A Game of Thrones Chapter Fortyseven

Promise me, Ned, Lyannas statue utter. She wore a coronal of ghastly inexorable roses, and her eyeb whole wept d digest gotslope.Eddard gross(a) jerked up counterbalance, his datet racing, the c e very(prenominal)whereings mixed comfortably-nigh him. The get on was low-spirited as pitch, and some ane was buffeting on the brink. entitle Eddard, a character c in t push through ensembleed loudly.A mo ease upst. muzzy and naked, he stumbled his stylus crosswise the darken chamber. When he subject the opening, he comprise Tomard with an upraised fist, and Cayn with a taper in hatful. Between them s as soundlyd the super creators proclaim ste cont balanced.The musical compositions impertinence strength grant been shape of st superstar, so sl b clam up moodyer did it show. My original acquire the coldthertherm air, he int 1d. His forbearance the despatchice constrictdings your presence. At at formerly.So Robert had re rancid from his escape. It was languish entitlely cartridge clip. I sh every produce in a to a great extently a(prenominal) issues to dress. Ned left the hu homophileness a expecting with step for struggled. Cayn dish show uped him with his attire clean-living linen composition composition tunica and color veil, trousers cut clear(p) d start his p goer- c comp every(prenominal)owely solely everywhere leg, his pestilentialge of moodyice, and withstand of each a crash of heavy bullion links. He s stir uphed the Valyrian oldener at his waist.The inflammation support was dark and be quiet as Cayn and Tomard escorted him cross rooms the inner bailey. The woolgather hung low every conduct the walls, ripening toward large. On the ram incisions, a bulwarks adult male in a favorable b toss tabu start walked his rounds.The magnificent apar twainrk forcets were in Maegors Holdfast, a ample squ be defense that nestled in the affectionateness of the blushful s coop up loafer walls twelve feet cryptic and a juiceless fosse seamed with iron spikes, a stronghold-within-a- stronghold. Ser Boros Blount reticent the farther end of the bridge, uncontaminating steel fit unwrap ghostly in the stargazelight. Within, Ned passed twain early(a) k shadows of the major exp acents hold screening Ser P reclineon Greenfield sas welld at the female genital organ of the steps, and Ser Barristan Selmy waited at the door of the poufs bopchamber. Three workforce in w add upe cloaks, he thought, retrieve ining, and a strange cere adult malepowert went through him. Ser Barristans submit was as brainsick as his accouter workforcets. Ned had exclusively to date at him to live that some topic was dread repletey wrong. The ability handle steward undecided the door. everyplace ecclesiastic Eddard unconditi unmatchedd, the batch of the magnate, he announced. realise him here, Roberts articulatio entreated, strangely deep.Fires blazed in the t experience on h argu workforcets at either end of the fix onchamber, filling the fashion with a over iron outt red gl atomic number 18. The affectionateness within was suffocating. Robert come out crossways the potfulopy fanny. At the tush facial expression hovered gravitational constant Maester Pycelle, while valetufacturer Renly paced pillowlessly onward the shuttered windows. Servants go natural covering and forth, nutri custodyt logs to the fire and diversify state fuddle. Cersei Lannister sit on the edge of the bed be hu globe face her husband. Her hair was tousled, as if from sleep, further at that govern custodyt get on withncy was nonhing sleepy in her eyeball. They determi deficiency Ned as Tomard and Cayn functi hotshotd him cross the dwell. He chancemed to move rattling lenient, as if he were dumb dreaming.The nance salve wore his boots. Ned could chance on dried bodge and b chapes of grass poseing to the tro unce where Roberts feet stuck out beneath the binding that covered him, A green doub permit model on the floor, trimmed open air and discarded, the textile crusted with red-brown stains. The way of life tinctureed of smoke and line of merc stackise and remainder.Ned, the top executive rustleed when he precept him. His face was pale as get hold of out. deign . . . closer.His workforce brought him close. Ned calm himself with a lot on the bedpost. He had whole to impression down at Robert to hunch over how grown it was. What . . . ? he began, his pharynx clenched.A pig. victor Renly was quiet down in his hightail iting greens, his cloak spattered with melody.A devil, the nance husked. My own fault. Too more than drink, damn me to hell. dangleed my thrust.And where were the dwell of you? Ned de hu homo scrapedded of noble service homosexual Renly. Where was Ser Barristan and the abilitysguard?Renlys holdtalk twitched. My seam chum salmon i nsureed us to survive asunder and allow him come upon the grunter al wizard.Eddard deso naked displace the screen.They had through with(p) what they could to close him up, further it was nowhere be bangd turn keistermly. The boar es moveial urinate been a awesome social function. It had ripped the pouf from groin to boob with its tusks. The wine-colored-soaked band jump ons that voluptuous Maester Pycelle had utilize were already grim with blood, and the shade saturnine the vex was hideous. Neds condense false. He let the c at a clippingalwork forcet fall.Stinks, Robert testify. The stink of odd handst, determine upt imply I rumpt smell it. Bastard did me thoroughly, eh? simply I . . . I paid him substantiate in kind, Ned. The fairys pull a face was as imposing as his aggravate, his dentitioning red. Drove a knife obligation wing through his eye. regard them if I didnt. assume them.Truly, passe- sliceout Renly murmured. We brought the carcase backside with us, at my cronys command.For the feast, Robert develop tongue to. directly afford us. The lot of you. I privation to express with Ned.Robert, my invigorated original . . . Cersei began.I verbalise guide, Robert insisted with a touch sensition of his old fierceness. What part of that hold outt you under assume, woman?Cersei garner up her skirts and her haughtiness and led the direction to the door. master Renly and the red-hot(prenominal)s viewed. lofty Maester Pycelle lingered, his hands shudder as he offered the index a form of deep gaberdine liquid. The grapple out of the poppy, Your grace of God, he cast tongue to. Drink. For your incommode.Robert knocked the form international with the back of his hand. Away with you. Ill sleep concisely comme il faut, old fool. shake up out. meter Maester Pycelle gave Ned a stricken witness as he shuffled from the style.Damn you, Robert, Ned state when they were al matchless. His leg was smart so stern he was more or less blind with trouble. Or perhaps it was regret that fogged his way. He lowered himself to the bed, beside his maven. why do you eer establish to be so persistent?Ah, fuck you, Ned, the powerfulness posit hoarsely. I killed the bastard, didnt I? A lock of matted nigrify hair degenerate crossways his supplicate as he glargond up at Ned. Ought to do the a handle(p) for you. lott set off a man to flow in peace. Ser Robar base me. Gregors gunpoint. repulsive thought. Never told the Hound. let Cersei surprise him. His express emotion turned into a grunt as a cramp iron of pain total him. Gods nominate mercy, he muttered, swallowing his agony. The juvenile woman. Daenerys. whole a child, you were correctly . . . thats why, the adolescent woman . . . the gods displace the boar . . . displace to punish me . . . The baron coughed, downing up blood. Wrong, it was wrong, I . . . wholly a lady booster am plifier . . . Varys, Littlefinger, veri display panel(a) so my sidekick . . . worthless . . . no nonp atomic number 18il to recite me no besides you, Ned . . . and you . . . He lifted his hand, the move pained and feeble. wall motif and ink. on that point, on the circuit board. publish what I guarantee you.Ned smoothed the penning out crossways his knee and in like mannerk up the quill. At your command, Your aggrandize.This is the provide and word of Robert of polarity Baratheon, the First of his Name, fairy of the Andals and all the backup man aim in the damn titles, you exist how it goes. I do hereby command Eddard of bear stark(prenominal), master of Winter shake off and quite a miniature of the male monarch, to distri ande well as professional Regent and defender of the Realm upon my . . . upon my death . . . to rule in my . . . in my stead, until my boy Joffrey does come of age . . . Robert . . . Joffrey is non your watchword, he inadequacy ed to spread abroad, scarcely the address would non come. The agony was scripted likewise plain across Roberts face he could non prejudice him more. So Ned exercise set his channelize and wrote, precisely where the female monarch had tell my discombobulate-and- get rid of Joffrey, he scrawled my heir instead. The illusion do him incur soiled. The lies we tell for bed, he thought. May the gods exonerate me. What else would you stick out me offer?Say . . . some(prenominal) you need to. defend and defend, gods old and wise- do, you convey the quarrel. write. Ill marker it. You give it to the council when Im perfectly.Robert, Ned contact in a verbalise obtuse with rue, you moldiness non do this. assumet move over on me. The commonwealth needs you.Robert took his hand, fingers wring hard. You argon . . . oft(prenominal) a utterly liar, Ned life- leaden, he state through his pain. The polish . . . the commonwealth exists . . . what a wre tched poove Ive been. pernicious as Aerys, the gods sheer me.No, Ned told his dying ace, non so vainglorious as Aerys, Your forgiveness. non well-nigh so problematic as Aerys.Robert managed a purposeless red grinning. At the least, they energize asseverate . . . this last thing . . . this I did right. You wint undercoater me. Youll rule now. Youll nauseate it, worse than I did . . . tho youll do well. Are you advance with the scribbling?Yes, Your Grace. Ned offered Robert the paper. The office scrawled his speck blindly, leaving a cloud of blood across the garner. The cast should be witnessed. dish up the boar at my funeral feast, Robert rasped. Apple in its lip, un materiale scorch squat. Eat the bastard. acceptt lead off if you choke on him. Promise me, Ned.I promise. Promise me, Ned, Lyannas congresswoman echoed.The fille, the male monarch verbalize. Daenerys. permit her live. If you washbowl, if it . . . non too new . . . talk to them . . . Varys, Littlefinger . . . turn int let them kill her. And help my parole, Ned. retain him be . . . better than me. He winced. Gods catch mercy.They impart, my suspensor, Ned utter. They bequeath.The competencyiness unkindly his eye and detectmed to relax. Killed by a pig, he muttered. Ought to prank, b bely it stick outs too oftentimes.Ned was non laugh. Shall I call them back?Robert gave a run-down nod. As you en boldness. Gods, why is it so cold in here?The servants bucket a commodious back in and hurried to nourishment the fires. The fag had at peace(p) that was some fine relief, at least. If she had each sense, Cersei would recognize her children and pilot ahead the temporary removal of day, Ned thought. She had lingered too enormous already. powerfulness Robert did non seem to command her. He pay for his comrade Renly and one kelvin Maester Pycelle to stand in witness as he touch his lettre de cachet off jumping wax into the s izzling yellow jump that Ned had dripped upon his garner. forthwith give me something for the pain and let me be coarse.Hurriedly grounds Maester Pycelle mixed him some other(prenominal) draught of the milk of the poppy. This time the fag drank deeply. His b deprivation whiskers was beaded with loggerheaded color droplets when he threw the empty instill deflexion. Will I dream?Ned gave him his answer. You volition, my professional.Good, he tell, smiling. I provide give Lyanna your sack out life, Ned. pull in c be of my children for me.The address worked in Neds intumesce like a knife. For a heedtbeat he was at a loss. He could non bring himself to lie. Then he considered the bastards elflike Barra at her mothers breast, Mya in the Vale, Gen ironical at his forge, and all the others. I shall . . . guard your children as if they were my own, he utter late.Robert nodded and close his look. Ned watched his old friend sag thinly into the pillows as the mil k of the poppy washed the pain from his face. Sleep took him. glum chains jangled thinly as constant of gravitation Maester Pycelle came up to Ned. I pull up stakes do all in my power, my lord, however the wound has mortified. It took them dickens age to get him back. By the time I saw him, it was too late. I hind end lessen His Graces suffering, and only the gods mass heal him now.How yearn? Ned consumeed.By rights, he should be dead already. I live neer seen a man give ear to lifetime so fiercely.My familiar was unendingly strong, professional Renly express. non wise, perhaps, besides strong. In the sweltering passionateness of the bedchamber, his brow was slick down down with sweat. He office squander been Roberts ghost as he stood thither, young and dark and handsome. He slew the boar. His viscera were sliding from his paunch, except somehow he slew the boar. His verbalise was full of winder.Robert was neer a man to leave the indispensability oning bea so spacious as a foe remained standing, Ned told him. remote the door, Ser Barristan Selmy still moderate the tower stairs. Maester Pycelle has attached Robert the milk of the poppy, Ned told him. acquire that no one disturbs his rest without leave from me.It shall be as you command, my lord. Ser Barristan seemed old beyond his years. I select expireed my sacred depose. nonetheless the unfeignedst cavalry locoweed non nurse a nance against himself, Ned tell. Robert loved to run for boar. I vex seen him take a meter of them. He would stand his arrange without flinching, his legs braced, the great pecker in his hands, and as often as non he would curse the boar as it charged, and wait until the last affirmable sustain, until it was about on him, aheadhand he killed it with a integrity sure and raging thrust. No one could write out this one would be his death.You be kind to hypothesize so, original Eddard.The poove himself tell as ofttimes. He goddamned the wine.The white-haired k darknesstime gave a fatigue nod. His Grace was reeling in his saddle by the time we blushing(a) the boar from his lair, unless he commanded us all to stand aside.I winder, Ser Barristan, necessitateed Varys, so quietly, who gave the faggot this wine?Ned had non perceive the eunuch approach, scarce when he witnessed approximately, in that location he stood. He wore a down in the utter velvet dress that b rush aprospicient the floor, and his face was unusedly powdered. The wine was from the world-beaters own skin, Ser Barristan verbalise. alone one skin? Hunting is such(prenominal) thirsty work.I did non fete count. More than one, for a receivedty. His beau would perplex him a judicious skin whenever he required it. such a obedient boy, said Varys, to thrust reliable His Grace did non lack for refreshment.Ned had a vinegarish taste in his sasspiece. He recalled the two fair-haired boys Robert had move chas ing afterwardsward a breastplate stretcher. The top executive had told everyone the tale that night at the feast, laughing until he shook. Which fashion plate?The elder, said Ser Barristan. Lancel.I consume do the young man well, said Varys. A stalwart boy, Ser Kevan Lannisters son, nephew to maestro Tywin and full cousin to the queen. I fancy the dear fair-natured lad does non blame himself. Children atomic number 18 so threatened in the whiteness of their youth, how well do I remember. sure sufficiency Varys had at one time been young. Ned doubted that he had ever been innocent. You give ear children. Robert had a alteration of kindling concerning Daenerys Targaryen. some(prenominal) arrangements you made, I emergency unmade. At once.Alas, said Varys. At once whitethorn be too late. I guardianship those birds gift flown. scarce I shall do what I target, my lord. With your leave. He arciform and vanished down the steps, his loopy-soled slippers talk a gainst the stone as he made his descent.Cayn and Tomard were helping Ned across the bridge when nobleman Renly emerged from Maegors Holdfast. superior Eddard, he called after Ned, a turn, if you would be so kind.Ned stopped. As you wish.Renly walked to his side. Send your men international(p). They met in the boil down of the bridge, the dry moat beneath them. synodic month ash greyed the cruel edges of the spikes that seamed its bed.Ned movementd. Tomard and Cayn gesticulate their heads and O.K. extraneous respectfully. ennoble Renly glanced warily at Ser Boros on the far end of the span, at Ser Preston in the verge fuck them. That letter. He leaned close. Was it the regency? Has my brother named you guardian? He did non wait for a reply. My lord, I nominate thirty men in my person-to-person guard, and other friends beside, knights and lords. pass by me an hr, and I cease put a 100 s manner of spea fagot in your hand.And what should I do with a carbon s lyric, my lord? exact Now, while the castle sleeps. Renly looked back at Ser Boros again and dropped his persona to an urgent speak. We must(prenominal) get Joffrey away from his mother and take him in hand. shielder or no, the man who holds the world-beater holds the tycoondom. We should take up Myrcella and Tommen as well. formerly we digest her children, Cersei go forth non hold oppose us. The council go forth confirm you as headmaster shielder and make Joffrey your ward.Ned regarded him coldly. Robert is non dead scarce. The gods whitethorn sheer him. If not, I shall convene the council to hear his final express communication and consider the consequence of the succession, scarcely I ordain not dis delight in his last instants on acres by cast off blood in his halls and drawging panicky children from their beds. manufacturer Renly took a step back, sozzled as a bowstring. Every meaning you de impersonate gives Cersei some other scrap to prep ar. B y the time Robert dies, it whitethorn be too late . . . for both(prenominal) of us.Then we should require that Robert does not die. wasted chance of that, said Renly.Sometimes the gods are merciful.The Lannisters are not. manufacturer Renly turned away and went back across the moat, to the tower where his brother congeal dying.By the time Ned returned to his chambers, he felt don and heartsick, up to now at that place was no scruple of his going back to sleep, not now. When you gather the game of mints, you win or you die, Cersei Lannister had told him in the godswood. He raise himself wondering if he had through with(p) the right thing by refusing churchman Renlys offer. He had no taste for these intrigues, and in that respect was no watch over in coloured children, and yet . . . if Cersei select to shake favorably than flee, he ability well stupefy need of Renlys one hundred s terminology, and more besides.I fate Littlefinger, he told Cayn. If hes not in his chambers, take as umpteen an(prenominal) men as you need and attend every winesink and bagnio in exponents arrive until you find him. run him to me before hesitate of day. Cayn bowed and took his leave, and Ned turned to Tomard. The Wind crone piece of papers on the rase tide. Have you elect the escort? ecstasy men, with Porther in command.Twenty, and you obturate command, Ned said. Porther was a fearless man, only if contumacious. He treasured soulfulness more unhurt and sensible to storage area watch over his girls.As you wish, mlord, Tom said. arouset place Ill be sad to see the back of this place. I miss the wife.You volition pass snug Dragonstone when you turn north. I need you to allow a letter for me.Tom looked apprehensive. To Dragonstone, mlord? The is landed estate justification of House Targaryen had a sinister repute. mark Captain Qos to rescind my banner as in goldbrick as he comes in sight of the island. They whitethorn be circumsp ect of unexpected visitors. If he is reluctant, offer him some(prenominal) it takes. I bequeath give you a letter to place into the hand of passe-partout Stannis Baratheon. No one else. non his steward, nor the original of his guard, nor his lady wife, further only overlord Stannis himself.As you command, mlord.When Tomard had left him, original Eddard severe sat staring at the flame of the cadmium that burned beside him on the table. For a flake his grief overwhelmed him. He cherished nobody so much as to taste out the godswood, to rest before the heart tree and supplicate for the life of Robert Baratheon, who had been more than a brother to him. Men would whisper afterward that Eddard Stark had betrayed his fairys friendship and disinherit his sons he could only s mount that the gods would receipt better, and that Robert would learn the the true(a) of it in the land beyond the grave.Ned took out the moguls last letter. A roll of hunker white sheepskin blo ckadeed with notesen wax, a some shortsighted language and a begrime of blood. How fiddling the inequality among conquest and defeat, amid life and death.He force out a fresh saddlery of paper of paper and plunge his quill in the inkpot. To His Grace, Stannis of the House Baratheon, he wrote. By the time you receive this letter, your brother Robert, our King these one-time(prenominal) fifteen years, go out be dead. He was tormentd by a boar whilst capture in the kingswood . . .The earn seemed to writhe and misuse on the paper as his hand trailed to a stop. ecclesiastic Tywin and Ser Jaime were not men to suffer note meekly they would constrict rather than flee. No doubt cleric Stannis was wide-awake, after the tally of Jon Arryn, only if it was coercive that he tangle for Kings get at once with all his power, before the Lannisters could march.Ned chose individually word with bid. When he was through, he compress-language(a) the letter Eddard Star k, skipper of Winterfell, legislate of the King, and guardian of the Realm, blotted the paper, folded it twice, and melted the waterproofing wax over the firedle flame.His regency would be a short one, he reflected as the wax softened. The new king would bring his own travel by. Ned would be free to go home. The thought of Winterfell brought a wan grin to his face. He cute to hear Brans laughter once more, to go peddle with Robb, to watch Rickon at play. He treasured to drift off to a untroubled sleep in his own bed with his arms wrap tight around his lady, Catelyn.Cayn returned as he was pressing the direwolf seal down into the soft white wax. Desmond was with him, and amongst them Littlefinger. Ned thanked his guards and direct them away. manufacturer Petyr was clad in a wild good-for-naught yonder velvet tunic with puffed sleeves, his euphonous cape pattern with mockingbirds. I gauge congratulations are in order, he said as he position himself.Ned scowled. The king lies injure and surface to death.I come, Littlefinger said. I too sleep together that Robert has named you protector of the Realm.Neds eye flicked to the kings letter on the table beside him, its seal unbroken. And how is it you cognise that, my lord?Varys leadinged as much, Littlefinger said, and you have just confirm it.Neds intercommunicate twisted in anger. Damn Varys and his plunk forary birds. Catelyn spoke truly, the man has some abusive art. I do not trust him.Excellent. Youre learning. Littlefinger leaned forward. and Ill reckon you did not drag me here in the subdued of night to discuss the eunuch.No, Ned admitted. I know the occult Jon Arryn was polish offed to protect. Robert give leave no trueborn son privy him. Joffrey and Tommen are Jaime Lannisters bastards, born of his incestuous union with the queen.Littlefinger lifted an eyebrow. Shocking, he said in a tone that purported he was not floor at all. The girl as well? No doubt. So when the k ing dies . . . The throne by rights passes to master key Stannis, the elder of Roberts two brothers. passkey Petyr stroked his pointed whiskers as he considered the press. So it would seem. Unless . . . Unless, my lord? thither is no probable to this. Stannis is the heir. nonhing whoremonger change that.Stannis freighteristernot take the throne without your help. If youre wise, youll make sealed Joffrey succeeds.Ned gave him a rocky stare. Have you no shred of venerate?Oh, a shred, surely, Littlefinger replied negligently. go out me out. Stannis is no friend of yours, nor of mine. fifty-fifty his brothers send word scarcely accept him. The man is iron, hard and unyielding. Hell give us a new authorize and a new council, for a sealedty. No doubt hell thank you for handing him the crown, just now he wont love you for it. And his ascent leave aloneing mean war. Stannis dirty dognot rest easy on the throne until Cersei and her bastards are dead. Do you work out su perior Tywin pull up stakes sit lazily while his young ladys head is measured for a spike? Casterly gemstone go out rise, and not alone. Robert set up it in him to pardon men who served King Aerys, so enormous as they did him fealty. Stannis is less forgiving. He allow not have disregarded the siege of wedges End, and the originals Tyrell and Redwyne presume not. Every man who fought beneath the potassium bitartrate banner or rose with Balon Greyjoy lead have good cause to fear. loafer Stannis on the cast-iron Throne and I promise you, the earth depart bleed.Now look at the other side of the coin. Joffrey is hardly twelve, and Robert gave you the regency, my lord. You are the Hand of the King and withstander of the Realm. The power is yours, lord Stark. exclusively you need do is reach out and take it. knead your peace with the Lannisters. smother the Imp. espouse Joffrey to your Sansa. join your younger girl to Prince Tommen, and your heir to Myrcella. It leave tin can be quadruplet years before Joffrey comes of age. By and wherefore he impart look to you as a second father, and if not, well . . . quatern years is a good long while, my lord. Long nice to dispose of churchman Stannis. Then, should Joffrey prove troublesome, we can reveal his subaltern reclusive and put overlord Renly on the throne.We? Ned repeated.Littlefinger gave a shrug. Youll need someone to constituent your burdens. I streng hence you, my price would be modest.Your price. Neds t warmingrical role was ice. ennoble Baelish, what you offer is treason.Only if we lose.You embarrass, Ned told him. You eat up Jon Arryn. You exit Jory Cassel. And you inter this. He move the ancienter and dictated it on the table among them a length of genus Dracobone and Valyrian steel, as sharp as the dissimilarity surrounded by right and wrong, among true and false, amid life and death. They move a man to cut my sons pharynx, captain Baelish.Littlefinge r sighed. I fear I did impart, my lord. solicit exculpate me. For a moment I did not remember that I was lecture to a Stark. His mouth quirked. So it leave be Stannis, and war?It is not a choice. Stannis is the heir.Far be it from me to dispute the master harboror. What would you have of me, wherefore? Not my wisdom, for a certainty.I shall do my best to forget your . . . wisdom, Ned said with distaste. I called you here to beg for the help you promised Catelyn. This is a perilous second for all of us. Robert has named me protector, true enough, just now in the look of the world, Joffrey is still his son and heir. The queen has a cardinal knights and a hundred men-at-arms who go away do any(prenominal) she commands . . . enough to overwhelm what system of my own star sign guard. And for all I know, her brother Jaime whitethorn be sit for Kings Landing hitherto as we speak, with a Lannister host at his back.And you without an army. Littlefinger toyed with the obe lisk on the table, turning it slowly with a finger. in that location is small love lost amongst victor Renly and the Lannisters. bronzy Yohn Royce, Ser Balon Swann, Ser Loras, Lady Tanda, the Redwyne agree . . . each of them has a retinue of knights and cuss swords here at court.Renly has thirty men in his individualisedised guard, the rest horizontal a few(prenominal)er. It is not enough, steady if I could be certain that all of them leave behind take on to give me their allegiance. I must have the gold cloaks. The metropolis succeed is two thousand strong, utter to defend the castle, the city, and the kings peace.Ah, moreover when the queen proclaims one king and the Hand other, whose peace do they protect? lord Petyr flicked at the gummed label with his finger, setting it spin in place. or so and round it went, coggle as it turned. When at last it slowed to a stop, the blade pointed at Littlefinger. wherefore, thithers your answer, he said, smiling. They foll ow the man who pays them. He leaned back and looked Ned full in the face, his grey-headed-green eyes bright with mockery. You acquire your watch over like a compositors case of armor, Stark. You opine it gives you safe, moreover all it does is study you down and make it hard for you to move. check at you now. You know why you summoned me here. You know what you want to ask me to do. You know it has to be done . . . yet its not honorable, so the words stick in your throat.Neds do was rigid with tension. For a moment he was so idle that he did not trust himself to speak.Littlefinger laughed. I ought to make you evidence it, yet that would be cruel . . . so have no fear, my good lord. For the stake of the love I bear for Catelyn, I lead go to Janos Slynt this very moment and make certain that the urban center travel along is yours. Six thousand gold pieces should do it. A trinity for the Commander, a trey for the officers, a tertiaryly for the men. We efficacy b e able to demoralise them for half that much, except I take not to take chances. Smiling, he pull off up the dagger and offered it to Ned, hilt first.A gage of Thrones Chapter FortysevenPromise me, Ned, Lyannas statue whispered. She wore a decorate of pale pitiful roses, and her eyes wept blood.Eddard Stark jerked upright, his heart racing, the blankets winding around him. The way of life was black as pitch, and someone was lb on the door. manufacturer Eddard, a section called loudly.A moment. lethargic and naked, he stumbled his way across the change chamber. When he heart-to-heart the door, he put together Tomard with an upraised fist, and Cayn with a taper in hand. Between them stood the kings own steward.The mans face big businessman have been cut of stone, so little did it show. My lord Hand, he intoned. His Grace the King commands your presence. At once.So Robert had returned from his hunt. It was long past time. I shall need a few moments to dress. Ned left the man waiting without. Cayn helped him with his wearing apparel white linen tunic and grey cloak, trousers cut open down his plaster-sheathe leg, his mark of office, and last of all a blame of heavy silver links. He sheathed the Valyrian dagger at his waist.The Red Keep was dark and still as Cayn and Tomard escorted him across the inner bailey. The moon hung low over the walls, ripening toward full. On the ramparts, a guardsman in a gold cloak walked his rounds.The royal stag apartments were in Maegors Holdfast, a wide square bulwark that nestled in the heart of the Red Keep behind walls twelve feet slurred and a dry moat seamed with iron spikes, a castle-within-a-castle. Ser Boros Blount guarded the far end of the bridge, white steel armor ghostly in the moonlight. Within, Ned passed two other knights of the Kingsguard Ser Preston Greenfield stood at the roll in the hay of the steps, and Ser Barristan Selmy waited at the door of the kings bedchamber. Three men in white cl oaks, he thought, remembering, and a strange vibe went through him. Ser Barristans face was as pale as his armor. Ned had only to look at him to know that something was dreadfully wrong. The royal steward assailable the door. passkey Eddard Stark, the Hand of the King, he announced. do work him here, Roberts interpreter called, strangely duncish.Fires blazed in the twin hearths at either end of the bedchamber, filling the room with a great(p) red glare. The heat within was suffocating. Robert lay across the cover bed. At the bedside hovered terrific Maester Pycelle, while sea captain Renly paced restlessly before the shuttered windows. Servants locomote back and forth, feeding logs to the fire and turn wine. Cersei Lannister sat on the edge of the bed beside her husband. Her hair was tousled, as if from sleep, but in that location was zero sleepy in her eyes. They followed Ned as Tomard and Cayn helped him cross the room. He seemed to move very slowly, as if he were sti ll dreaming.The king still wore his boots. Ned could see dried flub and blades of grass clinging to the leather where Roberts feet stuck out beneath the blanket that covered him, A green doublet lay on the floor, mown open and discarded, the cloth crusted with red-brown stains. The room smelled of smoke and blood and death.Ned, the king whispered when he saw him. His face was pale as milk. play . . . closer.His men brought him close. Ned becalm himself with a hand on the bedpost. He had only to look down at Robert to know how perverting it was. What . . . ? he began, his throat clenched.A boar. master Renly was still in his hunting greens, his cloak spattered with blood.A devil, the king husked. My own fault. Too much wine, damn me to hell. helpless my thrust.And where were the rest of you? Ned demanded of master key Renly. Where was Ser Barristan and the Kingsguard?Renlys mouth twitched. My brother commanded us to stand aside and let him take the boar alone.Eddard Stark li fted the blanket.They had done what they could to close him up, but it was nowhere near enough. The boar must have been a fearsome thing. It had ripped the king from groin to titmouse with its tusks. The wine-soaked bandages that marvelous Maester Pycelle had employ were already black with blood, and the smell off the wound was hideous. Neds stomach turned. He let the blanket fall.Stinks, Robert said. The stink of death, dont forecast I cant smell it. Bastard did me good, eh? But I . . . I paid him back in kind, Ned. The kings smiling was as execrable as his wound, his teeth red. Drove a knife right through his eye. take away them if I didnt. quest them.Truly, headmaster Renly murmured. We brought the system back with us, at my brothers command.For the feast, Robert whispered. Now leave us. The lot of you. I need to speak with Ned.Robert, my sweet lord . . . Cersei began.I said leave, Robert insisted with a hint of his old fierceness. What part of that dont you understand , woman?Cersei equanimous up her skirts and her gravitas and led the way to the door. churchman Renly and the others followed. meter Maester Pycelle lingered, his hands shaking as he offered the king a transfuse of dumb white liquid. The milk of the poppy, Your Grace, he said. Drink. For your pain.Robert knocked the cup away with the back of his hand. Away with you. Ill sleep soon enough, old fool. demoralise out.Grand Maester Pycelle gave Ned a stricken look as he shuffled from the room.Damn you, Robert, Ned said when they were alone. His leg was pounding so soberly he was almost blind with pain. Or perhaps it was grief that fogged his eyes. He lowered himself to the bed, beside his friend. Why do you constantly have to be so headstrong?Ah, fuck you, Ned, the king said hoarsely. I killed the bastard, didnt I? A lock of matted black hair fell across his eyes as he glared up at Ned. Ought to do the aforesaid(prenominal) for you. Cant leave a man to hunt in peace. Ser Robar found me. Gregors head. awful thought. Never told the Hound. Let Cersei surprise him. His laugh turned into a grunt as a muscle spasm of pain hit him. Gods have mercy, he muttered, swallowing his agony. The girl. Daenerys. Only a child, you were right . . . thats why, the girl . . . the gods send the boar . . . move to punish me . . . The king coughed, bringing up blood. Wrong, it was wrong, I . . . only a girl . . . Varys, Littlefinger, even my brother . . . worthless . . . no one to tell me no but you, Ned . . . only you . . . He lifted his hand, the gesture pained and feeble. piece and ink. at that place, on the table. Write what I tell you.Ned smoothed the paper out across his knee and took up the quill. At your command, Your Grace.This is the leave and word of Robert of House Baratheon, the First of his Name, King of the Andals and all the restput in the damn titles, you know how it goes. I do hereby command Eddard of House Stark, ecclesiastic of Winterfell and Hand of the King, to serve as Lord Regent and withstander of the Realm upon my . . . upon my death . . . to rule in my . . . in my stead, until my son Joffrey does come of age . . . Robert . . . Joffrey is not your son, he wanted to cite, but the words would not come. The agony was write too but across Roberts face he could not hurt him more. So Ned dented his head and wrote, but where the king had said my son Joffrey, he scrawled my heir instead. The dissembling made him line up soiled. The lies we tell for love, he thought. May the gods forgive me. What else would you have me say?Say . . . w despisever you need to. Protect and defend, gods old and new, you have the words. Write. Ill sign it. You give it to the council when Im dead.Robert, Ned said in a voice thick with grief, you must not do this. founding fathert die on me. The part needs you.Robert took his hand, fingers squeeze play hard. You are . . . such a bad liar, Ned Stark, he said through his pain. The land . . . th e realm knows . . . what a wretched king Ive been. no-count as Aerys, the gods spare me.No, Ned told his dying friend, not so bad as Aerys, Your Grace. Not near so bad as Aerys.Robert managed a weak red smile. At the least, they will say . . . this last thing . . . this I did right. You wont fail me. Youll rule now. Youll hate it, worse than I did . . . but youll do well. Are you done with the scribbling?Yes, Your Grace. Ned offered Robert the paper. The king scrawled his touch blindly, leaving a smear of blood across the letter. The seal should be witnessed. make out the boar at my funeral feast, Robert rasped. Apple in its mouth, skin heat crisp. Eat the bastard. wear thint care if you choke on him. Promise me, Ned.I promise. Promise me, Ned, Lyannas voice echoed.The girl, the king said. Daenerys. Let her live. If you can, if it . . . not too late . . . talk to them . . . Varys, Littlefinger . . . dont let them kill her. And help my son, Ned. Make him be . . . better than me. He winced. Gods have mercy.They will, my friend, Ned said. They will.The king closed his eyes and seemed to relax. Killed by a pig, he muttered. Ought to laugh, but it hurts too much.Ned was not laughing. Shall I call them back?Robert gave a weak nod. As you will. Gods, why is it so cold in here?The servants rushed back in and hurried to feed the fires. The queen had deceased that was some small relief, at least. If she had any sense, Cersei would take her children and tent flap before the pay of day, Ned thought. She had lingered too long already.King Robert did not seem to miss her. He bid his brother Renly and Grand Maester Pycelle to stand in witness as he press his seal into the zesty yellow wax that Ned had dripped upon his letter. Now give me something for the pain and let me die.Hurriedly Grand Maester Pycelle mixed him another draught of the milk of the poppy. This time the king drank deeply. His black beard was beaded with thick white droplets when he threw the empty c up aside. Will I dream?Ned gave him his answer. You will, my lord.Good, he said, smiling. I will give Lyanna your love, Ned. detract care of my children for me.The words twisted in Neds belly like a knife. For a moment he was at a loss. He could not bring himself to lie. Then he remembered the bastards little Barra at her mothers breast, Mya in the Vale, Gendry at his forge, and all the others. I shall . . . guard your children as if they were my own, he said slowly.Robert nodded and closed his eyes. Ned watched his old friend sag lightly into the pillows as the milk of the poppy washed the pain from his face. Sleep took him. obese chains jangled piano as Grand Maester Pycelle came up to Ned. I will do all in my power, my lord, but the wound has mortified. It took them two years to get him back. By the time I saw him, it was too late. I can lessen His Graces suffering, but only the gods can heal him now.How long? Ned asked.By rights, he should be dead already. I have never seen a man cling to life so fiercely.My brother was always strong, Lord Renly said. Not wise, perhaps, but strong. In the sweltering heat of the bedchamber, his brow was slick with sweat. He might have been Roberts ghost as he stood there, young and dark and handsome. He slew the boar. His viscera were sliding from his belly, yet somehow he slew the boar. His voice was full of wonder.Robert was never a man to leave the domain so long as a foe remained standing, Ned told him. international the door, Ser Barristan Selmy still guarded the tower stairs. Maester Pycelle has devoted Robert the milk of the poppy, Ned told him. pull in that no one disturbs his rest without leave from me.It shall be as you command, my lord. Ser Barristan seemed old beyond his years. I have failed my sacred trust.Even the truest knight cannot protect a king against himself, Ned said. Robert loved to hunt boar. I have seen him take a thousand of them. He would stand his ground without flinching, his legs braced, the great spear in his hands, and as often as not he would curse the boar as it charged, and wait until the last attainable second, until it was almost on him, before he killed it with a angiotensin converting enzyme sure and savage thrust. No one could know this one would be his death.You are kind to say so, Lord Eddard.The king himself said as much. He unsaved the wine.The white-haired knight gave a wear upon nod. His Grace was reeling in his saddle by the time we cherry-red the boar from his lair, yet he commanded us all to stand aside.I wonder, Ser Barristan, asked Varys, so quietly, who gave the king this wine?Ned had not comprehend the eunuch approach, but when he looked around, there he stood. He wore a black velvet drape that brushed the floor, and his face was freshly powdered. The wine was from the kings own skin, Ser Barristan said.Only one skin? Hunting is such thirsty work.I did not oblige count. More than one, for a certainty. His squire would fetch him a fre sh skin whenever he required it. much(prenominal) a duteous boy, said Varys, to make certain His Grace did not lack for refreshment.Ned had a mordacious taste in his mouth. He recalled the two fair-haired boys Robert had sent chasing after a breastplate stretcher. The king had told everyone the tale that night at the feast, laughing until he shook. Which squire?The elder, said Ser Barristan. Lancel.I know the lad well, said Varys. A stalwart boy, Ser Kevan Lannisters son, nephew to Lord Tywin and cousin to the queen. I hope the dear sweet lad does not blame himself. Children are so undefendable in the naturalness of their youth, how well do I remember. sure enough Varys had once been young. Ned doubted that he had ever been innocent. You reference book children. Robert had a change of heart concerning Daenerys Targaryen. any(prenominal) arrangements you made, I want unmade. At once.Alas, said Varys. At once whitethorn be too late. I fear those birds have flown. But I shall do w hat I can, my lord. With your leave. He bowed and vanished down the steps, his soft-soled slippers whispering against the stone as he made his descent.Cayn and Tomard were helping Ned across the bridge when Lord Renly emerged from Maegors Holdfast. Lord Eddard, he called after Ned, a moment, if you would be so kind.Ned stopped. As you wish.Renly walked to his side. Send your men away. They met in the condense of the bridge, the dry moat beneath them. moonlight silvered the cruel edges of the spikes that seamed its bed.Ned gestured. Tomard and Cayn bowed their heads and approve away respectfully. Lord Renly glanced warily at Ser Boros on the far end of the span, at Ser Preston in the admission behind them. That letter. He leaned close. Was it the regency? Has my brother named you guardian? He did not wait for a reply. My lord, I have thirty men in my in-person guard, and other friends beside, knights and lords. outpouring me an hour, and I can put a hundred swords in your hand. And what should I do with a hundred swords, my lord? dab Now, while the castle sleeps. Renly looked back at Ser Boros again and dropped his voice to an urgent whisper. We must get Joffrey away from his mother and take him in hand. protector or no, the man who holds the king holds the kingdom. We should snaffle Myrcella and Tommen as well. one time we have her children, Cersei will not assume oppose us. The council will confirm you as Lord withstander and make Joffrey your ward.Ned regarded him coldly. Robert is not dead yet. The gods may spare him. If not, I shall convene the council to hear his final words and consider the matter of the succession, but I will not dishonor his last hours on earth by sloughing blood in his halls and dragging fright children from their beds.Lord Renly took a step back, miserly as a bowstring. Every moment you delay gives Cersei another moment to prepare. By the time Robert dies, it may be too late . . . for both of us.Then we should ask that Robert does not die. miniature chance of that, said Renly.Sometimes the gods are merciful.The Lannisters are not. Lord Renly turned away and went back across the moat, to the tower where his brother lay dying.By the time Ned returned to his chambers, he felt jade and heartsick, yet there was no mind of his going back to sleep, not now. When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die, Cersei Lannister had told him in the godswood. He found himself wondering if he had done the right thing by refusing Lord Renlys offer. He had no taste for these intrigues, and there was no honor in threatening children, and yet . . . if Cersei elected to fight rather than flee, he might well have need of Renlys hundred swords, and more besides.I want Littlefinger, he told Cayn. If hes not in his chambers, take as many men as you need and calculate every winesink and whorehouse in Kings Landing until you find him. involve him to me before transmutation of day. Cayn bowed and took his leave, a nd Ned turned to Tomard. The Wind enthral sails on the eve tide. Have you elect the escort? go men, with Porther in command.Twenty, and you will command, Ned said. Porther was a last man, but headstrong. He wanted someone more fast(a) and sensible to keep watch over his daughters.As you wish, mlord, Tom said. Cant say Ill be sad to see the back of this place. I miss the wife.You will pass near Dragonstone when you turn north. I need you to part with a letter for me.Tom looked apprehensive. To Dragonstone, mlord? The island protection of House Targaryen had a sinister repute. dissever Captain Qos to uprise my banner as soon as he comes in sight of the island. They may be wary of unexpected visitors. If he is reluctant, offer him whatever it takes. I will give you a letter to place into the hand of Lord Stannis Baratheon. No one else. Not his steward, nor the captain of his guard, nor his lady wife, but only Lord Stannis himself.As you command, mlord.When Tomard had left him, L ord Eddard Stark sat staring at the flame of the cadmium that burned beside him on the table. For a moment his grief overwhelmed him. He wanted nothing so much as to try out the godswood, to kneel before the heart tree and tap for the life of Robert Baratheon, who had been more than a brother to him. Men would whisper afterward that Eddard Stark had betrayed his kings friendship and disinherited his sons he could only hope that the gods would know better, and that Robert would learn the righteousness of it in the land beyond the grave.Ned took out the kings last letter. A roll of crisp white diploma sealed with gilded wax, a few short words and a smear of blood. How small the difference between advantage and defeat, between life and death.He move out a fresh sheet of paper and immerse his quill in the inkpot. To His Grace, Stannis of the House Baratheon, he wrote. By the time you receive this letter, your brother Robert, our King these past fifteen years, will be dead. He w as savaged by a boar whilst hunting in the kingswood . . .The earn seemed to writhe and twist on the paper as his hand trailed to a stop. Lord Tywin and Ser Jaime were not men to suffer land meekly they would fight rather than flee. No doubt Lord Stannis was wary, after the murder of Jon Arryn, but it was self-assertive that he sail for Kings Landing at once with all his power, before the Lannisters could march.Ned chose each word with care. When he was done, he gestural the letter Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Hand of the King, and Protector of the Realm, blotted the paper, folded it twice, and melted the sealing wax over the candle flame.His regency would be a short one, he reflected as the wax softened. The new king would fill his own Hand. Ned would be free to go home. The thought of Winterfell brought a wan smile to his face. He wanted to hear Brans laughter once more, to go vendition with Robb, to watch Rickon at play. He wanted to drift off to a dreamless sleep in his own bed with his arms wrap tight around his lady, Catelyn.Cayn returned as he was pressing the direwolf seal down into the soft white wax. Desmond was with him, and between them Littlefinger. Ned thanked his guards and sent them away.Lord Petyr was clad in a blue velvet tunic with puffed sleeves, his smooth-spoken cape simulate with mockingbirds. I suppose congratulations are in order, he said as he sit himself.Ned scowled. The king lies hurt and near to death.I know, Littlefinger said. I also know that Robert has named you Protector of the Realm.Neds eyes flicked to the kings letter on the table beside him, its seal unbroken. And how is it you know that, my lord?Varys hinted as much, Littlefinger said, and you have just substantiate it.Neds mouth twisted in anger. Damn Varys and his little birds. Catelyn spoke truly, the man has some black art. I do not trust him.Excellent. Youre learning. Littlefinger leaned forward. stock-still Ill depend you did not drag me here in the black of night to discuss the eunuch.No, Ned admitted. I know the secret Jon Arryn was murdered to protect. Robert will leave no trueborn son behind him. Joffrey and Tommen are Jaime Lannisters bastards, born of his incestuous union with the queen.Littlefinger lifted an eyebrow. Shocking, he said in a tone that suggested he was not surprise at all. The girl as well? No doubt. So when the king dies . . . The throne by rights passes to Lord Stannis, the elder of Roberts two brothers.Lord Petyr stroked his pointed beard as he considered the matter. So it would seem. Unless . . . Unless, my lord? There is no look to this. Stannis is the heir. Nothing can change that.Stannis cannot take the throne without your help. If youre wise, youll make certain Joffrey succeeds.Ned gave him a jumpy stare. Have you no shred of honor?Oh, a shred, surely, Littlefinger replied negligently. adjudicate me out. Stannis is no friend of yours, nor of mine. Even his brothers can scarcely stomach him. The man is iron, hard and unyielding. Hell give us a new Hand and a new council, for a certainty. No doubt hell thank you for handing him the crown, but he wont love you for it. And his ascent will mean war. Stannis cannot rest easy on the throne until Cersei and her bastards are dead. Do you think Lord Tywin will sit lazily while his daughters head is measured for a spike? Casterly joust will rise, and not alone. Robert found it in him to pardon men who served King Aerys, so long as they did him fealty. Stannis is less forgiving. He will not have forget the siege of combats End, and the Lords Tyrell and Redwyne make bold not. Every man who fought beneath the dragon banner or rose with Balon Greyjoy will have good cause to fear. lay Stannis on the straighten out Throne and I promise you, the realm will bleed.Now look at the other side of the coin. Joffrey is but twelve, and Robert gave you the regency, my lord. You are the Hand of the King and Protector of the Realm. The power is yours, Lord Stark. in all you need do is reach out and take it. Make your peace with the Lannisters. disembarrass the Imp. Wed Joffrey to your Sansa. Wed your younger girl to Prince Tommen, and your heir to Myrcella. It will be quadruple years before Joffrey comes of age. By then he will look to you as a second father, and if not, well . . . four years is a good long while, my lord. Long enough to dispose of Lord Stannis. Then, should Joffrey prove troublesome, we can reveal his little secret and put Lord Renly on the throne.We? Ned repeated.Littlefinger gave a shrug. Youll need someone to grapple your burdens. I checker you, my price would be modest.Your price. Neds voice was ice. Lord Baelish, what you suggest is treason.Only if we lose.You forget, Ned told him. You forget Jon Arryn. You forget Jory Cassel. And you forget this. He draw the dagger and fit(p) it on the table between them a length of dragonbone and Valyrian steel, as sharp as the difference between right and wrong, between true and false, between life and death. They sent a man to cut my sons throat, Lord Baelish.Littlefinger sighed. I fear I did forget, my lord. commune forgive me. For a moment I did not remember that I was talking to a Stark. His mouth quirked. So it will be Stannis, and war?It is not a choice. Stannis is the heir.Far be it from me to dispute the Lord Protector. What would you have of me, then? Not my wisdom, for a certainty.I shall do my best to forget your . . . wisdom, Ned said with distaste. I called you here to ask for the help you promised Catelyn. This is a perilous hour for all of us. Robert has named me Protector, true enough, but in the eyes of the world, Joffrey is still his son and heir. The queen has a dozen knights and a hundred men-at-arms who will do whatever she commands . . . enough to overwhelm what body of my own mansion guard. And for all I know, her brother Jaime may be move for Kings Landing even as we speak, with a Lannister host at his ba ck.And you without an army. Littlefinger toyed with the dagger on the table, turning it slowly with a finger. There is small love lost between Lord Renly and the Lannisters. tan Yohn Royce, Ser Balon Swann, Ser Loras, Lady Tanda, the Redwyne agree . . . each of them has a retinue of knights and give tongue to swords here at court.Renly has thirty men in his personal guard, the rest even fewer. It is not enough, even if I could be certain that all of them will choose to give me their allegiance. I must have the gold cloaks. The City Watch is two thousand strong, verbalise to defend the castle, the city, and the kings peace.Ah, but when the queen proclaims one king and the Hand another, whose peace do they protect? Lord Petyr flicked at the dagger with his finger, setting it whirl in place. lot and round it went, move as it turned. When at last it slowed to a stop, the blade pointed at Littlefinger. Why, theres your answer, he said, smiling. They follow the man who pays them. H e leaned back and looked Ned full in the face, his grey-green eyes bright with mockery. You wear your honor like a campaign of armor, Stark. You think it keeps you safe, but all it does is weigh you down and make it hard for you to move. interpret at you now. You know why you summoned me here. You know what you want to ask me to do. You know it has to be done . . . but its not honorable, so the words stick in your throat.Neds neck opening was rigid with tension. For a moment he was so black that he did not trust himself to speak.Littlefinger laughed. I ought to make you say it, but that would be cruel . . . so have no fear, my good lord. For the sake of the love I bear for Catelyn, I will go to Janos Slynt this very hour and make certain that the City Watch is yours. Six thousand gold pieces should do it. A tierce for the Commander, a third gear for the officers, a third for the men. We might be able to buy them for half that much, but I prefer not to take chances. Smiling, h e draw up the dagger and offered it to Ned, hilt first.