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The Stark by Dscot

I do not own this story.

CH 4

The journey through the terrain was challenging. The forests were dense, full of hidden paths and secret glades. Despite the harshness of the land, there was a rugged beauty that captivated the senses. The windswept plains with golden grasses waving in the breeze. The rocky cliffs and crags of the mountains were awe-inspiring, and the forests were alive with the songs of birds and the rustling of leaves.

As we continued our journey towards the southernmost part of Westeros, we encountered many different landscapes and terrains. The dense forest turns into rolling stony mountains. our carriages struggled to keep up with the pace. This is the worst terrain to try to drive a carriage through. We had to replace six wheels. Thank the old gods I was so insistent in bringing three spares for each wheel. We spent a half a day just digging one of the carriages out of a hole. Just as we were about to continue our journey, we were hailed by lord Beric Dondarrion and his forces as they were traveling back to Blackhaven. With the help of Lord Dondarrion and his men we were able to have an easier time, navigating through the region.

I had placed Theon Snow as my second in command and had him help me organize and lead the 200 men. He and Lord Dondarrion seem to have spent time together at the Stoney Sept. Each night, we would make camp and Lord Dondarrion and Theon would regale me with stories of his adventures. They spoke of battles won and lost, of comrades fallen and enemies vanquished. After traveling together for eight days, we finally arrived at Castle Blackhaven. I rode next to Lord Dondarrion as we crossed the bridge over the moat, and into the castle. I took my time admiring the black basalt walls that defended the castle. We only stayed the night and thanked Lord Dondarrion for his hospitality. I wished we could stay and enjoy his company longer but I explained how urgent it is that we find my aunt. Before heading out Lord Dondarrion was kind enough to top off our water and food supplies as well as giving me a more detailed maps of the area to make this journey, much smoother.

The last four days before we arrived at the prince's pass the landscape slowly began to change. The marshlands gave way to rocky terrain revealing a harsh and unforgiving landscape. As we were climbing down the side of the mountain and into the pass a storm hit us out of nowhere. The sky darkened and it poured down rain for almost an hour. Only through luck we were in a high area that we didn't need to worry about being washed away by flash flood. I order the men to make camp and at least wait a day before continuing to let the ground dry up again. Surprisingly by the end of the day most of the water had vanished into the ground or had evaporated.

Before I left Kings landing, I had carved some rune into five barrels that would work like dehumidifiers pulling water from the air so we will have fresh water to drink. They were not permanent and probably would last us another two months before they would start deteriorating the barrels. Already the water had a hint of a strange taste to it. The next leg of our journey was through the deserts of Dorne. During the day the heat was oppressive. After the first day of traveling through the princes Pass. I decided to take Lord Dondarrion's advice and travel during the night since the sky was clear, and the moon was full and it was giving off enough light for us to see our path. I was grateful for the extra food and more accurate maps that Lord Dondarrion had provided us.

What I did find interesting was several plants that we ran across in our journey, many of them mundane but useful. The greatest finds were on the day after the flash flood. I found several magical plant specimens that I recognized. I admit I have not been looking at the fauna and flora while traveling through Westeros. Because of the slow pace of our travels. Having to deal with the carriages and the terrain. We took long breaks. While sitting down one day and digging my fingers through the dirt I discovered Blackroot Dittany. Blackroot Dittany which has extremely potent healing sap in the roots. The stems of the plant when soaked in water for a day will turn the water toxic. It will kill off all bacteria and harmful parasites. If you let the water sit for around a month then boil the water, poison will dissipate and become harmless. You'll be left with pure clean drinking water that has a small healing effect.

I was able to uncover several more magical plants. I was extremely surprised to run across shriveled figs after the flash flood. I climbed back up the mountain to where the water had washed down from. I found a whole bunch of shriveled figs growing on the western side of the Red Mountains. I was surprised to find them in Dorne since they normally grow in cold environments.

Several days into our trip through the princes pass I was informed that the mountain was starting to smell that his broken arms and legs may be infected. I had my men set up an encampment while I work on a solution to keep them alive. It took me several days to figure out how to create this unholy healing concoction without the proper equipment. In the end I made a syrupy mixture using the sap of the Blackroot. I force the concoction down the mountain's throat. It will not fully heal his arms and legs but should get rid of the infection. They will be in extreme agony since part of the poison is still active. I believe it is non-life-threatening, and will wash out of their system in several hours, but during that period they will be in unbearable pain. I also used what was left in the pot to dose sir piggy.

Two nights after we continued our journey again, I was sitting in my tent looking over the maps. I've calculated how far we have traveled, and how far we still have to go. If I've read the map correctly. We should arrive at the tower of joy early in the afternoon the next day. Only two days before Ned should have arrived in canon. So, my aunt shouldn't have gone into labor. As pleased as I am with the situation of finding magical plants. I'm annoyed at how close we are to the canon timeline. I was hoping to have more time and even move her to Wly before she went into labor.

Just after mid-day my sentries were notified by the scouts that we had riders coming. A few minutes later Ned Stark rode into the camp followed by Howland Reed and of all people Roose Bolton. I groaned inwardly as I saw this moron and wondered what he's going to do to mess things up. He climbed off his horse and walked towards me angrily. I invited him into my tent to talk and rest. Once inside the tent he asked me why I abandoned him in King's Landing. He accused me of sneaking out of King's Landing.

I rolled my eyes and asked him if he was accusing me of sneaking 17,000 soldiers from three different kingdoms without being noticed. He looked away and flushed with embarrassment for how stupid that sounded. All along I was grinning inward to myself, because that is exactly what I did. I didn't want him hanging about potentially questioning everything I was doing. trying to bud in when he is not needed. So, I had placed a small compulsion on him and Robert to kind of forget about everything that's happening around them and just enjoy their time together. I also encouraged his morals to be loosened so he can go drinking and whoring with Robert without feeling guilty or worrying. Who knows we might get a Jon for Catelyn to hate and worry about.

Looking a little hurt and angry I explained that I tried to get his attention several times before leaving the Red Keep. Each time he was too busy to listen because he was off with his best friend or he was passed out in a tavern or a brothel.

He tried to change the subject again and brought up that he cross paths with Stennis and how he was angry that I showed him such disrespect. I then cut him off again and informed him that Stennis is being dramatic. I lifted the siege and saved him and his people's lives from starving. On top of that I negotiated for him to get a quarter million gold to help rebuild Storms End. When I found out about where aunt Lyanna was, I was more focused on that than having to deal with his power plays. I then told him to go find a place to sleep out of my tent since I do not have time to hear him whining and complaining. Ordering my bodyguard to escort him out.

Though I was annoyed to see Ned, what I was happy about was the fact that Bolton was here. I have been thinking of a way to get rid of that family and take possession of their land. I want to build in control a harbor in Stark land. While thinking about Bolton. I recalled seeing a Red Viper slithering across the sand about a day ago. From what I recall you would need to take the antivenom in the first ten minutes after being bitten. If you don't, you'll likely die. I decided that I would need to keep an eye out for another one.

Around midday, we could finally make out the tower of joy situated on a huge slab of stone at the base of the mountain. We slowly rode up the hill then dismounted near the rocky entrance to the tower.

Trusting Ned, I ordered my uncle to parlay with the king's guards while I organized my men in case the situation turned hostel. Getting the crossbowmen in good position, so that they can fire into the king's guard as well as having the spearman able to surround them, if hostility breaks out. If conflict breaks out, we need to take them out fast and to do that we would have to work as a unit. We also need to make sure they did not fall back to the tower. Knowing that if they get in the tower the three guards could hold us off for a good amount of time and cause a good number of casualties before we were able to route them out. We needed them to stay in the open, where are numbers would give us the advantage. I had ordered the cross bowman to focus on the sword of the morning first, before dealing with the other white cloaks.

After coordinating and positioning the spearman with Theon Snow I walked to where Sir Arthur Dane was talking to my uncle. I was not able to fully make out what Neds response to sir Arthur Dane was. Then my uncle drew his sword and rushed towards Arthur, followed by Howland Reed and Bolton. As I started to shout for everyone to stop, and to stand down I saw Arthur Dane get hit by multiple bolts. It seemed that my crossbowmen saw Ned charged the kings guard and believing that the negotiations have failed started to follow my orders by taking Sir Arthur out first. Seeing Arthur moving forward ignoring the impact of several arrows that hit him, each one deflected off of his armor. Finally, three arrows penetrating through his armor causing Arthur stumbling back. Two of the arrows penetrated close together in his lower chest. Having one of them lodged in his shoulder, piercing through the gap in his armor. Even with this injury Arthur was still able to deflect Ned's sword and push him back before another bolt landed in his neck. As Arthur started to fall. Lord Commander Gerold Hightower raising his shield and sword, charge forward to dispatch an off balanced Ned Stark. His strike was deflected by both a recovering Ned and Bolton who came to defend my uncle. I watched as Ser Oswell easily dodged Howland's sword swing before punching and knocking him to the ground. Before he could finish off Howland. He jerks back, as five arrows were shot at him. One was able to penetrate through his armor just below his arm pit. The other two ricocheted it off his armor. One off of his shoulder, the other deflected by the side of his helm. It was the last one that ended his life. It found its way past his helms face shield around his eyes and into his skull. I stood still watching the skirmish, and was shaken out of my thoughts, when my spearman charge past me to engage with Lord Commander Gerold Hightower. I watched as Ned even with the help of Bolton was being pushed back by Lord commander Hightower. In less in two minutes, the first of my spearman were able to engage with lord Hightower and with their help, Ned in Bolton was finally able to push him and started to slowly break through his defense. To my amazement, Arthur Dane started to push himself off the ground onto his knees before slowly standing up with an arrow still lodged in his neck. Arthur was able to dispatch three of my spearmen before turning so he could assist his commander. By then, five of the spearmen were able to surround Arthur. He was then pierced by one of my men from the side and another one got him from his back. At the same time Arthur was finally put down several of my spearman were able to outflank the Lord commander, and three of my men speared him through his back.

I limit I was a little frustrated with the outcome. I wanted to parlay with the Kings guard. I hadn't made my decision if I wish for them to be dead or not. I will admit most of my fascination was to do with Sir Arthur. Since I recall few positive feelings from him from the books in the movies, though not in any detail. Sighing, I let out my breath, realizing that perhaps this was the best ending to this solution. Knowing that there was no way that I'm going to have my Targaryen cousin ever be named King.

With seven of my bodyguards with me, I walk past Ned to the steps to tower entrance. As I walk past my spearman, ordering I ordered one of them to go collect the healers to deal with the wounded and dead. I also ordered the healers with knowledge on birthing to be order to come into the tower. Before I entered the tower, I also ordered the spearman to guard the entrance and not allow anyone not even my uncle access to the tower. Leaving three of my bodyguards with them at the entrance.

I started walking up the stairs I ignoring my uncles shouts to me and my guards to let him pass. Ignoring him I started to focus on what I will find at the top of the tower. I was anxious and worried since I haven't made my decision on what to do. I did like Lyanna and she was kind to me. Having her around wouldn't really be a hindrance to me. Her presence in Winterfell may actually be beneficial. There is also Jon it might be easier to have him die in childbirth. Though it would be nice to have a source of willingly given Targaryen blood to play with.

As I got to the entrance of the room at the top of the tower, I found it barricaded. Gesturing to my bodyguards, I had them, slamming their hammers against the door, splintering it. After a path was cleared I walked into the room I could see my aunt standing up, using the bed as a barricade, while holding a knife. Several servants were huddling in a corner, covering their heads with their hands.

Seeing her stand which is a good sign I think since that means she's not going through labor. I actually have no idea of anything to do with childbirth but I've been listening to stories when I had the time from the midwives that I brought. She seemed shocked, which turned into happiness when she saw me and got up and walked over to me to give me a hug. Before I knew it I realized that I had tears coming out of my eyes and I was actually really happy to see her. These emotions caught me by surprise. I knew I cared for her but I didn't realize how much. Panicking, I started to search my feelings and felt some relief knowing that as much as I care for her that if she stepped in my path I wouldn't hesitate to remove her. I would feel really bad and shitty but I wouldn't hesitate if I felt like she would stand between me and my ambitions.

Wiping the tears from my eyes she tried to pull me onto her lap while sitting down. Her belly was so big that I nearly fell off her lap having to brace myself with one of my legs so I didn't fall. Laughing, she had me sit next to her on the bed. Before we continued, I told her I needed to know about what happened to her. I asked her about any healer she has, and informed her I had vetted the ones that I have with me and would like them to look her over to make sure everything will be alright. She looked at me curiously commenting about how mature I've been acting. I blinked. This is the first time anyone has seen through my charm bracelet. I've been around her for more than a couple of minutes and usually when I start speaking, the compulsion on the bracelets makes people overlook my age.

She told me the story of how she didn't wish to marry Robert. How grandfather kept receiving letters from Ned and Jon Arryn encouraging the marriage and writing about all of Roberts' virtues. How grandfather still wanted his southern alliance even more than before. She was not happy with it, but was resigned until she met him at the tournament of Harrenhal. That most of the interactions she had with him he was drunk or getting drunk. How he would come up to her after crawling out of a tent of a camp follower still having the woman smell on him. He would make grand proclamation he wanted no other woman but her. When he was sober he would make promises after promises to her about how grand their life together will be. She seemed to think that he was more excited about becoming Ned's brother than actually marrying her.

Then she told me about the Knight of the laughing tree and how Prince Rhaegar and Sir Arthur Dane found her. How she listened to him sing how they ran into each other several more times at the tournament. How she felt being given the crown of beauty. How she's received several letters from him secretly sent to her. When he asked her to run away with him she willingly left. She told me about her marriage, and when she got the news about my father and my grandfather. They didn't hear about their death until almost two months after it happened. She was planning on going with Rhaegar, but had a really bad episode of mourning sickness. I got the feeling that she was racked with remorse and self-loathing. I reminded myself that she was a sheltered 14-year-old when meet, and started having feelings for Rhaegar. She was a lovesick 15-year-old who didn't fully comprehend the consequences of her actions when she ran away.

When I asked why, she didn't leave or send any letters to inform us that she ran away. she informed me that she was afraid that if she left a letter that it would be found before she could escape. She didn't believe that anyone would think that she was kidnapped since Benjen was with her helping her escape. She said she sent a letter to Riverrun addressed to my grandfather since she heard he was on the way to visit and negotiate with Hoster. That actually caught me by surprise. I know my father and grandfather went on a trip. I was under the impression they were going to the Vale to meet up with Lord Arryn and Ned. As well as finalizing the arrangements with Robert. I knew my father went ahead with a bunch of his friends and I guess it's possible that he would've passed by Riverrun. My grandfather Stark on the other hand I believe was going to take a boat from white harbor. They wouldn't be discussing marriage since Hoster without my compulsions, wouldn't marry his daughter to a second son. My father was married as much as he pretended he was not. On top of that I was his legal and recognized heir.

By then the midwives and the healers arrived. I got up and I introduced my aunt to the three ladies. Telling her that I had brought a wet nurse as well. She looked at me questioningly asking me why I would have brought them. I told her seriously that if she was kidnapped the likelihood of her having a child was high. I am happy that she is with child and there was no kidnapping. Again, she looked at me oddly. commenting again about how mature I am acting. That sort of freaked me out. Perhaps when I first arrived the magic may have not weaved into her mind since it has been active for such a long time but it should have sunk in by now. I would think something is wrong with my bracelet, but no one else seems to think that it was odd.

As I left the tower to go talk to my men. I started fiddling with my bracelet making sure the runes were not damaged and it still had power running through it. Everything seems to be correct. I can still feel the power flowing through it. I would have to examine it more carefully later but so far it looks like it should be working. Gathering my troops as well as my uncle, Howland and Lord Bolton I told my aunt's side of the story. Not leaving anything out during the discussion of Robert, many of my men were glaring at Ned. I was glad to see my whisper campaign to have him viewed less favorably in the North is working.

I know people will say why am I picking on him. Mostly I just do not trust him in any position of power that might affect me. He's a simple man who likes simple things. Normally that would be okay but not if he's responsible for the betterment of the people under his rule. For example, I don't believe he likes change even if it would improve the lives of the people of the North. I am not saying that Ned is stupid because he is rather smart and well educated for a second son. It is his notion on how the world should work. It was his belief that he taught to his kids that almost destroyed house Stark. I also know that deep inside I still resent my father and my grandfather. Though I am the legal Prince of the north there is always a possibility with Neds connection to Robert that he or his children might be able to successfully usurp me. I cannot have the chance that anyone in the north would actually support Ned over me. I also knew I could not have Ned named as my regent.