day to play with her when she was little; they'd play knights and dragons and he would rescue her from the evil monsters. Jeyne was standing behind her, as he brought her in for a hug as well. Sansa led them back to the table to continue breaking their fast, as a servant brought James some wine. He said hi to Septa Mordane as well and continued to sip his wine as Sansa spoke,
"This is a nice, surprise." said Sansa as she was eating some porridge as well, "I didn't expect you to be here, James."
"I thought not to be here, Sansa. But, I was sent here to find recruits, and here I am." James said with a smile, he noticed Jeyne was staring at him and he met her eyes, she darted her stare down back to her food in an instant,
"Godswood," James said, as Jeyne looked up at him and smiled, "Godswood," she repeated, James saw Sansa smiling too.
"What are you talking about?" asked Septa Mordane, "Oh, nothing, Septa." James said as he took another sip of wine and winked at Jeyne,
"No, what is it? Jeyne, is blushing."
"Nothing, Septa. I just told Jeyne how lovely she looks today." James said as he looked at Septa, back at Jeyne and winked at her,
"Well that is very nice of you, James."
"Thank you, Septa."
"Jeyne Poole, remember your manners. Say thank you to James." Septa reminded her,
"Thank you, James." she said smiling at him, her brown eyes moist,
"Your welcome, Jeyne."
James took another sip of wine, "So, what have you two been up to?"
"Oh, nothing. We're waiting for the tourney for father." Sansa said wiping her mouth daintly, "There is supposed to be a feast, and hopefully I will get to talk to Joffrey." she giggled and Jeyne joined with her,
"That Joffrey is no good for you, Sansa." James said as they stopped laughing, "You deserve someone better, he is a snake."
Sansa looked at him, angry. "What do you know about him?" she spat, "Joffrey is handsome, funny, and kind. I hope to give him beautiful children."
"For a start-" said James, "He is cruel. Arya told me about what really happened on the Kingsroad, and Robb did too."
"Did she? Well it's all her fault," Sansa was raising her voice, "If she wasn't playing with the butcher's boy, Lady would still be alive."
"And if the prince decided to not brandish steel upon the boy, Lady would still be alive." James said as he could tell the situation was getting tense, with both Septa and Jeyne quiet.
"Not true! If Arya wouldn't act like such a little monster and be a proper lady, it would have never happened."
"Oh Sansa, at times you are such a child." James spat out, as he took another drink of wine.
"I'm not a child, I'm to be a queen." Sansa said smiling,
"Queen's don't wish death upon their own sister, do they?" James said staring at her, as he noticed the smile wiped off her face, and she looked ashamed,
"I didn't mean to say that." Sansa said in a small voice, "She ruined my ivory dress, the one the Queen gave me."
"And so, you tell her she deserved to die?" James said angrily, "Sansa, I thought you were better than that."
"Well I'm not the one who dishonored the family by joining the Night's Watch, am I?" she said spitefully, James got angry and he could feel the Wolfsblood boiling in him, fist's coiling, he look around and could tell Jeyne was nervous, she probably sensed his anger. Sansa just stared at him and she was about to speak when he cut her off,
"I think, I've lost my appetite for this wine." he said getting out of the chair and bowing to them, "Ladies," he said making for the door, as he heard Sansa call out his name, but he ignored her. As soon as he walked out of the solar and closed the door he heard Septa Mordane scolding her, he decided to see Arya sword dance and made his way for the small hall of the Tower.
-x-
He turned right and made down the hallway, trying to hear the sounds of clashing swords. He stopped by a window and decided to look out and just look upon the city, trying to quell the wolfsblood. He was still angry about what Sansa said, it would seem nobody in his family would forgive for joining, and they would never understand. James has never told anyone but his parent's, his reasons for taking the black, just because he was too ashamed to admit why. His sibling's have always asked, and every single time he has denied them. As he looked out the window, it brought memories of when he told them three years ago on his name day; in the Great Hall. It was raining outside as they gathered around the table for the night's feast, James was seven and ten. When he told them, they all got angry; so angry that Robb broke a plate and Sansa cried. None of them would talk to him for days, and it hurt him; more than any sword blow. Suddenly he was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard a women call his attention from behind,
"James Stark!" she yelled as he turned around to see it was Cersei. She was standing there in a crimson dress with gold lacing's about it, she had two Lannister guards with her. She was still looking beautiful with her golden hair let down on her shoulders, resting. The smile on her face was huge, but all James could think of was Bran. Feeling anger rise in him again, he quelled it and put on a smile bowing to her.
"Your grace," he said as she ordered the guards to stay back there, she got close to him. James noticed the tops of her breasts creeping from her bodice, and he couldn't stop staring. She snapped her fingers at him and he looked up embarrassed,
"Up here, James." she said smiling, those green eyes melting his thoughts away,"I'm surprised to see you here in King's Landing, I got word from the Gold Cloaks that you had arrived earlier on a recruiting mission for the Watch."
"Indeed, your grace-"
"-Cersei" she said smiling at him, "How many times must I tell you? Call me, Cersei."
"-Indeed, Cersei. That is why I'am here." James said as he found himself smiling, the anger gone. It was if Cersei had him under some spell, and he wasn't mad at her anymore.
"What are you doing later today, James?"
"Not sure, probably going to look for recruits. Why?"
"Oh, you don't have to do that tonight. I want you to have dinner with me, Tommen, and Myrcella. I command it." she said smiling, as James laughed,
"I don't think I can say no, to the Queen."
"Good. I will send someone in the late afternoon to escort you to my solar in Maegor's Holdfast."
"I will be there, Cersei."
"Great, now tell me, where is your father?"
"In his office, reading." James said, "Ok, James. See you, tonight." she said tapping him on the shoulder and walking away; the two guards following her.
James found himself staring at her from behind as he walked, thought's of their tumble together sprang to his mind and it made him happy, but than he remembered Jaime and it all went away. James made his way to the small hall and heard what sounded like two wooden swords smacking together, he opened the door and found Arya fencing with some bald man, who must've been her dancing teacher,
"Up, left, right." he said as the swords crossed with each direction, "Down, Up, Down, Left." he continued when he went right instead of left and Arya flinched in pain,
"You lied!" she yelled at him holding her shoulder, "I did not, lie. My eyes told the truth. You must know this, and must always watch the eyes for the truth." they both turned to their right and noticed James. She could tell he was kind've mad as he walked over to both of them,
"Hi, James." she said putting down her wooden sword and looking at him, "What's wrong?"
"I argued with Sansa, and she went too far." James said looking at Syrio, who had violet eyes and a beak nose.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Arya said ruefully, "Don't take it to heart. It's just Sansa." she smiled and he smiled back at her.
"Anyway, James. This is Syrio Forel, my 'dancing master'."
"James Stark," James said extending a hand, and Syrio shook it, "Syrio Forel, former First Sword to the Sealord of Braavos."
"Ahh, Braavos. Always wanted to visit."
"It is a nice place, you must visit James Stark." he said before pointing his wooden sword at James, "So Arya here, tells me you are good with a sword, yes?"
"He is the finest swordsman in the North, The Black Wolf!" she yelled raising her sword in the air, "He defeated Jaime Lannister in a duel, I was there."
James smiled, and he saw a glint in Syrio's eye, "I see, I see. The Black Wolf? Fine nickname, no?"
"Aye, the King gave it to me." James said, as Syrio began to pace back and forth,
"You fight in the Westerosi style?"
"Yes, of course. It was how I was taught." James said as Syrio began to tsk, "I am a water dancer, surely you've heard of this style, no?"
"Indeed, I have. Fine dance if you ask me."
Syrio laughed, "A fine dance, James Stark."
"Well, I would be honored if you can show Arya here some moves." he said as Syrio handed him his sword, and James faced Arya who was smiling, she stood side faced.
"Don't tell father." James japed, as Arya smile and lunged forward.
The fighting went on for awhile as James would best Arya in most situations. She was getting good and he could tell. It reminded him of Lyanna, and how Ned told James how she was good with a sword, and would probably have carried one if Lord Rickard would've let her. Soon Syrio himself, challenged James and they went at it. They lasted quite awhile as Syrio moved quite like water, and James tried to keep up with him. It seemed he was about to best James when he heard a knock on the door, and Ned was standing there, smiling.
"James, if you don't mind I need you right now."
James was panting and had his hands on his knees, looking up at Ned. "Sure, father what do you need?"
"I need you to join me on a trip to the Street of Steel. I'm going to see Tobho Mott, the Maester Armorer. It is said he may know something about Jon Arryn."
"Ok, I'll go with you." James said as he gave back the sword to Syrio and made his way out with his father.
-x-
Eddard and James made their way to the Street of Steel and towards Mott's armor shop. The Street consisted of all the armorer's and blacksmith's in the city, and all sold different qualities of armor; depending on the blacksmith. It was crowded with many knight's and squires, the clanging of metal was ringing in James's years, dust in the air. Each shop held the armorer's work on the outside, showcasing their skill. Swords laid in rows on the tables of each blacksmith. On the way, they had just talked about their days events, but James chose to leave out his argument with Sansa, as to him that wasn't important. He also told him about how Cersei invited him to dinner, and he grunted; expressing his concern. Worrying that she was up to something, but James kept quiet; hopefully he could uncover some truth behind Bran's fall, and the only way he could do that was by one way: seduction. Cersei desired him again, he could see it in her eyes as she spoke to him, and in her smile. So he had to play that card tonight, after the dinner. James noticed that his father, was more tired than usual, and more grey had set in on his beard and hair, clearly he was stressed. Soon, they finally arrived. Tobho's shop is larger than all the other buildings on the Street, made of timber and plaster. The upper stories tower over the street. The double doors have an ebony and weirwood carving of a hunting scene. Two stone knights armored in red suits of armor in the shapes of a griffon and a unicorn guard the entrance.
They entered and the shop was blazing hot. James saw a few apprentice's hammering away on some swords as Tobho came forward to greet them. He was a short old man, balding of hair, and he had a white beard with some brown. Tobho bowed and greeted them telling them how he is the only armorer in the city who can add tint to the metals in a suit of armor without using paint. How he had learned to smith in Qohor, and he claimed to know the spells and methods of working Valyrian steel. Ned smiled and waved a hand in the air, he began to speak,
"I was told you could tell me about Jon Arryn." Ned said, hands behind is back as James stood and watched.
"Yes, Lord Arryn came here many a time before his death. Unfortunately he didn't honor me with his patronage,"
"What did he want?" Ned asked, ruefully
"He was here for the boy."
"Aye, I'd like to see him as well."
"As the Lord Hand, commands. GENDRY!" Mott yelled to the back of the smithy as a boy came forward,
He was a boy no older than Robb, with thick black hair and blue eyes. Years of working the hammer made him strong, and he was tall for his age. Gendry came forward he gave a short nod to his father,
"Here he is," Mott said, "Strong for his age. Works hard." he put an arm around Gendry's shoulder, "Show them the helmet you made lad."
Gendry went back to the smithy and brought forward a bullshead helm with horns curling around at the top. He handed it to his father who examined it for a few moments,
"This is fine work," Ned said and James nodded in agreement, "Indeed, supreme craftsmanship."
"It's not for sale," Gendry said with a shrug,
"Boy, this is the Lord Hand and his son, James Stark. If they want it, they can-" Mott said,
"-No, I made it for me." Gendry said shaking his head, "Forgive him, my lord."
"There is nothing to forgive," Ned said, "When Lord Arryn came for you….what did he talk about?"
"He'd just ask me questions, Mi Lord." Gendry said putting his hands in his pockets,
"What kind've questions?" Ned said, as Gendry looked to Tobho who nodded for him to continue,
"First it was about my work. Whether I was being treated well, or if I liked it here. Than he started asking about my mother."
"Your mother?" Ned asked,
"Yes, who she was. What she looked like."
"And what did you tell him?"
"That she died when I was little. She had yellow hair, and would sing to me, sometimes." Gendry said, his face looking at the floor.
James noticed his father was now looking at the boy, intently. As if he had seen some sort of ghost in him, it was a puzzling look,
"Look at me." Ned insisted as Gendry looked up at him and started at Ned and James. Than James noticed he looked like someone he knew, but he couldn't pin it. Few moment's of silence passed, when finally his father handed back Gendry the helmet,
"Get back to work, lad." he said to Gendry looking back at Tobho Mott one last time, "If the day ever comes, that he want's to wield a sword instead of forge one; you let me know."
"Certainly, my lord." Mott said giving a bow as James and Ned made their leave. James could tell that Ned had a perplexed look on his face, and the color had left,
"Father, what is it? Who was that boy?" James asked as his father turned to him,
"He was one of Robert Baratheon's bastard sons."
"That's who he looked like!" James yelled, "The boy was the spitting image of him."
"Aye," said Ned, "He looks exactly like Robert did at his age, like looking into a mirror."
James gave him a nod as they mounted their horses, heading back to the Red Keep. It was time for dinner with Cersei, and James was reluctant to go,
"Well father, today has been…interesting."
"Too say the least." said Ned,
"Certainly, well father I have to head back to the solar once we arrive." James said looking over to him, "I have to get ready for dinner with the queen."
Ned scoffed and gave him a look, "Be careful, lad. I know you couldn't deny her, but please be careful. That woman is no good."
"I will father, don't worry."
AN: So this chapter got to long on me, I decided to split it in half. I won't be able to update until monday. Until then…
