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 – 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!
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.
Ned's POV
Ned sat at his desk in his dimly lit solar starring into the fireplace thinking on the meeting with Littlefinger the previous day. Every bone in his body felt that the man was not to be trusted but if there was even a kernel of truth to the demise of his friend, his mentor, Jon Arryn, Ned knew he would need to look into Littlefinger's claims are try to find out if there was foul play behind the death and see if he was able to uncover what happened and bring the guilty party forward to face the kings justice.
Papers and scrolls were strewn about his desk, as Ned had begun going through what remained in his office left behind after the demise of Jon Arryn but so far Ned Stark had not found anything that would have been serious enough to get the man killed.
As Ned starred in the fireplace, a knock on the heavy wooden door to his solar door roused him from his thoughts. A guard clad in the silver and black livery of House Stark, entered, his boots scuffing against the stone floor.
"Lord Hand," the guard announced with a respectful tone. "Lord Blackwood has arrived as per your request. Would you like to receive him now?" One of his guards asked as he stuck his head into the room.
Clearing his head of his previous thoughts, Ned smiled, and let his furrowed brow relax, at the welcome interruption. "Of course, please show him in."
The guard nodded and stepped aside to allow the guest to enter. Lord Tytos Blackwood, a tall, distinguished figure with salt and pepper hair, several years Ned's senior, entered the solar first.
"Lord Hand, may I present Lord Tytos Blackwood of Raventree Hall."
Ned Stark nodded towards his guard after his guest had been formally introduced. "That will be all. I shall call if I need assistance." The dismissal obvious in his tone.
The guard nodded and returned to his post outside the door, as Ned Stark rose from his seat, his stern expression softening, a warm smile gracing his face, and extended a hand in welcome. He clasped Lord Tytos' hand in a firm handshake.
"Lord Blackwood, it's been far too long," Ned began, "I remember when you came to Winterfell to visit my father, Rickard, all those years ago. Why your son Ser Bryndyn, who I believe is also in the capital with you, was little more than a babe in his mother's arms at the time."
Lord Tytos Blackwood's eyes twinkled with a mixture of sadness and fondness as he recalled the memory. "Ah, those were simpler days, my old friend. Your father was a great man, Westeros suffered with his loss," he said, his voice laced with the weight of the years that had passed. "I still remember the warmth of Winterfell's hearth and hospitality your family showed to us."
Ned nodded at the mention of his father.
Lord Blackwood's gaze grew somber, "Lord Hand, …"
Ned scoffed and held up his hand cutting the man off, "Ned is fine."
Letting a small smile grace his face for a second before continuing. " … Ned, I must extend my sincerest apologies for not being able to come to Winterfell in the dark times after the loss of your father and brother in response to what happened to your sister. The war quickly engulfed us all, and it was several long years in the South before I made it home again. Then my daughter's birth shortly after the war and one none stop issue after the next, it seemed as if there was never a moment to leave Raventree Hall and visit the North."
With a forgiving smile, Ned Stark smiled, "Tytos, my old friend, there are times when duty and responsibility must certainly take precedence. I would never hold ill will to a man performing his duty. Your absence while noted did not diminish the bond between our houses."
Lord Tytos sighed with relief, grateful for Ned's understanding. "I am glad to hear you say that, Ned. The Blackwoods and Starks have stood by each other for generations, and I hope that tradition will continue no matter the times."
Smiling Ned looked towards his old friend, "I am happy to hear you say that as it is our families' previous relationship that drew me to ask you here," Ned said, his voice steady and sincere.
"Ned, I was honored but curious as to the summons to meet with the Hand, so soon after you had arrived in the capital. What can I do for you, my friend? You have but to ask, and it shall be done." Lord Tytos replied matching Ned Starks tone.
Ned Stark cleared his throat, the gravity of the previous response evident in his eyes. "I am wondering what your plans are for the upcoming days?"
Lord Tytos hesitated, "My son and I, alongside with our men were planning to stay in the capital until at least the tournament of the Hand, Bryndyn hopes to compete, at which point we were planning to head home. However, we would willingly adjust our plans for the Hand of the King."
"Well, Tytos, my son Bran is at the age where he should begin his training towards becoming a knight. I was hoping that your son, Ser Bryndyn, would be willing to take Bran on as a page. There are so many … lickspittles that I have found myself surrounded with here who have been offering to take on Bran ever since King Robert officially announced me as the Hand of the King and we began the trip to King's Landing months ago. However, I would prefer to have him with someone I trust, it would mean a lot to me. And while Catelyn was not fond of the idea of me taking Bran to King's Landing with me, she is sure to be even more upset with the idea of having Bran serving off as a page for another family. At least this way I can tell her you shall be near her father, my goodfather, and she can plan a visit should she need to. I was hoping that our shared history and our beliefs in the Old Gods might make this an easy decision for you …"
Lord Tytos Blackwood regarded Ned thoughtfully, understanding the significance of the request. "Ned, your request is not just an honor, but it would be a pleasure for our house to host Bran as a page. Ser Bryndyn will be delighted to take him under his wing and began teaching him what it means to be a knight of the Seven Kingdoms."
"On behalf of myself and my lady wife, thank you, Tytos. I have no doubt Bran will benefit greatly from this experience. I am certain Catelyn will find as much comfort, as I do, in the fact that her son is under the protection and guidance of our trusted allies." Ned replied, his eyes showing a glimmer of gratitude. "Perhaps in a year or two when I am looking at a knight for Bran to squire with I can re-approach your family … however there is a knight in the south that has been recommended for both his skill with his sword and his acts of courage who is being recommended to me. And it would not be unwise to make friends in the south … but that is a discussion for the future."
"If your Lordship, desires it we would most welcome that indeed, although there is truth to the fact that there is no harm in fostering relationships to the south."
Ned Stark smiled and stood to retrieve a bottle of rich red wine from Dorne, and proceeded to fill two goblets, "I myself still prefer Northern Ale but this seems an appropriate moment to celebrate. Let us put this matter to rest for now. To a successful agreement and the enduring bind between our houses."
Collecting and raising his own goblet, Lord Tytos clinked his glass with Ned Stark, sealing the agreement.
Bran's POV
Hours later, as Bran left his father's new solar, he could not help but be exited at the prospect of officially beginning his training to eventually become a knight.
Walking down the hallway he could not help but recall stories that Maester Luwin had made them read about Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Duncan the Tall, Ser Gerold Hightower, Ser Aemon the Dragonknight, … wondering if one day perhaps there would be little boys walking around wondering if they would ever be something like Ser Bran the Brave.
However, as he walked down the hallway the excitement was slightly tempered by two facts. Firstly, he had just arrived in King's Landing and was loathe to leave it so soon. While he loved Winterfell, this city was beyond his wildest dreams. Even though he had yet been allowed to leave the Red Keep, even with protection, simply looking out onto the city was an experience he would never forget. Secondly, he could not fully remember much about the Blackwood family from his lessons with Maester Luwin back home and he had resolved to ask the Maester here more about them during his next session. In fact, the only things that he could remember off the top of his head was that the Blackwood family were one of the few families South of the Neck who still worshipped the Old Gods and their sigil was a raven sitting on a weirdwood tree.
However, his father had provided reassurance on both those points, initially assuring Bran that he would still have at least a month or two within King's Landing and finally that the Blackwoods were a good and noble family whose lands were well within range of his grandfathers house so he would have family near should he require it.
In the dimly lit, narrow hallway of the Red Keep, Bran's musings were interrupted by an unexpected collision as he rounded the corner returning back to the Maester's study, as he had been taken out of a class at a request of the Hand of the King, in order for his father to share the plans.
Before he knew it, he was sitting on the floor looking up at Tommen Baratheon, the young Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, who Bran had found himself growing close with on the journey south and during his stay so far in the Red Keep, his friend. Tommen's youthful features lit up with an infectious energy seeing who had bumped into him.
"Sorry about that Bran, are you alright?" He asked as he leaned forward to help Bran to his feet. "What was the conversation about with your father?"
Smiling at his friend, Bran eagerly begin "I finally get to start my training to become a knight, my dad arranged an opportunity to become a page for Ser Bryndyn Blackwood?"
"Ser Bryndyn Blackwood … of Raventree Hall?" Tommen questioned as his face fell slightly. "Do you have to leave so soon I was rather enjoying your company, you are certainly much more … fun to hang out with than my own brother …"
Bran smiled at his friend, "Aye Raventree Hall, but worry not Tommen my father said Ser Bryndyn and his father shall remain at the capital for the next couple of months and he is currently finding accommodation for them in the Red Keep. So other than some added responsibilities I will still be doing classes with you and will still be around."
Looking slightly happier Tommen nodded, "That is good, I suppose. And Raventree Hall is not that far, certainly much closer than Winterfell. If life around the Red Keep with Joffrey gets too … boring I could always ask my father to arrange a visit to Raventree Hall. Do you think my mother would let me visit?"
Bran nodded at the prospect, "That would be terrific. I would be happy to see you there. Perhaps we could meet up in Riverrun at my grandfather's castle. But this is good news Tommen, I am starting my training to become a knight!" Bran repeated excitedly. "With any luck I can become one of the most feared and respected knights of the realm and at that point I could approach your father about becoming one of the Kingsguard …" Bran trailed off with excitement in his eyes.
The initial enthusiasm at the prospect in Tommen's eyes, was soon accompanied by wistfulness. He hesitated for a moment before replying, "I am really happy for you Bran. But you will be missed around here."
Pausing for a moment and casting a thoughtful glance at his friend, Bran acknowledged Tommen's words with a smile. "I will miss your company as well, Tommen. You are certainly much more fun to be around than Sansa and, well, you are far nicer than Arya, far far nicer, that's for sure." His playful jest was infused with warmth.
"But," Bran continued, his expression growing more animated, "let's not dwell on that just yet. After all, I am still here until after the Hand's Tournament, so we have plenty of time ahead of us still."
Leaning in closer, he whispered, "So … what are we off to explore today? How about a trip down to the dragon skulls? I always thought they might be fun to see and climb around in."
Without waiting for a reply, unable to contain his excitement, Bran spun on his heel and, with a burst of youthful exuberance, took off at a sprint down the hallway, heading in the direction of an out-of-the-way staircase, a quiet passage, which unsurprisingly Arya had discovered, which led to a cavernous room below the Red Keep which housed the dragon skulls. To Bran's delight, the echo of his footsteps was soon joined by the sound of Tommen's hurried steps, after a brief call of dismay, as the young prince eagerly followed his friend.
explodingbunnies52 - Thanks! I am glad you are enjoying that.
asd - Thanks totally fair, its why I didn't spend more time on it. But I felt I had to write Littlefinger in as even though everyone knows he is a slime and what he did I needed to use him to set something up since Catelyn never made it to King's Landing and Bran wasn't almost assassinated.
- As for the previous feedback, I think it is less so in relation to Jon being a bastard and more so frustration leaking over finally knowing he isnt a bastard and is being treated this as second class, and not yet wanting/being able to tell people the truth
Eiji11 - Welcome, I appreciate the feedback. I just needed Littlefinger to set stuff up that were coming up
Anarra - I am really happy you are enjoying the story!
kingmanaena - Thanks!
cliffwest - I sure hope Ned does not fully trust Littlefinger! He did not have catelyn here this time telling Ned to trust him so prehaps there is hope.
Kind Regards,
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