Three days after submitting his report his Lord Father once agin summoned Ned to his solar . Once he arrived and took a seat , his father remained silent for a while before saying , " Do you know the significance of your research ? "
Quite confused Ned asked ," Which part of it , Father ? "
" The smelting of steel part , son . You have discovered a way to make better steel , that is revolutionary , that part I didn't even share with the Maester , I inquired Mikken quietly about it , and he is very impressed and ecstatic about this discovery , even if this Ironwood venture failed , the secret about making better steel is enough to make gold hand over fist . This new steel is twice as strong as normal steel , son . It retains sharpening better . With this discovery you have done a great service to House Stark . "
" I am glad to be of service Father , I didn't get the implications of this discovery untill you explained it to me . And about you not sharing this with the Maester , that gives me a chance to voice some concerns about him , I feel the Maester holds a great deal of disdain for the North and Northmen , and I am suspicious of Mothers death , she delivered four healthy children , she was still in her prime yet she died in childbirth , of course this could be just misfortune , and she could have passed as great deal of women do , but I can't help feel that this Maester has a hand in it , if possible , I ask that you replace this one with a Northborn Maester , whose loyalty is not in question and who has respect for our people , our house and our culture "
His Father digested what he said for a moment , " I did not think of Lyarra's death in that context , she did not approve of Maester and his advice , maybe there is something there , but it is unlikely , if we investigate the Maester openly and not find anything we will alienate the Citadel , so I will request for an additional Maester with your specifications stating that we need extra help for what we are planning , and discreetly investigate the Maester , if anything is found , I promise you justice will be done . "
" Thank you Father , for taking my concerns into account "
" It is my duty , son . As this whole venture was born out of your mind , I will grant you a responsibility , I have written to Lord Arryn , and extended your leave for another two months . You will journey to Castle Black with a honorgaurd of twenty in three days , and be my eyes and ears there and survey the situation , if you believe you can convince Lord Commander of this idea , do so , and start negotiations , if not I will do them when I visit Castle Black in four months , when I have established new routine here at Winterfell after passing of your Mother , is that understood ? "
" Yes , Father "
" Good , speak to your siblings about what you are doing and why , but keep the secret of new steel , you may take your leave . "
" Thank you , Father "
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