Execution of the Deserter

Lord Eddard Stark rides out with his sons Robb, Jon, and Bran to witness the execution of a deserter from the Night's Watch. The man, Gared, is the same ranger who fled from the Others. Eddard beheads him with Ice, his Valyrian steel greatsword, teaching Bran that the man who passes the sentence must swing the sword. This event introduces the Stark family's honor code and the harsh justice of the North.