Disclaimer – It has come to my attention recently that I unfortunately do not own any part of the Game of Thrones universe or the characters mentioned below. Who knew.
Author Note 1 – I just want to say I have been blown away with all the support and love (feedback and follows I have been receiving). I am near my next feedback milestone, so I think next week I will be releasing two chapters. Thanks again! I am just happy people seem to be enjoying reading this story as much as I am writing it.
Author Note 2 – I enjoy writing short stories for my own enjoyment but at a suggestion from a friend, I have decided to start posting some of my stories that I am working on or have completed. All feedback is welcome (hopefully constructive!) Looking forward to what you think!
Jon smiled at Arya, "Well it is official now, I shall be squiring for Ser Barristan."
Arya looked up shocked, "That is great! I thought you already were though."
"Well Ser Barristan said the Kingsguard do not usually take on green boys as squires and I needed to pass a test. But in the end, he seemed impressed with my responses and our duel."
Arya's eyes opened comically large. "You got to duel with Ser Barristan as well! Jon! You have now dueled with Ser Jaime and Ser Barristan, they have to be the two best fighters in all of Westeros! How was it? How did it go?"
Jon laughed, "Why don't we go back to our tent. I am sure Bran would like to hear as well."
Arya nodded hesitantly, "… Alright, … I guess."
"Perfect, but yes after Ser Barristan accepted me as a squire, I chatted with father about this afternoon and then …"
Arya's smile was replaced by a small look of fear, "You told father? He wasn't upset was he? He's not going to prevent me from riding out again is he."
Jon looked seriously at Arya, "I do not think he is mad Arya, certainly he was not happy about what might have happened …"
He paused, as he saw her look at the ground. Jon reached out and lightly grabbed her shoulder. "Arya he was upset about what might have happened, but he was not angry at you … otherwise he definitely would have come to find you himself."
A hesitant smile started forming on Arya's face before it quickly disappeared.
"I told him of our chat and he seemed to agree that you are capable of accomplishing anything. Since there was no bad outcome, he did not care that you made a mistake. Arya, it does not matter that you made a mistake, honestly I think you are allowed to make as many mistakes as you can. But you only fail when you do not learn from your mistakes. Let them make you better … but enough of that," Jon paused and looked at Arya with a smile on his face. "I'll race you back to the tent. If you aren't quick enough, I might just tell Bran the whole story about meeting Ser Barristan and you will have to be nice to him in order for him to tell you."
With that Jon spun away from the surprised girl and started running down the path, laughing as he heard a frustrated scream and the sound of Arya running down the path right behind him.
Jon Snow rode near the head of the grand procession, about fifteen riders back of the King alongside Ned Stark, as they approached the imposing Dragon Gate on the North Wall of King's Landing. The city sprawled before him, an expansive labyrinth of towering red-brick buildings, bustling markets, and winding streets. King Robert Baratheon led the way, his crown gleaming in the sunlight, his laughter and booming voice carrying out over the clatter of hooves and the excited chatter of the onlookers who lined the streets. Jon had been awed by the continuous swell in the size of the procession as they approached the city. While they had already been a large group when they left Winterfell, it seemed that as they got closer to the capital their numbers swelled as they were joined by knights and families from across the Seven Kingdoms, their banners fluttering in the wind.
As they entered the city through the gate, Jon could not help but feel overwhelmed once again by the sheer magnitude of King's Landing. For a moment, Jon was speechless and he was capable of nothing save staring straight ahead, as he looked out on the city. From everything he had heard, he knew that the city had its fair share of faults and was far from perfect but it did not deserve to be destroyed under dragonfire.
Shaking off the memory that threatened to overtake him, Jon looked around and observed the city. The Red Keep loomed in the distance, perched high atop Aegon's Hill like a sentinel of power and intrigue. Almost directly south of them, just visible over the immense, circular Dragonpit, towered the Sept of Baelor, its crystalline dome glistening in the sunlight. Jon stared in wonder at the Sept, as by his previous visit here it had already been destroyed.
As Jon inhaled, he picked up the scent of the saltwater from the Blackwater Bay wafting through the air, a reminder of the city's coastal location. Nearer at hand the smell of roasted meats and the calls of street vendors filled the air, and the city seemed to pulse with life. And the people …
The people of King's Landing had turned out in force. Commoners and nobles alike lined the streets, faces lined with a mixture of curiosity, awe, and apprehension, as they all strained to catch a glimpse of their king and the legendary knights and lords who rode alongside him. Jon's eyes darted around, taking in the faces looking up at the procession, knowing that Varys had been right … the Iron Throne did not matter … it was the individuals along the street who mattered.
Finally arriving in the Red Keep, Jon watched as Ned Stark was pulled aside by a steward at the edge of the courtyard.
After a quick conversation Ned stormed over to Jon.
"It seems the council was unable to even let us get settled and they have urgently requested a meeting. I would appreciate if you could help Vayon Poole make sure Bran and the girls get situated into their rooms."
"Of course Father, although I think Sansa is still with the Queen."
Ned grimaced and looked out towards the procession that was still filing into the courtyard, knowing that it stretched far into the city and the Queen's wheelhouse had been riding in the heart of the procession, far back of the head.
"I will make sure word is sent, that as soon as Sansa arrives she is to be shown her chambers."
Jon nodded and began to turn around to find Arya and Bran. However he felt his uncle's hand rest on his shoulder causing him to look back at his face.
"If you could, keep Bran from climbing."
"Of course …"
"And for the love of the Seven … please do not have Arya head off exploring … we have just arrived, the last thing I want is to hear that she got herself lost or more likely … got herself in trouble."
"My thanks, Jon. Best of luck." Ned said, turning back to the steward and pulling him close to begin a discussion.
Jon shook his head and mumbled under his breath. "Well might as well assign the impossible tasks." Jon said with a laugh, as he slowly shook his head looking up and trying to find Bran and Arya before their excitement at their new environment overwhelmed them and they headed off to explore.
He immediately smiled as he saw that he was just in time, as he saw Bran and Arya slowly heading in the direction of an archway at the end of the courtyard.
"Bran! Arya!" he called out, laughing as they both swung around to face him, guilty looks on their faces. "There will be time to explore later. We are to be shown our rooms first and wait within the Tower of the Hand until supper with Father."
"That is hours away still!" Arya exclaimed.
"It is, but best not to get in trouble less than an hour after we rode through the gates, wouldn't you agree?"
Arya slowly nodded her head, looking very much like she did not agree. However, she begrudgingly followed Jon, who had motioned to a serving boy, asking if they would be able to be directed to their rooms.
Turning back to Arya, Jon whispered to her, "I would not be so upset. Afterall Sansa is riding with the Queen still somewhere in the city and she has not arrived yet. So you will have first choice of the rooms that were prepared for the girls. You can grab the bigger one."
This caused Arya to smile, "Well … okay then. I guess I could always explore later."
After Bran had been shown his room, Jon had followed a page as he accompanied Arya to select her room. Jon had originally assumed that Arya would have picked the bigger room or the room that faced the sea, although was surprised when she picked the smaller room that faced into the city.
After the page left Jon turned to her and decided to question that fact.
"Arya, you decided to leave the bigger room with a better view for your sister? I am surprised!"
Arya paused her exploration of the room, looked up at him, and scoffed, "Better according to who?"
Jon froze looking back over the room, "Well I am not denying that King's Landing certainly is much more impressive than Winterfell but we have buildings a plenty in Winterfell, but no water. I was certain you were going to pick the room that looked out over the sea."
Arya smiled and motioned for Jon to join her over by her balcony. "I was talking to one of the servants as we entered the city. Do you see that building there?" She paused and pointed out towards the Dragonpit. "Do you know what that ruined building is? It is the Dragonpit!" She exclaimed excitedly.
"That is where the Targaryen's used to keep all their dragons and the dragon eggs!"
Jon laughed, "Is that a fact? Well I hesitate to inform you, that there is a risk that there are no more dragons there."
Arya looked up angrily, "I know that, I am not stupid." Her voice softened as she continued. "But wouldn't it be amazing to have had the opportunity to fly on a dragon … I'd much prefer to look at the Dragonpit and think of flying dragons than look at a big body of water and think of smelly fish …"
Jon was momentarily distracted from the rest of what Arya was saying, as he could not help but agree with her, as he remembered his flight on Rhaegal. Sadness and anger threatened to break his composure as he recalled Rhaegal's fate at the hands of Euron Greyjoy.
"Jon … Jon …"
"Sorry Arya, I was just thinking on your words. Maybe one day it would be nice to fly dragons. Although last I checked wolves don't fly dragons. Perhaps focus on spending more time with Nymeria, I am sure it will be difficult to spend as much time with our direwolves now that we are here in the Red Keep."
She smiled up at him, "That is a great idea! They mentioned they would try to put our direwolves with the royal hounds. Perhaps we could go find them. Father doesn't want us exploring the castle but surely you don't think he would be upset if we wanted to visit Nymeria and Ghost. Would he?"
Jon paused knowing that technically Ned had requested that Bran and Arya be kept in their rooms and away from exploring … but a large part of him did want to go check on Ghost and make sure the direwolves were settling in, still upset that they had not been allowed to bring the direwolves into their rooms. Although he planned to have words with his uncle sometime this evening to convince him that the direwolves would be better off with the Arya, Bran, Sansa, and himself.
"Alright Arya, lets go check on Nymeria and Ghost."
Smiling Arya took off towards the door at a run.
Retracing their steps to the courtyard in a hope someone could direct them to where the direwolves were being held, Arya looked up at Jon. "I was wondering ... if you would be able to help me … with … my 'needlework'." She finished with a smile.
Jon looked down on Arya, "I don't think I can."
Arya's smile immediately disappeared, as she angrily replied, "What do you mean you can't? What was the point of getting me the sword if you don't want me to practice with it? How am I supposed to …"
Jon cut her off, "Calm down Arya. Stop being so reactive, we have talked about this."
Jon noticed that Arya looked at the ground at his chastisement.
"And I did not say I don't want you to learn or practice. But when Mikken made you that sword it was made for someone not as strong as I am, someone who would have to fight differently that I would. Mikken advised me that the way I fight is all wrong from how that sword is to be used. I can't really offer you any advice … well maybe only one piece of advice."
Arya looked back up at Jon, a optimistic look on her face, "What advice?"
"Stick them with the pointy end," Jon said, causing them both to laugh.
"But other than that, I do not think I would make a good teacher. Perhaps if you manage to be on your best behavior, that is a favor you could ask of Father."
As Arya opened her mouth to reply they rounded the corner and she ran right into someone. Knocking him over in the process. As Jon started to apologize for his sister, he paused as he recognized who she had run into.
"Starks … running into me in Winterfell and now back in King's Landing. Perhaps I should be worried for the safety of the Lannisters with the wolves out on the prowl." Tyrion said with a laugh as he struggled to his feet.
"Tyrion!" Jon exclaimed with a smile. "I honestly did not believe it possible, but you actually managed to make it to King's Landing before us?"
Tyrion laughed, "I have been here long enough that I was worried something horrible befell you on your trip south. Now, little Stark, what were you talking about with my favorite bastard? I believe you could certainly do better than him when looking for someone to teach you something ..."
Ned's POV
Ned angrily shook his head as he stormed though the courtyard.
"Seven Hells!" He cursed under his breath. Lamenting, not for the first time, his decision to travel south. 'How could Robert do this to the realm, he is a good man. And yet according to members of the small council he has bankrupt the realm.'
Ned stood and starred at the wagons and riders still entering the Red Keep through the gate wondering how this could have happened. How could one man have so thoroughly damaged the realm and now how was just one man supposed to save it?
Ned was about to take a step forward when he saw Littlefinger step out from a hidden nook in the wall.
"We need to talk, Stark. Come with me."
Ned looked up in surprise, "If this is more about the meeting, I do not want to …"
"This is not about the meeting, we need to have a word."
Ned starred at the man before nodding his head, "Fine come to the Tower of the Hand. I am sure I have a solar or meeting room there."
"That will not work; we need to have this meeting … in private."
Not waiting for Ned to respond, Littlefinger spun and darted off.
Deciding that he would not get any answers until Littlefinger had a chance to speak. Ned hesitantly followed as he was led into a tower, down a staircase, across a courtyard, up a different staircase, … this continued for some time until he was positive he was well and truly lost.
"Where are we off to Lord Baelish? Why couldn't we have this chat in the Tower? Certainly you aren't bringing me to one of your brothels … are you … we have walked far enough."
Littlefinger laughed and looked back, "Worry not Stark, we are off to one of the few places in the castle that I can truly feel safe in," He said cryptically before he continued walking, rounding a bend and entering a narrow poorly lit corridor. "Although I would have much preferred the view and ambience of one of my brothels. As for why we couldn't just have a conversation anywhere. A conversation that I want to remain secret? … Well it is obvious you Starks are really are not meant for politics in the south. The walls have ears, Stark. You would be best served by remembering that and guarding your words if you do not want others to hear them."
Ned continued to follow him warily, thinking on what he said. Realizing that although he did not like Littlefinger or the way politics were run in the south, perhaps there was a kernel of truth to this warning.
"You are saying there are others who will be trying to listen to me? Do you plan to try and listen to my conversations?"
"Maybe you are not the dullard you appear to be … of course people, myself included, are spying within the capital. Information is power. Those are the rules to the game we play."
Ned growled at Littlefinger, "I am not here to play any games. I am here to serve my friend, the King, to the best of my ability, as his Hand."
Littlefinger looked back with mirth in his eyes, "Well then … you shall certainly lose. It matters not that you shall lose with honor."
Smiling he turned around and continued walking down the corridor.
As they descended further into the bowls of the Red Keep, for indeed Ned Stark realized their general direction was down, the air grew colder and more oppressive with each step. Ned's found his hand unconsciously rested on the pommel of his sword, wary of the dangers that lurked in the shadows.
Minutes passed and Ned began to realize he heard the sounds of wailing and screaming. Sounds that sent shivers down his spine. And yet this seemed to be the direction in which Littlefinger was leading them, as the sounds grew louder with every turn.
"Where are you leading me Lord Baelish?"
"You shall see soon enough."
And true to his word they had scarcely made it fifty paces farther down a path before Littlefinger stopped and passed back a hood for Ned, who hesitantly took it, staring at it in his hands.
"What do you expect me to do with this?"
"Put it on Stark, it's a hood. Your face may be new in town but people have long memories and eventually your face will be known. And I do not exactly want people talking about me meeting with you in secret down here. People might get the wrong idea after all."
Ned hesitated before eventually putting the hood over his head casting his face even further into shadows.
Littlefinger smiled upon seeing that Ned complied with his directive, nodding his head he led Ned around the bend in the path up ahead of them.
Which opened up to a large open area, which contained a solitary guard, who was lazily leaning against the wall.
Without saying anything, Littlefinger smoothly reached into his purse, withdrawing a handful of golden dragons. Extending his hand to the guard Littlefinger said, "We were never here … understand."
Palming the coins, the guard smiled a toothless smile, "Who was never here, M'Lord?"
Once past the guard, Littlefinger led Ned to a heavy wooden door, partially obscured by a tapestry depicting the Targaryen dragons. He then produced a set of keys and unlocked the door and motioned for Ned to enter.
Cautiously Ned entered the room and turned to face Littlefinger who was gently closing the door.
"Ok I am here Lord Baelish, why have you brought me here? What is so important there was the need for all this intrigue and subterfuge. Speak now."
"As you command, Lord Hand." Littlefinger replied with a mock bow. "I have heard rumors that you and your lady wife have received word from Lady Arryn regarding her concerns that her late husband was murdered."
Ned stared at him in surprise, "How is it you know of this Littlefinger? We received the letter and immediately after reading it, we burned it."
"The walls of the Red Keep are not the only places where spies linger Stark. But how I knew of the letter, it matters not. What matters is that I knew of the letter being sent and was able to guess as to its contents. And by your reaction I appear to have been correct."
Ned scowled at Littlefinger. "So what of it? You believe Lord Arryn was murdered? Why though? Who would want to kill him, he was an honorable man?"
"Aye he was an honorable man, surrounded by those with little honor, merely their plots and their secrets. And there is no one those individuals would fear more, than a man with honor. This is what you have walked into Lord Stark."
Ned shook his head, "Enough riddles Littlefinger, why do you think Lord Arryn was murdered?"
"Well … I am not entirely sure as to what the previous Hand was up to but he seemed to be be preoccupied lately. I am not entirely sure what it was, although I know he spent many hours in his solar reading a variety of books he requested from Maester Pycelle and would then take unexplained trips into the city at all hours to meet random people, throughout the city, before he got sick."
Ned nodded his head and made a mental note to himself to take a look around his solar for any books that had been left over from his old friend and also to have a chat with the Maester to see if he could track down the books in question.
"So you were suspicious of the sickness?"
"At first? … No. This city is full of disgusting people and even within the safety of the castle, sickness is all too common. Rather it was that Lord Arryn was healthy as ever and then within a week he was dead. While, I have certainly seen others die from getting sick, I have never seen one go so quickly, especially for one so healthy. Pycelle may have found the death to be of natural causes but I am less certain."
"So you suspect foul play?"
"If there is one thing I have learned since arriving in the capital, it is that things are rarely as they appear."
"Why do tell me this Lord Baelish?"
Littlefinger chuckled slightly and looked at Ned Stark, "I would be terribly heartbroken if the realm was to have to find the funds for another funeral and I am so looking forward to the Tournament for the New Hand … honestly, it matters not Lord Stark, my reasons are my own."
Ned Stark stepped back from Littlefinger and walked to the end of the room and back, thinking on what he had just been told.
"Can I trust you Lord Baelish?" Ned asked.
This question caused Littlefinger to throw his head back in laughter which continued for several seconds before he looked at Ned, "Finally he asks a good question, maybe there is hope for you after all. Honestly though … I would suggest you trust no one. However … you can trust this, I would never put Catelyn in danger."
There was something about his smile, as he said that, that gave Ned a feeling of unease but Littlefinger continued before allowing Ned time to think on it.
"It is out of our childhood relationship … my friendship with Catelyn that drives me to warn you. You should be careful in your new position, lest you end up like the last hand."
Ned stared at the man standing in front of him unable to shake the feeling of unease … the feeling that he was venturing into treacherous territory.
explodingbunnues52 - Thanks so much!
ariande venegas - That is fair feedback, I had just wanted to write storylines for the both of them and had not wanted to split them up just yet
Alianna15 - Thanks so much! I really think Jon is a good guy
supper1 - I guess we will just have to find out!
cliffwest - Thanks! Haha Sansa might catch on before anything bad happens to her, hopefully it is quick enough though!
Kind Regards,
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