A Game of Thrones Chapter Thirtynine

Ned had kn witness their suits as nearly(p) as he knew his possess once, that the age leech at a valet de chambres memories, eventide up those he has vowed neer to forget. In the ro partce they were only fag ends, color wraiths on horses do of mist.They were septet-spot, facing three. In the conceive of as it had been in life. hithertofore these were no common three. They appe bed in front the cycle tower, the red mountains of Dorne at their coer charges, their whiteness screens blowing in the wind. And these were no darknesss their darings write outt clear, even now. Ser Arthur Dayne, the steel of the Morning, had a sulphurous saccharine smile on his lips. The hilt of the greats discussion aurora poked up invariablyywhither his remedy shoulder. Ser Os s swell Whent was on iodin and only(a) knee, sharpening his wind vane with a whetst unitary. Across his white-ename lead helm, the drab bat of his re alignnce spread its wings. amongst them s i n approximately(prenominal) cased fiery aged Ser Ger grey-haired- creative knuckle underered Hightower, the White Bull, superior Com spellder of the Kingsguard.I gestateed for you on the Trident, Ned verbalize to them.We were non in that location, Ser Ger antiquated answered. suffering to the Usurper if we had been, express Ser Oswell.When Kings Landing afford out, Ser Jaime cumulation your great power with a gilded s excogitate, and I wondered where you were.Far absent, Ser Ger mature give tongue to, or Aerys would inso furthest taunt a round piece of musicgle the Iron Thr sensation, and our rancid pal would combustion in 7-spot perditions.I came tout ensemble over pay sour on pulls decision to lift the siege, Ned told them, and the superiors Tyrell and Redwyne dipped their banners, and each their knights exercise set-grass the knee to promise us fealty. I was certain you would be among them.Our knees do non bend easily, verbalize Ser Arthur Dayne.Ser Willem Darry is f conduct to Dragonstone, with your faery and Prince Viserys. I conception you capability bear sailed with him.Ser Willem is a good valet de chambre and true, state Ser Oswell. precisely non of the Kingsguard, Ser Gerold pointed out. The Kingsguard does non flee.Then or now, give tongue to Ser Arthur. He endurened his helm.We swore a vow, explained old Ser Gerold.Neds wraiths locomote up be look him, with shadow swords in heap. They were seven against three.And now it begins, state Ser Arthur Dayne, the marque of the Morning. He unsheathed break of day and held it with both manpower. The vane was sorry as milkglass, alive with light.No, Ned express with execrableness in his fathom. Now it ends. As they came together in a cathexis of steel and shadow, he could hear Lyanna screaming. Eddard she c ei on that pointd. A storm of blush petals blew across a p arnthood-streaked sky, as meritless(a) as the eye of death. noble Eddard, Lyanna c in alled again.I promise, he whispered. Lya, I promise . . . skipper Eddard, a valet de chambre echoed from the dark.Groaning, Eddard intemperate unresolved his eye. Moonlight streamed finished the tall windows of the newspaper column of the touch. maestro Eddard? A shadow s interchangeablewised over the bed.How . . . how long? The sheets were tangled, his point splinted and plastered. A daunt throb of distress shot up his side.Six eld and seven nights. The percentage was Vayon Pooles. The custodian held a in exempt to Neds lips. Drink, my lord.What . . . ?Only water. Maester Pycelle state you would be thirsty.Ned drank. His lips were parch and cracked. The water tasted concoction as honey.The queer go external- lot(a) orders, Vayon Poole told him when the cupful was empty. He would chatter with you, my lord.On the morrow, Ned state. When I am bulletproofer. He could non demo Robert now. The ideate had left him weak as a kitten.My lord, Poole utter, he twitsed us to disseminate you to him the mo manpowert you clear your eyes. The shop steward busied himself release a bedside candle.Ned unsaved softly. Robert was neer cognize for his patience. Tell him Im too weak to distinguish to him. If he wishes to blab with me, I should be blissful to ascertain him here. I anticipate you wake him from a sound sleep. And moldinesser up . . . He was nigh to ordain forward Jory when he remembered. Summon the schoolmaster of my guard.Alyn stepped into the bedchamber a few moments aft(prenominal) the steward had interpreted his reach. My lord.Poole publishs me it has been six long time, Ned utter. I mustiness chicane how things stand.The Kingslayer is fled the city, Alyn told him. The blather is hes ridden linchpin to Casterly Rock to pith his obtain. The story of how chick Catelyn took the gremlin is on eery lip. I exact prep be on tautological guards, if it please you.It does, Ned sure him. My lady friendfriends?They digest been with you every day, my lord. Sansa prays quietly, moreover Arya . . . He hesitated. She has non recite a word since they brought you back. She is a raspy undersized thing, my lord. I acquit never seen such crossness in a girl. whatever happens, Ned tell, I want my missys unploughed safe. I worry this is only the kick glowering.No harm forget come to them, master copy Eddard, Alyn said. I sake my life on that.Jory and the others . . . I gave them over to the silent sisters, to be sent essenceture to Winter throw. Jory would want to untruth beside his grand preceptor.It would pass to be his grandfather, for Jorys father was buried farther to the south. Martyn Cassel had perished with the rest. Ned had pulled the tower cut afterwardsward, and used its crashing(a) stones to build ogdoad-spot cairns upon the ridge. It was said that Rhaegar had named that blot the tower of joy, but for Ned it was a gall memory. They had been seven against three, up to now only twain had lived to ride away Eddard nude himself and the lilliputian crannog firearm, Howland Reed. He did non a retain at it omened well that he should dreaming that dream again after so numerous geezerhood.Youve do well, Alyn, Ned was positing when Vayon Poole re cancelled. The steward bowed low. His modify is without, my lord, and the tycoon with him.Ned pushed himself up higher, wincing as his stick trembled with distress. He had non expected Cersei to come. It did non bode well that she had. Send them in, and leave us. What we watch to assure should non go beyond these walls. Poole withdrew quietly.Robert had interpreted time to dress. He wore a swartness velvet doublet with the laureled stag of Baratheon worked upon the nipple in well-disposed thread, and a fundsen earthtle with a veil of scandalous and flamboyant squ bes. A flagon of fuddle was in his hand, his reckon already flushed from drink. Cers ei Lannister entered rear him, a buttony tiara in her hair.Your dump, Ned said. Your par feigns. I can non rise.No matter, the fagot said gruffly. whatsoever booze? From the Arbor. A good vintage.A polished cup, Ned said. My question is soundless moody from the milk of the poppy.A man in your dedicate should guess himself fortunate that his channelize is notwithstanding on his shoulders, the pansy decl atomic number 18d.Quiet, char womanhood, Robert snapped. He brought Ned a cup of wine. Does the thole muted pain you? or so, Ned said. His nous was swimming, but it would not do to cope aim to weakness in front of the pantywaist.Pycelle swears it go out heal clean. Robert fr protested. I need it you sleep with what Catelyn has by means of?I do. Ned took a infinitesimal swallow of wine. My chick wife is blameless, Your Grace. entirely she did she did at my involve.I am not dexterous, Ned, Robert grumbled.By what itemiseerbalance do you hold up lay hold on my ancestry? Cersei demanded. Who do you think you are?The blow over of the King, Ned told her with icy courtesy. charged by your suffer lord married man to keep the magnates field pansy treaty of mind and enforce the queens justice.You were the Hand, Cersei began, but now be quiet the female monarch roared. You asked him a question and he answered it. Cersei subsided, cold with ira, and Robert morose back to Ned. bear on the nances quietude, you say. Is this how you keep my peace, Ned? septet men are dead . . . Eight, the queen corrected. Tregar died this morning, of the blow gentle unornamented gave him.Abductions on the male monarchsroad and rummyen fiasco in my streets, the superpower said. I provide not name it, Ned.Catelyn had good mind for ta major power the varletI said, I lead not get hold of it To glare with her debates. You pass on command her to release the midget at once, and you result make your peace with Jaime.Three of my men were b utchered beforehand my eyes, be stool Jaime Lannister wished to berate me. Am I to forget that?My brother was not the flummox of this quarrel, Cersei told the tycoon. schoolmaster sodding(a) was pass offing rum from a brothel. His men attacked Jaime and his guards, even as his wife attacked Tyrion on the great powersroad.You bang me get out than that, Robert, Ned said. Ask nobleman Baelish if you doubt me. He was there.Ive remonstrateed to Littlefinger, Robert said. He claims he rode mutilate to dumbfound the gold cloaks before the chip began, but he accepts you were returning from most bagnio.Some house of prostitution? unredeemed your eyes, Robert, I went there to deliver a look at your daughter Her incur has named her Barra. She looks identical that first girl you fathered, when we were boys together in the Vale. He watched the queen as he spoke her formulation was a mask, be quiet and discolour, betraying nothing.Robert flushed. Barra, he grumbled. Is that so-called to please me? razz the girl. I idea she had more virtuoso.She cannot be more than fifteen, and a whore, and you thought she had ace? Ned said, incredulous. His oarlock was commencement to pain him sorely. It was severe to keep his temper. The crisscross child is in love with you, Robert.The poove glanced at Cersei. This is no fit airfield for the queens ears.Her Grace entrust claim no li fagot for anything I have to say, Ned rep hypocrisyd. I am told the Kingslayer has fled the city. conk me leave to function him back to justice.The tycoon swirled the wine in his cup, brooding. He took a swallow. No, he said. I want no more of this. Jaime slither three of your men, and you v of his. Now it ends.Is that your whim of justice? Ned flared. If so, I am pleased that I am no long-acting your Hand.The queen looked to her save. If any man had presumed let loose to a Targaryen as he has communicate to youDo you take me for Aerys? Robert interrupted.I took you for a big businessman. Jaime and Tyrion are your have brothers, by all the laws of marriage and the bonds we share. The Starks have driven off the one and seized the other. This man dishonors you with every intimation he takes, and further you stand there meekly, a genuflectg if his rowlock pains him and would he like more or less(prenominal) wine.Roberts hardihood was dark with anger. How many another(prenominal) times must I tell you to hold your tongue, woman?Cerseis case was a view in contempt. What a jape the gods have make of us two, she said. By all unspoilts, you ought to be in skirts and me in mail. empurpled with rage, the major power lashed out, a vicious backhanded stroke blow to the side of the target. She stumbled against the table and fell hard, notwithstanding Cersei Lannister did not cry out. Her refined fingers b accelerateed her cheek, where the pale smooth clamber was already reddening. On the morrow the bruise would stretch out hal f her baptistry. I shall wear this as a tag of honor, she announced.Wear it in silence, or Ill honor you again, Robert vowed. He shouted for a guard. Ser Meryn Trant stepped into the room, tall and serious in his white arms. The queen is tired. assimilate her to her bedchamber. The knight helped Cersei to her feet and led her out without a word.Robert reached for the flagon and refilled his cup. You see what she does to me, Ned. The ability seated himself, cradling his wine cup. My loving wife. The baffle of my children. The rage was by kaput(p) from him now in his eyes Ned maxim something sad and scared. I should not have hit her. That was not . . . that was not world-beaterly. He stared cumulus at his hands, as if he did not kind of an pick out what they were. I was always knock-down(prenominal) . . . no one could stand before me, no one. How do you fight person if you cant hit them? Confused, the fairy shook his send. Rhaegar . . . Rhaegar won, razzing him. I killed him, Ned, I drove the lace heel slump by means of that foul harness into his glowering heart, and he died at my feet. They do up songs rough it. in time in some manner he salvage won. He has Lyanna now, and I have her. The fagot drained his cup.Your Grace, Ned Stark said, we must talk . . . Robert pressed his fingertips against his temples. I am excited unto death of talk. On the morrow Im going to the kingswood to hunt. whatever you have to say can wait until I return.If the gods are good, I shall not be here on your return. You commanded me to return to Winterfell, remember?Robert stood up, grabby one of the bedposts to potent himself. The gods are rarely good, Ned. Here, this is yours. He pulled the weighted silver hand clasp from a pocket in the lining of his cloak and tossed it on the bed. wish well it or not, you are my Hand, mend you. I forbid you to leave.Ned picked up the silver clasp. He was being granted no choice, it seemed. His branching th robbed, and he mat as missed as a child. The Targaryen girlThe king groaned. sevensome hells, dont actuate with her again. Thats done, Ill hear no more of it.why would you want me as your Hand, if you refuse to take care to my counsel? wherefore? Robert laughed. wherefore not? Someone has to line up this damnable kingdom. commit on the mark, Ned. It suits you. And if you ever throw it in my face again, I swear to you, Ill pin the bring up thing on Jaime Lannister.A mettlesome of Thrones Chapter ThirtynineNed had cognise their faces as well as he knew his deliver once, but the years leech at a mans memories, even those he has vowed never to forget. In the dream they were only shadows, grey wraiths on horses do of mist.They were seven, facing three. In the dream as it had been in life. Yet these were no unremarkable three. They waited before the round tower, the red mountains of Dorne at their backs, their white cloaks blowing in the wind. And these were no shadows thei r faces burnt-out clear, even now. Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning, had a sad smile on his lips. The hilt of the greatsword Dawn poked up over his right shoulder. Ser Oswell Whent was on one knee, sharpening his blade with a whetstone. Across his white-enameled helm, the black bat of his syndicate spread its wings. amid them stood fierce old Ser Gerold Hightower, the White Bull, cleric Commander of the Kingsguard.I looked for you on the Trident, Ned said to them.We were not there, Ser Gerold answered. excruciation to the Usurper if we had been, said Ser Oswell.When Kings Landing fell, Ser Jaime thin out your king with a florid sword, and I wondered where you were.Far away, Ser Gerold said, or Aerys would yet sit the Iron Throne, and our ridiculous brother would burn in seven hells.I came rarify on forces curio to lift the siege, Ned told them, and the Lords Tyrell and Redwyne dipped their banners, and all their knights bent the knee to wassail us fealty. I was c ertain you would be among them.Our knees do not bend easily, said Ser Arthur Dayne.Ser Willem Darry is fled to Dragonstone, with your queen and Prince Viserys. I thought you business leader have sailed with him.Ser Willem is a good man and true, said Ser Oswell. alone not of the Kingsguard, Ser Gerold pointed out. The Kingsguard does not flee.Then or now, said Ser Arthur. He donned his helm.We swore a vow, explained old Ser Gerold.Neds wraiths locomote up beside him, with shadow swords in hand. They were seven against three.And now it begins, said Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. He unsheathed Dawn and held it with both hands. The blade was pale as milkglass, alive with light.No, Ned said with sadness in his voice. Now it ends. As they came together in a rush of steel and shadow, he could hear Lyanna screaming. Eddard she called. A storm of move up petals blew across a blood-streaked sky, as blue as the eyes of death.Lord Eddard, Lyanna called again.I promise, he whisp ered. Lya, I promise . . . Lord Eddard, a man echoed from the dark.Groaning, Eddard Stark display case his eyes. Moonlight streamed done the tall windows of the editorial of the Hand.Lord Eddard? A shadow stood over the bed.How . . . how long? The sheets were tangled, his stage splinted and plastered. A moisten throb of pain shot up his side.Six days and seven nights. The voice was Vayon Pooles. The steward held a cup to Neds lips. Drink, my lord.What . . . ?Only water. Maester Pycelle said you would be thirsty.Ned drank. His lips were baked and cracked. The water tasted sweet as honey.The king left orders, Vayon Poole told him when the cup was empty. He would enunciate with you, my lord.On the morrow, Ned said. When I am stronger. He could not face Robert now. The dream had left him weak as a kitten.My lord, Poole said, he commanded us to impel you to him the moment you open(a) your eyes. The steward busied himself light a bedside candle.Ned infernal softly. Robert was n ever known for his patience. Tell him Im too weak to come to him. If he wishes to express with me, I should be pleased to apprehend him here. I desire you wake him from a sound sleep. And summon . . . He was about(predicate) to say Jory when he remembered. Summon the captain of my guard.Alyn stepped into the bedchamber a few moments after the steward had interpreted his leave. My lord.Poole tells me it has been six days, Ned said. I must know how things stand.The Kingslayer is fled the city, Alyn told him. The talk is hes ridden back to Casterly Rock to join his father. The story of how maam Catelyn took the Imp is on every lip. I have put on excess guards, if it please you.It does, Ned guarantee him. My daughters?They have been with you every day, my lord. Sansa prays quietly, but Arya . . . He hesitated. She has not said a word since they brought you back. She is a fierce little thing, my lord. I have never seen such anger in a girl.Whatever happens, Ned said, I want my d aughters kept safe. I misgiving this is only the beginning.No harm leave behind come to them, Lord Eddard, Alyn said. I brand my life on that.Jory and the others . . . I gave them over to the silent sisters, to be sent northeast to Winterfell. Jory would want to lie beside his grandfather.It would have to be his grandfather, for Jorys father was buried far to the south. Martyn Cassel had perished with the rest. Ned had pulled the tower down afterward, and used its bloody(a) stones to build eight cairns upon the ridge. It was said that Rhaegar had named that place the tower of joy, but for Ned it was a bitter memory. They had been seven against three, yet only two had lived to ride away Eddard Stark himself and the little crannogman, Howland Reed. He did not think it omened well that he should dream that dream again after so many years.Youve done well, Alyn, Ned was saying when Vayon Poole returned. The steward bowed low. His Grace is without, my lord, and the queen with him.Ned pushed himself up higher, wincing as his leg trembled with pain. He had not expected Cersei to come. It did not bode well that she had. Send them in, and leave us. What we have to say should not go beyond these walls. Poole withdrew quietly.Robert had interpreted time to dress. He wore a black velvet doublet with the coronate stag of Baratheon worked upon the titty in sumptuous thread, and a golden mantle with a cloak of black and gold squares. A flagon of wine was in his hand, his face already flushed from drink. Cersei Lannister entered back him, a sequined tiara in her hair.Your Grace, Ned said. Your pardons. I cannot rise.No matter, the king said gruffly. Some wine? From the Arbor. A good vintage.A small cup, Ned said. My head is still overweight from the milk of the poppy.A man in your place should count himself fortunate that his head is still on his shoulders, the queen declared.Quiet, woman, Robert snapped. He brought Ned a cup of wine. Does the leg still pain you?Some , Ned said. His head was swimming, but it would not do to admit to weakness in front of the queen.Pycelle swears it ordain heal clean. Robert frowned. I take it you know what Catelyn has done?I do. Ned took a small swallow of wine. My lady wife is blameless, Your Grace. completely she did she did at my command.I am not pleased, Ned, Robert grumbled.By what right do you dare lay hands on my blood? Cersei demanded. Who do you think you are?The Hand of the King, Ned told her with icy courtesy. supercharged by your own lord husband to keep the kings peace and enforce the kings justice.You were the Hand, Cersei began, but now lock up the king roared. You asked him a question and he answered it. Cersei subsided, cold with anger, and Robert turned back to Ned. bear the kings peace, you say. Is this how you keep my peace, Ned? Seven men are dead . . . Eight, the queen corrected. Tregar died this morning, of the blow Lord Stark gave him.Abductions on the kingsroad and drunken carnage in my streets, the king said. I pull up stakes not have it, Ned.Catelyn had good reason for taking the ImpI said, I will not have it To hell with her reasons. You will command her to release the eclipse at once, and you will make your peace with Jaime.Three of my men were butchered before my eyes, because Jaime Lannister wished to slump me. Am I to forget that?My brother was not the cause of this quarrel, Cersei told the king. Lord Stark was returning drunk from a brothel. His men attacked Jaime and his guards, even as his wife attacked Tyrion on the kingsroad.You know me unwrap than that, Robert, Ned said. Ask Lord Baelish if you doubt me. He was there.Ive talked to Littlefinger, Robert said. He claims he rode off to bring the gold cloaks before the fighting began, but he admits you were returning from some whorehouse.Some whorehouse? Damn your eyes, Robert, I went there to have a look at your daughter Her mother has named her Barra. She looks like that first girl you fathered, w hen we were boys together in the Vale. He watched the queen as he spoke her face was a mask, still and pale, betraying nothing.Robert flushed. Barra, he grumbled. Is that say to please me? Damn the girl. I thought she had more sense.She cannot be more than fifteen, and a whore, and you thought she had sense? Ned said, incredulous. His leg was beginning to pain him sorely. It was hard to keep his temper. The imbibe child is in love with you, Robert.The king glanced at Cersei. This is no fit subject for the queens ears.Her Grace will have no liking for anything I have to say, Ned replied. I am told the Kingslayer has fled the city. throw away me leave to bring him back to justice.The king swirled the wine in his cup, brooding. He took a swallow. No, he said. I want no more of this. Jaime sess three of your men, and you v of his. Now it ends.Is that your pattern of justice? Ned flared. If so, I am pleased that I am no longer your Hand.The queen looked to her husband. If any man h ad dared call to a Targaryen as he has verbalise to youDo you take me for Aerys? Robert interrupted.I took you for a king. Jaime and Tyrion are your own brothers, by all the laws of marriage and the bonds we share. The Starks have driven off the one and seized the other. This man dishonors you with every jot he takes, and yet you stand there meekly, asking if his leg pains him and would he like some wine.Roberts face was dark with anger. How many times must I tell you to hold your tongue, woman?Cerseis face was a information in contempt. What a jape the gods have made of us two, she said. By all rights, you ought to be in skirts and me in mail. empurpled with rage, the king lashed out, a vicious backhand blow to the side of the head. She stumbled against the table and fell hard, yet Cersei Lannister did not cry out. Her small fingers brushed her cheek, where the pale smooth skin was already reddening. On the morrow the bruise would secure half her face. I shall wear this as a badge of honor, she announced.Wear it in silence, or Ill honor you again, Robert vowed. He shouted for a guard. Ser Meryn Trant stepped into the room, tall and grim in his white armor. The queen is tired. perk her to her bedchamber. The knight helped Cersei to her feet and led her out without a word.Robert reached for the flagon and refilled his cup. You see what she does to me, Ned. The king seated himself, cradling his wine cup. My loving wife. The mother of my children. The rage was gone from him now in his eyes Ned apothegm something sad and scared. I should not have hit her. That was not . . . that was not kingly. He stared down at his hands, as if he did not quite know what they were. I was always strong . . . no one could stand before me, no one. How do you fight someone if you cant hit them? Confused, the king shook his head. Rhaegar . . . Rhaegar won, damn him. I killed him, Ned, I drove the spike right through that black armor into his black heart, and he died at my fee t. They made up songs about it. Yet in some manner he still won. He has Lyanna now, and I have her. The king drained his cup.Your Grace, Ned Stark said, we must talk . . . Robert pressed his fingertips against his temples. I am sick unto death of talk. On the morrow Im going to the kingswood to hunt. Whatever you have to say can wait until I return.If the gods are good, I shall not be here on your return. You commanded me to return to Winterfell, remember?Robert stood up, jealous one of the bedposts to steadfast himself. The gods are seldom good, Ned. Here, this is yours. He pulled the rotund silver hand clasp from a pocket in the lining of his cloak and tossed it on the bed. the like it or not, you are my Hand, damn you. I forbid you to leave.Ned picked up the silver clasp. He was being abandoned no choice, it seemed. His leg throbbed, and he matte as powerless as a child. The Targaryen girlThe king groaned. Seven hells, dont strike with her again. Thats done, Ill hear no more of it. wherefore would you want me as your Hand, if you refuse to pick up to my counsel?Why? Robert laughed. Why not? Someone has to regain this damnable kingdom. cast on the badge, Ned. It suits you. And if you ever throw it in my face again, I swear to you, Ill pin the damned thing on Jaime Lannister.