Coming of the Red Anchor

Lies and Truths

295AC

Varys wandered the corridors of the Red Keep deep in thought. It had been over five years since Myr had been...attacked was the only way to describe it. Who and why no one knew, not even he, but Myr had spiralled into chaos. With its economy gutted it could not afford its mercenaries armies who had then turned on their Myrish commanders and switched allegiance to Lys or Tyrosh. With Myr knocked out of the unending war the other two daughters increased their attacks on the Disputed Lands resulting in Myr loosing all of its lands.

This had shifted the balance of power in the region and Myr itself was now engulfed in a civil war due to the loss of its senior Magisters. The remaining ones had lacked the necessary power and resources to instil control especially since the economy had crashed, the slaves had been muttering of rebellion and sensed freedom. This had all led to a conflagration of massive proportions that was sucking in many powers in the region. Even Bravos was subtlety trying to help free the slaves. His friend, Illyrio Mopatis, was getting jittery in Pentos given all the problems Myr had caused and the chaos was making it difficult for his little birds to track the last Targaryens as well.

Varys suspected that those northerners of House Britanican were somehow involved in the initial attack which had thrown Myr into chaos but he did not know how. The widely assumed method which had set this off, which he derived from the few reports his little birds could inform him of, had been intriguing if not impossible and totally discredited any idea of the North being involved. He still remembered the reaction of the Small Council when he brought news of it to them.

-Flashback-

Varys sat at the table with the others of the Small Council when the King finally stumbled in, holding, as usual, a cup of wine and escorted by Ser Barristan Selmy. When he eventually slumped in to his chair he looked at his Hand, Jon Arryn, and asked, "why a-am I here Jon? You kn-know I care little for this tedios...tediousness" he said, slightly slurred and drunk. Jon sighed but then took charge.

"Right, welcome my lords, Varys you requested this meeting so I'll hand it over to you."

"Of course my lord hand, unless you have matters you need to address of course" Jon shook his head before Robert then interrupted.

"Get on with it eunuch, I have whores to meet and drink to drink" Robert groused.

"Yes your grace, of course. Myr has been attacked with large parts of the town levelled" he said simply. 'Best to get it out quickly and in simple words.' The lords were shocked and even Cersei let out a small gasp before scowling.

"Why do the affairs of some slaver city across the sea matter to us? You brought us here for some dispute between those three cities?" she said disdainfully, still scowling at him.

"No your grace, I asked you here because no one knows how it was done or by whom. All I can say is that some of the inhabitants reported hearing a roar of some sort seconds before the fires started. Thus the rumours started, though they are unconfirmed, that, well…" Varys trailed off not quite sure how to phrase it without provoking the King.

"The rumours say what my lord Varys?" asked Lord Arryn.

"Do they say it was the sound of whores moaning in joy perhaps which started a fire of pleasure perhaps?" added Baelish with a smirk, the newly appointed, and slippery, Master of Coin.

"No my lord Baelish, they say" he paused again before shifting uncomfortably, "they say it was a dragon."

"WWHHAAATT?!" Robert roared, standing up and slamming his cup on the table and spilling the wine over it. "The dragons are dead! There's no way it was them, I killed the last mad raping bastard of a dragon with my fucking hammer at the fucking Trident and the last real one died hundreds of years prior. There is no such thing as dragons! They are dead!" The lords around the table leaned back in fear during the tirade and even Cersei, one not normally known for her self preservation and for sticking her foot in it, looked on in slight fear. This was the man who won at the Trident, or the dying ember of a great warrior at least, he was still a poor king.

"Robert sit down" Arryn said sharply. "We know they are dead just as you do, now sit down and lets hear what Varys can tell us." Robert glared but the stern gaze of Lord Arryn got him to sit down while he grumbled about killing dragons. "Lord Varys, as you may have just heard, the dragons are dead, the last ones were the size of cats, so how can this be the work of a dragon?" he asked in disbelief.

"Indeed, I was as confused by it as you were but that is the tale told by my little birds and others from Myr. A roar was heard and fires started. Some mention loud explosions of some sort but everyone agrees that no army was nearby and no siege equipment was around. They also tell that the areas destroyed were the industrial and administrative sectors of the city. The surviving Magisters are struggling to assert control with slaves now rioting and the few freemen there are panicking and attempting to leave. The economy of Myr has crashed and it was not helped by the trade war they were conducting with House Britanican either. In short Myr is on the verge of collapse which could tip the balance of power in the area irrevocably." A stunned silence filled the room before Renly then spoke up.

"So? Let them, it's no concern of ours. If Myr collapses so what, it concerns us not. As for the Disputed Lands, well, maybe there'll be peace. With one down Lys or Tyrosh might beat the other and the whole place will settle down at at last." Varys wanted to facepalm at the stupid statement but Baelish, Pycelle and Cersei all nodded in agreement while Jon seemed concerned about the impact on Westeros, Stannis just sat grinding his teeth probably wanting more ships to fend off any overspill and Robert was drunk though simmering in anger over the possibility of a dragon still living. 'I'd better not mention Viserys and Daenerys then as theycurrently live in Tyrosh.'

-Flashback Ends-

Since then he had kept an ear out for any sign of a dragon but he had heard nothing. It was as if it had vanished once more. It was unsurprising then that, as now the main source of high quality glass, the northerners had become rather wealthy with many of the poor from Fleabottom and elsewhere deciding to risk migrating up to Stoneyport in the hope of work or better homes. Indeed the semi-regular trips made by vessels going to and from Stoneyport were often full with those migrating in hope of work as well as goods. That in turn had slightly improved Kings Landing since there were less of the poor about so crime went down and he did have to applaud those in the North for taking the poor in and giving them work. It was for the good of the realm of course and if he tried to get a little bird in so much the better. That said, previous attempts had failed and he wasn't sure it would work even now.

That wasn't the only change in the North. According to his little birds Moat Cailin was undergoing repair and reconstruction with the aid of those from Stoneyport. They estimated that once finished, in five to ten years time, it would have 12 towers and 100 foot high black basalt walls giving it an unassailable position in the Neck on any side. That wasn't all, many roads had been repaired, replaced or newly built thus allowing trade to flourish within the North boosting their coffers and consequently the taxes that the realm claimed.

Additionally House Britanican now had over 100 ships at its disposal with more rumoured to be under construction. Admittedly not all of those were warships, there were around 30 to 40 trading ships under their flag with some having been converted from the longships of the Ironborn which had been captured. He tittered at the thought of Ironborn ships being used as trade ships, oh the ignominy.

The lions, in turn, were on the prowl now given the increase in trade between Stoneyport and the rest of Westeros and in particular, Dorne. Tywin was showing signs of concern over the threat the northerners posed and was trying to build a fleet to rival it, unfortunately that was slowed by the reconstruction of Lannisport. House Lannister's previously undeniable position as the richest in Westeros was now under threat from both House Tyrell and House Britanican, who would come out on top he did not know but he hoped it would be bloodless and that the lions lost. For the good of the realm of course. The lions were too proud, too greedy and would ruin the country if they gained the total power that kingship offered.

He had wondered if the Dornish might be up to something, to get revenge on Tywin, given the increase in trade but seeing as how most of the trade went to Starfall and not Sunspear he thought that the realm should be fine. Unless Doran tried something a different way, he would watch them if they did. He knew, for example, that Prince Oberyn had gone to Bravos to find the Targaryen children and had met with Ser Willem Darry, though just what was discussed he wasn't sure but a marriage agreement was most likely. 'Something to watch' he thought to himself.

He continued walking about the Red Keep, keeping to the quiet corridors and pondered next on what he could do about the King's 'children'. He knew they were not the King's but in fact Ser Jaime's, but what to do about them? Doing anything now would just start a war that would devastate the realm and the Targaryens were in no position to take advantage of it either. Though given the reports he was starting to get on Viserys perhaps that was for the best. Another mad king would be worse than the bad lazy one they currently had, though given how Joffery was starting to act they may have a mad king regardless. Maybe he should focus on the girl instead? He sighed. Oh if only Rhaegar had not been so stupid and started the war. Well, and if the mad king hadn't been mad, that would have helped too. Varys sighed despondently, he would just have to play the game and see what could be done for the betterment of the realm.

Stoneyport

Lord Warrington stood overlooking the main yard of Stonefort from a balcony of the main keep as a few odd flakes of snow fell from the light grey cloudy sky. Down below his eight year old son, or name days as they called it here, Rickard was slowly learning to use a sword under instruction from the recently hired sell sword Bronn. James couldn't decide if he like Bronn or not. On the one hand he was a sell-sword and loyal to not but coin but equally he was fun to be around telling tales and jokes to entertain many along with teaching a few drinking songs like a Dornishman's Wife, Dacey quite like that one for some reason. Also he was rather uncouth though over the last month or two he had made an effort to be better when around Rickard. That said, he was very good with a sword and had the patience to teach, more or less. Hearing the sound of the feet approaching he turned to see his wife come to join him overlooking their son.

"How is he doing?"

"Better than I" James replied with a chuckle. "I was not all that good with a sword at first but I am decent and fairly capable now after twelve years. Rickard is doing well, he looses balance a bit but is doing well all the same. Needs to dodge more and be quicker with the parrying but we'll make a swordsman out of him. How's Beth?"

"Elizabeth is fine, just starting to have some needle work with my younger sister Lyra watching her." James hummed in acknowledgment while they watched Rickard get knocked on his arse again by Bronn. "Before I forget, Lord Stark should be arriving shortly, his party was spotted coming from the north, he was likely just with the Glovers."

"I see, doing a tour of the North then?"

"That's what I hear, he visited Bear Island while he was meeting Lord Glover. Apparently he has his eldest sons with him; Robb, his bastard Jon and the Greyjoy girl."

"Why's he bringing the girl? I thought she was to be a prisoner?" Dacey just shrugged in reply.

"Maybe he wants her to realize the folly of attacking again by showing the North to her" she suggested. James hummed thoughtfully before nodding.

"We best head back to the port."

"Why not do his training there instead of here?"

"More space here, plus it's more secure. But also, he needs to know this castle since he is not for sure to be my eventual replacement when I die, thus I am planning to make him castellan of Stonefort to rule here and aid in the patrolling of our lands. He may not lead the House Britanican but he shall run this castle for the house and our people. That being said, it is entirely likely that he will become Lord of House Britanican given how things here are but we'll see."

"Even now I still find your people odd" Dacey said with a smirk and James chuckled in return.

"Aye, you'll find many of mine say the same of you northerners" he replied with a small smile. He turned to look down at his son again. Rickard was average height for his age with a good balance of fat and muscle due to him starting on swordplay as well as being rather active with horse riding and archery. He had dark brown, almost black, hair like his parents and brown eyes. The boy, wearing thick padding and holding a blunted steel training blade, attempted to block a strike by Bronn and managed to push it aside but he was then swept off his feet by Bronn who tripped Rickard over with his leg and ended the bout with a sword to the young boy's neck.

"Dead" he said with a grin. "What's that now lad, seven today?"

"Six" Rickard said glumly.

"Ah chin up little lordling, no one was a master swordsman at eight. Give it a few years and we'll get you up to the Bold or maybe Lord Stark."

"Rickard!" He looked up and saw his parents standing overlooking the courtyard smilingly proudly at him. "Good work, now get washed and dressed, we are leaving to meet Lord Stark since he arrives in a few hours. Well get on with it then!"

Two hours later Lord Warrington, Lady Dacey, their two children, both admirals along with Maester Barneby were at the steps to the two storey manor house which housed the family living quarters, James' solar and banquet room. As Lord Warrington shuffled uncomfortably while waiting in the cool air the two children poked and pushed each other playfully until the sounds of hooves and horses coming though the town could be heard. "Children behave, our guests are almost here. Now remember speak clearly when asked a question, speak politely and remember to bow or address them by their titles unless told otherwise." The two children nodded seriously before turning to face the courtyard in front of the mansion.

Soon enough a party of twenty five came into the yard, leading the way were two garbed in blue cloaks with red anchors on as one held a flag with said sigil on. Behind them came another two guards, this time garbed in more traditional northern clothing with thick fur cloaks and carrying the direwolf of House Stark. Behind them were two additional soldiers and after those two came a reasonably tall man with long brown hair riding a great warhorse and wearing furs and leathers. The man had a long face and sharp grey eyes. He could only be the Lord of Winterfell himself, Eddard Stark.

Behind Lord Stark were two boys and a girl. The two boys seemed to be around 13 or 14 while the girl was older by a few years, perhaps 18 or 19 at a guess. One boy had a reddish brown sort of hair, cut short with blue eyes and a stocky build. The other had longer dark hair, a lean agile build with a solemn look and grey eyes. If one did not know you could mistake the bastard for the trueborn given their features but Robb also had a slightly long face like his half brother. As Lord Stark got down from his horse those in the courtyard knelt or bowed.

"Welcome to Stoneyport Lord Stark, the town and port is yours" James said speaking the traditional greeting. Eddard gave a quick look around before speaking.

"Rise my lord and thank you for the welcome and escort on approach."

"No problem Lord Stark, when we heard of your approach I sent riders out to meet you and see you safely here. You had a comfortable journey I trust? The new roads should have made it somewhat easier."

"Indeed, we found it easy going and we made quick progress" he commented in his deep northern voice. The two boys and the girl, or young woman perhaps given her age, had by now dismounted too and slowly approached. "May I introduce you to my eldest son and heir Robb Stark and his half brother Jon Snow." The two boys nodded and greeted him. "Beside them is Asha Greyjoy, my ward."

"Lord Warrington" she said with a bitter and angry tone to her voice. He merely nodded at her in return.

"Lord Stark, may I introduce my wife and mother of my two children, Dacey Warrington formerly Mormont."

"Lord Stark" she said with a proud smile and a bow as done by the Mormont women. Ned smiled softly.

"Lady Warrington, you look well, your sisters and mother send their best wishes."

"Thank you my lord, I have not seen them in some time though my sister Lyra is around here somewhere."

"And these are my two children, Rickard and Elizabeth." The two children bowed or curtsied as required along with a nervously spoken 'Lord Stark' added on. "Well lets get you all settled into your rooms and enjoy the feast tonight." With that agreed as the Stark party were tired from their journey the servants started to organise where guards and staff went while James escorted Lord Stark and his sons and ward to their quarters.

The feast was enjoyed by all as Lord Stark sat up on the high table with Lord Warrington and his family. Robb and Jon sat to Ned's left while Asha was sat with the two admirals, Colonels Devonshire and Marks and Maester Barneby who kept an eye on her. Music was heard just as before when Ned visited after the Greyjoy Rebellion. The music still seemed to come from no where like before and was varied in sound. In some cases he thought he heard horns and trumpets while other times he heard string instruments of some sort, both were pleasant enough he thought. He looked to his left and saw Robb and Jon talking and enjoying the meal. The food was varied like before, offering typical northern staples as well as some exotic foods from Dorne. It was good that the brothers got along well and he smiled at them as they enjoyed themselves. That Jon sat with his brother this time rather than with the servants as his wife had insisted made him happier and that Jon enjoyed the feast too rather than looking sullen and moody made things better Ned thought.

"How has your tour around the North been so far Lord Stark?" came the voice of Lord Warrington beside him.

"It has gone well so far, and please, call me Ned. Robb and Jon had not seen much of the land before now so they are seeing new things and learning from it too I hope. We have visited Deepwood Motte and Bear Island so far and they were pleasant enough to visit. I think Robb and Jon both enjoyed the Mormonts more than the Glovers if truth be told but they presented themselves well. From here we go to the Ryswells and Dustins. Then to Moat Cailin to see Lord Reed who is supervising the reconstruction. After that we should go to White Harbour and then on to the Dreadfort. I am not looking forward to it but the Boltons are the second most powerful in the North with the Manderlys not far behind."

"Oh does House Britanican not place that far up the totem pole? And call me James then as well Ned."

"How many men do you field James?" Ned asked curiously. The numbers available from House Britanican had varied over time and no one had been able to get accurate estimates, not even the Spider.

"I believe we currently stand at around six thousand Lord Stark, perhaps just under" replied James after a moments thought.

"Six thousand men?!" exclaimed Ned in surprise, Robb and Jon looked over at the two lords after their father's exclamation.

"Aye, about six thousand men and women, not counting the rowers or ship's crews, so just marines and soldiers. That number includes 800 horse and 800 bowmen." Ned and his two sons looked surprised at the numbers given the House's relatively new status and population of the area.

"The North as a whole can raise around 40,000, if given the time" Ned began. "Usually we only get around half that due to our size. House Stark can raise a few thousand quickly same as Houses Bolton, Karstark and Umber since they are larger houses. The Manderly's usually only send around a thousand or two since their military is based on their navy while the Mormonts send similar amounts but it leaves them only a few hundred behind if that. Together we usually get to about 20,000 for a quickly assembled host. For you to have six thousand, how quickly can you raise that?" Ned noticed that both his sons were paying attention to the conversation now, 'good, you may both need know how your banners operate if the time for war comes.'

"Fairly quickly Ned, the bulk of our soldiers are stationed amongst the fleet and since that mostly remains at port unless needed they are based in Stoneyport. They are then spread out doing normal work like out in the fields farming, out at sea fishing or mining or if they're kept on they patrol our territory or man Stonefort. Give us a few days and we can usually gather our full might" Warrington explained with slight glee. Ned and the two boys were surprised by how quick a sizeable force could be mustered. By that alone they ranked high, vying with Houses Bolton or Karstark for the largest army after House Stark. "Though we can hire more troops and mercenaries if we wanted since our treasury has become quite full though it is regularly used to pay for goods and other things. You know I would wager we are up with the Lannisters, Tyrells, Martells and Redwynes in terms of wealth." This had the others staggered by the wealth, the manor was decorated but not extravagantly so and the town, while well maintained, was hardly ostentatious either.

"You rival the Lannisters?!" Ned said in surprise.

"Well not yet Ned but we might be close. We're more likely equal to the Redwynes at a guess" James replied modestly. Even with that they still had more wealth than even the Starks or Manderlys given the North's generally poorer situation. A situation that was now slowly changing for the better.

"By the gods, that is still impressive James" Ned replied, slightly dumbstruck by the wealth House Britanican had assembled so rapidly. "It is good to know our western coastline is secure and that you have resources to support the North. Now, I feel I must head to bed, I am tired from the riding."

"Of course Lord Stark, pleasant dreams." Ned nodded his thanks before encouraging both boys, much to their disappointment, and Asha, who needed no encouragement, to head to their rooms as well.

The next morning James showed them around the port. He took them through the market place where goods and foods were sold and bought. Shops selling glasswares, metal tools, pottery and other items lined a whole street while taverns stood nearby to feed the hungry masses. Down in the harbour they saw a small portion of the navy moored there including five galleys, three longships, two carracks and the largest vessel of them all, the Silence, flagship of the Britanican fleet.

"The Silence" Asha gasped in awe. They saw the large vessel moored there, its sails furled up and anchor dropped. The kraken ramming rod was now coloured red and on the prow a figurehead of Britannia could be seen, replacing the previous one which was considered inappropriate.

"Indeed that is the Silence. We keep her docked here while most of the fleet is then placed in mothball further up the coast in a larger harbour built solely for the fleet. The vessels here are our quick reaction force and patrol ships. Other ships are currently out patrolling for pirates and the like. Do you want to see the main fleet?" The two boys seemed excited to see a large fleet of ships, even Asha had some difficulty hiding her interest. 'Must be in her blood' Ned thought with a small smile.

"We'd be honoured to view the fleet" Ned said. He and the others were then led over to the Silence where they met Admiral Gardner at the gangplank.

"Gardner, the ship ready?"

"Aye sir, we're ready to head around the bay to where the fleet is moored." Ned's eyes widen in surprise, James chuckled when he saw that.

"We thought you might want to see it so I got the Silence ready for us this morning. Lets get going shall we?" The group soon hurried aboard and the Silence cast off and using its oars eased itself out of the harbour of Stoneyport. Once out beyond the sea wall, upon which Ned saw a number of ballistae and catapults in defensive positions, the Silence unfurled its sails on its three masts and began to quickly head easterly further into the large bay area which hosted Stoneyport, its rowers now relaxing and taking a breather. A few minutes later they saw another sea wall rising from the cold waters and encompassing an area that Ned guessed to be around four hundred acres with another hundred on land. Dozens of ships were moored up all around them as the vessel paused at the mouth of the naval base.

"This is our dedicated naval base used for repair, resupply and ship construction. In all we have around one hundred warships of varying classes, most are war galleys but we have others such as carracks and longships." Warrington explained. "With this fleet we ended the Ironborn rebellion and have secured the North's western coastline." Asha looked on in both awe and fear, this was the fleet that has destroyed her family's fleet, the fleet that destroyed Pyke. Jon and Robb both were amazed at the different ship types and designs but also the number.

"Wh-who serves on all of them Lord Warrington?" Jon asked, unable to imagine how many must crew them.

"Any who wish to serve the North lad. We have men from Houses Karstark, Forrester, Ryswell and Umber. A number of Mormont soldiers and Glover troops serve too since its mostly their lands we protect so many feel a way to repay the debt is to serve and protect their own homes. Many along this coastline serve in the fleet and most swear to my house too as it simplifies things as to who they serve. We usually have them swear to serve our house and the North or House Stark. We care not if they're lowborn or highborn, natural or true, man or woman. All may serve" replied Warrington with pride. Jon turned back to the fleet before him as they bobbed gently on the sea, anchors dropped and sails wrapped up to their masts. He saw a number of ships had covers on which covered up their main deck to protect it from the weather. He had heard the tails from some who had visited Winterfell from the Wall, including his uncle, about the Watch and it sounded bad, even though both his father and uncle said there was honour to be found there. But still the tales told of somewhere he did not want to be. Here though, was this maybe somewhere he could do the same and earn honour and prove himself, to earn something for himself?

Ned approached his solemn looking son who was at the stern of the ship as it slowly sailed back to Stoneyport. He stood beside him as they both looked back at the fleet falling away in the distance silently. "Lord S-" Jon paused unsure how to begin. "Father? Is the Watch really as you say or has it fallen to only include murderers, rapists and criminals?" Ned did not know how to answer that. While it was true, he had hoped Jon would go there. He would be safe from Robert and be safe from causing any succession wars. He did not want any more destructive wasteful wars nor did he want to risk the last piece of his sister. He sighed tiredly.

"Aye it is as bad as you ask lad" came a voice behind them, surprising the pair. They turned to see Lord Warrington walking over to them from the helm where a sailor stood grimly in the cold breeze. "The Watch has fallen far over the years, so much so that the south views it as a penal colony where any who do not wish to die may serve out a life sentence. Only the North and the Vale have any respect left for it but that is not enough since most believe it is a penal colony. When enough people believe it is a bad place, even those here and in the Vale will avoid it where possible. Look at it this way; would you rather serve the North in that grim, run down, cold place with no chance of having a loving family or would you rather serve here? Here where you can find a wife, have a family, protect the North, be reasonably warm and get a chance to explore some of this world?"

"He, he is not wrong Jon" Ned said slowly, stumbling over the words. "The Watch is a cold harsh place, as much as I would like you to find a place in this world you do not have to go there. Though I do say honour can be found at the Wall and a bastard can rise high there."

"Anyone can rise amongst us too" James pointed out. "Lot warmer as well" he added, getting smiles from Jon and Ned.

"Thank you Lord Warrington, it seems I have much to think on" he said slowly before glancing back at the fleet and heading off to find Robb.

"Honour can be found at the Watch?" James said disgustedly. Ned grimaced. "It's a glorified prison camp not worth sending a young boy too. If he were a man of thirty, volunteering after having a wife and child maybe, but a young boy with no life experience?"

"He will be safer there" Ned said before regretting saying it.

"You said that before. Jon would be safer there? Why?"

"None of your concern Lord Warrington" Lord Stark said firmly with steel in his voice. "He is free to choose but I will encourage him to go. Better for everyone to stop asking questions and keep the peace" Ned finished tiredly facing the sea once more. James raised an eyebrow at that but remained silent before walking off.

The two boys were training in the yard with their blunt training swords. Again it was a balanced and well fought fight as the two knew each other's moves and styles. Robb fought with a standard short sword and shield while Jon fought with a bastard sword, longer than a short sword but shorter than a longsword though possessing a hilt big enough for two hands. The pair blocked, swiped, parried and dodged as they went on for almost twenty minutes showing both to be good fighters though Jon showed as the better swordsman. It went on until Robb finally got lucky with his shield and caught Jon in the face with the rim breaking his nose and making it bleed. Jon fell back in surprise and pain and Robb pointed his sword at Jon's neck who in turn nodded and dropped the sword. "Yield! I yield, well fought Robb" Jon said slightly squeakily while clutching his nose.

"No I got lucky in catching you with the shield" Robb replied modestly.

"Not bad lads, ya got some moves there bastard" came the southern cocky voice of Bronn, who had stood nearby watching the pair. "Aye not bad at all, but you gotta move more or you'll be dead" Jon flinched at the word bastard and Robb looked angry. "I think that's enough for today but remember when you fight, you fight to win, honour only has a place in tourneys and training. In battle, it's kill or be killed. Remember that lads and you might live to a ripe old age with a castle and a wife. Now go get cleaned up, that's bleedin' real bad that" he commented, pointing at Jon who was holding his nose as blood dripped out.

The two hurried through the town to the manor and went to the Maester's room in the large house. They knocked on the door and waited until they heard a faint 'come in'. Inside the room were lots of shelves and scrolls and books, some looking like they hadn't been read at all. The Maester looked up from his desk and saw the two boys. "Ah Lord Stark and young Snow, what can I do for you?" the man asked kindly.

"Robb broke my nose, it's bleeding, have you got anything for it?" Jon asked.

"Hey, you move slowly, that's not my fault" Robb replied mockingly.

"Alright Stark how about I try it with you next time."

"You can try Snow, you can try" Robb joked back.

"Well you're both laughing about it so it can't be that bad, lets have a look then" the older man said while smiling at the boys' antics. Barneby grabbed some clean cloth and handed it to Jon who placed it around his nose to wipe away the blood. While that was done Barneby went outside and called a servant to fetch ice. He then made the boy lean forward and pinch his nose to stem the blood. "Now lets have a look, yes its broken alright but it'll sort itself out in around three days and should be fully healed within three weeks, give or take a day." A servant then came in with a pot of ice. "Thank you" he said before dismissing the servant. He then got some more cloth and wrapped a few pieces of ice in it before handing it to Jon.

"What am I-" Jon began

"Hold it to you nose, it'll reduce the swelling." Jon nodded and swapped the bloody cloth for the ice cold one. Barneby placed the bloody cloth in a box for removal later. "Right then just hold that and try to stand straight and not tilt your head back and you should be fine. Now take care lads" he chided gently. The two boys nodded and left for their rooms.

The next two days went quickly with many discussions between the two lords and much sharing of ideas on how to improve the North. The two boys and Asha meanwhile trained with the local guards and the complement of Stark soldiers who included Jory Cassel. Amongst the items discussed was the status of Moat Cailin and its repair along with trade issues as well as an in depth report on the status of the other kingdoms. House Britanican was House Stark's unofficial spy masters due to its growing network of traders, connections and spies. Robb sat in on some of the meeting since his father wanted him to learn how to be the Warden of the North. "Next up my lord, we come to Kings Landing itself and the Kingdom overall. According to reports the king never attends his Small Council meetings and in fact has more or less delegated the running of the kingdom to Jon Arryn."

"What?! But Robert should be ruling, you mean he does nothing at all?"

"Aye my lord. According to our assets in the capital all he does is, well, whore and drink. The only times he's attended a council meeting was for the Ironborn rebellion and a report on what happened in Myr."

"Yes I heard about that from the Manderlys, terrible business that is going on down there" Ned commented grimly. "Are we helping free the slaves like Bravos is?"

"Reports indicate that the seven kingdoms have left it alone. Or rather the King does nothing and the Hand does not want to upset anyone. That of course is on top of the massive debt that has been driven up by the King."

"But Aerys had a full treasury, how could it all be gone?" Ned asked in surprise.

"Obviously he spent it father" spoke up Robb from where he sat beside Lord Stark in front of the weirwood desk. "I too remember you saying that it was quite full at the end of the rebellion, how did the King empty the coffers so quickly?" Robb asked turning to James.

"Tourneys, feasts and whores is the short answer my lords" James said sadly. "Having large feasts regularly costs money, large prizes and the cost of hosting a tournament often costs a lot of money too and obviously you pay for a whore so that costs too. In short he spent it on rubbish and pleasure, not on the realm" Warrington responded. Ned pursed his lips, he knew Robert liked to drink and to bed women but to such excess, that he did not know, or perhaps Robert had kept it down while with himself and Jon.

"Why did Jon not do anything to stop that madness?" Ned asked, dearly hoping his foster father was not to blame.

"From we can tell he tried Ned. The best he could was lower the costs of tourneys or feasts here and there, unfortunately he couldn't outright stop them." Ned sighed, disturbed by what he heard of his friend and mentor. "In summary the crown is now approaching five million dragons in debt. Some to the Iron Bank, some to the Lannisters and smaller portions to others like the faith. It will take years to pay off if not decades, and that's assuming Joffery decides to try when he becomes king. Given the reports on him he's more likely to be the mad king come again. The kingdom is on the brink my lord. I would guess within the next ten years we will be at war, the signs are there" James concluded sadly.

"War? Surely you can't be serious?" Ned replied, aghast at the proclamation.

"On this I fear I am my lord, who will be fighting I cannot say but there will be one. And don't call me Shirley" he added to break the dour mood the others were in. It worked slightly as they caught the meaning and smiled slightly though the full joke was lost on them. "On that note I think you are caught up on the major news from around the kingdom."

"Indeed, you have given me much to think on. I partly wish you hadn't told me" Ned said with a depressed chuckle.

"Best to be prepared my lord."

"Aye, my father said something similar to me and Brandon once many years ago I believe. I will ask for more training to be done of our levies and begin recruitment and possibly re-arm. If a war comes, I want the North ready."

"Go slow my lord" cautioned James. "The Spider will no doubt pick up on any large and wonder what we are up to. Moat Cailin has likely already caught his eye and made him wonder so be slow about what you do. Do it a bit at a time. Replace armour and weapons first, most of which is already done given Stoneyport's steel industry. The repair the various keeps and castles around the North. I believe you have a broken tower at Winterfell for example? Trade more, for food and other supplies and then you can store more of it for winter, little bits that add to the preparedness of the North for a war, or winter." Ned nodded contemplatively.

"Father, training the levies cannot be too difficult surely? And what about Winter's Tower just north of Winterfell, that could be repaired?" Robb suggested.

"Aye Robb, though remember there are thousands of levies that answer to Winterfell alone, to make sure all are trained will take time. As for the tower, it's more like Tumbledown Tower son" he chuckled lightly, knowing the tower better than his son. "Its stones have fallen from their places and are mostly overgrown with moss and ivy, it stands but barely. That said, Rickon could have it when he is older" Ned said thoughtfully. "I have thought on it before but had not decided either way yet. Well that will be all I think Lord Warrington. I thank you for your reports and your time. Robb, why don't you go off and spar with Jon."

"Yes father, Lord Warrington" Robb said with a respectful nod and left the room. Ned stood, shook hands with James and walked out, tired from the discussions.

It was during their time at Stoneyport that James noticed that while Asha treated Jon with some disdain, as was common of bastards, she treated him well enough and seemed to get along with him comfortably, possibly better than she did Robb. With both sharing a similar feel of not belonging in Winterfell that perhaps had united them. Both also seemed more confident in talking with each other than her with Robb, perhaps with Jon growing up a bastard and thus quicker mentally than Robb, she felt he was the only one around her age other than a few guards. When the time came after a few days of visiting the area including a quick trip to Stonefort the Stark party left, heading south towards the Ryswells and Dustins.

Two shadows met on the battlements that surrounded the port the dark cloudy night after the Starks left. The cold winds blowing gently and making their cloaks flutter slightly in the breeze.

"So? You did the test, and?" one asked eagerly.

"With the sample Barneby passed on we tested it as asked my lord. It wasn't a match. They ran it a few times to check but it didn't result in a paternal match" came the calm reply.

"What did they find then if he isn't his son?" came a confused response.

"A nephew they estimate, from the boy's maternal side."

"Wait, what? So that would mean -"

"The boy is the nephew of Lord Stark, by his sister presumably. Given where she was and who was with her it could then be argued that he has a claim to the throne, assuming he's trueborn and not considered a bastard, even then he still might."

"Can we prove that?"

"We'd need a sample of someone from that side of the family but it could be done. There's rumours of two over in Essos so I could try and arrange for a hair or two to be taken. Additionally his blood work was interesting for those mapping out the locals' genome according to the scientists. Given his parentage it's quite something apparently. They said that the mixing of the two family lines seems to have bonded one or two of the genes even better than they were as individual lines beforehand."

"Both families are said to have magic in the blood, perhaps those genes are the ones related to that and have been made stronger?"

"Perhaps. All we know for sure is that Lord Stark is hiding his nephew as his son who is by all rights the true king of Westeros."

"Bloody hell, these just get better and better" the man said sarcastically. "What of Joffery then, did you get a sample from him or his siblings?"

"Yes my lord, we ran tests on the hairs we got and they do not match the king."

"What a pair the king and queen are" the first man chuckled. "They cheat on each other and she passes the resultant children off as his when they barely sleep together while he whores and fathers bastards. Idiots, the pair of them. Who knows of this?"

"Varys most likely. I think Stannis might suspect given how he's been acting over the last month or two. Otherwise no one else."

"For now we shall not mention anything. The country could descend into chaos if it became public and I'd rather not set off a war if it could be avoided. Still, useful information though" he said with an evil smirk. The other man chuckled lightly.