The Lost Stag

You Win or You Die Part Two

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                    In Kings Landing, Ned Stark is walking with his guards when Renly approaches. "Lord Stark, a moment. Alone if you will?" he asked. Ned hesitated for a moment, then nodded to his men, who walked away. "He named you Protector of the Realm," Renly stated.

                    "He did," Ned exclaimed.

                    "She won't care....Give me an hour, and I can put a hundred swords at your command," Renly stated.

                    "And what should I do with a hundred swords?" Ned asked.

                    "Strike! Tonight while the castle sleeps. We must get Joffrey away from his mother and into our custody. Protector of the Realm or no, he who holds the King holds the Kingdom. Every moment you delay gives Cersei another moment to prepare. By the time Robert dies, it will be too late for the both of us," Renly explained, then noticed the look in Ned's eye at the mention of Joffrey. "....He named Valen his successor, didn't he?" Renly asked.

                    "She is his firstborn," Ned said.

                    "Valen will refuse. She wants nothing to do with the iron throne..... Every moment you delay gives Cersei another moment to prepare. By the time Robert dies, it will be too late for the both of us," Renly explained.

                    "What about Stannis?" Ned asked.

                    "Saving the Seven Kingdoms from Cersei and delivering them to Stannis? You have odd notions about protecting the realm," Renly said.

                    "Stannis is your older brother," Ned said.

                    "This isn't about the bloody line of succession. That didn't matter when you rebelled against the Mad King. It shouldn't matter now. What's best for the Kingdoms? What's best for the people we rule? We all know what Stannis is. He inspires no love or loyalty. He's not a King. I am," Renly proclaimed confidently.

                    "Stannis is a commander. He's led men into war twice. He destroyed the Greyjoy fleet," Ned explained.

                    "Yes, he's a good soldier. Everyone knows that. So was Robert. Tell me something: Do you still believe good soldiers make good kings?" Renly asked.

                    "I will not dishonor Robert's last wishes by shedding blood in his halls for an heir he didn't choose," Ned said, then walked off to his chamber while Renly was left behind, agitated.

                    Not long after, Ned enters his chambers and gives orders to Tomard. "I want one of our men with Valen at all times. You are not to lose sight of her no matter what," he ordered.

                    "Yes, My Lord," Tomard said as Baelish entered the room.

                    "Now leave us," Ned ordered. Tomard follows his lord's command and leaves his chamber.

                    "My Lord protector," Baelish greeted.

                    "Valen is the King's only true-born heir. Joffrey and Tommen are Jaime Lannister's bastards," Ned explained.