chapter 160 part 1
Chapter 160: The Long Night (Conclusion)
Glyn Crabbe first pulled a chair over to sit opposite Eddard Stark, then propped his large feet up on the table.
He crossed his arms before his chest and said, "Lord Eddard, Queen Cersei has ordered me to leave this place and await orders outside the Red Keep with the Bluecloaks."
Lord Eddard naturally assumed Glyn was referring to the 200 Bluecloaks under his command.
"Glyn, go to Riverrun, rest assured. Nothing will happen."
The recently departed Janos Slynt had already solved Lord Eddard's greatest problem. The Lord Commander of the Goldcloaks had arrived with Robert's "will." Lord Janos and his 6,000 Goldcloaks would fully support Lord Eddard; it could be said he already controlled the situation in the Red Keep. Even if Cersei Lannister wanted to resist, she could not make waves with her mere 300 Redcloaks.
Glyn ruffled his hair and said, "Lord Eddard, I see you in danger right now, yet you want me to leave. You must at least tell me the reason. Otherwise, please forgive me for refusing any of your orders. I must remain in the Red Keep to protect you."
Lord Eddard felt Glyn's resolve. He, too, ran a hand through his hair, troubled.
A silence fell over the study.
Glyn did not yield. Lord Eddard, both moved and helpless, chose to reveal the truth.
"Glyn, after Robert's death, he has no son of his own blood to inherit the Iron Throne. Those three children are bastards born of Jaime Lannister and Cersei Lannister."
Glyn's posture straightened instantly, his eyes slowly widening. He stared intently at Lord Eddard's solemn face, as if to confirm whether this was some jest.
After a long moment, seeing Lord Eddard's expression remained unchanged, Glyn moved his lips in disbelief but could not utter a word.
Lord Eddard sighed and said, "Therefore, Stannis is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. This is why I want you to leave King's Landing for now. I will handle everything. You will not be implicated because of Cersei's actions. When you return, you can serve the new King with peace of mind."
Lord Eddard had always been a man of few words. To convince Glyn, he had broken his usual habit.
Glyn exhaled and muttered, "No wonder..."
After a pause, he took his feet off the table and sat up straight. "The truth is truly... both cruel and difficult to accept."
Bringing up this matter, Lord Eddard could not help but feel sad for Robert once more. His old friend had passed so suddenly, without ever knowing the cruel truth. Perhaps that was a mercy in itself.
Glyn stood and paced back and forth for a while before stopping in front of the desk.
"Lord Eddard, forgive my presumption, but please allow me to speak frankly."
Lord Eddard looked at the serious-faced Glyn and nodded slightly.
"Lord Eddard, if Lord Stannis inherits the Iron Throne, the entire realm will be plunged into a river of blood..."
Lord Eddard frowned and interrupted, "Glyn, Stannis is Robert's oldest brother. He is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. I do not wish for you to err."
Glyn did not back down. "Please allow me to finish, Lord Eddard. We both know Lord Stannis has a rigid character and is utterly uncompromising."
"Once he sits the Iron Throne, unless Cersei and her bastards are all dead, Lord Stannis's hold on the throne will never be secure."
"King Robert was willing to pardon those who served Aerys II, as long as they swore fealty to him... but Stannis will absolutely not do the same."
"Given Lord Stannis's character, he will not forget the siege of Storm's End, and House Tyrell and House Redwyne will not dare to forget it either."
"Lord Tywin of Casterly Rock will surely raise his army, and they are by no means a small force. At that time, the Seven Kingdoms will fall into turmoil."
"As long as someone raises the Targaryen banner, the Reach, the Westerlands, and the Iron Islands will all unite. Even the Stormlands of House Baratheon will join them."
Lord Eddard knitted his brows and remained silent. Glyn sighed inwardly.
After a pause, Glyn spoke again, "Lord Eddard, across the Narrow Sea, the Mad King's son Viserys is already a man grown. I am not being an alarmist. You and Robert will be called usurpers by them."
"They will invade the North and march on Winterfell, just as you and King Robert conquered the Iron Islands. To curry favor with the new King Viserys... the tragedy of the Targaryens will be repeated upon House Stark."
Throughout Glyn's persuasion, Lord Eddard only showed a flicker of hesitation when the Targaryen tragedy was mentioned, and only for an instant.
Lord Eddard stared at Glyn, his resolve firm. "Stannis is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. I will make no other choice."
Lord Eddard did not deny Glyn's predictions, but a direwolf would never sully its honor for selfish reasons.
Glyn sighed. "Sansa, Arya, Jon... what are your plans for them?"
Hearing Glyn no longer trying to persuade him, Lord Eddard felt a bit relieved. The boy's tongue had nearly shaken his heart of honor.
Lord Eddard was always more lenient with children, and he could sense that Glyn had no ulterior motives. Glyn's purpose was to protect his safety.
Lord Eddard did not hide anything. "I have already arranged for someone to hire a ship. I will have the children leave King's Landing first."
Glyn held up three fingers and said, "Lord Eddard, I have three questions concerning the children."
Lord Eddard looked at Glyn and gave a slight nod.
"First question, are you sure you want Jon Snow to return to Winterfell?"
"..."
Lord Eddard thought of Catelyn's attitude towards Jon. He had indeed overlooked this problem.
Glyn spread his hands. "It seems you've temporarily forgotten Jon's predicament."
Lord Eddard said gravely, "...I cannot deny my carelessness."
Glyn gave a faint smile. "Lord Eddard, if you do not object, you could let Jon become my squire. His character and swordsmanship are both excellent. As long as he continues to work hard, he has a great chance to be knighted at Crackclaw Point."
Lord Eddard knew of Glyn's capabilities. He had to admit this was a very good path for Jon, and the best choice at this moment.
Lord Eddard did not hesitate. "I will speak with Jon about this tomorrow morning. Thank you, my boy."
Glyn first smiled modestly, then said, "Second question, do you think Sansa and Arya will be able to leave safely?"
Though Glyn was young, he was very level-headed. Lord Eddard believed Glyn was not one to make idle claims.
"Glyn, are you worried someone will harm my children?"
"Lord Eddard, of that there is no doubt. The moment you chose Lord Stannis as the heir to the Iron Throne, you made enemies everywhere. There are no secrets in the Red Keep. Before a new King is established, or before a victor is decided, those with ill intentions will all be watching your children. When necessary, they will even become hostages to control you."
Lord Eddard: "..."
Lord Eddard had thought his arrangements were sound, but after hearing Glyn's words, he realized he had been too careless and had not considered all possibilities.
Glyn said solemnly, "Lord Eddard, please entrust Sansa and Arya to me. My Bluecloaks are more than enough to protect them. I will deliver them safely to Lady Catelyn. I swear it."
"Glyn, I trust you..."
After a pause, Lord Eddard said with emotion, "I am in your debt."
"Please rest assured... One last question."
Glyn spoke bluntly, "Are you confident that everything will go smoothly?"
Lord Eddard met Glyn's gaze for a moment, the corners of his mouth curving slightly as he said, "My boy, rest assured. I will resolve the matters here."