The king's party pours through the gates of Winterfell in ariver of gold, silver and steel, one hundred strong. Over their heads, a dozen golden banners whip in the wind, emblazoned with the crowned stag of the House Baratheon.
At the far end of the yard, Visery's face betrays nothing as he watches the King's party approach with his family beside him. Catelyn, Robb, Jon, Arya and Bran are here, as are HOPE (10), traditionally beautiful, with high cheekbones and thick redhair; ALEC (13) tall and handsome and their little brothers RICKON and SCOTT (6). Ser Jaime rides through the gate and into the courtyard.
{Is that the king? Scott whispered to Theon Greyjoy.
-That's Jaime Lannister. TheKingslayer. Said Theon
Bran can't take his eyes off the man. He's heard the stories.
Tyrion Lannister rides behind his brother Jaime, studying thecastle and its occupants, missing nothing.
JOFFREY BARATHEON (13), the crown prince, tall for his age,and haughty. Beside him was SANDOR CLEGANE (35), "The Hound," Joffrey's bodyguard.Terrible burn scars cover half his face.
A huge man approaches, flanked by knights in snow-whitecloaks. A black beard covers his double chin, but nothing canhide the belly that threatens to burst his doublet's buttons.
This is KING ROBERT BARATHEON (40s). He vaults from hiswarhorse and gives Viseys an imperious once-over.
-You've gotten fat. Said Robert
Viserys tries to maintain his stony decorum, but it's hopeless.For the first time, we see him laugh -- and it becomes clearthat Viserys and the Robert are actually old friends.
Robert joins in, engulfing him in a bone-crunching hug. Hefinally releases Ned, who takes a moment to catch his breath.
-Nine years! Why haven't I seen you?Where the hell have you been?
-I am ruling a kingdom, you idiot just like you. Winterfell is your home my friend.
As the king's party dismounts, an ornate wheelhouse pullsinto their midst. QUEEN CERSEI LANNISTER (32) emerges withher younger children, TOMMEN (7) and MYRCELLA (8).
Viserys kisses her ring; her smile is pure formality.
Robert, on the other hand, embraces Catelyn like a long lostsister. As the children on both sides are brought forward andintroduced, Robert steps back to Viserys.
-Take me down to your crypt. I wantto pay my respects. Robert told Viserys with sad eyes.
-We've been riding since dawn.Surely, the dead will wait. Said Cersei.
Robert gives her a hard look. Cersei stares back at him,uncowed. Finally Robert turns and walks away. After anawkward glance at the Queen, Viserys leads Robert toward one ofWinterfell's old towers.
Viserys holds a lantern as he leads Robert down the narrow,winding stone steps.
-I thought we'd never get here. Allthe talk about my Six Kingdoms...a man forgets your part is as bigas the other six combined.(disbelief)It snowed on us! Snow!
As they descend, their breath becomes more and more visiblefrom the cold, and Robert's becomes more and more labored.
-How will you stand it, man, whenwinter finally comes? Your ballsfrozen right up into your guts forthe next twenty, thirty years?
-The Mikaelsons will endure. We alwayshave.
-You need to come south, get a realtaste of summer before it's gone.Everyone is fat, drunk and rich.And the girls, Viserys! Women lose allmodesty in the heat. They swimnaked in the river, right beneaththe castle...The king laughs happily, but his laughter trails off as thestaircase ends.
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the great war
FanfictionHope Mikaelson is the future heir to the throne of Moresnet. She is the daughter of Klaus and Hayley Mikaelson, and because of the miracle of her existence she has a lot of enemies that believe she will be the destroyer of the world. Will she become...
