Chapter 7-Ripples in the Water
Sub-Zero stood over the form of Brandon Stark. Second youngest of all of Ned Stark's children on the table in front of him. The boy was still unconscious. A tube was used earlier to give the boy a sedative that would numb the boy's body to ensure pain would not be an issue for him. The boy was naked with only a simple clothed sheet placed on his lower body and the entire back being exposed to the Lin Kuei Grandmaster.
"Time to begin. Is everyone ready?" asked Sub-Zero with Maester Luwin across from him nodding.
Both of them were wearing mask over his mouth per the medical procedure written up to keep the risk of infection down.
"Ready when you are Master Liang," said Maester Luwin with everyone in the large room ready to begin the operation.
Several handmaidens, skilled in the art of needle and thread were brought to Sub-Zero to make sure they understood was about to happen. They were all told there would be blood and other things that may make them squeamish. He explained that this procedure would require patience, a strong Will, and an even stronger stomach. The Grandmaster made it clear what they would have to wear to ensure the risk of infection was reduced to zero. It had not been easy to instruct them on this process, given how this realms knowledge on medicine was literally Medieval, but it helped to have Maester Luwin by his side.
"Hand me the scalpel so I can begin," said Sub-Zero with Maester Luwin complied and gave it to him.
"Regardless of this being a success, I would recommend staying away from Lady Stark for quite some time. She was considerably angry with you about this procedure taking place," commented Maester Luwin with Sub-Zero using the tool in question to carefully make the necessary incision around the marked area where the swollen area was located.
"I imagine she was angry. I am putting a small blade to her son's back and about to put my hands within said son's back. She most likely feels I am violating him in some shape or form," said Sub-Zero before he finished his cutting and proceeded to open up the boy's incision further to expose the spine.
"Her eldest son had to hold her back when we were getting things prepared. Even now, I believe Lady Stark is praying to the Gods for Bran's survival," said Maester Luwin Sub-Zero carefully examining the tissue along the spine.
"While Lady Stark's prayers to them is unwarranted, I can respect her desire to see to it that Bran receives all the support he can get," said Sub-Zero before he found the spot where the swelling was located.
"Is that it?" asked Maester Luwin with Sub-Zero nodding.
"Yes. It is. Look at how bruised and swollen the tissue has become so soon after his fall from the tower. The pressure it has placed into the boy's spine is causing the nerves in it to be cut off from everything below. Once this swelling has been removed, the nerves will be able to connect with the legs," said Sub-Zero while showing Maester Luwin the key points of the swelling and how it was effecting the boy's spinal column.
"Fascinating. It is almost like water in a river being blocked by a boulder and drying up the river in the process," said Maester Luwin with Sub-Zero nodding while he started on the removal of the swelling with his scalpel.
"Indeed. But we also need to hurry. We don't want the boy to lose too much blood from this. The loss of too much blood will kill him," said Sub-Zero while trying to remove the swelling while making sure the boy on the table didn't lose too much blood.
"How much time do we have until his life is threatened?" asked Maester Luwin curiously while watching Sub-Zero perform his work.
"Within several hours, but that is only if we leave him unattended or don't close up the incision when this is over," said Sub-Zero without hesitation in his work.
"Hence the handmaidens here who know how to use a needle and thread," Maester Luwin surmised with Sub-Zero giving a brief nod.
"Once the skin and flesh are in place, they will provide the needle and thread that will bind the flesh together. Given his young age, the boy's skin and flesh will heal soon after being tied together. He will be in pain following the healing process, but it is expected given what we are doing," said Sub-Zero with Maester Luwin making a noise.
"How long will the pain last?" asked Maester Luwin with Sub-Zero making a noise.
"Hard to say. It will hurt for several months. Maybe more. Maybe even a few years. This type of surgery to fix this injury is not something one can recover from with just a snap of the fingers. Brandon will need proper medication, but under strict regulations, and with the proper dosage being used. I leave that part to you, his elder brother, and his Mother to ensure he makes a healthy recovery," said Sub-Zero with Maester Luwin nodding while he kept watch over the Lin Kuei's work.
It would take some time before Sub-Zero finished the surgery. After checking his work, he stated the swelling had been completely removed and the bleeding was contained to prevent additional problems. With his task done, Sub-Zero along with Maester Luwin were able to put everything back in place so the handmaidens watching the proceedings with eyes filled with shock and admiration for the man, quickly moved to use their skills to sew the flesh together. Sub-Zero had instructed them to make sure it was nice and tight while keeping the stitches as small as possible. They were each given plenty of thread to do the work with so they didn't need to fear using it up and worked quickly to tie the little Lord's flesh back together. When they finished, Sub-Zero inspected their work to ensure they did it right, and to ensure the quality of work would last until the flesh itself would heal over the stitching. When they were done, Sub-Zero had another row of servants take the boy to another room to be dressed, and carefully transported to his bedroom. He had specified to Maester Luwin how the boy needed to sleep on his stomach instead of on his back. Sub-Zero knew that if Brandon slept on his back, it would risk the stitching being undone to the point of reopening the area.
"Did it work?" asked Catelyn after the servant told her the operation was done and Bran was in his room.
"It was a success, but he must go through a specific recovery process to ensure his health does not decline or damaged further. The boy will still be in a lot of pain if and when he wakes from his unconsciousness. But it can be manageable and eventually it will go away with time as the body heals," explained Sub-Zero with Catelyn letting out a sigh of relief.
"And will Brandon walk again?" asked Robb curiously with Theon also joining in.
"His spine did suffer some damage from the fall. Minor cracks along the bone. His body could repair it overtime, but the swelling would have prevented the body from doing it due to the pressure caused from the damaged tissue. With proper treatment and regiment I prepared for his recovery, Brandon Stark should be able to walk again. The boy's youth will also speed up his recovery given his age," said Sub-Zero knowing Brandon would have a hard time walking again and have to relearn how to do it from the beginning.
"You have done my family a great service Master Liang. We will not forget such an act of kindness here today," said Robb while looking over at Brandon's sleeping form.
"I will leave his recovery and care in your hands now with Maester Luwin to provide the necessary assistant on what needs to be done," said Sub-Zero before leaving the room.
(King's Road-Sometime Later)
"This is the life Ned. The true land of the Gods. No worries. No Iron Throne. No Seven Kingdoms to keep under control. Just green fields and tall trees as far as the eye can see. I have half a mind to leave it all behind right now," said Robert while they were all sitting down eating a meal with Kingsguard and bannermen around them to provide protection from ambitious bandits.
"I have half a mind to go with you," added Ned with a smile.
"What do you say Ned? Just you and me on The King's Road, swords at our side as we ride on, a couple of tavern wenches to warm our beds every night?" asked Robert before he drank some wine.
"If you asked me 20 years ago and there were no wars to fight, yes I would. But right now? Not a chance," answered Ned with Robert sighing.
"Aye, there were wars to fight, women to marry. We never really had a chance in life to be young with all that we did," said Robert knowing time had flown by so fast for them that it seemed only yesterday they were young men fighting in a war.
"I recall a few chances," remarked Ned while Robert smirked back at him.
"I swear if I wasn't the King, you would have hit me by now," commented Robert with Ned smiling.
"That was the worst thing about your coronation. Now I'll never be able to hit you again when it is deserved," said Ned before laughing and noticed Robert wasn't laughing with him.
"Trust me Ned, that's not the worst thing," said Robert before handing Ned a rolled up parchment.
"When did this arrive for you?" asked Ned curiously before reading it contents.
"There was a rider in the night. I didn't read it until this morning. Now I wish I hadn't read it at all," commented Robert bitterly.
"Daenerys Targaryen married a Dothraki Horse Lord. What of it? Should we send her a wedding gift?" asked Ned with Robert grunting angrily.
Behind Ned, one Jon Stark stood quietly and watched the conversation with great interest since the Grandmaster would want a report of this later.
"Aye, a knife perhaps. A good sharp one, and a bold man to wield it into her back!" said Robert angrily.
"She's a little more then a child Robert," protested Ned with Robert snarling slightly.
"Maybe now she is, but soon enough that child will become a woman, and will soon start spreading her legs for that Dothraki Horse Lord to start breeding Heirs. Heirs that could contest my rule just like the Targaryen girl you had me spare all those years ago in order to appease the Dornish," said Robert with Ned glaring back him.
"It was because of that act of mercy House Martell was quickly brought into the fold and allowed me to find Lyanna sooner. If we had done things your way or Tywin Lannister's way, Dorne would be a future enemy to your rule and Lyanna may have died," said Ned with Robert wincing at the last part since it was all true.
"I know Ned. But after what Rheagar did to your sister. What the Mad King did your family. How can you not hate them? How can you not hear the word Targaryen and not curse their name or House?" asked Robert with Ned looking down.
"Because I choose not to hate them Robert. I have seen what that hate does to people who don't let it go. So I chose to let my hatred die with the Mad King. I chose to let my hatred die with Rheagar when he was killed at the Trident by your hands. You got your revenge Robert. Rheagar's daughter from Elia Martell has sworn off any claim to the Iron Throne and has chosen to be a Princess of Dorne. Let the hatred finally die with them," said Ned with Robert looking away.
"My hatred will die when every last Targaryen dies before my time in this world ends," said Robert at last with Ned wincing since he knew there were at least several people in the world with Targaryen blood in their veins.
One standing almost within arms reach of Robert right now.
"But you can't get your hands on this one...can you?" asked Ned cautiously, yet curiously to gauge Robert's response.
"No. Not with this Khal Drogo she married. It is said he has 100,000 men in hoard. And it growing," warned Robert while Ned looked pensive, but calm.
"The Dothraki fear any water their horses cannot drink Robert. They have no ships. Even a million of them are not a threat so long as the Narrow Sea lies between us," offered Ned with Robert shrugging off his advice.
"There are still those in the Seven Kingdoms who still call me 'Usurper'. If and when the Targaryen boy crosses the Narrow Sea with the Dorthraki Horde at his back, the scum will join him. Maybe they already have and I don't know it. I could ask Varys, but I don't trust the Eunuch enough to be honest. I could ask the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei to spy or end those who would, but there is too much bad blood between us. I would expect him to hire one of his best, if not himself, to end me for the way I have been insulting him and the Lin Kuei these past 20 years. Gods, how the Hell does that man have the patience to tolerate me without running a blade through my belly or skull?" commented Robert to himself in the end.
"The man has patience Robert. I imagine years of being a Lin Kuei forged it into him to ensure he rarely makes a mistake," said Ned with Robert grunting.
"I might need him Ned. Him, his clan, the North, and everyone else I can muster to fight the war that is coming. I don't know when it will happen, but it will. I can feel it. By the Gods I can feel it," said Robert angrily and hating the idea of being powerless to stop the storm he knew deep in bones was coming.
All the while, Ned stayed silent while Jon silently left the two men to go elsewhere after hearing enough.
(Winterfell-Sometime in the Night)
Catelyn Tully Stark was sitting by her son's bed. Weaving a prayer charm to speed up the boy's recovery and provide some measure of divine protection. She did not like how her husband had agreed to the procedure to have the Lin Kuei Grandmaster cut into her son like he was a pig or boar for a feast. She had nearly stormed the room where the surgery was being done if not for Robb and Lyanna. Robb had trusted his Father's decision to have this surgery done and Lyanna trusted the Lin Kuei Grandmaster to ensure it was a success without risking Brandon's life.
When it was over, she asked Maester Luwin every question her mind could think of about what was done to her son. Did Brandon awaken? Cry out in pain? Did the body react to the blade that dug into his flesh? Would there be any long lasting pain? Maester Luwin was patient with her, as always, and had provided answers to calm the poor woman's mind.
"You should get some sleep Mother," said Robb after coming into the room and saw her staring at Bran to await his return to the land of the living.
"No. I will stay awake until my son awakens. I want the first thing he sees when opening his eyes are my own," said Catelyn with the woman looking at her son and wishing the boy would awaken now.
"He will Mother. But I think Bran would prefer to see you when fully alert. Your lack of sleep is not healthy," said Robb with Catelyn smiling sadly since she knew he was right.
"Fire! Fire in the stables!" called someone outside with the castle soon going on full alert.
"Stay with Brandon. Lock the door!" ordered Robb since he wasn't about to take chances with his brother's life.
With the sudden action outside, it had awakened Catelyn by giving a sudden adrenaline boost to her mind. Standing up, but moving away from the door, she watched from the sidelines to see if someone would enter the room unlawfully.
And sure enough. Someone did.
A sound of struggle was heard outside the door. Silent for the most part, but there was one. The sound of a lock being picked until it was unlocked. The door slowly opening and a hooded man walked in with a very shiny and fancy looking dagger in hand. The man was smiling an evil smile. His eyes filled with greed of being paid to kill the son of a High Lord and Warden no less.
"Such a helpless little thing. All alone. No one to protect you now little boy," commented the man with the dagger ready to thrust into the bed to end Brandon's life.
"No!" exclaimed Catelyn from the shadows as she tackled the man to stop the attack.
"Bitch! You were not suppose to be here. No matter. I will kill you and your son. I might even get a bonus from my employer. Its not everyday I get to successfully kill the wife of a High Lord, much less the wife of the Warden himself. My only regret is having the time to fuck you before I end your son's life," said the assassin while his foul breath made the Tully woman want to vomit.
"I will not let you kill my son. Even if it means my life is forfeit," said Catelyn before she bit the man's hand.
"Bitch!" exclaimed the assassin before he turned her around, the dagger digging into the woman's hand, and he backhanded Catelyn Stark in anger with the blow causing the red haired woman to fall to the ground.
And no sooner had that happened did it suddenly get extremely cold in the room.
"To kill a child and to enjoy it in the process. You will not die fast," said Sub-Zero in a cold icy tone.
"Who the fuck are you?" asked the assassin while turning fully to face the Lin Kuei.
"You don't need to know my name. Only that I bring your death!" stated Sub-Zero before he formed a ball of ice in his hand and crushed it.
"I know of you. Some big shot assassin. Said to have power to make and shoot ice. To freeze people with a single touch," said the assassin fearfully.
"I am him. And as I said...I am your death," said Sub-Zero coldly.
"Don't come any closer or I'll throw this at the boy's head and pierce his skull," said the assassin fearfully.
"Then not only are you a heartless assassin, you are fool as well," said Sub-Zero while he watched the man trying to think of a way out of this situation.
"And why is that you fucking ice cunt?" asked the assassin.
"Because the moment you kill the boy, I will have all the time needed to kill you. I will not be quick. Your death will be slow, painful, and your screams will echo throughout the North. I will let every House in the North know what you did. Men will march from all over to run a blade through your belly to avenge that boy lying there. They will see you suffer for your crimes and I will ensure every single one of them has the chance to slowly carve a piece of your flesh off before the end," said Sub-Zero coldly with the temperature in the room going down.
"You're bluffing. You wouldn't dare risk the boy's life just to get to me!" protested the assassin while moving closer to the bed for good measure.
"Kill him. And find out just how far I'm willing to go to make you pay for your crimes," challenged Sub-Zero while the assassin was starting to get fearful since he saw the power behind the eyes of the Lin Kuei Grandmaster.
And yet...
"Fuck you and your threats! Die boy!" exclaimed the assassin before turning to look at Brandon and throw the dagger.
Only for the dire wolf under the bed to bite the man's ankle, causing the dagger to fall from his hand. And in that moment, Sub-Zero was behind him, an arm wrapped around his neck in a choke hold. The man struggled at first, but the pain from the dire wolf, and the sudden loss of oxygen made quick work of the assassin's resistance. Nearby, Catelyn had moved to secure the dagger before Brandon's dire wolf let go of the ankle it had been biting.
By that point, Robb Stark had rushed right into the room with several bannermen, swords drawn and ready for a fight.
"It would seem someone wants the boy to die," said Sub-Zero before throwing the now unconscious man onto the ground at Robb's feet.
"Take him to the dungeons. We will make him talk," commanded Robb while glaring at the unconscious man.
"Make sure no one knows he is alive. If anyone asks, tell them the assassin is dead," said Sub-Zero with Robb frowning, but gave the order to the men carrying the assassin away.
"Why would you want everyone to believe the assassin is dead?" asked Catelyn curiously while her hand was being bandaged by Hodor, who came into the room with Robb.
"Because I want the employer of the assassin to think he is dead and the act cannot be traced back to whoever hired him," said Sub-Zero with Robb and Catelyn understanding.
"So as to prevent another from coming here, only to silence him over Bran," said Robb with the Grandmaster nodding.
"You're learning," said Sub-Zero while looking over at Catelyn, who was examining the dagger in her hands.
"This dagger is no ordinary dagger," commented Catelyn before Sub-Zero gently took it from her and examined it.
"Valerian steel with a dragon bone hilt. An expensive item. I imagine it is one of kind if asked by any of the most respected blacksmiths through all the Seven Kingdoms. There are few who could afford it. And fewer who would buy it," commented Sub-Zero with Catelyn looking at the blade that the assassin tried to use to murder her son.
"Like a Lannister," commented Catelyn with Sub-Zero shook his head.
"While a Lannister could afford and could have bought this, I doubt they would ever give this to an assassin to use on a boy. This is meant to be seen by others, but not used," said Sub-Zero calmly before putting it back in the sheathe.
"And yet it was used," countered Catelyn with Sub-Zero nodding.
"Yes. But was it used by a Lannister? That is an unknown factor. We don't know who hired the assassin or who is in fact the dagger's owner," said Sub-Zero with Catelyn not backing down.
"The Lannisters are the only ones who could have sent the assassin. They are conspiring against the crown and want to make sure that Brandon dies to send us a message to keep our mouth shut!" exclaimed Catelyn while Sub-Zero shakes his head.
"Speculation. Besides, I know Brandon's assassination attempt has nothing to do with any conspiracy against the Crown," said Sub-Zero with Catelyn and Robb frowning.
"How? How do you know this?" asked Robb curiously.
"I will let you know tomorrow morning. Too many eyes are open right now. Too many ears listening. What must be spoken requires fewer eyes and ears," said Sub-Zero calmly before he walked out of the room with the dagger.
(Godswood-Sometime Later)
Sure enough, a secret meeting did take place with Sub-Zero now standing beside Catelyn Stark in order to address the crisis. Around them were Robb, Theon, Maester Luwin, and Ser Rodrik while waiting to hear what was going on.
"As you know, an attempt on Brandon Stark's life occurred last night. It was a failure and the assassin was caught before being taken to the dungeons for further questioning. Lady Stark believes this was a result of the Lannisters conspiring against the Crown and wish for the North to keep silent. I however, know better," said Sub-Zero calmly while he was addressing the men and woman in front of him.
"In what way Master Liang?" asked Rodrik curiously.
"After Brandon Stark fell, I went to investigate the area with Jon. Further investigation revealed Bran did not fall on his own. He was pushed from his spot high on top of the tower. From what I have gathered, the boy saw something he was not meant to see, and based on the evidence obtained...it involved the Lannisters," said Sub-Zero with Catelyn looking at him in confusion.
"Are you saying House Lannister tried to kill Bran for something, but not for conspiring against the Crown?" asked Catelyn with the Grandmaster nodding.
"Correct. When Jon and I examined the room, we noticed it was disturbed. It was a dusty area from lack of use so anything done in the room recently was noticeable. We saw the spot where Bran would have been located and saw it was disturbed. Meaning the boy was either sitting or standing there before being pushed. As to who pushed him, I do not know since there is no evidence, but I do know, is that one person in the room...was the Queen herself. She left a strand of golden hair behind," said Sub-Zero with the group looking at him in shock.
"So Bran saw two people, one being the Queen herself, on the top of the tower. He must have overheard or seen something that they didn't want him to hear or see," concluded Robb since it was the only explanation.
"And fearing the boy awakening, they felt killing young Lord would ensure no one knew what happened," said Ser Rodrik with Robb getting angry.
"They come into our home, eat our food, drink our wine, call us friends, and try to have my little brother killed. If its a war they want...," said Robb with bloodlust forming in his eyes.
"If it is war, I'm with you all the way," said Theon eagerly knowing this would help show how strong he was in front of everyone.
"Are we going to have a war in the Godswoods now? Men talking of war and entering it are two different things," advised Maester Luwin sagely.
"Maester Luwin is right. At the moment, few know the assassin is alive. Let the one who hired the man think such an act cannot be tracked back to him. Your enemies will let their guard down. They will enter a sense of security in the belief that the actions taken against you and your House cannot be follow back to them. We will let them believe that is the truth until the time is right," said Sub-Zero with Robb nodding since the man in front of them was a Master strategist.
"We need to get word to my husband. It is important he knows what happened here," said Catelyn firmly since the sooner Ned knew, the better.
"We need to send a raven to him and fast before its too late," said Theon since a rave would be the fastest means of communicating with Lord Stark.
"I don't trust a raven with these words. There is always a chance it will be intercepted by the Lannisters or their supporters. This message must be delivered in person to him," said Catelyn knowing a raven with this message could be taken and used against House Stark.
"I'll go to King's Landing," offered Robb.
"No! There must always be a Stark at Winterfell. I will go," said Catelyn since she wasn't about to risk her eldest son to the South.
"The road is treacherous. I will go with you," said Rodrik with Catelyn shaking her head.
"No. I can go alone. The fewer people with me, the better," said Catelyn with Sub-Zero shaking his head.
"Ser Rodrik is right. Even if you were to go on one of the less used roads, your life would still be put in peril from bandits or other people who would prey upon a single person. I believe Ser Rodrik and myself should go with you," said Sub-Zero with everyone looking at him in shock.
"You? Are you sure that is wise Master Liang?" asked Robb curiously.
"Lady Stark requires an escort to King's Landing. Who better to escort her?" asked Sub-Zero knowing he could head to King's Landing under the impression of being hired by the wife of the Lord Stark.
(Crossroads Inn-Sometime Later)
The King's entourage stopped by the nearby Inn before heading to King's Landing. It was a major spot for travelers and the food or lodgings were acceptable. The King wanted to delay his time heading back to King's Landing as much as possible. Stopping at every possible stop, Inn, and location heading back to the Capital with the Crossroads Inn being the last of them.
Which is why Robert wanted to make this count as much as possible.
At the moment, Arya was having fun with the butcher's boy Mycah with both pretending to be knights fighting it out in battle using wooden swords. They were talking, laughing, pretending to be in a battle of ancient times, and enjoying themselves in the process.
At least until Joffrey came along with Sansa by his side.
"What is going on here?" asked Joffrey in his usual arrogant tone.
"We were playing a game your Grace," answered Mycah humbly while Joffrey smirked.
"Playing a game? What game exactly?" asked Joffrey curiously with a hint of malice in his eyes.
"We were pretending to be knights your Grace. We were pretending to be the legendary knights fighting for the glory and honor of our respected Houses," answered Mycah again with Joffrey's smirk increasing.
"So you want to play being a knight, do you? Well, if you want to play, it should be done with a real sword. Like mine for example," said Joffrey before he brought out his own blade and making the butcher's boy nervous.
"Leave him alone!" exclaimed Arya angrily while Joffrey glared at her before he turned his attention back to the butcher's boy.
"Shut up girl. This fool wants to be a knight. Well knights have scars. I think I will give him a few. Starting with his face," said Joffrey before cutting into the terrified boy's face and the boy himself trying not to scream out in pain.
"I said stop it!" commanded Arya before she hit Joffrey's sword arm and knocked the boy's sword out of his hand before hitting his back several times.
"Arya stop it!" exclaimed Sansa while holding her sister back.
"You wretched girl. I will teach you to strike me!" exclaimed Joffrey before grabbing his sword to swing at Arya.
Only for Arya's dire wolf to leap at Joffrey and bite his arm with the boy screaming out in pain.
"Nymeria come on!" ordered Arya before she ran and her dire wolf following.
Mycah had also fled in fear with Sansa trying to comfort Joffrey, but the boy had shoved her aside, picked up his sword, and ran to find his Mother.
All the while, Jon/Aegon watched them from the shadows within the trees hiding his very presence. His first instinct was to find Arya, but his training and instincts as a Lin Kuei told him to find the butcher's boy. Jon knew the Prince would tell his Mother, who would raise a fuss with her husband, and it would come down to he said she said with the Butcher's boy being the only real witness.
A witness Joffrey would never allow to live to tell what happened today.
(Later that Night)
"What is the meaning of this?!" demanded Ned after he was brought before the King with his two daughters standing beside him.
"You should show respect to your King," commented Cersei with Robert giving her a glare.
"Enough! I'm sorry about this Ned, but we need to get this cleared up now before it goes any further," said Robert since his wife wouldn't shut up about it.
"Your daughter attacked my precious son and ordered her dire wolf to bite Joffrey's arm off. I demand justice for this insult," accused Cersei while glaring at Ned and Arya.
"That's not true! He attacked Mycah with his sword and I defended my friend. Nymeria only intervened when Joffrey picked up his sword to attack both of us!" exclaimed Arya angrily at the sniveling Prince hiding behind his Mother's skirt.
"Liar! She's a liar and I want her punished! I want them all punished!" exclaimed Joffrey while crying and looking at his Mother for comfort.
"The girl is lying Robert. She has the audacity to lie to you in front of he own Father. So much for Starks and there sense of honor," said Cersei while Robert glared at her even harder and at Joffrey too before focusing on Ned's family.
"Arya is not lying. Joffrey is the liar," said Jon after appearing from the shadows to the surprise of everyone in the room.
"Seven Hells boy, you move silent as a shadow. Your Grandmaster taught you well," said Robert with Jon nodding.
"How dare you accuse my son of being a liar. In front of the King no less. The man who made you a Stark. You are not worthy of your newly attained status as a son of a Lord," stated Cersei while Jon was unaffected by her words.
"Do you think I would lie to the King? After he legitimized me not that long ago? Only a fool would lie to the King following such a thing. Besides, I do have the proof. Right here in the form of a witness," said Jon before moving to the side to reveal Mycah to them and noticed Joffrey's face go pale.
"It is Mycah!" exclaimed Arya with a smile.
"This is the boy who was with her?" asked Robert while Jon nodded and nudged Mycah forward.
"Yes your Grace. In fact, I rescued the poor boy from being attacked and possibly killed brutally...by the Hound," said Jon while having come across the boy just in time to stop the giant man from killing Mycah.
The Hound was a big strong guy, but Jon had speed, intense physical training, and skill from his time under the tutelage of Sub-Zero on his side. The burned Clegane found himself being badly beaten by a boy half his size into a tree and disarmed of his sword. A sword that Jon picked up and pointed at the Hound's throat with even pressure to cut skin with Ghost growling and snarling inches away from the man's face.
"Try something like that again and I'll kill you in a similar manner my teacher did to your brother all those years ago in the Red Keep."
It was any wonder the Hound had not returned yet to the camp or seen by anyone for the entire day. Joffrey had simply assumed Sandor had done his job in finding and killing the Butcher's boy before going off to get drunk and fuck a whore.
"Is this true lad? Speak!" commanded Robert with Mycah nodding quickly.
"Yes your Grace. I was being attacked by a large man with a dog helmet on his head. He was laughing and swinging his sword on his horse when chasing me. I was saved at the last moment by him," said Mycah before pointing at Jon during the end of answer.
"And what happened when you were spending time with Lord Stark's daughter? And you better speak the truth boy. It is a crime to lie to your King," stated Robert while Joffrey and Cersei glared hatefully at Mycah with a "tell him the truth and you will die!" look on their angry faces.
Only for Jon to put a supporting hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Arya and I were playing. Pretending to be knights. We were using wooden swords. Soon after, Prince Joffrey came over asking about what we were doing. I told him. He pulled out his sword and cut my cheek saying a knight should have scars and was going to give me one. Starting with my face," said Mycah while showing the cut on his face to the King that was still slowly healing.
"It is a lie Robert. Clearly he had the former bastard cut his face and made up this story to insult my son," said Cersei while Joffrey sneered.
"I did no such thing to the boy. In fact, if you need further proof your Grace, you can just examine Joffrey's sword. You should find it still has traces of poor Mycah's blood on it," said Jon while Joffrey paled further since he had not bothered to clean his sword after running to his Mother.
"Give me your sword boy," commanded Robert with Joffrey looking scared since he had forgotten to clean his weapon off.
"Robert, surely you don't believe him. He is a former bastard!" stated Cersei while Robert glared at her now.
"Hold your tongue woman. I am the King and I say the boy will give me his sword," said Robert while glaring at Joffrey with a "comply with my command or get the back of my fist to your face" look that brokered no argument.
"I'm sure whatever supposed crimes Joffrey committed was a complete misunderstanding Robert. There is no need to ask for such things," replied Cersei while Robert looked from the boy to her.
"Misunderstanding woman? Bah! That just another way to explain how Joffrey was lying about what happened earlier today. He lost to a girl younger than him. He tried to hurt my friend's daughter after being beaten with a wood sword and was bested by a dire wolf pup afterwards. Do you really understand what this means? Your son, my son, lied to me! To me! His Father! His King! I ought to just smack him in the face right now and order this poor excuse for a boy I call a son be flogged twenty times for this embarrassment," said Robert with Cersei gasping and shielding her son.
"No!" exclaimed Cersei while Robert's glare increased before it lessened and looked away with a tired look on his face.
"You are fortunate I'm in a merciful mood tonight boy. If you pull this shit again, I will send you to the Wall myself. Your Grandfather's influence be damned!" stated Robert to a now terrified Joffrey.
"Yes Father," said Joffrey in a weak voice.
"And what of the girl's dire wolf? It is a threat so long as it is alive. Such a wild beast has no place in King's Landing. It should be killed. All of the dire wolves should be killed to be safe," said Cersei while Joffrey smiled at the idea of getting some kind of victory out of this.
"My wife has a point Ned. Even if I don't want to hear it. Dire wolves are the sigil of your House, but they aren't pets," said Robert with Ned frowning at the now smirking Cersei.
"No! I won't let anyone here hurt Nymeria!" protested Arya, but a firm hand from Ned silenced her protests.
"Perhaps, we can compromise your Grace," said Jon while Robert looked at him.
"And what does the student of the Grandmaster propose?" asked Robert curiously at the boy he recently legitimized.
"Send the dire wolves back to the North. Have some Stark bannermen return to the North with them and they can stay in Winterfell with the rest of the family. Let them become the responsibility of Robb and the others back home," offered Jon with Robert thinking it over.
"They are dire wolves. Beasts that cannot truly be tamed. They should all be put to the sword!" demanded Cersei while she glared at Jon for deny her some measure of revenge.
"Enough! Ned, I cannot in good conscious let the remaining dire wolves come with us to King's Landing. Have some of your men return to Winterfell with them and explain what happened," said Robert with Ned nodding.
"I will have some men carry out the order in the morning," said Ned while giving Arya a "do not push it" look and did the same to Sansa before they left.
"And as for you, I have a fitting punishment befitting your crime of lying to me," said Robert while turning his attention to Joffrey.
"Robert please, you are scaring him," said Cersei with worry while Robert glared even harder.
"As he should be woman! He lied to me! Lied about his injuries! Lied about how they were caused! He lied and wanted me to punish the daughters of my Hand! If it was the other way around, you would be throwing a fit the size of the Western Gold Mines your Father owns," said Robert with Cersei looking irate despite the fact it was true.
"He is only a boy. Punishing him will achieve nothing," said Cersei while trying to be a loving and protecting Mother to Joffrey.
"Punishments are designed to ensure stupid boys don't do stupid things again! Like lying to their Father and King! And speaking of the punishment, Joffrey will spend tomorrow morning, when the Sun rises, training with Jon here on how to fight. They will spend the entire morning training. Nonstop," said Robert with Cersei looking uncomfortable and Joffrey looked uneasy since the idea of doing any exercise made him feel...filthy.
"All morning?! But...But...," said Joffrey with Robert glaring at him.
"No complaints from you boy. I did those kind of exercises under the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei so you can too. You will do this or we head right back to the North where I will personally oversee you becoming a member of the Night's Watch and taking your vows. Afterward, you become their problem. Not mine," threatened Robert with Joffrey looking at his Mother for help.
"It is all right my sweet. Jon Stark won't push you too hard," said Cersei while glancing at Jon with a "go easy on him or else!" look in her eyes.
"The Grandmaster never pulled any of his punches with me or anyone else he taught how to fight. Not even Prince Rheagar. I have no intention of changing that for anyone," said Jon with Robert grunting in approval.
"Good lad. Say what you will about the Lin Kuei, they know how to train their members on how to fight. The decision is final. Now everyone out! It is time we all went to bed," said Robert with everyone bowing and leaving the tent.
(Cersei's Room-Sometime Later)
"How could you let him get away with this?! You had one job to do Clegane. Kill the Butcher's boy to ensure no one could challenge Joffrey's words against the Stark bitch," stated Cersei while the Hound stood there trying to keep his cool while the Queen was chewing him out.
"Aye, I did seek to carry out the order my Queen. But the young Stark boy appeared out of nowhere like a shadow or ghost. He stopped me and struck with all his moves that did not stop upon impact with my armor. Before I knew it, my back hit a tree, my own sword was at my throat, and the white dire wolf with him was near my face ready to tear it off," explained Sandor Clegane knowing he had been spared on a whim by the Stark lad.
Cersei glared harder, but couldn't deny his claim. The Hounds armor was some of the finest in all of the Seven Kingdoms. Purchased by her Father to further protect his own investment and to further mark ownership of House Clegane through House Lannister. Now it was dented and dirtied to the point where a blacksmith from the Street of Steel would have to try fixing it. She also knew that Sandor Clegane would not fall so easily given his size, strength, and brutality when wielding a sword. Perhaps not as good as his late older brother, but still a useful pawn to throw against her enemies or the enemies of her son made.
But for Jon Stark to best Sandor Clegane in a single fight proved the Lin Kuei was not to be underestimated. Even Tywin himself had respect for the clan and what they did from the shadows when hired to do a job.
"Nevertheless, you will keep yourself at arms length from the Starks at all times. I don't need my idiot for a husband ordering you away should you need to protect my son from harm," said Cersei with Sandor nodding.
(The Next Day)
Sure enough, the trip back to King's Landing was delayed thanks to Robert ensuring that his son's punishment lasted the entire morning. When the Sun rose, Jon had gone to the Prince's tent, but the Lannister guards refused him entry, even after the King's had given the order the previous night. Jon wasn't surprised by this given these were Lannister men and thus would only follow a Lannister in the form of the Queen, her brother Jamie, their Father Tywin Lannister, or Prince Joffrey given how much he favored their golden haired appearance.
It wasn't until the threat of informing the King on how they were preventing Joffrey from being punished did the guards relent. While they were loyal to House Lannister, the King could charge them with treason before ordering them killed. So they let him through to wake the Prince up and sure enough Jon did by dunking some nearby pitcher of water on the boy's head.
Naturally, the boy shrieked before protesting the act being done to him. Going on about how he was a Prince of the Seven Kingdoms and would not be treated in such a manner. Jon countered that King Robert, the boy's Father no less, ordered this to happen and if the Prince had an issue with it, could take it up with him.
It shut the boy up quickly.
So Jon put the spoiled Prince through his paces. Exercise upon exercise was done under Jon's watchful eyes. When the Prince complained about the training being too rough, he was struck with a wooden stick to the back. When he cried? A strike with a wooden stick. When he threatened to run to his Mother? He was struck several times along the back and told his Mother couldn't save him from the King's punishment.
It also didn't help that Cersei had watched this with anger and resentment burning in her eyes over the issue. Powerless to stop Robert's command from being carried and seeing Jamie grimace from time to time when Joffrey was wacked hard in the back by Jon.
"How can you let him do this? Stand in his way! Do something!" pleaded Cersei while her son complained again about being tired.
And got a strike to his back with a wooden stick for his troubles.
"And do what exactly? The King gave a command. I cannot override it. Joffrey isn't King yet," said Jamie while wincing in memory of how Sub-Zero disciplined his students all those years ago.
Jamie still had phantom pains from those days when he gave off a cheeky wit lace remark to the Grandmaster.
"The moment our son sits on the Iron Throne, I want this former bastard brought before him to pay for this outrage," said Cersei with Jamie nodding.
"I will bring him before Joffrey to face the 'King's justice' personally," replied Jamie with Cersei continuing to burn holes in the back of Jon's head.
"I want his death to be slow. Painful. And I want Ned Stark to watch. Just like the Mad King did with the man's Father and older brother," replied Cersei while Jamie was a tad shocked by her tone and level of cruelty.
By the time the morning finally ended, Joffrey was sore, tired, and bruised all over from the punishment Robert had ordered on his own son. Eventually, the group left Crossroads Inn. to arrive in King's Landing while a small group of Stark bannermen were sent back North with Nymeria, Lady, and Ghost since all three would most likely not welcome the sight or stench of King's Landing.
"Lord Stark, welcome to King's Landing. Grand Maester Pycelle has called a meeting of the Small Council. Perhaps you would like to freshen up before attending?" said a servant who was expecting their arrival.
Ned just looked at him like he was an idiot before said idiot walked away.
"Ignoring the idiot, shall we my Lord Hand?" asked Jon in a professional tone.
"Aye. Get the girls settled and our things unpacked. I will arrive shortly," said Ned before he went to throne room where the man paused and imagine what it was like for his Father and older brother when they were in this room.
To be burned alive. To scream in pain. To die while the Mad King laughed and everyone did nothing to stop it. By the Gods how he hated this place. Yet here he was, in the very room where it happened, and for a moment...Ned thought the smell of smoke from the fire that day moved through the air.
And sitting near the Iron Throne, on the steps leading up to it...was Jamie Lannister. All dressed in his Kingsguard armor and cloak.
"Thank the Gods you are here Stark. It is about time we had stern Northern leadership among our ranks," commented Jamie before standing and walking toward Ned.
"Glad to see you are guarding the throne," replied Ned with Jamie looking back at the dark symbol of power.
"Sturdy old thing. How many Kings' asses have polished it I wonder? And what is the line...the King shits and the Hand wipes?" asked Jamie though it was clear he already knew the answer.
"Very handsome armor. Not a scratch on it," commented Ned knowing his own armor had seen its fair share of battles and handled by blacksmiths for upkeep.
"I know, people have been swinging at me for years, but they always seem to miss," said Jamie with a hint of arrogance in his tone.
"You have chosen your opponents well," replied Ned to insult Jamie's skill in the belief the man fought weaker opponents over those equal or greater in skill.
Ned had scars on his very flesh to show he fought some of the best fighters in Westeros and came out of it alive. To him, anyone can fight a weaker opponent and come out of it unscathed. Its the ones where you fight the stronger ones, have the scars to prove it, and come out of the battle alive that show proof of one's own skill.
The two men traded words regarding Ned's family and how Jamie stabbed the Mad King in the back with neither man liking the other. You wouldn't think they had spent a period of time training under the same teacher. When words and insults were finished between the two men, Ned walked past Jamie to the Small Council room with Jon right beside him. It took considerable effort and patience on Jon's part in keeping his desire to run a concealed blade into Jamie's skull in check. As much as he was sure King Robert would pardon him for it, the young man knew making an enemy of the Lannisters not a wise move.
Not to mention the Grandmaster would frown upon his sudden impulse without thinking about the consequences of his actions.
"Lord Stark, how good of you to come," said Varys while shaking the man's hands.
"Lord Varys," said Ned Stark politely while receiving him before the Spider saw Jon.
"And this must be the newest member of the Stark family. Jon Stark himself. You have risen farther than most former bastards would in your position my boy. As someone else, who came from nothing in his youth, I know what it feels like to finally achieve a status that others would be jealous or resentful of me possessing. A word of advice from one born low to the next, never forget your roots, or your former status from the moment of your birth. It keeps men like us humble and reminds us to never be arrogant or believe that we are untouchable," said Varys while Jon nodded and noticed Ned was a bit more uncomfortable regarding the two being so close.
"The Grandmaster said the same thing when I was growing up under his care," said Jon with Varys nodding since he knew the Grandmaster would impart some wise words of wisdom on the boy.
"A wise man to be sure. As to what we have all heard regarding what happened with that nasty business that happened on the King's Road, I speak for all of us when I say we are praying for Prince Joffrey's speedy recovery," said Varys while Ned nodded, but had to fight back the smirk he wanted to let out.
"He'll need it after the punishment King Robert put him through for lying to him," said Ned before he went to the next man in line, which was Robert's youngest brother Renly.
"How are you Ned. You look tired from the ride. I told them that this could wait another day, but...," said Renly with a sigh.
"But WE have Seven Kingdoms to run. I have wanted to meet you for some time Lord Stark. No doubt Catelyn has mentioned me," interrupted Lord Baelish before taking his seat.
"She has Lord Baelish. I understand you knew my brother Brandon as well," said Ned while having to hold back his rage at the man who murdered his Foster Father.
But if there was one thing Sub-Zero had taught him during his training, it was patience.
"All too well. I still carry a token of his esteem. From navel to collar bone," said Baelish while motioning his hand where the injury was located on his body despite it not being seen due to his clothing.
"I beg your pardon Lord Stark," said Grand Maester Pycelle in a tired elderly voice.
"Grand Maester Pycelle," commented Ned with the old man looking up at him.
Yet another man to investigate from what the Lin Kuei Grandmaster revealed to him and Robert. If Jon Arryn was poisoned, which seemed to be the case, the Grand Maester in front of him could have treated it before things went too far.
"Lord Stark. How many years has it been? You were a young man," commented Pycelle with Ned nodding.
"And you served another King," said Ned while Pycelle looked at him with a gauging expression.
"Oh yes. How foolish of me. My mind must have slip. I believe this belongs to you now Lord Stark. Thus, we can begin," commented Pycelle before handing over the badge that would symbolize the man as Hand of the King, which Ned put on.
"Without the King?" asked Ned curiously and a tad surprise.
"Winter maybe coming, but my brother isn't," said Renly while feeling frustrated with his older brother.
"His Grace has many matters that require his attention. We handle all of the small ones to lighten the load," said Varys while Ned was shocked Robert would be so neglectful in his duties to the Crown.
"We are all Lords of small matters here," commented Baelish while opening up his ledger to proceed.
"My brother has ordered a tournament is to be held in honor of Lord Stark's appointment as Hand of the King. Hence we are to spare no expense on this event," said Renly while he handed over the parchment to Ned, who read its contents.
"How much?" asked Baelish curiously.
"40,000 gold dragons to the champion, 20,000 gold dragons for the runner up, and again 20,000 gold dragons for the winner of the archery," answered Ned while knowing such a fortune was massive for anyone.
All the while, Petyr Baelish was smirking as he was writing things down.
"Can the treasury afford to handle such an hefty expense?" asked Grand Maester Pycelle curiously.
"I'll have to borrow it. Fortunately, the Lannisters will accommodate us. We already owe Lord Tywin 3 million gold dragons. What is another 80,000 more?" answered Baelish in a casual tone to indicate this had happened many time before today.
"Are you telling me the Crown is 3 million gold dragons in debt?" asked Ned in shock while Jon was equally surprised.
"I'm telling you the Crown is 6 million gold dragons in debt," answered Baelish like there was nothing wrong with the issue.
"How could you let this happen?" demanded Ned angrily since he had no idea the Crown was so deep in the red.
"Quite simple. The Master of Coin finds money, hence the King and the Hand spend it at their leisure," said Baelish like it was a simple equation.
"I will not believe Jon Arryn would allow King Robert to bankrupt the realm," stated Ned knowing there was more going on here.
"Lord Arryn gave wise and prudent advice...but I fear his Grace doesn't always listen to said advice when given to him," said Grand Maester Pycelle since he had been there to see it happen.
"Counting coppers he called it," added Renly since he had seen it too.
"I'll talk to the King. This tournament is an extravagance we cannot afford," said Ned and he fully intended to talk/yell at Robert later.
"As you will, but it is best we make plan...," said Petyr Baelish before was interrupted.
"There will be no plans until after I speak to Robert!" exclaimed Ned angrily at someone trying to undermine him and the Crown.
Especially since the man responsible for Jon Arryn's death was doing it.
"Father, calm down. Your anger is clouding your mind," whispered Jon after he moved close enough to the man and Ned nodding slightly.
Something Varys noticed immediately while everyone was more stunned with how Ned called the King by name during the small outburst.
"Forgive me my Lords. I had a hard ride here. I'm tired," said Ned and it was clear he was exhausted from the stress of being back in King's Landing after so long.
"You are the King's Hand, Lord Stark. We serve at your pleasure," replied Varys with a smile on his face while speaking in a soothing and comforting tone.
With the Small Council dispersing, Ned Stark left soon after and Jon following him to the Tower of the Hand to rest.
"I assume the Grandmaster informed you of your purpose here while in King's Landing?" asked Ned while Jon/Aegon nodded.
"He told me everything. My mission is to help you bring all the conspirators behind Jon Arryn's murder to justice. I also have to help find out who assisted in pushing Brandon out of the tower aside from the Queen," said Jon with Ned being told as much before he left for the Capital.
"Correct. I will work in the open using my authority as Hand of the King and you will work in the shadows using your teachings under the Lin Kuei Grandmaster," said Ned with Jon nodding since that was the initial plan.
"I noticed a seat on the Small Council was empty," commented Jon with Ned nodding since he saw it too.
"That would be Lord Stannis's seat as the Master of Ships. He is in charge of the Royal Navy. I will ask Varys about his absence at a later time," said Ned while Jon looked at the city though the nearby window.
"Is it true that you, Jamie Lannister, King Robert, and Stannis Baratheon all trained under the Grandmaster?" asked Jon curiously.
"Aye, we did. All of us did. We learned a great deal from him. Some more then others. Even Prince Rheagar himself learned directly under the Grandmaster. The same as you did when growing up," said Ned before he let out a sigh at the memory of all those soon to be Lords of different castles learning at the same time as himself.
"The Grandmaster once said it broke his heart to have so many of his students wage war against each other using his teachings," said Jon with Ned nodding.
"I imagine it did. Rheagar was the Grandmaster's best student in the ways of strategy and understanding war. Sadly, Robert was the better fighter. Rheagar could almost match him and nearly did at the Trident. I was there. One misstep was all it took. One misstep near the river caused Prince Rheagar to lose his footing and stumble to his left. His armored foot was in the river, stuck in the mud, and he couldn't move out of the way. Robert saw his chance, possibly his only chance of defeating Rheagar, and with a mighty swing of his war hammer...the Targaryen Prince breathed no more," said Ned since he had seen it all that day and how close the matchup had been when the two fought it out.
"In terms of strategy, who was better?" asked Jon curiously.
"Rheagar was always better. Robert liked to fight and think at the same time. His brother Stannis did it too, but preferred to think first before any fighting started. He was the only one who could match Rheagar when it came to strategy. Without Stannis to provide some measure of strategic insight, the war would have lasted longer, and I suspect it would be Rheagar sitting on the Iron Throne as the King of the Seven Kingdoms," replied Ned with Jon thinking things over.
"What about Lord Renly? Did he ever learn under the Grandmaster?" asked Jon with Ned shaking his head.
"No. He was too young during the wars. Even when Sub-Zero offered it, Renly politely refused since he preferred poetry, plays, and other things. Things that Robert does not consider to be 'manly' or what he believes will make you a man," answered Ned while remembering Renly was the least "manly" of the three brothers.
"The King is not what I expected him to be when he first arrived in Winterfell," said Jon with Ned smirking, but it was a sad smirk.
"He's changed. Robert's gotten slow. And fat. In his prime, Robert move fast for his size. And he was strong. Incredibly strong. He could wield his war hammer with one hand if necessary. Just one. Now...Now he can't even get off his horse without help. The man I knew, is a shadow of his former self," said Ned sadly while knowing he could admit this to Jon and the young lad would keep his mouth shut about it.
"He mentioned the Targaryens on the way here," commented Jon with Ned nodding.
"Daenerys Targaryen. The Mad King's third child. She has been married off to the leader of a Dothraki Horde. In return, the leader of this Dothraki Horde, Khal Drogo, will march upon the Seven Kingdoms in the name of Daenerys's brother, Viserys Targaryen, in order for him to sit on the Iron Throne," said Ned while Jon looked nervous for a moment.
"Do you think she will be a threat? Either of them? In the near future?" asked Jon with Ned sighing and thought over what he knew of war along with what Sub-Zero taught him.
"It is possible. Perhaps they will be a threat one day through Daenerys and her husband's army. Provided the Dothraki can get their horses to cross the Narrow Sea. The one thing that has kept the Hordes of Dothraki from being a threat to us over the centuries is they fear any water the horses they ride cannot drink," said Ned with Jon thinking things over in his mind.
"All they need are ships with food and supplies to contain and feed their horses. I suspect it won't be long before someone makes that suggestion. Its pretty obvious when you think about it," said Jon with Ned nodding with the feeling of dread growing.
"Aye it is only a matter of time. But the Dorthraki would need to buy or build them. Their culture doesn't believe in money or know how to make a ship," said Ned calmly.
"Or powerful people could give them ships. What better way to make a Dothraki Horde go somewhere else for a long time than send them to another land? There are still those in the Seven Kingdoms who are secretly loyal to House Targaryen. Who is to say they won't provide the ships the Dothraki need?" questioned Jon with his arms crossed and it made Ned smile sadly at him despite everything.
Right now, the boy reminded him of Rheagar when they played out the strategy games the Grandmaster created to challenge his students and their minds. Rheagar had the same stand, look, intensity in his eyes, and seriousness when it came to the long view of things. Always plan and think ahead of your enemy with other plans in place should the one you use fail.
The Grandmaster trained the Prince's son well.
"Loyal to House Targaryen they may be, but none of them would ever allow a barbaric army from another land to be used to conqueror Westeros. Especially a Dothraki Horde. The Dothraki pillage, burn, rape, and plunder everything that stands in their way. They are the land version of the Ironborn and no one House will ever tolerate them running around all throughout the Seven Kingdoms," said Ned with Jon sighing since he did not agree.
Again, a trait the boy inherited from Rheagar when someone told him something that did not feel right.
"All the same, we need to take this seriously. King Robert was right about that much at least," said Jon with Ned nodding.
"The Grandmaster has taught you well," commented Ned with Jon nodding.
"Considering where I am now, anything less would be foolish," commented Jon with Ned nodding and thinking something over in his mind.
"When the time comes, I will tell you about your Mother. I will tell you everything you have wanted to know since growing up in Winterfell," said Ned with Jon looking at him in surprise.
"Why? Why now?" asked Jon with Ned thinking again.
"Because you are strong now. I have kept things from you because the truth is dangerous and even more so when spoken out loud for all to hear. I can't tell you at this moment, but I will tell you soon. I only hope when everything I tell you is revealed...you do not hate me for it," said Ned while Jon frowned.
"Why? Why would I hate you? I still don't understand," replied Jon with Ned sighing.
"When the time comes, you will understand. All I can ask, is that you be patient with me just a little longer," said Ned with Jon looking down and away from him.
"I always asked you in the past about my Mother. Who she was. What did she look like. Even her name. You wouldn't speak it. You wouldn't say anything. When I asked, you were always afraid. Afraid of something. I asked the Grandmaster once if he knew. He said yes, but I should wait to have my questions answered by you," said Jon with Ned nodding.
"I know. I have wronged you by not saying anything. But I was afraid. Afraid of what the truth would do when revealed. Master Liang knew this too, which is why he has sworn himself to silence about it despite his feelings on the matter. But now...I'm not afraid anymore. At least...not entirely," answered Ned while Jon smiling behind the Lin Kuei mask he wore.
"I can wait a little longer. For now, let's do what we were sent here to do," said Jon with Ned nodding since Lyanna would have made a similar comment in her younger years.
It was finally time to find out just how bad the situation with the King ruling the Seven Kingdoms had become.
(A/N: YAY! Another super long chapter. I know some of you feel I am going slow, but I will try to speed things up. I just need some time to instigate all the issues we know and love that happened, but with a twist since certain events will be altered due certain people being involved. Until next time...PEACE!)
