Eddard was increasingly shocked by Littlefinger's familiarity with The Red Keep's passages.
King's Landing and The Red Keep were indeed too unfamiliar to him.
Littlefinger must have known too many secrets, and Varys perhaps knew even more.
Eddard held the position of hand of the king, but he was like an outsider in The Red Keep.
King's Landing was not his home; his home was in the distant North.
Eddard was full of caution towards Littlefinger, and the first day of his arrival was already so difficult.
Eddard had no interest in these schemes and treacheries, but he gradually began to understand that power games and conspiracies were Littlefinger's daily bread.
Littlefinger led Eddard through twists and turns, finally reaching the bottom of a staircase.
Below the stairs was a heavy door made of oak and iron bars.
Littlefinger guided Eddard through it, and Eddard found themselves on a steep cliff above a river, bathed in the red glow of dusk.
"We're outside The Red Keep," Eddard said.
"You're not easy to fool, Stark," Littlefinger chuckled.
"Was it the sun or the sky that gave it away? Come with me, there are hollows carved into the rock face for climbing.
Be careful not to fall to your death, or Catelyn will never forgive me."
With that, he flipped over and began to climb down, as agile as a monkey.
Eddard scrutinized the path for a while before slowly following him.
He indeed found the path Littlefinger had described.
There were shallow, very hidden hollows on the cliff face.
The river was a dizzying distance below them.
Finally, Eddard caught up with Littlefinger.
Littlefinger led him to the bottom of the cliff, where a muddy, narrow riverside path lay, and two horses were already prepared.
Their destination was a bustling place of perfumed women, full of courtesans.
But Eddard finally stopped his anger when he saw Ser Rodrik, the Instructor of Winterfell, which proved the accuracy of Littlefinger's words: Catelyn had indeed arrived.
"But why? And why is Catelyn staying on Littlefinger's turf?"
With these questions, Eddard went up to the third floor, walked through the corridor, and entered the door.
Catelyn was inside; she rushed over and embraced her husband.
"My lady," Eddard said softly, surprised.
Littlefinger closed the door, still with that indifferent expression.
"Very good," Littlefinger said with a smile.
"It seems you still recognize your wife."
Catelyn and Eddard exchanged pleasantries.
Catelyn already knew about the incident with Arya and the young prince; both girls were sad and angry.
Eddard still carried his doubts.
Catelyn asked about their daughters, and then Eddard brought the conversation to Catelyn's purpose for coming.
"Is it about Bran? Did he..."
Eddard prepared for the worst, as Bran's injuries were severe when he left, and death might well be an answer.
"Yes, but not in the way you think," Catelyn shook her head.
"This is a brothel, Lord Stark," Littlefinger smiled.
"But where else would Catelyn Tully be less likely to be found?"
"Coincidentally, I run this establishment, so arrangements were simple.
I can prevent the Lannister from knowing Catelyn's presence in King's Landing."
Eddard noticed the strange posture of Catelyn's fingers, the unhealed red scars, and the stiff little and ring fingers of her left hand.
"You're injured," Eddard said, repeatedly examining his wife's fingers.
Eddard wanted to identify the type of wound.
"Gods, it's a deep wound.
Is it a sword wound or... My lady, how did this happen?"
Catelyn drew a dagger from beneath her cloak and handed it to her husband.
"This very dagger, someone tried to take Bran's life with this blade."
"But who would be so..." Eddard's face grew increasingly grim, and he abruptly looked up.
"My dear, let me speak, and you listen carefully," Catelyn reached out and placed a finger on Eddard's lips.
Catelyn slowly recounted the things Eddard had missed: the assassination at Winterfell, the fire in the library tower, Catelyn's journey, Varys, the City Watch of King's Landing who met her, all the way to Littlefinger.
"The Wolf Pack and the lion, when they believe themselves to be hunters, they do not know the true hunter lurks in the shadows."
Littlefinger watched the scene unfolding before him.
Catelyn was not much cleverer than Lysa.
Everything was wonderful; he seemed to hear the sound of war horns starting, thousands dying, but some would rise.
Direwolf, lion, what a marvelous chain reaction, soon both would be gravely wounded.
Eddard remembered the little Wolf Pack in the snow, whose mother had died with a stag.
These little Wolf Pack seemed like a gift from the heavens, but Arya was forced to drive away her own little Wolf Pack.
That image reminded him, and Eddard felt he should be afraid.
Eddard pulled himself out of fear and looked at the dagger before him.
"The Imp's knife," Eddard mused, tightly gripping the smooth dragonbone hilt and plunging it fiercely into the tabletop.
The dagger sank in with a thud and stood there; valyrian steel was the sharpest thing in the world.
"Why would Tyrion Lannister want Bran dead? The Child never provoked him."
Eddard frowned deeply.
The Imp's notoriety and scandals were numerous, of course.
But from what Eddard knew, the Half-man, the dwarf, merely enjoyed prostitutes; by nature, he was not as arrogant and cruel as his siblings.
"The Imp certainly wouldn't act alone," Littlefinger added, coaxingly.
Eddard rose and paced around the room.
"Could the Queen also be involved? Or, Gods above, even the King himself... No, absolutely impossible."
Eddard would never believe Robert was responsible; Robert and he were like brothers.
As Eddard spoke, he recalled that cold morning in the burial ground, when Robert proposed sending assassins after the Targaryen princess.
Eddard remembered Rhaegar's infant son, his bloody head, and the King's indifference, just as he had acted on the Kingsroad.
"The King probably doesn't know," Littlefinger said.
"Our good Robert always prefers not to know things he doesn't want to know, out of sight, out of mind."
"This matter cannot be rushed; everything should proceed cautiously," Eddard said carefully.
The current situation was one of internal strife and external threats; the fleet Across the Narrow Sea might already be fully prepared.
If King's Landing were to fall into fighting and chaos, then enemies from afar would surely seize the opportunity.
The children of his old enemies had grown into adults, and when these people raised their swords of vengeance, he and Robert would regret it bitterly.
"That's Bran's life!" Catelyn looked at Eddard angrily, not understanding why her husband was backing down.
Eddard looked at Catelyn, "Do you remember the war with Greyjoy back then? This opponent is more troublesome than King Balon.
I cannot let King's Landing fall into chaos first."
"Lord Stark, listen to me."
Littlefinger sauntered to the table and pulled out the dagger.
"Too many unpredictable things can happen in war.
If you lead an army Across the Narrow Sea or land on the Stepstones, then who will control King's Landing?"
"Lannister," Eddard uttered the word.
This was very likely.
When he was alone outside, anything could happen in King's Landing.
Once everything settled, he would only be able to submit to Lannister.
Rather than that, it was better to stabilize things internally first.
"I've seen the King's Bastard.
That boy hung me from a trebuchet to scare me.
But what of it? I discovered the true nature beneath his rough exterior; he's just a bad Child whose head is filled with honor, indulging in wine and women all day long.
Besides, Varys told me a secret: Khal Drogo, the strongest Khal among the horse people, is preparing to attack Myr."
Littlefinger continued.
"An attack by the horse people?" Eddard was startled.
"Yes, Lord Stark, or else why do you think that Bastard hasn't attacked yet? Their grand fleet is twice the size of ours."
Littlefinger smiled triumphantly.
"It's Khal Drogo.
Khal Drogo will surely not allow anyone to offend the dothraki's dignity.
This is a rare opportunity, Lord Stark, opportunity is a window."
"Yes, Lord Stark, if you know there are traitors around Robert and do not pursue them, that would be disloyal to a friend," Catelyn persuaded.
"Whatever action you take, the risk is always great; it could be treason.
Accusing our Robert is absolutely out of the question; the silent executioner will chop off your head.
As for our Queen, unless you can find evidence and make Robert listen."
"We have evidence," Eddard said.
"We have this dagger."
"This?" Littlefinger idly toyed with the dagger.
"Lord Stark, this is a good knife, and good knives are double-edged.
The Imp will surely claim the dagger was lost or stolen during his time in Winterfell.
Since the assassin he hired is dead, who can prove the truth of his words?"
Littlefinger lightly tossed the knife to Eddard.
"I suggest you throw this thing into the river, and pretend it never existed."
Eddard quickly regretted his slip of the tongue; what could a dagger prove? This evidence was insufficient.
Eddard loathed Littlefinger; he was the person Eddard least wanted to associate with in his life, but Eddard had no better choice because he had no other option.
"To be honest, Lord Stark, I find you Starks quite boring, but your wife is Catelyn. For her sake, I will let you live. I cannot refuse any of Catelyn's requests," Littlefinger smiled.
"I told Petyr about our suspicions regarding Jon Arryn's death," Catelyn said. "He promised to assist you in investigating the truth."
For Eddard, this was not good news, but they indeed needed help, and Littlefinger and Catelyn had once been like siblings.
"Varys, will Varys know too?" Eddard asked.
"Varys's web spans the world," Littlefinger smiled. "If he knows everything, it wasn't from me."
"I don't have much time," Eddard mused. Four matters troubled him: first, preparing Robert for the war Across the Narrow Sea; second, Jon Arryn's death; third, the secret mentioned in Stannis's letter; and fourth, Bran's assassination attempt. Besides the first, the latter three seemed to be related to House Lannister.
"What should I do?" Eddard pondered, should he pretend nothing had happened and wait for the war to end? Or should he seize the rare window of opportunity to resolve the Lannister problem before the war began?
"With all due respect, Lord Eddard, instead of worrying about the unlit flames Across the Narrow Sea, you should worry about the impending slaughter. Varys can be left to me, but as for the Lannisters, I fear you will have to guard against them yourselves," Littlefinger clasped his hands.
"First, deal with the immediate matters," Eddard thought. The wildlings Across the Narrow Sea and the remnants of the dragon kings had not yet brought their fire to his doorstep, but the Lannisters' forces were already sharpening their blades.
Eddard recalled many scenes: the Mad King dying on the Throne Room floor, Jaime's gilded sword stained with blood, Jon's sudden death, Bran's fall, Bran's assassination attempt, Arya's scene that day, the queen's quarrels.
"My lady," Eddard looked at Catelyn, "Your staying here is useless. You must return to Winterfell immediately. It's inevitable that other assassins might come calling later. Regardless of who the mastermind is, he certainly doesn't want Bran to live."
"I wanted to see my daughters," but Catelyn's request was denied by Littlefinger and Eddard; The Red Keep was not safe.
Littlefinger tactfully left the Stark couple some time alone. "Don't take too long. Lord Hand and I should be back in the city already."
Catelyn walked to Littlefinger and took his hand. "Petyr, I will never forget your help. When your men came for me, I didn't know if I was falling into the hands of a friend or an enemy. It turns out you are not only a friend but also my long-lost brother."
Littlefinger smiled, "My good lady, I am just a sentimental man. Please don't tell anyone about this. For years, I have worked tirelessly in court to make others believe I am evil and cruel, and I wouldn't want to ruin it now."
Eddard didn't believe a word of it, but he still politely said, "Lord Baelish, I thank you as well."
After the door closed, Eddard looked at his wife. Perhaps deceit and cunning were the true nature of King's Landing, but his own true nature was still Winterfell.
"As soon as you arrive home, send letters in my name to Herman Tallhart and Galbart Glover, ordering each to dispatch one hundred archers to reinforce Kalin Bay. Two hundred archers will be enough to stop any army from advancing north through the Neck. Instruct Lord Manderly to hasten repairs on White Harbor's defenses and ensure the garrison is adequate. Also, from now on, I want you to keep a close eye on Theon Greyjoy. If war breaks out, we will greatly need his father's fleet," Eddard instructed, for he was still very methodical in military matters.
With Kalin Bay and White Harbor secured, and Theon held as a hostage, Winterfell was quite prepared from these perspectives.
"War breaks out?" Fear was clearly written on Catelyn's face.
"The situation will not escalate to that point," Ned assured her, embracing her again. "House Lannister shows no mercy to the weak; Aerys Targaryen is the best lesson. However, unless they have the entire nation's military backing them, they would never dare to invade the North. I must play this fool's masquerade, continuing to feign indifference. Do you remember why I came here, my dear? I must find evidence that House Lannister murdered Jon Arryn..."
Eddard understood the North's advantage: other nations' soldiers were summer taxi soldiers, but only Northern soldiers could be called winter taxi soldiers. Ice and natural barriers would ensure their safety.
"If you really find it," Catelyn said worriedly, a pang of pain seeming to shoot through her maimed hands.
"The King is the ultimate arbiter of law. Once I uncover the truth, I will present it to Robert," Eddard answered resolutely. He only hoped his old friend still retained some wisdom, rather than the incompetence he feared.
"Also, never, never easily provoke the Lannisters," Eddard emphasized.
This was the result of his deep consideration; if anything went wrong, it would brew a disaster. There were two wars at hand, not just domestic ones, but also considering the enemy Across the Narrow Sea. He had to gather all the evidence, not tip his hand.
"I hope you handle this well," Eddard instructed Catelyn. He knew his wife always loved her family, but she must not let a woman's sentiment ruin everything. He wanted everything to proceed in secret, so he might have a chance to extricate himself... Claw Peninsula north of King's Landing.
The Claw Peninsula was barren and poor, full of swamps and pine forests. The people of the Claw Peninsula were called half-savages, but no one could question their ferocity and fighting prowess.
In a hidden cave on the Claw Peninsula, many warriors stood: middle-aged men missing arms or blinded, youths whose childishness had not yet faded, and even strong women.
They had different surnames, but were undoubtedly losers.
No armor, no sharp swords, only some simple chainmail or leather armor, some broken weapons. The consequences of war's defeat were shared by the Claw Peninsula, making them poor and angry.
Mortimer Boggs drew his sword; inside the box behind him were some neat armor and weapons.
Mortimer Boggs looked at the down-and-out yet stubborn crabfeeder's men before him. They had once fought for the true dragon's banner and were utterly defeated in that war.
Mortimer Boggs's Attendants produced a beautiful banner, a brand new quartered flag. A warhammer, a true dragon, a slave breaking chains, a Wolf Pack.
"Surely you already know these things. The princess has her fiancé, and they are ready to cross the Narrow Sea and wage war against the traitors."
"But that Gendry, he is Robert's bastard?"
"Regardless, there is only one Throne. If he wants to obtain that Throne, he must overthrow the Lannisters and Baratheons. He is our friend."
"Fight for the quartered flag!" Mortimer Boggs led the shout.
"Fight for the quartered flag!"
Mortimer Boggs was very satisfied with everyone's attitude; even if the true dragon was no longer there, they would continue the war that had not yet ended.
"Old Arryn is dead, but the traitor Tywin is still alive. What should we do?" Mortimer Boggs raised his sword.
"blood and fire!"
"blood and fire!" the crabfeeder's men roared.
"Let the Lannisters regret meeting us!" Mortimer Boggs roared. A taxi soldiers beside him brought Ser Boros a pine board carved with Tywin's name, and Boggs chopped the board in half with one sword strike.
"When do we act?" someone asked eagerly. "When the ships arrive?"
"Not now," Mortimer Boggs shook his head.
"But we have a more difficult task now: select some of the most innocent and clever Children, those who did not participate in the previous war. Those who are currently serving as Mercenaries, we must first go to the Riverlands."
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