Capítulo 591: Chapter 591: Eddard Stark
Yesterday, Grand Maester Pycelle was put on trial. Today, the trial is reserved for nobles of even higher stature.
During the War of the Usurper, the houses of Stark, Baratheon, Tully, and Arryn were the primary forces opposing the crown. Now, their esteemed positions have been dramatically reduced.
The North has been entirely captured, with Winterfell still under the grasp of the dead. The Starks have managed to survive only because they did not resist the final ultimatum from the Iron Throne.
After the Battle of Riverrun and Eddard Stark's capture, the Northern troops surrendered, aligning themselves with the Targaryen army and even contributing significantly in subsequent battles.
House Baratheon's three brothers – Renly, Stannis, and Robert – have met their end. Robert's days are numbered, and soon he too will join his siblings in the seven hells.
The more fortunate houses are the Arryns of the Vale and the Tullys of Riverrun. Edmure Tully's swift surrender, combined with the death of Hoster Tully during internal strife, spared Riverrun and saved the Tully family, although they lost their ruling status.
The case of the Arryns is somewhat tragic. Jon Arryn was assassinated before the Targaryens set foot on Westeros, leading to the fall of King's Landing and the annihilation of their allied forces in the Battle of Wrathfire. With Jon dead, only a nursing child remains of House Arryn. The defense of the Vale was taken up by other nobles who, keen on protecting their interests, resisted the legitimate Targaryen claim to the throne.
The Vale's young lord was left in charge of the Eyrie, and Viserys believes that with a reliable stepfather to guide him, what more could young Robert Arryn ask for?
Viserys's plans are intricate, each detail fitting perfectly with the next. Hoster Tully and Jon Arryn, both deceased, naturally have no role in the ongoing trials. Yet their crimes are still brought to the public's attention.
Almost every noble involved in the War of the Usurper has received a fair trial, except for those already dead or those who have surrendered. Now, it's time for the most prominent nobles.
"Lord of the North."
"Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell."
Eddard Stark, with his lengthy titles, now also has an equally lengthy beard. Having recently been released from his cell in the Red Keep for the partition ceremony, he's been able to move freely.
The nobles of King's Landing speculate about the political deals between the Starks and the king. Considering Catelyn Stark's persistent efforts to establish relations, the nature of the deal can be somewhat inferred.
The North is unique, much like Dorne. It's hard for outsiders to rule due to the stubborn nature of its people and land. The king intends to use House Stark to win the loyalty of the Northern lords, but the specifics of the deal remain elusive.
Eddard Stark, still in prisoner garb and chains, had lost enough dignity during his time in King's Landing. He was even designated as one of today's deputy judges, reading out the charges against his own father-in-law, Hoster Tully, and foster father, Jon Arryn. Once their trials were over, it was his turn.
Standing under the blazing sun, his hair unkempt and shackles clinking, a commotion arose from behind. The gates of the Red Keep opened, revealing Viserys and Queen Arianne, escorted by the Unsullied.
"Your Grace."
"Your Grace."
All the Westerosi nobles stood in respect, including the two remaining judges, Varys and Oberyn.
"Is that Eddard Stark?"
"Your father?"
Queen Arianne, adjusting her long dress, turned to her handmaiden. Among Arianne's maids was a red-haired girl named Sansa Stark. Sansa's face reddened, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at her father's disheveled appearance. But the fact he was alive was enough for her.
Sansa and her elder brother, Robb, were the bargaining chips to ensure their father's survival. Catelyn had discussed this with her children, respecting their choices. Even if Eddard was pardoned, the siblings would remain in King's Landing as hostages, perhaps never returning to Winterfell. Yet, they had unhesitatingly agreed.
"Yes, Your Grace. That's my father," Sansa replied, holding back her tears.
Elsewhere, Robb Stark, one of Viserys's attendants, was lost in thought, gazing at his father until a poke from a boy beside him snapped him out of it.
"Hey, Robb."
"Sorry, Joffrey."
The brown-haired boy apologized, admitting his momentary lapse.
"You shouldn't be apologizing to me, Robb."
"His Grace is calling you."
Joffrey motioned forward, and Robb noticed every eye in the room on him, including his father's.
Eddard, now freed from his shackles and draped in black, encouraged his son with a spirited look.
"Kneel beside your father, Robb."
Robb heard the command from Viserys.
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