Chapter 17 - Ned's Trek Back Home
The Northmen were on their way back to their homeland in somber spirits. The losses had been felt by many of the men at arms. Their brothers, fathers, or sons having been a casualty of war. To most of the lords, they kept the same appearances in front of their men. In private, they were only of the mind, 'it could have been worse'. The main thing that surprised the lords though was how hands-on their liege lord was currently being with his fellow banner lords.
Lord Eddard Stark was not only visiting the men-at-arms and followers throughout the trek on horseback, but also visiting his banner Lords individually in their tents each evening. In those conversations, he seemed to be asking his different Lords more about their lands, what issues they might have had locally before the war, and what they expect after the war. Writing as much information down as he could; their liege lord then raised pointed questions about population numbers, demographics, local fauna, any known mineral veins, and current popular trade. Once Lord Stark had that information, he would thank his bannerman for the information and inform them they would have another meeting a few evenings later.
That later evening meeting was life changing for some of the lords as Lord Stark would come to the meeting prepared with papers. Within the papers were written out basic plans and ideas that could be implemented across the different lords lands without much variation. Most of these ideas included crop rotation, different techniques for building homes, improved recipes for tools, food, medicine, and . Added into those same papers were additional specific plans for those lords based upon the specific issues or resources those lords had outlined before. Some, like Lord Glover, were given ideas of their maple trees to farm maple syrup to use as a new trade commodity. Lord Stark explained how with the advent of new foods he would be bringing up to the other lords like hot-cakes, the maple syrup would be in demand for that food type among other northern lords and their territories.
The different items Lord Stark brought up as well as openly discussing the potential of different inter-relationships that could possibly be made going one direction or another made something glaringly obvious.
The North was in for some major change.
It wasn't until the army had reached the fork in the road that went into the directions of the Riverlands or the north; the lords realized Eddard Stark had even planned their trek long-term. He dismissed the lords that had the most northern lands past Winterfell itself to travel the road directly north. The rest of the lords whose lands were below Winterfell on the map were picked to travel on the other path towards Riverrun as his retinue to pick up his new wife. This told the lords that not only did he plan this before leaving Kings Landing, but he was taking into account the travel distance for his bannermen and shortening the burden on them as much as he could.
The night before their split. Eddard Stark had brought all the northern lords together in a large tent setting with some tables.
"As some lords here know, I've been in talks with just shy of half my bannermen; to hear of their plights, and offer insights that might not otherwise have been known. I intend to do that with all of the northern lords as soon as I can. Even after most whom I have spoken to leave, I will be relentless in my pursuit to continuously contact you in regards to updates and issues that might present themselves." Eddard Stark looked at all the lords present with gratitude as he continued. "You might be wondering, 'why is our newest liege lord, who barely finished fostering at a southern house, doing all of this for us?'. Or maybe you are thinking something like 'how does he know so much?' I do want to assure you my lords, I have thankfully not been given insight by the citadel in my life, especially after the news you have all heard that occurred recently."
Some of the lords murmured at the mention of the Citadel and the reveal of how some of the most trusted learned men betrayed the houses of the seven kingdoms.
"I wanted to assure you my lords that I have recently come across these vast amounts of new and exciting ideas I have given you. If I knew you would believe me, I would tell you how I did; however I will not do that. Instead what I ask is an open mind. If you can take these ideas, and attempt them in your lands, it will go a long way to making the north prosperous. You will see that some of these ideas, although they sound far-fetched, or beyond making a difference, will indeed work as outlined. Taking decisive change in the right places as soon as possible could mean all the difference." Ned Stark paused to take a drink, as he let that sink in for the audience of lords, before he continued.
"Now you might ask, 'why does Lord Stark want to change the north so quickly?' Maybe some might be afraid that the changes I would ask of you are too different from tradition or might go against what we believe. I can assure you my lords, I have carefully thought about everything I bring to you."
At that point Lord Roose Bolton stood up. "My lord, I wanted to inquire about your request to educate the smallfolk."
There was a murmur as the different lords either remarked on how bold Lord Bolton was to stand up and interrupt at that time, the idea of educating the smallfolk, or the questions why do such a thing.
"Indeed," Lord Eddard confirmed. "The idea behind that is many-fold. One, by educating the smallfolk on the bare minimum of sums, reading, and writing; it will allow increased opportunities for them. The ability to read and write alone is useful in many different vocations." Lord Stark looked around the room as he took in the mood of the crowd before continuing. "If they go further than just the basics, we could have more people filling in needed professions such as healers, master builders, tradesmen, or administratives. This would allow an increased speed in progress throughout the North."
"How would we go about such a task my lord?"
"I can answer that but it will take some explaining, if you would like to take a seat Lord Bolton," Lord Eddard offered Roose to sit; which the man took without argument. "To most of you this might be a surprise; I was given forewarning of the events that took place at the Citadel."
It was eerie how less murmurs occurred at this announcement.
"Due to this, I was able to make plans with two other people you might know of. Before the Citadel was truly sacked by Lord Hightower, I had them comb through contacts at the Citadel to find more 'open-minded' maesters that could be trusted. To that event, we were able to secure not only a large group of clean maesters away from the Citadel before the chaos, but we were also able to secure books or tombs of knowledge. More than likely, this group has already made their way north to Winterfell where they will be housed until we can get a formal system started in teaching the smallfolk." There was some excited talk before he remarked at the end. "Once they teach enough smallfolk, we can rehire the smallfolk as teachers to teach more smallfolk until we have enough teaching each other in the north to make a difference."
"My Lord Stark, you mentioned 'two people we might know'." Lord Karstark inquired. "Who are these people?"
"They would be Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Gerold Hightower."
There were exclamations. Shock graced the faces of some of his bannermen, while others started shouting against each others' volume either good or bad, about the men in question.
"My Lord, can you trust these men? They are Kingsguard who are no longer serving a king. They have broken their kingsguard oaths."
There was further shouting, and closed conversations between some of the lords. However Eddard shook his head as he answered the question.
"Indeed, they are not guarding the king of the realm at this time. I do not know why, but they said they are following the orders of their last king at the moment with the actions they are currently taking, helping the north." Eddard attempted to placate their concerns. "After they complete this mission for us, they plan on traveling to the Wall to work with the Night's Watch."
There was a shock as the northern lords were confused. Some of the most renowned knights of the realm were going to serve in the order of the Night's Watch? While Ned was speaking the truth, he didn't specify that they would join the Night's Watch, just that they would work with them.
Lord Dustin stood up again to inquire further. "I remember we discussed the need to have people migrate north. Are you using this free teaching as a reason?"
"Indeed, we are, among other incentives once they have basic education down. As some of you know I have brought ideas of different industries to some lords based upon their surrounding lands and what those lands offer. This is another reason why these ideas I've brought to you, though shockingly new, will be instrumental in getting up and running as soon as possible. We can give the smallfolk different options of professions based upon what industries are available in each lord's lands. Doing so allows us to further grow and become prosperous."
Lord Umber rose up to ask, "Are you concerned about followers of the Seven trying to spread their faith into the north?" Lord Umber quickly glanced at Lord Manderly before sitting back down.
Lord Stark shook his head. "We will most likely have to warn anyone looking to migrate to the north. Either, they are without a particular religion, less pious like our Lord's Whitehill and Manderly, or they can convert to worshiping the Old Gods. As the opportunities and incentives increase, we should see less people worrying about keeping their Faith in the Seven when they can otherwise improve their current station without them. Anyone preaching the Seven or forcing conversion would either be told to stop, or leave."
There were 'Ayes' spoken around the room as the Lords agreed heartily with the thought of telling the Faith of the Seven to shut up.
Lord Mormont chuckled. "Be careful there Ned, you will probably have to tell your new wife to shut up a lot." That got some chuckles around the room as well.
Ned smirked, but didn't say anything against the remark. It did make him realize however how much more difficult his married life could be. "Enough business for the night men, let us feast!" He decided to end the questioning there before someone mentioned how they were going to fund the new changes. He knew with what he had now he couldn't give them a good answer. His first thought was a loan from the Iron Bank. Then again, he could see if anything could lead from requesting a loan from Jaime Lannister now that he is the Heir apparent of Casterly Rock. Either way, he wasn't sure they could make back the interest rate of whatever the Iron Bank, nor Tywin might ask for.
The rest of the night went well. There was some food brought out. The feast wasn't the normal uproariously loud kind that the northmen were usually known for. Conversations went 'round as those he had already spoken to Eddard, spoke with lords who had yet to hold their own council with their liege lord. This gave the unknowing lords an idea of what to expect from Ned when he came to speak to them in the coming days. It also allowed the lords to share some of the ideas Ned had brought to them to potentially spark trade among their counterparts.
Ned looked on while holding his ale mug, and a conversation with Howland Reed. He had a good feeling about the future. He could only hope that with the forewarning of the Long Night to come, and the knowledge and assurance that Hanko brought to them; the north would hopefully come out of it alive in the end.
- In Sunspear -
"It is not your choice Prince Oberyn," Hanko was adamant.
"I am her brother. I have say in what is best for our family." Oberyn was glaring at Hanko before changing tactics and looking fondly at his sister. "Elia, please, you cannot go north. You will not be safe there, here at the very least you have family to protect you."
"Oberyn, with the changes that will be happening north, it will be fine," Hanko tried to placate Oberyn. "If Elia and Rhaenys stay here, they might have to come out of hiding at some point. Before you say 'that would never happen', are you sure? Having some random woman suddenly hanging out often with the Martell brothers would not go unnoticed. She would be found out much sooner. Once she is found out, the crown could demand her presence in court to defer her and/or Rhaenys' right to rule." Hanko looked to Doran. "I don't believe that is in your plans at all is it?"
"Would it matter? You already have the next male heir of the Seven Kingdoms!" Oberyn pointed to Lyanna currently holding her son in one corner.
"But the rest of the Seven Kingdoms do not know of him." Hanko pointed out. "Though by birthright he should be the King of the Seven Kingdoms, it does not mean he would want it. What if instead he wanted to live a quiet life, or merely the life of a bannerlord to his cousin-to-be? Or maybe he wants the free life of an adventurer; to seek out new lands and opportunities."
"Myself and my son are a product of trying to escape 'fates' that were forced on us. I'm not going to saddle my son with a fate he might not want," Lyanna spat out pointedly.
Hanko pointed his thumb at Rhaenys who was currently engaged with her focus in the corner. "At least if you still wanted someone on the throne, you could still have Rhaenys marry Viserys Targaryen and have a queen of your own in the royal family." Hanko then offered up his best argument. "I have already activated her chakra network, I believe Rhaenys with some training could become at least a minor ninja."
"You WHAT?!" Oberyn exclaimed. "Chak-the energy-"
"So you are saying she can become as powerful as you?" Doran queried. He seemed to be the only one calmly thinking about the conversation as a whole.
"Probably not as powerful as me, I have a...special constitution. She could still be leagues above a regular man though, or even Oberyn for that matter-with the right training of course."
Doran nodded. "I do like that." Oberyn tried to protest, but Doran interrupted before he could. "Teaching Rhaenys how to defend herself against anyone who might want to harm her would be prudent brother. After what almost happened to our sister; I'm of the mind that any female members of our house learn to defend themselves. Screw what the other followers of the Seven think of innocent maidens." Doran turned to Hanko. "And you can guarantee her and Rhaenys' safety with their disguises?
"Aye," Hanko confirmed. "You might not know it yet, but due to the actions of the current King and Lord Arryn; Lord Stark is in silent rebellion against his former foster father and brother. He would be in open rebellion if he could I'm sure, however I have spoken to him at length that there are somethings more urgent he needs to focus on, and to let the Stag and the Hawk make their own grave."
Not going to tell them you are making a detour before the north? Shi asked him from the seal. Originally Shi was outside for a while which was helpful at the time. They had put out the immediate fires together already so Shi returned to the seal. This allowed her some peace and quiet from dealing with Oberyn and people in general, while Hanko no longer had the strain on his chakra from leaving her out so long.
No, if they knew we were going to stop at a potential warzone, it wouldn't be pretty.
"Then I agree. They should go with you."
"Brother-" Oberyn tried to reprise him, but Doran rebutted.
"The North is a large kingdom, and with the most powerful people in Westeros and the known world residing there in protection of part of our family; you should not see a problem with this brother."
"Prince Oberyn," Hanko offered. "If it helps, you would be able to visit regularly as Dorne will be a new and highly valuable trading partner with the north due to the sand-export business at the very least. As I will be there, I would also be able to help with a face-changing glamour, similar to your sister, if you wanted to visit Elia and Rhaenys there for a time."
It seemed at first Prince Oberyn wanted to argue, but seeing the looks from both his sister and brother, he gave in. "I understand."
"Then we are agreed. I have to go to the docks to charter a ship, but there is much to be done north, and as such, I'm aiming to leave in two days," Hanko noted to them. "By your leave." With that, he strolled out of the room closely followed by Lyanna and child; while the Martells stayed to discuss further business.