Maester Aemon: 1. I think I have fixed the problem with large walls of text in this new chapter what do you think?

2. I don't think having the same name will be such a big problem as Rickard Stark dies early and will not be mentioned frequently.

Eddard I

It had been harder then he thought leaving the Vale he had spend most of life up to now being a ward of Jon Arryn with his best friend and the man he considered his brother Robert Baratheon.

He had been there for some of the most important events of his life, he was there was there when his Lyanna was taken he was there when his father and older brother rode to Kings Landing seeking justice only to be killed by the mad king.

He was home in Winterfell and he was now its Lord and warden of the north a position he had never expected to hold.

Entering what was his father solar he couldn't help but remember all the times he spent playing here as a child and how somehow all those memories were now spoilt and brought him only sadness.

Since arriving at Winterfell he was pleased to learn that Maester Luwin had received his raven from the Vale and had called the banners and that all Stark bannermen were coming to Winterfell to avenge their liege lord. It had taken two weeks for the Lords Umber, Mormont, Karstark, Bolton, Hornwood, Cerwyn, Glover, Tallhart and Frost to come to Winterfell the rest would join them at Moat Cailin.

"Let us leave now and show the dragons that the North will have its vengeance" the GreatJon roared to the assembled Lords Karstark and Glover voicing their agreement.

In a whisper Roose Bolton the lord of the Dreatfort saying that it would be foolish to march without knowing more about the state of the south a smart opinion but still meet with insults of "craven" and "coward".

An argument broke out at that among the lords, Ned sighed and thought that this is foolish how could they hope to get justice for those lords murdered when we can't stop fighting ourselves. Ned noticed that Rickard Frost heir to the Pillar was sitting silently watching all but saying nothing.

This was Ned's first time meeting Rickard he was three years his junior but he already had the build of man much older, he like Ned had all the features associated with his house, where he had grey eyes Rickards eyes were as black as night and had the hair to match. The man's father was said to be close to death so his son was sent in his place.

Lord Rickard you are quiet I would hear your thoughts should we march like Lord Umber says or should we wait until we have more news as Lord Bolton says? Every man stopped when Ned spoke and then looked to the young lord of the Pillar who thought carefully before speaking.

"While it would be wise to sit and wait till we hear from Lord Arryn and Baratheon we cannot we need to move now before the riverlands are closed off to us and the Reach and Dorne move north and defend Kings Landing. With the 5000 men I brought from the west I believe we have some 20000 men here at Winterfell and more will join us at Moat Cailin. I suggest we march as quickly as possible south cross at the twins and try rallying Hoster Tully to our cause my lord thus securing Lord Arryn will be able to join us when he deals with his bannermen"

The Northern loads all seemed to be in agreement with the young lord except Bolton who looked emotionless as usual and turned and simply asked where the rest of his father's men were.

Ned had been thinking the same; the western coast was the most populated region of the north and should have been able to muster more than double of what was brought. All eyes again turned to the young lord waiting for an explanation, Rickard Frost did not look taken by what Bolton had said he merely nodded.

"Lord Bolton is correct I have only brought a portion of my men, I have left 6000 men at the Pillar awaiting my return".

There was a confused look on more than 1 of the lords and angry stares from a few wondering why such a large force was not brought.

What do you plan to do with these men Lord Frost? Ned asked.

"My lord with your approval I have an idea on how to give us an advantage against the throne" the young lord said calmly.

And how exactly would you do this Ned asks.

"My lord I have over 100 hundred ships ready for war at this very moment I would take the men I left behind and sail south and strike one of the thrones strongest allies. I will take the Shield Islands and move inland and drawing Highgardens attention hopefully long enough so our forces can strike".

"Harrr this boy isn't as green as I thought if he's brave enough to attack the whole of the reach" shouted the Greatjon while clapping Rickard on the back, while some of the other lords voiced their approval of the plan.

"I think you're forgetting Tywin Lannister, he will march from the west with the might of Casterly Rock and join with the loyalists" Roose Bolton said his voice barely above a whisper.

"Tywin Lannister will not march until he knows he's backing the winning side, too long did he suffer under Aerys Targaryen without getting any recognition he will wait because he can't take the risk that Robert Baratheon comes to the throne" Frosts response was quick and gave those lords who might have doubted his plan the confidence to agree that the plan was the best course of action.

Ned nodded his approval and spoke as lordly as he could "This is a smart plan and the wisest course of action, Lord Frost you will have an additional 200 men from Winterfell to assist your mission".

"My thanks my lord I will put them to good use" was Frosts response.

With that Ned called the meeting to an end telling them they would be marching in 4 days time so be ready.

Ned asked for Rickard Frost to stay behind. "Who will command the men you brought to Winterfell my Lord" Ned asked.

"My nuncle Ser Theo, he is smart man with a tactical mind and holds the respect of my lord father's bannermen. I also tasked Magner Thenn as his second, both men are loyal and will not let you down my lord" Rickard responded.

"I know of both men a good choice, what of your father how is his health?" Ned asked trying to better know the man that will one day be one of his most powerful bannerman.

Ned noticed that the man seemed to falter when he spoke next. "My father is not long for this world I'm afraid the maesters seem to think he has a few moons left, otherwise he would have been here my lord he remains to this day a Stark man through and through" Rickard said full of pride.

Ned knew what Rickard must be feeling having only just lost his father and brother so he didn't ask further.

"The 200 men that I promised will be ready to depart at dawn I wish you luck with mission" Ned said before the young lord left the solar.

Four days later he was mounted on his horse with his Direwolf helm in hand and Ice over his back, in front of an army twenty thousand strong shouting "Let us show the Dragons what the North can do for Winter is coming".