Winterfell

The Stark council was sitting in Lord Stark solar each with their own thoughts over the impending arrival of the 2 Lords coming to Winterfell. Before anymore discussions could be held, the guard announced the arrival of Lord Wyman Manderly and his heir Wyman Manderly. Both the men entered and bowed to Lord Stark and Lady Stark. Northern Ale was offered which brought a smile to both the Manderlys face.

Lord Manderly: "My Lord, this ale is a unique speciality of Winterfell, it's quite strong and yet soothing, would you be willing to give me 2-3 caskets of it to take along to Kings Landing. It's time for the south to savour this drink."

Ned Stark was intrigued, Lord Manderly was the 2nd person to ask for such a gift, Marvos of Iron Bank had made the same request. He had been gifted 3 caskets of Northern ale as a token of their new alliance. He had never thought the ale was any special having had it since a child (secretly of course) but he did relish its taste as compared to other beverages as in Dornish Red or Arbor Gold but he thought it as his own unique taste. Since returning from the war, he had ordered for doubling its production as was one of his few sins. He nodded:

"Wyman, 4 caskets will be ready to accompany you when you leave from Winterfell. Now to other important matters. I wish to knew few details about White Harbor and discuss few proposals.

How many ships can White Harbor currently handle at one time?

What is the strength of the City Watch?

What is the state of the road from Winterfell to White Harbor?

Also, would House Manderly be willing to relinquish the Wolfs Den back to House Stark?

Lord Manderly was surprised by the line of questions but as a loyal subject answered them:

"My Lord, White Harbor can currently handle 50-60 ships at the same time. If we construct another dock, we can easily take this number to 80-90 ships. The city has quite a lot of seafront and land to grow. But it all depends on the trade, gold and your command.

Secondly, we maintain a strength of 2500 City Watch, but due to the war, we had increased it to 3500 fearing an attack from the Targaryen Navy. We intend to disband the additional guards and return to normal strength soon.

The road is in good condition, it can easily allow 1 carriage to pass easily. Although repairs are needed in some places but nothing major.

Finally, the entire city is yours My Lord, but specifically the Wolfs Den to this day belongs to House Stark. When your ancestors gave those lands to us they maintained control of the castle, we are just the custodians of it for House Stark. But, might I know the reasoning for these questions. "

Ned Stark had already discussed his ideas with Cat and Benjen and both had provided their inputs. Cat had provided the idea to involve the Manderlys in their projects as most of their trade will be going through White Harbor. If it's profitable to them, it will ensure that their richest vassal remains loyal.

"You already know that an Iron Bank representative had come to Winterfell to negotiate an alliance with House Stark. An alliance has been struck and soon increased trade will start flowing through the North. Also, certain number of people would also be coming through who would settle on some of the vacant lands of House Stark. All this will flow through White Harbor increasing the trade and shipping. Very few people know about this agreement and I'm telling you as I trust you both as loyal bannerman. "

Benjen Stark thought both father and son chests expanded with pride, if it was even possible for them to expand more.

Ned Stark continued: "Thus, my line of questions. Also, I would be making lot of changes for the betterment of the North and hence would like that you follow my orders with the least number of questions. "

Lord Manderly stood up: "My Lord, the Manderlys have been the loyal vassals of House Stark since you gave us refuge in the North. We would follow your orders without question and the fact that you are willing to share even few details with us is an honour"

All the Starks smiled at the declaration of their bannerman.

Benjen Stark handed over a scroll to Lord Manderly. It was done purposely, although Catelyn Stark may be the brains behind some of their plans and ideas, she did not want to show it in front of her husband's bannerman. Most men did not take well to taking commands from their Lord's wife especially a new young wife that too from a different region and religion. She wanted to win their trust by getting results of her ideas. Till then she would remain in the shadows of her husband's authority.

Ned Stark: "It is a list of instructions for both you and White Harbor.

Firstly, you should construct another dock immediately to handle the additional ships that will be making port here.

Secondly, House Stark will finance a new trading company, the Wolf Company to handle the trade of the North. We wish to make White Harbor and specifically Wolfs Den its headquarters. Start renovations on it and make it ready within next 4 moons. House Stark will pay for its renovation. We will soon get an initial fleet from Bravos to jumpstart our trade. Further ships would be constructed by House Manderly, hence start working on designs and shipyards. Also, 1 dock should be kept reserved for our ships only.

Thirdly, upgrade the road from White Harbor to Winterfell so it can easily accommodate 3 carriages together. It should be stone based not the current mud track. House Stark will fund this too. But it should be ready within the next 2 moons. You can call on as much labour as possible but projects must be completed within the time.

Fourthly, a lot of new people would be passing through White Harbor, so maintain the City Watch at 3000 men. A lot of these men would be needed for escorting goods and people. The remaining 500 men should be sent to Winterfell. We are expanding our guard and fully trained men would be an advantage. We will pay for their Armor and horses. Send them in parties of 50 men led by a knight with new convoys that come for Winterfell. Also, I will give you 100,000 gold dragons to cover these expenses and any future ones you shall incur on behalf of House Stark. Accounts of this account shall be sent every 2 moons. I will be sending a lot of ravens to White Harbor in the near future.

Both the Manderlys nodded accepting their liege orders without question.

Finally, Lord Manderly, I have a proposal that may strengthen our bonds. Your sister Donella is married to Lord Halys Hornwood. He has an unmarried sister- Berena Hornwood. I wish that she may be married to my brother Benjen Stark."

Everybody in the solar was shocked. Nobody was expecting this marriage proposal and the reason for Lord Hornwood impending arrival was explained.

Wyman Manderly-"My Lord, I thought your brother Benjen was taking the Black, the entire North is rife with these rumours. I assume that the new port city will be your brother's seat."

Ned Stark-"The rumours are false, my brother has no such intentions. He will marry and extend the Stark line. He will be given Moat Callin as his seat, once it has been refurbished. I hope you and Lord Hornwood will accept the proposal, the Starks and Manderlys will be bonded by blood then even if in an indirect manner."

Lord Manderly was slowly understanding his liege lord's plan and smiled. The Quiet Wolf seems to be quite shrewd, the enemies of House Stark will not know what hit them.

"My Lord, it is a great honour for both houses. I'm sure my good brother will also feel the same. I wish to talk to him before we finalise the betrothal. "

Once the Manderlys had left, Ned explained the reasoning behind this wedding proposal to both his brother and wife. Once, they heard him out, they gladly agreed and Benjen committed to doing his duty to his family.

10 miles from Winterfell

The Ryswell and Dustin entourage had already spotted the towers of Winterfell and were making their way towards the Stark castle surrounded by Stark men. Lord Ryswell confidence was slowly dipping as he had spotted a lot more guards in these lands. Their companions seemed to be only a small part of the Stark guard. Also, a lot of construction seemed to be happening. Had the pup grown up faster than he thought? Ned Stark's strategy was confusing him.

As they entered WinterTown, he could see lot many Stark banners and guards but what shocked him was the Baratheon and Manderly banners. Was the King here in Winterfell? Not possible, he would have heard of the King's arrival and what was the fat buffoon lord doing here. If it were up to him, he would strip the Manderlys of their lands and send them back to the Reach as beggars and give these profitable lands and city to a true Northern like him or Bolton even. Their gods were also wrong and yet he pranced around like a Northern Lord.

As he was lost in his thoughts, his daughter came up to him:

Barbery Dustin: "Father, this is strange, why are there so many Stark guards, has Ned Stark not disbanded his levies after the war? Did you see the Manderly banners, what is Lord Manderly doing here?"

Before the father-daughter duo could do any more scheming, they were interrupted by the sounds of horse hoofs, they looked up to see another banner-bull moose, brown on a field of dark orange, Lord Hornwood seemed to be heading towards Winterfell too. A lot seemed to be afoot in the North and specifically Winterfell and they wanted to get to know the reasons behind these activities. The group quickly made it inside Winterfell where they were received by Benjen Stark as customary. They were ushered to their chambers with the invitation to join the Starks for a quite dinner. A Welcome Feast had been planned for the next evening. The Ryswell's politely declined the invitation preferring to eat in their chambers to continue their scheming. This led to them failing to notice the absence of the Starks and the other guest Lords- Lord Manderly and Lord Hornwood from the evening supper too.

Lord Stark Solar

Ned Stark: "Welcome to Winterfell, Lord Halys, I thank you for answering so swiftly to my raven. "

Halys Hornwood while taking the ale from Benjen Stark nodded and spoke:

"My Lord, House Hornwood is always loyal to House Stark and we will always answer your call as swiftly as possible. Although, I was bit surprised as no reason had been provided for the urgent summons to Winterfell. Have I or my house committed any wrong?"

Ned Stark smiled at his loyal bannerman words and thought that there will still men whom he can trust.

"Nothing of that sort, you and your house have always been loyal to House Stark and it has not gone unnoticed. Let it not be said that House Stark does not reward true loyalty. I have a proposal for you, my brother, Benjen Stark will soon be the Lord of his own lands and Moat Callin will be his seat. Renovations will start very soon to return the fortress to its glory. He is unmarried and I wish that he be married to your sister Berena, if you would consent to the match."

Lord Halys Hornwood sat shocked and could not fathom a reply. He would have never guessed this was the reason for the urgent summons. He would be the good brother to his liege lord's brother and Moat Callin was one of the strongest seats in the North with extensive lands. The rise in prestige of his house could not even be calculated. He would be on an equal footing to the Boltons, who always looked down on his house and kept trying to encroach on his lands.

Lord Manderly who was sitting quietly till now finally spoke up seeing that his good brother was shocked into silence

"My Lord, my good brother seems shocked by this honour and would be more than willing to this betrothal. "

This finally brought Halys Hornwood back to this senses and he quickly stood up and bowed

"House Hornwood and my sister are honoured by this proposal and I accept the betrothal of your brother Benjen Stark and my sister Berena Hornwood. I would be willing to offer a dowry of 3000 gold dragons and 200 soldiers to help in setting up their future seat. Also, 10% of silver from our silver mines will be given over to House Stark for the next 50 years. "

Before Ned Stark could react, Lord Manderly spoke up:

"House Manderly will also aid Lord Benjen in setting up his seat. As part of Lady Berena's dowry, we will offer 5000 gold dragons, 300 soldiers and food stores. "

The Starks were awed by this generous offer. They had definitely underestimated the worth of a Stark marriage in the North. They had proposed this alliance with a different perspective in mind but they would definitely not refuse such a huge dowry.

Ned Stark: "My Lords, the dowry is quite generous and we are thankful as it would aid in setting up my brother's seat. I propose that they be married 2 years from now in Winterfell. It will give us time to start the renovations on Moat Callin and make it liveable. "

Lord Hornwood quickly agreed to these conditions and a betrothal agreement was quickly signed with Lord Manderly acting as witness. Both Lords promised to immediately send 100 men each to garrison the castle to begin the renovations. House Manderly was further tasked with improving the road from White Harbor to Moat Callin. The betrothal was announced the following morning to the cheers and smile of soldiers and Lords of House Stark, Manderly and Hornwood and to the shock of the Ryswell brood.

After breaking their fast, Ned Stark steeled himself for the meeting that will make or break his reign. It could plunge the North into civil war or turn it the road of prosperity. As always he sat in his solar with Benjen on his right and Catelyn to his right and Luwin standing in the back. For this particular meeting, he had placed Ice- the Stark Valyrian sword on his desk and 2 armed guards inside the solar. Benjen was also armed with Frost. None of them trusted their impending guests for this meeting. Lord Rodrik Ryswell, his son and heir Roger and daughter- Lady Barbery Dustin were announced in, they all bowed even if bit stiffly and sat down. If they noticed the guards or Ice, they didn't comment. For quite some, there was total silence, a war of will happening, which side will break 1st and show their cards.

Finally Rodrik Ryswell spoke up: "House Stark's hospitality seems to have worsened since your father's death, welcoming loyal vassal lords with swords on display and guards in the room. If you wanted to show your dominance there are better ways rather than ones which could trigger civil war in the North " with a smirk on his face.

Ned Stark had enough of the drama and coy play, so spoke up: "The hospitality of Winterfell remains undiminished for its loyal vassals. It's the treacherous ones that need to worry. You really thought that I would not get to know of your actions during the war. You kept half of your levies at home. Planning to usurp Winterfell if the war went badly for House Stark. But you seem to have forgotten the history of the North and House Stark. We pay back loyalty and treason both in equal measure. "

The Ryswell brood looked at each other terrified, how Lord Stark knew of their actions and plans? Lord Ryswell knew he would have to pay for this but he knew the punishment could not be severe as he still held many cards in his sleeve.

Lord Stark stood up, unsheathed Ice and spoke:" Lord Ryswell for your actions of not fulfilling your oaths to House Stark, I sentence you to take the Black immediately. Your heir Roger Ryswell will ascend to Lordship of the Rills. Also, House Ryswell will provide 200 horses from your herd to House Stark as punishment. For the next 10 years, Winterfell will only pay half the price for the Ryswell horses"

Before Ned could complete Barbery Dustin started shouting: "Have you gone mad Stark, you cannot force a Lord to take the Black, do you think we and our allies will accept this. You will face a civil far and Winterfell will be burnt down."

Before any more words could be said they felt unsheathed swords on their back silencing them quickly. Ned Stark smiled:

"Let's not make empty threats and worsen your situation. Let me explain the situation to you. Firstly, I'm the Warden of the North and can force anybody to join the Black. You are welcome to petition the King if you make it past Moat Callin. (The threat was plain and simple). Secondly, you are overestimating your allies, Bolton is surrounded on all sides by staunch bannerman of Starks, Karstarks are my kin, Hornwood and Manderlys are now tied to us by my brother's betrothal. The Dustin's and their bannerman are loyal to the Starks and Lady Barbery you do not have the influence or an heir to hold on to Barrowtown. The Ryswells will stand alone and if you still fight us, I will ensure your house meets a similar fate to the GreyStarks, your lands will be plundered, your castle torn down and every member of your house slaughtered. Are you ready to plunger your house into darkness, Roger?"

Till now Roger Ryswell was sitting quietly in his chair as his worst fears were coming true in front of his eyes. If his father could not see, they had lost, then he would step up to protect his house. All eyes in the chamber were now on him.

Finally he stood, hung his head down and spoke up: "My Lord, I accept the oaths as Lord Ryswell and accept all the punishments meted out to us. My father will leave for the Wall immediately. The horses will be delivered within the next 2 moons."

Rodrik Ryswell could not believe his ears, his son had turned traitor on him and he could not do anything, Ned Stark had totally out played him. Maybe he should have heeded his father's words: The Horse is no match for the direwolf. He accepted defeat and bowed:

"My Lord, Ryswells have been loyal bannerman for centuries, I hope you will not punish my house further for the actions of an old ambitious man. I will try to redeem myself by defending the North at the Wall."

Barbery Dustin could not believe what was happening, were all men of her house cowards, the moment the direwolf even growled, they threw away their swords and bended. How many more insults were they willing to take from House Stark? She scowled and looked at the Starks and spitted:

"I and Barrowtown will not forgive these insults, Lord Stark. Your house has always humiliated us. First your brother and now you. I wish the Mad King had burned you both also along with your father. "

This caused an immediate reaction as all the Stark swords were unleashed at her with anger risen to the highest levels. Finally it was Catelyn Stark who came forward and slapped Barbery hard on the face

"Be thankful, that you have partaken of the guest rights and House Stark never breaks them or you would have been dead by now for uttering those words. You have lost all sense and propriety and not fit to be the Lady of a Noble House. "

She turned to her husband: "My Lord, do it, she deserves it"

Ned Stark had not wanted to do this and certainly not in this manner but Barbery's hatred for his house had proved that Catelyn's idea was the only logical solution to this problem.

"Lady Barbery Dustin, you are hereby stripped of the Ladyship of Barrowtown. You have no blood right to the Dustin lands and a year has passed since your husband death and it's clear you will not produce any Dustin heir. Jory Cassel, son of a loyal soldier is hereby appointed as Lord of Barrowtown and will take over his seat immediately. You are banished from the North and will have to join the Silent Sisters for your treasonous words and actions against your liege Lords. I know you do not follow the Seven, but I will make sure they will make an exception for you. You will leave for a nunnery in the Riverlands on the morrow. "

Barbery started shouting and wailing at this injustice and the Ryswell men looked down in shame, having no force to stop this extremely harsh yet justified punishment.

Only Catelyn Stark was sporting a grin, she had avenged the betrayal that Barbery Dustin had given her by having an affair with Brandon while he was engaged to her. Never underestimate a scorned woman's wrath.

On the marrow, different convoys left Winterfell- Barbery Dustin was being led to the Riverlands, Rodrik Ryswell left to join the Wall, now Lord Roger Ryswell left for the Rills to take up his new position and Rodrik Caswell left with his daughter, nephew and now Lord of Barrowtown Jory Cassel and the Dustin and some additional guards to act as Regent for his young nephew. Lord Hornwood left filled with pride for the rise of his house and the Manderly father and son duo left for White Harbor. All were contemplating the future that stood in front of them. Ravens flew to all the keeps of the North, announcing these new changes.