Chapter 592: Robb's Ennoblement
At the public trial, Eddard Stark, the former Warden of the North and Duke of Winterfell, confessed to all his crimes, drawing jeers from the gathered populace.
Lord Eddard Stark was known for his noble character and unwavering sense of justice, revered throughout the Seven Kingdoms. However, this reputation was mostly confined to noble circles, and he never made an effort to propagate this image. To the common folk of King's Landing, he was just another arrogant, cold Northerner. The city had seen an influx of Northmen in recent years, many of whom had fled wartime strife. Their presence strained the resources of King's Landing, naturally leading to resentment and regional conflict.
The citizens of King's Landing disliked the Northmen, and Lord Stark was no exception in their eyes. Now hearing him admit to all his alleged crimes, they reacted with disdain. Yet, bound in chains at the center of the assembly, Ned remained unfazed, holding onto the words of advice from his wife, Catelyn.
She had paid a significant price to ensure his safety, and he would not falter now.
Subsequently, Eddard Stark knelt, begging the new king for mercy, willing to relinquish his titles and join the Night's Watch to guard the realm's northern borders. King Viserys forgave him, allowing him to don the black and start anew as a member of the Night's Watch.
Though this act was the culmination of political negotiations, it had to be performed publicly, serving as both a punishment and a showcase of the king's benevolence.
"Lord Stark," Eddard was unshackled, and Yoren, known as 'The Crow' from the Night's Watch, draped him in the black cloak. This signified Eddard's transition into the Night's Watch, ready to reclaim his homeland.
"Thank you, Your Grace," the Northern nobles cheered, their respect and admiration for the honorable Lord Stark evident. Despite the trying circumstances, at least he lived.
With Eddard's fate decided, attention turned to the significant question of who would govern the North. The Northmen strongly desired a Northerner to rule them. The position of the Warden in the new regime involved overseeing politics, economics, and law, but not military power, which was reserved for the Commander.
For the upcoming campaign to reclaim the North, King Viserys did not intend to employ his forces, who were weary from the recent conquest of the Seven Kingdoms. Instead, the task would fall to the Northmen and the Night's Watch, much like the Iron Islands, where Euron Greyjoy and his men were currently battling remnants of the undead.
Regarding the North's governance, Viserys had a plan. He had Robb Stark, Eddard's eldest son, kneel beside his father. Robb, realizing what was transpiring, handed his wine flask to his friend, Gendry, a former bastard who had become one of Viserys' earliest attendants after being abducted across the Narrow Sea.
Robb then greeted his father, who, despite being clad in the black of the Night's Watch, embraced his son, entrusting him with the care of their family.
Viserys then officially named Robb Stark as the Count of Winterfell, stripping away the titles of Warden of the North and Duke. Robb would serve as a royal attendant in King's Landing until he came of age, after which he would return to the North.
To the surprise of many, including the Starks, Viserys declared that given Robb's youth and inexperience, an interim regent would be needed to govern the North until Robb was ready. And Robb would be the one to choose this regent.
As the gathered Northern nobles exchanged glances, all eyes turned to Robb, now thrust into a position of power and responsibility. With a deep breath and a determined look, Robb made his choice.
"Lord Rickard Karstark!"