Sorry about the delay and the shortness of the snip, but I have been having killer migraines as of late due to dental and health problems. As soon as I manage to resolve those I promise an extra long snip.

Also this snip is 100% medicated so pardon the quality.

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1 month

289 AL

It has been an entire week since the debacle with the septon and Lord Manderly was still here. Even though Marcus's household staff didn't have much experience with feasts having to throw one every day for the past week was quickly changing that.

For Marcus this all meant that he couldn't get much work done in the meantime. To be truthful he wasn't getting any work done on anything. He often slept until noon and after that the rest of the day was basically devoted to lounging about and resting up for the inevitable festivities that would be had once night fell on Moat Cailin.

It was sort of like vacation for the intrepid Lord and he didn't even have to go anywhere. Several days into what was quickly turning into a bender Lord Manderly had procured whores to entertain them and seeing how long it has been since he had felt a womans touch the caution of STD's Marcus had quickly evaporated. He was honestly more curious as to where he got them from since he was unaware of any whorehouses in Moat Cailin. He would have to look into the issue as that was one industry that needed to be nationalized fast as far as he was concerned. The whores in question weren't half bad, but then again considering how long it has been since he last shared the sheaths with a woman there might be the slight issue of his standards having diminished somewhat. That however was mostly due to necessity.

All in all Marcus was having a blast it was a week well spent and it hadn't even cost him that much. Even the cheapest of his ventures were costing him far more than that. This brief venture into debauchery came to an abrupt end when a panting maester Daeron crashed into his private suite.

"Grave news... my lord!" Daeron said between breaths all the while waving a piece of parchment like a fan.

"What now Daeron!" Marcus said with a hint of annoyance as the headache from the previous night was still lingering and made Marcus more then a little irritable when around people.

Marcus made motion for the maester to bring the missive forward and lazily sat up to read it his mind still foggy. However when he read it his blood ran cold. It was indeed grave news, but that wasn't what had Marcus pale like a sheet. It was the fact the he hadn't foreseen this event and it was no minor affair.

Giving the parchment to the maester he said "Go and show this to Lord Manderly at once and tell him I'll meet him at the main hall."

As the maester hurried off to compile with his lords commands Marcus was lost in his own little world and paid no attention to him leaving. He started to get dressed on autopilot his slight headache now forgotten to be replaced with full blown panic.

Marcus was currently wondering if he had simply forgotten about these events or was this perhaps some deviation due to his presence. He discarded the second outright as it seemed unlikely he had no interaction with the Iron Islanders whatsoever. He simply couldn't see how a deviation of this magnitude could be possible due to his actions this early in the game as it were.

He could have simply have forgotten it has after all been quite a few years since he came to Westeros. Then again this wasn't a minor detail to forget.

Marcus was beating his head at this point trying to remember. He knew now that he thought about it that Theon Greyjoy was a 'ward' of Lord Stark or at least would become one, but not how he became that way. Maybe this was the reason.

There was no way this act of rebellion would be successful. The Greyjoys had a large navy, but not much in terms of troops. At least compared to the other kingdoms. Every other kingdom could field a larger army on its own, even Dorne.

Marcus was still trying to remember what he might know of these events, but so far it was coming up short. He would just have to asses the situation as he saw it at the moment.

The Iron fleet had burnt Lannisport and its fleet while still at anchor. It was a major feet to be sure. Granted the Lannisters could easily rebuild it with their vast riches, but the insult that such an attack was to the Lannister name was unparalleled. Even the Reins and that other family the name of which Marcus couldn't remember at the didn't deal Tywin Lannister this much of an insult.

The bigger problem that came from this victory of the Greyjoys was that the fleet they sunk was most of the ships in the west. In the North only the Mallisters had any sort of navel presence and that was minor. Other than that the Iron fleet would likely go uncontested in the North and as far south as the Arbor where the Redwyne fleet was anchored.

The affairs of the southern lords concerned him little at the moment however as there were far more troubling things closer to home.

He was willfully unprepared for this maybe in a couple of years yes, but now! He was not prepared. The fortress of 'Twin Peaks' was nearing completion, but at the current rate it would be another year before it was ready. There was also the fact the aside from the sea wall there were no outer walls to speak of.

The worst part was that he only had a little over two thousand men-at-arms at present. They were well equipped to be sure, but in terms of training and experience they were lacking in his opinion.

He would have to continue his mussing another time as he could hear Wyman Manderly coming towards the main hall over the sound of his silent pacing. As the Lord of White Harbor enters Marcus addresses him solemnly "It looks like our celebration would need to come to an end unfortunately Wyman."

"It would seem so. Our Liege is soon to call the banners no doubt. I have little love for either parties involved!" Lord Manderlly replied in a unusual quit voice.

"Neither do I, but our Liege would no doubt want to honer his friendship with the king and come to his aid." Marcus replied in a serious tone of voice.

"Truth! I say it is truth you speak. I thank you for bringing this matter to my attention and I too am saddened by this abrupt end of the festivities, but I must take my leave of your wonderful town. Perhaps when this unfortunate affairs has concluded we will have a better occasion to celebrate, but for now there are preparations that I must oversee." Manderly said in a regretfully and surprisingly even tone.

"Until next we met then Wyman. I too have a great deal of preparations to make and thus must apologize for not seeing you off, but urgent matters await I hope you understand." Marcus said evenly.

Lord Manderly waved him off and replied simply "Think nothing of it I understand. Well this is farewell for now Marcus."

Marcus simply nodded choosing to lapse into silence as Lord Manderly made his exits. His thoughts were threatening to overwhelm him as he tried to think of a hundred different things not least of which was the fact that he was caught flat footed by events.

There was much that needed to be done to prepare at present. This brief vacation no matter how enjoyable it may have been has distracted him from what he needed to be doing.

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It was nearly the end of the month and there was still no news from Winterfel. Marcus was all but certain that his Liege knew of the events that have transpired even before him and thus the silence was even more disturbing.

In the intervening period Marcus had procured a journal and had began to write down all he knew of this world and the events that have happened or are likely to happen any time soon. He had taken to writing the journal in German as the possibility that someone was steal it was frightening to Marcus. His German was nothing to write home about and he had to use small words, but he was certain that no one would be able to read it. That was the important part. He had learned German in high school or it would be more accurate to say that he was usually trying to play cards in secret while the teacher was trying to teach them German. He was a stupid and reckless youth to say the least. He had fortunately mellowed out over the years and obviously he had learned some German, but probably nowhere near the amount he should have learned in five years.

What had until now been sporadic drills and some training had now intensified. Marcus had built a dedicated training camp including ad hoc barracks for the troops nad soldiers were to be rotated periodically. He couldn't just have all of his troops to pass at once as the majority of them had duties that needed to be attended to.

He had sat down with Major Finnegan and the rest of his officers and some sergeants and explained to them in detail the new training regime that the troops would be going through. The major wasn't happy that he wasn't notified before hand, but then again the major was rarely happy to begin with.

The course itself would be nearly a month long and Marcus was quite happy with the course as it would in his opinion prove to be quite adequate. The only downside was that he would be able to train only two hundred men at a time. It was still an accomplishment, but not quite sufficient. He would be lucky, if he could have four hundred men trained before Lord Stark arrived at Moat Cailin. It was insufficient, but it would have to do especially as he was about to set forth towards another conflict.

It had taken him most of the month to build the training camp, devise the course and find instructors. In the next few days as the new month began the first class would begin training. Hopefully this new camp would be more helpful towards giving his men the training and discipline that he tried to instill into his men trough his earlier efforts unsuccessful efforts.

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2 month

289 AL

The training of the first batch was progressing well. He had observed some of them training a coupe of times and liked what he saw. If nothing else it was bringing the men into a good shape.

The civilian efforts were progressing well and had even finished expanding the port. He reassigned those men to the construction of the fortress speeding up construction significantly. It was however unlikely to be enough as it would still be several months before it was finally completed. It would have do as there was no other easy alternative and his attention was required overseeing the new training regime. When you included the efforts that went into building two small rapid fire scorpions at each side of his precious ship and adding in a catapult at the bow as well. Marcus was well and truly maxed out as far as his ability to multi-task went.

There has been a noticeable influx from refugees from the northern Riverlands. Some were fleeing the ever-escalating spat between the Frey's and the Mallisters. Others were fleeing preemptively as they were certain that the war would reach the Riverlands like most wars in Westeros.

During the middle of the month close to five hundred crannogmen including Lord Reed simply appeared out of the bog close to Moat Cailin. Marcus qucikly went to greet them in the open fields.

"Lord Reed! Welcome to my lands!" Marcus proclaimed.

"Well met Lord Lane. Would it be possible for me and my men to impose on your hospitality?" The soft spoken Lord of the bog questioned.

"Most certainly Lord Reed! I would even go so far as to my castle such as it may be. There is currently more then enough room for you and your friends." Marcus proclaimed.

"That is most generous of you Lord Lane, but me and my men would prefer to make camp under the open stars, if that is no problem." Lord Reed replied.

"No problem at all. You must at least join me for supper there is much to discuss after all." Marcus offered.

Reed simply nodded and headed for his men without a word.

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Later that night as the two Lords sat at the Dinner table making an idle chat it was readily apparent that Lord Reed was uncomfortable in the castle.

"Of again to another war eh... Howland?" Marcus finally decided to broach the topic

"It would seem so... Marcus." Lord Reed responded.

"Have you heard anything from Lord Stark. I haven't heard anything from Winterfell since Lannisport was burned." Marcus queried.

"I have not, but I imagine he would be making his way here soon. That is why me and my men are here." Lord Reed responded.

"Let's just hope that this war is more fruitful to the North than the last one." Marcus says offhand.

"It is war there are all unfortunate affairs." Lord reed responded.

"To change the topic to matters less glum. What do you think of the town I have managed to build here" Marcus questions.

Howland thinks for a few moments at this and responds evenly in his usual soft spoken way "I really couldn't say. My kind have never seen much attraction in such grandeur. I am however grateful that you have left the swaps untouched."

"You are most welcome, but to tell you the truth. Making any noticeable change to it would be difficult and take far too long. I still wonder how you live in a place such as that." Marcus responds.

Nodding Howland replies in kind "We manage just fine. Some think us little more than savages a kin to the wildlings beyond the wall I however wonder what do you think of my kind Marcus."

Thinking for a few moments as to compose a proper response Marcus says "I haven't really given it much thought. You keep to yourselves and don't bother anyone so I can't say that I have had much interaction with many of your kind. You are however always welcome at Moat Cailin."

Howland tilted his head quizzically and asked "You have no prejudice against my kind?"

It was Marcus's turn to rise an eyebrow at the odd question "Should I have? I think your people could be of great use and to that end I have a proposition for you."

Lord Reed simply asked "What might that be?"

"I was hoping to convince you to perhaps settle a village or two at the causeway itself so as to assist travelers. Small villages of course that in time of war could be easily abandoned. Many people attempt to cross the causeway now a days and a lot of them die due to the perils of the Neck around it. There is no one that knows the Neck better than your people. I will of course be willing to provide monetary assistance as well as any materials that such a venture might need. The goal here is that fewer people would die crossing the Neck into the North." Marcus proposed.

"A most intriguing offer to say the least. This is the first time anyone has proposed such. I would however have to think on this. It is not something that I can give you an answer for at this very moment." Reed responds.

"Take all the time you need, but do let me know regardless of what you might decide." Marcus says.

"Very well! Now if you'll excuse me I need to rejoin my men." Lord Reed Says as he stand to leave.

"Not at all. There are a few things that I myself need to take care of." Marcus responds.

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3 month

289 AL

Things were pretty interesting in Moat Cailin these days for Marcus. He has had several more dinners and a few more informal chats about a whole range of topics with his fellow Lord. Unfortunately he was unwilling to commit to anything just yet. None of the proposals gained any traction or at least it seamed that way.

In other news he had managed to build a small catapult and several small repeating scorpions for his ship pretty easily. Unfortunately it had as of yet no ammo. This was mainly due to the fact that he wanted the catapult to fire small kegs of black powder at enemy ships or coastal defenses. He had easily procured the quantities necessary for the job of all three ingredients and the barrels were sitting in his workshop. All he had to do was apply the correct mixture. This was however time consuming considering he couldn't devote his entire day to the task. The ammo was coming along slowly and he had already given very detailed instructions to Captain Torro as to how the kegs should be handled, used and stored. Marcus had done this when he had delivered the first two kegs. He was hoping to at least have ten kegs ready for the ship before it had to set sail for the war.

He was planning to load himself and five hundred men onto the ship. It would be tight, but manageable. The troops weren't used to much comfort so they likely wouldn't know the difference. Marcus would then sail with the ship towards Lannisport and await the rest of the Northern host there. That was the plan at any rate. It might change slightly once Lord Stark arrived.

Speaking of. Word had already reached him that Lord Stark was on the move and would reach Moat Cailin some time before the end of the month. What worried Marcus was that no numbers were mentioned or who was already part of the host.

There was some satisfaction to be had as the first batch of men have finished training. There were some teething problems, but the results spoke for themselves. Marcus had arranged for a demonstration. Two hundred of the new recruits against two hundred regulars. The results were more than satisfactory as the newly trained two hundred wiped the floor with the opposing number. The day after he made another demonstration. This time it was against double the number of regulars. It was more of a close thing than the day before, but they had won nevertheless.

Marcus considered the new training program to be a resounding success. Overall the new troops were in better shape, could hold formation under pressure better than before and were more disciplined than before. Not that it was saying much as their precious level was abysmal. There was still room for improvement, but for now it would have to do.

The only problem was that he was unlikely to have more than four hundred of the improved troops when Lord Stark arrived. However there was little he could think of that would solve that problem. Maybe it was simply that he was overworking himself again as he was scrambling for solutions to his problems.

In more pleasant and less stressful news he had managed to track down the two whorehouses in Moat Cailin. He was still amazed that he didn't know about them it wasn't as if they were trying to hide or anything like that it was simply the fact that he hadn't given the matter any thought. Now that he had he had decided to take a page out of little fingers book and own all the whorehouses inside his own town. One of the whorehouses was the cheap variant with ugly whores that even drunk Marcus wondered why a man would even entertain the notion of bedding one of them let alone pay them. The other one was a more upscale establishment or at least it tried to be. The whores there were nothing spectacular, but were at least due a consideration.

Marcus had a sit down with both proprietors and politely explained to them that they now worked for him. The man that owned the seedier whorehouse had outright refused to a great amount of bluster. To that Marcus had responded with a mini bolt through the eye courtesy of his miniature crossbow. He had misjudged the situation. Marcus thought that the seedier owner would be more complaint to his demands. The other owner had merely tried to weasel himself out of any deals, but once his compatriot fell dead those were silenced. The man was put in charge of both establishments and told by Marcus that duplicity and greed would not be tolerated. Should the temptation prove too strong a suitable shallow grave could be arranged. That is how Marcus ended as the proud owner of a pair of whorehouses. At least his own needs would be taken care of for the foreseeable future although the quality of the whores would have to be increased. That however was at the bottom of his to do list.

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Marcus was standing unto of one of the two 'peaks' of his new castle and observing his liege lord ride ever closer. He was also frowning as the host seemed very small compared to what he had been expecting. Then again it could be just the distance playing tricks on him.

It turned out however that it was not the distance but indeed there were a lot less troops than what Marcus was expecting. There were also a lot less lords than what he was expecting. He was hoping to have a chat with Lord Stark about that at the compulsory feast that had to be set up in their honor. Fortunately he had at least some basic practice at throwing those what with lord Manderly being around and all.

This particular case was special however as he had an opportunity to show off his own wealth to the other lords somewhat. That was however a secondary concern really as the fact that Lord Stark had brought only five thousand man with him and whatever the reasoning behind this decision might have been it was bothering Marcus something fierce. In the short few hours before the feast it had gotten to the point where he couldn't really be bothered with showcasing his own wealth to the other northern lords.

He couldn't even take some measure of enjoyment from the gawking of the men and assorted lords that Lord Stark had brought with him. So far Marcus had taken solace in the fact that he knew when and what would e expected from him in the form of foreign commitments and could plan accordingly. The only thing that kept him from freaking out was that so far there have been no divergence from the time-line. Westeros was a big place by any standard and it would be difficult to affect change on such a level especially since he wasn't trying to do so at this point.

It was at the feast when Marcus decided to gauge his lieges plans for the immediate future.

As both Lords ate Marcus decided to gently prod his liege "How was you trip my Lord?"

"It was quick. A lot quicker than I expected especially after we passed castle Cerwyn. It would seem that your idea for a system of roads has more merit than I had previously thought." Lord Stark mentions among the general din of merriment.

"That is good to hear my lord. I'm hoping to extend the main road to reach Winterfel by the time we return from war."

Stark grimaces at that and says "I need you here to guard the entrance to the North itself."

Marcus frowns in puzzlement at this and pushes on "My Lord I have a thousand of foot ready to set forth at day break."

"That is well and good, but I need you here, if the Ironborn take Seagard Moat Cailin is likely to be next and while you have truly transformed this place in the last few years. Even an untrained eye could tell that the defenses are incomplete. If the Ironborn attack you would need all your men to defend it." Stark explains patiently in his ever calm manner.

Marcus is unhappy to hear this, but he was unwilling to push his liege lord as he was already out of line and a little bit more could prove to be too much. Instead he decided to divert the topic in hopes of preventing an embarrassing situation "Very well my lord I would head your wisdom. I am also thankful for the compliment and hope that once the war is over you would have time to come and visit."

Lord Stark relaxes into his chair and says "We shall see the war hasn't even began for us. It would no doubt be some time before it ends."

"No doubt." Marcus responds calmly and diplomatically.

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It had been a mare two days hence the feast that the northern host made its way south and no amount of arguing on Marcus's behalf could make Lord Stark change his mind. The entire matter left Marcus furious for a number of reasons. First there was the fact that he had devoted a substantial number of resources towards being able to fight in the coming war effectively. Second was the fact that the last war was extremely profitable for the house of Lane. There would no doubt be numerous opportunities for advancement and enrichment to be drawn from the coming conflict. Even considering the fact that the iron islands weren't particularity rich. There was still quite a number of things that could be looted and pillaged namely ships and shipwrights. Even if he personally found the practice of looting distasteful, but when in Westeros you do as the westerosi do.

The only bright spot amidst this entire debacle was the fact that Lord Reed was also told to guard the causeway. This left some time for Marcus to finalize an agreement with the diminutive and elusive lord.

It was what found the two lords siting around a table a day before Lord Reed was disappear once more into the bog.

"Well have you given some thoughts to any of my proposals since we last spoke Lord Reed?" Marcus questioned confidently.

"I have." Lord Reed nods and says quietly before continuing to speak as he eye Marcus for his reaction to what he was about to say "With all due respect Lord Lane, but I have found most of your requests to be unacceptable at this point in time for my house and my people."

Frowning Marcus raises an eyebrow and comments "You said most. Does this mean that you find some to be acceptable"

Nodding Lord Reed replies "Yes one actually. Pending a few conditions of course."

Marcus smiles and asks "And which proposals is that I have after all made quite a few towards you and your people?"

"We would agree to settle some of our people at two different points near the causeway provided you agree to assist in the construction of both settlements and agree to come to their aid should they be attack from the south."

Frowning slightly Marcus mulled the proposal for a few moments before responding "This isn't that different from the original proposal, are you by some chance worried about the Freys"

"Yes we are they have become increasingly aggressive towards us in the last few months. It would be nice to know we have friends to call on should that happen. Even if such assistance may be unneeded."

Now Marcus managed to catch on the fact that the soft spoken lord was testing him. He had no need of military assistance since any army that ventured to deep into the neck never came out even if what he said was technically true. Marcus doubted that his assistance would be requested „I see nothing wrong with the terms in question. Shall we drink towards our new partnership."