Capítulo 16: Chapter 16: The Coup
Sorry for the wait I hope the chapter will be worth it.
I would like to thank my beta reader Steiner for all his help in making my story better. I would also like to thank Vasun05 for his help in the creation of this Chapter. Anyway Read review and Enjoy chapter 16
Eddard
Robert's death was a heavy blow for Ned. The pain of Jon Arryn's death was still fresh in his heart. First he lost the man who was like a second father to him, now he had lost the man who had been his third brother.
In their last conversation together, Robert had Ned write down his last will and testament. In the will Robert named him Protector of the Realm until Joffrey came of age. However instead of writing Joffrey, Ned wrote down 'My Trueborn Heir' in it's place.
The death of king Robert also brought up a number of dilemmas. Ned couldn't bring himself to tell his dear friend the truth about the queen. That knowledge would of added to the agony he was already feeling. So Ned remained silent if only for his sake.
The King's death meant that Cersei would work fast to solidify Joffrey's position on the Iron throne. Unfortunately, she was not the only one making plans. As Ned sat at his desk thinking about what to do next, Lord Renly came to the door. "Lord Stark," he said bowing, "Could I have a word in private?"
Ned nodded and bid him to come in When Renly came into the room and stood before ned's desk. Ned noticed that he seemed rather anxious as he was twiddling his fingers.
"What can I do for you Lord Renly."
"My brother named you Protector of the Realm did he not." Renly asked immediately.
Ned nodded. In truth he wasn't happy about this turn of events. But someone needed to keep tha Lannisters in line after all they have done. Besides that It was his duty and Ned always did his duty.
"It won't matter to Cersei," Renly continued. "Give me one hour and I can put 100 swords at your command."
Ned looked up in wonder. "And what am I suppose to do with these 100 swords?"
"Strike," Renly insisted. "Tonight while the castle sleeps. We need to get the children away from the queen and into our custody. Whether you are the Protector of the Realm or not, he who holds the king will hold the kingdom."
"Ned rubbed his chin in thought. 'I could use 100 swords.' But what Renly was planning went against everything Ned stood for. "No," he replied shaking his head. "I will not dishonor Robert's memory by dragging frightened children from their beds."
Renly looked at him in disbelief. "If we don't act now it will be too late for you, me and everyone we care about."
"What about Roland?" Ned asked in wonder.
Renly shrugged, "What about him?"
Ned's eyes widened in disbelief, "Roland is the rightful heir to the throne."
"He's still a boy," Renly countered. "He's like his father, what would he know about running the kingdom. He's not a king." Renly stood up straight and raised his chin, "I am."
Ned couldn't believe his ears. Robert's body was barely cold and his youngest brother was already plotting to seize the throne for himself.
"He may not know much about ruling," Ned said coolly. "But he still knows a damn more than you ever will."
Renly was taken back by that, his eyes quickly narrowed, "very well," he said. With that, he left the room, closing the door behind him.
Unfortunately for Ned, Renly was not the only one with plans to share with Ned. Petyr Baelish entered the room and bowed. "My lord Protector," he acknowledged mockingly.
"What do you want Lord Baelish?" Ned asked with an air of irritation.
"I have come to understand you have a dilemma." Baelish replied calmly
Ned nodded, and against his better judgement he decided to tell him. "Joffrey is not king Robert's son. Roland is Robert's sole heir to the throne."
"So it would seem." Baelish smirked
Ned looked at him, "What are you saying exactly."
"If we put Roland on the throne, the realm is sure to bleed." Baelish said simply. "Another option would be to seat Joffrey on the throne and if he proved to be an obstacle we simply expose him and the rest of his family."
Ned shook his head. "Have you not a shred of honor?" He demanded angrily.
"I only wish to help, I assure you. Just as I promised your wife I would. If you accept my proposal I will put the city watch under your command. We both know you will need it."
"Ned contemplated what Baelish said and for the briefest moment he was tempted to go along with it. But then Rolands words echoed in his head. 'Baelish is the one you should trust the least, especially you Lord Stark.' Ned knew Roland and decided to trust him on this.
"I'm afraid I must decline your offer Petyr. Lord Stark told him. "What you are asking is dishonorable."
Baelish nodded, "So be it Lord Protector." He gave a bow and left the room.
Ned would have much time to think about what to do. The very next day a servant came in informing Ned that 'King' Joffrey requested his presence in the throne room.
He entered the throne room escorted by two guards, Before him, Joffrey sat on the throne fiddling with one of the blades. Next to him stood Cersei, Sandor Clagane, and most of the kingsguard. Ned made his way slowly towards the throne. In his hand was Robert's last will and testament.
Finally he stopped at the foot of the throne and Joffrey spoke. "I command that you make the nessesary preparations for my coronation. But right now I will accept your oath of fealty as well as those from the other liege lords."
Ned took a step forward and addressed the lord commander of the kingsgaurd. "Ser Barristan, no one in this room can doubt your honor and loyalty. Would you please read the contents of this document?"
He handed Ser Barristan the letter. "It's King Robert's seal," he declared, "unbroken."
Joffrey and Cersei exchanged a look as Ser Barristan broke the seal and read the letter. "King Robert has named Lord Eddard Stark protector of the realm.' The knight announced. "Until his heir comes of age."
"May I see that?" Cersei asked. Barristan immediately gave her the letter. As soon as she read it she turned towards Ned. "Do you think this gives you power over us?" She asked. Cersei tore the letter in half and then into fourths.
"Those were the kings words," Ser Barristan objected.
"We have a new king now," Cersei replied. "And Lord stark will pledge fealty to him."
Ned without thinking blurted out, "You are not the rightful king Joffrey, your brother Roland is?" Silence echoed across the hall Joffrey and his mother were fuming with rage and Ser Barristan was staring at him in shock. Ned then realized what he had just done, he had only recently warned Cersei about what might happen to Roland. Now his words have put the life of Robert's son and Sansa's betrothed in grave danger.
"LIAR," Joffrey screamed leaping to his feet. "KILL HIM, KILL ALL OF THEM, I command it."
At that moment, dozens of Lannister soldiers entered the throne room. Ned drew his sword to face them when he felt the edge of a blade pressed to his throat and a sniveling voice whispered.
"You were right not to trust me," Baelish said gleefully.
Joffrey then turned to one of his kingsgaurd. "Ser Boros, take some men and confine Roland to his chambers.
Cersei looked at her son in shock. "Now Joffrey, Roland is your brother there's no need for-."
Joffrey snapped his neck to the side and glared at his mother. "I... AM... THE... KING." He roared. "And I command you all to seize my treacherous little brother."
Ser Borros nodded and took a group of gaurds with him to Roland's chambers. As Ned was being led to the dungeons, he and Cersei glanced at each other. Cersei looked at him fearfully and Ned simply gave her a look that said. 'I did warn you.'
Roland
Despite his current situation Roland couldn't help but laugh. "The Starks have certaintly made my life a thousand times more interesting." He said to himself. Despite the little humor, Roland was burning with anger inside.
One week ago Roland had been sitting in his room. Thinking about how things will change now that his father was dead. This led to the realization that Joffrey was the new king. Roland then remembered the words that Joffrey said to him the day Sansa became Roland's betrothed. 'As your king I can have any woman I please.'
'Will he still keep to that promise,' Roland wondered. That moment where both he and Joffrey had beaten Lancel for his actions Roland hoped that maybe just maybe that this might be the turning point in Joffrey's life. The moment where he started to become a better person. But even then Roland had doubts. "No," he said to himself, "Joffrey will not hurt Sansa ever again. I will not allow it." Roland was determined to protect Sansa from Joffrey at all costs.
Just then six Lannister soldiers walked in led by Boros Blount. "By the orders of your brother King Joffrey Baratheon, you are now confined to your chambers." The kingsgaurd said in a firm voice.
"WHAT," Roland leaped to his feet. A mixture of shock and anger written all over his face. "On what grounds? I have done nothing wrong."
"Silence," Ser Boros roared. "Men confiscate the Prince's weapons and armour."
"What about the dog?" one of the soldiers asked.
Ser Boros took one look at Roland's companion. The large animal was now standing beside his master. Roland was stroking his fur in a silent way to keep him calm. "He can keep the damn mutt," Ser Boros muttered. After taking Roland's equipment they left the room and barred the door.
Roland slumped back down into the chair and began rubbing his temples. He was still trying to wrap his mind around what just happened. "What did I do?" Roland asked himself. "My father's body is barely cold and my brother has me 'imprisoned' for no reason at all." 'Other than the fact that he hates you,' a voice at the back of his mind told him.
Under house arrest Roland had no visitors. A servant escorted by guards would enter his room with food and drinks. He was given a jug of wine and a jug of water. The water jug was now almost empty, but the wine jug remained untouched. Ever since his father's death Roland refused to touch it finding the taste was bitter in his mouth. "Wine killed my father," Roland told himself, "It will not kill me."
Two days later Roland finally had a visitor, Ser Barristan entered the room. Roland was pacing around the room fuming with rage."Prince Roland," Ser Barristan bowed and spoke up to get his attention.
Roland stopped pacing to see who entered the room. "Ser Barristan," Roland finally acknowledged giving a curt nod.
"Your mother asked me to speak to you," said the knight.
"Wonderful," Roland said sarcastically. He offered Barristan a seat which he took gratefully. "You can start by telling me, WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON."
Barristan reeled back in surprise at Roland's outburst. Roland took a breath and calmed down. "Forgive me," he said, "so much has happened and I am left in the dark."
"It's understandable my prince," Barristan said calmly. "That is why I'm here." So Ser Barristan began to tell him everything that had happened in the last few days. Roland listened in disbelief. 'Ned Stark was arrested for treason, his whole household was slaughtered and Sansa is confined.' Roland was not surprised by his mother's reaction to his father naming lord Stark Protector of the Realm. 'Lannisters hate it when they are not in power.' But when the queen deemed Lord Stark a traitor, he knew this was a lie.
"You're not making any sense, Ned Stark is no traitor," Roland insisted, "there has to be more to the story."
Ser Barristan nodded his head. "I have no doubt that you are right," he said.
Roland spoke up again, "you mentioned Sansa was confined, but what about Arya? Has something happened to her?"
Barristan shook his head. "I don't know what has happened to her, no one has seen her since the uprising."
Roland shook his head, "my mother's family has gone too far this time, the wolf and the lion will soon come to blows when word reaches out."
"I'm afraid they already have Roland," Ser Barristan replied grimly. Roland looked at him confused. Ser Bassistan continued, "Your mother didn't want you to find out, but it seems that Catelyn Stark abducted Tyrion and took him to the Vale."
"SHE WHAT?" Roland yelled leaping to his feet. "That woman arrested my uncle? For what?"
"I don't know, but Tywin set Gregor Clegane loose on the Riverlanders in retaliation. He has also brought an army 60,000 strong into the Riverlands with the intent on rescuing his son. Fortunately, Tyrion was released after a trial by combat."
Roland sat back down and buried his face in his hands. "I can't believe Catelyn Tully would do something so stupid." He understood why his mother did not tell him. They both knew that is Roland found out he would of got on his horse and rode straight to the Vale to get his uncle back. Tyrion was always his favorite uncle, it was Tyrion that taught him how to handle the small council.
"You are right about the wolf not staying idle," Ser Barristan continued. Robb has marched an army 20,000 strong south into the trident. It appears that he intends to engage Tywin directly.
Roland shook his head. Robb would be a fool to do that. Though Roland felt that Robb was a capable leader, he would be no match for Tywin at his current strength.
Barristan paused for a moment. "There's something else, it seems that your horse, Bane has also disappeared." Roland looked up in surprise, "Bane's missing?" he asked. Ser Barristan nodded, "from what I could gather, he broke through the gate of his pen, killed four of your mother's men and galloped out of the keep before anyone had a chance to react.
Roland smiled, "at least my horse got out," he said to himself.
Roland spoke up again, "I still fail to see why I am confined here or why I can't see Sansa." Ser Barristan looked away, Roland realized he was hiding something. "Ser Barristan, what are you not telling me. If you are hiding something, you might as well say it. Soon or or later I will find out eventually."
After a long pause Ser Barristan gave out a deep sigh and finally spoke. "Before Ned Stark was arrested, he named you the rightful heir to the throne."
Roland's mouth hung open in shock. 'Me, the heir to the throne?' "That's ridiculous," He said out loud. "Joffrey is the rightful king by all the laws of Westeros." He paused for a moment. "Nothing is adding up. Their must be an explanation."
"I don't know what to tell you Roland," Ser Barristan replied. With that the old knight got up and headed for the door.
"Ser Barristan?" Roland called out. The knight turned towards the young prince. "Do you believe Ned Stark is a traitor?" Ser Barristan shook his head, "No" he whispered. Roland nodded, "That's what I thought."
That night, Roland tossed in his bed restlessly. He had not slept much since the uprising. Too many questions, too many thoughts. All the recent events didn't make any sense. Roland knew that he was missing something. That something could shed light on everything. "Why do I get the feeling that the answer is right under my nose?" He mused to himself.
Just then Roland heard Shadow growling softly. Roland looked towards the door and saw the faintest shimmer of candlelight. Suddenly cries of pain could be heard and the door was being unlatched. Roland quickly leaped out of bed and began molding his pillows into the form of a body, then he threw the covers over them. Part of his mind screamed for him to reach under the bed but Roland knew he would not reach the contents in time and rushed to the far side of the room. He then remembered the hearth and grabbed a fire poker.
The door opened and two figures stepped into the quickly made their way to the beds and drew their swords. Roland watched quietly as the two began hacking and stabbing at the mound on the bed. After a moment they finally stopped. One of them pulled back the covers and realized the trick. They removed their hoods and Roland realized who they were.
"Have you two ever heard of knocking." The Prince joked as he looked at the two knights, Ser Boros Blout and Ser Meryn Trant. Beside him Shadow began growling.
They may have been kingsguard but they're a far cry from the greatest knights in the Realm and Roland knew he could take them easy. The fire poker was no sword but it would be enough to suit his needs. Roland looked at his opponents and thought how best to fight them.
Ser Boros would be slower, Roland could use that to his advantage but Meryn, he would try and prolong the fight, make his opponent suffer which would be helpful in order for Roland to at least grab the daggers they have by their side.
There was a library full of books he could use, some of the pages are thick enough to stop a sword strike if needed but they were far away. He had the poker could be used to stab them in the eye and the hook could latch on to their armour. He knew that a fist fight would be impossible against men in armor so that left two things, Shadow and a wild card.
"I doubt my Father would give you orders from beyond the grave Sers though breaking down my door was quite unknightly of you, perhaps you weren't one to begin with." Roland intended to get them angry, the angrier your opponent the wilder they fight which means they will make mistakes.
The first to make a mistake was Ser Boros as he growled, or at least his version of a growl, as he drew his sword and charged at the Prince, intent to kill him as Roland quickly moved to the side as the sword struck the wall, causing sparks from the strike. Ser Meryn tried to step in to help but Shadow leaped forward and began circling him. Ser Meryn tried to slash him but Shadow was too quick for such a typical tactic
Roland meanwhile saw the fat knight attempting to hack him into pieces but Roland was far too fast as he lured the man to his bookshelf and gloated once more. "Come now you fat oaf come and take my head." Roland smiled as the knight charged and swung at his head as hard and fast as possible so he ducked and heard the longsword striking the hardwood of the bookshelf as Roland grabbed one of the heaviest books he could reach before striking the knight in the knee with the poker the hook finding gap between the greave and the cuisses.
The fat knight had weak legs as the blow forced him to bend the knee enough for Roland to smack the knight's head with the poker in such strength that father himself would be proud of.
Ser Boros Blout fell to the ground hard as Roland reached for the man's longsword as Ser Meryn drew his own sword just as the Prince freed his newly acquired one from his bookshelf. Both looked at the downed knight and knew he was unconscious as a large dent was evident on the man's helm.
While that was happening, Ser Meryn manage to land a blow on Shadow by smashing his fist into the dog's head. Shadow crumpled to the floor out cold. "Bloody fool." Ser Meryn sneered as he looked at the Prince could not help but circle his prey like he was a hunter as Roland swung the sword to test it as he had never used the blade before. Looking up he faced the knight, poker in his left hand and sword in the right.
Both opponents locked eyes at each other before charging, Roland reaching their first due to his lack of armor as he slashed the knight's breastplate before moving out of the way of the knight's retaliatory strike. If the swing connected perhaps the Prince would have lost the use of his arm but he did not as Roland used his speed to swing behind the knight and strike his back only for Ser Meryn to sense this and attempt to move to the side and gain some space so the Prince's swings would stay out of reach.
Roland saw this and grabbed the man's white cloak in response and pulled the man back enough for Roland to draw first blood as the blade cut into the exposed helm and managed to cut the bridge of the man's nose deep enough to draw blood. It wasn't much but Ser Meryn was angered as he charged, kicking the Prince in the chest as Roland moved the sword to absorb some of the blow as he fell to the ground hard.
The knight saw his prey on the floor and moved to sever one of Roland's limbs only for the Prince to roll despite just landing on the floor hard. Roland continued to block the sword with his poker and striking with the sword.
Seeing the knight's exposed back ankles Roland managed to rise to a crouch and slice at the back of the knight's right knee. Ser Meryn felt the pain as he tried to move pressure from his right leg and swung at the Prince again as the Prince parried and rolled backwards before rising up to his feet thanks to a trick his Uncle Tyrion taught him.
This fight had gone on long enough, any longer and more reinforcements would arrive so Roland charged the Kingsguard, intent on ending the fight as he leapt at his opponent hard, aiming at the right side where his balance was the weakest.
Years of intensive training from the best fighters in the Seven Kingdoms allowed Roland to strike with precision and strength as he slashed the knight across the belly of his armor. It wasn't meant to cut through steel but rather to cause the knight to back away, forcing his injured right leg to burst with pain as it landed on the ground first, a force of habit no doubt from when he could first walk.
The weight of his body pressed against the wound on his leg distracted the knight long enough for Roland to move fast and thrust his sword at the knight's exposed helm, if only the blow would be that simple as Ser Meryn brought up his own sword to deflect the blow.
Quickly Roland adjusted to his current situation and retracted his sword away from his opponent's and swung hard and fast at the left side of the knight's helm. It wouldn't be enough to slash through the Kingsuard helm or even through the layer of coins protecting his neck but it would be enough to stun him and Ser Meryn knew that and used both hands on the grip of his sword to stop the blow.
Had this been anything but a fight of knights Roland might have spun around, using the momentum to try and hack his opponent's head off but he didn't. Instead Ser Meryn pushed the blade as hard as he could with all of his might and slashed at Roland's exposed belly. Roland was not that easy to kill as he backed away and blocked with his sword and parried to the best of his abilities.
Ser Meryn had the Prince now as he rained heavy blows at the Baratheon, first attempting to cut the Prince at the shoulders but his blade was caught with the poker so he instead attempted to take Roland's head and this time Roland ducked and circled around the knight.
Not one to fall for the same obvious trick twice Ser Meryn saw the strike to his head coming and dodged again before pushing his legs to the side so he could get out of the tight quarters fight with the Prince once more.
Roland in turn went for the head jabbing his sword directly at Meryn's open helm once more only this time the knight deflected hard and countered with his own jab at Roland who moved side faced and brought his sword up to block Meryn's follow up strike, a slash to Roland's eyes.
Ser Meryn was done with going soft as he pressed hard to break the Prince's defenses as he suddenly pushed out with his blade, causing Roland to step back to regain his composure.
Aiming for Roland's left shoulder Ser Meryn brought it down hard, intent on destroying Roland's collarbone and possibly killing him. Roland in turn blocked the strike with his sword and Ser Meryn quickly countered with a strike to the right shoulder as quick as he could only to find his speed matched and his blow parried by Roland. Next the knight attempted to cut the Prince in half from the waist only to again be blocked again, causing the white cloaked knight to become even angrier and desperate as in heavy armor fighting should be brief.
His anger clouded his judgment and his senses as Roland quickly took the opportunity to move side face and brought his sword down hard enough for Ser Meryn's sword to be down by Roland's leg and Roland in turn struck the knight in the face with the fire poker.
The wound on Ser Meryn's nose as already starting to drip heavy from the brief bout and when the blow struck his nose once more, the blood squirted out and some entered the knight's eyes and to add insult to the injury the Kingsguard fell hard on the ground.
Blindness and being on one's back is anyone's worse weakness as Roland attempted to land the finishing blow when the unthinkable happened, Ser Boros Blunt awoke and tackled the Prince to the ground causing him to drop the poker.
The fat knight was angered now as he struck the Prince several times in the ribs before kicking Roland in the face, leaving a rather nasty bump on the Prince's head and leaving him stunned. Say what you will about the Boros Blunt but never say he doesn't recognize an opportunity when he sees one as he drew his dagger and went in for the finishing kill when he heard a growl to his left.
Looking he recognized the black furred creature all too well, Shadow had come to save his master as the creature moved as swift as a horse and used his training to tackle the fat knight to the ground, flinging the dagger away.
Ser Boros Blunt was helpless as he brought up his armored arm to stop the vicious attacks by the Prince's most loyal of creatures. Then he saw it, his dagger lying beside the Prince as he reached out and grabbed it as Shadow's fury kept him from noticing this until it was too late as Boros felt the pommel of the blade and used it to slide the blade closer to him.
Once he saw had the blade in his hands he was ready to stab the creature at the side and just when the blade was an inch away from Shadow's skin Boros felt a hand on his arm that prevented him from moving further. Looking, Boros saw the Prince holding the knight's arm one handed as Roland used his free hand to yank the sword away from Boros's hands, breaking several fingers from the strength.
The pain was enough to cause Boros to close his eyes and Roland used the opportunity to crawl close enough to the knight's face and bring the sword down directly into his exposed helm. Soon Ser Boros stopped struggling, soon he stopped moving, or breathing, soon his spirit departed as the blade was lodged into the man's head and through the brain, Ser Boros of the Kingsguard was dead.
Roland heard an angry scream as he saw Ser Meyrn had removed his helm to rub away the blood from his eyes only to see his sworn brother's death. The Kingsguard did not bother to don his helm once more but instead took his sword from the ground, where it no doubt dropped to, and charged as Roland saw his own blade behind him and grabbed him as Shadow moved to defend his Master.
However Ser Meryn was angered as he managed to grab a hold of Shadow as he leapt to naw at the knight's neck and fling the creature to the side but that movement allowed Roland to once again be armed with a sword.
Sadly he was crouched as Ser Meyrn swung his sword down hard as Roland blocked the strike the knight in turn kicked Roland in the chest, causing him to lie on his back and his sword fell out of his hands.
Ser Meryn kicked away the sword before Roland could reach for it and stabbed the Prince in the left shoulder as the Prince brought up both arms to grab the knight's arm and attempted to stop Ser Meyrn's angered blow, only to lose this fight of strength.
The sword soon pierced through Roland's vest, Roland knew he had to stop the knight as the blade pierced flesh.
"It looks like they will be calling me the Prince Slayer soon." Ser Meryn smirked as Roland looked away in pain and saw something he couldn't believe, the book he used to render Ser Boros Blout unconscious at the beginning.
Sheer luck or the Seven watching over him might have had a part to play in this as Roland knew he couldn't reach for it so he played dirty. Roland managed to get enough leverage to kick Ser Meryn in the leg and pushed his thumb of his left hand into the knight's right eye and popping it. Roland used the knight's scream of pain to pull the knight's arm away from his shoulder, freeing his shoulder long enough for him to grab the thick book and slam it across the knight's face, no doubt loosening some teeth.
Roland was not done yet as the knight fell to the side Roland freed himself from beneath the knight and rose over the knight.
"Why are you trying to kill me?" He demanded.
Ser Meryn remained silent so Roland punched him in the jaw. "Why?" Roland asked again.
The knight looked at him. "We were under orders," he replied
"Whose orders?" Roland asked though in the back of his mind he already knew the answer.
Ser Meryn remained silent. As Roland raised his fist the man finally conceded. "His grace, King Joffrey. He gasped before falling into unconsciousness.
Roland stood up and shaken by what he had heard. 'My own brother tried to kill me tonight.' He thought bitterly. An angry expression took hold of Roland's handsome face. "He will pay for this," he whispered to himself. "It may not be today but he will pay."
If Ser Meyrn could be taken to the Grand Maester perhaps he would survive but with his leg no doubt badly damaged and his face beaten bloody, Roland doubts the knight will ever be the same again.
Roland walked over to the bed and lifted the mattress. Joffrey's men had taken his weapons, but not all of them. Under the mattress was a bastard sword that Roland had kept secret from everyone, his most prized weapon. This sword was made by the blacksmith apprentice of Tobho Mott. Roland had the sword specially made to suit him. It was four feet long, big, broad powerful, just like it's owner. The blade was double edged and three inches wide at the hilt, which slowly tapered down to the point. It's insection was diamond shaped with a fuller that followed the width of the blade being two inches at the hilt. It was a heavy weapon and required strength and dexterity to wield single handed. Something Roland had plenty of.
Roland had specifically instructed that the apprentice do it. An order Tobho Mott did not dare question. When the time came to collect it, Roland paid the apprentice twice the cost and also gave him a warhammer designed for him. When the apprentice asked why, Roland replied. "For the day you decide to wield weapons instead of make them."
'A gift,' Roland thought to himself, 'from one brother to another.'
After strapping on his sword, Roland tore out long strips of cloth from his bed sheet and used it to bandage his shoulder and create a makeshift sling for his left arm.
Leaving his chambers, Roland and Shadow rushed to Sansa's chambers. The guards saw Roland and drew their swords. Despite having only one arm to use. Roland still had his sword hand. One guard lunged, Roland stepped sideways and grabbed the man's arm. He pulled the man closer and locked his arm around his neck. Roland's muscles pulsed as he squeezed. The other guard tried to help but Shadow caught him by the throat. As soon as the men were dead, Roland unbolted the door and entered the room.
When Roland came in, he found Sansa was not alone. Her friend Jeyne Poole was sleeping in a second noise woke girls and they saw a figure standing at the door. "Roland," Sansa exclaimed with a start.
"Come on," Roland said with a smile. "Take only what you need, we're leaving King's Landing." Sansa rushed over and threw her arms around him, and kissed him. Roland returned it in kind. "Did they hurt you?" he asked her anxiously after breaking the kiss. Sansa shook her head, "no, I'm alright". "Good" Roland sighed in relief.
They broke the embrace and Sansa noticed his shoulder. "Oh Roland, your hurt," she exclaimed horrified. She gently touched his injured arm as Roland cupped her cheek. "I'll be fine" he reassured her. Sansa spoke up again "I heard the guards talking about two men called Horror and Slobber being held in a nearby room." She told him. Roland thought for a moment, "it must be Horas and Hobber Redwyne." He told her. Sansa looked at him curiously. "Everyone makes fun of Paxtor Redwyne's twin boys." 'They could prove useful,' Roland thought to himself. Sansa and Jeyne packed a few things as Roland dragged the bodies of the guards into the room. As soon as they were done, Roland headed for the Redwyne chambers with the girls following close behind.
It wasn't hard to find their chambers. Like Sansa's, it was guarded by Lannister soldiers. These guards were also asleep and Roland made them pay with their lives. He entered the room and saw the two men staring at him. As soon as they saw Roland, they gave a deep bow. "Do you wish to get out of here?" Roland asked them. The twins looked at each other and nodded. Roland once again dragged the guards inside, the twins grabbed their swords and followed the prince. Roland handed his new companions hoods to hide their appearance, and the group headed downstairs to Ser Ilyn Payne's room.
Ilyn Payne was sitting on his bed gently polishing Ice. He had never held a Valyrian steel sword before. Holding this one felt like a great honor. Just then he heard a knock at the door. He put down the sword and lifted the latch. 'Who could be knocking at this hour,' he wondered. As he opened the door he felt a sword thrust into his belly. He looked up and saw Prince Roland staring at him. "Lion's Pawn" he whispered as he slashed the sword to the right. Ilyn Payne's belly opened up and his guts spilled onto the floor. Roland then plunged the sword into his neck finishing him. As the mute executioner died, Roland's face broke into a grin and he chuckled softly. He quickly looked around the room and found Ice. He tucked it under his injured arm and closed the door behind him. With that taken care of, Roland and his band went to their final destination.
In his cell Ned struggled to find sleep. But in his current position, it seemed very unlikely. He had heard stories of the Black Cells. Ned use to dismiss them as rumors, now those same tales failed to do justice to the real thing. The Black Cells are more terrible than he possibly imagined. Looking into absolute blackness, it was hard to tell whether his eyes were closed or not.
As he sat their he contemplated what he had done. "Why did I have to say that?" he cursed to himself. "Now I have not only put my family at risk but also Robert's only legitimate child." He wondered what was going to happen to Roland. He now also feared what will happen to Sansa. With Roland confined to his room Joffrey just may reestablish his betrothal to her. But before he could dwell on it further, his eyes noticed a flicker of torchlight coming towards him. As if Ned wasn't irritated enough already. "What do you want now Lord Varys?"
"Well I'm not a eunuch," A friendly voice answered. "But I can go castrate myself and come back if you wish."
Ned looked up in surprise, 'I know that voice,' he thought. The light finally stopped and Ned looked at Roland's grinning face.
"Come on Lord Stark," he said holding out his hand. "You're a long way from home, and Winter is Coming."
Ned took his hand gratefully. "I believe this belongs to you, he continued handing him Ice. Ned took his families sword and strapped it to his shoulder. Ned was about to smile but then he saw what Roland was holding, a bloody sword and his arm in a sling. "What happened," he asked Roland.
"I'll explane later," he replied, "but right now we need to leave now."
"I wont leave without my daughters," Ned insisted.
"Sansa is just outside the cell, as well as her friend Jeyne" Roland said calmly. "But I'm afraid we have to leave without Arya."
"I can't do that Roland," Ned replied. "I don't know what has happened to her, even Varys can't find her."
"Good," Roland said quickly.
"How is that good?" Ned asked incredulously.
"If Varys can't find her neither can the Lannisters. Besides, Arya is a fighter, and as tough as nails if anyone can escape Kings Landing it's her. I understand this is hard for you but if we are to live we must leave now."
Ned thought about this, it pained him to leave his youngest daughter in such a wretched place. But Roland had a point, Ned knew all too well how tough Arya was and perhaps she did escape. Ned could only hope that she reached Riverrun in time. After a moment Ned reluctantly agreed to join Roland.
Ned and Sansa embraced as soon as they saw each other. He greeted Jeyne and the Redwyne twins and Roland handed him a hood.
"How are we going to escape," Ned asked. "The Lannisters are guarding every gate."
"Who said anything about going through the gate Lord Stark?" Roland asked giving him a sly smile.
The group rushed along the dark halls until they finally came across a boulder. Roland sheathed his sword, and set the torch on a rack. Then he put his hands on the boulder and started pulling on it revealing the tunnel.
"What in the gods' name is this," Ned wondered.
"Do you remember Arya telling you about her little adventure a while back."
Ned nodded.
"Well she wasn't talking madness. Your daughter had unknowingly listened in on a dark plot what it is I haven't yet figured out. But she also manage to stumble upon one of Kings Landing's deepest secrets."
"What was it," Ned asked.
"When the Targaryens built this city, they also built a vast network of tunnels spanning all across the city. These tunnels were meant to provide them with an escape route and give their spies greater access to the city. One could lead to a tavern, another to a brothel. The one your daughter found happens to lead to the Blackwater Rush."
The group rushed into the tunnel and Roland pulled the boulder back into place. Arya had told him to stay to the left and that's exactly what he did. Before long they reached the end of the tunnel and to the Blackwater Rush.
There was no stairway so the group watched their footing, Shadow had no trouble getting past the rocky decline, and the men managed well enough. Sansa and Jeyne were in nightgown. so Roland opted to carry Sansa while one of the Redwyne twins carried Jeyne.
When the reached the bottom, the group followed Roland to a cluster of ships at anchor.
"Which ship will we use?" Ned asked.
"Her," Roland answered, pointing to small ship in the dock. "The Stormrunner."
"Who's ship is that?" Sansa asked worriedly.
"Mine," Roland replied. "This was a gift from my uncle Stannis on my 14th nameday."
Roland and his group crossed the ramp onto the deck. The Captain approached and demanded they identify themselves. As soon as he saw Roland, the captain and the rest of the crew bowed. "Prince Roland," the captain addressed, "I had no idea you were coming this evening."
"You weren't meant to," Roland replied. It was likely that his imprisonment had been kept a secret otherwise it would of caused a public outrage. "Loose the sails and weigh anchor, we're leaving Kings Landing."
"N-now?" This took the captain by surprise, "w-where are we sailing to?" He asked nervously.
"Dragonstone. There's a war coming and the time has come for all men to choose a side. Now I ask you, will you fight for me or the queen regent."
The captain looked at him for a moment and straightened up. "The queen regent has given strict orders not to leave the harbor, but the queen is a Lannister. Me and my crew serve only one family, House Baratheon. The Captain drew his sword and knelt before Roland, the rest of the crew did the same. "Our swords are yours Prince Roland, we're with you to the end."
Roland nodded with a smile. "Rise captain and move swiftly, time is of the essence."
The Captain nodded and took the helm. Two hours later the Stormrunner left the harbor and entered the Blackwater Bay. Is was daybreak when the Stormrunner was out of sight of the watchtowers. Roland looked towards the city. A tear rolled down his cheek as he silently said goodbye to the place that he had called home all his life, the place were his family was. "I never got to say goodbye to mother or my younger siblings," he said to himself. 'I hope Myrcella and Tommen will be okay. But I swear, if Joffrey hurts them, he will pay even more.'
The Stormrunner was unlike any ship Ned had ever seen before. It was sleek, black and beautiful. It had a single large mast with no less than 6 sails. This included two headsails, a mainsail, a topgallant, jib headed topsail and a spanker. On the deck were eight ballistas and at the bow was a larger ballista that fired harpoons. On the prow of the ship was a shark figurehead. It's most unusual feature were two spurs above the waterline that protruded from either side of the hull. Despite it's fierce appearance, Ned realized that this ship was built for speed.
Despite their objections Roland gave his cabin to the Starks and Redwynes. He chose to sleep in a hammock stating it was more comfortable to him. As he stood on the bow looking ahead, Sansa came up to him and wrapped his arm around him and stood there with him.
Where are we going?" She asked him resting her head on his shoulder.
Roland took her other hand and pressed it against his cheek. "To War," he replied.
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