A Game of Thrones Chapter Thirtynine

Ned had known their faces as well as he knew his own once, but the years leech at a man’s memories, even those he has vowed never to forget. In the dream they were only shadows, grey wraiths on horses made of mist. They were seven, facing three. In the dream as it had been in life. Yet these were no ordinary three. They waited before the round tower, the red mountains of Dorne at their backs, their white cloaks blowing in the wind. And these were no shadows; their faces burned clear, even now. Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning, had a sad smile on his lips. The hilt of the greatsword Dawn poked up over his right shoulder. Ser Oswell Whent was on one knee, sharpening his blade with a whetstone. Across his white-enameled helm, the black bat of his House spread its wings. Between them stood fierce old Ser Gerold Hightower, the White Bull, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. â€Å"I looked for you on the Trident,† Ned said to them. â€Å"We were not there,† Ser Gerold answered. â€Å"Woe to the Usurper if we had been,† said Ser Oswell. â€Å"When King’s Landing fell, Ser Jaime slew your king with a golden sword, and I wondered where you were.† â€Å"Far away,† Ser Gerold said, â€Å"or Aerys would yet sit the Iron Throne, and our false brother would burn in seven hells.† â€Å"I came down on Storm’s End to lift the siege,† Ned told them, â€Å"and the Lords Tyrell and Redwyne dipped their banners, and all their knights bent the knee to pledge us fealty. I was certain you would be among them.† â€Å"Our knees do not bend easily,† said Ser Arthur Dayne. â€Å"Ser Willem Darry is fled to Dragonstone, with your queen and Prince Viserys. I thought you might have sailed with him.† â€Å"Ser Willem is a good man and true,† said Ser Oswell. â€Å"But not of the Kingsguard,† Ser Gerold pointed out. â€Å"The Kingsguard does not flee.† â€Å"Then or now,† said Ser Arthur. He donned his helm. â€Å"We swore a vow,† explained old Ser Gerold. Ned’s wraiths moved up beside him, with shadow swords in hand. They were seven against three. â€Å"And now it begins,† said Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. He unsheathed Dawn and held it with both hands. The blade was pale as milkglass, alive with light. â€Å"No,† Ned said with sadness in his voice. â€Å"Now it ends.† As they came together in a rush of steel and shadow, he could hear Lyanna screaming. â€Å"Eddard!† she called. A storm of rose petals blew across a blood-streaked sky, as blue as the eyes of death. â€Å"Lord Eddard,† Lyanna called again. â€Å"I promise,† he whispered. â€Å"Lya, I promise . . . â€Å" â€Å"Lord Eddard,† a man echoed from the dark. Groaning, Eddard Stark opened his eyes. Moonlight streamed through the tall windows of the Tower of the Hand. â€Å"Lord Eddard?† A shadow stood over the bed. â€Å"How . . . how long?† The sheets were tangled, his leg splinted and plastered. A dull throb of pain shot up his side. â€Å"Six days and seven nights.† The voice was Vayon Poole’s. The steward held a cup to Ned’s lips. â€Å"Drink, my lord.† â€Å"What . . . ?† â€Å"Only water. Maester Pycelle said you would be thirsty.† Ned drank. His lips were parched and cracked. The water tasted sweet as honey. â€Å"The king left orders,† Vayon Poole told him when the cup was empty. â€Å"He would speak with you, my lord.† â€Å"On the morrow,† Ned said. â€Å"When I am stronger.† He could not face Robert now. The dream had left him weak as a kitten. â€Å"My lord,† Poole said, â€Å"he commanded us to send you to him the moment you opened your eyes.† The steward busied himself lighting a bedside candle. Ned cursed softly. Robert was never known for his patience. â€Å"Tell him I’m too weak to come to him. If he wishes to speak with me, I should be pleased to receive him here. I hope you wake him from a sound sleep. And summon . . . † He was about to say Jory when he remembered. â€Å"Summon the captain of my guard.† Alyn stepped into the bedchamber a few moments after the steward had taken his leave. â€Å"My lord.† â€Å"Poole tells me it has been six days,† Ned said. â€Å"I must know how things stand.† â€Å"The Kingslayer is fled the city,† Alyn told him. â€Å"The talk is he’s ridden back to Casterly Rock to join his father. The story of how Lady Catelyn took the Imp is on every lip. I have put on extra guards, if it please you.† â€Å"It does,† Ned assured him. â€Å"My daughters?† â€Å"They have been with you every day, my lord. Sansa prays quietly, but Arya . . . † He hesitated. â€Å"She has not said a word since they brought you back. She is a fierce little thing, my lord. I have never seen such anger in a girl.† â€Å"Whatever happens,† Ned said, â€Å"I want my daughters kept safe. I fear this is only the beginning.† â€Å"No harm will come to them, Lord Eddard,† Alyn said. â€Å"I stake my life on that.† â€Å"Jory and the others . . . â€Å" â€Å"I gave them over to the silent sisters, to be sent north to Winterfell. Jory would want to lie beside his grandfather.† It would have to be his grandfather, for Jory’s father was buried far to the south. Martyn Cassel had perished with the rest. Ned had pulled the tower down afterward, and used its bloody stones to build eight cairns upon the ridge. It was said that Rhaegar had named that place the tower of joy, but for Ned it was a bitter memory. They had been seven against three, yet only two had lived to ride away; Eddard Stark himself and the little crannogman, Howland Reed. He did not think it omened well that he should dream that dream again after so many years. â€Å"You’ve done well, Alyn,† Ned was saying when Vayon Poole returned. The steward bowed low. â€Å"His Grace is without, my lord, and the queen with him.† Ned pushed himself up higher, wincing as his leg trembled with pain. He had not expected Cersei to come. It did not bode well that she had. â€Å"Send them in, and leave us. What we have to say should not go beyond these walls.† Poole withdrew quietly. Robert had taken time to dress. He wore a black velvet doublet with the crowned stag of Baratheon worked upon the breast in golden thread, and a golden mantle with a cloak of black and gold squares. A flagon of wine was in his hand, his face already flushed from drink. Cersei Lannister entered behind him, a jeweled tiara in her hair. â€Å"Your Grace,† Ned said. â€Å"Your pardons. I cannot rise.† â€Å"No matter,† the king said gruffly. â€Å"Some wine? From the Arbor. A good vintage.† â€Å"A small cup,† Ned said. â€Å"My head is still heavy from the milk of the poppy.† â€Å"A man in your place should count himself fortunate that his head is still on his shoulders,† the queen declared. â€Å"Quiet, woman,† Robert snapped. He brought Ned a cup of wine. â€Å"Does the leg still pain you?† â€Å"Some,† Ned said. His head was swimming, but it would not do to admit to weakness in front of the queen. â€Å"Pycelle swears it will heal clean.† Robert frowned. â€Å"I take it you know what Catelyn has done?† â€Å"I do.† Ned took a small swallow of wine. â€Å"My lady wife is blameless, Your Grace. All she did she did at my command.† â€Å"I am not pleased, Ned,† Robert grumbled. â€Å"By what right do you dare lay hands on my blood?† Cersei demanded. â€Å"Who do you think you are?† â€Å"The Hand of the King,† Ned told her with icy courtesy. â€Å"Charged by your own lord husband to keep the king’s peace and enforce the king’s justice.† â€Å"You were the Hand,† Cersei began, â€Å"but now—† â€Å"Silence!† the king roared. â€Å"You asked him a question and he answered it.† Cersei subsided, cold with anger, and Robert turned back to Ned. â€Å"Keep the king’s peace, you say. Is this how you keep my peace, Ned? Seven men are dead . . . â€Å" â€Å"Eight,† the queen corrected. â€Å"Tregar died this morning, of the blow Lord Stark gave him.† â€Å"Abductions on the kingsroad and drunken slaughter in my streets,† the king said. â€Å"I will not have it, Ned.† â€Å"Catelyn had good reason for taking the Imp—† â€Å"I said, I will not have it! To hell with her reasons. You will command her to release the dwarf at once, and you will make your peace with Jaime.† â€Å"Three of my men were butchered before my eyes, because Jaime Lannister wished to chasten me. Am I to forget that?† â€Å"My brother was not the cause of this quarrel,† Cersei told the king. â€Å"Lord Stark was returning drunk from a brothel. His men attacked Jaime and his guards, even as his wife attacked Tyrion on the kingsroad.† â€Å"You know me better than that, Robert,† Ned said. â€Å"Ask Lord Baelish if you doubt me. He was there.† â€Å"I’ve talked to Littlefinger,† Robert said. â€Å"He claims he rode off to bring the gold cloaks before the fighting began, but he admits you were returning from some whorehouse.† â€Å"Some whorehouse? Damn your eyes, Robert, I went there to have a look at your daughter! Her mother has named her Barra. She looks like that first girl you fathered, when we were boys together in the Vale.† He watched the queen as he spoke; her face was a mask, still and pale, betraying nothing. Robert flushed. â€Å"Barra,† he grumbled. â€Å"Is that supposed to please me? Damn the girl. I thought she had more sense.† â€Å"She cannot be more than fifteen, and a whore, and you thought she had sense?† Ned said, incredulous. His leg was beginning to pain him sorely. It was hard to keep his temper. â€Å"The fool child is in love with you, Robert.† The king glanced at Cersei. â€Å"This is no fit subject for the queen’s ears.† â€Å"Her Grace will have no liking for anything I have to say,† Ned replied. â€Å"I am told the Kingslayer has fled the city. Give me leave to bring him back to justice.† The king swirled the wine in his cup, brooding. He took a swallow. â€Å"No,† he said. â€Å"I want no more of this. Jaime slew three of your men, and you five of his. Now it ends.† â€Å"Is that your notion of justice?† Ned flared. â€Å"If so, I am pleased that I am no longer your Hand.† The queen looked to her husband. â€Å"If any man had dared speak to a Targaryen as he has spoken to you—† â€Å"Do you take me for Aerys?† Robert interrupted. â€Å"I took you for a king. Jaime and Tyrion are your own brothers, by all the laws of marriage and the bonds we share. The Starks have driven off the one and seized the other. This man dishonors you with every breath he takes, and yet you stand there meekly, asking if his leg pains him and would he like some wine.† Robert’s face was dark with anger. â€Å"How many times must I tell you to hold your tongue, woman?† Cersei’s face was a study in contempt. â€Å"What a jape the gods have made of us two,† she said. â€Å"By all rights, you ought to be in skirts and me in mail.† Purple with rage, the king lashed out, a vicious backhand blow to the side of the head. She stumbled against the table and fell hard, yet Cersei Lannister did not cry out. Her slender fingers brushed her cheek, where the pale smooth skin was already reddening. On the morrow the bruise would cover half her face. â€Å"I shall wear this as a badge of honor,† she announced. â€Å"Wear it in silence, or I’ll honor you again,† Robert vowed. He shouted for a guard. Ser Meryn Trant stepped into the room, tall and somber in his white armor. â€Å"The queen is tired. See her to her bedchamber.† The knight helped Cersei to her feet and led her out without a word. Robert reached for the flagon and refilled his cup. â€Å"You see what she does to me, Ned.† The king seated himself, cradling his wine cup. â€Å"My loving wife. The mother of my children.† The rage was gone from him now; in his eyes Ned saw something sad and scared. â€Å"I should not have hit her. That was not . . . that was not kingly.† He stared down at his hands, as if he did not quite know what they were. â€Å"I was always strong . . . no one could stand before me, no one. How do you fight someone if you can’t hit them?† Confused, the king shook his head. â€Å"Rhaegar . . . Rhaegar won, damn him. I killed him, Ned, I drove the spike right through that black armor into his black heart, and he died at my feet. They made up songs about it. Yet somehow he still won. He has Lyanna now, and I have her.† The king drained his cup. â€Å"Your Grace,† Ned Stark said, â€Å"we must talk . . . â€Å" Robert pressed his fingertips against his temples. â€Å"I am sick unto death of talk. On the morrow I’m going to the kingswood to hunt. Whatever you have to say can wait until I return.† â€Å"If the gods are good, I shall not be here on your return. You commanded me to return to Winterfell, remember?† Robert stood up, grasping one of the bedposts to steady himself. â€Å"The gods are seldom good, Ned. Here, this is yours.† He pulled the heavy silver hand clasp from a pocket in the lining of his cloak and tossed it on the bed. â€Å"Like it or not, you are my Hand, damn you. I forbid you to leave.† Ned picked up the silver clasp. He was being given no choice, it seemed. His leg throbbed, and he felt as helpless as a child. â€Å"The Targaryen girl—† The king groaned. â€Å"Seven hells, don’t start with her again. That’s done, I’ll hear no more of it.† â€Å"Why would you want me as your Hand, if you refuse to listen to my counsel?† â€Å"Why?† Robert laughed. â€Å"Why not? Someone has to rule this damnable kingdom. Put on the badge, Ned. It suits you. And if you ever throw it in my face again, I swear to you, I’ll pin the damned thing on Jaime Lannister.† A Game of Thrones Chapter Thirtynine Ned had known their faces as well as he knew his own once, but the years leech at a man’s memories, even those he has vowed never to forget. In the dream they were only shadows, grey wraiths on horses made of mist. They were seven, facing three. In the dream as it had been in life. Yet these were no ordinary three. They waited before the round tower, the red mountains of Dorne at their backs, their white cloaks blowing in the wind. And these were no shadows; their faces burned clear, even now. Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning, had a sad smile on his lips. The hilt of the greatsword Dawn poked up over his right shoulder. Ser Oswell Whent was on one knee, sharpening his blade with a whetstone. Across his white-enameled helm, the black bat of his House spread its wings. Between them stood fierce old Ser Gerold Hightower, the White Bull, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. â€Å"I looked for you on the Trident,† Ned said to them. â€Å"We were not there,† Ser Gerold answered. â€Å"Woe to the Usurper if we had been,† said Ser Oswell. â€Å"When King’s Landing fell, Ser Jaime slew your king with a golden sword, and I wondered where you were.† â€Å"Far away,† Ser Gerold said, â€Å"or Aerys would yet sit the Iron Throne, and our false brother would burn in seven hells.† â€Å"I came down on Storm’s End to lift the siege,† Ned told them, â€Å"and the Lords Tyrell and Redwyne dipped their banners, and all their knights bent the knee to pledge us fealty. I was certain you would be among them.† â€Å"Our knees do not bend easily,† said Ser Arthur Dayne. â€Å"Ser Willem Darry is fled to Dragonstone, with your queen and Prince Viserys. I thought you might have sailed with him.† â€Å"Ser Willem is a good man and true,† said Ser Oswell. â€Å"But not of the Kingsguard,† Ser Gerold pointed out. â€Å"The Kingsguard does not flee.† â€Å"Then or now,† said Ser Arthur. He donned his helm. â€Å"We swore a vow,† explained old Ser Gerold. Ned’s wraiths moved up beside him, with shadow swords in hand. They were seven against three. â€Å"And now it begins,† said Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. He unsheathed Dawn and held it with both hands. The blade was pale as milkglass, alive with light. â€Å"No,† Ned said with sadness in his voice. â€Å"Now it ends.† As they came together in a rush of steel and shadow, he could hear Lyanna screaming. â€Å"Eddard!† she called. A storm of rose petals blew across a blood-streaked sky, as blue as the eyes of death. â€Å"Lord Eddard,† Lyanna called again. â€Å"I promise,† he whispered. â€Å"Lya, I promise . . . â€Å" â€Å"Lord Eddard,† a man echoed from the dark. Groaning, Eddard Stark opened his eyes. Moonlight streamed through the tall windows of the Tower of the Hand. â€Å"Lord Eddard?† A shadow stood over the bed. â€Å"How . . . how long?† The sheets were tangled, his leg splinted and plastered. A dull throb of pain shot up his side. â€Å"Six days and seven nights.† The voice was Vayon Poole’s. The steward held a cup to Ned’s lips. â€Å"Drink, my lord.† â€Å"What . . . ?† â€Å"Only water. Maester Pycelle said you would be thirsty.† Ned drank. His lips were parched and cracked. The water tasted sweet as honey. â€Å"The king left orders,† Vayon Poole told him when the cup was empty. â€Å"He would speak with you, my lord.† â€Å"On the morrow,† Ned said. â€Å"When I am stronger.† He could not face Robert now. The dream had left him weak as a kitten. â€Å"My lord,† Poole said, â€Å"he commanded us to send you to him the moment you opened your eyes.† The steward busied himself lighting a bedside candle. Ned cursed softly. Robert was never known for his patience. â€Å"Tell him I’m too weak to come to him. If he wishes to speak with me, I should be pleased to receive him here. I hope you wake him from a sound sleep. And summon . . . † He was about to say Jory when he remembered. â€Å"Summon the captain of my guard.† Alyn stepped into the bedchamber a few moments after the steward had taken his leave. â€Å"My lord.† â€Å"Poole tells me it has been six days,† Ned said. â€Å"I must know how things stand.† â€Å"The Kingslayer is fled the city,† Alyn told him. â€Å"The talk is he’s ridden back to Casterly Rock to join his father. The story of how Lady Catelyn took the Imp is on every lip. I have put on extra guards, if it please you.† â€Å"It does,† Ned assured him. â€Å"My daughters?† â€Å"They have been with you every day, my lord. Sansa prays quietly, but Arya . . . † He hesitated. â€Å"She has not said a word since they brought you back. She is a fierce little thing, my lord. I have never seen such anger in a girl.† â€Å"Whatever happens,† Ned said, â€Å"I want my daughters kept safe. I fear this is only the beginning.† â€Å"No harm will come to them, Lord Eddard,† Alyn said. â€Å"I stake my life on that.† â€Å"Jory and the others . . . â€Å" â€Å"I gave them over to the silent sisters, to be sent north to Winterfell. Jory would want to lie beside his grandfather.† It would have to be his grandfather, for Jory’s father was buried far to the south. Martyn Cassel had perished with the rest. Ned had pulled the tower down afterward, and used its bloody stones to build eight cairns upon the ridge. It was said that Rhaegar had named that place the tower of joy, but for Ned it was a bitter memory. They had been seven against three, yet only two had lived to ride away; Eddard Stark himself and the little crannogman, Howland Reed. He did not think it omened well that he should dream that dream again after so many years. â€Å"You’ve done well, Alyn,† Ned was saying when Vayon Poole returned. The steward bowed low. â€Å"His Grace is without, my lord, and the queen with him.† Ned pushed himself up higher, wincing as his leg trembled with pain. He had not expected Cersei to come. It did not bode well that she had. â€Å"Send them in, and leave us. What we have to say should not go beyond these walls.† Poole withdrew quietly. Robert had taken time to dress. He wore a black velvet doublet with the crowned stag of Baratheon worked upon the breast in golden thread, and a golden mantle with a cloak of black and gold squares. A flagon of wine was in his hand, his face already flushed from drink. Cersei Lannister entered behind him, a jeweled tiara in her hair. â€Å"Your Grace,† Ned said. â€Å"Your pardons. I cannot rise.† â€Å"No matter,† the king said gruffly. â€Å"Some wine? From the Arbor. A good vintage.† â€Å"A small cup,† Ned said. â€Å"My head is still heavy from the milk of the poppy.† â€Å"A man in your place should count himself fortunate that his head is still on his shoulders,† the queen declared. â€Å"Quiet, woman,† Robert snapped. He brought Ned a cup of wine. â€Å"Does the leg still pain you?† â€Å"Some,† Ned said. His head was swimming, but it would not do to admit to weakness in front of the queen. â€Å"Pycelle swears it will heal clean.† Robert frowned. â€Å"I take it you know what Catelyn has done?† â€Å"I do.† Ned took a small swallow of wine. â€Å"My lady wife is blameless, Your Grace. All she did she did at my command.† â€Å"I am not pleased, Ned,† Robert grumbled. â€Å"By what right do you dare lay hands on my blood?† Cersei demanded. â€Å"Who do you think you are?† â€Å"The Hand of the King,† Ned told her with icy courtesy. â€Å"Charged by your own lord husband to keep the king’s peace and enforce the king’s justice.† â€Å"You were the Hand,† Cersei began, â€Å"but now—† â€Å"Silence!† the king roared. â€Å"You asked him a question and he answered it.† Cersei subsided, cold with anger, and Robert turned back to Ned. â€Å"Keep the king’s peace, you say. Is this how you keep my peace, Ned? Seven men are dead . . . â€Å" â€Å"Eight,† the queen corrected. â€Å"Tregar died this morning, of the blow Lord Stark gave him.† â€Å"Abductions on the kingsroad and drunken slaughter in my streets,† the king said. â€Å"I will not have it, Ned.† â€Å"Catelyn had good reason for taking the Imp—† â€Å"I said, I will not have it! To hell with her reasons. You will command her to release the dwarf at once, and you will make your peace with Jaime.† â€Å"Three of my men were butchered before my eyes, because Jaime Lannister wished to chasten me. Am I to forget that?† â€Å"My brother was not the cause of this quarrel,† Cersei told the king. â€Å"Lord Stark was returning drunk from a brothel. His men attacked Jaime and his guards, even as his wife attacked Tyrion on the kingsroad.† â€Å"You know me better than that, Robert,† Ned said. â€Å"Ask Lord Baelish if you doubt me. He was there.† â€Å"I’ve talked to Littlefinger,† Robert said. â€Å"He claims he rode off to bring the gold cloaks before the fighting began, but he admits you were returning from some whorehouse.† â€Å"Some whorehouse? Damn your eyes, Robert, I went there to have a look at your daughter! Her mother has named her Barra. She looks like that first girl you fathered, when we were boys together in the Vale.† He watched the queen as he spoke; her face was a mask, still and pale, betraying nothing. Robert flushed. â€Å"Barra,† he grumbled. â€Å"Is that supposed to please me? Damn the girl. I thought she had more sense.† â€Å"She cannot be more than fifteen, and a whore, and you thought she had sense?† Ned said, incredulous. His leg was beginning to pain him sorely. It was hard to keep his temper. â€Å"The fool child is in love with you, Robert.† The king glanced at Cersei. â€Å"This is no fit subject for the queen’s ears.† â€Å"Her Grace will have no liking for anything I have to say,† Ned replied. â€Å"I am told the Kingslayer has fled the city. Give me leave to bring him back to justice.† The king swirled the wine in his cup, brooding. He took a swallow. â€Å"No,† he said. â€Å"I want no more of this. Jaime slew three of your men, and you five of his. Now it ends.† â€Å"Is that your notion of justice?† Ned flared. â€Å"If so, I am pleased that I am no longer your Hand.† The queen looked to her husband. â€Å"If any man had dared speak to a Targaryen as he has spoken to you—† â€Å"Do you take me for Aerys?† Robert interrupted. â€Å"I took you for a king. Jaime and Tyrion are your own brothers, by all the laws of marriage and the bonds we share. The Starks have driven off the one and seized the other. This man dishonors you with every breath he takes, and yet you stand there meekly, asking if his leg pains him and would he like some wine.† Robert’s face was dark with anger. â€Å"How many times must I tell you to hold your tongue, woman?† Cersei’s face was a study in contempt. â€Å"What a jape the gods have made of us two,† she said. â€Å"By all rights, you ought to be in skirts and me in mail.† Purple with rage, the king lashed out, a vicious backhand blow to the side of the head. She stumbled against the table and fell hard, yet Cersei Lannister did not cry out. Her slender fingers brushed her cheek, where the pale smooth skin was already reddening. On the morrow the bruise would cover half her face. â€Å"I shall wear this as a badge of honor,† she announced. â€Å"Wear it in silence, or I’ll honor you again,† Robert vowed. He shouted for a guard. Ser Meryn Trant stepped into the room, tall and somber in his white armor. â€Å"The queen is tired. See her to her bedchamber.† The knight helped Cersei to her feet and led her out without a word. Robert reached for the flagon and refilled his cup. â€Å"You see what she does to me, Ned.† The king seated himself, cradling his wine cup. â€Å"My loving wife. The mother of my children.† The rage was gone from him now; in his eyes Ned saw something sad and scared. â€Å"I should not have hit her. That was not . . . that was not kingly.† He stared down at his hands, as if he did not quite know what they were. â€Å"I was always strong . . . no one could stand before me, no one. How do you fight someone if you can’t hit them?† Confused, the king shook his head. â€Å"Rhaegar . . . Rhaegar won, damn him. I killed him, Ned, I drove the spike right through that black armor into his black heart, and he died at my feet. They made up songs about it. Yet somehow he still won. He has Lyanna now, and I have her.† The king drained his cup. â€Å"Your Grace,† Ned Stark said, â€Å"we must talk . . . â€Å" Robert pressed his fingertips against his temples. â€Å"I am sick unto death of talk. On the morrow I’m going to the kingswood to hunt. Whatever you have to say can wait until I return.† â€Å"If the gods are good, I shall not be here on your return. You commanded me to return to Winterfell, remember?† Robert stood up, grasping one of the bedposts to steady himself. â€Å"The gods are seldom good, Ned. Here, this is yours.† He pulled the heavy silver hand clasp from a pocket in the lining of his cloak and tossed it on the bed. â€Å"Like it or not, you are my Hand, damn you. I forbid you to leave.† Ned picked up the silver clasp. He was being given no choice, it seemed. His leg throbbed, and he felt as helpless as a child. â€Å"The Targaryen girl—† The king groaned. â€Å"Seven hells, don’t start with her again. That’s done, I’ll hear no more of it.† â€Å"Why would you want me as your Hand, if you refuse to listen to my counsel?† â€Å"Why?† Robert laughed. â€Å"Why not? Someone has to rule this damnable kingdom. Put on the badge, Ned. It suits you. And if you ever throw it in my face again, I swear to you, I’ll pin the damned thing on Jaime Lannister.†

Introduce a case study of the Korean industrial (or trade) policy Essay

Introduce a case study of the Korean industrial (or trade) policy - Essay Example Domestic savings were very low, and there was little available domestic capital. This obstacle was overcome by introducing foreign loans and inaugurating attractive domestic interest rates that enticed local capital into production. Of South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, only South Korea financed its economic development with a dramatic build-up of foreign debt, debt that totaled US$46.8 billion in 1985, making it the fourth largest Third World debtor" (Wikimedia Foundations, Inc). It was this strategy that worked well for Korea. Specifically, "The government mobilized domestic capital by encouraging savings, determined what kinds of plants could be constructed with these funds, and reviewed the potential of the products for export. In this sense, the will of the government to undertake economic development played a crucial role; the role of the government, however, was not limited to such measures as mobilizing capital and allocating investments" (Wikimedia Foundations, Inc). It was vast savings and investment that brought Korea to instant stardom. However, it was trade liberalization that made it surpass a perilous regional economic crisis: The Asian Economic Crisis in 1997. "Korea's economy has achieved an impressive recovery from the Asian crisis, with its GDP per capita having been restored to pre-crisis levels, according to a report on the trade policies and

Potential reviews on peer-reviewed journal articles related to the Literature review

Potential reviews on peer-reviewed journal articles related to the dimension of international entrepreneurship - Literature review Example However international entrepreneurial efforts to gain hold of significant opportunities are disturbed by certain factors limiting accessibility of the international entrepreneur to such opportunity zones. The paper relating to the above fact tends to reflect on the importance of opportunities and how the paradigm of accessibility enhances the value addition to the opportunity exploration activities of the international entrepreneur. International Entrepreneurship Baker, Gedajlovic and Lubatkin (2005) and Giamartino, McDougall and Bird (1993) observe that the concept of international entrepreneurship gains potential in the amalgamation of two distinct sets of studies relating to the domain of ‘International Business’ and ‘Business Entrepreneurship’. The main focus of the International Entrepreneur like the Regional or Local Entrepreneur lies in investigating, evaluating and thereby optimally exploiting the emergence of new opportunities in the global landscap e. The international entrepreneur having gained sight of new opportunities relating to the specific or diversified business domain in the international arena tends to evaluate the accessibility parameters to the same. Thus business decisions are framed not only in terms of the opportunities sighted but also in the process of gaining optimal benefits related to such. Henceforth a successful entrepreneur not only endeavours to locate significant opportunities but also tries to evaluate the institutional and infrastructural support pertaining to the different international regions (Baker, Gedajlovic and Lubatkin, 2005, p.492, 496; Giamartino, McDougall and Bird, 1993, p.39). Plattner (2005) and Peterson (1988) remarks that the dimension of international entrepreneurship gains dominance in the light of globalisation. The emergence of globalization has led to the growth of enhanced cooperation pertaining to transnational boundaries thereby helping in the mutual growth of different nation s. No nation in this globalized climate tends to operate in an isolated mode. Thus solutions to entrepreneurial and other issues are sought from amongst the cooperation and support rendered in terms of infrastructures, policies and opportunities by other global nations that work to form a mutual association like Commonwealth Nations (Plattner, 2005, p.510; Peterson, 1988, p.7). Probing for International Opportunities Czinkota et al (2011) highlights that international companies to become successful in the globalised scale are required to conduct an effective probe to the level of changes occurring in the external environment pertaining to different international regions. The international entrepreneurs to succeed in the highly competitive and changing global business environment are required to understand the pattern and level of alterations happening and thereby effectively adapt to such changes. Organisational managers are thus required to reorganise and restructure the business c oncerns to gain ease of access to potential opportunities and resources in the international business arena (Czinkota et al, 2011, p.25). The international entrepreneur in terms of Czinkota et al (2011) and Secor (2007) is not required to evaluate the characteristics or features of diverse international zones ranging across different geographies in a separate fashion. Rather the entrepreneur

Cost estimating Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cost estimating - Research Paper Example The purpose orientation of each type of the estimate with reference to the advantages each type provides to the various parties of a construction project has also been discussed. Introduction The process of predicting the total costs of materials, labor, capital and professional fees required to construct a proposed project is called as cost estimating. The estimate is based on an approximation of the probable cost of the materials, labor and other services required for the construction of a project and it can never be said to be hundred percent accurate and varies with the fluctuating prices of the construction materials and services. The accuracy of cost estimation is of vital importance of the success of a project for the owner as well as the contractor. Estimates are important for developing the feasibility of the projects and the owner’s decision to carry out the project depends upon the preliminary estimates. Accurately estimating the construction costs lies at the heart of a construction company’s success. There may be two scenarios; too low estimate can win bids to the construction company but results I ultimate loss of money to the construction company. On the other hand if the estimates are too high, the chances of getting the work are very less. A good estimate is the one which also incorporates the costs which are not apparent but are likely to occur during the course of completion of the project. Such predictive expertise is the distinguishing characteristics of a good estimator. The main objective of cost estimating is cost control which is very important in construction industry because inappropriate cost control results in the over-budgeting of the project which can ultimately result in the bankruptcy of the construction company. Over the years the methodology adopted for cost estimating has changed and new techniques have evolved. The evolution of the current methodologies and techniques employed in cost estimating is discussed in the following paragraphs. History and Evolution of Cost Estimating The history of construction dates back to the early days of civilization and as other construction techniques and methodologies have evolved over the years cost estimating has also developed with the advent of new technologies and computation devices. The history of cost estimating and cost control dates back to the ancient Greek times and the Greek architects were also concerned about cost control in building their structures and sculptures (Jenkins, 2006). The construction industry has undergone rapid changes over the last 200 years with the technological development. The construction in the medieval ages was not very cost effective and very primitive methods of cost estimation were used with no proper planning resulting in project costs beyond the initial estimates. In the estimates made during those days the indirect costs were never taken into account with only the apparent costs of material and labor calculate d on simple cost per unit quantity basis. The estimates were usually made by the construction contractors and the client never relied on any type of estimates while there was no concept of the role of consultants in construction projects. With the industrial progress the importance of cost estimating increased as the investors were more concerned about the return they were getting on the invested capital. With the industrial revolution the importance of economical use of resources increased resulting in the birth of cost

Discount stores and the difference between variety stores

Discount stores and the difference between variety stores A  discount store  is a type of  store, which sells products at  prices  lower than those asked by most of the retail outlets. Most of the discount department stores offer a wide variety of products; other stores specialize in merchandise such as electronic equipment, or electrical appliances.  Discount stores are not a type of  variety stores, which sell goods at a single price-point or may be multiples thereof. Discount stores are different from variety stores in that they do sell many name-brand products because of its wide price range of the items offered. Discount stores are very popular in the  United States  than any other countries. In the beginning, number of retail establishments in the U.S. started pursuing a very high-volume, low-profit-margin strategy designed to entice price-conscious consumers. Currently  Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world, operates more than 1,300 discount stores in the U.S.   Wal-Marts top competitors are target and K-mart. Porter states that The root of any problem lies in lack of distinguishing between strategy and operation effectiveness The race for productivity, quality and speed has resulted in management tools and techniques, TQM benchmarking, time-based competition, outsourcing, reengineering as well as change management.   In any organization, strategic management is the key to success. There are many theories based on the assumption that without a valid strategy and planning, its difficult for any industry to survive irrespective of the size it have. It is very necessary to understand here that all of the major corporate organizations have finally established themselves, thanks to superior planning of strategies and its implementation. Retail Industry: The retail industry is becoming a news everywhere with not only the traditional industries incrementing their outlets but some major corporate industries also entering into this industry like Fresh @ Reliance of Reliance  Industries and more of Aditya Birla Group in India. Strategic decisions are the decisions that are aimed at differentiating the organization from its competitors in any way that is sustainable and profitable in the future. Porter strongly advocates in the theory that that decisions in business can be simply classified as strategic if they involve some of the innovation and difference that resulted in sustainable advantage.  According to Patrick Hayden about the retailing industry, it adopted the style of discount retailing on its merchandise after the World War 2. It is learnt that discounting in retail was not any strategy at the time Kmart, Target and Wal-Mart first started their business.   Wal mart: Wal mart is known as the giant in retail industry. It has survived for very long and is still a huge enterprise in the world which use to deal with almost every product, apparel, etc.Sam Walton, started a company and with time became leader in discount retailing. It is largest company in the history of world.  Wal-Mart executives continue to follow many of the philosophies that Sams legacy left behind, while simultaneously keeping one step ahead of the ever-changing technology and methods of todays fast-paced business environment Wal-Mart became successful because of its good Strategy as well as good Strategy Implementation. In 1962, Sam Walton opened the first Wal-Mart store in Rogers, Arkansas. At that time, no one could have predicted the enormous success of Wal mart. Sam Waltons talent and discount retailing made Wal-Mart the worlds largest retailer, as well as, the worlds best retailer in sales. Philosophy for a successful company not only sound strategic management decisions are required, but also innovative implementation of those strategic decisions is necessary. Wal-mart business model: It offers cheap prices than its competitors and differ with them in frugal culture, no regional offices pleasant environment to work. Lots of visits are made by the management and the point to be noted is there are no rehearsals before any meeting and meeting are scheduled mostly on Saturday. In every organization, human resource is the key for its development and in Wal-Mart efficient management of its sources is done. Wal-Mart terms its employees as associates. Compensation for managers are linked to the profit of store operated by them, within promotions, compensation offered to associates depends on companys profits they make and they are also offered some incentives on their performances. Wal-Marts workforce is not unionized and the company takes all the measures and advantages for their benefits. They provide their workforce with training on related issues. Technology plays vital role in development of the organization Wal-Mart is well equipped with technological innovations like store performance tracking, POS, real time market  research, satellite system UPC. Wal-Mart followed procurement measures like hard-nosed negotiations, partnerships with some of the vendors, planning packets, centralized and simplified buying, etc. helps at large the cause of which provides the goods services on cheap prices to the customers. The margin of profit for Wal-Mart was very high, the factors are their inbound  logistics  with frequent replenishment, highly technology driven business model, pick to flight, EDI, hub and spoke system. The strategy of operation by wal mart is innovative and highly creative with big stores in small towns, as they got monopoly in the market at comparatively low rental costs, concentric and efficient expansion, based on local prices, merchandising in their brand name, private labels of the area, store within store, much little space for inventory, etc. In relation to marketing and sales, merchandising was tailored from locals ,they spent less on advertising and the prices were fixed low and it uniquely depends on the store manager and he was the one who fixed the latitude of pricing. If we combine all the above factors together, the margin of profits was increased through bulk sales and further which also boosted the confidence of the customers by providing them various services like point of sale information system which was a new technology driven and the most unique everyday low prices. Strategies used : Wal-Mart made strategic and tactic attempts in its formulation or procedure to dominate the retail market where it is having its presence, experiencing growth by expansion in the US. Internationally, wal mart created widespread name recognition and it focused on high customer satisfaction in relation to its brand name and branched itself by doing mergers and acquisions to new profitable new sectors of retailing. The strategies called Generic strategies consisting of Focus Strategy, where focusing to the niche market is the main objective, the Differentiation Strategy where product differentiation is done and finally the overall cost leadership are adopted by the retail company wal-mart. Any organizations thrive hard to become successful for which it mostly needs to have better resources and superior capabilities. Wal-Mart retail company operates on low price strategy where prices are low and operated as every day low prices (EDLP) which builds efficient trust among the customers. The strategy follows purchasing the product at lower prices and selling the product to customer at much lower prices, price cutting is done as far as possible and increases its profit by increasing the number of sales. Discount retailing strategy by Wal-mart Price spin: According to Porter, operational effectiveness of the strategy and efficiency are the basic key elements for the success of any organization. A company can easily outperform its competitors in the market with its superior management real efficient control hence creating a difference from the others(its competitors) which eventually results into enticing customers. Porter defines operational effectiveness in strategy as performance of similar kind of activities as its rivals but difference in its betterment than them Wal-Mart is an expert in changing and manipulating perceptions. It is actually termed that low price in retailing is not the strategy of Wal-Mart but still the advertisement manipulates the perceptions of the customer by making them think and perceive that its prices are in actual lower than others ( its competitors )price using price spin. Wal-Mart by manipulating makes the consumer stick and addicted coming to its retail store making them convinced that the prices are actually lower than in other stores (its competitors) by selling itself cheaper by advertising that we have lower prices than anyone else and placing a opening price point. The opening price point is the lowest price in the store which is kept at high visibility which makes consumer believes that the products in this store are really cheaper. The SWOT analysis of the retail company Wal-Mart clearly reveals that it is the most powerful retail brand, has reputation for money, value, commitment it provides a wide range of products. It is growing incremnetly at a brisk pace along with expanding its horizon to other parts of the world through various acquisition and merger.  Sustainability at the top place is a very important job that makes the managers strive hard to frame the policies, future intentuions and strategy to compete confidently with its rivals in the market. Imitation, Substitution and Hold-up are some of the threats to any organization in the retail industry.  Imitation increments profits by incrementing the supply. But imitation mostly puts reputation and relationship at stake. The report by James Hall states that Wal-Mart is planning to open some convenience stores as Tesco its competitor has already started and operating in US now known as Fresh Easy Neighborhood Markets.  Such tactics and strategies will create mixed and variable responses among the consumers while demolishing the reputation of the leader in the market. Substitution is the strategy that reduces the demand for what any firm uniquely provides by shifting its demand elsewhere due to changes and alterations in technology. The threats in the case of substitution can be subtle unexpected like we can say diminishing expenses through video conferencing and some other means instead of air flights to be made for long distance meetings with the managers of other stores, etc. Therefore, substitution is a very effective way of attacking dominant and strong rivals in the market. Substitution offers various mixed responses after identifying and understanding the market threats. The organization should fight hard to the threat can go for merging with them, and also can go for switching to different options and alternatives of substitution to be in the market. Hold-up basically diverts the value to customers, its suppliers or complementary partners who have some bargaining leverage or abilities which results in very tough negotiations, contractual agreements as well as can be vertical integration. Wal-Mart is expanding its boundaries by way of acquisition and mergers also. Thus Wal-Mart retail company with such a vast and huge network of stores and alliances as compared its competitors ASDA, Target and many other stores is very well protected enough to sustain and continue its top position in the retail industry.

The Catcher in the Rye :: essays papers

The Catcher in the Rye In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden views the world as an evil and corrupt place where there is no peace. This perception of the world is also shared by many individuals of today’s society. In their mental scope, a gun is needed to change a person’s views. Holden also possesses this view, but is not drawn in to this extreme. Gradually he comes to the realization that he is powerless to change this corruption. It takes most of the book before Holden begins to realize that he is helpless to stop this corruption. Finally, he realizes that not only is there nothing that he can do, but there is nowhere he can go to hide from it. Holden takes awhile to comprehend these concepts. One good example is when Holden is delivering the note to his sister. He encounters a "*censored*-you" written on the wall. Holden careful rubs this off with his hand so as to protect the innocent children from reading it. Later on he finds "*censored*-you" scratched into the surface with a knife. He discovers that he can't efface this one. Even in the timeless peace of the Egyptian tomb room at the museum there is an un-erasable "*censored*-you." This incident is the beginning of Holden's realization that his dreams are infeasible. This example relates to society today. In the high school massacre, where two kids took matters in their own hands by using semiautomatic weapons, thinking that they can change corrupti on by using force. This narrow stubbornness led to their death. They did not eliminate corruption and discrimination, but elevated the intensity in which it was based. Holden did not go to this extreme, but he realized that there is nothing that can be done to reverse this so called corruption of the world. He sees that trying to stop evil and corruption only makes it worse, it has to be played out until it collapses on itself. â€Å"All the kids kept trying to grab for the gold ring, and so was old Phoebe, and I was sort of afraid she'd fall off the goddam horse, but I didn't say anything or do anything. The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything.

Mentoring to Retain Nursing Staff

The purpose of the study aims to investigate the results of the education-based preceptor program of a community hospital intended to address the declining retention rate of nursing staff in the hospital. The implementation of the program is supported by the perceptions of newly graduated nurses that they still need mentoring even after undergoing orientation. Retention rate should increase through the program. The study employed convenience sampling by considering as respondents, the 40 newly graduated nurses of the community hospital. The research design is a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data collection is through a survey guided by a questionnaire made up of closed and open ended questions and visual analogue scales. To ensure validity, all the respondents were informed about how the visual analogue scales work. Reliability was achieved by using standard visual analogue scales and variables supported by literature. Results showed that after undergoing the program, there was an increase in retention rate by 29 percent and a decrease in vacancy rate by 9.5 percent. The primary strength of the study is the combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches to derive rich data. Its major weakness is the use of convenience sampling, which means that the results reflect the situation of the respondents but this may not be subject to generalizations. Masny, A., Ropka, M., Peterson, C., Fetzer, D., & Daly, M. (2008). Mentoring nurses in familial cancer risk assessment and counseling: Lessons learned from a formative evaluation. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 17(2), 196-207. The study sought to explore the mentoring of nurses to take on the counselling of individuals wanting to learn information on cancer risk in the community. The need to train nurses for this work is because of the rise in community-based activities of the health care institution. The research looked into the results of the 5-day training of nurses on assessment and counseling of cancer risk together with long-distance mentorship to facilitate continuing skills development. Initially, selection of the respondents applied convenience sampling by considering the nurses who completed the training as respondents. The 40 nurses were then randomly assigned to their counterpart in the long-distance mentoring and the scheduling of the mentorship as either immediate or delayed. The study employed the quantitative approach. The data collection instrument is a formative sampling that covers the various aspects of the program. Reliability is ensured by using an instrument already tested by previous studies. Results showed appreciation for mentoring with improved efficacy after 6 months and continuation of the mentoring program to support continuous community-based work. The main strengths of the study are the long period of data gathering that ensured observation of results and use of formative evaluation, which is an accepted measurement tool. The weakness is the focus on quantitative data that could have provided insights from the perspectives of the nurses. Latham, C., Hogan, M., & Ringl, K. (2008). Nurses supporting nurses creating a mentoring program for staff nurses to improve the workforce environment. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 32(1), 27–39. The study sought to determine the impact of mentoring in improving work environment of nurses and patient outcomes based on the underlying recognition that a good work environment supports nursing staff retention. Through a mentoring program, workplace issues such as lack of communication and collaboration are addressed. The mentoring relationship involves a 3-year partnership involving the staff of two hospitals. Research participants were determined through purposive sampling by seeking out the nurses engaged in the mentoring programs of the two hospitals. The research approach is qualitative by considering observations of results and outcomes and comparing these with previous base data. Data collection method is observation and document analysis to support the comparative study. Validity is achieved by considering variables that determine the expected outcomes. Results showed that the mentoring program developed mutual respect and reinforced the support culture in both hospitals. This means higher retention rate. The strength of the study is the consideration of data on long-term results and focus on outcomes. The weakness of the study is reliability since observation data could vary when replicated. Wagner, L., Seymour, M. (2007). A model of caring mentorship for nursing. Journal of Nurses in Staff Development, 23(5), 201-211. The study sought to investigate the relationship between mentoring and the personal and professional growth of nurses. This is based on the recognition that health levels of personal and professional growth of nurses supports higher rates of retention. The paper reports on the results of a mentoring program conducted in the form of a workshop involving student nurses and professional nurses. Participants were selected through convenience sampling depending on the nursing students and nurses that signed up for the seminar. The study employed the qualitative approach as a research design because the intention is to derive accounts of the experiences of the mentoring seminar participants. The data collection instrument is focus group interview and individual interviews. Reliability is achieved by taking the personal accounts of the participants and validity is ensured by using questions intended to draw the experiences of the participants on the aspects of personal and professional growth with implications on retention. Results showed that personal and professional growth occurred for both student nurses and practicing nurses. This supports higher entry and retention rate of nurses. The strength of the study is the derivation of rich and in-depth data to support conclusions while the weakness of the study is the short period of data collection that limited data collected on outcomes. Â   Â   Â   Â   Â