It was just reaching midnight when Torrhen exited his chambers, he was having a difficult time sleeping, and he could not understand his last dream. He was in some type of cave, he felt a calling, but he could not see or hear what was calling him. Also, he thought back to the strange conversation he had with the queen. Even though she said she was "offering" him something, it did not seem like she was asking.
Flashback (Cersei's chambers, last night)
Torrhen: I'm sorry, I think I did not hear you, can you repeat that?
Cersei: You head me, I will make sure your family stays safe if you pleasure me
Torrhen: My queen, you are married
Cersei: So? Just remember, as the queen, I get what I want
Torrhen: I will remember that . . .
Cersei: Now, off you go
Flashback ends
Torrhen made his way towards the Hand's chambers, but stopped when he heard footsteps, not wanting to talk with anyone, he quickly hid as Cersei passed by him without even noticing. Torrhen wonder what she was doing over here, probably talking with Ned but he would worry about that for later. He made it to Ned's chambers then knocked, he got told to come inside.
Ned: What are you doing up?
Torrhen: I couldn't sleep so I figured I come bother you
Ned: 'Laughs' Really? I have work to do
Torrhen: All that could wait, you need your rest as well
Ned: I'll be fine
Torrhen: I don't know, you are getting up there, you are practically an old man
Ned: I'm not old, I still got plenty left in me
Torrhen: Whatever you say old man
Ned: You aren't competing in the tournament tomorrow, are you?
Torrhen: Nah, I have already won my fair share, I figured I would let Loras win one
Ned: The Tyrell boy?
Torrhen: Yes sir, remember I told you, I would always best him when I did my wardship and we became friends, you are getting old
Ned: 'Laughs' You I've had enough of you, get out, go get some rest
The next day starts but this one is a little different, Torrhen does his training in the morning so he could make it in time to watch the tournament. Like always, Ser Barristan joined him, the old knight was really growing on Torrhen, he started seeing him like a grandfather, while he thinks Barristan sees him as a grandson which Torrhen would gladly accept since he doesn't have any grandparents. At the moment though, Torrhen was trying to hurry since he was already late to the tournament and his family was already there. As he was making his way there, he heard his father and King Roberts voice.
Robert: Your mother was a dumb whοre with a fat ass. Did you know that? 'addressing Ned' Look at this idiot! One ball and no brains. He can't even put a man's armor on him properly.
Ned: You're too fat for your armor.
Robert: Fat? Fat, is it? Is that how you speak to your King? 'King Robert and Ned Laugh. King Robert turns to Lancel who is grinning.' That was funny, is it?
Lancel: No, Your Grace
Robert: No? You don't like the Hand's joke?
Ned: Your torturing the poor boy
Robert: You heard the Hand. The King's too fat for his armor! Go find the breastplate stretcher, now!
Torrhen sees the poor boy leave the tent, he chuckles and shakes his head. Deciding he has done enough eavesdropping, he goes to find Arya and Sansa. When he finally makes it to the stands, he only sees Sansa, no Arya to be found. Sansa is sitting next to a man that Torrhen doesn't recognize, so, he quickly goes to sit next to Sansa. As he sits, Ned then enters the stands, causing the man to leave.
Torrhen: Who was that?
Sansa: His name was Peter, said he was a friend of my mother when they were kids
Torrhen: Hn, I don't like him
Ned: Where is Arya?
Sansa: At her dancing lesson
Just then the Knight of Flowers rides over, gives Sansa a rose then winks at her while Torrhen rolls his eyes. Torrhen doesn't worry seeing how he knows about Loras so he doesn't have to threaten him. Then Loras rides over and joins his opponent, Gregor in front of the King's stand. Gregor's horse becomes skittish and both men ride off in opposite directions toward the ends of the jousting track.
The trumpet sounds and both jousters ride toward one another. Loras' lance breaks upon Gregor's shield and knocks Gregor down to the ground. Renly jumps up laughing and clapping. Gregor rises from the ground, rips off his helmet and shouts for his sword. Gregor grabs the sword from his squire and with one mighty stroke, severs his horse's head. Shocked, the crowd grows quiet. Then Gregor storms over to Loras, knocks him off of his horse and strikes with his sword. Loras' shield protects him from the blows. The Mountain advanced, a predatory gleam in his eye, ready to finish the fallen knight. Torrhen's mind raced. He had seen the Mountain's ferocity before; he couldn't allow Loras to be harmed. Torrhen quickly stood up, jumped down racing towards the scene in front of him. As the Mountain raised his sword, Torrhen felt a rush of instinct. With fierce determination, he drew the Sword of the Morning, its blade shimmering in the sunlight. He charged forward, his voice steady but urgent.
Torrhen: Gregor! Face me!
The Mountain turned, surprised by the audacity of the young Stark. Torrhen steadied himself, feeling the weight of the sword in his hands. The crowd fell silent, all eyes on the shadow of a nearby balcony, Varys, Jaime Lannister, and Petyr Baelish stood together, observing the unfolding drama. Varys's expression was keen, his eyes glinting with curiosity.
Varys: Such bravery from a boy who is still finding his place, 'his voice smooth and measured'. It seems the tides of destiny are ever shifting.
Jamie: 'frowned, arms crossed as he watched the scene unfold' Foolishness, more like. He's courting death. The Mountain won't show mercy
LitteFinger: 'smirked, leaning against the railing with an air of amusement.' Ah, but sometimes foolishness is the first step toward greatness. Did you see the fire in his eyes? It's captivating, really
Torrhen held the Sword of the Morning firmly, meeting the Mountain's gaze with unexpected bravery. As Gregor lunged forward, Torrhen sidestepped at the last moment, his blade cutting through the air with precision. He thrust the sword into the Mountain's side, catching him off guard. The brute stumbled, momentarily disoriented, and Torrhen pressed his advantage.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the Mountain fell to one knee, growling in fury. Torrhen, breathing heavily, stood ready, eyes fixed on his opponent.
With a fierce determination, he pressed forward, his sword gleaming as he delivered a final, decisive blow that sent the Mountain crashing to the ground. The crowd roared in approval, their cheers ringing through the arena. Even the King was clapping his hands for the young Stark while Ned sighed and felt relief.
Torrhen, panting but triumphant, raised the Sword of the Morning high, the blade catching the light. The energy in the air shifted, and for a moment, he felt the weight of expectations shifting, his destiny intertwining with the politics of King's Landing.
In the background, Varys exchanged a knowing glance with Littlefinger, a subtle acknowledgment of the hidden potential they both sensed in Torrhen.
Varys: Indeed, we shall see how this story unfolds, 'a hint of a smile playing on his lips'
Jamie: 'still contemplative, watched Torrhen closely' If he can survive this game, then perhaps there's more to him than we know.
Torrhen is sitting down in the Hand's chambers with his father at his desk working through something, what Ned was working on, Torrhen didn't have a clue. Ned was so busy working that this was the only time for Torrhen to have a talk. At first, Torrhen just thought it was just a father trying to spend some time with his son, since they haven't really seen each other that much since coming to Kings Landing.
Torrhen: Didn't you want to talk about something?
Ned: 'For the first time since they started talking, he stopped working and looked at Torrhen' Aye, well yes, I have something to tell you
Before Torrhen could respond, the Master of Whispers walked in, Varys looks at the two men then he walks around securing the windows and doors before standing in front of Ned for a private conversation.
Varys: How is your son?
Ned: He'll never walk again
Varys: But his mind is sound?
Ned: So they say
Varys: A blessing then. I suffered an early mutilation myself. Some doors close forever ... others open in the most unexpected places. May I?
Varys indicates a chair and with a nod from Ned, sits down. Ned and Torrhen just exchanged looks while Torrhen stands up getting ready to leave but Varys raises his hand to stop him
Varys: You can hear it too, Lord Torrhen. If the wrong ears heard what I'm about to tell you, off comes my head. And who would mourn poor Varys then? North or South, they sing no songs for spiders. But there are things you must know. You are the King's Hand and the King is a fool ... your friend, I know, but a fool ... and doomed unless you save him. Plus, you got Torrhen here, I hear he is a prodigy, not only for weapons and strategy but with books and wit.
Ned: I've been in the capital a month. Why have you waited so long to tell me this?
Varys: I didn't trust you.
Ned: Why do you trust me now?
Varys: The Queen is not the only one who has been watching you closely. There are few men of honor in the capital. You and Torrhen are one of them. I would like to believe I am another, strange as that may seem.
Ned: What sort of doom does the King face?
Varys: The same sort as Jon Arryn. The tears of Lys, they call it. A rare and costly thing, as clear and tasteless as water. It leaves no trace.
Ned: Who gave it to him?
Varys: Some dear friend, no doubt. But which one? There were many. Lord Arryn was a kind and trusting man. There was one boy ... all he was he owed to Jon Arryn.
Ned: The squire, Ser Hugh?
Varys: Pity what happened to him, just when his life seemed to be going so nicely.
Ned: If Ser Hugh poisoned him, who paid Ser Hugh?
Varys: Someone who could afford it
Ned: Jon was a man of peace. He was Hand for 17 years — 17 good years. Why kill him?
Varys: He started asking questions.
With that, Varys left the two Stark men alone. Torrhen went to say something but Ned put his hand up, silently telling him to stop. Torrhen decided to wait until he was spoken to before he would start talking, after about a minute Ned broke the silence
Ned: What do you think?
Torrhen: He was clearly warning you
Ned: But should we trust him?
Torrhen: He is a hard man to read but I think you should listen to his advice, do not trust so easily and be careful with who you trust
Ned: I agree
Torrhen: I know you won't tell me what you are looking into but pleas be careful
With that Torrhen left the Hand's chambers, leaving behind Ned, hoping that Ned would stop looking into whatever he was looking into. Not long after, Torrhen smiled seeing Arya chasing after a cat. That girl was something else but she is taking her dancing lessons very serious which did not surprise Torrhen.
Arya Stark chases the cat through the dungeons of the Red Keep. She stops suddenly and stares at a statue of a huge dragon's skull. As she explores, she hears two men approach. Quickly, she hides within the dragon's open jaws and listens. The men are Lord Varys and she does not recognize the other guy.
Varys: He's found one bastard already. He has the book. The rest will come.
Man: And when he knows the truth, what will he do?
Varys: The gods alone know. The fools tried to kill his son. What's worse, they botched it. 'Varys closes and locks the corridor gate' The wolf and the lion will be at each other's throats. We will be at war soon, my friend.
Man: We need time. Khal Drogo will not make his move until his son is born. You know how these savages are.
Varys: Delay," you say. "Move fast, " I reply. This is no longer a game for two players.
Man: It never was
Varys: Perhaps we should involve another player
Man: Who?
Varys: 'knowing glint in his eyes'Torrhen Stark, for instance. A name that echoes with potential, though few recognize its true significance
Man: 'raising an eyebrow' What do you mean? The boy is a Stark, is he not? He bears his father's name and honor.
Varys: 'smirking slightly'A name is but a shadow of what it represents. Torrhen's very existence could alter the balance of power. His ties to certain people make him... uniquely valuable
Man: 'Leaning in, intrigued'You believe he could be a key player in this game?
Varys: More than a player, Illyrio. He could be the piece that changes everything. But knowledge of his true parentage must remain hidden. For now, only a select few understand the implications. And in the right hands, he could ignite a fire that consumes us all.
Illyrio: 'Thoughtfully'Then we must ensure he remains protected, lest the wrong people learn of his potential.
Varys: Yes. Protect the secret, and we protect the future. The realm is a fragile thing, and Torrhen's true potential is but a whisper in the wind, waiting to be heard.
Arya watches as the men leave. She emerges from the dragon's jaws and runs to the gate, only to find it locked. She runs off in another direction. After a while, Arya emerges from a tunnel outside the castle walls. She makes her way to the entrance of the castle, but is stopped by two guards.
Guard 1: Off with you no begging
Arya: I am not a beggar, I live here
Guard 1: D'you want a smack on your ear to help you with your hearing?
Arya: I want to see my father
Guard 2: I want to fսck the Queen, for all the good it does me.
Guard 1: 'Laughs' You want your father, boy? He's lying on the floor of some tavern, getting pissed on by his friends.
Torrhen: 'out of no where'. I suggest you let my sister come in but if you don't well you got two options and I pray you pick option 2
Arya: 'Smirks' My father is Hand of the King! I'm not a boy. I'm Arya Stark of Winterfell and if you lay a hand on me, my father will have both your heads on spikes! Or I am sure my dear older brother here will gladly do it instead. Now are you going to let me by or do I need to smack you on the ear to help with your hearing?
The two guards did not say a word and let Arya and Torrhen pass. The two Starks exchanges looks as the get out of earshot, they let out some laughs. Torrhen then sighed, grabbed Arya's hand then headed towards the chamber of the Hand. Once inside the chamber, the two could tell how irritated their father was so while Arya stepped forward, Torrhen quietly snuck out and went to his chambers.
Ned: You know I had half my guard out searching for you? You promised me this would stop. Your lucky Torrhen is here and somehow always knows how to find you.
Arya looked behind and did not see Torrhen, she just shook her head, then started to plan her revenge against him. She then remembered where she was before this and decided to inform her father.
Arya: They said they were going to kill you
Ned: Who said it?
Arya: I couldn't see them good, I think I recognize one but I am not sure but he was fat
Ned: Oh, Arya
Arya: I am not lying! They said you found the bastard and the wolves are fighting the lions and the savage ... something about the savage. and -
Ned: Where did you hear this?
Arya: In the dungeons, near the dragon skulls.
Ned: What were you doing in the dungeon?
Arya: Chasing a cat but thats not all
Before Arya could finish a knock is heard, Jory steps one step into the room
Jory: Pardon, My Lord. There's a Night's Watchman here begging a word. He says it's urgent.
Ned nods so Jory and the visitor enter
Ned: Your name, friend?
Yoren: Yoren, if it please. This must be your son. He has the look.
Arya: I'm a girl!
Ned: Did Benjen send you?
Yoren: No one sent me, My Lord. I'm here to find men for The Wall, see if there's any scum in the dungeons that might be fit for service.
Ned: Ah, we'll find recruits for you
Yoren: Thank you, My Lord. But that's not why I disturb you now. Your brother, Benjen ... his blood runs black makes him as much my brother as yours. It's for his sake I rode here so hard I damn near killed my horse! There are others riding too. The whole city will know by tomorrow.
Ned: 'Kisses Arya on the head' Go on we'll talk more later
Arya: But this is important, its also about -
Ned: Go on, Jory take her to her room
Jory: Come along little Lady, you heard your father
Jory and Arya leave
Arya: How many guards does my father have?
Jory: In Kings Landing? Fifty
Arya: You wouldn't let anyone kill him, would you?
Jory: No fear on that count, little Lady
Arya: What about Torrhen?
Jory: What about him?
Arya: You would also make sure no one kills him either?
Jory: 'Laughs' I'm not worried about Torrhen little Lady, he can take care of himself
Jory looks at Arya, he sees she is worried and scared
Jory: But of course little lady, I must protect the heir of Winterfell
Arya: 'In a whisper' Thank you Jory
Later, Torrhen is rushing somewhere, he does not know. Jory came and grabbed him saying he was needed by his father, and he was needed fast. So he quickly grabbed his sword, the Sword of the Morning, then took off with Jory leading the way. They make it to a brothel, they go inside to see Ned coming towards them to leave. Ned, Torrhen, and Jory exit the brоthеl and are joined by a handful of the Stark guard. They are swiftly surrounded by Jaime Lannister's armed guard. Jaime Lannister rides up on horseback to the head of the guard and faces Ned Stark
Jamie: Such a small pack of wolves
Torrhen: Aye but deadly as ever
Jory: Stay back, Ser! This is the Hand of the King!
Jamie: Was! ... the Hand of the King. Now I'm not sure what he is ... Lord of somewhere very far away.
LittleFinger comes out of the brothel
Peter: What's the meaning of this, Lannister?
Jamie:Get back inside where it's safe. I'm looking for my brother. You remember my brother, don't you, Lord Stark? Blond hair, sharp tongue, short man.
Torrhen just looks at Jamie then back to Ned, he is confused but he keeps his hand on his sword, waiting to strike
Ned: I remember him well
Jamie: It seems he had some trouble on the road. You wouldn't know what happened to him, would you?
Ned: He was taken at my command to answer for his crimes.
Jaime draws his sword causing Torrhen to as well, as Jamie's men start to move forward. They are stopped when Littlefinger steps up.
Littlefinger: My Lords! I'll bring the City Watch! 'He leaves '
Jamie: Come Lord Stark, I'd rather you die sword in hand
Torrhen: 'Angry' You too scared to fight me, Kingslayer
Jamie: I'm saving you for lastDayne 'He spat with so much venom in his tone'
Jory: If you threaten My Lord or his Heir again
Jamie: Threaten? As in, "I'm going to open your Lord from balls to brains and see what Starks are made of while forcing his son to watch then slowly cut off his limps piece by piece
Ned: You kill me or Torrhen, your brother is a dead man
Jamie: You are right 'to his men' take him and the boy alive! Kill his men!
A short but fierce fight breaks out between the men. Outnumbered, Stark's men are felled one by one, ending with Jaime driving a dagger into Jory's eye. Ned Stark takes on Jaime while all remaining watch. One of Jamie's guards try to spear Ned's leg but Torrhen reacts in time by taking his dagger and throwing it into the ear of the Lannister guard. Ned caught off guard allows Jamie to knock him out with his sword but not before saying something to Ned
Jamie: My brother, Lord Stark ... we want him back
Torrhen: You think I am going to let you walk away after that?!
Jamie: Go take care of him, you probably could beat me but you are surrounded, take Ned and go
Torrhen gives Jamie a death stare before he picks up his father over his shoulder and heads toward the Red Keep but he stops right beside Jamie, whispering something into his ear that sent chills down Jamie's spine.
Torrhen: Just know the North always remembers. You better hope we don't cross paths or you will be a dead man, Jamie Lannister.
With that Torrhen Stark walked off leaving a speechless Jamie Lannister watching a retreating Torrhen into the castle. In that moment the Lannister believed he was seeing a ghost from his past. A scary ghost that he did not want anything to do with, he's hopping that ghost goes back to sleep and never wakes again.
AN:
Whatcha think?
Favorite so far moment?