Ser Garlan hated the North. He hated it even more the more north they got. Unfortunately for him, he was on his way to the Wall. He had heard Aegon VI had taken the Stormlands in such a quick fashion as to inspire the next cycle of bard songs. He believed Aegon would be marching towards King's Landing soon. For now, he hoped Stannis had enough support to take at least the North.
Lord Wyman Manderly was a sour old man. He was very worried about his lands being conquered by the crown. He wanted to keep his borders secure and he didn't appreciate having some hothead and his motley crew of sellswords stomping through his land. To him, a sellsword was nothing more than a hired thug, and he was determined to keep the peace. He didn't appreciate that Lord Daemon and Lord Desmond had formed an alliance that secured the exclusive use of the Braavosi trade ports and sea line. Widow's Watch was once just land and ice. Now it's competition.
"Lord Stannis, Braavos, the Iron Bank and the Ironsmith Trading Company sends their regards." said Lord Waters.
"We've heard your message," Lord Wyman said gruffly.
"Our fleets are ready. We can sail at the same time as yours. On the day of battle, we pledge fealty to you, the victor. Our oaths are sworn to you, and you alone. We will serve you in the name of the Seven."
"All in exchange for what?" Stannis asked suspiciously. "Why should I trust you? Why don't you just say: 'we'll help you if you help us'? This is how you play the game, yes? How do I know you won't betray me in the end?"
Ser Garlan considered his answer carefully. "Because if you betray us, Braavos will destroy you. No matter what happens, you will never be able to win against the Iron Bank."
"So you're saying this is about your bank?"
"Yes, Your Grace. This is about our bank."
"Well, why don't you start by telling me what you want?"
"The Dreadfort. The fiefs of Roose Bolton go to Lord Daemon Waters. Then there's the small problem of the throne's debt to the Iron Bank... and the Lannisters. The Iron Bank has an interest in seeing the Lannister gold mines sold to pay off the debt. The Tyrells owe money to the Iron Bank as well, and they refuse to give up land in the Reach."
"And Aegon refused you didn't he? That was a mistake. It won't be mine."
"The Iron Bank has never failed to collect on a loan. It does not intend to fail now."
"Very well. We have an agreement."
As he prepared to leave, Ser Garlan stopped at the door and turned around. "One more thing, Your Grace. I believe you have heard about the White Walkers? We've seen signs of them ourselves. And it appears they're moving south. They may be marching into you territory. We cannot be distracted so be warned. Whatever else happens, when we march south, we're not going to turn back until we reach the end."