So re-reading AGOT, something is kinda striking, that is how come that Catelyn is so willing to send Ned away to KL, especially after she hears about Jon Arryn's poisoning. It's a bit careless when the only benefit seems to be Sansa marrying Joffrey, which even she can tell is a piece of shit, and getting rid of Jon. And she can't be so petty as to risk Ned's life just to be rid of Jon. So from where does this desire come in AGOT?
The decision comes down to complicated motives. For Ned, he wants to stay in the North, but also we find out that he's afraid he's not up to the job and doesn't want the responsibility any more than he ever has. He's justifies this by stating that Robert, to whom he hasn't really spoken in years, is his friend and will understand. Later, we find he fears not returning like the rest of his family. He then decides to go when it becomes apparent that the Lannisters are a threat to Robert.
For