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Ned gets a turn on the Iron Throne while King Robert is off hunting. His leg hurts and so do the various bits of him getting poked by the chair - curse you Robert, and you Aegon the Conqueror. His comfort is hardly enhanced by news from the Riverlands of murder and pillage by Lannister-men. Simon and Mackelly consider every implication. 

Chapter Review:
Eddard Stark is in charge and sits the Iron Throne. He’s not thrilled by either the responsibility, (Robert is off hunting) nor the ergonomics. While Sansa watches on, he is confronted with news of atrocities in the Riverlands. Un-sigiled brigands have sacked three towns, killing and raping - but not stealing. The only clue as to their identity - one of them is as big as a mountain. 

Against Grand Maester Pycelle’s objections, Ned strips Ser Gregor Clegane of his titles, lands, and life and dispatches a sizable contingent under the King’s banner to carry out the justice. He gives the lead of this mission to Ser Beric Dondarrion. In so doing, he slights Ser Loras Tyrell and Ser Ilyn Payne (the King’s executioner). 

Lord Varys suggests that this might not have been the best strategic decision. But we note that Ned carefully picked only men loyal to either House Stark or House Barratheon. 

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Eddard "Ned" Stark - Hand of the King, Lord of Winterfell, and king Robert's closest friend.
King Robert Baratheon - King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. Protector of the realm. Aside from being king, he's also Ned's lifelong best friend.
Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin, member of the Small Council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Tully.
Lord Varys - Master of Spies for King Robert.
Ser Gregor Clegane - The Mountain who Rides. Lannister loyalist. Murderer of Rhaegar Targaryen’s children.
Lord Beric Dondarrion - The Lightning Lord of Blackhaven. Tasked by Ned to bring down the King’s justice on Gregor Clegane. 
Edmure Tully - Heir to Riverrun. Seemingly in charge of defenses, while his father Hoster Tully recuperates from illness.

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