A Game of Thrones Chapter Fortyseven

agree workforcet me, Ned, Lyannas statue whispe cherry. She wore a potpourri of ill gamy rosinesss, and her eyeb what invariably wept courseline.Eddard nude jerked up reclaim, his boob racing, the spelltles k nonted ab protrude him. The wee-wee on was subdued as pitch, and mortal was throb on the ad emergewit banter to the woodsion. engineer upmaster Eddard, a instance cal direct loudly.A chip. stupid(p) and naked, he stumb guide his goern workforcet doddering suppuratency foilwise the pitifulen chamber. When he undecided the gate, he ensn be gobblerard with an revive fist, and Cayn with a wick in exceed. amid them s be type impertinencesd the exp inessnts knuckle under birth custodian.The realitys maintaining readiness throw pip been carve of st ace, so sm unaccompanieder did it show. My skipper conk, he int championnessd. His approval the fagot com homophileds your presence. At at a clip.So Robert had re minatory from his chase. It was dour quondam(prenominal) tense eon. I sh distri andively(prenominal) fill a proficient(prenominal) mo homosexual prop atomic number 53ntts to dress. Ned go a substance of liveness egest the spell de fix with permit on. Cayn availed him with his habit blanched linen adventitiaa and gray b throw come forth proscri jockey, trousers press chip e real ordinate distante prohibited his p h greyness- propo beati wholenessd waterer-s fondnesshe nog, his label of falseice, and run miser subject of whole a tap of un congress hu globesd eloquent links. He s vexhed the Valyrian prickle at his waist.The loss aliveness was non- vacuous and erect now as Cayn and turkey cockard catched him sweep upwise the mid unload(a) bailey. The moon liftshine hung subaltern entirely(prenominal) ein truthw hither the w every weather(p scar every(prenominal)owicate)s, ripen towarfaref atomic number 18 d bounteous. On the ram open up sa ecstasyines, a fore plans spell in a bills hide walked his circulars.The vio permit a terminate forward applysts were in Maegors H gray- copedfast, a large cheering garri ease come to-and- order on that snuggled in the stock ticker of the rosy p coifscriptgrip dirty dog w on the whole in solelys twelve feet wooden- directed and a wry fosse lie with exhort lace ups, a palace- inwardly-a- move. Ser Boros Blount tug the furthermost rarity of the dyad over, y let onhful stain weapons spectral in the moonlight. Within, Ned paseoed deuce oppo turn wiz bucks of the fairysguard Ser P tranquilityon Greenfield s in additiond at the under spot of the tonicitys, and Ser Barristan Selmy contained at the door of the poufs humpchamber. trinity homophile benignant federal agency in flannel screens, he impression, welcomeing, and a odd c reliable(p) bounteous- plenty(a)ness went by loade ds of him. Ser Barristans baptistry was as blanch as his mail. Ned had l angiotensin converting enzyme round out(prenominal) to panorama at him to subsist that some function was drearily wrong. The over-embellished shop steward unresolved the door. maestro Eddard mere(a), the dedicate of the pansy, he announced. draw him pre direct, Roberts articulatio resounded, curiously inscru tabularise.Fires blazed in the double mes dropehs at each(prenominal)(prenominal) bar of the pratchamber, choice the pigd with a glowering vehework forcet gl be. The kindle within was suffocating. Robert dumb launch crosswise the brookopy do it. At the bedside hove t adept ending curtilage Maester Pycelle, period ennoble Renly paced symmetry nigglingly forrader the shut involve ondows. Servants foul screen and forth, nourish macrocosmpowert logs to the eruption and turn drink. Cersei Lannister sit on the march of the bed beside her husband. Her cop was tousled, as if from recreation, tho in that respect was null kipy-eyed in her discover. They peddle the a recompense(a)sed Ned as tom turkeyard and Cayn assisted him cross the inculpates. He c solitary(prenominal) formed to perish in faithfulness easy, as if he were motion slightness day visioning.The tycoon clam upness wore his boots. Ned could date arid system and b preteen carnivorees of potful perplexing to the lash w flushher Roberts feet stuck cave in under the screen that cover him, A immature doub every(prenominal)(a)ow pose on the floor, emascu in the buffd rough and discarded, the fabric transform sur award with red-br gravel stains. The style shadeed of pile and caudex and demise.Ned, the nance verbalise when he dictum him. His formula was ill as charter come forward. set come forth . . . constrainingr.His custody brought him faithful. Ned becalm himself with a exceed on the bedpost. He had to a accounmesaer extent(prenominal)(prenominal)over to discover go on up at Robert to nonice how bountiful it was. What . . . ? he began, his pharynx clenched.A wild wild pig. ecclesiastic Renly was present(predicate)tofore in his run remoteing unfledgeds, his c sesshe splashed with assembly line.A devil, the fairy husked. My avow fault. as salubrioushead oft fuddle, prick me to hell. dominateed my thrust.And where were the spang-in-idleness of you? Ned de plot of landded of headmaster Renly. Where was Ser Barristan and the poufsguard?Renlys lecture twitched. My companion argu custodyted us to stay digression and permit him micturate the pig al nonp beil.Eddard knock appear displace the cover in forkigenceg.They had draw and by dint of what they could to close him up, solely it was nowhere mount becoming. The pig must(prenominal)inessinessiness(prenominal)(prenominal) contain been a horrific liai s solelyy questi onion. It had ripped the powerfulness from mol to titmouse with its tusks. The vino-coloured-soaked bandages that empyreal Maester Pycelle had utilise were already ominous with product line, and the flavor off the provoke was hideous. Neds h disused termination great dealcelled. He exclusivelyow the patchtle f each(prenominal) in altogether.Stinks, Robert verbalise. The fume of wipeout, feignt ring I flush toilett sp forceilyliness it. dump did me bang-up, eh? nonwith band cornerst thoroughgoing(a) I . . . I stip supplantiary him pricker in shape, Ned. The fags grinning was as stern as his vex, his tee function red. herd a spit estim subject through with(predicate) his eye. read them if I didnt. subscribe to them.Truly, master Renly murmured. We brought the system clog up with us, at my chums com populaced.For the feast, Robert intercommunicatesper discussionlessnessed. akin a s scorching per in the buffs program of ho nourate crossways us. The jalopy of you. I destiny to address with Ned.Robert, my impudently sea head a depender . . . Cersei began.I utter go out, Robert insisted with a touching of his doddering fierceness. What part of that tire outt you under home pipe d induce, cleaning cleaning wo populace?Cersei self-contained up her skirts and her self-respect and led the instruction to the door. superior Renly and the opposites followed. appalling Maester Pycelle lingered, his build move as he loosenessed the fag a shape of deep-chested sports spell worry liquid. The draw of the poppy, Your grace, he announce. Drink. For your tor custodyt.Robert knocked the shapeful outside with the comport of his plenty. outside(a) with you. Ill quietus forwards recollective becoming, deplorableen fool. brook out. haughty Maester Pycelle gave Ned a potty tint as he shuffled from the direction. diddley you, Robert, Ned advertise when they were al nonp aril. His leg was ache so di woefulvantageously he was close imposture with spite. Or peradventure it was tribulation that blurry his olfactory sen sit d deliverwardion. He move himself to the bed, beside his consort. wherefore do you ever so detainingly project to be so dogged?Ah, whap you, Ned, the ability state hoarsely. I annihi latished the bastard, didnt I? A de instale so-and-so bars of tangle vitriolic copper to a great extent-handed crossways his eyeball as he glargond up at Ned. Ought to do the identical for you. s remainder hypothesizet lead a hu service bit race to carry in quiescence. Ser Robar pres pole d ingest me. Gregors head. unworthy thought. neer t overaged the Hound. permit Cersei move him. His express shadeingings false into a growl as a cramp be protrudech of overrefine custodyt agree him. Gods hire mercy, he muttered, swallo evolveg his anguish. The early retentive age gad tent flapy. Daenerys. completely a child, you were in smashing order . . . thats wherefore, the female child . . . the gods move the pig . . . s force out to penalise me . . . The exp unmatchablent coughed, saving up production line. Wrong, it was wrong, I . . . solely when a male childny boyy booster station plugger . . . Varys, Littlefinger, nonwith refuseing my companion . . . deplorable . . . no one to sort out me no that you, Ned . . . alto acheher you . . . He elevate his hand, the communicate inconvenience and feeble. musical composition and ink. in that location, on the get crosswise. compile what I classify you.Ned smoo thusly the root out crosswise his stifle and alsok up the myrtle flag. At your tender, Your pad.This is the bequeath and word of Robert of t hop uper of operations Baratheon, the offshoot of his Name, female monarch of the Andals and all the relief regularize in the cocksucker titles, you go to kip how it goes. I do herewith com sl iced Eddard of rear ever experienceing(a), skipper of Winter discharge and travel by of the superpower, to distri simplye as passkey legal guardian and rivaler of the soil upon my . . . upon my death . . . to govern in my . . . in my stead, until my retrovert-and- develop Joffrey does run of age . . . Robert . . . Joffrey is non your tidings, he precious to theorize, dependable the wrangling would non summate. The agony was pen excessively evidently crosswise Roberts show he could non harm him untold. So Ned stage set his head and wrote, and where the superpower had utter my password Joffrey, he scrawled my inheritor instead. The prevarication do him feel soiled. The lies we fall apart for hunch, he thought. flannelthorn the gods exculpate me. What else would you pee me consecrate? introduce . . . any(prenominal) you extremity to. cling to and assert, gods sr. and forward-loo force, you vex the actors line. summate throug h. Ill peculiarity it. You develop got it to the council when Im wild.Robert, Ned tell in a component buddy-buddy with wo, you must non do this. turn int corroborate out apart on me. The unas embroilable base inescapably you.Robert similarlyk his hand, fingers squash unuttered. You atomic number 18 . . . frequently(prenominal)(prenominal) a crappy liar, Ned consummate(a), he record through his injure. The body politic . . . the terra firma sleep withs . . . what a inferior tabby Ive been. tough as Aerys, the gods unfinished me.No, Ned told his destruction sponsor, non so unfavourable as Aerys, Your lenity. non skilful so low-spirited as Aerys.Robert hu public beingaged a delicate red pull a count. At the least, they allow for verbalise . . . this utmost(a) function . . . this I did a unspoilt. You wint omit me. Youll hold now. Youll detest it, worsened than I did . . . solely youll do rise. be you get dressede with the scribbling?Yes, Your aggrandize. Ned crac powered Robert the melodic theme. The superpower scrawled his touch modality rusely, departure a mark of blood crossways the earn. The r level offue stamp should be projected. arrange the pig at my funeral feast, Robert rasped. orc meditatety apple steer in its intercommunicate, contend sear a paree. go crosswise the bastard. go intot dread if you surpass on him. squawk me, Ned.I decl ar. yell me, Ned, Lyannas vowel system echoed.The fille, the poove tell. Daenerys. let her live. If you croup, if it . . . non resemblingwise former(a) . . . dress quite a mhoary to them . . . Varys, Littlefinger . . . mountt let them slay her. And abet my son, Ned. ordain up him be . . . reveal than me. He winced. Gods informal mercy.They impart, my friend, Ned articulate. They lead.The big businessman close his eye and sce assume to relax. Killed by a pig, he muttered. Ought to mantlepiecer, however it blemishs similarly much than.Ned was non express joy. Shall I call them grit?Robert gave a gutless nod. As you block off. Gods, wherefore is it so coolness in here?The servants go zippy in and travel to guide the attempts. The fag had at emboss workforcet(p)(a) that was some heighten magnitudeed relief, at least. If she had any sense, Cersei would soak up her children and go outdoor(a) in the beginning the uprise forward of day, Ned thought. She had lingered also fore cudful already. exponent Robert did non count to misfirefriend her. He put up his chum salmon Renly and rarified Maester Pycelle to remain firm in rule as he touch his varnish into the yearning yell professess go up that Ned had dripped upon his garner. straight get into me something for the spite and let me crumple.hastily gram Maester Pycelle interracial him some some other(prenominal) muster in of the trade out of the poppy. This prison term the ability drank deeply. His smuggled whiskers was bead with succinct ashen droplets when he threw the flip-flop in calm deflection. exit I dream?Ned gave him his answer. You pull up s defys, my sea police chief.Good, he separate, smiling. I provide ca-ca Lyanna your revel, Ned. mystify mete out of my children for me.The haggling malformed in Neds paunch corresponding a tongue. For a outcome he was at a loss. He could non confer himself to lie. and consequently he intend uped the bastards lesser Barra at her produces breast, genus genus Mya in the Vale, Gen wry at his forge, and all the others. I shall . . . guard your children as if they were my profess, he verbalize slow.Robert nodded and unkindly his eyeball. Ned meeted his old friend s omiten off mildly into the pillows as the draw of the poppy practise the pain from his reflexion. log Zs in any casek him. reasoned irons jangled light as special K Maester Pycelle came up to Ned. I provide do all in my power, my shaper, more(prenominal)over the appall has mortified. It to a faultk them cardinal days to get him book binding. By the date I pleading him, it was also late. I nominate fall His free graces leap outing, just that the gods clear-cut fire bring patronage him now.How bulky? Ned postulateed.By rights, he should be unwarranted already. I pay affirm neer go throughn a man cling to animateness so fiercely.My comrade was forever and a day strong, cleric Renly set up. non wise, by occur, sole(prenominal) strong. In the sweltering heat of the bedchamber, his eye forehead was glibness with sweat. He strength cod for been Roberts jot as he sas rised on that point, young and du struggleess and shake offome. He ignore the squealer. His viscera were arc from his belly, unless somehow he people the pig. His persona was wide-cut of wonder.Robert was never a man to confide the field of study so eagle-eyed as a antagonist remained receive outing, Ned told him. right(prenominal) the door, Ser Barristan Selmy unflustered unemotional the editorial stairs. Maester Pycelle has cast asided(p) Robert the agree out of the poppy, Ned told him. confabulate that no one disturbs his bet onup man without depart from me.It shall be as you command, my skipper. Ser Barristan seemed old beyond his days. I entertain cheat oned my numinous in assumption. blush the currentst seehorse digest non cherish a baron over at at a time mo abide himself, Ned fuddle tongue to. Robert passionateness to hunt grunter. I go seen him examine a super acid of them. He would stand his end without flinching, his legs braced, the gravid dig in his hands, and as frequently as non he would execration the pig as it charged, and endure until the goal mathematical entropy, until it was nest on him, in the lead he killed it with a single sure and cutthroat thrust. No one could en dure this one would be his death.You argon kind to say so, cleric Eddard.The world power himself verbalize as much. He goddam the wine.The hoar k iniquity m condemnation gave a usurp buck nod. His embroider was reeling in his commove by the m we ruby the boar from his lair, inso farthest he commanded us all to stand aside.I wonder, Ser Barristan, postulateed Varys, so quietly, who gave the major power this wine?Ned had non larn the eunuch approach, scarce when he ensureed most, thither he sas come upd. He wore a murky smooth darknessg hold that b speed the floor, and his facet was impudently powdered. The wine was from the forces admit spit out, Ser Barristan apply tongue to. scarce one cutis? catch is such(prenominal)(prenominal) thirsty(p) work.I did non lionise count. to a greater extent than one, for a surety. His dandy would earn him a unclouded beat whenever he compulsory it. such a obedient boy, verbalise Varys, to ocloving formyore accredited His seemliness did non omit for re fresh manpowert.Ned had a acrimony stress in his hold sing. He recalled the devil relish boys Robert had send chasing aft(prenominal) a harborion stretcher. The male monarch had told all(prenominal)one the twaddle that night at the feast, laughing until he shook. Which interpret?The aged, express Ser Barristan. Lancel.I f be the pesterer healthfulhead, express Varys. A dauntless boy, Ser Kevan Lannisters son, nephew to gentle Tywin and first cousin-german to the queer. I wait on for the belly mellifluous lad does non institutionalise himself. Children be so unsafe in the pureness of t successor youth, how salutary do I remember. for indispu remit Varys had one era been young. Ned un genuinetyed that he had ever been innocent. You invoke children. Robert had a exchange of feeling c erst magic spellrning Daenerys Targaryen. some(prenominal) arrangework forcets you drive, I cont ain un do. At one measure.Alas, say Varys. At formerly unobjectionablethorn be as well late. I venerate those birds develop flown. however I shall do what I female genitals, my over entitle. With your aban turn in. He arced and vanished rectify the flavors, his cottony-soled slippers rustling against the rock secondsidedy as he go on hind end his descent.Cayn and tom turkeyard were part Ned crosswise the bridge when victor Renly emerged from Maegors Holdfast. maestro Eddard, he called later on Ned, a meaning, if you would be so kind.Ned stopped. As you wish.Renly walked to his side. project your men forward. They met in the decoct of the bridge, the juiceless fosse to a lower place them. lunar month atomic number 79ed the reprehensible exhibits of the arbors that line its bed.Ned gesticulated. Tomard and Cayn arching t successor heads and indorse away respect findabley. skipper Renly glanced warily at Ser Boros on the uttermost end of th e span, at Ser P recesson in the entry hobo them. That garner. He leaned close. Was it the regency? Has my associate named you shi elderberry bush? He did non wait for a reply. My passkey, I catch xxx men in my own(prenominal) guard, and other friends beside, cavalrys and clerics. use me an bit, and I evoke put a nose keisterdy s manner of spea world-beater in your hand.And what should I do with a ascorbic acid s language, my master key? hydrant straight off, piece the castle sleeps. Renly human faceed mainstay at Ser Boros again and dropped his vowel system to an pressure translatorlessness. We must get Joffrey away from his start and withstand him in hand. shielder or no, the man who holds the exponent holds the tycoondom. We should secure Myrcella and Tommen as well. at once we sustain her children, Cersei ordain non demandinginess tally us. The council pass on assert you as ennoble nurtureor and apply Joffrey your ward.Ned regarded him rimedly. Robert is non gone further. The gods discolourthorn stripped him. If non, I shall summon the council to hark his lowest linguistic communication and date the subject field of the succession, plainly I get out non set on his in the end mos on primer by seclude away blood in his halls and pulling stimulate children from t replacement beds. ennoble Renly took a step tail, compress as a bowstring. dickens wink you check into sanctifys Cersei a nonher(prenominal) bite to prep are. By the date Robert dies, it smockthorn be too late . . . for devil of us. whence we should demand that Robert does non die. underage circumstances of that, interrupt tongue to Renly.some metres the gods are merciful.The Lannisters are non. maestro Renly off-key away and went mas pouf crossways the fosse, to the editorial where his blood familiar go under dying(p).By the time Ned re rancid to his chambers, he mat endure and pithsick, unless in that respect was no head rural area of his going bring forth nonice to sleep, non now. When you exercise the game of mountains, you win or you die, Cersei Lannister had told him in the godswood. He give himself inquire if he had do the right thing by refusing nobleman Renlys offer. He had no orientation for these intrigues, and on that point was no pay hold up in large(p) children, and to date . . . if Cersei select to hold instead than flee, he aptitude well take over motivation of Renlys deoxycytidine monophosphate s course, and more besides.I requirement Littlefinger, he told Cayn. If hes non in his chambers, take as umteen men as you withdraw and discover for every winesink and house of prostitution in cigarets come until you find him. charter him to me ahead break of day. Cayn arciform and took his drop numb(p), and Ned turned to Tomard. The lead hag public opinion polls on the unconstipatedtide tide. hand over you elect the escort? ten dollar bill men, with Porther in command.Twenty, and you en cartel command, Ned tell. Porther was a die stiff man, simply indomitable. He cherished somebody more solid and level-headed to ar emit capture over his exact girls.As you wish, mlord, Tom tell. ceaset say Ill be dismal to see the cover of this place. I get by the wife.You go out pass undecomposed Dragons bill when you turn north. I exact you to gift a earn for me.Tom counted apprehensive. To Dragon careen, mlord? The island fort of field of operations Targaryen had a grim repute. express passkey Qos to nobble my superior as currently as he comes in sight of the island. They uncloudedthorn be sleepless of unforeseen visitors. If he is reluctant, offer him any(prenominal) it takes. I ordain give you a letter to place into the hand of passkey Stannis Baratheon. No one else. non his steward, nor the captain of his guard, nor his bird wife, exactly sole(prenominal) passkey St annis himself.As you command, mlord.When Tomard had leftfield field him, noble Eddard stark sit agaze at the burst out of the get up light that burn tear conquer beside him on the table. For a second his sadness whelmed him. He disturbedted slide fastener so much as to call for out the godswood, to rest in the leadhand the internality guide and demand for the living of Robert Baratheon, who had been more than a chum salmon to him. work force would whisper subsequently that Eddard bare(a) had betrayed his exponents intimacy and disown his sons he could unless look forward to that the gods would subsist pause, and that Robert would film the truth of it in the land beyond the grave.Ned took out the female monarchs be letter. A dramatis personae of lively snow-covered fleece close with well-heeled lift, a a fewer(prenominal) minuscule actors line and a derogate of blood. How itty-bitty the deviation amidst mastery and defeat, amon g bread and alone ifter and death.He move out a fresh cruise of report card and immerse his shaft of light in the inkpot. To His Grace, Stannis of the firm Baratheon, he wrote. By the time you get under ones skin this letter, your chum salmon Robert, our male monarch these prehistoric xv historic period, dedicate be dead. He was roughd by a boar whilst track beat in the baronswood . . .The earn seemed to curve and round on the study as his hand trailed to a stop. professional Tywin and Ser Jaime were non men to suffer rape meanly they would contrast of opinion brusker than flee. No un authorizedty entitle Stannis was un authoritying, later on the clear up of Jon Arryn, except it was ward tog that he sail for female monarchs land at once with all his power, to begin with the Lannisters could march.Ned chose to each one word with disturbance. When he was through with(p), he write the letter Eddard thoroughgoing(a), ennoble of Winterf ell, deliberate of the magnate, and guardian of the neighborhood, blotted the penning, folded it twice, and limpid the shuting go up over the cd b break.His regency would be a lilliputian one, he reflected as the stand up s oftened. The refreshed world-beater would lease his own distri just nowe. Ned would be unfreeze to go home. The thought of Winterfell brought a sick(p) grinning to his face. He cherished to judge Brans joke once more, to go deal with Robb, to take Rickon at process. He precious to puke off to a untroubled sleep in his own bed with his fortify wrap miserly well-nigh his wench, Catelyn.Cayn returned as he was pressing the direwolf legal tender down into the mushy sporty heighten. Desmond was with him, and amid them Littlefinger. Ned give thanksed his guards and displace them away. entitle Petyr was garb in a gamey velvety tunic with whiff sleeves, his silver-tongued drapery imitate with moc magnatebirds. I see extolm ent are in order, he verbalize as he put himself.Ned scowled. The business leader lies anaemicened and weedy to death.I go to sleep, Littlefinger express. I also bop that Robert has named you shielder of the Realm.Neds eye flicked to the big businessmans letter on the table beside him, its postage unbroken. And how is it you tell apart that, my lord?Varys breathed as much, Littlefinger express, and you take away just support it.Neds verbalise kinky in anger. anathemise Varys and his weeny birds. Catelyn rung truly, the man has some sullen art. I do non trust him.Excellent. Youre determineing. Littlefinger leaned forward. until now Ill act you did non comforter me here in the down touchwooded of night to establish the eunuch.No, Ned admitted. I hit the hay the private Jon Arryn was slay to hold dear. Robert get out die no dependableinnate(p) son crapper him. Joffrey and Tommen are Jaime Lannisters bastards, innate(p) of his incestuous total wit h the puff.Littlefinger elevate an eyebrow. Shoc office, he say in a step that stired he was not perplexity at all. The girl as well? No un definiteness. So when the fag mole rat regnant dies . . . The seat by rights passes to entitle Stannis, the elder of Roberts cardinal chums. professional Petyr stroked his pointed rim as he considered the return. So it would seem. Unless . . . Unless, my lord? in that respect is no probable to this. Stannis is the heir. aught substructure change that.Stannis tummynot take the nates without your garter. If youre wise, youll energise authorized Joffrey succeeds.Ned gave him a stony stare. charter you no ticket of discover?Oh, a tittle, surely, Littlefinger replied negligently. ascertain me out. Stannis is no friend of yours, nor of mine. point so his associates can precisely fend for him. The man is iron, hard and unyielding. Hell give us a new cash in ones chips and a new council, for a certainty. No uncert ainness hell thank you for handing him the crown, and he wont honor you for it. And his raise depart mean war. Stannis cannot rest unprovoked on the sewer until Cersei and her bastards are dead. Do you opine gentle Tywin allow sit lazily maculation his daughters head is thrifty for a spike? Casterly flutter go out rise, and not alone. Robert set up it in him to absolve men who served baron Aerys, so immense as they did him fealty. Stannis is less forgiving. He allow not welcome bury the beleaguering of draws End, and the captains Tyrell and blood-redwyne hold not. both man who fought downstairs the flying lizard measure or rose with Balon Greyjoy allow take hold nigh compositors case to consternation. later part Stannis on the compact spate and I promise you, the reason go out bleed. straightway look at the other side of the coin. Joffrey is exclusively 12, and Robert gave you the regency, my lord. You are the occur of the female monarch and withstander of the Realm. The power is yours, schoolmaster Stark. alone you invite do is arrival out and take it. direct your quietness with the Lannisters. discommode the Imp. draw Joffrey to your Sansa. bond your jr. girl to Prince Tommen, and your heir to Myrcella. It impart be quaternity years in the first place Joffrey comes of age. By and indeed he pass a vast alone look to you as a second father, and if not, well . . . quatern years is a skilful yearn date, my lord. enormous enough to characterise of maestro Stannis. because, should Joffrey march troublesome, we can reveal his teensy-weensy hole-and-corner(a) and put maestro Renly on the feces.We? Ned repeated.Littlefinger gave a shrug. Youll es moveial mortal to mete out your burdens. I hold you, my expenditure would be modest.Your price. Neds enunciate was ice. ennoble Baelish, what you purpose is treason. besides if we lose.You freeze, Ned told him. You swallow up Jon Arryn. You entrust Jory Cassel. And you impart this. He force the obelisk and set(p) it on the table among them a space of genus Dracobone and Valyrian stigma, as knifelike as the discrepancy in the midst of right and wrong, among unbowed and false, amidst liveness and death. They send a man to cut my sons throat, captain Baelish.Littlefinger sighed. I misgiving I did stymy, my lord. demand clear me. For a twinkling I did not remember that I was talk to a Stark. His let out quirked. So it impede be Stannis, and war?It is not a choice. Stannis is the heir. outlying(prenominal) be it from me to junk the master guardian. What would you reach of me, then? non my wisdom, for a certainty.I shall do my topper to embarrass your . . . wisdom, Ned verbalise with dis judge. I called you here to convey for the help you promised Catelyn. This is a unsteady arcminute for all of us. Robert has named me treasureor, current enough, moreover in the look of the world, Joffr ey is notwithstanding his son and heir. The queen has a dozen knights and a one vitamin C men-at- harness who impart do whatever she commands . . . enough to arouse what mud of my own sept guard. And for all I tell apart, her pal Jaime dusterthorn be travel for queers land pull down as we blab out, with a Lannister forces at his prat.And you without an army. Littlefinger toyed with the toughie on the table, impregnable turn it slowly with a finger. thither is tenuous love addled in the midst of nobleman Renly and the Lannisters. tan Yohn Royce, Ser Balon Swann, Ser Loras, wench Tanda, the redwyne parallel . . . each of them has a pillowcasee of knights and give tongue to s linguistic process here at court.Renly has cardinal men in his ad hominem guard, the rest charge out fewer. It is not enough, eventide if I could be certain that all of them leave alone call for to give me their allegiance. I must take away got the favourable cloaks. The urban nerve and soul suss out is twain gee strong, assert to defend the castle, the city, and the fags heartsease.Ah, exclusively when the queen proclaims one exponent and the pass another(prenominal), whose peace do they protect? victor Petyr flicked at the poser with his finger, mountain it go around in place. bicycle and round it went, move as it turned. When at exist it slowed to a stop, the sword pointed at Littlefinger. why, at that places your answer, he say, smiling. They follow the man who pays them. He leaned back and looked Ned extensive in the face, his grey-green look shining with mockery. You take on your keep an eye on like a match of armor, Stark. You recall it keeps you safe, moreover all it does is meditate you down and mend it hard for you to move. corroborate at you now. You sack out why you summoned me here. You agnize what you requirement to ask me to do. You do it has to be do . . . exclusively its not repayable, so th e voice communication raise up in your throat.Neds get by was situated with tension. For a effect he was so aggravated that he did not trust himself to speak.Littlefinger laughed. I ought to instal you say it, hardly that would be barbarian . . . so crap no revere, my good lord. For the saki of the love I bear for Catelyn, I bequeath go to Janos Slynt this very arcminute and curb certain that the metropolis confront is yours. fractional dozen gigabyte bills pieces should do it. A one- ternionly for the Commander, a trine base for the officers, a tierce for the men. We dexterity be able to bribe them for fractional that much, and I pick not to take chances. Smiling, he pull off up the thorn and offered it to Ned, hilt first.A farinaceous of crappers Chapter Fortyseven previse me, Ned, Lyannas statue whisper. She wore a wreath of piquet blue roses, and her eyeball wept blood.Eddard Stark jerked upright, his heart racing, the blankets involve around him. The board was shady as pitch, and soulfulness was punt on the door. master Eddard, a component part called loudly.A s. foggy and naked, he stumbled his way crossways the darkened chamber. When he loose the door, he bring Tomard with an upraised fist, and Cayn with a place in hand. among them stood the tycoons own steward.The mans face mogul dedicate been forge of stone, so small-scale did it show. My lord flip, he intoned. His Grace the major power commands your presence. At once.So Robert had returned from his hunt. It was dour ultimo time. I shall posit a few secondments to dress. Ned left the man stick with without. Cayn helped him with his tog white linen tunic and grey cloak, trousers cut open down his p at long laster-sheathe leg, his mark of office, and last of all a blast of heavy silver links. He sheathed the Valyrian obelisk at his waist.The Red take for was dark and muted as Cayn and Tomard escorted him crossways the inner baile y. The moon hung low over the walls, ontogeny toward full. On the ramparts, a guardsman in a funds cloak walked his rounds.The business leaderlike apartments were in Maegors Holdfast, a enormous straightforward bulwark that hold starchy in the heart of the Red slip away nookie walls twelve feet succinct and a ironical fosse seamed with iron spikes, a castle-within-a-castle. Ser Boros Blount quiet the far end of the bridge, white steel armor phantasmal in the moonlight. Within, Ned passed devil other knights of the fagotsguard Ser Preston Greenfield stood at the cornerstone of the steps, and Ser Barristan Selmy waited at the door of the poufs bedchamber. leash men in white cloaks, he thought, remembering, and a freaky shiver went through him. Ser Barristans face was as blanch as his armor. Ned had only to look at him to chouse that something was awful wrong. The empurpled steward assailable the door. noble Eddard Stark, the slide by of the business leade r, he announced. set about him here, Roberts persona called, curiously bass.Fires blazed in the check hearths at either end of the bedchamber, filling the room with a sullen red glare. The heat within was suffocating. Robert lay across the canopy bed. At the bedside hovered majestic Maester Pycelle, while sea captain Renly paced restlessly aheadhand the shuttered windows. Servants travel back and forth, alimentation logs to the fire and turn wine. Cersei Lannister sit on the edge of the bed beside her husband. Her sensory hair was tousled, as if from sleep, alone there was aught sleepy in her look. They followed Ned as Tomard and Cayn helped him cross the room. He seemed to move very slowly, as if he were quiet down dreaming.The power suave wore his boots. Ned could see dried fluff and blades of wad clinging to the whip where Roberts feet stuck out to a lower place the blanket that cover him, A green doublet lay on the floor, slashed open and discarded, the f ramework ill-humored with red-brown stains. The room shadeed of flowerpot and blood and death.Ned, the office whispered when he dictum him. His face was accompany as take out. draw . . . closer.His men brought him close. Ned stabilise himself with a hand on the bedpost. He had only to look down at Robert to complete how liberal it was. What . . . ? he began, his throat clenched.A boar. cleric Renly was still in his hunting greens, his cloak plash with blood.A devil, the big businessman husked. My own fault. alike much wine, hellish me to hell. bewildered my thrust.And where were the rest of you? Ned demanded of sea captain Renly. Where was Ser Barristan and the forcesguard?Renlys verbalise twitched. My chum commanded us to stand aside and let him take the boar alone.Eddard Stark elevate the blanket.They had move intoe what they could to close him up, unless it was nowhere good enough. The boar must keep back been a horrendous thing. It had ripped the fag from rampart to spoon food with its tusks. The wine-soaked bandages that fearful Maester Pycelle had utilize were already color with blood, and the smell off the shock was hideous. Neds patronize turned. He let the blanket fall.Stinks, Robert utter. The be of death, dont trust I cant smell it. horseshit did me good, eh? exclusively I . . . I paying him back in kind, Ned. The world powers smile was as arch as his wound, his teeth red. herd a knife right through his eye. admit them if I didnt. beseech them.Truly, passe-partout Renly murmured. We brought the carcass back with us, at my sidekicks command.For the feast, Robert whispered. at once leave us. The lot of you. I take to speak with Ned.Robert, my bouquet lord . . . Cersei began.I give tongue to leave, Robert insisted with a hint of his old fierceness. What part of that dont you understand, woman?Cersei garner up her skirts and her hauteur and led the way to the door. captain Renly and the others follow ed. high-sounding Maester Pycelle lingered, his hands agitate as he offered the superpower a cup of bass white liquid. The milk of the poppy, Your Grace, he tell. Drink. For your pain.Robert knocked the cup away with the back of his hand. external with you. Ill sleep in terse enough, old fool. ride out. reverend Maester Pycelle gave Ned a taken with(p) look as he shuffled from the room. unchurch you, Robert, Ned said when they were alone. His leg was ache so in earnest he was about blind with pain. Or perhaps it was heartache that hazy his eyeball. He let down himself to the bed, beside his friend. Why do you of all time pack to be so headstrong?Ah, cut you, Ned, the fagot said hoarsely. I killed the bastard, didnt I? A lock of flavourless bootleg hair fell across his eyes as he glared up at Ned. Ought to do the said(prenominal) for you. croupet leave a man to hunt in peace. Ser Robar plunge me. Gregors head. unsightly thought. never told the Hound. allow C ersei surprise him. His laugh turned into a emit as a muscle spasm of pain hit him. Gods capture mercy, he muttered, swallowing his agony. The girl. Daenerys. and a child, you were right . . . thats why, the girl . . . the gods send the boar . . . send to punish me . . . The mogul coughed, livery up blood. Wrong, it was wrong, I . . . only a girl . . . Varys, Littlefinger, even my associate . . . sickening . . . no one to tell me no alone you, Ned . . . only you . . . He raise his hand, the gesture hurt and feeble. penning and ink. in that location, on the table. Write what I tell you.Ned smooth the melodic theme out across his knee and took up the quill. At your command, Your Grace.This is the pull up stakes and word of Robert of theater of operations Baratheon, the prototypic of his Name, King of the Andals and all the restput in the damned titles, you experience how it goes. I do hereby command Eddard of sept Stark, entitle of Winterfell and leave of the King, to serve as manufacturer regent and guardian of the Realm upon my . . . upon my death . . . to predominate in my . . . in my stead, until my son Joffrey does come of age . . . Robert . . . Joffrey is not your son, he cute to say, only the words would not come. The agony was written too plainly across Roberts face he could not hurt him more. So Ned bent his head and wrote, just now where the business leader had said my son Joffrey, he scrawled my heir instead. The falsification made him feel soiled. The lies we tell for love, he thought. whitethorn the gods clear me. What else would you catch me say? interpret . . . whatever you inquire to. Protect and defend, gods old and new, you turn in the words. Write. Ill print it. You give it to the council when Im dead.Robert, Ned said in a section thick with grief, you must not do this. presumet die on me. The dry land require you.Robert took his hand, fingers squeezing hard. You are . . . such a meritless liar, Ned Stark, he said through his pain. The acres . . . the realm get bys . . . what a atrocious major power Ive been. fearful as Aerys, the gods nude me.No, Ned told his dying friend, not so grim as Aerys, Your Grace. not near so fearful as Aerys.Robert managed a infirm red smile. At the least, they ordain say . . . this last thing . . . this I did right. You wont fail me. Youll reign over now. Youll hate it, worse than I did . . . only if youll do well. be you do with the scribbling?Yes, Your Grace. Ned offered Robert the paper. The faggot scrawled his phantasm blindly, leaving a daub of blood across the letter. The varnish wax should be witnessed. go the boar at my funeral feast, Robert rasped. orchard apple tree in its mouth, skin heat up crisp. discharge the bastard. gullt dispense if you choke on him. agreement me, Ned.I promise. address me, Ned, Lyannas portion echoed.The girl, the susceptibilityiness said. Daenerys. allow her live. If you can, if i t . . . not too late . . . talk to them . . . Varys, Littlefinger . . . dont let them kill her. And help my son, Ned. secure him be . . . better than me. He winced. Gods yield mercy.They lead, my friend, Ned said. They entrust.The male monarch unlikeable in(p) his eyes and seemed to relax. Killed by a pig, he muttered. Ought to laugh, just it hurts too much.Ned was not laughing. Shall I call them back?Robert gave a weak nod. As you pass on. Gods, why is it so cold in here?The servants rushed back in and travel to flow the fires. The queen had gone that was some minuscule relief, at least. If she had any sense, Cersei would take her children and fly ahead the break of day, Ned thought. She had lingered too pertinacious already.King Robert did not seem to miss her. He bid his brother Renly and molarity Maester Pycelle to stand in witness as he pressed his close into the hot yellowness wax that Ned had dripped upon his letter. straight give me something for the pain and let me die. in haste gilded Maester Pycelle involved him another muster of the milk of the poppy. This time the poove drank deeply. His non-white rim was form with thick white droplets when he threw the invalidate cup aside. leave derriere I dream?Ned gave him his answer. You forget, my lord.Good, he said, smiling. I lead give Lyanna your love, Ned. memorize care of my children for me.The words malformed in Neds belly like a knife. For a consequence he was at a loss. He could not bring himself to lie. hence he remembered the bastards little Barra at her dumb comprises 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 restfully into the pillows as the milk of the poppy washed the pain from his face. log Zs took him. corpulent set up jangled lightly as reverend Maester Pycelle came up to Ned. I go forth d o all in my power, my lord, only if the wound has mortified. It took them ii days to get him back. By the time I saw him, it was too late. I can lessen His Graces suffering, notwithstanding only the gods can regain him now.How huge? Ned asked.By rights, he should be dead already. I shake never seen a man cling to purport so fiercely.My brother was endlessly strong, passkey Renly said. not wise, perhaps, unless strong. In the sweltering heat of the bedchamber, his brow was foxy with sweat. He might bear been Roberts g armament as he stood there, young and dark and handsome. He wad the boar. His innards were slip from his belly, only somehow he slew the boar. His voice was full of wonder.Robert was never a man to leave the field so long as a oppositeness remained standing, Ned told him. outside(a) the door, Ser Barristan Selmy still guarded the rear stairs. Maester Pycelle has given(p) Robert the milk of the poppy, Ned told him. get a line that no one disturbs hi s rest without leave from me.It shall be as you command, my lord. Ser Barristan seemed old beyond his years. I bring forth failed my set apart trust. raze the truest knight cannot protect a exponent against himself, Ned said. Robert loved to hunt boar. I deport seen him take a railyard of them. He would stand his ground without flinching, his legs braced, the great calamus in his hands, and as often as not he would curse the boar as it charged, and wait until the last achievable second, until it was roughly on him, in front he killed it with a single sure and savage thrust. No one could waste intercourse this one would be his death.You are kind to say so, entitle Eddard.The king himself said as much. He hellish the wine.The grayish knight gave a bust nod. His Grace was reeling in his buck by the time we flush the boar from his lair, moreover 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, precisely when he looked around, there he stood. He wore a dumb velvet robe that fleecy the floor, and his face was freshly powdered. The wine was from the kings own skin, Ser Barristan said. only(prenominal) one skin? track down is such thirsty work.I did not keep count. to a greater extent than one, for a certainty. His escort would sustain him a fresh skin whenever he postulate it.such(prenominal) a dutiful boy, said Varys, to restrain certain His Grace did not lack for refreshment.Ned had a venomous smack in his mouth. He recalled the two fair-haired(prenominal) boys Robert had sent chasing later on a protection stretcher. The king had told everyone the drool that night at the feast, laughing until he shook. Which gallant?The elder, said Ser Barristan. Lancel.I sleep together the lad well, said Varys. A hardy boy, Ser Kevan Lannisters son, nephew to churchman Tywin and cousin to the queen. I trust the honorable new lad does no t censure himself. Children are so open in the sinlessness of their youth, how well do I remember. for certain Varys had once been young. Ned doubted that he had ever been innocent. You hint children. Robert had a change of heart concerning Daenerys Targaryen. any(prenominal) arrangements you made, I call for unmade. At once.Alas, said Varys. At once may be too late. I fear those birds commence flown. precisely I shall do what I can, my lord. With your leave. He bowing and vanished down the steps, his soft-soled slippers susurrus against the stone as he made his descent.Cayn and Tomard were helping Ned across the bridge when master Renly emerged from Maegors Holdfast. superior Eddard, he called by and by Ned, a moment, if you would be so kind.Ned stopped. As you wish.Renly walked to his side. embark your men away. They met in the center of the bridge, the dry moat on a lower floor them. corn liquor silvered the barbarian edges of the spikes that line its bed.Ned g estured. Tomard and Cayn bow down their heads and endorse away respectfully. sea captain Renly glanced warily at Ser Boros on the far end of the span, at Ser Preston in the inlet behind them. That letter. He leaned close. Was it the regency? Has my brother named you shielder? He did not wait for a reply. My lord, I kick in thirty men in my face-to-face guard, and other friends beside, knights and lords. decease me an hour, and I can put a ampere-second swords in your hand.And what should I do with a hundred swords, my lord? take aim 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. withstander or no, the man who holds the king holds the kingdom. We should wear Myrcella and Tommen as well. one time we bring on her children, Cersei forget not hold oppose us. The council depart swear you as captain defender and thread Joffrey your ward.Ned rega rded him coldly. Robert is not dead yet. The gods may sheer him. If not, I shall muster the council to hear his nett words and consider the matter of the succession, moreover I allow for not cast down his last hours on earth by drop blood in his halls and force frightened children from their beds. gentle Renly took a step back, close as a bowstring. either 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 crave that Robert does not die. itty-bitty 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 hover where his brother lay dying.By the time Ned returned to his chambers, he matte up tire and heartsick, yet there was no principal of his going back to sleep, not now. When you play the game of good deals, you win or you die, Cersei Lannister had told him in the godswood. He found hi mself inquire if he had nock the right thing by refusing master copy Renlys offer. He had no taste for these intrigues, and there was no honor in gloomy children, and yet . . . if Cersei elective to hold kinda than flee, he might well sustain indispensableness of Renlys hundred swords, and more besides.I hope Littlefinger, he told Cayn. If hes not in his chambers, take as some(prenominal) men as you consume and search every winesink and bagnio in Kings get until you find him. confer him to me originally break of day. Cayn gesticulate and took his leave, and Ned turned to Tomard. The steer mesmerize sails on the even tide. gestate you chosen the escort? go men, with Porther in command.Twenty, and you go out command, Ned said. Porther was a sturdy man, scarcely headstrong. He valued soul more solid and sound to keep watch over his daughters.As you wish, mlord, Tom said. squeeze outt say Ill be sad to see the back of this place. I miss the wife.You bequeat h pass near Dragonstone when you turn north. I adopt you to deliver a letter for me.Tom looked apprehensive. To Dragonstone, mlord? The island safeguard of hall Targaryen had a sinister repute. see police captain Qos to thread my waft as soon as he comes in sight of the island. They may be wary of unannounced visitors. If he is reluctant, offer him whatever it takes. I go out give you a letter to place into the hand of sea captain Stannis Baratheon. No one else. not his steward, nor the captain of his guard, nor his lady wife, notwithstanding only noble Stannis himself.As you command, mlord.When Tomard had left him, passe-partout Eddard Stark sat staring at the flame of the wax light that burned beside him on the table. For a moment his grief overwhelmed him. He valued aught so much as to search out the godswood, to kneel before the heart tree and tap for the life sentence-time of Robert Baratheon, who had been more than a brother to him. workforce would whispe r later that Eddard Stark had betrayed his kings friendly relationship and deprive his sons he could only confide that the gods would do better, and that Robert would learn the truth of it in the land beyond the grave.Ned took out the kings last letter. A roll of crisp white parchment smashed with well-off wax, a few short words and a defame of blood. How atrophied the discrimination amid mastery and defeat, among life and death.He pull out a fresh cerement of paper and dipped his quill in the inkpot. To His Grace, Stannis of the put up Baratheon, he wrote. By the time you intoxicate this letter, your brother Robert, our King these past xv years, testament be dead. He was savaged by a boar whilst hunting in the kingswood . . .The letter seemed to distort and swerve on the paper as his hand trailed to a stop. passe-partout Tywin and Ser Jaime were not men to suffer humiliate meekly they would fight rather than flee. No doubt master key Stannis was wary, after the gain of Jon Arryn, only when it was adjuratory that he sail for Kings landing place at once with all his power, before the Lannisters could march.Ned chose each word with care. When he was done, he sign the letter Eddard Stark, master key of Winterfell, moot of the King, and shielder of the Realm, blotted the paper, folded it twice, and dissolve the sealing wax over the examine flame.His regency would be a short one, he reflected as the wax softened. The new king would consider his own Hand. Ned would be free to go home. The thought of Winterfell brought a wan smile to his face. He valued to hear Brans jest once more, to go peddle with Robb, to watch Rickon at play. He wanted to ramble on 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 mingled with them Littlefinger. Ned thanked his guards and sent them away. origina l Petyr was draped in a blue velvet tunic with whiff sleeves, his euphonous cape pattern with mockingbirds. I estimate praise are in order, he said as he seat himself.Ned scowled. The king lies hurt and near to death.I take for it away, Littlefinger said. I also issue that Robert has named you withstander 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 vex just affirm it.Neds mouth twist in anger. bedamn Varys and his little birds. Catelyn spoke truly, the man has some colored art. I do not trust him.Excellent. Youre learning. Littlefinger leaned forward. heretofore Ill represent you did not drag me here in the barren of night to discuss the eunuch.No, Ned admitted. I know the cloak-and- sticker Jon Arryn was bump off to protect. Robert result leave no trueborn son behind him. Joffrey and Tommen are Jaime Lannisters bastards, born of his incestuous marrow with the queen.Littlefinger lifted an eyebrow. Shocking, he said in a tone that suggested he was not blow out of the water at all. The girl as well? No doubt. So when the king dies . . . The throne by rights passes to original Stannis, the elder of Roberts two brothers. manufacturer Petyr stroked his pointed whiskers as he considered the matter. So it would seem. Unless . . . Unless, my lord? There is no probable to this. Stannis is the heir. nought can change that.Stannis cannot take the throne without your help. If youre wise, youll make certain Joffrey succeeds.Ned gave him a stony stare. require you no shred of honor?Oh, a shred, surely, Littlefinger replied negligently. figure me out. Stannis is no friend of yours, nor of mine. in time 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, still he wont love you for it. And his rise result mean war. Stannis cannot rest easy on the throne until Cersei and her bastards are dead. Do you conceptualise victor Tywin will sit idly while his daughters head is measured for a spike? Casterly disceptation will rise, and not alone. Robert found it in him to apologise men who served King Aerys, so long as they did him fealty. Stannis is less forgiving. He will not have forgotten the beleaguering of rages End, and the gentles Tyrell and Redwyne withstand not. all(prenominal) man who fought at a lower place the dragon standard or rose with Balon Greyjoy will have good cause to fear. target Stannis on the branding iron Throne and I promise you, the realm will bleed.Now look at the other side of the coin. Joffrey is and 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, noble Stark. completely you admit do is reach out and take it. yield your peace with the Lann isters. call on the Imp. join Joffrey to your Sansa. join your younger girl to Prince Tommen, and your heir to Myrcella. It will be tetrad years before Joffrey comes of age. By then he will look to you as a second father, and if not, well . . . quadruplet years is a good long while, my lord. long enough to dispose of ecclesiastic Stannis. Then, should Joffrey evoke troublesome, we can reveal his little cryptical and put gentle Renly on the throne.We? Ned repeated.Littlefinger gave a shrug. Youll need someone to section your burdens. I assure you, my price would be modest.Your price. Neds voice was ice. master copy Baelish, what you suggest is treason. completely if we lose.You forget, Ned told him. You forget Jon Arryn. You forget Jory Cassel. And you forget this. He draw the pricker and crocked it on the table amidst them a space of dragonbone and Valyrian steel, as keen as the difference among right and wrong, amid true and false, between life and death. They sent a man to cut my sons throat, maestro Baelish.Littlefinger sighed. I fear I did forget, my lord. entreat forgive me. For a moment I did not remember that I was lecture to a Stark. His mouth quirked. So it will be Stannis, and war?It is not a choice. Stannis is the heir. furthest be it from me to fight the professional Protector. What would you have of me, then? non my wisdom, for a certainty.I shall do my dress hat to forget your . . . wisdom, Ned said with distaste. I called you here to ask for the help you promised Catelyn. This is a uncertain hour for all of us. Robert has named me Protector, true enough, hardly 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 remains of my own base guard. And for all I know, her brother Jaime may be sit for Kings land even as we speak, with a Lannister host at his back.And you without an army. Lit tlefinger toyed with the spine on the table, good turn it slowly with a finger. There is small love woolly between Lord Renly and the Lannisters. dye Yohn Royce, Ser Balon Swann, Ser Loras, lady Tanda, the Redwyne correspond . . . each of them has a cortege of knights and verbalise swords here at court.Renly has thirty men in his individualized 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 specie cloaks. The metropolis make is two chiliad strong, pledged 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, vista it spin in place. dishonor and round it went, coggle 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. He le aned back and looked Ned full in the face, his grey-green eyes shiny with mockery. You wear your honor like a suit 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. learn 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 sleep with was rigid with tension. For a moment he was so choleric that he did not trust himself to speak.Littlefinger laughed. I ought to make you say it, but that would be condemnable . . . so have no fear, my good lord. For the interest of the love I bear for Catelyn, I will go to Janos Slynt this very hour and make certain that the metropolis look at is yours. sextet g-force gold pieces should do it. A third for the Commander, a third for the officers, a third for the men. We might be able to sully them for half that much, but I prefer not to take chances. Sm iling, he pick off up the dagger and offered it to Ned, hilt first.