Varys glanced at the people present and said, "Oh, my Little Bird told me that Lord Renly left the city about an hour before dawn... I thought you gave some order."
Eddard·Stark's eyes flashed with anger. "I didn't let Renly leave the city."
Lord Eddard is deeply disappointed with Renly. Renly only looks similar to Robert, but does not have the character of Robert himself.
Lord Eddard originally hoped that Renly would support him, but now it seems that he thought too well... Recalling the conversation with Renly last night, this younger brother Robert, who has always been generous, eagerly exposed his hidden ambitions.
Lord Eddard sighed secretly. Although Renly's departure from the city was not good for him, there was nothing he could do about it.
"Let's get started."
Lord Eddard took out Robert's will. "Last night, King Robert called me to his side and ordered me to write down his last words. When Robert stamped the king's seal, Renly·Baratheon Duke and Pycelle Grand Maester all testified at the scene. According to legal principles, this will will be opened by Small Council after the death of King Robert."
Lord Eddard handed the envelope to Barristan: "Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy, can you please check it?"
Ser Barristan Selmy took it solemnly, examined it carefully in front of everyone, and said, "My lords, I can confirm that it is the seal of King Robert and has not been opened."
The old knight glanced around, then opened the will and read out, "...Eddard of House Stark is Lord Regent and Protector of the Realm. I will govern Seven Kingdoms on my behalf until my Lawful Heir reaches adulthood."
Lord Eddard thought to himself that this heir has long since grown up. He only needs to continue the previous game quietly, stabilize Red Keep's situation, and just wait for Lord Stannis to bring his army to King's Landing.
Lord Eddard's gray eyes moved and he looked at Barristan. He might have decided that Joffrey was the new king and insisted on protecting the boy out of honor... Now is not a good time to reveal the truth.
He said, "I would like to ask all Small Council ministers to confirm the identity of my Lord Regent in accordance with Robert's last wish..."
Dong-dong-dong, a knock on the door suddenly came, the door was pushed open, and guard Tomard walked into the study.
"My lords, please forgive me, Master of Household insists..."
Before Tomard finished speaking, Master of Household walked in directly, caressing his chest and said, "My lords, the king requires that Small Council be convened immediately at Throne Room."
Lord Eddard frowned, his eyes became sharp, Cersei made the final choice... The woman rejected his kindness, and she chose to resist.
Seeing that Lord Eddard was silent, Master of Household said again, "Eddard Hand of the King, His Majesty the King's order is to convene Small Council immediately."
Lord Eddard ignored Master of Household. He stood up and picked up the clan sword, looking down at the blade as dark as black smoke.
When Lord Eddard raised his eyes, Direwolf's eyes were full of fighting intent...Barristan became vigilant, Varys shook his fingers, and Pycelle did not dare to touch his eyes.
"The king is dead, but we still go with you."
Outside Tower of the Hand.
The Stark Greycloaks guards wearing chain armor and steel helmets were divided into two columns, a total of twenty-eight people.
Lord Eddard looked at his escort captain, and he tapped his chin. "Jory, you will escort us."
Lord Eddard walked in the front, followed closely by Varys, Pycelle, Barristan, and Master of Household. The gray cloaks of the House Stark guards flapped in the wind.
Although the red color of Lannister's house is nowhere to be seen, there are many capital guards wearing golden cloaks patrolling the city walls and gates... Lord Janos's Gold Cloaks controlled Red Keep according to his orders, and Lord Eddard felt a little relieved.
Throne Room Outside the gate.
Janos·Slynt stood at the door to greet him. He was wearing ornately carved black gold armor, with a high-feathered helmet under his arm.
Lord Janos first nodded slightly toward Lord Eddard, then raised his hand.
With a creak, creak, and creak, the Gold Cloakss worked together to push open the twenty-foot-high Throne Room door.
Master of Household led the crowd in, and he sang loudly. "Welcome to the King of Andals, Rhoynar and First Men, Your Majesty Joffrey I to King of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, House Baratheon and House Lannister."
There was still a long way to the other end of the hall. Lord Eddard frowned and looked over. Joffrey was sitting on the high Iron Throne waiting for them.
Ned Duke walked towards the boy who claimed to be the king, followed closely by the others.
Lord Eddard remembered that when he first walked here, he was riding a horse and holding a sharp sword, forcing Jaime·Lannister to step down Iron Throne... He didn't know if Joffrey would also be so obedient and walked down Iron Throne.
Six Kingsguard headed by Jaime·Lannister formed a crescent shape around the bottom of Iron Throne. They were fully armed with silver armor and long snow-white cloaks.
Cersei was wearing a burgundy silk robe and a gold ring on her head. She and her two children stood behind Kingsguard.
In the Iron Chair densely covered with spikes above them, sat Joffrey wearing a gold thread coat and a red satin cloak.
Behind the throne are Sandor·Clegane and dozens of Lannister Red Cloaks with long swords hanging from their waists.
Lord Eddard glanced around and saw that Lord Janos kept his promise. There were hundreds of Gold Cloakss standing on both sides of the wall holding black iron spears and spears.
Lord Eddard and others stopped, and twenty-eight Grey Cloaks of House Stark gathered around them.
"I order Small Council to prepare for my coronation ceremony at full speed. I hope to complete the coronation within two weeks."
With that said, Joffrey stood up from Iron Throne and said, "Today I want to accept the oath of service from Minister Small Council."
Lord Eddard ignored Joffrey and directly took out Robert's will.
"Varys, please give this to Cersei of House Lannister."
Varys nodded and took the king's will from Lord Eddard. He walked over and handed it to Cersei Queen with both hands.
Cersei Queen glanced at the letter and said contemptuously, "Protector of the Realm? With a piece of paper?!"
After saying that, she tore Robert's will into two halves and then into four pieces, scattering the pieces on the floor.
Ser Barristan Selmy said in shock, "Cersei Queen, that is the king's will!"
Cersei Queen glanced at Barristan and said, "Old Sir, we have a new king."
After saying that, she turned to Lord Eddard and raised her lips. "Lord Stark, last time we met, I have to thank you for giving me some advice. Now let me return the favor..."
Cersei raised his chin slightly and said calmly, "As long as you kneel down and swear allegiance to my son, we will allow you to step down from your Hand of the King position and let you return to that Grey Waste to enjoy your old age in peace."
Lord Eddard said coldly, "I hope so, but your son has no right to inherit the throne. Stannis·Baratheon is the Lawful Heir of King Robert."
Since Cersei insisted on ending it here and now, he had no choice. Lord Eddard gestured towards his guards.
Joffrey screamed on top with his face flushed, "You are lying!!"
"Stark, you are asking for death..."
Cersei's green eyes moved slightly, and he said to the old knight, "Ser Barristan Selmy, capture this traitor!"
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard looked at Lord Eddard and hesitated for a moment, but was surrounded by Stark Greycloaks who had drawn his weapon.
Lord Eddard also looked at Ser Barristan Selmy who was controlled by his own guards.
"Dear Ser Barristan Selmy, I am doing this for Robert, out of honor. Please allow me to explain to you later."
Ser Barristan Selmy believed in Lord Eddard's honor. He said calmly, "I want a reasonable explanation now. My honor does not allow your current actions."
Cersei immediately said, "Stark, no matter how beautiful you say it, it can't change the fact that you are fighting for position and power!"
Joffrey on Iron Throne screamed at the top of his lungs, "Kill him! Kill them all!"
Click, Jaime stood opposite Lord Eddard, and he slowly pulled out the sword from his waist. "Duke Direwolf, I suggest you not to refuse Queen Regent Cersei's kindness."
Lord Eddard snorted coldly and said, "Kingslayer, you are not worthy of wearing a white cloak at all. Your glory has long been filthy."
Jaime's expression changed, and just as he was about to speak, Cersei said angrily, "Don't talk nonsense, Stark is a traitor, capture him for me!"
Miso miso miso miso, the Hound, the rest Kingsguard, Lannister Red Cloaks drew out their long swords one after another.
Joffrey screamed again, "Kill them!"
"Cersei, I wanted to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, but you gave me no choice."
Lord Eddard looked at Commander of the Gold Cloaks and then said, "Lord Janos, please temporarily arrest Cersei and her children, but do not harm them. Send them back to Maegor's Holdfast and send someone to guard them."
Lord Janos put on his Gaoyu helmet and shouted, "City Watch!"
More than a hundred Gold Cloaks lowered their spears one after another, but their spear points were pointed in the direction of Lord Eddard.
Lord Janos said, "The betrayer Eddard·Stark, City Watch will protect King Joffrey to the death!"
Cersei's voice was full of sarcasm. "Stark, I don't want to see unnecessary bloodshed. I want your men to put down their weapons and kneel down to beg the king for forgiveness."
Joffrey's scream was mixed with excitement, "Kill them! Kill them all!"
Lord Eddard caught a glimpse of Pycelle and Varys sneaking towards Cersei: "..."
Gryn's analysis is correct. As expected, there are enemies everywhere.
Lord Eddard knew very well at this time that he had been fooled. Commander of the Gold Cloaks was actually Cersei's lackey, and this was the trap that Cersei had already laid.
Lord Janos couldn't hide his pride. He repeated, "Eddard·Stark, put down your weapons, kneel down and surrender!"
Stark took the giant sword Ice from the attendant. He grasped the handle of the sword tightly with both hands and assumed a fighting posture.
The guard captain Jory turned to look at his lord, he smiled and said, "Sir, they have many spearmen, it is difficult to defend!"
Lord Eddard has experienced hundreds of battles, and he feels that just like Robert said, the blood in his body has begun to boil... He misses the days of fighting side by side with his old friends.
"Jory, the North are not good at defense."
"As you command, my lord..."
Jory waved his arms and shouted, "Get ready to fight!!"
"Roar! Roar! Roar!", Stark Greycloaks's pre-war roars were deafening in Throne Room.
Joffrey was standing there excitedly shouting to fight and kill, but was frightened and fell down on Iron Throne. His palms were scratched by the spikes on the chair, and blood flowed out.
"Mom, I'm bleeding!"
Cersei did not hear his son's cry, but the Hound heard it. He strode forward, directly grabbed Grand Maester Pycelle who was hiding behind, and stepped on the steps under Iron Throne.
Jaime raised his sword and got into a fighting stance. "Direwolf Duke, put down your weapon!"
Direwolf's gray eyes were full of fighting spirit. He could no longer hear other sounds. His sight slowly swept across the many enemies... Finally, he locked on Commander of the Gold Cloaks.
Lord Eddard His hands relaxed slightly and he gripped the sword handle again.
"Winterfell!"
"Long live! Long live! Long live!"
"Stark!"
"Attack! Attack! Attack!"
Lord Eddard led Grey Cloaks and launched an attack in the direction of Lord Janos.
Lord Eddard's Ice giant sword first cut off three spear points, followed by a horizontal cut, and two Gold Cloaks heads flew up.
Eddard stopped because of the fighting, and his guards overtook him and rushed over.
Janos shouted, "Stabilize the formation! Stab!"
Almost all of the Grey Cloaks who rushed at the front were stabbed by spears, including Tomard who was nearly 50 years old.
The spear penetrated Tomard's abdomen and came out from behind. The tip of the spear was dripping with blood. He couldn't help spitting out a mouthful of blood.
"Long live Winterfell!"
Tomard roared at the top of his lungs and rushed directly along the long pole that penetrated the abdomen. He used his last breath to stab the long sword into the enemy's neck.
Grey Cloaks fell down one by one. After a total of eleven people fell, the battle turned into a melee.
Every time Ice forged by Valyrian Steel was swung, both people and weapons would be cut off. The enemies in front of Lord Eddard fell one by one, and the guards around him used their swords and their own bodies to block the attacks towards Eddard.
After a close encounter, one Grey Cloaks replaced at least three Gold Cloaks. The elite combat power of Winterfell made the enemy frightened.
"Janos!"
Lord Eddard roared, Ice slashed diagonally with the sword, and a long gash appeared in Lord Janos's breastplate from the left shoulder to the bottom of the right chest.
After a pause, blood sprayed out, and Lord Janos fell straight to the ground.
Lord Eddard was breathing heavily. His face was covered with blood. His eyes moved and locked on Jaime·Lannister not far away. The dirty Kingslayer and Lannister Red Cloaks were guarding Cersei.
Direwolf turned around and regained his fighting posture.
"Stark!"
"Attack! Attack! Attack!"
The remaining twelve Stark Greycloaks surrounded Lord Eddard and roared in unison, their morale still high.