Game of Thrones Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The arrival at King’s Landing had been far less spectacular than what Harry had imagined.  It was actually kind of disgusting.  The smell from the city alone almost had him blowing his cover and creating a bubble head charm just to breathe fresh air.

The city was massive. Harry did have to give it that point, and there were a lot of people in it, but it was the most far from home place he could imagine.  He hoped it wouldn’t last forever here.  Immediately after the arrival Lord Stark had been summoned to a meeting of the small council, and from what Harry heard later it was an entirely unpleasant affair.  Lord Stark said he felt they were all snakes in disguise, and the only person he liked on the council wasn’t there.

Harry also learned there was going to be a tourney held in the man’s honor that he was doing his best to get rid of, but from the sounds of it the King is not going to let the man back down.

The days were long and boring in King’s Landing, and Harry had taken to walking through the streets some days to see the state of the people, and he was not impressed.  Many hungry, many homeless, and a lot of lost hope is what he saw.  What he didn’t expect to see was Lord Stark sneaking away with a woman into a whore house.  Harry shook his head however and told himself it was not his place to judge, and that he came from a different time and a different place.

That night Harry was summoned into Lord Stark’s Chambers with Jory Cassell, and Ned spoke softly, “My wife has arrived in the city.  She came bearing the news that it seems my son was pushed out of the window by Tyrion Lannister.”

Jory looked outraged, and I asked calmly, “Her evidence?”

Ned took a small dagger from out of his pocket and placed it on the table, “This dagger was used in an assassination attempt on my son’s life in Winterfell.  He was saved by his Direwolf, and when Catelyn did some digging on this blade it turns out that it is Lord Petyr Baelish’s blade.”

Harry’s eyes rose at that, but before he could question Ned explained, “Or it was until he lost it in a gamble to Tyrion Lannister.  This blade is Valyrian Steel, very valuable and unmistakable.”

Harry and Jory both stared fire at the blade.  Harry was fond of the second youngest Stark son.  Very polite, and very kind despite the fun his brothers have at his expense for his lack of skill with a bow.  Harry could feel the need for vengeance, and he needn’t ask for it either.  Ned spoke, “I want you to keep an extra close eye on the girl’s Jory.  Harry, I have other needs for your skills.”

Jory took that as a dismissal and as a man of few words he departed immediately, “What can I do for you Lord Stark?”

“I want you to compete in the melee tomorrow, and win.  I want to show some of these snakes that I brought a very competent weapon with me along with the rest of the skill the north men bring.  I want to start impregnating a little bit of fear and doubt into their minds about attacking us.  We need a distraction.  Can I count on you to step in and win?”

“I’ll do my best sir.” Harry said with wide surprised eyes.

“Good lad, but that’s not all.  I want you to go with me to the market after the tournament.  There is something I need to look into that Littlefinger said.  I am starting to think the death of Jon Arryn was no accident at all.  I would like your company, because you don’t have the political connection or emotions that some of my other knights do which makes you perfect for the job.” The man said quietly as if someone would be spying in this very room.

Harry nodded, “Of course sir.”

Ned looked at the boy hard for a second saying, “I can trust you can’t I, Harry?”

The two shared a long look, and Harry nodded, “Of course sir.  You have been good to me, and paid me well, and educated me about a lot of things in this realm.  I am honored to have gathered so much trust from you.”

“I don’t usually trust people this easily.  But you have gained the allegiance of my children, and the affection of multiple Direwolves.  At this point I just believe you are meant to be a part of an alliance with this family.  Now go get some rest.  Tomorrow will be your big day.”

The next day was indeed Harry’s big day.  He was wearing armor that he had crafted himself in the forges of Winterfell, and he would be lying if he said he hadn’t put special enchantments on it just in case.  Harry was swinging the sword hypnotically in his hand as he zoned his mind into combat.  He had seen his opposition, and most appeared to be all brawn and no brain.  A few looked threatening, but the one he wanted the most was the red priest.  Thoros of Myr was cackling as he lit his sword on fire as the king called the group together, “Now I want a nice bloody match out of all of you.  Try not to kill each other though maiming is preferred!  Now we will begin at the sound of the bell.”

Thoros and many others let out a bellow of triumph as Harry closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and calling forth his magic to aid him.  He heard the voices of his long gone friends in his head, and he felt his anger and power swell inside him.  At the sound of the bell Harry drew a sword nearly identical to the sword of Godric Gryffindor, which he transfigured for the melee, and he had dulled his usual companion for the tournament.  The thought barely crossed his mind however when he launched towards the closest man and hatched him across the face with the butt end of his sword.  The man instantly crumbled, not even having a chance to raise his weapon in defense.  Harry then whirled his sword towards an oncoming opponent that was coming in from close range towards Harry.  They collided swords up, down, a slash at Harry’s waist was blocked and the young man came up with an elbow knocking another knight out hard.

The next knight that came forward was wearing the sigil of Walder Frey, and Harry slashed through the man’s first strike, nearly cutting off the man’s finger, and then swinging the dull end of his sword straight at the side of the man’s head.  That was three down, and no one had even traded strikes with him.  Robb and Jon would’ve had a blast!

Two opponents approached him this time after he took down the knight from Frey’s territory.  These men were wearing the cloaks of the Kingsguard, and Harry smirked as they roared charging at him at the same time.  This time Harry spun between one lunging knight, and blocked the strike of the other as he back kicked the lunging attacker hard to the ground, and kicked the feet out of the other.  In Harry’s speed he had both men on the ground in a flash and was swiping his sword in vital areas taking them out in brutal fashions.

Five men down, Harry looked across the field to see Thoros of Myr swinging his sword like he was a sort of giant knocking enemies away.  Darting across the field and engaging with two other men that belonged to house Grey when he was then intercepted by a Kingsguard on horseback.  This was something Harry didn’t have a lot of experience in, and when the man lassoed Harry he quickly rolled against the man’s power, and threw him off the horse.  Harry then ripped his arm free, and without even grabbing his sword off the ground he walked over to the man and snapped his neck.

The crowd gasped at the brutality, and Harry grabbed the spear that had fallen from the horse, and threw it hard into another man taking him out of the fight for sure.  Harry’s count was rapidly approaching ten and the numbers of the competitors were dwindling fast.  It was rumored some of these tournaments lasted three hours, but Harry would be surprised if it lasted ten minutes the way things were going.

Harry watched two men clash in front of him as they seemed set on killing each other.  He watched the fight intently for a couple of seconds and when one of the men looked like he was about to deliver a finishing blow Harry stepped in taking the winner down, and leaving the other man on the floor whining about a massive headache.

When Harry was in range he called out, “Oi flame pisser.  Quit bullying the children, and come get it.  Let’s see if your lord of light can protect you.

The man turned and grinned at Harry as he pointed his flaming wildfire sword at him.  Harry promptly smacked the sword out of the way and surged forward with his unnatural speed attempting to take the man’s head clean off.  He was mightily surprised when the strike was blocked and returned with an equal amount of speed.  Harry was lucky he was just out of range, but felt a small part of the flame cauterize a cut that he received earlier.  His eyes widened, but then they narrowed in anger.  Harry began pushing the man with his sword as hard as he could.  Thoros was fast, but he couldn’t quite keep up with Harry as cut after cut started to appear on the man.  Harry had heard the stories of this man leading the charge at some famous siege of Pyke with his flaming sword.  It was said he was first through the wall, and he was fighting like a mad man.

Harry had the man in a clash, and they were separated by another horseback rider that they both had to dive out of the way of, but Harry brutally took the man down as he came back around, likely killing his second competitor.  Harry pointed his sword at the man, “Your people will pay for the lives they have taken.  The Maester at Bear Island was innocent, and the red priest killed him.”

Thoros boomed with laughter, “Maester Sifo-Dyas was old lunatic practicing the old religion.  The Lord of Light doomed him, and so he died.”

Harry spat, “Punishing a man for the crimes of his youth is not right, and since we are so casual about taking lives in the name of the Lord of the Light, I think will take yours as payment for the life of the Maester.”

Harry was happy because of the noisy battlefield.  He wanted this man to know why he sought him out, why he was going to kill him, and all his fellow fanatics that worshiped this Lord of Light, and no one would ever know it but them.  Swinging in hard and aggressively, Harry pushed the man back and back trying to pin him down.  When he finally disarmed the man in a twirl he shoved his sword backwards stabbing the man in the gut, and then spun around swinging the sword at his neck cutting straight across his throat.  Another gasp of the crowd, and Harry sheathed his sword stepping towards the remainder of the competition.  It seemed only a few Frey men were left, and they immediately dropped their weapons and took a knee in fear.

Harry turned towards King Baratheon and took a knee bowing his head towards the man.  The man seemed stunned by Harry’s skill, and began the clapping.  This led to an uproar of applause and cheers.  Robert Baratheon announced, “Well fought Potter.  Please join me for dinner. I would like to discuss your skill.”

Harry bowed his head again, “I would be honored my lord.”

The man nodded, shouting at someone to get his gold, and Harry looked at Ned who had a dark look on his face, but when they made eye contact the man nodded slightly at the boy, and Harry knew he had played his part in winning the melee.

He went up to the cheering of Arya Stark, and hugged the girl who was very excited over his win, and chatted amicably with him as Jory gave him a hand to help him into the stands.  Sansa congratulated him, but she looked a little green around gills and he gave the girl a light smile, “My apologies my lady I did not mean to upset you with all the violence.  The melee is a nasty event to watch.”

“Hopefully the final match of the joust will be a little friendlier.” Sansa with lackluster hope.

Harry smiled at the girl and placed a hand on her shoulder, “This is how warriors prove their bravery in combat, and also get to test each other.  It goes beyond training, and gives an idea of what it would be like if there was ever another great war.  These events are good because it satiates the violence.”

Arya asked excitedly, “Why didn’t you compete in the joust Harry?”

“I am not a knight, my little lady. The melee is open to all, but the joust is for knights only.” Harry said with a smile.

The young girl pouted at this a little, “That’s not fair.  You would’ve been great.”

Harry put his arm around the girl with a smile as Lord Stark came and sat down with the group. Harry stood bowing to the man, “My Lord.  I hope you enjoyed the contest.”

Ned looked at him stoutly, “Aye I did.  I always enjoy your handy work Harry.”

Harry gave another slight bow, and another man’s voice came from behind, “You cost me fifty gold dragons.  I had my money on Thoros of Myr.  Scares the life out of my post people, but you seemed to be gunning for him, why is that?  Personal grudge between the two of you?”

Looking at Lord Petyr Baelish Harry shrugged, “Never met the man, but like you said the flaming sword was scaring even some of the knights that participated.  I figured if I could beat him, whoever was left might surrender. I have only heard stories of the man, and his bravery at the siege of Pyke.  I feel almost sorry for his death in such a contest.”

“I am not sure I would call him dead until he is in the ground.  It wouldn’t be the first time I had seen the man get run through and come back to join us for dinner.  I was the one who had bet on you by the way.  Lord Stark said that you were excellent with a sword, and when I heard Baelish was giving away free money I had to bet on you.  Renly Baratheon by the way.  I am also on the small council as the Master of Laws.”

Renly was a shorter man with a short neat cut beard.  He didn’t look much like a warrior, but an astute politician.  Lord Stark had spoken kindly about working with the man, and his brother Stannis who was apparently Master of the Ships.  The whole family was on very good terms with the Starks so he shook hands with the man and thanked him for the confidence.  Before they could continue the conversation however Baelish spoke again, “I am Petyr Baelish, Master of coin, and good friend to Lady Stark.  I serve with your master on the small council.” The man said, holding a hand out.

Harry took it, and before he could speak Ned talked over him, “Harry is not a servant.  I hired him as a Sellsword to keep an eye on my girls.  He befriended my oldest some years ago, and they had been excellent training partners.  He is one of the most skilled warriors I ever met, and I wanted him on my side down here in the capital.”

“I was paid well to be here, and I am happy to.  All of Lord Stark’s children and I get along quite well.” Harry explained.

“Where do you hail from?” The man asked curiously.

“Essos actually.  I came from the free cities looking for a fresh start.  My entire family was killed by a practitioner of the old religion.  I wanted to get away from all of that, and start over in the North.” Harry explained.

Ned’s eyebrows shot up at this.  Harry had never told him this tidbit, but he wanted to begin dropping hints into his connection with magic, and possibly why he would even hate someone like Thoros who was a known practitioner of some type of magic.

The man that Ned called Little finger nodded his head, “A tragedy, and yet it has clearly inspired you to be an incredible warrior.  With your skills I don’t doubt you could at least stand up to some of the best.  Ser Barristan Selmy and possibly even the Kingslayer Jamie Lannister.”

“Perhaps.  Maybe one day I will ascend to a status worthy of fighting one of those legends.”  Harry bit back the sarcasm and he could’ve sworn Lord Stark started smirking when he said this, but he was distracted by a young knight approaching them with a rose.

The knight had flowers on his armor and long hair. He looked a lot like a pretty boy that did not belong in such a violent contest, but considering he was in the finals, who was he to judge?  The man gave a slight bow and offered his rose to Sansa, and she turned a pretty pink color, “Thank you Ser Loras.”

The man gave her a smile and a nod, and rode off to the other side.  The other competitor was the mountain, also known as Gregor Clegane.

Sansa watched in horror as she seemed to finally realize who Ser Loras would be facing and she began panicking to her Lord Stark, “Father, please don’t let him kill Ser Loras.”

Lord Stark seemed surprised by her panic and he patted her arm that was death gripping his, “Don’t worry Ser Loras rides well my dear.  He will be fine.”

Baelish stood up at this point shouting, “100 gold dragons on the mountain.”

Renly Baratheon, who clearly had some distaste for the man immediately said, “I will continue to take your money Baelish.”

Baelish grinned, “Whatever shall I buy with my money.  A girl from the pleasure house of Lys, some find barrels of wine or-“

“Maybe you can buy a friend.” Renly said coldly.

Harry choked at this trying to contain his laughter, which earned a glare from Little Finger.  Renly winked at Harry though and the young man suddenly felt a little uncomfortable as the joust started.

In a matter of seconds the joust was over though with Ser Loras easily dismounting the mountain.  When the man hit the ground he was furious and calling for his sword.  Harry watched the man with narrowed eyes as his servant scrambled away from the furious man as he decapitated the horse he was riding on.  Harry felt his insides boil, and as the man began to walk towards Ser Loras Harry was already on his feet.  The man took a hard swipe at the Knight of Flowers, and took him to the ground hard nearly breaking his shield.  Harry jumped the fence so fast and was in between the two in a second as he blocked a strike that was coming from the Mountain with much difficulty and knocked it back up with all his strength infused by magic.  This threw the Mountain off a little bit and he growled.  Harry noticed a short distance behind him the Hound also looked ready to interfere, but he stood by to watch with interested eyes.

The Mountain was the most powerful fighter Harry had ever encountered, and he deflected blow by furious blow that came in.  Many were on their feet shouting, and Harry easily struck the man across the face with the butt of his blade after a few overpowered strikes were dodged, and this seemed to infuriate the man even more, when suddenly a voice roared out, “STOP THIS MADNESS IN THE NAME OF YOUR KING!”

Harry immediately dropped to one knee with his sword in the ground as he felt a sword whoosh over his head.

He braced himself putting up a protective barrier between them.  Even if it meant exposure it would be better than dying.  However nothing ever came and the next words he heard were, “Let him go.”

At this Harry stood up watching the Mountain leave.  Harry scoffed at the dishonorable man, and turned to see Ser Loras looking him in the eye, “You save my life Ser.”

Harry grinned at the man, “I am no ser, but you had won the match fair and square.  It wasn’t fair for the coward to attack you without even giving you a fair chance to defend yourself.”

The man beamed a smile back at Harry and grabbed his hand raising it into the air.  Robert Baratheon raised his cup towards Harry, and he looked back at Ned who still seemed surprised Harry put himself at risk like that and Sansa who was beaming at him, and so was Renly Baratheon.