The journey south had been long and grueling. For weeks, we had ridden through the shifting landscapes of Westeros, leaving behind the cold embrace of the North and passing through the fertile lands of the Riverlands. Now, at last, we stood at the gates of King's Landing.
The capital of the Seven Kingdoms loomed ahead, its towering walls and spires cutting through the sky. The air was thick with the stench of sweat, rotting waste, and the unmistakable scent of ambition. The Red Keep stood high above the city, a silent overseer of the chaos below. The streets were alive with merchants hawking their wares, beggars pleading for coin, and nobles riding past on their well-bred horses, doing their best to avoid the filth beneath them.
I had seen many places in my past life, but nothing compared to King's Landing. It was a city of contrasts—grand, yet rotten to its core. The heart of the realm, yet pulsing with corruption. Every alley hid a secret, every noble held a dagger behind their back, and every whispered word could shape the fate of the kingdom.
Ned Stark's Men
Lord Eddard Stark had chosen his companions well for the journey. These were not just warriors, but men he trusted, men who had proven their loyalty time and time again. Among them were:
Jory Cassel – Captain of the Stark household guard, a seasoned warrior and one of Ned's most loyal men.
Hullen – The Stark's master of horse, a man of few words but reliable in every way.
Harwin – Son of Hullen, younger but eager to prove himself.
Desmond, Vayon Poole, and Heward – Other sworn swords of Winterfell, men who had bled for their lord and would do so again.
These men were Northerners through and through—gruff, honorable, and out of place in the viper's nest that was King's Landing.
The Factions of King's Landing
As we passed through the streets, it became increasingly clear that this city was not just the seat of power but also a battlefield of politics and ambition. The factions that vied for influence here were numerous, each with their own agenda.
House Lannister – The most powerful family in the realm, tied to the throne through Queen Cersei. Lord Tywin ruled the West, and his children—Jaime, the Kingslayer, and Tyrion, the clever dwarf—were forces to be reckoned with. Their wealth from the gold mines of Casterly Rock made them untouchable in many ways.
The Crown and the Small Council – King Robert Baratheon sat upon the Iron Throne, but it was the council that truly governed. Lord Varys, the spymaster, whispered secrets in the shadows. Petyr Baelish, known as Littlefinger, played his own game with coin and deceit. Grand Maester Pycelle bent to the will of the Lannisters. Stannis Baratheon and Renly Baratheon, the King's brothers, each held their own views on the future of the realm.
The City Watch (Gold Cloaks) – Officially, they kept the peace. Unofficially, they could be bought, and their loyalty was ever-shifting. With Littlefinger's influence and the Lannisters' wealth, they were hardly a neutral force.
The Faith of the Seven – The High Septon and his followers held sway over the hearts of the common folk. Though seemingly uninterested in politics, the Faith had its own role to play in the grand game.
The Common Folk and the Underworld – The poor, the beggars, the thieves, and the merchants. The city's true lifeblood. The underworld had its own rulers—brothel keepers, smugglers, and assassins who thrived in the shadows. I had no doubt that men like Littlefinger had their hands deep in their dealings.
Current Events in Winterfell
While we adjusted to life in King's Landing, Winterfell remained a place of grief and growing unease.
Bran Stark lay unconscious in his chambers, his fate uncertain. Lady Catelyn refused to leave his side, watching over him like a mother wolf guarding her wounded pup.
Robb Stark, the Young Wolf, was stepping into his father's role in Winterfell. Though still a boy, he was learning the burdens of leadership, taking on responsibilities he had never expected to face so soon.
The Lannisters' influence was growing, even in the North. Their actions in King's Landing would have repercussions across the realm, and already, whispers of suspicion were growing regarding Bran's fall.
Jon Snow had arrived at the Wall, beginning his new life as a brother of the Night's Watch. Far from the intrigues of King's Landing, he was facing his own trials and challenges in the frozen wastelands beyond the Wall.
Events in Essos
Across the Narrow Sea, Essos was shifting in its own way.
Daenerys Targaryen was growing into her role as Khaleesi. Though once a meek girl, she was beginning to embrace her status as a queen-to-be, learning the ways of the Dothraki under Khal Drogo's watchful eyes.
Viserys Targaryen, ever impatient, continued to press for his crown. His arrogance and cruelty made him unpopular among the Dothraki, and it was only a matter of time before his ambitions would lead him to ruin.
Illyrio Mopatis watched from Pentos, scheming as ever. His goals were unclear, but it was certain he had more in mind than simply aiding the last Targaryens.
Braavos remained a city of quiet power. The Iron Bank, faceless men, and its vast fleet made it a force few dared to challenge.
Slaver's Bay thrived on its brutal trade. The slave cities of Yunkai, Meereen, and Astapor continued their business, but whispers of unrest among the enslaved were beginning to surface.
The world was in motion, and as we stepped into King's Landing, we were merely pieces in a grander game.