text: A Game of Thrones In his investigation about the death of Jon Arryn, Eddard Stark meets several people who had met with Arryn shortly before his death.  One of them is Gendry, who was sought by both Jon Arryn and Stannis Baratheon. Eddard immediately recognizes Gendry as a  bastard child of King Robert Baratheon, and tells Tobho Mott that if Gendry ever shows interest in military service, he is to be sent directly to Eddard.  Gendry has shown promise as a blacksmith and made a helmet in the shape of a bull head.  Eddard compliments the helmet, offering to purchase it, but Gendry refuses, to the embarrassment of his master.
  A Clash of Kings
  After King Robert's death and Eddard Stark's political fall and eventual public execution, Varys makes arrangements for the Night's Watch recruiter Yoren to take Gendry to the Wall in order to protect him from Queen Cersei's purge.  Gendry travels north with Yoren and thirty other recruits including Lommy Greenhands, Hot Pie and a disguised Arya Stark.  Not far from King's Landing they are stopped by several Gold Cloaks from the City Watch, who demand that Yoren give up Gendry as he is wanted by Queen Cersei.  Yoren refuses, and threatens off the Gold Cloaks with his recruits.