DISCLAIMER: Anything and everything in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire belongs to the Great R R Martin

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

!

¡ PLEASE DO NOT SKIP THIS PART !

!

1. Hey guys! I'm really sorry it took me so long to post this chapter. I know I was supposed to post this in February. But life became hectic so I couldn't find the time to write continuously. I know I give this reason every time my updates get delayed but I'm afraid it is not in my hands. But, as I already said I have no plans to abandon this fic anytime soon. Even if there aren't any updates, I'll always try to write at least a small portion of a chapter.

2. A small clarification. One of the guest reviewers pointed out a small error in the story. In Chapter 1 – Prologue, I unknowingly mentioned that White Harbor was the sole city in the North till 298AC. Which means the other cities just sprouted up within a very short period of time. Clearly, that is wrong. What I intended was that the city of White Harbour was once the sole city in the North and Robb had laid the foundation to expand existing towns into cities to increase trade in the year 298AC. I've now made the necessary corrections in the story.

3. A personal message. I know our world is going through a very difficult time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many of you, I am under lockdown in my country India. I know this is difficult. But if there is one thing I've learned my favourite subject History, it is the fact that humanity will always emerge stronger after each and every adversity. So, please stay indoors, stay safe and stay strong. Please be kind and empathetic. Please wash your hands regularly and maintain personal and community hygiene. Please avoid any mass gatherings for our safety and the safety of our family. Read books, listen to music and follow the news. This is the time to come together not to fall apart.

Please do not fall for fake news about the pandemic. I would like to emphasis this warning particularly to my fellow Indians because there are a lot of stupid and pseudoscientific theories passed around as Whatsapp forwards. This became evident after two particular initiatives to be carried out dates March 22 and April 5 were requested by the PM. All kinds of pseudoscientific theories and myths were propagated on Whatsapp justifying the two initiatives. If you are one of the few who are passing around such false theories, please stop doing it. Please verify whether a Whatsapp forward is true or not before passing it on to others.

A huge salute to all the health workers out there who are putting their own lives at risk for humanity. No amount of gratitude can match your selfless actions.

4. If any of you have lost loved ones to the disease, I am really, really sorry. I know no amount of words can reduce the pain that you will be experiencing right now. So, I'll just leave this here. As one of my favourite book characters says, the ones that love us never really leave us and you can always find them in our hearts. They become a small part of us and live on. Live for yourself and live for those who love you. If you want someone to talk to, you can message me. I am always ready to lend an ear even though we do not know each other.

Always remember - Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.

5. Game of Thrones. Bloody hell! The last two seasons were bad. Really bad. But guys, come on! I agree, when compared to previous seasons, the last two seasons were bad and it was primarily due to the speed of the plot movement. But, I do not think the GoT makers deserve all the hate that they got after the season finale. The devastation we felt after Ned lost his head, the utter elation when Robb was crowned King in the North, the goosebumps after Arya left for Braavos with The Children BGM playing in the back, the heartbreak during the Red Wedding, the happiness seeing Joffrey poisoned, the shock after Oberyn Martell's death, the surprise after the death of Tyrells, the horror during sweet Shireen's burning, the satisfaction after Jon's resurrection, the joy after Jon's crowning, the vindication after the revelation about Jon, the cheering after Littlefinger's death. I am damn sure no other series in history has affected us psychologically as much as Game of Thrones and the makers deserve all the credit for that. Each and every aspect of Game of Thrones (the plot, the cast, the acting, the special effects,etc.) was on a completely different level. Just enjoy the good parts and ignore the rest. Game of Thrones has its own faults like any other series or movies but it is one hell of a TV Series and in my opinion, one of the greatest TV series of all time if not the greatest, last two seasons notwithstanding.

6. I watched with satisfaction as the Mad Queen Daenerys Targaryen was stabbed by Jon. Frankly, I thought she deserved a much more gruesome death. Something similar to her mad brother Viserys. But, in a way, it was fitting. Her mad father burnt innocent people and he was stabbed to death and the same thing happened to her.

7. A minor rant. Americans reading this please do not be offended.

Two of my closest friends are in the US right now and I am shit-scared for them. The last time I checked, the COVID-19 case count in USA has exceeded 270,000 with more than 7000 deaths. This high count could have been avoided had more importance been given to human lives than the economy. We all know who is responsible for this.

That's it! Enjoy the chapter!

THE PROPOSAL

The Northern Mountains and Clans

The Northern Mountains are a range of mountains located in the north-western part of the North. They are located to the west of the kingsroad and south of the Gift. The spine of the mountains extends north from Winterfell and Winter City in the south, through the Gift as far as the Shadow Tower and the Gorge. Beyond the wall the mountains transition into the Frostfangs range. A large forest separates the northernmost mountains from Castle Black to the east along the Wall. In the west, the foothills of the mountains reach the Bay of Ice. Farther south, the flint foothills of the eastern mountains roll past the kingsroad to the forest of the Last Hearth. The wolfswood extends west and east of the southern mountains. The sources of the Last River and Long Lake are found in the mountains.

The mountains have deep, blue lakes and numerous piney woods. The foothills have russet and gold autumn leaves, but the mountains themselves have grey-green sentinels, spruce, fir, and soldier pines. The hills contain fish in streams and small game, but wildlife is scarcer in the mountains. Other animals include owls, eagles, and pale goats, as well as the herds and shaggy garrons of the clans. The mountain range has an abundance of granite with granite upthrusts shooting up from the ground everywhere. Once there were no roads in the mountains, only paths little more than goat tracks but now the paths have been expanded and paved with granite stones to facilitate transport.

The mountain clans or hill clans are large groups of Northmen dwelling in these mountains, in its high valleys and meadows and the foothills along the shore of the Bay of the Ice. The clansmen have inhabited the mountains north of the wolfswood for thousands of years, ruled by their clan chiefs, before being included within the domain of the Kings of Winter. They are a hardy people who, like other Northmen, claim descent from the First Men and worship the old gods. The clansmen, since anyone can remember, has had a different relationship to their rulers than the rest of the North does to their lords, such that even a lowly crofter is considered part of the clan and thus kin, even if they weren't related by blood leading to many close and tight-knit communities up in the mountains. There are roughly forty mountain clans, large and small, with the most prominent being the Burleys, the Flints of the mountains, the Harclays, the Knotts, the Liddles, the Norreys and the Wulls. Once considered as petty lords, the clans now have the same lordly status as any other houses in the North.

The Northern Mountain region was in a social, political, and economic stagnation. High mortality rate, lack of wealth and resources, and geographical isolation made it difficult to lead a comfortable life up in the mountains. Particularly during winters, due to the high altitude and sparse resources, the clans suffered acute population strain. The young were sent to Winterfell and the old men often announced that they were going hunting. Some were seen next spring but more were never seen again.

Once just petty lords with no wealth to speak of, the clansmen's fortunes changed for the better since they started trading granite at the behest of Winterfell. The steady and swift rise of Winter Town to Winter City which succeeded the start of granite export facilitated a further large increase in granite trade. The granite quarried up in the mountains is brought down to Winter City where the stonemasons work and carve the stone. The goods are then traded out to other places directly from the northern capital and through White Harbour and Rillhaven. Due to the considerable improvement in their economic situation, the clans are now able to bring in food from lands with bountiful crops themselves. Moreover, goods from as far as Oldtown, King's Landing and even Sunspear coming through the cities of the North find their way to the holdfasts of the clans.

The clans hold a fierce loyalty to the Starks in general and a fiercer loyalty to King Robb Stark and a large number of clan members serve in the Royal Army.

Excerpt from the book The Untold History of Westeros by Maester Yandel – 320 AC

Winterfell, 297 AC

Ned

It was the morning after the Royces left. It had dawned with the sun struggling to project its warmth down while a dim fog covered Winterfell and its surrounding lands resulting in a moody weather. Though its people were in an opposite mood, smiling, laughing and talking while going on about their daily routine. The castle was abuzz with the usual morning activity and the chatter of people and livestock inside creating a low murmur inside its walls. He could hear it as he trudged past the armoury, his legs still complaining mildly due to the exertion he had put himself two days prior. Though he felt much better now. He crossed the bridge between the armoury and the great keep, his footsteps echoing off the stone ceiling. He reached his son's room and found the door was half-open. Robb's chambers were the largest after his own chambers and solar. He opened the door widely and found Robb and Jon sitting on either side of Robb's cluttered desk, engrossed in books and both of them were slightly turned away from the door. Robb's chamber was a blend of his own solar and chambers. Similar to his solar, two bookshelves stood on either side of the door and Robb's desk and chairs were to the left while a huge bed dominated the right side of the room with a fireplace on the wall next to it. Both of them peering over an old, thick book which was placed in the centre of the table cluttered with parchments, books, quills and inkpots. So deeply engrossed they were in the books that they did not hear him entering the room.

He approached Jon who was sitting the nearest to him and peered over his shoulders causing him to look up, his startled grey eyes meeting his.

"Father," he greeted and Robb looked up.

He smiled at them. "What are you boys reading?"

Robb held the book aloft to show the title.

"Ah! The Indomitable Legions by Antar Molarro. The lockstep legions of the Old Ghis have been said to be nigh unbeatable on the battlefield," he remarked. "On and on they marched. Cities and kingdoms grinding to dust under their might..."

"Till the music of dragons' roar echoed across the bay of Ghis." Robb and Jon grinned as they finished in unison.

"It contains very detailed descriptions of tactics of the legions and also their history does it not?"

Robb nodded.

"A very informative book and rare as well," Ned said. "There are only three of it in Westeros."

He was not all surprised by their interest in Ghiscari Legions. From the moment they had been introduced to the arts of swords and war, Robb and Jon had taken to it eagerly. They made it a habit to read books, go through scrolls and during their childhood regularly bombarded him, to his occasional annoyance, and Maester Luwin with all kinds of questions about historic battles.

"Anyway, I did not come here to talk about books." He focused his gaze on Robb. "I have need of you, Robb. I've called your mother and Maester Luwin to my solar for a meeting. I want you there as well."

"Of course, father. Please give me a moment." Robb said and started rummaging around the clutter on his table.

He needs a bigger table. This one is way too full nowadays, with him taking up more duties.

He watched as Robb removed a thick book from under a stacked pile and held it under his arm. Then he removed two rolls of crisp parchment from a box sitting on one corner and looked up.

"I am ready," he announced.

With a nod to Jon, he left the room followed by Robb. They moved to the upper floor where his solar was situated.

The guards posted outside his solar bowed in unison as they approached. He placed his hand on his door which opened with a mild creak. The room was empty.

"We've come early it would seem." He motioned his son to sit in the chair to the right of his while he moved to the side cabinet and lifted a flagon of ale, pouring it into two mugs. He held out one to his son. While he was not a person who drinks in the mornings, a little drink wouldn't hurt anyone.

"Here, have some drink."

"Thank you," Robb accepted gratefully and tasted the drink after placing the book and the scrolls on the desk.

Ned took a slow, nursing sip as he eyed the book and the scrolls. "What do you have there?"

"I just wanted to show this to you, father," Robb opened the book and turned a few pages quickly while the drink was left unattended on one corner of the table

He quaffed his remaining drink and went near his son, peering at the page being shown.

"Jon and I were going through this yesterday. These are the figures from Winterfell's stores and supplies," Robb pointed to the numbers written neatly in the page. "Our stores are a tad depleted. The hundred bushels of barley, wheat and grain can be easily restocked. I've already instructed Vayon to send for the foodstuffs from our fields."

He nodded at his son who then unrolled one of the scrolls and consulted it.

"We have a shortage of boiled leather, but Jon has already sent word to the tanners in the town about it. We have plenty of unboiled leather, so we can fix the problem quickly."

Robb unrolled the scroll and looked over it for a moment

" Our armoury is full as we have already replenished it by bringing in the weapons from our backup supply stores. It is not a problem for now because in case of any crisis we will have enough weapons but we should try to fill the backup store as soon as possible. So, we have to bring in more iron from our mines for the forge so that Mikken can get to work on refilling our back supply."

"Very good, Robb," he smiled and clapped Robb's shoulder in approval. "You and Jon have spared us from a great deal of work."

Robb smiled in thanks. Ned moved around his table and settled himself in his chair, nursing his drink.

"Will the clans accept our proposal?" Robb inquired about the matter at hand as he took a sip.

A few months back, he had received messengers from the clans Knott and Norrey requesting to solve a minor dispute. They had sent them hoping to obtain permission to travel to Winterfell to present their cases and hear his judgement. But Catelyn had insisted that she wanted to visit the Northern Mountains. So, he and Catelyn had departed Winterfell for Breakstone Hill, the home of the Flints of mountains, where members from both the feuding clans were ordered to gather. When they were travelling along the mountain paths, she had seen gigantic slabs of granite protruding like small mountains and put forth the idea of opening quarries to mine the granite as it was a valuable commodity and he had agreed without hesitation. Any new avenues for trade were always welcome after all. So, after resolving the dispute, he had returned to Winterfell and had asked Maester Luwin to explore the possibility and requirements.

Granite rock was hard, tough and massive. These properties have made it one of the most sought out materials for constructions. To many, it was a sign of prestige to be able to build your own walls from the indestructible stone.

He focused on Robb's question. "No," he said while shaking his head, Well, not for now at least, but they will come around when they realise it will only put coins in their purses. It will be difficult though, they have always been more set in their ways than most."

Robb nodded.

Just then a knock sounded. His wife entered followed by Maester Luwin. He nodded at them.

Cat approached the table when the neglected mug of ale caught her eye. She proceeded to remove it to the side cabinet while directing a mild look of reproach at their son and receiving a sheepish look in return. She sat herself in the seat to his left across from him, her back straight and her gaze attentive while Maester Luwin sat on the other seat and knotted his fingers together, resting them on his stomach. Both of them turned their gazes to Robb.

"Both Winterfell and the Clans stand to gain from this," Robb said. "We need to do two things. First, we need to construct storehouses to store granite and buildings where granite can be worked by the stonemasons. Second, we need to dredge the White Knife at a point near Winterfell to build piers and docks. The existing piers are too small or too far away from Winterfell to be of any use. We need to do this so that the granite can be worked here and then the finished goods can be shipped from Winter Town itself.

He hummed, pondering the idea. Interesting. Granite, if exported from here, could bring in much-needed wealth to the Northern Clans, contribute to Winterfell's coffers and also increase trade through White Harbor

Robb continued, "We will provide the necessary gold, of course, to start the quarries and mining work. Bringing in workers of granite and working it here would increase the trade to and from Winter Town. Granite is needed everywhere. The Ryswells, Dustins, Umbers and Karstarks can buy it from here and the rest of the finished goods can be shipped to White Harbor by White Knife for export to elsewhere. This would help both clansmen and us. Winterfell will oversee the division of profits of course. This would prevent any argument over the share of profits for we will always be fair."

He scratched his beard and nodded contemplatively. Yes. This has potential. It would require a lot of effort but it could be done and if implemented successfully, it will be a win-win situation for all three parties: Winterfell, the clans and White Harbor.

"Moreover," Robb continued, "this will put work in the hands of the townsfolk and mayhaps help Winter Town grow bigger."

"You have given this a great deal of thought," he observed.

Robb rubbed the back of his head, "I have."

He looked towards his wife and Maester Luwin for their counsel. " Cat? Luwin?"

His wife went first, "Robb discussed this with me yesterday, Ned. I see no problem in this, but, we have to implement this quickly if we are to see any significant profits before the approaching end of summer makes the clans hesitate to start."

"Lord Robb discussed this with me as well, My Lord. Quite extensively I might add. It is a remarkable idea," Maester Luwin added with a touch of pride in his tone. "He has thought about this most diligently. I find no drawbacks in this. My counsel for you would be the same as Lady Catelyn's. The sooner we start, the better."

Ned nodded. He was of the same mind. "That is decided then. We will take this plan forward," he declared. "Now, we need to sort out the details and it should satisfy all parties concerned."

He leaned forward on his table clasping his hands and continued, "First thing we must decide is the sites for the quarries."

His wife spoke up, "We could let the clans decide that themselves. They know the land better than anyone."

"Indeed, My Lady," The aged Maester shifted in his seat, his chain clinking softly. "But this would eventually lead to many a quarrel between the clansmen. Each clan chief would want to open the quarry in his part of the land. They will never come to a consensus I'm afraid," Maester Luwin explained with a shake of his head.

The clansmen were infamous for their argumentative nature. They were prone to quarrelling and infighting, often leading the Starks to settle disputes by force or by calling the chiefs to Winterfell. When they are not fighting one another, they tend their herds, fish the Bay of Ice, and breed the hardiest mounts one will ever ride. It was said that the clansmen were too quarrelsome to ever band together without a Stark to lead them.

Quarrelsome folk, it must be said, but all the same, loyal and honourable.

Ned then shifted his gaze to his son who was considering Luwin's words.

"Instead of letting them decide," Robb started, his icy blue eyes swivelling towards the other occupants of the room, "we could inquire as to where the granite deposits are abundant. Then we can inspect and choose two or three sites with the most granite and instruct them to start quarrying there. This way we can prevent any argument. Of course, we need to consider transportation. As we already know, there are no roads in the mountains, only paths and half of them are little more than goat tracks. The sites we choose must have paths wide enough for carts and wagons to pass through, to bring down the quarried stone to Winter Town." his son explained.

He exchanged smiles with his wife and Maester Luwin. "We will have three quarries opened. If that shows promise, we can think about opening more." he said, getting nods of approval.

"What about manpower? We have to decide how many men each clan must send to work in the quarries," Cat enquired.

The clans may be impoverished, but they certainly do not lack for manpower.

It was Maester Luwin who supplied the solution. "We can only decide after opening the quarries, My Lady. But we need to ensure that same proportion of men from all the clans would be put to work to avoid any claims of favouritism."

"And the profits can be divided accordingly," Robb added. "Each clan has a population ranging from barely reaching a hundred to nearly a thousand. They would not oppose having a share of the profit according to the number of men they contribute."

"Agreed," Ned replied with a smile.

This meeting is turning out to be very productive.

"I think five hundred dragons would be enough." He looked at Maester Luwin for confirmation who nodded. "We will add two hundred more, just to be sure. Seven hundred golden dragons should cover the cost of required equipment and materials along with any unforeseen expenses." He looked at his wife, "Cat, set aside the funds from our treasury and we need to give the figure when the proposal is presented to the clans. It could help persuade them more easily." he said while the others nodded in agreement. "What else?"

"We need to send for men to inspect the chosen sites and open the quarries. Men with the requisite experience and knowledge," Robb said.

"That could be done easily enough, Robb," Cat told their son. "We have plenty of men working in mines and quarries. But we are getting ahead of ourselves. The clansmen should agree to our proposal and the sites must be chosen. Once they do, we can move forward."

Luwin nodded, agreeing with Cat. "We have taken care of all the main details, My Lord. A few minor issues would come up for sure, but we can take care of them when they do. With your leave, I will start drawing up the proposal after concluding this meeting."

Ned nodded gratefully. "You do that Maester Luwin. Now, let's assume that the clansmen do agree to our proposal. Our next step will be, as Robb said, sending for experienced miners to inspect the sites and start the quarries as soon as possible."

Luwin bobbed his head. "Indeed, My Lord. Quarrying and cutting the granite is a long and hard work, I fear. The upper layer exposed to elements must be hacked off before cutting a series of holes with iron hammers and chisels. Then wooden wedges soaked with water must be inserted into these holes which would then expand and split the rock. The quarry workers must then break the granite apart into blocks for transportation. As you can see, it is quite a laborious process and sending men with experience could go a long way in reducing the time to start quarrying."

He inclined his head in agreement. "And then?" he turned to Robb.

Ned was quite curious to know how far Robb had thought about this and from what he saw, Cat and Luwin also shared his feeling.

Robb, not the least bit startled that his father was asking for his sole opinion, started explaining immediately. "We have builders and masons here in Winter Town. They can build storehouses and the buildings where the granite can be worked. Meanwhile, we need to start engaging with Lord Wyman to facilitate the export of granite. We will need cogs and barges to transport the granite down the river. White Harbour shipyard will be of use in this regard. After all this, we need to set the granite prices as well."

Ned heard Robb speak in mild wonder. Well, now we have the plan outlined clearly.

He traded glances with Cat and Luwin, who directed identical smiles at him indicating that they've already heard this part.

It would take at least three to four moons to open the quarries and start the work. Mayhaps more. The roads in the mountains are little more than goat paths so it could take time to transport the granite as well. By the time we can build the storehouses and craftsmen quarters in Winter Town before soliciting House Manderly's service. Needless to say, for all of this to happen, the clansmen must consent to the proposal.

"Someone must be sent to present this proposal," said Robb piped up to interrupt the silence.

"That someone will be you, Robb," he said as he watched Robb's reaction.

"Me?" Robb's mouth was agape. "But why would they listen to me? They respect you, not me."

"I just want you to put forth this proposal to them Robb," he held his hands up in a placating gesture. "There is no pressure to convince them. If they start bickering among themselves, which I suspect they will, just allay their fears as best as you can. If they do not fall in line, I can always summon them to Winterfell. If they can travel to Winterfell asking me to solve their petty disputes, they can travel for this. They will grumble but they will come. They respect me too much to avoid my call. I will be able to convince them," he finished firmly.

Robb dipped his head, still uncertain while Cat and Luwin directed encouraging smiles at him.

Ned continued smiling, "And be warned Robb, they will bombard you with feasts. Each clan chief will try to outdo the others with his hospitality. I never ate half so well as when visiting the clans," he said lightly. "Eat their bread and salt, drink their ale, listen to their pipers, praise the beauty of their daughters and the courage of their sons, and you'll have their ears. Treat them with honour and respect and they will return it tenfold."

"I'm sure you will do well, Robb," his wife said in a soothing voice. "The lords need to see you from time to time."

"Precisely. A good lord must know his men and his men must see him and get to know him. Your men will give you their full support only when they get to know you for who you are, Robb. Do not ask them to support a stranger."

Robb gave a conceding nod, mollified by their words.

"Now we have a well-outlined plan, courtesy of Robb who has put it so clearly," he said with satisfaction while nodding at his son. "Six moons should be enough to oversee the selection of sites, buying the tools and equipment and starting the quarrying."

Everyone agreed.

"Now, in accordance with my wish of giving Robb more duties regarding the ruling of the North, I would like him to personally oversee the preparations," he said glancing towards Cat and Luwin. Seeing no opposition, he continued. "Of course, he will get all the help from us."

He turned to his son. "Robb, you will start from today. Sit with Maester Luwin and draft the proposal. Put it to the clans. Gauge their reactions and opinions and inform me. If they accept, well and good. If they don't, then I will make them. One way or the other granite will be traded from Winter Town."

Robb nodded determinedly.

He will do well; I have no doubt. And Jon will be with him every step of the way.

"Ready the funds with your mother. Once the clansmen accept the proposal, you need to travel again to the chosen sites. You will be taking miners from our existing mines with you. Inspect the sites and then consult Maester Luwin to determine what needs to be bought. Send the list to Lord Manderly before travelling to White Harbor. You will personally engage with him on the matter of trade and prices of granite. I'm sure you know that we will need plenty of barges and cogs to move the goods by river. Those will be provided by the Manderlys as well. We will, once again, talk about this before you leave for White Harbor."

"My Lord, Robb had another idea," said Luwin as he leaned forward while resting his arms on the armrests.

Ned motioned him to continue.

"As we all know the White Knife has one of its two sources in the Wolfswood which means that there is a ready source of timber within reach. We could build a small shipbuilding centre in the river inside the forest. That way we could get a steady supply of cogs and barges close to Winter Town."

Yes. This will work. With a nearby supply of manpower, wood and ships, transport of the goods from this end of White Knife would be made easier. And there were numerous clans and families like the Boles, the Branches and the Woods in the wolfswood sworn to Deepwood Motte, all of whom were skilled woodsmen.

"A wise suggestion. I will talk with the Lords Bole, Branch, and Woods once the proposal is accepted. They have skilled woodsmen in their lands and could be of great help."

Luwin bobbed his head.

"Now, onto other important matters," he said, leaning back on his chair.

"The wildling problem," Cat said immediately, her blue eyes looked towards their son with concern.

The state of the Night's Watch was extremely concerning to all of them. Even Castle Black was fighting a losing battle against the test of time. Once it had housed five thousand fighting men with all their horses and servants and weapons. Now it was home to a tenth that number and parts of it were falling into ruin. The same plight was shared by the other two inhabited castles of the Watch, while the other keeps, long deserted, were lonely, haunted places, where cold winds whistled through black windows and the spirits of the dead manned the parapets.

"Yes. The wildlings are slipping past the wall in greater numbers than ever," Ned remarked. "Wildlings coming south is not new. I've known for years that the wildlings cross the wall either by climbing or by sailing around Eastwatch."

He noticed that the other occupants of the room were taken aback. This was not something he discussed with them. He had always had those discussions with his Lords whose lands bordered the Night's Watch lands.

He continued, "The Lords to the north have reported many a time about it. You wonder why they are not apprehended. Some come south to trade, some out of curiosity," he shrugged. "As long as they come in peace they will not be disturbed. But it is the wildlings who resort to violence concern me. The Night's Watch does not have the strength to combat all of them. Some slip past the Watch into our lands and cause trouble. Moreover, there are reports coming from beyond the wall, just whispers that the rangers have heard, about a man starting to gather wildlings to him but the Lord Commander couldn't attest to the veracity of these."

Hearing this, there was visible disquiet in the faces of the occupants.

"Lord Mormont's ravens are always full of concern about the Watch, My Lord," Luwin added, frowning. "We do what we can. But, it is still not enough. Perhaps you could make a request of help to the King, on behalf of the Night's Watch."

He hummed thoughtfully. He could send a raven to King's Landing. Robert will listen and if not, Jon will convince him to do something.

"But we need to implement some measures from our side as well. We can't wait for the King to respond." Cat said. "This time it was the Royces the wildlings attacked. Next, it could be even us." Cat finished tightly. Though there was an underlying of distress that he noted, due to the danger the incident had put their son in.

"Yes," Ned nodded. "This should not be allowed to happen again," he said firmly. "We need to increase the patrols in the lands of the Gift and in our lands bordering it. Any abandoned watchtowers and holdfasts must be manned. I will write to the Greatjon to convey the orders."

The Gift, consisting of Brandon's Gift and the New Gift, stretched fifty leagues south from the Wall, land given to the Night's Watch in perpetuity to support and aid the Watch. It was under the protection of both the Watch and Winterfell. The eastern lands south of the Gift consisted of large rolling plains, wild hills and ancient forests of oak and pine that reached the Shivering Sea which were the domains of the Umbers. The head of the house Lord Jon Umber, popularly known as the Greatjon due to his immense size, was a close friend and his house had been staunchly loyal to House Stark for thousands of years.

"I will put a word to the clans as well. Their lands border the Gift too. Though they predominantly face wildling raiders from the sea, it never hurts to be careful," Robb said.

"Yes," he agreed. "I was also thinking of a slightly more radical approach," he said as the others waited for him to continue.

"What do you suggest, Ned?" his wife asked, her forehead crinkling.

"I was thinking about settling the lands of the Gift with new lords..." he said and paused as Maester Luwin shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"My Lord, that..." Luwin stopped to find words, "that is a little drastic. It will be difficult to convince the Watch to cede their lands. Lord Mormont might be willing to listen, but I fear the other commanders and high officers will be up in arms about it," Luwin said, fingering his chains.

"I haven't finished Luwin," he said without any hint of reproach. "I propose that we will settle new Lords, mostly second sons, cousins and nephews, in the abandoned castles and holdfasts in the Gift. Let them own the castles and lands and owe their allegiance to the Starks but they will pay their taxes to Castle Black instead of Winterfell."

Maester Luwin bobbed his head slowly while pondering his words. "I think this would certainly make them more amenable, My Lord."

"The New Gift was once prosperous, full of farms and orchards. Back when it was still part of the Stark domains, before the Old King Jaehaerys and Queen Alyssane forced my ancestor, Lord Alaric Stark, to cede the lands to the Watch. Though in these days it is said that Lord Alaric Stark was glad to aid the Night's Watch, the truth is completely opposite. There are still long preserved letters with the Citadel, I believe, sent by my ancestors enquiring about legal precedents to use against the royal order. They rightly feared that the Watch would focus their attention northward which will inevitably result in the decline of those lands. That has come to pass now. The Watch is not farming the Gift anymore. The population have moved south into the mountains or to the Umber lands. It cannot spare any hands to plough the fields and plant the orchards. This measure could help put the land to use. Furthermore, the towns and villages that were abandoned can be repopulated in time and will be able to sustain the Watch, with their taxes, goods and labour while being protected by our lords and their men," Ned explained.

"A good proposition, Ned," Cat approved. "I see no reason as to why we shouldn't present this to the Night's Watch."

Robb gave an endorsing nod. "You can speak with Uncle Benjen before starting any talks with the Commanders. He will give us an insight into how this might be received by the Watch," Robb said.

Ned concurred. "I was already thinking the same thing," he told his son before turning to Maester Luwin. "Is there anything else Luwin?"

"My Lord, there is the matter of gold that must need to be sent to Lord Manderly," Maester Luwin reminded him.

"Ah, yes," Ned acknowledged with a nod. "He wants gold to build more ships. How many four or six?"

"Six, My Lord."

"Ships?" Robb asked, his interest piqued.

"Yes, ships. " Ned faced his son. " For years, the Manderlys have been insisting us to start building a fleet. Last year Lord Wyman personally visited Winterfell to convince me to give him leave to start building. North hasn't had a strong naval fleet since the days of Brandon the Burner. I thought it was time to change that," he said leaving Robb surprised.

"He is building galleys that could be used for both trade and war."

Catelyn smiled at their son. "Our arrangement is that half the price of building a ship will be funded by us with our gold while the other half, he will fund with his family's silver."

Robb nodded, clearly surprised about the arrangement between Winterfell and White Harbor.

"Luwin, what was the last count given by Lord Wyman?"

"Twelve warships have already been built and with the next portion of the gold, it will come to sixteen," Maester Luwin said with satisfaction. "The progress is slow, owing to the availability of just a single shipyard. But something is better than nothing."

Ned agreed. Having a strong naval fleet could be of great help during times of war. The North has seen nearly ten and five years of peace, that is if you discount the Greyjoy rebellion which had little to no effect on his people. As much as he would like the peaceful years to continue, he knew war was inevitable. Such was the nature of men. All it would take was a single day, a single incident, a single misplaced ambition to spark a conflict. And when war does reach them he wanted the North to be as prepared as possible. It was with that thought he had agreed to Wyman Manderly's request. He had insisted that House Stark bear half the expenses to have control over the fleet even though the officers appointed will be predominantly Manderly men. This had been discussed and agreed to when Lord Wyman's eldest son Ser Wylis had visited Winterfell a few moons ago carrying his Lord Father's proposal.

He looked at Robb. His face reflected his understanding of the need and advantage of having a fleet.

He was about to conclude the meeting when Robb posed a question.

"Why not do the same on our western coast?"

They all looked at Robb waiting for the explanation.

"Bear Island is full of oaks and pines which are sources of timber, or we can consider Deepwood Motte, after all, it lies in the northern edge of Wolfswood, right on the coast and then there is Barrowton which is situated right next to the confluence of two rivers flowing into the Saltspear. These are prime places for building ships, with water and timber nearby." Robb explained thoughtfully.

He pondered about what his son just said.

It seems Robb is full ideas today. He thought to himself with a small smile.

He understood why Robb proposed this. The ignominious defeat the Greyjoys suffered in their failed rebellion and forcibly taking the only heir of the house as his ward on Robert's orders had certainly not endeared him to the Iron Islands. In the event of a war, if they chose to strike North, they had nothing to prevent them from doing so. The North must rely on the Redwynes or worse even the Lannisters for putting up any kind of defense. But the fact remained that Theon was in his care and as long as he remains here Balon Greyjoy's longships would not dare to enter the Northern waters.

Still, even having a small fleet in the west could be of great help and all those locations Robb had pointed out had the required raw materials within reach which, evidently, will make the construction a lot cheaper. But with funding for shipbuilding at White Harbour already happening, he felt this was not the time to concentrate on building a western fleet. He needed to put more thought into this. After all, they cannot deplete Winterfell's treasury so readily.

"I will put some thought into this Robb," he assured his son who nodded.

After discussing other minor matters, his wife, son and Maester Luwin stood up to leave.

"Robb, stay back for a while," he bid his son.

He stood, pushing his chair back and walked to the balcony. He clasped his hands behind him and stared out. The mists that hung heavily in the morning had started dissipating, defeated by the rising sun which shone pale slivers of light through the clouds.

His thoughts now veered off to a completely different subject.

"The southrons think the North is bare and empty of any wealth. Yes, we may not have the bounty of the Reach or the gold of the Westerlands but we are no paupers. They misunderstand our austerity for poverty. When you are up here you think more about survival than parading your wealth. During summer, they pamper themselves with everything they can get their hands on," his tone was just a tad scornful. He continued to speak. "But when winter comes, every time they turn to us for wool and fur. There will be negotiations and haggling between us and the other great houses. In the end, it's us who benefit. With the longest summer in memory coming to an end in the next few years, the demand for wool will be greater than ever. We could do wonders with the influx of gold that will come from the sale. What do you think we will do with the gold?"

He turned back to his son. Before Robb can answer, he continued, "We do not spend it to satisfy our vanity. We save it, preserve it and multiply it. We use it to make trade agreements and see profits. We store some of it with the Iron Bank to multiply it. We use it to increase agricultural productivity and to support our people. The North is no place for spending on gaudy jewels and dresses. When the southron lords waste their wealth on needless and lurid chattels, we will be using our wealth to hoard meat, fodder, and grains for our winter reserves."

Robb listened attentively.

"During the reign of the Old King Jaehaerys, nearly two and a half centuries back, winter struck our realm so cruelly that there was widespread famine everywhere."

Robb listened silently even though he knew what had happened then.

"Hundreds of thousands died, from the Wall to the bountiful lands of the Reach. Naturally, our kingdom was hit first and hardest. Crops died in the fields, streams froze, and bitter winds came howling over the Wall. Our ancestor, the Lord Alaric, had commanded half of every harvest to be preserved and put aside for the coming winter, but it was not enough. Our larders and granaries emptied and famine spread across the land. The price of bread and meat all across the Seven Kingdoms rose so high that even a great lord like Alaric was unable to bring in any food. We had to go begging to King's Landing to ship in food. We learned a thing or two then."

He continued as he moved to his seat. "We must see as much profit as we can from trade. The influx of gold will be of great help when we find ourselves empty of the food we hoarded during winter."

He gazed at his son who was listening intently. "If this plan of ours works, then it could bring in much-needed wealth for the clans and can enhance our coffers too. Wealth which can be utilized coming winter. I have a feeling that this winter is going to be long and hard. We need to be prepared and above that, the clansmen need to be prepared." His tone then grew doleful. "During the hardest of winters, our Northmen, mostly the old and infirm, are known to go out hunting, knowing full well they will never return and thus leaving a little more food for those likelier to survive. This is much more prevalent in the northern mountains than anywhere else, even in times of mild winters. If mining granite brings in even a small amount of wealth to the clans, I will be all the more happier for it."

Robb nodded understandingly.

Ned's thoughts then quickly turned to Jon. For the past week, he had been so focused on Robb and the guests, he had not given much thought about Jon.

Robb will be leaving for the mountains soon and Jon could provide a great deal of support.

"I want to take Jon with you when you visit the clans," he told his son, though he knew what his response would be.

Since they were both babes, Robb and Jon were nigh inseparable, to his wife's great consternation. Catelyn had tried to keep them apart but it hadn't worked, much to her chagrin and his encouragement to them to get along certainly did not help. They were of the same age and had been playmates, best friends, and partners in training since their childhood. They were brothers who shared a friendly rivalry that brought out the best in them always.

Robb smiled. "You didn't need to ask. I was already planning on taking him with me."

Wherever one goes the other follows.

Ned nodded. "Jon would offer a steadier hand to your…. fierce temperament," Ned said. "It is because of the wolf's blood in your veins. You have a touch of it. And Catelyn and I both can get quite livid at times which certainly doesn't help." he sighed. "But thankfully you do a good job of controlling it..." he smiled and added, "...most of the times."

Robb shrugged, slightly abashed.

His eyes looked off into the distance through the open balcony.

"Anger is an emotion that can cause more pain to oneself than to others, Robb," he counselled his son. "It is easy to get angry and when you are angry, it is easy to say or do something you will surely regret. It makes you lose focus and induces the urge to act recklessly. Your uncle Brandon was quick to anger." he exhaled sadly and turned to his son, "His anger and recklessness led him to an early grave."

Robb nodded understandingly. He went and placed his hand on his son's shoulder.

"Learn to control your emotions at all times, son. It allows you to respond instead of reacting. Be aware of them at all times. Your emotions are the most dangerous weapons that can be used against you. Remember that always."

"I will, father," Robb said seriously, looking up at him.

Ned nodded, satisfied that his son had taken his advice to heart. "Go on then, Bran will need you for sword practice," he nodded towards the door.

As Robb opened the door, he called out, "Robb..."

His son turned towards him.

"Try to stay out of fights," he told his son.

His son smiled, "Yes, father."

"But if you have to fight, win," he said with a small smile.

Robb grinned at him and bowed and left the room, softly closing the door and leaving him to his thoughts.

Two weeks later

The sun was about to disappear, heralding the start of a cold night as the mild summer snows fell from the sky. He rested on the bed he shared with Cat and had been staring at the open window for some time, before turning to the other occupant of the room. Cat was brushing her hair in front of the mirror and fire was crackling away merrily in the fireplace casting a warm red glow that had her long auburn hair shining like smooth red silk which tumbled unbound. She looked radiant as always.

It has been two weeks since his sons had left to meet the clansmen. Ten of Winterfell's best men went with them for protection along with their hopes of bringing the clans to an agreement on their proposal. It was strange for him to be separated from his sons as they have always accompanied him whenever he went visiting his Lords bannermen.

Ned climbed down from the bed, his feet hitting the warm stone floor and moved to stand behind his wife who sent a questioning glance towards him. He put his arms on her shoulders and bent down to kiss her on her forehead. He was rewarded with a beautiful smile that would have been the end of many men.

"It has been two weeks since Robb left," he told her as he removed the brush from her hand and started brushing her hair himself, "It is strange, being without him."

"Indeed, it is, Ned. You rarely parted company," his wife said while enjoying his ministrations.

"Do you think he will succeed in convincing the clans?" he asked, doubt clouding his tone. His question was rewarded with a sharply raised eyebrow from his wife as she looked at him with her brilliant blue eyes.

"Of course he will, Ned. He is your son after all," she replied as though affronted by his question.

He hummed hopefully as he continued his task.

Cat suddenly chuckled to herself and looked up at him with a smile that emphasized her high cheekbones.

He smiled. "What is it, My Lady? Why are you laughing?"

"Do you remember when Maester Luwin used to complain so much to us that Robb keeps hounding him to teach more about affairs of trade."

He chuckled in return. "I do remember."

Jon was the same. They both shared a passion for trade and battlefield strategies. Sometimes it surprised him that they both were so alike in some ways but at the same time differed in characters.

There was a loud rap on the door. Putting the brush down, he went over and opened it to find Desmond. "What is it?"

"My Lord, Maester Luwin sent me to inform you that there has been a rider from the mountains, bearing a letter."

"Thank You, Desmond. I'll meet him now."

The guard bowed and left the way he came.

A rider from the mountains… Robb must have sent him. I wonder what is in the letter.

"Speak to Luwin, Ned. I'll wait for you," his wife's voice pulled him from his thoughts. She motioned towards her hair which was yet to be fully brushed.

He nodded at her. He crossed to the wardrobe and pulled a fur cloak over his body and pulled on his boots before leaving their room.

He found Luwin entering one of the courtyards near the crypts.

"My Lord," Luwin called out. "A letter from your son Robb," he said, pulling out a letter from his sleeve.

"Luwin," he nodded at him as he took the letter. He carefully removed the direwolf seal and read it over. He felt his face break into a smile as he read the contents of the letter before turning into a concerned frown. He sighed as he re-read the letter.

"My Lord?" Luwin's aged voice queried.

He looked up at the man, the frown easing on his face. "Robb has succeeded in convincing the clans to agree with our proposal."

A proud smile flitted across the maester's face and the age lines crinkled around his eyes.

"He has got their inputs on the sites and they have agreed upon the number of sites. There's been a quarrel in the selection of sites between the Harclays and the Burleys. He has asked them to bring their concerns to Winterfell."

Luwin gave a satisfied nod. "There is more?"

He let out a breath, causing a puff of vapour to rise out. "Yes, there is more. Trouble seems to find my sons wherever they go. There was a fight in the foothills of the mountains, near the shores along the Bay of Ice."

Luwin seemed taken aback with surprise. "With clan members?"

"With wildlings," Ned clarified. "There was a wildling raid near the shore it seems. Robb and Jon had gone to help the clan fighters when they heard. Jon has written the second part of the letter. He says the clansmen were impressed with their skills and they are unhurt. Thank the gods. He also says they will be here before the end of the week and they will be bringing along the Harclays and the Burleys."

"That is good, My Lord."

He hummed as he looked over the letter once more. "I will inform Cat, Luwin. You carry on."

She most definitely won't be happy after hearing about another wildling skirmish.

Luwin bowed and moved towards his turret while he turned back the way he came. He heard a loud thump while walking along a corridor overlooking the archery yard. He approached the railing quietly and looked down into the yard. He resisted the urge to make a sound of surprise at the scene below.

There was no one around except a small figure standing in the middle of the yard with a bow and arrow. It was none other than his youngest daughter, Arya.

Oh, Arya…

She stood there in the middle of the yard, her back straight, and let loose an arrow which missed its target by a wide distance. He smothered a laugh in an effort to be discreet. He didn't have the heart to call out to his daughter and stop her.

She is so like Lyanna. He thought wistfully.

Every time Arya shot the arrow, she went to get that one arrow and walked back and started shooting again. This continued for a few more times before she started hitting the target. He lost count of how many times this repeated but he knew he stood there for a long time. Finally, the arrow flew through the air and thumped the target right at the dead centre. His daughter let out a silent whoop as he watched smiling with pride. He started clapping slowly causing Arya to look up in alarm.

His smile only widened as he looked down on her panicked face. Seeing him smiling, Arya relaxed, a delighted smile tugging at her mouth after seeing her father's appreciation.

"Very good, Arya," he called out. "Come here," he motioned her towards him. "It is time for dinner."

His daughter let out a long-suffering sigh and put the bow and arrow back in the stand before climbing up the steps to the corridor.

"Father, please don't tell mother," Arya pleaded to him, her face scrunched up causing him to laugh.

"I won't tell her. No need to worry. Your brothers have sent a letter," he said as he held up the letter.

Arya looked at it eagerly. "Can I read it?"

He moved the letter away from her in time as she jumped up to grab.

"You can after we inform your mother about it. Now come," he pressed a kiss on her forehead and kneeled down while motioning her to climb up his back.

She jumped up on his back and he held onto her legs with his arms. He stood and moved towards his chambers as Arya shouted, "I'M TALL!" causing him to break into laughter again.

My messages to the reviewers:

jean d'Arc: Thanks for the review!

Yessi: I am happy that you are happy and I am excited too!

PraetorXyn: Hello! You have been leaving reviews regularly. Thanks a lot! To be honest I'm still not clear on what direction to take in regards to Littlefinger, Robert Arryn, and Lysa. But I'll say this, there is a reason why I included Yohn Royce in the plot ; )

Guest #1: Here is the update!

Rhaenys-Stark: Nice name you have and thanks! Robbaery is my favourite ship too and I agree that they will complement each other nicely. I do have a future plan for Code Geass involving Lelouch but I do not think that will happen anytime soon. There are plenty of great Code Geass fics on this site! I'll suggest a few: Dauntless by Allora Gale, A King Without a Crown by , Lelouch of Britannia by Cal reflector, Lelouch of the Revolution by Lilyflower1987, Half-Prince and a Wish by The Omnipresent Sage etc. These are all excellent fics. You can also refer my favourites list for many more Code Geass fics. Cheers!

Okibimaru: Thanks for the review!

The Young Wolf of Avalon: Thank You!

Lokken.8: Thanks!

Lita of Jupiter: This is not the books :) I am glad you love this and they will definitely aid each other. I absolutely love the Tower of the Hand essays but I did not read the analysis of the Nights's Watch. Now that you have mentioned it, I'll definitely read it.

ThePrinceofOlympus: Thank you! Pelt is the skin of an animal with the fur, wool or hair still on it. So, I thought that will be the best term to use here.

Guest #2: I do not think my excerpts are spoiling the story.

beenjammin0421: You will definitely see more.

starksx22: Thanks for the review!

MonicaOP: You are welcome and thanks for the review!

Guest #3: Wait is over. :)

1Translator21: Thanks!

Frozen862: I'm really sorry I took so long to update.

Lindsayr28: I am not a Dany fan either but you will see her a lot I am afraid. Cheers!

brandojames666: Thanks for the reviews. Hope to see more!