2 AGOT Bran I : When Lord Eddard Stark talks to his young son, Bran, after the execution to ask if he understands why he was his own justice, he makes two important points: 1) as the one to pass the sentence, you may grant mercy 2) if you aren't the one to swing the sword, you're less likely to feel the full extent of the decision to kill a man. A just lord who executes his own sentences is more likely to find reasons to be merciful. 13 AGOT Eddard II : "Ned had made the lo

Opening in A Clash of Kings, No One Sword relates to a slew of minor themes like Powerful Individual, Individual in Office and Assassination , around who can and can't do what and why. 71 AGOT Jon IX : "Your brother is in the field with all the power of the north behin him. Any one of his bannerman commands more swords than you'll find in all the Night's Watch. Why do you imagine that they need your help? Are you such a mighty warrior, or do you carry a grumkin in your po

34 AGOT Eddard VIII : Ned must oppose Robert's demand the Targaryen's be wiped out. Barristan Selmy does too. 52 AGOT Sansa IV : Sansa believes she can persude Joffrey to pardon Ned entirely, once queen, if she can only persuade him to grant mercy now. 58 AGOT Sansa V : When dismissed from the kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy tells Joffrey Stannis will take his throne and storms off to serve a better king. 59 AGOT Eddard XV : Ned herocailly decides to plead guilty to vile