Riverrun…
Moon of the Trout, 281 After Aegon's Conquest…
With Eddard…
"This all occurred last night?" I snapped, pacing back and forth in front of my father, Andrew Stark, and cousin Benjamin. I was furious. How dare that… that… that bastard even think of touching my sister!? "During my wedding!?"
"Aye, son."
"Where is she?"
"North. She's safe, Ned. Brandon's with her now. He demanded to be there when she woke up," Benjamin said. I relaxed at that – marginally – but that brought the question:
"Brandon is to remain with the Prince then?"
"Aye, until he is secured at Moat Cailin. Then he will make for Winterfell with Lyanna. We are leaving as soon as possible to see them secure."
"I will march with you," I demanded, looking between the three icily as they glanced between each other.
"Eddard–"
"She's my sister!" I snapped. Why couldn't they understand this was just as much my fight as it was theirs?
"It might not come to war," cousin Benjamin said calmly. I blinked a few times, staring at the man as he nodded. "Soon enough, Rhaegar, Gerold, and Oswell will all be guests of Moat Cailin. If fighting does break out, we won't be the ones fighting anyway. The Legions will do well enough on that front."
"Legions?" I asked stupidly, looking between the men in front of me. "I don't understand. Father, should you not call the banners?"
"Raising the banners is a thing of the past, Eddard," Father said, but it only served to deepen my confusion.
"What-"
"What your father means, Ned," Ben cut in, cutting his eyes at father before he started again, "is that the North no longer needs to raise levies, nor do we need to summon men at arms and the rare few knights we have at our disposal. Instead, they're put to better use as a home guard, if needed. And if they aren't? Then they stay where they're at – in a castle, held in reserve. The legions are our forward attack forces and field armies. We created the legions on the mold of the old Lockstep legions of the Ghiscari…" Ben's smirk was hellish as he met my eyes. "With a few of my improvements, of course."
"Why?"
"So that the North could stand on equal footing with the South."
"Yes, but why go through all this trouble? The levies worked."
"Not well enough, and Winter is Coming," Ben growled firmly, sternly even. His eyes were darker now than they were even a few minutes ago, and he'd dropped his voice so that I almost had to strain to hear him. I swallowed dryly, finally seeing the Stark in my distant cousin. "Just as we can't afford to lose farmers to war, we can't waste good knights on the battlefield. So we leave farmers to farm and place knights in positions of command – be it in the legions or on the homefront. The Gold Cloaks were offered a place in the legions or with the Rangers. We've already decided that most of the Rangers are going to stay North for now."
"Don't we need every warrior we can spare in the south?"
"Maybe. The problem is that the Rangers are first and foremost a police force. But, but, we can also use them to train irregular troops. Fast moving, light cavalry." I frowned, glancing between father and Benjamin.
"You want them to train scouts?"
"Not exactly." That's when it clicked.
"Raiders?"
"Exactly," Ben smirked. I nodded. "If we can have fast-moving troops that the enemy isn't able to predict?"
"They would wreak havoc."
"Exactly."
"How many?"
"We were hoping for a hundred raiders, maybe more."
"I see. And how many men are in your Legions?"
"We're sending five legions south for a total of thirty-six thousand men."
"So many?" I gaped at the figure I could barely wrap my head around. The last estimates said that the North could raise between fifteen and twenty thousand men, with more than three-quarters of them being smallfolk levies.
"Aye. Twenty-nine thousand foot, forty-eight hundred archers, and fifteen hundred heavy horse." Ben grinned as I blinked rapidly.
"Seven hells…"
"Ben, you forgot the best part." Andrew smirked. I looked at the man and then back to Cousin Ben.
"What does he speak of, Cousin?"
"Artillery," Ben rolled his eyes. "Each legion has fifty arbalests."
"Each with a range of six thousand feet." Father grunted. My eyes bulged at the unbelievable figure as Ben pinched the bridge of his nose. "With five legions, that's two-hundred fifty bolts a minute that we will rain down on our enemies."
"But it's still not enough."
"Aye, not to crush the South. We will need allies, son."
"Who?"
"Will Robert Baratheon fight with us? Will Jon Arryn?"
"Robert is my brother in all but blood; he would fight with me against anyone," I said, hesitantly looking between the men. I could answer for Robert with absolute certainty, "but Jon…"
"I know son," father's voice interrupted my train of thought as my attention snapped back to him. "I will need you to pen the messages to Lords Arryn and Baratheon in your hand. Tell them of what has happened. When the time comes, leave Hoster to me."
"You plan to delay whatever's coming?"
"For as long as I can," father nodded. "The North needs time. Time to gather food, supplies, and rally the legions."
"To where?"
"Moat Cailin."
"Why not Winterfell?"
"It is closer to the south and quite possibly better defended than Winterfell herself." I blinked in surprise as Father said that.
"What!? What are the defenses of Moat Cailin?"
"Oh, you'll love them, Ned," Ben grinned. "The walls are just as tall as Winterfell's, both sets of them. And the Moat's towers are designed so that every archer I have can shoot from them and the top of the walls. A legion defends the castle and mans the artillery embankments in each tower – all twenty of them. There're more arbalests on the castle than the five legions have combined. All of that and I always keep two archer regiments on hand."
"Regiments?"
"Oh, yeah, sorry, that's… Uh… Oh! Yeah, that's just under a thousand men." I nearly fainted. Two thousand archers and over two-hundred fifty arbalests? Two hundred archers could hold the causeway before the Moat was rebuilt. Ten times that number would break any that dared try to breach the castle. "Impressive, isn't it?" I could only nod.
"The North is impenetrable from the South, Benjamin has seen to it, son."
"The canal doesn't hurt either," Andrew added with a smirk.
"Canal? What canal?"
"The North is now divided from the mainland by way of a canal large enough to be mistaken for a River in its own right. The Fever River has been deepened and widened enough to accommodate even the largest freight barges. The only way to cross it is to get past Moat Cailin to the bridge behind her. The Moat can also open a set of sluice gates to surround the Moat and set her on an island – cutting off any way for an entire army to make way to that bridge. Ships from White Harbor can now use the canal to make way directly for the Rills or anywhere in the West they wish."
"Would that not also invite Ironborn?"
"If it weren't defended by castles, chains, dams, and locks on each side of the canal." Ben said. "And then they'd have to get past the Moat and the Neck itself."
"Who commands these castles?"
"Right now, about half of the First Dragon is holding the West castle until your brother is wed and able to command it. When Benjen is wed to Alysanne Hightower, then he'll get his own legion." I nodded as Ben said that, tapping my chin thoughtfully. "The East is commanded by Robard Reyne."
"Pardon me, did you say Reyne?"
"Aye. A red lion commands East castle," Father said.
"He helped me in Volantis, now I'm repaying the favor. He and his family get a nice, warm keep, men to command, servants to pamper them, and it's all in Westeros. The problem? They'll be fighting pirates pretty regularly. It's why I'm already training the First Lion Legion."
"And you're giving Benjen, your liege lord's youngest son, a castle where he will be fighting for the rest of his life?"
"No." Benjamin said before Father could say anything. "Or at least not permanently. We're forming a Navy but it won't be ready for years yet."
"Aye," Father nodded. "We have precious few shipbuilders and only a small shipyard."
"We're hoping that with the rise of Sea Dragon Harbor, ship building will increase as well."
"It appears I have missed much… If you will excuse me, father, my lords, I have much to think on." I said quietly, making for the door as the three of them nodded.
"Aye, go on lad. We'll be behind you shortly." I nodded, opening the door as I made my way back to my rooms. It wasn't long before I found myself before the door to my chambers when I paused in front of it. I steeled myself, pushing the door open as quietly as I could manage.
"Ned?"
"Catelyn." I said quietly, smiling at my new wife gently as I sat down in one of the armchairs in front of the hearth. "You're awake."
"Yes. And you weren't here when I awoke." She said, sitting in my lap clad only in her nightgown. I felt myself stir but my frown didn't lessen as I stared into the fire swirling dimly.
"My apologies," I murmured, looking over at her concerned blue eyes. "I did not wish to disturb you."
"You did not, not until I woke and you were not there to warm me. Where did you go?"
"My father requested my presence."
"At this hour? Whatever for?" I hesitated as she looked back at me; I turned my own eyes back to the fire. I sighed, pushing a hand through my hair as I attempted to marshall my thoughts.
"In the night, at the beginning of the feast, Lyanna was… Lyanna was taken." Catelyn gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "Cousins Andrew and Ben were able to find her with Brandon's help."
"Gods be praised…" Catelyn murmured.
"I fear there is nothing to rejoice over, my lady," I sighed, shaking my head. "She was abducted by the Prince and two of his guards."
"By the Seven! The Prince!?" She hissed, eyes wide. "Surely he did nothing untoward?"
"…" I said nothing, simply looking at her as I clenched my jaw.
"No…"
"Aye."
"He…"
"Defiled her, aye." I grunted, squeezing the arm of the chair I was seated in. "Cousins Ben and Andrew, from what I gathered, took the prince and his guards by surprise. By my estimation, the Prince and the Kingsguard should be level with Oldstones by now."
"They are be taken to Winterfell?"
"No, the Moat," I said as Catelyn furrowed her brows.
"It is said the Moat is but a ruin."
"It was, yes, but now? Benjamin has managed to rebuild her to her former glory. If you are to believe him, he claims it is stronger than ever before."
"How so?"
"He has archers ready to defend the fortress at a moment's notice."
"Do you know how many?"
"Nay." I shook my head. It was better some secrets be kept. "But I know that two hundred determined archers could have held the fort when it was a ruin. The causeway is a natural choke point, you see. Stray from the Kingsroad, and it is naught but mud and bog – I am sure Ben has made use of that. Likely, you cannot get to the bridge behind the fort to retake the causeway without first taking the castle itself. That itself would be a mighty feat." I rambled, shaking my head at the thought of seizing the fort.
"So the Prince and his guards will be secure in the Moat?"
"More secure than anywhere else in the realm – save perhaps Winterfell or the Eyrie."
"You make the Moat sound as if it were the Eyrie; should it be defended by mud and water rather than stone and sky."
"Aye, that was likely Ben's intention." I sighed, hanging my head before looking back up. "But I fear I must ready myself. We are expected to break our fast soon. Do not be alarmed if father wishes to make for Winterfell within the week."
"So soon? But we will need to prepare for the journey!" Cat said, eyes wide.
"No, Catelyn, I imagine father has already made those preparations well in advance. His heart longs for Winterfell… As does mine. Do you ride, my lady?"
"My father taught me, aye, but I do not enjoy it." She nodded, not looking comfortable with the question.
"I fear I must beg your forgiveness then, my lady. I am afraid we will likely ride hard and ride fast to reach the Moat."
"But we are secure here!"
"Should it come to war, father needs to make ready to rouse the North. I am to be L- Lord of Winterfell-" I choked out, still not truly believing it myself. "I am needed back in the North, and you are my wife."
"I-" Catelyn started to say something but dipped her head and nodded in the end. "Yes, my husband. Indeed you are and indeed I am to be. I will accompany you North. Allow me time to ready myself, I shall meet you in the great hall… Husband." She stood, curtseying. I smirked, standing myself.
"Aye, my wife." I said, cupping her cheek. She smiled gently before I pulled my hand away. "I will await you in the great hall."
"I shan't be long."
With Ben…
Two hours later…
"What does the Trout want?" I growled to Rickard, walking alongside him and Andrew as we made our way toward Tully's solar.
"We are soon to find out," Rickard grunted as made our way through the castle after the messenger sent by Tully had found Lord Stark. Seeing as we were already in the room when the messenger came, Andrew and I figured we might as well tag along to see what this was about. Unfortunately, Tully didn't invite us to this little meeting but he was going to get us anyway. We rounded the final corner, spotting the two guards at the end of the hall with their spears and shields at the ready.
"Lord Stark? Lord Tully is expecting you and only you. Who are they?"
"These are my men. Lord Agonstark of Moat Cailin and his Uncle, Andrew." Rickard said as we approached. "Anything Hoster has to say to me can be said in their presence."
"Very well," the guard said, rapping on the door as his counterpart glared at us.
"Come!" Hoster barked from behind the door. I glanced at Andrew as the door swung open. We entered the solar, Hoster already on his feet as he nodded to Rickard. "Lord Stark. I was not expecting you to bring guests."
"Lord Agonstark is my closest advisor. Andrew is family. Will you permit them to stay?"
"Aye, I shall. This is just trivial business, after all. When do you plan to depart?"
"On the morrow with the rising sun."
"So soon? Will you not enjoy Riverrun's hospitality a little longer?" I frowned. The way Hoster asked that didn't sit quite right with me.
"No, my lord, I fear I must return to Winterfell. My youngest, Benjen, has been the Stark in Winterfell since we rode South. I am certain he is anxious to be spelled from the duties I have forced upon him."
"Ah, I see. How old is your Benjen, my Lord?"
"Four and ten."
"Hm… My own is but half that," Hoster sighed, shaking his head. "And now my eldest is married to your secondborn. Though that we live in interesting times, my Lord Stark."
"Aye, we do indeed, Lord Tully."
"Indeed… In fact, there is another boy here at Riverrun, a boy I took as a ward. He would be around the age of your youngest now." Tully said, folding his arms behind his back as he moved to stand by a window.
"I am afraid I do not follow, Lord Tully." Rickard frowned as he lifted an eyebrow.
"No, my Lord, I fear you would not. See, yesterday, before the wedding, there was some… Unpleasantness in the courtyard – or so I am told. I did not bear witness to the spectacle in question." I winced slightly at that. "Ah, Lord… Agonstark, is it?"
"Aye, my lord."
"It seems you know of the event in question, yes?"
"Aye, my lord. I was there."
"Yes, then you would know the young heir Baelish… Petyr, is his name. You see his grandfather, a Braavosi, was a sellsword in the Vale, but his father? Ah, yes, I fought beside the man in the Ninepenny wars. He was already a Knight, having claimed the Titan's Head as his sigil in honor of his grandfather. After the wars were done and the Blackfyres killed, I rewarded him the best I could by convincing Lord Arryn to part with a few acres of land in the Fingers. Lord Arryn gave him the smallest of the Fingers in its entirety. As it so happened, a flint tower was already built – one on the coast that the man liked. As to the event in question, I did not hear about the incident that happened until just today when my maester came to me to report on the boy's injuries."
"What injuries?" Rickard growled, glancing at me. I nodded to Lord Tully who snarled, sniffed, and began again.
"It seems my goodson parted the boy from his leg below the knee." Hoster growled. I just shook my head slowly, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Do you deny it, Lord Agonstark?"
"No, Lord Tully. I stemmed the blood and cauterized the stump with a glowing hot axe."
"Then perhaps you could enlighten me as to why Eddard saw fit to cripple the boy? A ward under my protection."
"He didn't. It wasn't his intent to seek out Baelish, in fact it was quite the opposite. Petyr challenged Eddard."
"For whatever reason?"
"For Catelyn's hand," Tully paled instantly… So I struck while the iron was hot. "Yes, my lord, Ned accepted the challenge but ended the fight with one blow, a good strike to Petyr's knee. It's not Ned's fault that Baelish could not secure his armor properly."
"Hm, I see… But pray tell, why was Petyr's poleyn found to be cut in twain?" Hoster growled. "Lie to me not, Agonstark."
"He used my sword."
"You have a sword that can cleave through armor as though it were flesh?" Tully scoffed. I just nodded. "I do not believe you."
"I saw what happened with my own eyes, my Lord. I thought the blow slipped beneath the boy's poleyn to take his leg," I lied innocently. "What I know for certain is that there were witnesses. Brandon Stark, myself, and your daughter all watched Eddard fight Baelish."
"And what did they witness?"
"Petyr Baelish marching up to Brandon to demand Catelyn's hand, learned Ned was going to marry her, and then he challenged Ned. When the kid demanded a fight – all while armored head to foot, armed with a longsword, and carrying a shield – Ned gave him a fight. Not that it was much of one. Ned only had the clothes on his back and a borrowed sword. My sword, might I add." I snarled as I leaned forward toward the Lord Trout whose eyes were widening as he realized he may not have had the full story. "Ned still ended the fight with one strike. Now, Lord Tully, we were guests in your keep and a boy, who, by your own admission, is your ward, demanded a fight. That is dangerously close to breaking guest rights, my lord." Hoster's indignant countenance immediately turned ashen at the thought. "Lord Stark?"
"As the aggressor was defeated, my son is unharmed, and the boy was acting on his own whim… I cannot find fault with you, Lord Tully. See to it that your ward does not repeat this mistake. If he attacks Eddard again, I would not find fault with my son taking your ward's head."
"As Eddard took Petyr's leg?"
"Eddard finished the fight and ended the threat to himself. He cannot be faulted for injuring your ward in a melee the boy demanded!"
"Perhaps… But I like it not. And neither will the lad's father."
"If he wishes to defend his son's honor, send him to Moat Cailin. I'll be Ned's champion." I growled while glaring at the Riverland's Lord Paramount, whose face was turning the color of his hair. "Even if Ned can fight his own battles, I'll still fight for him. Though if the son is any indication of the father, I have the suspicion it would be a quick fight."
"Petyr is not like his father." Hoster sighed, his anger draining away as he slumped in his seat. "Jeroth is a good man, and a strong fighter. In fact he may have cheered your son on, Lord Stark. He always believed Petyr needed some sense knocked into him."
"Perhaps Eddard did indeed do so," Rickard said. "Is that all?"
"Unfortunately, it is not. We still have matters of business to discuss, yes?"
"I fear you are correct." Rickard sighed, gesturing to the chair in front of the desk. "May I?"
"Indeed, my lord, but I fear I cannot accommodate your men."
"As you could not accommodate my sons, hm?" Rickard asked as Tully sat down. "Very well, what business have we?"
"Travel arrangements, first and foremost. Catelyn will return North in a wheelhouse, a small thing, but quiet necessary to her comfort. As you well know, the road is an inhospitable place for ladies." I narrowed my eyes slightly, but Tully didn't even glance at me.
"Aye, my lord, but I fear if she is to travel by wheelhouse, you will have to make separate arrangements for her security. We will be riding hard and we will be riding fast. We make for Winterfell with all haste."
"And why, pray tell, is that? My Lord?" Hoster asked, his eyes narrowed at Rickard.
"A situation has arisen."
"A private one, I gather?"
"One regarding the North."
"My daughter is to be of the North. Would this… Budding situation not also affect me?"
"I fear it may, my lord, but you need not trouble yourself with it yet."
"Hm, very well." Hoster said, tilting his head back. "As to Catelyn's dowry-" Rickard held his hand up and glared at the Fish.
"As I recall, Lord Tully, I was on my way to Winterfell when you intercepted me on the road. I have not been able to return to Winterfell for the requested ironwood and furs."
"Of course not, my Lord. But we still need to speak on it."
"Aye, I fear we do." Rickard growled, shaking his head. "I believe our agreement was the equivalent of three thousand golden dragons, aye? Made in payments of ironwood and furs?"
"That 'twas." Hoster nodded.
"Lord Stark, if I may make a suggestion?" I asked as Rickard nodded. "My house would be happy to offer you the equivalent of one tun of our finest whiskies made from barley or rye."
"In return for what?"
"The ironwood you've requested." Hoster frowned, but I saw his fingers twitch reflexively.
"And if I traded the furs for whisky?"
"I would provide House Tully with a Hogshead of rye whisky."
"Very well…" Tully said, relaxing into his chair. "I would consider striking the request for Ironwood if House Agonstark would increase their offer to two tuns of barley and rye whiskey. I and my people will need the furs, as your house is so fond of saying, my Lord, Winter is Coming."
"Lord Stark?" I asked quietly as Rickard pinned the fish lord with a stare of ice.
"Very well. You will have good furs and two tuns of whisky – one of rye and one of barley – sent south as soon as I make my return to Winterfell."
"Why wait when you could send a raven to prepare for their departure, my Lord? In fact, Maester Gerold would be quite happy to allow you use of his rookery." Tully said, steepling his fingers.
"Very well, then I take it our business is done, Lord Tully?"
"Aye, my Lord, I believe it is. Until we meet again."
Moat Cailin…
Two Weeks Later…
"Lady Stark," I said, turning to look at the gaping Catelyn Tully as she stared up at the walls and soaring towers of the Moat, "welcome to Moat Cailin."
"This… I didn't expect- I-" Catelyn stammered, trying to figure out what to say. "You could fit Riverrun within these walls… Twice!"
"Thrice, I'd imagine." Dacey smirked, carrying Arsa as I held the boys. "And I'd wager we'd still have quite a large courtyard. Please, make yourself comfortable, lady Stark. Some of our people will show you to your husband's rooms here."
"Pardon?"
"Lord Rickard, Ned, Bran, Lya, and little Ben all have permanent suites in the keep, my lady." I said, bouncing Leo on my hip as he laughed happily. "There should be enough room for your men to stay in the barracks, should they choose to stay the night before going back to Riverrun. It's not the largest castle, nor the most lavish, but we make do. Though I do think our best achievement is the plumbing."
"Gods bless the hot showers." Dacey all but moaned, already in motion toward the keep. "The flushing toilets are nice but the baths? The baths are a godsend."
"The public baths or our private one?" I smirked as Dacey threw a grin back at me.
"Both, of course."
"And what are these baths?"
"Pardon us, Lady Catelyn, but the public baths are available to all at the Moat." I said, turning to look at Ned, who was quite interested as well. "They're a place for the people necessary to the day to day operation of the castle to relax and socialize while bathing." I said, intentionally not mentioning the second, absolutely massive bathing complex in the caves specifically for the Legion's use. After all, two thousand showers and an underground lake may seem excessive, but the soldiers didn't complain a bit – and neither did I. A clean, warm, well-fed legion was a happy legion… Though they may have to cope with washing in the occasional river once war broke out.
"Thank you, Lord Agonstark, but I believe I will take my bath in my husband's and mine quarters." Catelyn said.
"Very well. One of the ladies will show you to your room and prepare your bath." I nodded. I waved my hand and one of the housekeepers ran over.
"Yes, m'lord?"
"Show lady Catelyn to her rooms, yes? They'll be Lord Eddard's."
"Aye, m'lord. Right away, m'lord."
"Thank you, Dana. She will also be needing a bath." The maid blushed but nodded.
"It will be done, m'lord." She nodded as she looked toward Cat. "If you would follow me, m'lady?"
"Of course." Cat said, following the girl as they made their way inside the keep.
"Alright, now that she's gone what are we going to do?" Dacey asked seriously, her eyes not leaving Cat's head until the doors blocked it from view.
"Call an assembly of course." I smirked, turning to my wife as she smiled ferally. Her green eyes all but glowing in the sunlight as I put the boys down. They wobbled unsteadily but managed to keep their feet as I knelt in front of them. "Stay with mama, okay? Don't leave her."
"Okay, papa!" The two said, clutching Dacey's skirts as they tried to keep their balance. I grinned and ruffled their hair.
"Good boys." I said gently, standing up and kissing Dacey lightly.
"Go, husband."
"Aye, wife." I smiled, kissing her forehead before stepping back toward the front of the keep. "If I may have your attention!" I barked, my voice echoing off the castle walls and ringing around the yard large enough for two legions to parade in easily. "Thank you! My Lords? If you would join me in the great hall? There is business to discuss." There was a round of groans and protests, but I held up my hand. "I only ask Lords or heirs of the North to join in this assembly. There aren't many of us here - only five, I believe?" I grinned as I found Rickard, Andrew, and Eddard scattered about the yard. "Most of you need not worry." I grinned as a small round of cheers went up to that. "All of you are my guests here. If you are not a Northern Lord, please find one of the members of my household. They will offer you bread and salt when they show you to your accommodations then they will show you to the baths. I can't offer you much but I can offer you a warm bed, a warm hearth, a warm bath, and hot food before you are forced back on the road. Welcome to Moat Cailin!" I was met by cheers as the few Starks and Agonstarks in the group made their way to the Great Hall.
"Fine speech, Lord Agonstark." Rickard said that soon after Dacey had joined me, the six of us (including Rickard) made our way to the Great Hall. "I must say, I was not expecting to be here so soon."
"We set a hard pace, my Lord." I sighed, rubbing my thighs gently as I did. They were going to hurt for a fucking week, but we were back at the Moat. "But I'll be damned if I have to do it again."
"Aye, now I know why I like your portkeys so much. Uncomfortable they may be but the discomfort passes quickly and you are already at the end of your journey."
"Portkey?" Eddard asked as he joined us, his eyebrow raised in confusion. I blinked as I turned to Rickard, who looked between his middle son and me.
"Something you're about to figure out, Ned. And you're right, Rickard, that's one of the only perks to portkeys." I sighed, shaking my head. "The other?" I grinned, pulling a coin from my back pocket and sending a pulse of magic through it. Rickard looked confused until eight men appeared along the back wall.
"Seven hells!" Ned hissed, gaping at the men who appeared from nowhere. I turned to him and shook my head slowly. "Where did they come from!?"
"All in good time, Ned."
"Lord Agonstark? You summoned us?" The man on the far left asked as I turned back to the Captains as a side door banged open.
"Aye, I did, Captain Stokeworth. Buln, Master Grashnog, welcome." I said as Ned gaped even further. I sighed, rubbing my face as I sat down behind the head table. "Please, you and your fellows be seated. Buln, Master? Please join us." I said, gesturing to the tables and my left as Dacey sat to my left and Lord Stark to my right. The boys clambered into my lap as she cradled the still-sleeping Arsa to her chest. I sighed, shushing Leo and Cregan both as Ned sat at the high table too (beside his father), with Grashnog and Buln sitting beside him silently while Andrew elected to join the Captains on the main floor.
"What has happened?" The Shark's captain asked as he sat down. "You've never summoned us all to one place before, my Lord."
"That's because we usually aren't playing host to Rhaegar Targaryen and two of his Kingsguard."
"That still doesn't explain why we're here, my Lord. Surely we didn't need to be informed the Prince was your guest?" The Trident's captain asked warily.
"Aye, Captain, and if he was my actual guest then I wouldn't have summoned you here. But because he is a guest of my brig, that makes the issue slightly more important."
"My Lord…"
"Two weeks ago, on the night of Eddard's wedding, Rhaegar Targaryen, with Kingsguard Hightower and Whent, abducted Lyanna Stark while she was riding the lands belonging to Riverrun. You all know how the lady is." All the Captains nodded grimly at that, looking between each other nervously.
"Aye, we know she's a wild one. We've all heard the tales that she may very well be half horse herself. Where is she, my Lord?"
"She's at Winterfell, Captain, safe with her brothers Brandon and Benjen."
"Thank the gods." Another captain murmured.
"Was she harmed?"
"Aye, Captain, she was. I caught the Prince in the act of… Of violating Lady Lyanna-" I was interrupted as every single captain shot to their feet while spewing profanities. "Captains!? I know you're angry but listen to me."
"Aye, my Lord." They all said in unison, slowly sitting back down but there was tension etched into their bodies.
"I caught him in the act with the Kingsguard holding her down. All three are in the detention facility here but, as far as I know, word has not spread. I want the Second Dragon, with the First Wolf, Shark, Trident, and Giant legions to rally here – immediately. Gather the men onto Grashnog's trains and get them here as fast as you can. I don't care if the legions are sitting on their thumbs when they get here, I need them rallied and ready to march at a moment's notice. Understood?"
"Aye, my Lord." The five Captains in question banged their fists against their chests.
"Excellent. You all know where the rally is, assemble in mass there. The only one I don't want at the rally is you, Captain Snow." I said, looking at the bear of a man in charge of the Second Dragon. "Your men will remain in the castle at their posts. When the troops march through Moat Cailin then your men will join their brothers if the south declares war."
"Aye, my Lord." Captain Snow nodded.
"And should Aerys not call his banners, my Lord?"
"He will." I growled, clenching my fists as the captains looked at each other. "It will only be a matter of days before the realm discovers the Prince is missing – I hope to extend that to weeks."
"Why, my Lord? Would it not be better for us to march to King's Landing and rout Aerys from his Keep?"
"We don't have the men, Captain, though I thank you for your suggestion." The Bear's Captain (a burly, frighteningly intelligent but rather too bullheaded and straightforward of man) nodded once.
"With only five legions, we won't have enough men to fight the entire realm, my lord."
"As I am aware, Captain Snow. That is why we need time. Eddard has sent ravens to Lord Baratheon and Lord Arryn informing them of the situation we now face. They will gather their men as quickly and quietly as they can. We also have a plan to rescue Princess Elia from the Red Keep and return her to Dorne to free the Martells to act as they wish. Though I would not consider doing so for any less than Northern Independence, I know Aerys won't even attempt to ransom his son." I growled to a chorus of quiet agreements from the captains in front of me. "Are there any questions?"
"No, my Lord." Was repeated eight times before I nodded.
"Excellent. You all have your orders?"
"Aye, my Lord." Again repeated from eight throats.
"Good. Gods be with you, men. For the North!"
"For the North!"
