King and King 6

The bitterly cold wind howled past as Stannis Baratheon led dozens of heavily armored cavalrymen charging through the snow, their approach rumbling like war drums.

When the knights reached Lord Eddard and the others, their horses reared and halted in perfect unison, sending snow flying and exuding an intimidating presence.

The quiet horses breathed out white mist, occasionally letting out a neigh.

The Flaming Heart Banner fluttered overhead. Stannis sat straight in his saddle, dressed in somewhat worn gray leather armor, black riding trousers and boots. Only his gold cloak, trimmed with black fur along its edges, stood out.

Stannis's hollow cheekbones and sharply squared jaw were covered in a short, neatly trimmed blue-black beard. Above his thick brows sat a crown of red gold, its points resembling intertwined flames.

With eyes as unfathomably deep as blue pools beneath his heavy brows, he coldly looked down at Lord Eddard and the others as though inspecting enemies.

The other conspicuous figure was the king's witch—Melisandre. Her fiery red eyes were also fixed upon them, a faint smile resting on her lips. The ruby at her throat seemed to pulse with her heartbeat, while the cold wind whipped her long red robes about her.

Lord Eddard stood where he was and slightly raised his head, meeting Stannis's sharp gaze.

His eyes were steady and resolute, entirely unshaken by Stannis's imposing manner. Behind him, the gray-cloaked guards gripped their weapons tightly, ready for anything that might happen.

Old Bear came to stand beside Lord Eddard, surrounded by the Night's Watch, and likewise raised his head to meet Stannis's icy stare.

An eerie silence fell over the surroundings.

At last, Stannis Baratheon's voice drifted through the cold wind. "Lord Stark, Lord Commander Mormont, by the laws of the realm, deserters should be put to