Chapter 100: The Warrior Prince
The next morning found Winterfell cold and quiet beneath a pale sky.
Artos Stark had gone out for a walk through the castle grounds, hands clasped behind his back, his pace slow and thoughtful. The morning air bit at the face, but he hardly seemed to notice it. He had not gone far before he was joined by Ser Jaime Lannister.
"Kingslayer," Artos said at once, the word dry and without heat.
"Lord Artos' One-Eyed' Stark," Jaime replied just as quickly, his mouth curving into that familiar Lannister smirk. His eyes flicked toward the chain and ring in Artos's hand.
"So it is true, then. The DemonWolf has retired. I never believed it. I thought perhaps we might one day have a duel."
Artos smirked back. "Aye. A pity. Otherwise I might have had the pleasure of smashing your face into the ground for stealing my kill of the Mad King."
Jaime's smirk deepened. "Still angry, Lord Artos? Here I had thought you had grown soft with age. Is this the rage of the Infamous DemonWolf"
Artos gave him a sideways look. "I hope not. If I had been angry, I'd already have broken your jaw for this bullshit."
Without waiting for a reply, he continued walking.
Jaime laughed and fell into step beside him.
He was still not quite certain what to make of Artos Stark. The man had helped shield Jaime from the worst of the shame that should have followed him after Aerys's death, and for that he owed him more than he would ever say aloud. Yet Artos still hated Tywin Lannister to his core, and that alone was enough to keep the two men at a cautious distance. Jaime had learned long ago that half the realm held little love for his father. Artos was only among the more honest of them.
They reached the training grounds just as voices rose ahead.
Prince Joffrey was challenging Robb Stark.
The two men slowed as they watched from a short distance off.
"Did you never teach the prince, your nephew to even Swing a sword properly?" Artos asked Jaime, one brow lifting. "He has no warrior's instinct in him. Even my niece Arya could likely best him. How did Robert allow this?"
Jaime looked mildly embarrassed, though he tried to hide it behind his usual composure.
"His Grace was not particularly interested in such lessons after a incident," he said carefully. "And the queen did not care for the idea of her son being made to do dangerous things unnecessarily."
Artos frowned as Robb disarmed Joffrey with easy control, making sure not to hurt him.
"Does she not understand that Robert is a warrior king?" Artos said. "His whole rule rests on strength. And if Joffrey lacks it, then why is he humiliating himself in front of northern men?"
Joffrey's face was red with anger as he demanded, "I am a prince! I would spar with real steel!"
Ser Rodrik Cassel stood firm. "Not on this ground, Your Grace."
Joffrey lifted his chin. "Robb may be a child. I am a prince, and I grow tired of swatting at Starks with play swords."
Some of the Lannister men laughed.
That stung the Northerners at once. Robb's jaw tightened. Jon's eyes went cold. Bjorn, who had been watching with growing irritation, looked one insult away from trouble.
Before the situation could turn ugly, Artos and Jaime stepped in.
Jaime took the prince .
Artos, meanwhile, turned to the northern side and spoke low enough to keep tempers from flaring further.
There was no point in letting a foolish boy make a scene in front of both houses.
Winterfell had no need of blood spilled over wounded pride.
Once the matter had been calmed, Artos went directly to Ned to continue what had been left unfinished the night before.
The Family Gathering
Not long after, Ned called for the family to gather.
Ser Jory Cassel was sent to bring them together. When the order came, all the Starks and those closest to them assembled in the solar, except for the youngest children, :Little Arty and Sera, who were to remain elsewhere.
Robb, Sansa, Jon, Arya, Bran, Bjorn, Aldric, and Lady Catelyn all came and took their places.
Ned looked over them all, then let out a slow breath.
"We have made certain decisions," he said at last, "and they will affect this family and the duties each of you will carry in the years to come. Artos, explain it."
Artos gave a short nod.
"The King has requested that Lord Eddard Stark serve as Hand of the King," he said. "But we have refused. Instead, I will go south in Ned's place."
That alone brought shock to the room.
Artos did not let them settle before going on.
"Aldric," he said, turning to his son, "you and your sister will go to Braavos. It is time. You will inherit the Valen name and the responsibilities that come with it. You will learn from your grandfather, and you will do your best to maintain our strength there."
Aldric nodded, though there was something heavy in his face. "Father… what of Sera?"
Artos's expression softened at once. "I know. But your grandfather deserves to see more of his family. He has lost too much, and he is not a poor man who should be denied love any longer. Waymar will go with you. He knows Braavos, he has influence there, and he will help and protect you both."
Aldric understood, though it did not make the separation easier.
Artos turned next to Bjorn, Robb, and Jon.
"Bjorn, Robb, and Jon will go to Sea Dragon Point. Bjorn, you will begin learning how to rule there from Robb, and Bert will help with the practical matters. Jon, you will also assist there. You know the castle already."
The three boys nodded.
"Robb," Artos said, "you will learn trade, the Winter Guards, and everything else that comes with Sea Dragon Point. It will make you fit better to rule the North when your time comes. Winterfell is your seat, aye, but you must learn more than stone and banners."
Robb accepted that with a seriousness beyond his years.
Then Artos turned to Jon.
"You will also take up matters at the Wall. We have had letters asking for support, and you will take some of the Winter Guards with you. You know them already. Lord Commander Jeor Mormont is one of the true loyal men who served the Starks once .Treat him with respect and help him where you can."
"Aye, Uncle," Jon said solemnly.
"Good."
Then Artos looked to Bran.
"You will remain at Winterfell with your father. You will learn how to hold a castle, and one day you will hold it in your brother's name."
Bran nodded quickly. "Aye, Uncle."
Then came the matter of Sansa.
"King Robert has offered a marriage between you and Prince Joffrey," Artos said.
Sansa's face lit up at once.
"Did you accept, Father? Uncle? Please say yes."
Artos's heart sank a little, but his face did not show it.
"No," he said.
Sansa's expression faltered. "But why? I love Joffrey. We could have children, and they would be kings and queens of the Seven Kingdoms."
Even Catelyn seemed to stiffen at that. "She could be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms," she said. "Why refuse a match like that?"
This time Ned answered.
"She would be no more than a hostage in King's Landing," he said, his voice hardening. "Joffrey is Tywin Lannister's grandson, and Tywin Lannister hates both me and Artos. The boy may wear a crown, but he is more lion than stag."
Sansa's face crumpled. "I hate you both."
She made to run, but Robb and Catelyn held her before she could go.
Artos's tone softened. "I know you may hate us now, but this is for your safety, Sansa. The King insisted you go to King's Landing for a time, so you will go with me. You will stay there and make your own judgment before any marriage is spoken of again."
Sansa lifted her chin. "I want to marry him."
"Not now," Artos said firmly. "Not before six moons in the capital. Until then, I do not want to hear of it again. Nor does your father."
Sansa finally quieted, though she still looked certain she would have her way in the end.
Then Artos turned to Arya.
"The last is you, little wolf. You will remain here with your father."
"No," Arya snapped at once. Rebeled "I want to go with Robb, Jon, and Bjorn to Sea Dragon Point."
"Arya," Catelyn cried.
Artos and Ned both sighed. She reminded them too much of Lyanna.
Ned gave in first, or at least partly. "No. But you may go with your uncle and sister to King's Landing."
Catelyn stiffened. "Ned, she should remain here."
Artos looked to his brother. "Are you sure? It is not a good place."
Ned's answer came after only a moment. "She will be safe with you. She loves you. Perhaps the journey will help your sisters bond."
Artos nodded once.
And just like that, the decisions were made.
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Damn 100 chapters completed. A achievement for me . My first book to cross it. Thanks for your support. Too many names I want to take but it would be unfair if I forget even one . So collectively Thanking everyone. Genuinely Thanks for your support and blessings.
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