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Game of Thrones & A Song of Ice and Fire blog *SPOILER POLICY: While I've read all five ASOIAF books, I don't reblog or post spoilers beyond the current episode or episode preview/trailer.*

massawar asked you:

Points to think about: 1)Ned wouldn’t take the oath until reaching the Wall, hence it would be possible for him to “escape” and go to Winterfell. And Yoren would most likely have taken him there so getting away wouldn’t be a problem. 2) Would Ned really accept an order from someone who he believes to be a false king? 3)I don’t think he would just forget about his family and the fate of the kingdom and just join the NW. He’s a soldier, i think he would have fought for justice. Just my thoughts

Taking the oath is rather a technicality. He might have the opportunity to escape physically before he gets to Castle Black, but if Ned gives his word he’s joining the NW, he’s not going to run off. I don’t think Yoren would’ve let him escape on purpose either, despite his friendliness with Ned. He helped with Arya because she’s a kid and a female, but if Ned ‘volunteered’ for the Watch, Yoren’s taking him there.

It’s not an order from the king, it’s an offer from the enemy, one last chance to live. He can join the NW, or die. He may be a soldier, but ultimately he is a man of honor. That’s Ned’s problem. He gave his word, and he keeps it, even when it makes people miserable. Including himself.