Chapter 10-High Price
Ned was in his chambers, on his bed to be more precise, while Jon/Aegon was attending to his arm while making sure it didn't get infected. The wound on his arm had been much deeper then either man expected, which required proper medication, and bed rest to help insure a speedy recovery.
Jon had just finished the last of the stitching when Robert came in with Cersei with both looking angry, but for different reasons. Robert was always angry. You could see it on his face despite it being hidden behind the beard. Not to mention he was surprising sober at the moment, meaning his lack of wine intact made the man anger increase ten fold. As for Cersei, she was angry for the fight Ned and Jamie had outside of Littlefinger's brothel. It was in her mind that Ned was at fault, despite the fact Jamie came to confront Lord Stark with a larger force, taunted the Warden of the North, and ordered Lannister bannermen to kill the Stark bannermen with quite a few witnesses to the event.
As for as Cersei was concerned however, Lannisters could do no wrong. Her Father had done horrible things during his time ruling House Lannister, and no one punished him for it. Why should she or Jamie be any different?
Tyrion didn't count. She considered him an abomination unworthy of their House name so if he died some horrible death, it was his fault.
"Your Grace. I would stand, but I risk opening my wound," said Ned while Jon had told him to stay in bed since getting up risked opening his stitches that were just done on his arm.
"You realize what your wife has done? What the Lin Kuei Grandmaster has done?" asked Cersei firmly while Ned readjusted himself carefully on the bed.
"They did nothing I did not command of them when we last spoke. His Grace asked me to investigate Jon Arryn's death and I have been doing just that. My wife and even the Grandmaster were aiding me in obtaining new information to help bring the murders to justice," replied Ned while Robert merely snorting like a bull at his response.
"Well your wife and the Grandmaster have had their fun. They will release Tyrion from their hold and you will make peace with Jamie Lannister," ordered Robert while Ned was furious his sworn brother would ask this.
"Tyrion Lannister was never the Grandmaster's prisoner. Nor Catelyn Stark. I have it on good authority from my Sifu that they were all traveling to the Vale willingly as a whole group. Jamie Lannister was the one at fault here. Not Lord Stark. If anyone should try to broker peace, it should be the lion. Not the wolf," said Jon while Cersei looked enraged by the idea of her brother/secret lover being the one to make peace.
"He tried to butcher my men. In full public of everyone around him. Even worse, the man fled the Capital, which further inflames his guilt," added Ned while Cersei was clenched her fists in rage at him for telling such (truthful) things about Jamie.
"Lord Stark was seen coming out of the brother with his men. All drunk. They attacked Jamie for no reason at all. Ned Stark's word can't be trusted. After all, if he were truly a great swordsman, Jamie wouldn't have injured his arm so badly," countered Cersei while Ned glared at her.
"He may have gotten my arm your Grace, but I was able to leave my own mark on his face to remind him to not underestimate the wolf," Ned shot back while Cersei found his response unwelcome since she had heard of how Jamie's face was badly hurt.
She would repay Ned Stark for his action a thousand fold.
"Enough! All of you! This will not continue any further. I won't have it. I don't care who makes peace with who first. I want it to end!" exclaimed Robert with Ned nodding and so did Jon.
Only Cersei refused.
"I took you for a King. They attacked my brother and kidnapped the other despite what this one tells us. Perhaps I should wear the armor and you the skirt," said Cersei before Robert backhanded her in the face.
"Hold your tongue!" commanded Robert while Cersei glared at him.
"I shall wear this as a badge of honor," said Cersei in defiance of Robert.
"Wear it in silence or I will do it again," warned Robert before Cersei stormed out of he room.
"Robert...," said Ned, but a wave of Robert's hand silenced him as the King went to pour some wine.
"My loving wife. Jon Arryn said she was a perfect match for me. 'Marry her and secure the Seven Kingdoms' he said. 'You need Tywin Lannister's support' he said. 'Without the lion's backing, you won't be able to hold the Seven Kingdoms together' he said. Bah! All he did was make my life miserable with her to punish me for my drinking and whoring ways. Still, I shouldn't have hit her. That was not...not kingly of me," said Robert and he almost imagined Lyanna having an argument with him.
He dreaded the idea of a drunk version of himself striking Lyanna over a disagreement.
"Perhaps you should cut back on the drinking and whoring your Grace," said Jon firmly while Ned glanced at him with worry.
"Ha! Listen to him. Your son is giving me sound advice. Just like you would Ned. Advice I either ignore or refuse outright because I hate the idea of it. You're lucky Ned. To have so many members of your family at your side. Me? I only had you and my brothers. But I do not love them. A sad thing to admit, but its true. Even when we all stayed at the Lin Kuei compound trying to form bonds with every other Heir or potential Heir to a House. You were the brother I chose Ned. The one I wish was mine by blood. You were always the one to keep me in check. Keep me from making dumb mistakes. Keeping me from doing something stupid and reckless that if I had not listened, I would be dead by now. We can talk more after I come back from the hunt," said Robert with Ned looking at him with a frown and worry.
"The hunt?" asked Ned curiously and with worry.
"Aye, kling things always cleared my head. Let's me think more clearly. You know that. You will have to sit on the Iron Throne until get back. You'll hate it even more then I do," said Robert and throwing the pendant on Ned's torso.
"I will try to rule well until your return your Grace," said Ned while holding the Hand of the King pendant in his hands.
"Enough with that nonsense. Just sit on the damn throne and take charge. And one more thing Ned, if you take that pendant off again, I swear on the Mother I will pin it on Jamie fucking Lannister," said Robert before leaving the room.
"We didn't tell him about Lord Baelish and the evidence obtained during the investigation into Jon Arryn's murder," commented Jon with Ned sighing.
"We can tell him later upon his return. There are too many eyes on us. Too many ears. Go with the King on his hunt. Hide in the shadows and watch over him," ordered Ned while Jon looked concerned.
"And what about you? I don't like the idea of leaving you here without my help," replied Jon with Ned smirking.
"Contrary to the growing belief of some people, I can take care of myself when required," said Ned despite the disbelieving look on Jon's masked face.
"And yet had I not been there, things would no doubt have been completely different," said Jon in a semi joking manner.
"Aye, it would have been. After this mess with Jon Arryn is concluded, I will tell you about your Mother. I will tell you everything," said Ned with Jon's eyes widening and nodded once to accept the man's decision.
"I look forward to it," said Jon before he left and Ned sighed.
"Only one of us will be looking forward to it. I only hope you forgive me for waiting this long to tell you," said Ned to himself.
(King's Landing-Sometime Later)
Robert was right about one thing. Ned hated the Iron Throne. Hated everything about it. The design, the symbol of power it represented, and the fact it was created through the death and violence of countless people (if even some of the story behind its creation were true) dying in battle.
All in all, it was a painful eyesore. And one Ned Stark had the hated privileged of sitting on until Robert's return from his damn hunt.
And right now, he was dealing with an issue regarding the Riverlands being attacked with Petyr Baelish on one side of him while Grand Maester Pycelle was on the other. Oh how Ned hated these men. One for orchestrating Jon Arryn's death and the other for assisting in its completion once the poison fully entered Lord Arryn's body.
"They burned almost everything in the Riverlands. Our fields and our grainery. Even our homes. They would have done horrible things to the women and children, had not the Lin Kuei descended on them. Most of them managed to escape on horseback while the leader was swearing this was only the beginning of the horrors they intended to unleash on us," said the farmer from the Riverlands with another one beside him nodding in agreement.
"Brigands most likely. Though why the Lin Kuei got involved is unusual," said Pycelle while puzzled by the involvement of the clan of assassins.
"You forget Grand Maester, the Lin Kuei clan has always kept battles or wars contained, and away from the smallfolk. They also do not tolerate bandits, brigands, or anyone else attacking innocent people. Assassins by nature, but one with a sense of honor to protect the innocent lives within the Seven Kingdoms," said Ned while Pycelle nodded since the Grandmaster had made sure the Lin Kuei were not known for such barbarism.
"They weren't thieves. They didn't steal anything. They even left something behind your Grace," said the second farmer.
"You are addressing the Hand of the King. The King himself is out hunting," said Pycelle firmly.
"Grand Maester, they didn't know how else to address me as Hand of the King. This isn't one of those times when one remembers proper decorum when addressing others when considering what they went through. Not to mention what they nearly lost outside of their homes and fields," said Ned while Pycelle shifted uncomfortably at his reprimand.
"For future reference, you would have to refer to him as Lord Hand," commented Lord Baelish to make things go by faster, if just a little.
One of the farmers brought a basket container and dumped the contents on the floor with it being a dead black fish.
"A fish?" asked Pycelle in confusion.
"The fish is the Sigil of House Tully. Your wife's House I believe, Lord Hand," said Lord Baelish while Ned wanted to lash out at the Master of Coin since he damn well knew the fish was the symbol of House Tully.
"Did these attackers have a Sigil? A banner of some kind?" asked Ned knowing there was always some way to identify the attacker.
"No my Lord Hand. The one leading them was an ugly thing. Portly to a degree with a pig like face and squeaky voice. He stabbed and ripped open countless horses. Killed our blacksmith with his own hammer by beating him to death with it. Laughing as he went and even when burning down some homes. He took an arrow to his side when the Lin Kuei descended the group of attackers, but managed to get on his horse and ride off while saying more horrors would come before this was over," said the first farmer nervously.
"Sounds like someone we know. Armory Lorch. He was suppose to fight Ser Hugh of the Vale at one point, but the latter never showed. Has your wife dome something to offend him Lord Hand?" asked Lord Baelish while Ned narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth.
"Why would Armory Lorch do something like this? He is a anointed knight. It does not make sense a man such as him would do such a thing," said Pycelle since he did not fully understand the reason for Armory Lorch to act so violently.
"Armory Lorch is known as Tywin Lannister's Pig Monster. The second most nastiest fighter under House Lannister when called upon. The Mountain being the first before his untimely end all those years ago at the hands of a certain Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei," said Lord Baelish with Ned Stark not believing Armory Lorch was doing this just to get back at his wife or the Lin Kuei.
Seeing this action before him, Ned Stark felt the need to bring justice to the land and to the people. Which was why the newly reappointed Hand of the King commanded Lord Beric Dondarrion to assemble several hundred men and rise all the way to the Riverlands to arrest Armory Lorch. In addition, Lord Stark had denounced Armory Lorch, stripped him of his title as a knight, taking his lands, home, and anything else the man possessed. Ned also commanded a raven be sent to Tywin Lannister on his order to come to King's Landing and face the charges of his bannermen or be labeled a traitor to the Crown.
Much to the shock of Pycelle, Varys, and Baelish when they heard this.
Ned ignored them about yanking the lion's tail. Justice had to be done. If Tywin Lannister had a problem with justice, the old lion could come see him in King's Landing.
(Riverlands-Sometime Later)
"Summoned to court for the crimes of your bannerman, Armory Lorch. Uh...arrive within a fortnight or be labeled an enemy of the Crown. Poor Ned Stark. Brave man, but terrible judgment," commented Jamie Lannister while reading the message the raven provided from King's Landing.
"Attacking him was stupid. In broad daylight. As clear evidence on your face from the scar he gave you. It was fortunate my Maester accompanying us was positive it would fade enough to be barely noticeable," said Tywin while he was sharpening his blade to kill a dead stag.
"Ned Stark and his men were more skilled then I gave him credit for when I approached them," said Jamie admittedly while leaving out the part about the archer who took shots at them.
"I have said not once, but several dozen times to you. Lannisters do not act like fools. You want to say something clever? Go on. Say something clever. Attempt to impress me," replied Tywin while seeing Jamie wave off his words.
"Catelyn Stark kidnapped Tyrion. I wasn't about to let that go unanswered. You wouldn't in my place," said Jamie with Tywin scoffing.
"Why isn't he dead?" asked Tywin.
"Tyrion?" asked Jamie in confusion.
"Ned Stark? You had the numbers, the element of surprise, and your skills with a sword are at a level few can match," replied Tywin with the man looking back at his eldest son.
"Lord Stark had help. An archer on the roof. He thinned the ranks of my men and caught us all by surprise," said Jamie while Tywin shook his head again.
"Oh please, what are you? Five years old? Do you need to keep lying to me? That wasn't just an ordinary archer who helped Ned Stark. It was a member of the Lin Kuei. You do recall the Lin Kuei and who their teacher is, don't you? The very teacher who spent years teaching you, Rheagar Targaryen, Ned Stark, Robert Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, and others in the various ways of doing things," replied Tywin while Jamie winced since he didn't realize it.
"So the Lin Kuei is backing Ned Stark," surmised Jamie while Tywin shook his head.
"If the Grandmaster or the Lin Kuei were on his side, we would all be dead by now. No. This was done most likely by Ned Stark's newly legitimized bastard for a son Jon Stark, who has been personally trained by the Grandmaster. What's more, everyone saw you flee from the fighting, which makes your supposed guilt even greater!" exclaimed Tywin angrily while Jamie let out an amused laugh.
"I didn't think you, the great Tywin Lannister, would worry yourself over a legitimized bastard from the North," said Jamie with his smile leaving him when his Father walked right into his personal space.
"The fact you do not means your mind has clearly dulled before its time. Jon Stark has become an investment to the Lin Kuei Grandmaster. Maybe, he will one day succeed the man when the time comes. The Lin Kuei has been responsible for the deaths of various people throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Both High and Low. Do you think I am unaware of what they did to House Greyjoy and their fleet during their Rebellion? Robert would have lost more men and ships had he faced the Kraken when they were at full strength. Instead, Jon Arryn decided it was more prudent to enlist the services of the Lin Kuei in order to cripple the Greyjoy fleet and its forces to the point where fighting them was like fighting dull witted children," said Tywin harshly while Jamie winced since he did feel as if the resistance from the Greyjoys had been below even their usual standards of fighting.
"So what do we do?" asked Jamie curiously.
"I was going to give you half of our forces to attack Catelyn Tully's childhood home and remind her that Lannister's pay their debts. However, I have changed my mind. Armory Lorch sent me a raven earlier about how the Lin Kuei helped repel his own forces from the Riverlands. No doubt word will reach the Grandmaster of this and will seek to look into this further since Lorch would not do anything unless I gave the command. I would rather not have the Grandmaster send one of his Lin Kuei agents to put a blade to your throat. Especially, if he thought the move would stop further action on our part," said Tywin while knowing several Lords in the Westernlands had done things under his own nose and the Lin Kuei had dealt with it before exposing those sinful things to the world to justify their actions in ending the lives of such people.
"So we show some Lannister might and make Ned Stark rethink his actions?" questioned Jamie with Tywin scoffing.
"You are staying here with our main force where it is safe until this issue can be properly handled before it gets worse. Meanwhile, I am going to King's Landing to remind Lord Stark of just who he is dealing with, and that his position as Hand of the King does not provide as much protection as he thinks it does. I was his predecessor's predecessor after all," said Tywin firmly while planning on taking a small force of two hundred men with him.
"I almost feel bad for Lord Stark. Almost," said Jamie with Tywin frowning at him.
"Do not be so smug about this. We both know my influence is the only reason you have not been forced to join the Night's Watch or possibly lose your head all those years ago when I sacked King's Landing and you killed the Mad King. Or do the snide remarks of being called 'Kingslayer' all the time not bother you anymore?" remarked Tywin coldly, which removed the smugness from Jamie's face.
(King's Landing-Gardens)
Ned was patiently waiting for Cersei to arrive. He need to confront her about what his investigation into Jon Arryn's murder had unearthed. Part of his mind said this was a stupid move. He should keep this to himself until Robert came back from the hunt and told the King about Cersei's children. How they weren't Robert's by blood, but Jamie Lannnister's own bastard born children. But Ned also knew Robert's wrath. Knew what the man would do to Cersei, if not all three children. While Joffrey was questionable in terms of mental stability, Ned had seen Tommen and Myrcella at a distance. While the eldest of the three was clearly not right in the head, the other two children Cersei had brought into the world were innocent, and neither of them seemed to be power hungry like Joffrey.
"You asked to see me Lord Stark," said Cersei after her arrival.
"Yes. I was hoping to talk to you before Robert came back from the hunt," said Ned while Cersei glanced at the bandaged arm.
"Are you still in pain? I understand the damage was severe," said Cersei in reference to the man's damaged limb.
"I have felt worse pains. This is nothing," answered Ned since it was true.
"Perhaps it is time you and the other members of the Stark family went home. The South does not seem to agree with your you or your House," offered Cersei since the increased tension between them had become noticeable.
"Perhaps, but only when Robert comes back from the hunt. I tried to be a good Hand of the King, but the man I knew is shadow of himself. Even still, I intend to try being a good Hand until that day," replied Ned with Cersei smiled with a sense of respect toward him for trying to do what was right even when there was no point.
"Why did you ask me to come here?" asked Cersei in order to get things back on track.
"I discovered what Jon Arryn was doing. I know what he died discovering. A secret truth you don't want Robert to know," said Ned while Cersei tensed, but smiled all the same.
"And what secret truth is that Lord Stark," said Cersei with Ned pausing for a moment to think of the proper choice of words.
"Your children. They are not Roberts. None of them are his children. Just yours...and Jamie's," replied Ned while Cersei tensed up once more and was noticeable this time.
"That is a terrible accusation to make Lord Stark. Especially without proof," said Cersei while hoping she could bait him to reveal the proof behind the actual truth so it could be destroyed.
Her children and Jamie being the exception of course.
"I do have proof. I also have proof that you secretly conspired with those who murdered Jon Arryn to help keep it a secret. If Jon Arryn had gone to the King with this, you along with Jamie, and your children would have been killed," said Ned with Cersei's eyes now narrowing.
"Jamie would have killed Robert if the man tried to kill us. Jamie is young, strong, and a skilled swordsman. Robert is a fat drunk. He can't even fit into his own armor anymore," said Cersei since she would take a certain pleasure in seeing Jamie kill Robert in a fight.
"Robert's rage would counter those issues. Every member of House Baratheon can easily perform incredible acts of strength and violence when enraged. Few on the receiving end of it rarely live long enough to tell the tale. And those that do always fought Baratheons past their prime," warned Ned with Cersei grimacing since that was true enough with the history of Robert's House.
Hence why their House Motto was "Ours is the Fury" for a reason.
"It doesn't matter. I won't allow Robert to take or kill what is mine. I grew life within my womb and carried it for nine months on three different occasions. If you think I will let Robert of all people take those lives from me, much less their real Father simply because he sits on the Iron Throne, you do not know me well enough Lord Stark," warned Cersei with her words hinting of something nefarious if push came to shove.
"I know you always hated him. Ever since the start of your marriage to Robert," said Ned with Cersei letting out a small hollow laugh.
"Hated him? No. I worshipped him. Every girl in the Seven Kingdoms loved Robert and the idea of being with him. Who wouldn't? He was strong, built, was fighting to end the rule of a Mad King, and leading his forces to victory. But Robert was mine when the time came for us to wed. The man that every girl and woman my age wanted and he was mine by oath and right in the eyes of the Seven. I was so happy the day we married...until my wedding night. He came into the room, drunk from his constant intake of wine, fumbling to do what he could in his pathetic drunken state. And what was worse...Robert had the nerve to speak your sisters name when finishing," said Cersei angrily at the end since it had been a blow to her female pride and a pride as a Lannister.
A broken and damaged woman from the North had cast an everlasting shadow over her marriage and ruined it for Cersei from day one. Cersei had to compete with a woman in another Kingdom, who wasn't married to Robert, and resulted in her husband whoring himself with any woman who caught his fancy.
It was infuriating for Cersei to be in the shadow of another woman who was not even in the same Kingdom as her or high position. One who was damaged, broken, and couldn't even have children had more influence with Robert over Cersei herself.
"You forget, Robert started his rebellion for my sister. A rebellion where the prices for everyone paying for it were high and deals were made when the fires of war settled. You think my sister had an easy time following the war? She suffered. She still suffers from what happened everyday and every night when Rheagar had her," countered Ned with a hint of anger in his voice over the fact Cersei blamed Lyanna for Robert's ineffectiveness to love her back.
"I'm sure she does. But it doesn't change the fact Robert still loves her over me. The very woman who could love him back and give him children," countered Cersei.
"And yet, you failed to give Robert any children since the three you have now are not his by blood. Something I intend to tell him when he gets back from the hunt," Ned shot back while Cersei's eyes narrowed.
"And what should I do until his return Lord Stark? Do you expect me to beg? Grovel? To plead for mercy that you not tell him?" asked Cersei while Ned shook his head.
"Leave King's Landing. Take your children with you. Take a ship and go to Braavos. Or maybe Essos. Somewhere that Robert's wrath cannot reach you. We both know what will happen when I tell him the truth," said Ned with Cersei's eyes narrowed further.
"And what of my wrath Lord Stark? Did you ever consider my wrath? I may be a woman, but I am a Lannister. Daughter of the infamous Tywin Lannister. I learned many things from my Father during his time as Hand of the King and being Warden of the West. One of those things was to how to outmaneuver my enemies and right now, you are one of them," said Cersei before she left without another word to plot and counter Lord Stark's plan to tell Robert.
It was a good thing Ned had a plan of his own.
(Flashback-Hour before Robert's Hunt)
"The Queen is going to do something if you confront her on this. She will run to Baelish or Pycelle. Maybe even both since they all had a hand in this one way or another," said Jon from the shadows before he emerged from behind Ned.
"I know. Are the girls packed and ready to leave?" asked Ned with Jon nodding.
"Arya is ready. She wants her Dancing Master to come with her for more lessons. Syrio has agreed to it since he sees potential in her for the art. Unfortunately, Sansa has been less...accommodating to the idea of leaving since it means her marriage to Joffrey is now in question," said Jon with Ned grimacing, but considering what the false Prince was in terms of lineage, the two could not be together.
"Once I explain the truth to Sansa, I'm sure she will come around," said Ned with Jon nodding since it would help the girl realize not everyone is what they appear.
"Jory and several others are ready to depart for the North. Just give the word," said Jon with Ned nodding.
"Do it when Robert gets back from the hunt. And go with them. What needs to be done when Robert gets back will be done without you," said Ned with Jon looking shocked.
"What? Why?!" demanded Jon angrily for the first time ever when speaking to the man.
"Things are getting dangerous in King's Landing. If something happens to me while here, I do not care. But you and the girls are different. I can't risk it," said Ned with Jon now frowning at him.
"And if something happens to you, who will tell me about my Mother?" asked Jon with Ned sighing and clenching his eyes shut.
"If something does happen to me after you leave, seek out the Grandmaster. He will be able to tell you everything," answered Ned while Jon looked confused.
"Master Liang knew the whole time?" asked Jon with Ned nodding.
"Yes. I asked him to swear to silence on the issue since the information we know could change the outcome of the Seven Kingdoms itself. Should anything happen, you can tell the Grandmaster he can break his silence," said Ned with Jon looking uncertain.
"If that is your wish," said Jon with Ned nodding.
"It is my wish. But know that no matter what happens, you are a Stark. You have always been a Stark. Of my blood. Of my House. Legitimization by Robert or not. And above all else, I am proud of you. I know your Mother is proud of you," said Ned with Jon nodding while making a mental note to speak the Grandmaster about this in further detail.
Without another word spoken, Jon left the Hand of the King's Office while Ned let out a tired sigh.
(End Flashback)
With that in mind, Ned had one more thing to do in case things went sour for him while in this wretched city. One more move to make in the event Robert somehow met some kind of untimely end and himself along with his Sworn Brother soon after.
He had a message to write to Stannis and had to write it quickly before the spies of his enemies caught wind of it.
(King's Landing-Sometime Later)
Ned was walking through the corridor with a small contingent of his House bannermen when Renly came running toward him covered in blood and calling out his name. Renly explained how the blood wasn't his own, but Robert's when they were out hunting. Robert stumbled when the boar charged, more drunk then usual, and he would have missed his thrust with a spear if not for a projectile from the flank that hit the animal. The boar was moved off its course from the King just enough to prevent the tusk from goring him with a lethal hit.
Still, the injury was pretty severe with Jon Stark revealing himself before assisting the King with some measure of medical treatment until they returned to the city. Using some of the wine, which Robert protested about, Jon was able to prevent the wound from being infected due to the alcohol in it being used to fight off infections caused by such injuries.
Lin Kuei in the field medicinal training at its finest.
When Ned followed Renly into the room, he saw Robert on the bed being attended to my Grand Maester Pycelle with Cersei, Joffrey, Ser Barristan, and Jon all in the room. Ned's eyes went from Robert to the wound, which was bleeding through the bandages. All he could do was walk over to Robert, examine the wound himself and grimace at the sight of it.
"My fault. Too much wine. Nearly missed my thrust. Had your son not been there, hiding in the shadows, the damn beast would have got me worse. But I paid it back Ned. Sliced into him with my spear during the initial thrust on its side before taking my dagger and thrusting it into the beast's brain after being gored on my side. You don't believe me? Tell him! The three of you were there. Tell him!" said Robert while Ser Barristan nodding and so did Jon.
"Fortunately, if treated properly from here on out, the wound itself won't be lethal," said Jon while Ned looked worried all the same.
"Which I will be doing momentarily. Once every leaves of course," said Grand Maester Pycelle with Robert growling angrily.
"Everyone out. Except Ned. I need to talk with him in private," said Robert with most in the room obeying, but some looking nervous.
"Robert my sweet...," said Cersei while trying to play the loving wife.
"OUT! ALL OF YOU!" yelled Robert while everyone, except Ned left the room.
"You damned fool! You damned drunken fool! After all that has happened to you in life, all the wars, the battles, and the fighting throughout the Seven Kingdoms we did together, it was a boar of all things that nearly ends your time as King," said Ned while Robert let out a pained sigh.
"I know. I know Ned. I should be dying right now after what that boar did to me during the hunt. I would be if not for that boy. Your boy. He's special. Don't think I can't see it. That greatness. That potential. The Grandmaster saw it first and wanted it to be nurtured under his teachings like he did with us when growing up. He only did that for one other person Ned. A person I killed at the Trident," replied Robert calmly while giving Ned a knowing look.
"Robert, I uh...I...," said Ned uncomfortably under Robert's gaze while fear clawed at his heart.
"You don't have to say or explain it Ned. I know. I know the truth. I saw it knew when I was lying there on the ground, bleeding out from my wound, the boy looming over me trying to save my life. I saw it in his eyes. At first, I wondered how Jon had your sister's eyes, yet the intensity in them was like Rheagar's when we both fought at the Trident. It is amazing how one can receive clarity of the world while lying there from a near fatal injury. It was like a final piece of the puzzle finally clicked into place. I maybe slow on the uptake when it comes to certain things Ned, but I'm not a complete idiot. I put two and two together. He wasn't your bastard from the start. He was Rheagar's child. He is Rheagar's child," concluded Robert with Ned silently nodding.
"And Lyanna," added Ned for good measure in the hopes it would prevent Robert from lashing out at Jon.
What Ned got was a pain filled laugh from his friend.
"You think I don't know that? Who else could be the boy's Mother?" asked Robert with Ned wincing.
"I didn't wish to deceive you. But Lyanna...she feared your wrath. Your wrath against her son," said Ned with Robert nodding.
"Aye, she was right to fear it. Fear me. Ten years ago, I would have butchered that boy myself. Hit him with my war hammer so hard his guts would come flying out the back of his body in a single swing. Back when I took the Iron Throne, I would have taken my war hammer to his infant body over and over again Ned. Shameful as it is to admit. But now? Now, I don't feel anything at all like I use to when it comes to the Targaryens as a whole after what we did," replied Robert with a painful sigh leaving him.
"There are few who know the truth about Jon. We did lie to protect him not only from you, but from Tywin Lannister, and to keep the Seven Kingdoms from tearing itself to pieces. Too many people would have wanted Jon dead or under their influence to control the Seven Kingdoms," said Ned while hoping his explanation would appease Robert.
"You don't have to justify this Ned. Gods know I have been a poor King. Poor friend. Poor husband. Poor brother. I might as well call myself the Poor King. Because while I have Kingdoms, lands, and titles...I'm poor when it comes everything else that matters in life," said Robert while slowly adjusting in his position on the bed.
"What made you not feel hatred for Jon?" asked Ned curiously with Robert letting out a small laugh despite the pain it caused.
"I don't know Ned. Maybe it was from my body lying there on the ground, thinking I was going to die, and my life appeared before my eyes. Seeing my life outside of my body is something they don't tell you in stories and songs. But I saw it Ned. I saw me. I saw what I did with my life on the Iron Throne. Gods Ned, I have been a fool. You were right to say I should have let my hatred of the Targaryens go. I should have stopped hating them all long after Rheagar and the Mad King died. Funny how Rheagar's son saved my life. Ha! All sorts irony there Ned. I kill Rheagar and nearly twenty some years later, his own progeny, and rightful Heir to the Iron Throne saves my life. Does he know?" said Robert with Ned shaking his head.
"No. I haven't told him. I wanted to wait until he was ready and certain no one could be a threat to him," said Ned while Robert laughed some more before calming down again to get serious.
"I take it the Grandmaster knows the truth," surmised Robert with Ned nodding.
"He was there when Lyanna gave birth. As was Prince Oberyn. It was because we arrived when we did that Lyanna didn't die bringing Jon into the world. She nearly bled to death if not for the Grandmaster helping us slow the bleeding," explained Ned before going into deeper detail regarding Lyanna and Rheagar.
In the end, all Robert could do was let out a painful sigh.
"To think, the war we started against the Mad King was in the name of justice. And yet, all those lives lost. All the blood and guts spilled everywhere. For what? A big fat lie. Gods Ned, if the people only knew just how much of a fool their current King was and still is right now," said Robert since he was too tired to clench his fist in anger.
"I know. I was there with you in all of it. Fighting, killing, and nearly dying on a few of those occasions with the scars to prove it," said Ned with Robert smirking.
"I should have died at the Trident. Not Rheagar. Can you imagine if he did win that fight against me? He would have crushed the Rebellion in that one battle and in the end, the man would most likely pardoned you, my brothers, and few other High Lords who fought beside me. Damn it Ned, I was never meant rule. My brothers are good at ruling over the lands and I have treated them with such distain. Such dislike. I chose you as my brother Ned. I accept it. But I should have been better brother to both of them. Especially Stannis. He did everything I asked of him no matter the cost or risk to his own life during the war. And the one time the man fails and I punish him for it. Even when it wasn't his fault. And how do I punish him? I make Renly the Lord of Stormlands and make Stannis the Lord of Dragonstone," said Robert with a bitter chuckle in his mouth.
"You can still correct this Robert. There is still time," said Ned knowing the man could fix this.
"You were always the positive one between us Ned. So full of hope and the belief that people should be honorable," said Robert in a tired voice.
"Robert, there is one more thing you need to know. It is regarding the children. Cersei's children," said Ned while Robert looked at him in confusion.
"What about my children?" asked Robert in confusion while Ned winced.
"They aren't your children Robert. Not one drop of your blood runs in their veins," said Ned before he explained in detail what he had learned about Cersei's children.
He went on about how Cersei conspired with Baelish to have Jon Arryn killed due to the man nearly figuring things out when comparing the three to Robert's bastards he had with different women. How Baelish used Cersei's worries regarding Jon Arryn telling Robert to put his plans into motion to create a war between the Lion and the Wolf. How there were those wanting to destroy the stability of the Seven Kingdoms in order to rule it or be one of the more influential players in it.
"Seven Hells Ned. I was so filled with fear and fury over the Targaryen threat across the Narrow Sea, I didn't see the problems inside one damn city," replied Robert bitterly while Ned was nodding and sighing.
"We can still act Robert. I sent a letter to Stannis about this. If something were to happen to you, the next in line to be King would be him," said Ned while Robert grunted.
"Piss on that Ned. I may not have loved my brother as much as I should, but I know them well enough to know neither one going to be good at being King. Stannis should be Lord of the Stormlands. I will give him that. Maybe even become Hand of the King outside of yourself. But King? No. We need someone else. Someone who is able to sit on the damn throne and rule with a sense of respect and strength a King needs in order to rule properly without the madness or vices we bring with us when sitting on the dam throne," said and angry Robert while his mind was now working more in terms of thinking things out.
For Ned, this was scary since Robert thinking clearly without wine holding him down usually resulted in a lot of people dying.
"What do you propose?" asked Ned with Robert looking at him and then over at the table behind the Lord Hand.
"Paper and writing quill. Behind you. Write this down. If I know my enemies like I think I do now that I know who they are, I'm in a position to die no matter what happens," said Robert with Ned getting the paper and writing quill before writing down what the man had to say.
"Give this to the Small Council in the event of my death. At least they can say I did this right. And arrest those shits who killed Jon Arryn. All of them. Pycelle, Baelish, and even Cersei for what she pulled. And if Tywin Lannister has a problem with it, he can take it up with his angry cunt of a daughter that was my inbreeding whore of a wife. She will deny it of course, but I expect proof to be brought against her denial Ned. Make sure her oh so powerful Father sees it first hand. Shove it down his throat if you have to Ned. Do not be gentle with him or think about honor. A man like that exploits honorable men and will not let such things be tolerated in his presence," warned Robert in the end after he put his seal on the rolled up parchment.
"Lord Tywin should be arriving at King's Landing soon. I demanded he be called to court to answer for the crimes of his bannermen Armory Lorch, who attacked the Riverlands while you were out hunting," said Ned while Robert growled.
"Armory Lorch maybe a pig's cunt, but he wouldn't do anything unless Tywin ordered him to do it. No doubt in retaliation for your wife's recent actions in 'kidnapping' Tyrion Lannister," replied Robert with Ned nodding.
"We had to provoke our enemies. It was the only way," said Ned with Robert nodding.
"High risk. High reward. The Grandmaster always explained as much. You take care of the old lion while I rest. Just don't cower in front of him Ned. He sees that and sees only weakness. That man preys on weakness. Also, in regards to the Targaryen girl and her child, you were right about her too. Call it off Ned. Tell the damn Spider to call off the assassins," said Robert while he focused on resting in his bed.
When Ned exited the room, he shut the door before addressing everyone who stayed after Robert (verbally) kicked them out.
"Give him Milk of the Poppy. It should help the King with his pain until he has properly recovered," ordered Ned to Pycelle since there was no one else he could order to help the King recover.
No matter how much he wanted to arrest the man right now.
"He was reeling from the wine. His Grace ordered us to step aside when the boar charged him. But I failed in my duty to protect the King," said Ser Barristan before sighing over what felt like the second time he failed someone of royalty.
"No man could have saved or protected him. Not even from himself. It was fortunate that Jon was able to intervene at the last moment. If he hadn't, I fear the injury to his Grace would have been fatal," said Ned while his "son" bowed slightly in respect for the praise given to him.
"Speaking of the wine, Ser Barristan, who gave it to the King during his hunt?" asked Baelish curiously.
"The King's squire. A Lannister boy. Lancel Lannister I believe is his name," said Ser Barristan with Ned frowning.
"The same one who was at the tourney trying to help the King get into his armor?" asked Ned with Ser Barristan nodding.
"The very same boy. From the King's own wine skin. Robert was drinking from it almost every minute. I was almost wondering if the damn thing would ever run out of wine with the way it never seemed to become empty," commented Ser Barristan with Ned frowning further in suspicion.
"Such a dutiful boy. Always attending to his Grace's needs by providing refreshment for him at a moments notice," said Baelish with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Regardless, we have more pressing issues to attend. I have spoken to the King about the mater of Daenerys Targaryen. After much deliberation on the issue, his Grace has had a change of heart over wanting her dead. Whatever arrangements have been made to end her life are to be stopped immediately," said Ned to Varys, who looked pleased, yet also concerned by this news.
"That is all well and good Lord Hand, but those birds have already flown. Any attempt to reach them to counter the command would be pointless now. The poor girl and her child may already be dead at this point," said Varys with Ned grimacing.
"All the same. Get word to those birds and those they were in contact with for doing this job. Tell them to stop any attempt set into motion and not to continue any future attempts on her life," commanded Ned Stark while Varys bowed and set to carry out his orders.
While everyone scattered to do their own thing, Ned walked to the Tower of the Hand to deal with his duties with Robert incapacitated at the moment. With Prince Joffrey (even if he was Robert's son) being too young to become King, the power to rule landed on Ned as its Hand.
"I see the decorum hasn't changed much since my time here in King's Landing. Jon Arryn apparently did not feel the need to change much of the room when he was serving as the Hand of the King," commented Tywin Lannister, who was already in the room where he once served as Hand and looking out a balcony when Ned walked in.
"Lord Tywin. I did not expect you to come here before myself to the Tower of the Hand or possibly not send word of your arrival," said Ned politely, but cautiously while giving the room a glance to look for any Lannister men waiting to strike should the old lion give the order.
As for Tywin Lannister, he knew Lord Stark was glancing around for potentially hidden soldiers, which the Lord of Casterly Rock could respect. Only a fool would walk into a room in this situation and not be concerned about a potential trap. Still, Tywin knew Ned Stark to be a man of honesty, civility, and honor so there was no point in being deceptive with the man.
Straight to the point was the best way to do things.
"My apologize Lord Stark. I didn't want everyone within King's Landing to know of my arrival unless necessary," replied Tywin politely while Ned walked over to the desk that was once his own a long time ago.
"Since you are here Lord Tywin, perhaps we can end this quietly and honorably like men of our position should without future violence or bloodshed on our part," said Ned before sitting down and motioning for Tywin to sit down in the chair across from them.
"Indeed. Such a meeting should be handled with some level of proper decorum from one Hand to another. First, I demand an explanation regarding your wife's actions against my youngest son, Tyrion," said Tywin firmly while Ned grimaced.
"Contrary to what you were told or believe Lord Tywin, my wife did not kidnap your son at the Inn. like many have come to believe," answered Ned calmly and it surprised Tywin a bit that the man was answering him without a hint of fear.
"If that is true, what did happen?" asked Tywin while Ned explained how his wife was traveling to the North after initially arriving to King's Landing to show him the one of a kind dagger an assassin tried to murder their son Bran with.
And how Tyrion had been implicated in the plot to murder Ned's son.
"I personally didn't believe the charges myself. Tyrion doesn't strike me as a man who would hire an assassin to kill a boy. Especially a boy he didn't even meet when the King arrived at Winterfell. Lord Baelish informed us the dagger in question was his own until it was won by your son in a bet made on Prince Joffrey's last nameday. Further advise from Master Liang also helped to further clear your son of any wrong doing. They soon encountered Lord Tyrion at the Crossroads Inn. by chance and Master Liang asked for your son's help to expose additional enemies to the crown," answered Ned while Tywin was not pleased by this since he had not seen fit to confirm the information provided.
"This is indeed troubling. It would seem Lord Baelish has been trying to play us for fools in his quest to destroy us with war and conflict. I trust he will be dealt with shortly before the man can do further damage?" said Tywin with Ned nodding.
"Once the King is healed from his hunt. At the moment, Lord Baelish suspects nothing is amiss with his plots and schemes being exposed. I'm trying to keep it that way until the time to bring him to justice is right," replied Ned with Tywin nodding before he frowned since it would mean knocking some sense into his son.
"Good. See that you do. In the meantime, I will handle my son. He acted like a fool and I have told him time and time again, Lannisters do act like fools," said Tywin firmly while Ned looked pensive for a second.
"Lord Tywin, there is another matter I wish to address to you. One I am...hesitant to say due to your reputation and again out of respect for the Honor of your House," said Ned while Tywin raising an eyebrow.
"Oh?" asked Tywin curiously.
"I have recently uncovered evidence of your daughter being unfaithful to Robert during their time married together. In fact, all three of her children are not Robert's by blood. They are Jamie's," said Ned with Tywin narrowing his eyes.
"That is a major accusation to make against my family Lord Stark. The fact that no one has been whispering or even shouting it from the rooftops means only a handful of people have heard this. While I do thank you for not saying such slanderous things about two of my children, much less my House by extension in public, I will ask you provide me with proof of this nonsense," said Tywin coldly since he wasn't about to let someone like Lord Stark use his position as Hand to slander the Lannister name.
"I found out about it when I was investigating Lord Arryn's murder. He was also doing his own investigation and confirmed his suspicions before he was killed," said Ned while Tywin looked unconvinced.
"And?" asked Tywin while wondering if there was even more to it aside from one dead Hand.
"Right before he died, Lord Arryn was reading a old book related to the bloodlines of all the ancient Houses. He was looking into the Baratheon bloodline to be more specific and came across something at the very end," said Ned before handing the book to Tywin, who took it, and saw it was on the page showing Robert's lineage.
"As much as it pains me to say this Lord Stark, I am not following. Nor am I convinced of foul play through my children," said Tywin while Ned sighed.
"When Jon died, his final words were 'the seed is strong'. I didn't know what that meant at first...until I saw Robert's lineage before looking at the children he supposedly sired," said Ned while Tywin frowned further before he did the same.
And frowned further, if just a bit.
"This proves nothing. Perhaps the Baratheon seed is not as strong as Lord Arryn assumed and Lannister blood overpowered Robert's," commented Tywin while Ned sighed.
"I might have thought so too, if not for Robert's bastards countering such a theory," said Ned before he went on to explain how he followed more of Jon Arryn's leads to Robert's bastards.
And how each of them looked like Robert. And how each woman who birthed all of these bastards of the King were different one way or another.
"I will admit, there is enough evidence to arouse suspicion. But I know my children well enough that they would never do such a thing. Not to me. Not to House Lannister," said Tywin while Ned grimaced.
"Lord Tywin, I know you don't want to believe this. I wouldn't believe it myself if I was in your position. But I spoke to Cersei about it. She admitted to me that all three of her children are Jamie's. Not Robert," said Ned while Tywin looking increasingly angry.
"Were there any witnesses to this conversation?" asked Tywin with Ned shaking his head no to his question.
"It was a private conversation in the gardens. I told her I would tell Robert once he came back from the hunt. I told Cersei to leave with her children for distant lands and avoid the King's wrath when presented with the evidence of the infidelity," answered Ned while he saw Tywin thinking things over in his head.
"If what you told me is in fact true, it would mean my legacy has been stained by three incest born bastards with no claim to the Iron Throne," commented Tywin neutrally.
"It is true Lord Tywin. I am certain of it. I would not speak of it to you about this unless I was sure my words were the truth. You know I am a man of honor. I would not lie about something like this or discredit another House in such a shameful manner. It is not my way," replied Ned with the old lion's scowl deepening since he knew Lord Stark had a point.
Ned Stark did not lie or go around discrediting other Houses. It was beneath him and his honor. Plus, he was talking to Tywin himself about this over spreading it around. It was unsettling to the old lion that this was happening and right under his very nose since he had trusted his children to not do something so stupid. The fact Lord Stark wasn't going around spreading it like a plague throughout the Seven Kingdoms only strengthened the man's words. House Stark did not go around doing things without reason, nor did they go around shaming Houses to get what they wanted. He also knew Ned Stark's honor made it so the man would try to handled this privately with Tywin and few people knowing as possible.
Admittedly, Tywin had seen them together nearly naked in their younger years, but had not thought nothing of it since he did not believe anything was related to such a thing. His children had known better then to shame him and their House, especially after all the time spent drilling into their heads about the importance of family.
And yet...the evidence before him was staring the man right in the face. He could deny it. He could become angry at Lord Stark. Denounce the proof and accuse the current Hand of the King with conspiracy to shame House Lannister.
But the evidence before him was undeniable. He could go to Grand Maester Pycelle right now or another Maester he trusted about this to see if there was any validity to the claims Lord Stark made. But could he? Should he?
"How do you propose this is handled Lord Stark?" asked Tywin while feeling he should hear the man out, if only to see how this could be kept from getting out.
"I know Armory Lorch went to my wife's home and attempted to sack it on your orders. Anyone who is anyone knows the man obeys your commands above all others. Which is why you will publicly denounce Armory Lorch and those who followed under his banner. You will send a raven or a messenger to him in secret and order him and his men to lay down their arms before being sent to the Wall. As for Jamie and Cersei, I wish to handle Cersei on my end while I leave Jamie in your capable hands," replied Ned with Tywin thinking it over.
It wasn't unreasonable. Tywin removed the clearly incompetent fool from his employ and kept his actions in commanding the pig monster a secret. As for Jamie and Cersei, it was not unreasonable since Jamie could be handled by Tywin when he returned to his forces, and Lord Stark would keep his daughter's transgressions a secret in order to keep Robert from being humiliated. This of course would mean Cersei would eventually have to be brought back to him to be dealt with discreetly by the old lion himself. Not to mention his daughter's position as Queen being nullified with Robert taking another wife as Queen.
But it was a small price to pay to keep the Lannister name from being ruined, humiliated, and possibly destroyed in the eyes of other Houses. Considering how many disliked the Lannisters and him, they would be waiting to use such a scandal to pick a fight and use this as an excuse to do it. Worse, some of the Houses in the West might rebel if they felt Tywin was unfit to rule as Warden.
Even more so if they believed Tywin could not control the shameful actions of his own children. What right did he have to rule the West if his own children could not be kept in line? Why serve an old lion when his time is almost up and his Heirs are fucking each other and have three children as proof?
No! He could not let that happen.
"Your terms are acceptable Lord Stark. Initially, I was under the impression your actions were one trying to seize more power, or at least shame my House. But now I see you are trying to protect the people and the Seven Kingdoms from something it does not need nor want right now," replied Tywin with Ned nodding.
"Thank you for seeing reason Lord Tywin. Rest assured, your youngest will return to you unharmed and explain things further about what happened when traveling with my wife," said Ned while both men rose from their seats and shook hands.
"Indeed. Good day Lord Stark," replied Tywin before leaving the room so he could ride to his army's encampment at Riverrun and "discipline" his idiot son.
(King's Room-Sometime Later)
Robert knew something was wrong. His instincts, while dulled significantly from his time drinking and whoring, told him something was wrong. He felt weaker. Not stronger. His recovery was not progressing smoothly, but in fact going in reverse. Glancing over to his right, Robert saw Pycelle working on something before sending (not so) discreet glances back at the King. A look of nervousness on the old Maester's face. More then usual. And it was here that Robert knew what was happening.
Pycelle was trying to kill him! Just like he helped those who killed Jon Arryn.
"So this is how it happens. King Robert Baratheon, murdered by his Grand Maester," said Robert tiredly while Pycelle stiffened and glanced back at him.
"Your Grace?" asked Pycelle while wondering how much the King knew.
"Don't bother denying it you old cunt. I know you were one of them. I have known for quite awhile that you helped in killing the man I called a Father. You helped killed Jon Arryn. And now, you seek to kill me so my so called son can sit on the Iron Throne upon my death," accused Robert while Pycelle was even more nervous.
"I do not wish to do this your Grace. But it must be done. The good of the realms and the Seven Kingdoms compels me to do this. I feel no joy in assisting in this action," replied Pycelle while slowly approaching the King.
"Good of the realms. Ha! Piss on that excuse. You are doing this because my whore of a wife is a Lannister. You fear her Father. You fear not being on the 'winning side' when the conflict begins. You sided with those murderous cunts who killed my Hand. I only stayed my hand in putting your head on a pike because your fellow conspirators needed to be discovered," said Robert with Pycelle looking even more fearful, but his right hand holding the small jar of liquid gave it away.
"Your Grace, you have to understand, I had no choice. If was told I could go along with the plans of the others or be killed and someone else would replace me," protested Grand Maester Pycelle while Robert growled.
"You couldn't come to me? You couldn't warn me of their treachery? Don't feed me lies you old cunt. I know you did it out of greed. Those fuckers promised you a place at their position of power. A seat at the table. They needed you to kill Jon Arryn and still need you now to cover up their crime of killing me," said Robert with Pycelle looking hesitant and fearful to move or act now that both men were near each other.
"I had no choice your Grace. I truly do regret Jon Arryn's death. But it had to be done. I had to do what must be done for the good of the realms. Just as I must do this now," said Pycelle before moving the small vile of liquid to Robert's lips.
But in the last moment, Robert sprang to life, ignoring the liquid that left the small jar, which entered his mouth, and grabbed Pycelle by the throat. The old man dropped the jar of liquid, the glass breaking loudly on the floor, his old hands trying to pry the younger, yet still weak man from his neck. The fury in Robert's eyes reminding Pycelle of the Baratheon House motto "Ours in the Fury" and the King living up to it by using his very rage to give his body incredible strength in his weakened condition to crush the elderly man's throat like it was nothing.
SNAP!
That was sound made by Pycelle's neck being crushed and snapped by Robert's hands echoed throughout the room. Ser Barristan, who was standing outside the room heard the sound, and thump a body made when it hit the ground before rushing in. Seeing Pycelle on the ground, a broken vile of questionable liquid at the foot of the bed, and Robert now struggling to breathe told the man everything he needed to know.
Pycelle had poisoned the King and Robert killed him with his last act of defiance.
"Your Grace!" exclaimed Ser Barristan before rushing to the King's side.
"Ned. Tell Ned...to take the...Iron Throne. To carry out...my...wishes. He has...the order I wrote down...for the Small Council to carry out upon my...death," gasped Robert while he struggled to breathe before he fell forward in Ser Barristan's grip dead.
King Robert Baratheon's rule had come to an end.
(Tower of the Hand)
Ned heard the bells ringing. They signified the death of the King. Ned of course knew that the King would only be dead if by the hands of outside forces. Given how Pycelle was "treating" Robert, it was not unreasonable the old man saw his chance to end the rule of Robert Baratheon to make way for Joffrey's ascension as King.
Not that it would happen. Not if Ned had anything to say about it. Even if Joffrey did move to name himself King, it would be void on its face. Robert had already set things into motion regarding the future of Seven Kingdoms with Ned's help and the message sent to Stannis to ensure the man knew what came next. All that was left was Renly and even Varys to assist in the transition while Lord Baelish was arrested for his crimes.
"Ned, the King is dead. My brother is dead," said Renly with Ned nodding.
"The bells told me as such," said Ned while praying his sword brother found peace in the afterlife.
"He named you Protector of the Realm and Regent to rule until an Heir was ready, right?" asked Renly while Ned nodded.
"He did. And more," answered Ned somewhat cryptically while not wanting to reveal too much to Renly since the man had an ambitious side to him.
"We need to strike fast and soon. Cersei won't care if you are named Protect of the Realm or Regent. She will put her son on the Iron Throne and rule through him. I wouldn't be surprised if Cersei went to Baelish to help secure additional support in some form. Just give me an hour and I will have a hundred swords at your command," said Renly since he knew how Cersei would think in this situation.
"And what would I do with a hundred swords at my command?" asked Ned, but had an idea.
"To strike now. While the people mourn Robert's death. We take control of Joffrey and the Crown by extension. Get him away from his Mother," said Renly while Ned shook his head.
"You presume Joffrey is the named Heir," replied Ned while Renly was looking at him in confusion.
"What do you mean?" asked Renly since he didn't understand.
"Joffrey is not Robert's son. None of Cersei's children are Roberts. I found out during my investigation into who killed Jon Arryn. Littlefinger ironically enough headed that plot, but tried to direct me to what Lord Arryn had died for during his own investigation in the belief the Lannisters plotted this from the start," explained Ned before telling Renly what else he knew about the situation.
"Who else knows?" asked Renly while Ned shrugged.
"Your brother Stannis for one after I sent a messenger to him a short time ago. Varys I'm sure already knew, but kept his mouth shut to ensure he had something to bargain with in the event of being targeted. The Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei will soon know once Jon returns to Master Liang to fill in the gaps. I have Robert's final proclamation in hand to be read once I sit on the Iron Throne as Regent. I was planning to do that shortly, but I need help to enforce my position. Will you help me?" said Ned with Renly looking very frustrated at this point and the Lord of House Stark knew why.
Renly was hoping to back the Regent and gain favor with the man to the point of being named King of the Seven Kingdoms. To gain the Regent's blessing to circumvent all the rules of succession and screw Stannis out of what was arguably his rightful claim. With Robert dead and no legitimate Heirs to the Iron Throne, the next in line would be Stannis. Renly being the youngest of the three Baratheon brothers, wanted to be King of the Seven Kingdoms since the power behind it was practically absolute.
All he needed was the Regent's support and the Iron Throne would be become Renly's.
"Only if you name me the rightful Heir. Stannis cannot rule Ned. He's not King material," said Renly with Ned frowning in disappointment.
"And you are? Besides, you know the rules of succession Renly. Stannis would be the one to sit on the Iron Throne, not you," said Ned firmly.
"And you think Stannis would be a good King? Everyone thought that about Robert, but they were wrong. Stannis is a good commander. No one can deny it. But King? The man is too cold. Too stiff. He would have the people rebelling against him with in a few years for his harsh way of doing things," argued Renly while Ned sighed.
"My answer is no," said Ned with Renly getting angrier with each passing second.
"You are being foolish Lord Stark. You believe honor will make people follow my late brother's final command. But they will only follow his final command if you have the power to enforce it. Power you lack," said Renly before he stormed off out of the room.
"I know. Which is why I sent those I love away from this wretched place when Robert returned. Forgive me Jon. It looks like you will have to learn the truth from Master Liang instead of myself," said Ned with a sigh knowing the price of what was about to happen soon was going to be high.
But one he was willing to pay. Even if it meant the cost of his life. His Father did. His brother did. And now, Ned Stark would follow in their footsteps to do what is right at the cost of their lives.
If you have the fight...win!
His Father's words echoed in Ned's mind at that moment. Ned knew a fight was going to happen. A fight he would lose personally given the nest of vipers slithering throughout the city waiting to strike the honorable wolf. But on a larger level, Ned would see to it that even in the end, he would win against his enemies long after the Stranger claimed him.
Justice would not be denied. Merely delayed.
(A/N: YAY! Another long chapter. Sorry this took so long. I had to think about how the actions of Sub-Zero, the Lin Kuei, and Jon/Aegon would influence things in the Seven Kingdoms. Not to mention how things will play out next chapter with (spoiler alert!) Ned meeting his end like he did in Season 1. I know, you think the Lin Kuei can and should do something about this. But Sub-Zero can't be everywhere at once and the Lin Kuei is not a massive army. They are shadows, lurking in the darkness, and striking with quality over quantity. Unfortunately, Cersei, Joffrey, and Baelish have quantity on their side so engaging in an all out fight would be foolish and stupid. Personally, I like Ned. It sucked that the man died in the end the way he did. I don't want to kill him off, but I have to do it in order to move things forward in this fic. Sorry. Until next time...PEACE!)
