Game of Thrones: The Wolf of Deepwood Motte

King's Landing.

Along the long stone street, the thunder of hooves echoed violently.

Jaime Lannister, leading nearly a hundred Lannister guards, blocked Ned Stark's path directly.

Jory Cassel, standing beside Ned, instantly drew the longsword at his waist and stepped forward to shield his lord.

His expression was grave as he shouted coldly, "Form ranks! Prepare yourselves!"

In an instant, Stark guards hidden among the surrounding streets and alleys emerged simultaneously, quickly forming a tight protective circle around Ned Stark.

Jaime raised an eyebrow and sneered mockingly.

"Oh? Our honorable Hand truly fears death, bringing so many guards with him merely to walk the streets."

Ned stared coldly at Jaime atop his horse and demanded sternly, "Kingslayer, what is the meaning of this?"

"Leading armed men to obstruct the Hand of the King without royal command is tantamount to treason. As a sworn Kingsguard, you should understand that clearly!"

Jaime merely shrugged lazily.

"You misunderstand, Lord Stark."

"I only wish to ask a few questions."

His eyes fixed sharply upon Ned.

"Where has your lady taken my missing brother?"

"And whose orders was she following?"

Ned's heart tightened instantly.

He never expected Catelyn to act first.

"Does Catelyn even understand what she's done?"

Shock and frustration surged through him.

After uncovering the truth that Cersei's children were not Robert's blood, Ned had already decided to reveal everything directly to Robert once the King returned from hunting.

He intended for Robert himself to punish the Lannisters in the name of royal justice.

Unfortunately, ever since the tourney ended, Robert had remained away hunting and had not yet returned to King's Landing.

Now Catelyn's seizure of Tyrion would undoubtedly alarm Tywin Lannister prematurely and complicate everything.

"Catelyn…"

"What exactly happened there?"

Ned's dark eyes shifted slightly, but despite his surprise, he immediately chose to shoulder responsibility for Catelyn's actions.

He stared directly at Jaime and replied coldly, "Everything my lady did was under my instruction."

"Kingslayer, do you truly believe denying it will erase the fact that you attempted to murder my son?"

Jaime's lips curled into a cold smile.

"Hmph. Good."

"At least you admit it."

He completely ignored Ned's accusation.

With a sharp metallic sound, Jaime suddenly drew the longsword from his waist.

At the same moment, the surrounding Lannister guards reacted instantly, raising their weapons toward the Stark men.

The Stark guards likewise showed no weakness and simultaneously raised swords and spears in preparation for battle.

The two forces faced one another directly as tension instantly filled the street.

The common folk who had gathered nearby hurriedly fled back into their homes in panic.

Yet the people of King's Landing were naturally drawn to blood and chaos.

One after another, they peeked through windows and doorways with excited expressions, eager to witness either the Hand of the King or a Kingsguard bleed upon the streets.

Just as both sides were on the verge of losing control, a voice suddenly rang out from farther down the street, breaking the deadlock.

"Lord Hand!"

"There is an urgent petition from the smallfolk at the Red Keep!"

Hullen Mooton carefully stepped between the opposing groups while nervously avoiding the blades and horses around him.

His face was pale as he repeated tremblingly, "Lord Hand, please hurry to the Red Keep. The royal ministers are waiting for you."

Ned glanced toward the attendant and immediately recognized him as the servant boy he had helped half a month earlier.

He nodded slightly toward Hullen before turning back toward Jaime.

"Kingslayer."

"I will tell you this one final time."

"Move aside."

Seeing the attendant arrive with official business from the Red Keep, Jaime's expression shifted darkly.

He knew he would not be able to vent his anger today.

Jaime glared coldly toward the Stark men.

"If anything happens to my brother, House Stark will repay that debt in blood."

After leaving behind the harsh threat, Jaime abruptly turned his horse around and galloped away from the city streets.

Tywin's orders had already reached him.

Now he intended to rendezvous with the Westerlands forces gathering under his father's command.

The Lannister guards quickly followed after him, disappearing from the street soon afterward.

Ned silently watched Jaime ride away before sighing inwardly.

"Winter is coming."

"It seems I must prepare sooner than expected."

He beckoned Jory Cassel over.

After carefully confirming the Lannister soldiers had truly departed, Jory approached quickly.

"My Lord?"

Ned nodded and instructed him immediately.

"Send fifty men to guard the Tower of the Hand."

"Protect Arya and Rickon carefully and do not allow either of them to leave the tower under any circumstances."

Jory understood at once.

"Yes, My Lord."

Ned frowned thoughtfully for another moment before continuing.

"Also send someone to find Lord Baelish."

"Tell him I wish to meet him later."

Jory nodded before quickly departing to carry out the orders.

Meanwhile, Ned gazed northward uneasily before heading toward the Red Keep with Hullen Mooton under heavy guard.

At the same time, elsewhere within King's Landing, Petyr Baelish was equally occupied.

Inside a luxurious residence upon Aegon's High Hill, Littlefinger sat laughing and drinking with Janos Slynt, Commander of the City Watch.

The atmosphere between them appeared exceptionally harmonious.

Seeing Littlefinger's wine cup empty once again, Janos chuckled warmly and personally refilled it with Arbor gold.

After setting the bottle down, Janos returned to his seat and asked curiously, "Lord Baelish, I recently heard that the Hand intends to reorganize the Gold Cloaks?"

Littlefinger nodded with a smile.

"Indeed."

"The Lord Hand heard rumors that corruption within the City Watch has become severe and intends to investigate the matter."

Janos's heart skipped a beat.

"How exactly does the Hand plan to investigate?"

Littlefinger raised his cup meaningfully.

"He intends to place the investigation in my hands."

The tension inside Janos instantly relaxed.

He burst into laughter.

"Haha, then there's nothing to worry about."

"After all, we're allies."

Over the years, Janos naturally kept part of the bribes collected by the Gold Cloaks for himself.

Another portion flowed through Littlefinger into the royal treasury.

And of course, Littlefinger also kept his own share along the way.

After all, if Littlefinger did not profit, how would the King profit?

And without royal profit, how could Janos have remained Commander of the City Watch for so many years?

Without protection from the crown, Jon Arryn would have removed him long ago.

Littlefinger naturally understood Janos's thoughts completely.

"To truly make Janos obey me, I still need to use Ned Stark's reputation to frighten him properly."

"Otherwise he won't completely submit."

Littlefinger's thoughts moved rapidly as the smile gradually faded from his face.

"My dear Lord Janos, you remain far too optimistic."

"The situation in King's Landing has changed."

"Everyone is beginning to take things seriously now."

Janos looked puzzled.

"Serious?"

"Baelish, are you truly planning to uncover something?"

Littlefinger sighed heavily.

"You misunderstand."

"It's not what I wish to uncover."

"It's what the Lord Hand wishes to uncover."

He took another sip of wine before slowly continuing.

"You understand the current situation in King's Landing better than most."

"The two thousand Gold Cloaks under your command have become a prize everyone desires."

"Every faction wishes to control them."

"And naturally, the Lord Hand is no exception."

Hearing this, anger immediately appeared across Janos's face.

"So Stark intends to remove me and install one of his own men as Commander?"

Littlefinger nodded slowly.

Bang!

Janos slammed the table furiously.

"Lord Baelish, others may not understand me, but surely you do!"

"I've served diligently all these years without complaint."

"During the tourney, wherever the Hand ordered me to go, I obeyed immediately."

"Yes, perhaps I accepted some small bribes."

"But that money never belonged to me alone."

Littlefinger smiled faintly.

"Of course I know exactly where the money goes."

"But does the Lord Hand know that?"

He paused meaningfully.

"Lord Janos, you should know very well what kind of man Ned Stark is."

Janos's expression stiffened.

After spending so many days observing Ned in King's Landing, he already understood that the new Hand was even more rigid and uncompromising than Jon Arryn had been.

"But even so…"

He suddenly stopped speaking midway through the sentence.

Then, after noticing Littlefinger's expression, realization dawned upon him.

"Lord Baelish…"

"You already have a solution, don't you?"

Littlefinger chuckled softly.

"Indeed I do."

"It simply depends on whether you are willing to listen."

Janos immediately stood and promised, "Lord Baelish, just give the order and I will obey without hesitation."

But Littlefinger's next words instantly startled him.

"Even if I ask you to mobilize the Gold Cloaks under my command?"

Janos's expression changed dramatically as he instinctively lowered his voice.

"What exactly are you implying?"

Littlefinger merely leaned closer and whispered calmly.

"The situation in King's Landing has reached the point where everyone must choose a side."

"If your gamble succeeds, not only will you avoid danger, but you may even rise to greater power and wealth."

"But if you lose…"

"Death may be the least severe consequence."

"It could even drag your entire family down with you."

"Lord Janos, you should think carefully."

Janos instantly understood the implication.

Thinking about the growing conflict between the Hand and the Queen, he cautiously asked, "Lord Baelish… whose side are you on?"

Littlefinger only smiled mysteriously without answering.

Janos's eyes shifted repeatedly.

Over the years, Littlefinger had never once led him into disaster.

After thinking carefully, Janos finally smiled.

"We are partners."

"Of course we advance and retreat together."

Littlefinger's heart leaped with satisfaction.

He lifted his wine cup and stood.

"Then it's settled?"

Janos hurriedly stood as well and clinked his cup lightly against Littlefinger's.

"It's settled."

The two exchanged meaningful smiles before draining their cups completely.

Meanwhile, inside the throne room of the Red Keep, Ned Stark sat high upon the Iron Throne.

Royal ministers stood on both sides while kneeling villagers filled the hall below.

The peasants were dressed in ragged clothing and claimed their village in the Westerlands had been massacred by Ser Gregor Clegane and his men.

According to them, even women and children had not been spared.

Thus they had traveled all the way to King's Landing seeking royal justice.

With the King absent, all authority naturally rested in the hands of the Hand of the King.

Ned listened quietly before rising from the Iron Throne.

"In the name of Robert of House 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…"

"I, Eddard Stark of Winterfell, Hand of the King, hereby command you to bear the King's banner and cross the Red Fork of the Trident with all haste into the Westerlands."

"In accordance with the laws of the realm, you shall bring the false knight Gregor Clegane and all those aiding him to justice."

Ned's gaze swept throughout the throne room.

"I hereby strip Gregor Clegane of all lands, titles, incomes, and holdings."

"And I sentence him to death."

"May the gods have mercy upon his soul."

As Ned's declaration echoed through the hall, the royal ministers immediately began carrying out the necessary orders.

"Today's petitions are concluded."

"Provide these villagers food and rest before sending them safely home."

Ned descended from the Iron Throne as attendants hurried inside to escort the villagers away.

Among them, Ned noticed Hullen Mooton once again.

A thought crossed his mind immediately.

"Ser Hullen."

"I need you to report today's events directly to the King."

Hullen was startled before quickly nodding with excitement.

"Yes, Lord Hand. I will depart immediately."

The gathered ministers glanced briefly toward Hullen but none voiced objection.

Ned then turned toward Varys, who was organizing documents nearby.

"Lord Varys, I must borrow paper and a quill for a moment."

Varys's eyes flickered faintly as if understanding something immediately.

"Of course, Lord Hand."

"Please take your time."

Ned nodded before writing several lines quickly upon a parchment.

After sealing it carefully with the Hand's seal, he summoned one of his guards.

Whispering several instructions, he handed the sealed letter over.

The guard glanced toward the name written upon it and instinctively swallowed nervously.

He carefully tucked the letter into his clothing before departing immediately.

Ned stared quietly at the Iron Throne for a final moment before walking out of the hall.

An hour later, Ned's figure appeared within the Godswood of the Red Keep.

And not long after his arrival, another figure entered quietly.

Queen Cersei Lannister.

Elegant, beautiful, and proud as ever.

Ned, seated upon the grass beneath the trees, turned his head toward her with complicated eyes.

"Why summon me here?"

Cersei asked coldly.

"So that the gods themselves may witness what is said."

Ned answered quietly.

Cersei's lips twitched slightly, seemingly prepared to mock his sense of honor.

But Ned spoke first.

"I know how Jon Arryn died."

He slowly rose to his feet and stared directly at her.

"Oh?"

"Do you?"

Cersei's face remained perfectly calm.

"Lord Stark, did you summon me merely for this?"

"Or perhaps you intend to kidnap another Lannister like your lady did?"

Ned ignored the sarcasm.

"If you truly feared that possibility, you would never have come."

He paused before continuing coldly.

"And I know about you and Jaime."

For the first time, Cersei showed no attempt at denial.

"So what if you do?"

"Jaime and I have belonged to each other since childhood."

"For centuries the Targaryens wed brother to sister in order to preserve the purity of their blood."

"Why should Jaime and I be any different?"

Ned did not answer her question directly.

Instead he asked quietly, "My son Bran…"

Cersei answered openly.

"That child was merely an unfortunate casualty."

"In truth, I should thank him."

"If Bran had not spoken suddenly, Jaime and I would never have realized Theon Greyjoy was spying upon us."

Pain appeared within Ned's eyes.

At last, the mystery haunting him had finally been solved completely.

"So Theon…"

"That's right."

"Jaime forced him to push Bran from the tower personally."

Cersei sneered contemptuously.

"That squid was weak and spineless."

"Jaime barely needed to threaten him before he obeyed."

Ned's face tightened.

At last he understood why Jaime had insisted so desperately upon killing Theon afterward.

Not for revenge.

But to eliminate a dangerous witness.

"You love your children."

"And I love mine."

Cersei slowly stepped closer while softly describing the misery of her marriage to Robert.

From her words, Ned learned how Robert had never truly cared for her and merely treated her as a tool for pleasure.

As Cersei reached out as though intending to touch his face, Ned instantly stepped backward.

"Your Grace."

"Please remember yourself."

"I am a man of honor."

Seeing that Ned remained unmoved, Cersei spat angrily.

"To hell with your honor!"

"Do not pretend to be holier than the rest of us."

"You fathered a bastard as well. I have seen him myself."

Ned did not grow angry.

Instead he calmly replied once more.

"At the very least, I do not murder children."

Then his expression hardened.

"Listen carefully, Your Grace."

"I will say this only once."

"When Robert returns, I will tell him everything."

"And before that happens, you must flee."

"Flee?"

True surprise finally appeared in Cersei's eyes.

"Yes."

"Take your children and leave Westeros entirely."

"Sail to the Summer Isles or wherever else you wish, as far away as possible."

"If your father and brother accompany you, all the better."

Ned had delivered his final warning.

Yet Cersei found his words almost absurd.

For a long moment she simply stared at him silently.

Then at last she turned and walked away from the Godswood.

But just before leaving, her cold voice drifted back toward him.

"When you play the game of thrones, you either win…"

"Or you die."

"There is no middle ground."

Ned silently watched her departing figure.

His expression never changed.

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