Chapter 17 Eddard

(Hello everyone! So, this is a fanfic that I've been working on for a while now. I borrowed several elements from Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire. This is my first fanfic on this site, so constructive criticism is welcome. Appreciate!)

Ned Stark awoke in his room he shared with his daughter Arya when he heard the Harrenhal rooster crowing the dawn. He lay still for a long time, wishing he was home in Winterfell, wishing Cat was here with him, wishing he had never listened to Robert in the first place and had told him 'no' when he asked him to be Hand of the King. His whole family had been torn apart and now through the grace of the gods he had slowly pulled them back together. But he knew it was not over yet. The new few days would be crucial. The exchange for the Kingslayer would take place soon, and that would be a moment of extreme danger. Many a knight and lord had been waylaid into a trap during a hostage exchange. As Ned lay there thinking on how to avoid such a trap, he heard a soft noise of a foot scraping on the floor and in an instant he was sitting up, his eyes looking for the intruder.

But in the dim dawn light coming through the small window he saw it was only Arya, standing by the now cold fireplace, with Needle in her hand, practicing.

"Morning, Father," she said as she bent low, and did a small nimble side step, and got up, very fast, jabbing Needle in front of her.

"Morning. Did you sleep?" he asked her in a groggy voice.

"Of course," she answered. "I slept very well. But Syrio says a body needs to practice as well as to sleep, so I am practicing. Every morning."

Ned smiled. Ah, Arya, my child, you have a wildness in you. Like all fathers he wanted his daughters to grow to be beautiful and marry good men and have plenty of grandchildren for him to dote on in his old age. Two lovely daughters he did have, and he thanked the gods for that. But they were night and day, and were a handful to be sure, fighting each other like cat and dog for many years. But that would pass as they grew older, he hoped. At the same time he feared that what the two of them had been through because of his stupidity would mark them for life.

Sansa had stars in her eyes when she had come to King's Landing, and now she knew many hard truths about the world. Knights were not all heroes, kings and queens were liars, and many people wanted to use and abuse each other for their own ends. She had been floating on air, thinking she would marry Joffrey and someday become the Queen. It was like a dream come true for her, like a story from one of the books she loved. But now it was all over, and she had awoken from her dream into the real world. She was almost a woman, and Ned would have to start thinking about a match for her. A northern boy, to be sure, someone's strong, honorable son. Ned would not let her wed otherwise.

Arya was a different case altogether. Here she stood, dressed like a boy, practicing how to kill people with a sword. If she had any stars in her eyes at all they had fallen on the Kingsroad when her friend had been killed and she had to drive her direwolf away. She was full of anger after that, and bitterness, and it was terrible to see in his ten year old daughter. And then all that had happened since had made her harder. This little girl of his had been forced to kill people and that angered Ned to his very core. He blamed himself, of course, but others he blamed as well, and they were all Lannisters. He just hoped she did not become too hardened toward the world that she could forget she was still a little girl.

Aye, maybe not so little. She had been reluctant to admit it, but she had a liking for Gendry. Ned knew that would be trouble to come, trouble he did not want to deal with. Hopefully, it was just a passing fancy. Gods, she was only a girl. Or was she? Ned knew not how young girls thought. He knew Sansa had been in love since she was small with every hero she had read about. He saw how she looked at Joffrey in the beginning and how she so badly wanted to marry him. Arya had never talked about boys, not that he knew of, and she had never cared much for the books Sansa loved. Her heroes had all been warrior women, especially Aegon's two sisters who had ridden the dragons with him against this very castle. She had also pestered Ned endlessly for stories about her dead aunt, who many said she was like in character. Ah, if only Lyanna could have lived to know Arya. Ned knew they would have become fast friends for life.

At Winterfell, Arya had been Arya Underfoot, always in the kitchens, or the stables, or the forge, or the brewery, asking questions, learning about this and that, wanting to know everything about the castle and how it worked. Was it any surprise she had eyes for Robert's son, a blacksmith? He was tall and handsome to be sure, and had strength. And they had been through so much together in the past weeks. Gods, Ned thought, it was going to be trouble. Trouble from Cat, above all. Maybe he should just talk to Gendry and tell him to stay here. Maybe he didn't feel the same way about Arya as she did him. Maybe Gendry didn't know Arya had a strong liking for him. Arya had not said anything about that. Ned would have to find out.

He stood and stretched his arms. Ned tested his injured leg by placing all his weight on it and found it stronger than ever. Riding had been difficult but the maester had been wrong; it did not do any more harm. Arya was watching him, standing very still.

"Is it healed?" she asked, worry on her face.

"Aye, I believe so."

"That's good."

"Aye. Right, off to wake up your sister and Jeyne and then…"

"Breakfast," she said with a grin. "I'll get it, I know the cooks, and Hot Pie will give us the best bread, and..."

She was all full of energy, ready to run out the door. "Slow down. I'm sure Lord Tywin has already made sure we will get our breakfast here."

She looked a little down at the mouth. "But I like the kitchens. I always get breakfast with Gendry and we meet Hot Pie and then we eat with the other smiths."

"Not today," he told. "Today you will have breakfast with us."

He thought she would protest but didn't. "Okay. But after I promised Gendry I'd help him. "

Ned nodded. "That's fine. Now go wake the others."

Thirty minutes later breakfast had been delivered and all four of them sat in Ned and Arya's room as they ate breakfast at a small table. Sansa and Jeyne were still half asleep. Sansa was nibbling on some bread and jam, and Jeyne was peeling an apple while Arya was wolfing down a bowl of porridge as fast as she could.

"Slow down," Ned said to her. "You'll get an upset stomach."

"I told you I promised Gendry to help him today," she said between spoonfuls and then Sansa and Jeyne giggled.

"Can I come, too?" Jeyne asked playfully.

"No!" Arya said right away and then cast her eyes down as her father glared at her.

"Be more polite, young lady. Of course, Jeyne can come with you if she wants."

"That's okay," Sansa said in a slight teasing tone. "We planned to go to Lady Whent's library today to find something to read for the journey home. We'll leave Arya alone with her boyfriend."

Arya glared at her sister. "He's just my friend!"

"Stop it, now!" Ned told them in an angry tone. "You two know better than that. We are not home yet and I will not have this war you left in King's Landing continue here."

"She started it," Arya said.

"I did not!" Sansa shot back.

"Yes, you did," Ned Stark told his oldest daughter. "Gendry is Arya's friend, leave it at that."

"Yes, Father," Sansa replied, a bit abashed.

"I think he's handsome," Jeyne said in a dreamy voice.

"Oh, please, he's just a smith," Sansa told her friend.

"He is not!" Arya almost shouted. "He's more. He's…oh, you wouldn't understand! We fought, at the holdfast, at the village. We almost died! He's the son of…oh, never mind, you don't care, you just think he's a stupid smith."

Ned was about to speak but Sansa did first. She was looking at her sister, and there seemed to be a softening of Sansa's eyes and she apologized, to Ned's surprise. That had rarely happened before without him forcing them to apologize.. "I'm sorry. Yes, you are right. He helped you. But…whose son is he?"

Ned looked at Arya in puzzlement. "You didn't tell them?"

"Tell us what?" asked Jeyne.

He raised his eyebrows to Arya. "Shall you or I?"

Arya smiled, nodded, and turned to her sister and Jeyne. "Gendry is King Robert's son."

They were too shocked to speak for a moment. "That can't be true," said Sansa looking from Arya to her father.

"It is," he said. "You saw him. He looks just like Robert. Well, maybe a bit thinner."

"He's the bastard the gold cloaks wanted?" Jeyne asked and Arya growled.

"Do not call him that!"

"Arya, be calm," Ned admonished her. "Jeyne means nothing by it. It's just a word we use."

"I don't like it," Arya told him.

"Aye, I don't either. But there it is. Okay, off you go to the armory."

Arya smiled and got up and was about to leave, but then she turned and gave a small bow to her sister and Jeyne. "Have a nice day," she said and then they said the same and soon Arya was gone. Ned grinned slightly. That was a little better than in the past.

"Oh, Father, he can't be, can he?" Sansa asked again as soon as Arya was gone.

"It's true. He's the son of Robert Baratheon."

"Why does Joffrey want him dead?" Jeyne asked.

"Joffrey wants no pretenders to his throne, including any of his supposed father's by-blows."

"Supposed father?" Sansa asked in puzzlement.

Ned sighed and then quietly told them everything and that they had to keep their mouths shut about it, especially around Tywin Lannister and his granddaughter. Sansa was horrified.

"I almost married…a bastard…born of incest!" she said, the last part in a whisper.

"Aye," said Ned wearily. "Sorry, my child. I did not know it at the time. Robert died without knowing it."

"Then who is the true heir?" Jeyne asked, a look of confusion on her face. "Not Gendry!"

Sansa rolled her eyes. "Of course not! Bastards can't inherit."

"Aye. Stannis Baratheon is the rightful king," Ned told them and then they talked a bit about that, and how they had to be careful and not talk about this except among themselves while still at Harrenhal. Ned expected to be leaving tomorrow and he did not want them to do anything to upset the Lannisters.

As they finished up their breakfast Ned looked at Jeyne. "I am sorry your father died. He was a good man."

She sniffed. "Thank you, my lord."

"You are now my ward. I will look after you."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you."

"How old are you, Jeyne?" he asked next.

"She's thirteen soon," Sansa said. "Same as me."

"When you are a woman I will make you a match with a nice lad in Winterfell," Ned told Jeyne. "Would you like that?"

She nodded. "Yes, my lord."

"She's already a woman," Sansa blurted out and Jeyne's face turned red.

"Sansa!"

"It's true!"

Ned felt awkward talking about this. "Aye? So…"

And then thankfully there was a knock on his door and Lord Tywin's son the Imp was there.

"Good morning, Lord Stark, ladies," said Tyrion Lannister. "I have come to make my goodbyes."

"Off to King's Landing finally?" Ned asked, the Imp the last person he wanted to see but thankful for the interruption nevertheless.

"Indeed. In an hour. I hope I am not intruding too much. Might I have a word?"

"Aye," Ned said and looked at Sansa and Jeyne. "Off you go to the library. And don't get lost. Back here at midday."

"Yes, Father," Sansa said.

"Yes, my lord," Jeyne replied. They both gave short bows to Tyrion and then left, giggling as they went down the stairs, probably talking about the Imp behind his back. Then the door closed and Ned was alone with Tyrion Lannister. Unlike the last time this had happened he had no desire to kill him now. Well, not as much of a desire, that is.

"Sit." Ned told him and Tyrion sat where Arya had sat earlier. "Sorry, I don't drink wine with breakfast. Some ale left in the jug I think."

"No, thank you, I've had my morning fill already," Tyrion replied. "Have you completed the letter?"

"Aye," Ned said and then he stood and retrieved a letter from the small table between his and Arya's beds. "I have no sigil stamp to seal it with. Mine was left behind at King's Landing."

"I think that matters not," Tyrion replied. "My sister will most likely only tear up the letter anyway. According to you she rather enjoys shredding important documents."

"Aye," Ned replied as he looked at the letter, which was an account of all that happened at King's Landing concerning Baelish and his accusation that Tyrion owned the dagger used to try to kill Bran.

Tyrion handed him a square piece of grayish wax. "This is the closest the maester had to Winterfell grey."

"It will do," Ned said and then he lit a candle, melted some of the wax in its flame and dripped it on the letter, sealing it.

The letter was set on the table before the Imp as Ned sat again. "When you get there make sure Baelish pays for his meddling."

Tyrion smiled. "Oh, Littlefinger will know what it costs to cross me, don't worry about that. I still have nightmares about the sky cell I was in."

"You have my wife's apology for that."

"Quite," Tyrion said and then Ned thought he would go on about it but instead he looked worried. "I need to talk with you about the Baratheon brothers."

"Aye? Well, talk."

"Who would be more likely to accept terms of surrender?"

That puzzled Ned. "Who's surrender?"

Tyrion grinned. "Why, mine of course. And King's Landing, also."

The Imp was worried about the fire he was going into. "Why are you asking me this? Don't you trust your father to defeat them both?"

"Why of course," he replied with heavy sarcasm. "Like he defeated your son. Like Jaime defeated your son."

"Robb was an unknown," Ned told him. "He was bold, he surprised them. Your father knows Renly and Stannis. He will not make the same mistakes again."

"That is what worries me. He is going to be too cautious. His caution may allow King's Landing to fall before he can get there. Hence, my question."

"Renly," Ned said without any need to think about it. "He actually likes you, he told me once. Said you are always good for a laugh or two. Stannis doesn't laugh. He will put all your heads on spikes."

"For certain."

"You knew this already. Why did you ask?"

"I suspected that would be your answer, but I was hoping you might tell me of some chink in Stannis' amour that would break open his steely heart just a tiny bit."

"And if that were possible?"

"Before the gates fell and the city bled I would ask him for quarter. My father would ransom myself and Cersei handsomely."

"But not Joffrey or Tommen?"

Tyrion shook his head. "Stannis would never allow them to escape. I have suggested to father that they all flee west before the vise closes on them but he refused to entertain such notions. A king who flees in time of war is not a king, he said."

"Aye, that is true," Ned agreed. "But we both know Joffrey is not the true king."

Tyrion sighed heavily. "My father remains unconvinced. You and I, however, know the truth. Cersei told you as much when you confronted her, did she not?"

"She did."

"Jaime said the same when I confronted him at Riverrun."

Ned snorted and shook his head in disgust. "Finally some small truths from you Lannisters. Did he tell you how it ever started?"

"No, he did not and I know not. It just did. Being twins might have had something to do with it. Or maybe the gods are mocking my father for placing himself on so high a pedestal."

Now Ned wanted to know the truth about Bran. "My son, did…"

"Oh, Stark, leave it be," the Imp interrupted impatiently as he stood again. "I know nothing of that and if I did do you really think I would cast blame on my siblings?"

"No, you wouldn't. Because you have shit for honor like your brother."

Tyrion laughed at this. "Honor is not a word most people use when talking about me, I give you that. I am certainly not a heroic knight of the realm, not that they are any paradigms of virtue. If I survive this war and if your friend Renly wins I am sure he will give me to your wife to put on the rack or burn my toes till I scream. Her apology notwithstanding, she still thinks I know something. Then you will get some truths from me, although a tortured man is hardly expected to say no to any question after a while. If Stannis wins and I somehow manage to persuade him I am worth more alive than dead, I am sure he will do the torturing himself. And if my father wins, well…then you shall have me on trial, according to our treaty. So either way, you will find out eventually."

"Or you could just tell me all you know right now."

Tyrion shook his head. "No, that would not do. Besides I know nothing. Now, wish me luck. I am off to do a job most of my predecessors failed at, including you."

Ned just stared at him. "Don't let the city fall, Tyrion."

Tyrion looked at him in surprise. "Why I believe that is the first time you have ever used my proper name to address me."

Ned ignored the sally. "The people of King's Landing did not start this war. Don't let them suffer for your family's stupidity and cruelty. If Renly offers terms, take them."

"And Stannis?"

Ned snorted. "He might offer one term. Unconditional surrender. And then…"

"Spikes, heads, walls, yes, I know that song. Well, goodbye Ned Stark. I might never see you again."

"I have a feeling someone like you will survive this mess no matter what."

Tyrion raised his eyebrows. "Really? Well, I hope I don't disappoint you. Farewell."

The Imp stuck his hand out and Ned was going to ignore it for a moment and then he just quickly shook it and then the Imp was gone, Ned's letter in hand. After he left Ned sat and thought on what they discussed. The Imp feared what would happen in the south and he was right to be afraid. War was coming to King's Landing and he was walking towards it.

And now for the hard part of the day, Ned thought, as he sat on the bed and pulled on his boots. First, Lord Tywin Lannister. Ned found him in Lady Whent's solar on the floor above Ned's room. After their usual cold formal greetings Ned sat opposite him and accepted a cup of wine. They began to discuss the final terms of the peace treaty. Some of the points had already been completed. Ned had already been given Ice and apparently the silent sisters were already trying to gather the remains of his people killed in King's Landing and hopefully they would soon be on the way north to their final resting place. As they came to the point about the northern and Riverlands lords swearing fealty to Joffrey, Ned almost grinned as he recalled the scene at Riverrun.

The lords as one had refused to take their oath before the Kingslayer so it was left to Tyrion to do the unpleasant task. He stood on the raised platform as the lords of the north and those bannermen sworn to Riverrun assembled before him. The Kingslayer was off to one side, still in chains, as witness to the oath. Ned could feel the hatred in the room and more than one man would have gladly killed Tyrion and his brother. They were going to bend the knee and they were loathed to do so. Anything might happen. Then Tyrion pulled a clever ploy and Ned afterwards grudgingly admired him for it.

"My lords," Tyrion had begun. "We are here for an unpleasant duty. I think it sufficient that only Lord Robb Stark and Ser Edmure Tully, representing his ailing father, need swear the oath as they are your lords paramount."

That brought a lot of grumbling and Ned could see the surprise on many faces and also the mistrust that this was some Lannister trick. But Ned instantly knew what the Imp was up to. He was testing their honor and loyalty to their overlords while at the same time avoiding an unpleasant task, dealing with a reluctant group of men who might have to be forced to their knees. The Greatjon Umber shouted above the din and Ned knew the Imp had won this little battle of wills.

"I will not stand here and let my lord shame himself by bending the knee alone, Imp!" he shouted and then he dropped to one knee. "Say your damn words and let us be done!"

Then one by one the others lords dropped to one knee and finally Robb and Edmure did the same at the front of the great hall in front of all their men. Ned could see the smirk on the Kingslayer's face and all it would take would be one comment from him to ruin it all. But he wisely held his tongue and perhaps Tyrion had warned him to be silent. Ned stood next to Robb and then awkwardly got down on bended knee and then the Imp spoke.

"My lords, do you swear before the old gods and the new to honor and obey the King of the Seven Kingdoms, Joffrey Baratheon, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm?"

There was total silence as the Imp had finished. Ned had thought there would be more to it, words about how they could not take up arms against Joffrey or had to support him in his wars and such. But after a few seconds when no one had said a word, the Imp spoke again.

"A simple yes or no will do, my lords."

Again no one said anything and then finally Ned realized no one wanted to be the first. So it had to be him.

"Aye," he said in a loud strong voice.

"Aye," said his son and then Edmure followed quickly and after that it was like one great roar. "AYE!"

"I think that will do," said Tyrion said in a satisfied tone. "Welcome back into the fold of the realm my lords. I think a cup of strong wine to seal the oath would make it more fitting."

Then the doors to the hall opened and serving girls and boys entered carrying many cups and flagons on trays and soon wine was being poured and men were drinking. They were mainly silent, many feeling the sting of their hurt pride for saying that simple word 'aye' but after a while they were feeling better and soon many began to hope that perhaps the war was really over for them and their people.

After the Kingslayer was taken back to his cell, Ned approached the Imp. "Well played."

"Yes, I thought so," Tyrion said with a slight grin. He cast his mismatched eyes about. "I thought your wife would be here."

"Her father is slipping away fast," Ned told him. "He may have only a few days left."

"A terrible loss," Tyrion said solemnly. "I am sure you would like to stay to comfort her, but it is time for us to return to Harrenhal."

"Aye," Ned answered reluctantly. He had wanted to stay and be with her but she had understood and knew he was doing it all to save their daughters so with a heavy heart he bid her goodbye once more.

Ned came out of his reminiscing as Tywin spoke again. "This last item," Tywin began, holding a scroll of parchment with the terms on it in his hand. "It seems a bit late for any such things. I have already agreed to pay the million gold and to request an inquiry into your son's attack. And now you want this?"

"It was a promise I made. A promise that was an oversight during our first negotiations."

"Dondarrion is an outlaw," Tywin told him. "There will be no pardons for him and his men."

Ned snorted. "No more an outlaw than Gregor Clegane, Amory Lorch, or Vargo Hoat."

Tywin grimaced. "Hoat will pay for his men's stupidity in attacking your daughter and the Princess. The last word I have is he is in Maidenpoole awaiting passage to the east. A passage he will never take. But Dondarrion and his band have gone to ground. No one knows where they are. If I agree to this pardon for them, where shall I send the raven requesting they lay down arms and go home?"

"We can send riders to all corners of the Riverlands. I will write messages for each to carry, and you will include papers with your sigil stamped on them, guaranteeing their pardons. Of course, if you wish to delay this any further, I have time. You daughter, and grandchildren and now Tyrion may not have such a luxury. He came to me not an hour ago, Tyrion did. He asked me who would more likely accept terms for the surrender of the city. I told him Renly would. Stannis would kill them all."

Tywin took a deep breath and gritted his teeth. "Perhaps I shouldn't have given him such a task if he going to be a craven and surrender the city without a fight."

"No, he is no craven," Ned told him. "Just a man looking to keep his head on his shoulders while he tries to clean up others' mistakes. I've been there myself so I know how he feels."

Tywin said nothing to this, just peered at the parchment again and then nodded. "Very well. Dondarrion and his men can have their pardon. But if they try to interfere with my march south before they learn of their pardon, I will swat them like the insects they are."

After that they settled on the details of the exchange and agreed that they would set out for the stone bridge tomorrow. A raven was dispatched to Riverrun with the same news and Tywin also sent out five men on horseback under a peace banner with the same news.

By the time they were done, it was nearing the noon hour and Ned decided now was a good a time as any to talk to Gendry, another task he was not looking forward to, but it had to be done before they met his wife. He had to know where things stood. The armory was noisy, the sound of metal being beaten ringing loudly. It was a hot, smoky, dirty, noisy place. Ned had to smile. Just the sort of place Arya liked. Things were happening here, things she could see with her own eyes. That's why she liked it. Ned was the same. He often had men of the castle sup with him at Winterfell, men from different trades, so he could ask and learn as much as he could about anything he was curious about.

Ned found Gendry by a hot forge, pumping the bellows for Lucan, the master smith, who was working on a sword. Arya was no where about, which he was glad for since he wanted to talk to Gendry alone

"Mine if I talk to the lad for a few minutes Lucan?" he asked.

"Of course not, my lord," Lucan replied. "Gendry! Lord Stark wants a word!"

Gendry left the bellows and came out in front. He dipped his head. "My lord."

"Walk with me lad."

They moved away from the noisy armory and off towards where the stables were. Ned said nothing at first and then spoke. "Where's Arya? Said she wanted to help you today."

"She did for a while, my lord. She just went off to wash some of the grime off before we have lunch. She might have gone to the kitchens already to see what's cooking."

"Good," Ned said as they walked a bit more. The place was crowded with soldiers but no one paid them any mind, all being busy preparing to move at any moment. "You like it here?"

"It's not so bad, my lord," he said, then cast his eyes about and spoke in a lower voice. "Except for the Lannisters."

Ned laughed. "Aye, there is that. We'll be leaving tomorrow. To exchange Arya and Sansa and myself for Jaime Lannister."

"That's good to hear, my lord."

"Are you coming with us?"

He could see Gendry was taken aback, as if not expecting this, him asking, as if he had a choice. "Ah…yes, my lord. If you'll still have me."

"Good," Ned said and then walked a bit more. "You'll never be safe here. Joffrey will not forget."

"I guess I will be running all my life."

Ned stopped and stared at him. "No, not in Winterfell. He'll never touch you there."

"Thank you, my lord. For everything."

"Don't thank me yet, lad. We've got something else to talk about."

"Oh?"

"You've met Sansa's friend Jeyne?"

"Yes, my lord. Pretty girl. Talks a bit much."

Ned laughed. "I don't know her that well to say." Then he grew serious. "Poor lass. Hard life she's had recently. She's like you, an orphan. The Lannisters killed her father in King's Landing."

"Sorry to hear that."

"Aye. So…she's without family. She's now my ward. She's now almost thirteen and a woman."

Gendry was staring at him, confused, seeming to think hard, but not reaching any answers. "Ah…my lord?"

"She's taken a fancy to you. Would you like me to make a match between you and her?"

"No," Gendry said instantly, then seemed to realize he was being rude. "Sorry, my lord. I am grateful. But no…I don't think it is right...for me…and maybe for her."

"Why not?"

"I'm low born."

"So is she."

"I'm just a smith."

"A very good smith at that. You will provide a good home for her and any children the gods give you."

"Joffrey still wants to kill me."

"He'll not touch you in Winterfell."

He was casting his eyes about and he was turning a bit red, trying to think of another excuse and Ned finally decided to put him out of his misery. "Arya is promised to another."

Gendry stared at him. "Sorry? My lord?"

"She is promised to a son of Walder Frey. She is betrothed."

His face fell and then he recovered. "That is good, my lord. I should offer her my congratulations."

Ned couldn't help but laugh. "I wouldn't if I were you. She's like to stick you with Needle."

Now he was confused. "I don't understand, my lord."

"Arya hates it. I just told her yesterday. She had no idea. Wants to run away. But she won't."

"Good," he said swiftly. "I mean, it's good she won't run away, my lord."

"Lad, let's speak plainly. I know she likes you."

"She's my friend. I like her too, my lord. She not like most girls."

"Aye, I suppose not. But I think it's more than just liking you as a friend. I think you feel the same about her," Ned told him, not really knowing this, but he could see it in his eyes. "That's why you don't want a match with Jeyne, is it?"

Now he turned really red and he gulped and cast his eyes down. "I…she…I'm sorry, my lord."

At least he didn't deny it. That was good. Ned hated liars more than anything else. Well, maybe except Lannisters and they were all liars anyway. "Arya is too young, lad. She's not yet eleven years old. You're fifteen."

"I know," Gendry said looking down, his face still red. "It's wrong."

"Yes, it is," Ned said sternly, then relaxed his face and his tone. "But in a few years it wouldn't matter. You'd both be of a proper age."

"Yes, it would matter," Gendry said bitterly as he now looked up. "You say she'll be married when she becomes a woman."

"Aye, maybe. Or maybe not. Three or four years is a long time. And winter is coming. A lot can happen."

Now Gendry was looking at him steadily and Ned saw some kind of hope in his eyes. "Yes, my lord."

"My wife will hear about this as soon as we meet her."

"That's not good, is it?"

"No, it's not. Sansa suspects something. Sansa will tell her mother and then she will ask Arya and then she will come after me."

"Maybe I should just stay here," Gendry said quietly, downhearted, and Ned could see that this was killing him and the boy really did have some feelings for Arya.

"No," Ned said strongly. He would not do that to his daughter or to Robert's son. If they were to have any chance at all he would have to fight for them. If the gods decided this should be, then it will be. "You come to Winterfell. You mind your work, and stay out of trouble and whatever you do give no reason for my wife or Sansa or any of my sons to take a dislike to you."

"Yes, my lord." Gendry replied, fighting to keep a smile off his face

"She may change her mind later. Women do that all the time," Ned said next.

"I know."

"You may change yours."

"Could be, my lord."

"Aye. And if you ever lay a hand…"

He looked horror struck. "Never, my lord!"

Ned smiled and clapped him on the back. "Good, lad. Right, back to work with you."

As Gendry walked off back towards the armory, Ned turned to walk back towards Lady Whent's tower. He hadn't taken two steps when Arya ran up and fell in beside him. "Why were you talking to Gendry?" she asked without any greeting at all.

Ned looked at her in surprise. "Where did you come from?"

"The kitchens, but I saw you two walk off. Gendry looked a bit upset about something. What did you say to him?"

He was not going to discuss that with her in the middle of half the Lannister army. "Just asking if he is ready to go to Winterfell is all."

"What did he say?"

"He's ready."

"Good," she said quickly. "I mean, he's a good smith. He'll be able to help Mikken a lot. He'll like Winterfell, you'll see."

"I hope he likes the cold and snow," Ned said with a grin. "Come on, let's find your sister and Jeyne. We'll have lunch and talk about what we must do tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Aye, we are going to meet your mother and Robb in a few days time. We must start tomorrow."

"Finally," she said with deep sigh and then she hugged him around the waist and he stroked her hair. "Promise me we'll never leave Winterfell again."

"Aye," Ned said. "That's a promise. Come."

The next morning after breakfast Ned, Sansa, Jeyne, Arya, and Gendry went to the stables early to get their horses ready. They were all dressed for travel and had little baggage as they had all lost most of what they owned in King's Landing. Ned had Ice, Arya had Needle, and Gendry had his hammer and bulls head helmet. Sansa and Jeyne had nothing but a few books they took from the library, plus one dress each Ned told them to take from what Lady's Whents people had left behind. The stable master gave Arya and Gendry each a riding palfrey, while Ned kept the horse he had ridden to Riverrun and Sansa and Jeyne got back their horses they had ridden from King's Landing.

Arya was mad because yesterday Hot Pie told her he was staying here in Harrenhal. He had enough of running, he told her, and the castle cook told him Lady Whent would gladly take him in her service once the war was over. Now Hot Pie, Gendry, and Arya stood just outside the stables saying good bye.

"You shouldn't stay," Arya told the baker's boy. "It's safer to come with us."

"Maybe," said Hot Pie, looking and sounding like a boy who had done something bad.

Gendry snorted. "You said there was ghosts here. And now you want to stay?"

"It's warm, and there's food, and a place to sleep, and…sorry," Hot Pie said, his eyes down, not looking at them at all. "I'm just tired. I want to stay."

"Stupid!" Arya said, a bit too loud. "All that's at Winterfell, too. And its safer! You promised my father you would come. You can't break your promise to a lord."

Ned stepped out of the stable. "Arya, the lad made no such promise to me. I made a promise to him. And if he wants to stay, he can stay. That's his choice."

"Fine!" she said to Hot Pie in an angry voice. "Stay. I don't care."

"I'm sorry. My lady," Hot Pie said and then Arya sighed and punched him in the arm. "Be good," she said to him, and then walked away to her horse and Ned could see she was trying to look like she didn't care but she was upset about this turn of events.

Gendry stuck out his big right hand and Hot Pie shook it. "You get tired of this place, you know where we are."

Hot Pie smiled. "Yes. Thanks…for everything." He turned to Ned. "Thank you, my lord. Sorry…"

"There's nothing to be sorry about lad," Ned told him. "You'll be fine here. But you know you can come bake a pie at Winterfell anytime you want."

"Thank you. Goodbye." Then Hot Pie dipped his head once more, turned and walked away and back to the kitchens. Ned really had no idea if he would be fine or not. He had no idea if the Lannisters would give Lady Whent back her castle after all this mess was over. But if the lad wanted to stay he would not force him to come with them.

As Ned turned to fix his saddle he heard his daughters talking. "He's stupid," Arya was saying to Sansa by their horses. "He'd be safer in Winterfell."

"He's just tired of running," Sansa told her sister. "I'm tired, too. But now we're going home, it will be better."

Ned was strapping his sword Ice to his saddle when the Hound appeared at the stables with Princess Myrcella. They all dipped their heads and said "My Princess".

"I've come to say goodbye for now," the little Princess said. "I know we will meet again soon."

"We will," Sansa said to her. Ned suddenly felt bad, forcing this little girl to separate from her family. It was not her fault what had happened. He also knew she might be safer with him. If Stannis took King's Landing, he'd kill her whole family, children and all. Then he had another bad thought. If Stannis wins, and Myrcella is in Winterfell, would Stannis demand Ned hand her over? Each time I do one thing to protect my family something else happens, Ned said to himself, and then put the thought away for the time being.

As the girls started hugging and talking and saying goodbye, Ned nodded to the Hound to move to the left a bit and they stepped away from the little goodbye scene.

"I never had a chance to thank you Clegane, for saving Sansa on the Kingsroad."

"Doing my duty," was all the Hound said in his rough voice.

"Aye," Ned replied. "You have my thanks none the less. Lord Tywin was very tight lipped about the plans concerning the Princess."

The Hound snorted. "She is to be your hostage. Is that not plain enough for you?"

The Hound didn't like this and he doesn't like me, Ned knew. He had had little contact with the Clegane brothers over the years. He knew the story of why they hated each other, and he knew what kind of men they both were. Killers. The Hound had proven that when he killed the butcher's boy with no remorse. But when Sansa had told the story of her journey from King's Landing, she had said Joffrey no longer wanted Clegane to be his shield and was angry with him. She also said she didn't know why, but when she had said that she hadn't look him in the eye and Ned believed she did know but did not want to say.

"Aye, she is to be my hostage and you her shield," Ned said to him. "You were Joffrey's shield for a long time. What happened in King's Landing? Why did Joffrey dismiss you from his service?"

"Best you ask your daughter about that."

"I'm asking you."

The Hound stared at him, his scarred face making his look all the more menacing, even if he had not intended it to be. He then spoke in a lower voice. "Joffrey is a monster. Need I say more?"

Ned clenched his hands tight and gritted his teeth. That bastard laid hands on Sansa. That's why she had lied. That's what the Hound was not saying but trying to make Ned understand. And Ned now thought he understood it all.

"You stopped him?"

The Hound looked at him and then just nodded slightly. Maybe Ned had judged the Hound wrong in some ways. Of course, he knew that one act of mercy from a monster did not change the fact that he was a monster.

"Again, I thank you," Ned told him. "We will wait at the Twins for you and the Princess. My son Robb is to wed one of the Frey girls. They will wed once you arrive, and then we will move north to Winterfell."

"We will come when Lord Tywin gives the word," the Hound told him.

"Good," Ned replied. The man was of few words, and not once had he said 'my lord'. Ned also knew he liked his wine and whores. He had plenty of gold to buy both, after being declared the winner in the joust at the tournament in King's Landing. Having him at Winterfell for years was going to be a burden.

Ned turned back to his little group. "It is time to go."

The Princess made a final tearful goodbye and as she and Clegane turned to leave Sansa stopped the Hound. "Fare you well, Sandor. Again, I thank you for protecting me."

The Hound's hard scarred features softened, just a bit. He nodded once. "My lady." And then he turned away and walked behind the little Princess, an odd pair they were, with her so small and he so big and menacing. Ned looked at Arya and she was staring hard at the retreating Hound, her left hand on Needle, an angry look in her eyes. He would have to talk with her about her hatred for the Hound, soon, if he was going to avoid more trouble at Winterfell.

They assembled inside Harrenhal by the main gate. Lord Tywin Lannister and his personal guard of thirty knights, plus an additional two hundred cavalry outside the gates that would come to the peace treaty signing ceremony. The Lannister herald, an older household knight in Tywin's service, carried the peace banner on a tall staff. Tywin had a few words with the Hound and his granddaughter and then with his brother Kevan before mounting his horse. Ned knew Kevan was going to stay in Harrenhal and would most liking start moving the army south as soon as possible.

The weather stayed nice for their two day journey west to the old stone bridge that was on the Red Fork half way between Riverrun and Harrenhal. Edmure Tully had suggested it for the exchange and right away Ned saw the sense of it. Edmure said the bridge was not much use to anyone, falling into disrepair over the years, and with only a small part of it was sound enough for a few people on foot or one horse to cross at a time. Two minor families, one on each side of the Red Fork, had together built the bridge over a hundred years ago and then fought a feud for decades over who was the rightful owner. One family had wanted it to be free for all to cross and the other had wanted to charge tolls. Despite commands from Riverrun to end their dispute it had festered. Now the bridge was of not much use to anyone, especially not an army. But it would do for what they needed to do. It also had the added advantage of having the Red Fork separating the two parties, which lessened the chance of one side or the other trying to lay any traps.

The first night they made it to the river road just south of the Red Fork and made camp for the night. Ned was given a large tent that he and his daughters and Jeyne could share. No one had cared to make provisions for Gendry, so Arya suggested he sleep in their tent as well, but Gendry had turned red and quickly said he would find a place in one of the wagons pulling their supplies. Arya went with him to make sure no one gave him any trouble.

"What is she, his shield?" Sansa quipped after Arya and Gendry had left. They were sitting on the ground outside their tent around a small fire, trying to stay warm in the evening chill.

"A very small shield for a very big man," Jeyne said and then they giggled.

"Let it be, girls," Ned said to them with a shake of his head. Then Ned decided he needed to talk to Sansa, now, before they reached the exchange point and saw her mother and Robb. "Jeyne, I need have words with my daughter."

Jeyne stood. "Yes, my lord," she said and she went inside the tent.

"What is it?" Sansa asked right away, worried. "I'm just teasing about Arya. I know she likes him but the way she follows him around is funny, don't you think?

"I don't want to talk about Arya. I want to talk about you and what happened in King's Landing. Why did Joffrey dismiss Sandor Clegane?" he asked and she immediately cast her eyes away from him.

"I don't know, I told you."

"Sansa, child. Did Joffrey do something to you?"

"No," she said but her voice caught and then she was crying and he moved to her and wrapped his arms around her. "Tell me what happened."

She sobbed for a few moments before catching her breath. "He…he…told one of his Kingsguard to strike me."

"Gods!" Ned swore in anger. "Which one?" He would kill the man first chance he got.

"Ser Meryn," she sobbed. "He hit me and kicked me when I fell."

Ned felt a rage come over him but held his anger in check. "Ser Meryn," Ned repeated through gritted teeth as he held her close. "On Joffrey's orders?"

She cried again and nodded. "But…Sandor…the Hound…he stopped him. Joffrey was so angry. Then when the Queen told the Hound to be Myrcella's shield Joffrey let him go without a care. At the gates when we left he told the Hound to never come back to King's Landing."

"Tell me what else happened, everything," he asked and now she sobbed even louder.

"It's all my fault," she said between sobs.

"Hush child, you are not to blame for Joffrey's cruelty."

"No," she said with a cry. "It was me…I was the one who told the Queen we were leaving King's Landing. I told her because I wanted to stay…I wanted to marry Joffrey and be Queen some day. I…I'm sorry."

Gods, she was blaming herself all this time for what had happened. "It's not your fault," Ned told her in a soothing voice. "We could not have kept that secret for long anyway."

"But we could have gotten away," she said between sobs. "Maybe all this would never have happened."

"Thinking on maybes and could have beens is not the way to go through life, my daughter," Ned said to her. "No one is to blame for any of this but those who sought to do harm to King Robert and us. And you know who they are."

"Lannisters," said a voice from the darkness and Arya stepped into the circle of light made by the fire, her hands balled in fists and he could see even in the semidarkness she was mad.

Arya sat across from them. "You heard?" Ned asked her. Gods, she had been so quiet they had not noticed her at all.

"All of it," she said. She looked at Sansa. "I'll kill Ser Meryn for you if you want. And Joffrey."

"Stop that talk at once!" Ned said sharply. "We are not free yet. Talk like that will cause nothing but trouble young lady."

"Sorry," Arya said but he knew she wasn't really.

"How…how is Gendry?" Sansa asked, her voice still full of emotion.

"Sleeping under a wagon," Arya told them and Ned knew she didn't like that.

"Just for a few days," he told her. "Come, we have a long way to ride tomorrow. Let's get some rest."

The next day passed uneventfully and then on the morning of the third day they finally approached the bridge. The day started a bit cloudy and threatened to rain but by mid-morning the sun was breaking through the clouds. There, across the river they could see a small camp of tents and horses and wagons with the Stark direwolf flag prominently displayed by a peace banner on the other side of the old broken stone bridge. The Red Fork was running a bit low, there being little rain the last week or so. Ned and the girls had tried to see if Robb or Catelyn were across the river but could not spot them. After they made camp, the Lannister herald met the Stark herald in the middle of the bridge. They talked for some ten minutes or so and the Lannister herald returned.

"The exchange will take place in one hour, my lords," he told Tywin and Ned inside Tywin's tent where they sat alone drinking a cup of wine.

"Good," said Tywin and he dismissed the herald. He turned to Ned. "The horses you came on stay here. Tell your children and the other girl and the smith to gather their belongings and be ready."

"Aye," said Ned and then he looked at Tywin Lannister. "If there is nothing else, I will be going."

"No, there is nothing else," said Tywin. "The bridge in one hour." Ned knew he was being dismissed and left without another word. They hated each other and there was no reason for any long goodbyes.

An hour later they stood on the south side of the ruined bridge. There was only a narrow path of stones still standing on the right side but Ned could now see that Robb's men had taken many planks and had covered some gaps so that the bridge was able to bear more traffic. A small table and two chairs were set there on the planks and the two heralds took the scrolls, quills, ink pots, a container of sand, and two lit candles in holders and placed them on the table.

Behind Ned stood Sansa, Arya, Jeyne and Gendry carrying all they owned. Ice was in its great scabbard and strapped to Ned's back. As they waited Sansa suddenly gasped. "It's Robb!"

"Where?" Arya asked, craning her neck. "Oh! There he is!"

Robb was marching to the center of the bridge in his finest armor and behind him was the Greatjon carrying the Stark banner. Tywin Lannister, dressed in his best armor and cloak approached with one of his knights behind him carrying the Lannister banner.

"Come," Ned told them and they walked out to the bridge and stood behind the man with the banner. At the same time Jamie Lannister approached from the other side, with two Stark guards on either side of him. His chains were off and he looked like he had been bathed and shaved recently. His clothes were even a bit finer than what he had worn in captivity.

It was all Sansa and Arya could do to not shout and run to their brother and Ned had to turn to them and tell them to be patient. And then Arya saw her mother walking toward the end of the bridge on the far bank with her brother Ser Edmure and then Arya began to cry.

"It's Mother!" she gasped and then Sansa also gasped and Ned turned to make sure they did not run. Sansa was trying to be brave, her eyes glassy, and Jeyne held her tight, her eyes also full of emotion. Arya stifled her small sobs and Gendry had his hands on her shoulders, and she took her right hand and reached up and squeezed his left hand tight.

"You'll be with her soon," Gendry said in a calm voice and Arya could only nod, her eyes wet with tears.

On the far side of the bridge Ned could see his wife had also begun to cry and her brother held her close. Ned fought to hold his emotions in check, knowing he needed a clear head for what was to come.

Then the ceremony began, as the Stark herald spoke. Ned knew him, an older knight in service with House Glover, and Ned knew he would have to make some reward to his family for this man's service. The two heralds would not be going home, but would travel with the enemy army to make sure the terms of the treaty were completed and adhered to. Not that they could do anything to stop a breaking of the terms, but it was a tradition and somewhat of a safeguard.

"We are met here to sign these terms of peace," said the Stark herald. "Who represents the Stark host?"

"Lord Robb Stark, Lord of Winterfell!" said the Greatjon in his booming voice that must have surely been heard by all in each camp. The same question was asked by the Lannister herald and Tywin's man boomed out his name and titles, trying to sound louder than the Greatjon but falling far short.

Robb stepped forward then and nodded to Tywin Lannister. "Lord Tywin," he said.

"Lord Stark," said Tywin curtly, and then he looked to the table. "Shall we?"

"Aye," said Robb. Here he was a boy not yet sixteen, sitting down to make peace terms with the great Tywin Lannister. This tale would long be told in the north, Ned knew.

The ceremony was short. Each of them looked over the scroll in front of them and then dipped quills in ink and signed. Then they melted wax the color of their houses in the candles' flames and added the melted wax to the scrolls and then stamped their sigils in the wax. They traded copies and signed again and stamped again and it was done. The heralds shook sand on the scrolls, and then when the ink was blotted they rolled up the copies of the treaty, kept them, and each herald stepped to the other side of the bridge.

Robb then asked Tywin a question. "The first payment of the promised gold for the Riverlands is to be paid before the Riverlands lords go home. May I ask where it is?"

"I did not have such a sum at Harrenhal," Tywin told him. "As I am sure you know running an army is rather an expensive task. The gold will come from Casterly Rock as soon as can be. Additional payments will be made in the coming months as per our agreement. As I am sure you know, I always pay my debts. Is that sufficient for you…Lord Stark?" Ned knew it galled him to call Robb 'lord'.

"That will do, Lord Tywin," Robb answered.

"Now I would have my son returned," Tywin said through gritted teeth.

"And I my sisters and father," said Robb calmly.

Tywin turned to Ned. "The girls and the smith first, you after Jaime crosses."

Ned had already agreed to this and merely nodded. "Go," he said to Sansa, and she started walking and behind her came Arya and Jeyne and Gendry. Sansa paused by Robb and she looked like she wanted to hug him.

"I'll see you soon," he said and then she nodded and passed him by and then she walked faster and then she was running and Jeyne and Arya were running behind her, with Gendry walking swiftly behind them. They all passed the Kingslayer without even a look, and then on the far bank Ned saw Cat open her arms wide and then Sansa and Arya were there and they were hugging and crying as Jeyne and Gendry stood awkwardly by, both without any parents to hug them now.

The Kingslayer was now walking forward, his guards staying where they were, and then he stopped by Robb. "I hope we meet again on some future battlefield," the Kingslayer said to him with while staring at Robb in a cocky manner. "You will not catch me by surprise again."

"He shouldn't have caught you in the first place," his father said to the Kingslayer. Ser Jaime looked at his father and Ned could see the Kingslayer looked a little abashed.

"Hello, Father," the Kingslayer said. "I'm sorry if I have caused you any inconvenience."

"Come, let us be done with this," Tywin snapped at him. "We have a war to fight. This time you will do better."

The Kingslayer said nothing and then Ned walked north and the Kingslayer walked south and soon father and son were standing side by side to the north and south.

"This concludes the ceremony," said the Stark herald and the Lannister herald agreed.

"Three days, Stark," Tywin said, addressing Robb. "Then your army must march north and the Tully bannermen go home."

"It will be done," said Robb. "When the first gold is delivered."

"Of course. See that it is done," said Tywin and then without another word he turned to leave. His son, however, could not leave without another jibe.

"One man for four children and you, dear Ned," he said. "I guess that is a fair trade. I am sure all your lords agree. I do hope you like wearing black. The Wall is supposed to be dreadfully cold."

Ned grunted. "We Starks know the cold well. Better than you southerners. If I were you I'd listen to your father and end your war quickly or make peace while you can. Winter is coming and you are not prepared at all."

"We have places to be," Tywin told his son and with one final smirk the Kingslayer turned and left.

"He is right," said Robb. "Some of our lords are still angry."

"Aye," Ned replied. "We will worry on that later. Come, your sisters await."

But Robb stopped him. "First, I have sad news. My grandfather Lord Tully passed away three days past."

Ned sighed. "Aye. How is she taking it?"

"Hard, as expected. But this day will make her smile again."

Within a half hour of the ceremony ending the Lannisters had packed up camp and were gone. After many tears and words of happiness, the Starks sat with Edmure and the Greatjon and had a large meal at a rough table set up under a pavilion. They ate and drank their fill and traded many stories. The girls were saddened to learn their grandfather had passed away and that made the mood more somber than it should have been. But all were looking forward to going north and seeing Winterfell and Bran and Rickon again after so long. Afterwards, Cat took Arya and Sansa off to a tent to speak to them alone, as Ned and Robb met with the Greatjon and Edmure to discuss what to do next.

"We must march north," Ned said at once. "When can the army be ready to move?"

"It is already moving," Robb told him. "We left the Riverlands lords and their forces at Riverrun with the Blackfish in command. Our men are one mile north of here, hidden in a forest and small valley, all seventeen thousand. I did not trust Tywin Lannister to not have some ruse up his sleeve."

"Well done," said Ned, proud of his son.

"I will returned to Riverrun tomorrow," Edmure told them next. "We will wait for the first gold payment and then I will tell our men to disband."

"We will wait with the main host for word from you," Robb told his uncle. "And then we go home."

"No, my lord! To the Twins and your wedding!" Greatjon Umber boomed and as Robb's face blanched they all had a good laugh at his expense.

After dark and everyone had settled down, Ned was finally alone with his wife in a tent that actually had a bed and small table and chairs. Catelyn got right to discussing their daughters.

"Arya refused to put away that sword," she complained as they sat at the small table in their tent, drinking a cup of wine. "And Sansa tells me Arya likes that boy Gendry."

Oh, well, no time like the present to get this over with. "It's just a girl's infatuation, not to worry."

"Good," she said. "She is promised to another. I will not have that boy come to Winterfell if he is going to cause trouble, even if he is Robert's son."

He stared at his wife. "He's Arya's friend. I told you how they fought together at the holdfast. Arya saved his life."

He saw she had now gone a bit pale. "How?"

"Do you really want to know?"

"Did she…?" But she left the question unfinished and Ned knew what she wanted to ask but was afraid to ask.

"Yes."

"Gods," Catelyn said with a heavy sigh. "Maybe he shouldn't come to Winterfell. If the Lannisters tried to kill him once, they will try again."

"I promised him a place. And Arya will be mad if you send him away."

"Then let her be mad! She will get over it!"

"Maybe," he said. "But I gave my word to the boy. He's Robert's boy, Cat. I can't refuse him."

She smoldered. "Another bastard at Winterfell."

"Don't…please, not now that we are finally together again."

Catelyn stared at him. "Maybe you should send this one to the Wall as well."

"I didn't send Jon to the Wall. He asked to go."

"Yes, that is true. But you know how I feel about him."

"Aye."

"And if that bastard smith touches Arya…"

"Shsssh. Not to worry, Cat. I had a talk with the lad. He knows she is promised to another."

She narrowed her eyes. "Does he have feelings for her as well?"

He could not lie to her, she knew him too well. "Perhaps."

"What did he say when you confronted him?"

"He said he knows he is low born, he knows it can never be, and he will leave her be."

"Good," his wife replied. "At least he has the sense to know his place."

Ned was tiring of this, but he knew he needed to placate her. "They are close friends, that's all. Maybe he'll meet some Winterfell girl his age and fall for her. Jeyne Poole already has big eyes for him. You'll see, there will be more than her and no boy his age could resist for long. And soon Arya will meet the Frey boy and maybe she'll take a fancy to him."

"Why does it have to be a Frey?" Catelyn said with a shake of her head. "Any other family…she will have to stay there, live with them, endure them."

All this surprised Ned. At least it seemed they were of the same mind on this.

"I know. Arya was so mad when I told her. But she will do her duty, she promised."

"She said the same to me. But she was biting her lip when she said it."

"Aye? Oh, well. Cat, listen. She is not a woman yet…"

"Thank the gods or she might run off with the smith!"

"He'd never do that. He has honor, I'll say that much for the lad. But she has three or four years before she has to marry the Frey boy. Who knows what will happen in that time?"

She nodded. "I was thinking the same. Winter will soon be here."

"Aye. Now, about Gendry?"

"He can come," she said grudgingly. "You gave him your word. I would not have you break it over this. But he better not be the cause of any trouble or I will throw him out in the snow!"

Ned laughed. "And I will help you! But Cat, he's a good lad. You'll see, there's nothing to fear. Come, to bed with us."

And Ned Stark lay with his wife and held her and loved her and after, as she slept, he lay in the darkness, holding her close, still awake for a long time. He hoped they would soon be home and all this madness would be behind them. But they still had a long road ahead. The Twins and the Freys awaited them. Robb's wedding would be a welcome respite from all this travel and war. He would have to have words with prickly old Walder Frey, and he was not looking forward to that. And Arya would have to meet her betrothed and he hoped she would be sensible enough to play along, and maybe some day when she was a woman and if she still cared for Gendry and he her, Ned could convince Cat to let them be with each other.

And above all, he hoped Stannis or Renly would win their battles to come quickly, and wished he could be by their side, but also knew he had done the best thing for his people, for his family, for his pack of northern wolves, and that in the long run he hoped history proved him right, that leaving the war and preparing for winter saved his people from perishing. He just prayed that the small folk to the south did not suffer much more because of the madness of kings, false kings, and kings to be.