A Game of Thrones, Chapter 43, Eddard
Summary
Ned, in place of Robert, is listening to the people in the throne room. There is a group of refugees from the westlands claiming that they were raided by Lannisters led by Gregor Clegane. Ned listens to them and decides to send king’s men after the Mountain.
Quotes
“There are many large men in the realm.”
“As large as the Mountain That Rides?” Ser Karyl said. “I have never met one.”
“Nor has any man here,” Ser Raymun added hotly. “Even his brother is a pup beside him. My lords, open your eyes. Do you need to see his seal on the corpses? It was Gregor.”
Ned raised his voice, so it carried to the far end of the throne room. “In the name of Robert of the House Baratheon, the First of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, by the word of Eddard of the House Stark, his Hand, I charge you to ride to the westlands with all haste, to cross the Red Fork of the Trident under the king’s flag, and there bring the king’s justice to the false knight Gregor Clegane, and to all those who shared in his crimes. I denounce him, and attaint him, and strip him of all rank and titles, of all lands and incomes and holdings, and do sentence him to death. May the gods take pity on his soul.”
Commentary
Now doesn’t that just sent a chill down your spine. The way Ned Stark sends king’s justice after Gregor Clegane raised the hair on my neck when I read it. Knowing full well that his action may bring the war to the realm and against the counsel of the members of the council Ned sends king’s people after Lord Tywin’s dog. During this hearing we clearly see who in the small council supports the Lannisters. Pycelle first wants to dismiss the accusations and telling refugees to pick this up with Lord Tywin and after Ned decides to listen to them he wants to stall any decision until King returns. Pycelle is Queen’s creature to the bone.
Making a bold move against Lannisters Ned leaves himself open. With twenty men of his own guard going alongside Lord Beric to kill the Mountain Ned’s strength in King’s Landing is greatly diminished. Also, by sending his strongest supporters/Lannister enemies he stays in the Red Keep surrounded by enemies. A grave mistake he will learn to regret very soon.
Tags: Eddard
