As High as Honor
JON
The summer sun was shining brightly above the Vale and the gates of the moon were wide open down below. It was a splendid harvest this year in the valley. The offerings were coming in a stream of carts from all over the east. Wheat, Barley, Plums, Apples and many other commodities offered by the Lords of the Vale to their liege lord, their beloved falcon. The Vale was prosperous under Jon Arryn and the people, from small folks to the Lords, felt safe under his wings. It was a season for cheers and pleasure and the whole valley was blooming with it. The great Andal warriors conquered these lands from the savages of the hills and cliffs and they have made it a stronghold throughout the centuries. The savages remained still, inside the caves where Ser Artys Arryn, the Falcon Knight, drove them into. Over the years, they tried to spoil the peace of the Vale but the knights of the Vale dealt them deservedly; As a horde of savages. Even if the savages got disciplined and have joined forces with a stronger enemy, it was still unimaginable to attack the Arryn strongholds. The greatest testament for that was the Eyrie itself, the ancient seat of House Arryn. The magnificent structure of seven towers has known to bent its knee only to one force. When Visenya Targaryen flew Vhagar over its towers, the supremacy of the Eyrie became a folklore. Now, the Dragons are no more and Eyrie won its reputation of being impregnable back. None of it mattered today as Jon Arryn knew what at stake was bigger than his dominion. It wasn't just about the East, or North or the Stormlands. What he holds in his hand defined the future of the whole seven kingdoms. The honeyed porridge and the milk in front of him went cold moments ago and Jon never thought he would start his morning like this. He read the parchment once again and a sense of fear and anger and uncertainty swept over his face. The golden seal of the crown was shining in the sunlight like fire.
Dark wings dark words. Jon heard himself kept muttering the phrase over and over while he folded and unfolded the parchment by his hands. It was a common superstition to blame Ravens for their color and may be, that was one of the reasons the Blessed Baelor tried to manipulate doves into taking the job. Like many of Baelor's attempts to sanctify the seven kingdoms, it also ended up as a failure. Today, superstitions aside, the raven brought a dark news indeed. He closed his eyes and sank back to the chair with the weight of sorrow he felt. Faces of men and women flashed before him. The face of Rickard Stark, his son Brandon, daughter Lyanna, Brandon's betrothed Catelyn Tully. Jon recalled the face of his king, Arys Targaryen, from the days when he knew him from the court of his father Jaharys Targaryen till the last time he saw him at Harrenhal, a grotesque figure that was drained its old grace and health. He saw the solemn face of Rheagar Targaryen, the crown prince. Then he saw two faces that he cherished more than anything. The face of two boys who came to him from their homes and became part of his life, the men they grew into. They were part of the Eyrie, part of the celebrations and mournings of these mountains. Jon choked on grief when he thought about them. His proud Robert and lovely Ned, the sons he never had of his own. Jon opened his eyes to stare at the parchment again. As High as Honor, those were the Arryn words and now, the time came for those words to be tested. Jon read the letter once more and let it all sink in his mind. Lord Rickard Stark and Brandon Stark are dead, executed by the King for treason. Apparently, the Stark girl Lyanna is abducted by the Crown Prince Rheagar and Brandon Stark went to King's Landing, demanding her return. Where he expected justice, he was welcomed with chains. Lord Rickard rode to the south to demand his son's freedom and his daughter was killed off by the command of the king along with Brandon. Enough madness has seen, mistakes have been made and now Aerys wants me to deliver the heads of Robert and Ned, those precious boys. The Lord of Eyrie trembled with indignation at the mere thought.
Jon decided to forsake his breakfast and left his chair, still clutching to the parchment, its content haunting to behold. He walked to the window and drew his gaze over the vast valley beyond the Vale. There was a falcon roaming over the towers of Eyrie. The Arryns were the descendants of the Falcon Knight. They were of the Andalos, with pure Andal blood rushing through their veins. The knights of the Vale are brave and loyal as it was rested with their Lord. Jon knew any decision he made will affect all East along with his knights. Artys Arryn led his men to glory and victory, whereas King Roland the Second lost his and his men's lives on an unwanted conquest. Even during the Dance of the Dragon, House Arryn made its mark through Queen Rhynera. For the better or worse, Jon knew that he should take a decision. He should make a choice between his king and his kin. Whether he should obey the one the realm calls the Mad King or avenge the death of his disciples family, Jon knew there will be a bloodbath. The Starks are well-loved in the North and Lord Rickard was their liege lord. Arys wants to vanquish the house name itself with a single stroke. Mad as he is, the king knew that it would be foolish to let the heir to the North to live. As for Robert, Jon knew how strong the young man was. He was worthy of the Storm lands, a storm itself with a strong figure and mastery over that Valerian Warhammer of his. He was betrothed to Lyanna and Jon knew Robert loved her so much that he would raise hell to get her back. No wonder Aerys calls for his head too. Jon contemplated the king's orders for a while, with a heart so heavy, he felt the urge to call his measter, but he kept it to himself.
The Starks and The Arryns had a feud that lasted generations over the Sister Islands. What the northerners did to the people of the Sisters were so barbaric, later the maesters termed it the Rape of the Sisters. To free from the clutches of the wolves, The sistermen sought the help of the King of Eyrie and the Knights of the Vale responded their plea with their might. So began a war that kept on for years that only ended when the Starks decided it wasn't worth to fight over the islands. Since then, the Sisters paid their fealty to the Arryns and became part of the East. That was centuries ago and Westeros came a long way from that. The dragonlords came on their fire-breathing beasts, putting an end to the petty squabbles of the kings of the Seven Kingdoms with a great conquest and aStark bride was offered to the Arryn Lord soon after it. Before the conquest, the Starks were adamant with their traditions and their old gods, as their alliances were confined in the North. It got better as the times changed as one of Rickard Stark's son got betrothed to Catelyn of Riverrun and her only daughter to the Lord of Storm End. Rickard Stark himself initiated those alliances as he knew the importance of spreading their hold beyond North. Moreover, he was a great man and a loyal friend who even let his second son be fostered on the Eyrie under Jon Arryns protection. Lord Rickard kept faith with both the crown and the Vale and one of them just broke it by executing him and now the king demands to break the second one to by handing him Eddard Stark's head. Ronnel Arryn submitted the dominion of East to Aegon Targaryen for a ride over Vhaegar and some deemed it was a wise decision even though it was a foolish one. Ronnel was a boy and it was an easy choice for him but Jon was an able man, someone who commands the finest knights of the Seven Kingdoms. Whatever his decision be, he will be breaking an oath, either to his king or to his friend and the future of the East depended upon it. Jon wondered whether anyone had torn between such a decision.
The fact that the Eyrie was impenetrable has also caused problems with transportability among its own people. There were two ways to reach the castle, one was climbing the mountain, which is dreadful experience on normal times and nearly impossible during winter. The other way was using the winch, in which one could have a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys from afar and near, save for the strong autumn winds that will threaten to crash it over the rocks. Jon saw the winch ascending from the valley as a speck and he had a vague idea of who might that be traveling in it. The measter informed him the morning activities of the boys beforehand and he was expecting them. He was sure Robert will be in it, laughing and boasting with the rest. Ned will also be in it, smiling thinly for the japes of Robert. Along with the Royce and Corbray boys, they made the Vale their empire for festivities. Robert was the life of the Eyrie whereas Ned was the soul of it, calm and peaceful. The Baratheons were related to the King by blood. Even the prince regarded Robert as a cousin. Ever since the conquest, Storms End stood with the Targaryens as Steffon Baratheon was a loyal allegiant till the day of his untimely death. Aerys trusted Steffon, sometimes better than his own hand Tywin Lannister. He even sent Steffon as an envoy to Volantis in the name of the king but the Lord of Storms End, along with his wife, drowned on his way back home at the Shipbreaker Bay, that too in front of his sons' eyes. Robert grew to be a fine knight and seemed to be recovered from his loss but his brother Stannis seemed to be carrying his grief still as their younger brother Renly was too young to even remember his parents. Robert was easily angered and hard to forgive. He was a roaring storm and every maiden on the East was dying to hand their maidenhood to him. Jon knew he had fathered a bastard girl here in the Eyrie and had visited her from time to time with Ned. Robert never cared for the mother and for the matter any other woman except Lyanna Stark. Even the betrothal was arranged due to his request. He was the Lord of Storms End and dearest friend to Eddard Stark, so it became a perfect match. Jon had a notion how Robert will react to the news of Lyanna's abduction.
"Guards!" Jon roared as he walked away from the table. Two of the guards at the door hurried themselves to the call of their Lord. Their shiny armor had etched with the Arryn sigil, the falcon, and the half-moon.
"Inform Robert and Ned that I'll be waiting for them at the court. Tell the measter to send my personal knights to the court armed and armored. Don't make me wait." Jon commanded them with enough care not to tremble over it with his thoughts.
Jon hurried himself to the court of the Eyrie, the message from the king still in his hand. The court was smaller in size compared to other castles in the seven kingdoms for several reasons. Among them, the foremost reason was its importance on serving justice. The moon door, covered by the steel doors, was an opening that opened to the valley. The sky cells were for the convicts, whereas the moon door was for the culprits. If found guilty, the moon door welcomes the person and takes him for the last flight of his life. The depth was more than a thousand miles and it says that it might take minutes for the person to reach the floor. Today, the moon door was closed and for any of his choice, it will stay closed as Aerys asked for the boys' heads. Up above the platform stood the seat of the Lord of Eyrie, a twisted Weirwood trunk that had served the Arryns when they were the kings of East. Jon called for a platter of water as he walked the stairs for the seat. He splashed the cold water on his face and washed his hands, as soon as his squire brought it for him. Jon settled himself on the seat and watched his maester bring his personal knights into the court. They were followed by Robert and Eddard along with Robar Royce and Lyn Corbray. They were in a jovial mood and it almost made Jon distraught.
He motioned at Robar and Lyn and said,"Sers, perhaps it would better if you left me and the boys alone for while. I will call you later."
The smile on their faces vanished in a beat and Robert and Ned shared glances to each other. After a moment of silence, Robert regained his posture with a burst of a laugh.
"My lord, what is with the secrecy? Corbray and Royce are your vassals and they are trustworthy. There is no need them to send them away."
Jon rubbed his eyebrows in irritation."You can treat your vassals any way you like on Storms End, Lord Baratheon. But you are on Eyrie. Now, Robar, Lyn. I am not going to ask you again."
Corbray and Royce sensed the steel in his voice and walked quickly out of the court. Jon's Knights closed the doors behind them as soon as they left. Robert felt disgraced by it and it showed on his face.
"What is the meaning of this, My Lord?" Robert snapped at Jon as Ned grew weary of the situation.
"You will know soon enough," Jon said as he signaled his knights to circle them.
There were ten knights of the Vale on the court and Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon was surrounded by them. Jon sensed the tension growing up and he didn't want it to escalate it further.
"There was Raven in the morning, from Kings Landing." Jon began, "I had a different raven from Winterfell and Riverrun too. They brought bad news for both of you. The Crown Prince Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna Stark on his way to Winterfell from Riverrun."
"No...!" Robert roared like a storm and Ned's face proved he was shaking with the news.
"I am not done, Robert. Ned, hearing this, your brother rode to Kings Landing, demanding his sister back and challenging Rhaegar for a duel. Instead, the gold cloaks killed his men and captured him as a prisoner."
Ned was contemplating the situation as he always done. He proved to be the sensible one, as Robert was making fists in rage.
"My lord", Ned began,"perhaps my father can persuade the king for his freedom. You could join him along with Lord Hoster. Such a request could never be sent away by the King."
Jon sighed, trying to come up with a reply. "He did Ned. He went to the capital and demanded justice for her daughter. He pleaded for his son's life. Little did he knew that he was dealing with a madman. The King...", Jon struggled as his words stuck down his throat,"Aerys, executed your father and brother for treason, Ned! I am so, sorry my son!"
Robert became restless like a caged animal and Jon feared that he would strike down his guards in his rage. Ned became pale like snow, as a teardrop started running through his left cheek. In a choked tone he mumbled the word father.
"My brother, Benjen. You said there was a raven from Winterfell. Is he fine?" Ned enquired as he regained his voice.
"Your younger brother is fine Ned and the Ravens from Riverrun and Winterfell are no matter of importance now." Jon unrolled the parchment in his hands saying so.
"Jon Arryn..", Jon began glancing at the two young lords,"Lord of Eyrie, Warden of the East. Lord Rickard Stark and his son are executed for high treason against the crown and his living sons and his daughter's betrothed are also a part of it. You are instructed to show your loyalty to the crown by sending the heads of Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon to the King's court, as soon as you receive this message. Signed, Aerys of House Targaryen, the second of his name, king of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."
The Knights were ready at their swords, as they were waiting for their lord's command and Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon stood in the middle of them in defiance. Jon continued without wasting any time over it.
"Aerys wants me to bring your heads on a spike, to prove my loyalty." Jon kept a moment of silence as he was contemplating for a decision. "Tell me, Ned. What are the words of House Arryn?"
"As High as Honor", Eddard replied with doubt in his voice.
"As High as Honor", Jon repeated after him. There was a pity grin on his face when he said those words.
"Ned," Jon continued after a moment,"I want you to ride to Winterfell and raise your banners. Karstarks, Bolton, Glover, Hornwood, call them all. Bring winter with you. Robert, ride to Storms End and do the same. Bring us the storm. We are going to war!"
Eddard's face shone in surprise as Robert became jubilant once again. They knew Lord Arryn made his decision and it was to stay with them. Robert gave a satisfied grunt as a reply, his face marked with a grin.
"You will leave now. There is no time to waste. Do not talk to anyone of our plans until you reach your home. The lesser men knew about it the better. I have some important job to tend. Measter, take Lord Stark and Lord Baratheon with you. Provide them with ample supplies for the road and knights for protection. Prepare the Ravens. They will be flying today."
The maester bowed his head and walked to the door, with Robert and the knights following him. Ned stood there, waiting for the moment. Sensing this, Jon motioned him to talk.
"Is there any other way my Lord. I want justice but I don't want my men to die in thousands for that."
Jon studied the young man for a while and replied,"This is the only way, Ned. A king is no god but a father to his subjects. If he is blind to the plea of his children, it is better for him to cease to exist. Now, are you frightened boy?"
Ned never raised his head when he said yes.
Jon smiled at that and said,"Good, then you're not stupid. Now go, gather your men."
Ned bowed his head and left Jon alone for his thoughts.
As Ned left, Jon sank to his seat with a heavy heart with doubts of his own. He just broke the pact that made by Ronnel Arryn hundreds of years back. He failed his house by forsaking his honor by starting a rebellion against the king of the Seven Kingdoms. Still, he kept his word he gave to Rickard Stark. Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon are alive because Jon Arryn never forsakes his honor for the whims of a mad man. What the future will bring, Jon Arryn was oblivious. For now, his legacy was two marriages and no issue. Neither Rowena Arryn nor Jayne Royce gave him an heir for the Eyrie and after Jon's death, Eyrie would pass onto some cousin in his family tree. Jon knew that for a fact. Some might say it was his desperate attempt to create a legacy for himself before that day come. A final flap of the Falcon Lord's wings to scare off a Dragon. No one will ever know the truth that it was the honor that got him rebellious. Not a lord's honor, not a friend's honor but a father's honor. The love he had for the boys was beyond question and for a man who never had one for his own, Jon considered them as his own. Aerys was wrong to demand Jon their heads. The king could've asked for Jon's own life and he would've gladly ridden to Kings Landing but a mad man never thinks straight and he is going to pay for it. It was time to write some letters and the Ravens are ready to fly. Above the Eyrie, the vast blue sky was clear and a falcon was soaring high above the towers of the Eyrie...
(Inspired by the characters and events from A Song Of Ice And Fire series written by George R R Martin.)
Dark wings dark words. Jon heard himself kept muttering the phrase over and over while he folded and unfolded the parchment by his hands. It was a common superstition to blame Ravens for their color and may be, that was one of the reasons the Blessed Baelor tried to manipulate doves into taking the job. Like many of Baelor's attempts to sanctify the seven kingdoms, it also ended up as a failure. Today, superstitions aside, the raven brought a dark news indeed. He closed his eyes and sank back to the chair with the weight of sorrow he felt. Faces of men and women flashed before him. The face of Rickard Stark, his son Brandon, daughter Lyanna, Brandon's betrothed Catelyn Tully. Jon recalled the face of his king, Arys Targaryen, from the days when he knew him from the court of his father Jaharys Targaryen till the last time he saw him at Harrenhal, a grotesque figure that was drained its old grace and health. He saw the solemn face of Rheagar Targaryen, the crown prince. Then he saw two faces that he cherished more than anything. The face of two boys who came to him from their homes and became part of his life, the men they grew into. They were part of the Eyrie, part of the celebrations and mournings of these mountains. Jon choked on grief when he thought about them. His proud Robert and lovely Ned, the sons he never had of his own. Jon opened his eyes to stare at the parchment again. As High as Honor, those were the Arryn words and now, the time came for those words to be tested. Jon read the letter once more and let it all sink in his mind. Lord Rickard Stark and Brandon Stark are dead, executed by the King for treason. Apparently, the Stark girl Lyanna is abducted by the Crown Prince Rheagar and Brandon Stark went to King's Landing, demanding her return. Where he expected justice, he was welcomed with chains. Lord Rickard rode to the south to demand his son's freedom and his daughter was killed off by the command of the king along with Brandon. Enough madness has seen, mistakes have been made and now Aerys wants me to deliver the heads of Robert and Ned, those precious boys. The Lord of Eyrie trembled with indignation at the mere thought.
Jon decided to forsake his breakfast and left his chair, still clutching to the parchment, its content haunting to behold. He walked to the window and drew his gaze over the vast valley beyond the Vale. There was a falcon roaming over the towers of Eyrie. The Arryns were the descendants of the Falcon Knight. They were of the Andalos, with pure Andal blood rushing through their veins. The knights of the Vale are brave and loyal as it was rested with their Lord. Jon knew any decision he made will affect all East along with his knights. Artys Arryn led his men to glory and victory, whereas King Roland the Second lost his and his men's lives on an unwanted conquest. Even during the Dance of the Dragon, House Arryn made its mark through Queen Rhynera. For the better or worse, Jon knew that he should take a decision. He should make a choice between his king and his kin. Whether he should obey the one the realm calls the Mad King or avenge the death of his disciples family, Jon knew there will be a bloodbath. The Starks are well-loved in the North and Lord Rickard was their liege lord. Arys wants to vanquish the house name itself with a single stroke. Mad as he is, the king knew that it would be foolish to let the heir to the North to live. As for Robert, Jon knew how strong the young man was. He was worthy of the Storm lands, a storm itself with a strong figure and mastery over that Valerian Warhammer of his. He was betrothed to Lyanna and Jon knew Robert loved her so much that he would raise hell to get her back. No wonder Aerys calls for his head too. Jon contemplated the king's orders for a while, with a heart so heavy, he felt the urge to call his measter, but he kept it to himself.
The Starks and The Arryns had a feud that lasted generations over the Sister Islands. What the northerners did to the people of the Sisters were so barbaric, later the maesters termed it the Rape of the Sisters. To free from the clutches of the wolves, The sistermen sought the help of the King of Eyrie and the Knights of the Vale responded their plea with their might. So began a war that kept on for years that only ended when the Starks decided it wasn't worth to fight over the islands. Since then, the Sisters paid their fealty to the Arryns and became part of the East. That was centuries ago and Westeros came a long way from that. The dragonlords came on their fire-breathing beasts, putting an end to the petty squabbles of the kings of the Seven Kingdoms with a great conquest and aStark bride was offered to the Arryn Lord soon after it. Before the conquest, the Starks were adamant with their traditions and their old gods, as their alliances were confined in the North. It got better as the times changed as one of Rickard Stark's son got betrothed to Catelyn of Riverrun and her only daughter to the Lord of Storm End. Rickard Stark himself initiated those alliances as he knew the importance of spreading their hold beyond North. Moreover, he was a great man and a loyal friend who even let his second son be fostered on the Eyrie under Jon Arryns protection. Lord Rickard kept faith with both the crown and the Vale and one of them just broke it by executing him and now the king demands to break the second one to by handing him Eddard Stark's head. Ronnel Arryn submitted the dominion of East to Aegon Targaryen for a ride over Vhaegar and some deemed it was a wise decision even though it was a foolish one. Ronnel was a boy and it was an easy choice for him but Jon was an able man, someone who commands the finest knights of the Seven Kingdoms. Whatever his decision be, he will be breaking an oath, either to his king or to his friend and the future of the East depended upon it. Jon wondered whether anyone had torn between such a decision.
The fact that the Eyrie was impenetrable has also caused problems with transportability among its own people. There were two ways to reach the castle, one was climbing the mountain, which is dreadful experience on normal times and nearly impossible during winter. The other way was using the winch, in which one could have a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys from afar and near, save for the strong autumn winds that will threaten to crash it over the rocks. Jon saw the winch ascending from the valley as a speck and he had a vague idea of who might that be traveling in it. The measter informed him the morning activities of the boys beforehand and he was expecting them. He was sure Robert will be in it, laughing and boasting with the rest. Ned will also be in it, smiling thinly for the japes of Robert. Along with the Royce and Corbray boys, they made the Vale their empire for festivities. Robert was the life of the Eyrie whereas Ned was the soul of it, calm and peaceful. The Baratheons were related to the King by blood. Even the prince regarded Robert as a cousin. Ever since the conquest, Storms End stood with the Targaryens as Steffon Baratheon was a loyal allegiant till the day of his untimely death. Aerys trusted Steffon, sometimes better than his own hand Tywin Lannister. He even sent Steffon as an envoy to Volantis in the name of the king but the Lord of Storms End, along with his wife, drowned on his way back home at the Shipbreaker Bay, that too in front of his sons' eyes. Robert grew to be a fine knight and seemed to be recovered from his loss but his brother Stannis seemed to be carrying his grief still as their younger brother Renly was too young to even remember his parents. Robert was easily angered and hard to forgive. He was a roaring storm and every maiden on the East was dying to hand their maidenhood to him. Jon knew he had fathered a bastard girl here in the Eyrie and had visited her from time to time with Ned. Robert never cared for the mother and for the matter any other woman except Lyanna Stark. Even the betrothal was arranged due to his request. He was the Lord of Storms End and dearest friend to Eddard Stark, so it became a perfect match. Jon had a notion how Robert will react to the news of Lyanna's abduction.
"Guards!" Jon roared as he walked away from the table. Two of the guards at the door hurried themselves to the call of their Lord. Their shiny armor had etched with the Arryn sigil, the falcon, and the half-moon.
"Inform Robert and Ned that I'll be waiting for them at the court. Tell the measter to send my personal knights to the court armed and armored. Don't make me wait." Jon commanded them with enough care not to tremble over it with his thoughts.
Jon hurried himself to the court of the Eyrie, the message from the king still in his hand. The court was smaller in size compared to other castles in the seven kingdoms for several reasons. Among them, the foremost reason was its importance on serving justice. The moon door, covered by the steel doors, was an opening that opened to the valley. The sky cells were for the convicts, whereas the moon door was for the culprits. If found guilty, the moon door welcomes the person and takes him for the last flight of his life. The depth was more than a thousand miles and it says that it might take minutes for the person to reach the floor. Today, the moon door was closed and for any of his choice, it will stay closed as Aerys asked for the boys' heads. Up above the platform stood the seat of the Lord of Eyrie, a twisted Weirwood trunk that had served the Arryns when they were the kings of East. Jon called for a platter of water as he walked the stairs for the seat. He splashed the cold water on his face and washed his hands, as soon as his squire brought it for him. Jon settled himself on the seat and watched his maester bring his personal knights into the court. They were followed by Robert and Eddard along with Robar Royce and Lyn Corbray. They were in a jovial mood and it almost made Jon distraught.
He motioned at Robar and Lyn and said,"Sers, perhaps it would better if you left me and the boys alone for while. I will call you later."
The smile on their faces vanished in a beat and Robert and Ned shared glances to each other. After a moment of silence, Robert regained his posture with a burst of a laugh.
"My lord, what is with the secrecy? Corbray and Royce are your vassals and they are trustworthy. There is no need them to send them away."
Jon rubbed his eyebrows in irritation."You can treat your vassals any way you like on Storms End, Lord Baratheon. But you are on Eyrie. Now, Robar, Lyn. I am not going to ask you again."
Corbray and Royce sensed the steel in his voice and walked quickly out of the court. Jon's Knights closed the doors behind them as soon as they left. Robert felt disgraced by it and it showed on his face.
"What is the meaning of this, My Lord?" Robert snapped at Jon as Ned grew weary of the situation.
"You will know soon enough," Jon said as he signaled his knights to circle them.
There were ten knights of the Vale on the court and Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon was surrounded by them. Jon sensed the tension growing up and he didn't want it to escalate it further.
"There was Raven in the morning, from Kings Landing." Jon began, "I had a different raven from Winterfell and Riverrun too. They brought bad news for both of you. The Crown Prince Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna Stark on his way to Winterfell from Riverrun."
"No...!" Robert roared like a storm and Ned's face proved he was shaking with the news.
"I am not done, Robert. Ned, hearing this, your brother rode to Kings Landing, demanding his sister back and challenging Rhaegar for a duel. Instead, the gold cloaks killed his men and captured him as a prisoner."
Ned was contemplating the situation as he always done. He proved to be the sensible one, as Robert was making fists in rage.
"My lord", Ned began,"perhaps my father can persuade the king for his freedom. You could join him along with Lord Hoster. Such a request could never be sent away by the King."
Jon sighed, trying to come up with a reply. "He did Ned. He went to the capital and demanded justice for her daughter. He pleaded for his son's life. Little did he knew that he was dealing with a madman. The King...", Jon struggled as his words stuck down his throat,"Aerys, executed your father and brother for treason, Ned! I am so, sorry my son!"
Robert became restless like a caged animal and Jon feared that he would strike down his guards in his rage. Ned became pale like snow, as a teardrop started running through his left cheek. In a choked tone he mumbled the word father.
"My brother, Benjen. You said there was a raven from Winterfell. Is he fine?" Ned enquired as he regained his voice.
"Your younger brother is fine Ned and the Ravens from Riverrun and Winterfell are no matter of importance now." Jon unrolled the parchment in his hands saying so.
"Jon Arryn..", Jon began glancing at the two young lords,"Lord of Eyrie, Warden of the East. Lord Rickard Stark and his son are executed for high treason against the crown and his living sons and his daughter's betrothed are also a part of it. You are instructed to show your loyalty to the crown by sending the heads of Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon to the King's court, as soon as you receive this message. Signed, Aerys of House Targaryen, the second of his name, king of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."
The Knights were ready at their swords, as they were waiting for their lord's command and Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon stood in the middle of them in defiance. Jon continued without wasting any time over it.
"Aerys wants me to bring your heads on a spike, to prove my loyalty." Jon kept a moment of silence as he was contemplating for a decision. "Tell me, Ned. What are the words of House Arryn?"
"As High as Honor", Eddard replied with doubt in his voice.
"As High as Honor", Jon repeated after him. There was a pity grin on his face when he said those words.
"Ned," Jon continued after a moment,"I want you to ride to Winterfell and raise your banners. Karstarks, Bolton, Glover, Hornwood, call them all. Bring winter with you. Robert, ride to Storms End and do the same. Bring us the storm. We are going to war!"
Eddard's face shone in surprise as Robert became jubilant once again. They knew Lord Arryn made his decision and it was to stay with them. Robert gave a satisfied grunt as a reply, his face marked with a grin.
"You will leave now. There is no time to waste. Do not talk to anyone of our plans until you reach your home. The lesser men knew about it the better. I have some important job to tend. Measter, take Lord Stark and Lord Baratheon with you. Provide them with ample supplies for the road and knights for protection. Prepare the Ravens. They will be flying today."
The maester bowed his head and walked to the door, with Robert and the knights following him. Ned stood there, waiting for the moment. Sensing this, Jon motioned him to talk.
"Is there any other way my Lord. I want justice but I don't want my men to die in thousands for that."
Jon studied the young man for a while and replied,"This is the only way, Ned. A king is no god but a father to his subjects. If he is blind to the plea of his children, it is better for him to cease to exist. Now, are you frightened boy?"
Ned never raised his head when he said yes.
Jon smiled at that and said,"Good, then you're not stupid. Now go, gather your men."
Ned bowed his head and left Jon alone for his thoughts.
As Ned left, Jon sank to his seat with a heavy heart with doubts of his own. He just broke the pact that made by Ronnel Arryn hundreds of years back. He failed his house by forsaking his honor by starting a rebellion against the king of the Seven Kingdoms. Still, he kept his word he gave to Rickard Stark. Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon are alive because Jon Arryn never forsakes his honor for the whims of a mad man. What the future will bring, Jon Arryn was oblivious. For now, his legacy was two marriages and no issue. Neither Rowena Arryn nor Jayne Royce gave him an heir for the Eyrie and after Jon's death, Eyrie would pass onto some cousin in his family tree. Jon knew that for a fact. Some might say it was his desperate attempt to create a legacy for himself before that day come. A final flap of the Falcon Lord's wings to scare off a Dragon. No one will ever know the truth that it was the honor that got him rebellious. Not a lord's honor, not a friend's honor but a father's honor. The love he had for the boys was beyond question and for a man who never had one for his own, Jon considered them as his own. Aerys was wrong to demand Jon their heads. The king could've asked for Jon's own life and he would've gladly ridden to Kings Landing but a mad man never thinks straight and he is going to pay for it. It was time to write some letters and the Ravens are ready to fly. Above the Eyrie, the vast blue sky was clear and a falcon was soaring high above the towers of the Eyrie...
(Inspired by the characters and events from A Song Of Ice And Fire series written by George R R Martin.)
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