A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard
Summary
Robert and his party reach Winterfell. Right after the introduction King went to pay his respects to the dead, not paying any attention to his wife’s protests. Ned and Robert talk in the crypts reminiscing the old times. Robert asks Ned to become The Hand of the King and offers him marriage between his eldest son and Ned’s daughter, Sansa.
Quotes
Lyanna had only been sixteen, a child-woman of surpassing loveliness. Ned had loved her with all his heart. Robert had loved her even more. She was to have been his bride.
“I vowed to kill Rhaegar for what he did to her.”
“You did.” Ned reminded him.
“Only once.” Robert said bitterly.
“Your Grace,” he said. “I am not worthy of the honor.”
“If I wanted to honor you, I’d let you retire.”
Commentary
Very moving chapter. Another key characters (including POV characters from later on) are introduced. King Robert is the key character in the history of Seven Kingdoms. He is the usurper that overthrew the House of Targaryen with the help of Ned Stark.
The main event in this chapter is the proposition Robert makes: Ned is to become the Hand of King, the second most powerful man in Westeros. He’s supposed to leave his home and follow his old friend to the life he does not want. Ned is clearly torn between the loyalty to his King and friend and his own life, his family. He is also not sure if his old friend is still the man he knew from the times when they grew up together.
Tags: Eddard
