5.

Jon Arryn was having his dinner in his solar. Being Hand of King was tiring task and it got harder when King was like Robert. He was worried about Robert. War, Lyanna's death and Kingship on the top had affected him. There was a knock on his solar. He looked up, there were two men dressed in plain armour not giving any indication to whom they belong. One of them entered and place box in front him. He saw the Direwolf sigil and knew it must be from Ned. As he took the box both men asked for his leave. He granted them but told them to stay with his guards in case they were required. Jon finished his dinner, the servants came and took away plates and left a glass of iced wine. When he was alone he decided to open the box. There was big scroll. He opened it another sealed scroll fell into his hands, he put unopened back and started reading the one he had already opened.

Dear Jon,

Hope this letters finds you in good health. I am sorry for the way I left things in Kings Landing. Hopefully we will be able to put things in the past. I have a delicate request for you; please open the missive only in presence of King Robert and you. Also make sure that Robert is not drunk and thinking clearly. Please burn both messages after reading.

Thank You,

Ned.

Jon decided to wait till morning to show this to Robert. He decided to keep the message on him as he moved to his chambers. He was not in mood to visit his wife. He had lot to think of.

He woke up early next morning, decided to visit Robert after getting ready. When he reached kings Chambers, he saw Ser Barristen standing guard. He looked like he had arrived for his guard just now. Thankfully it was not the Lannister. He asked him to check if king was awake. Barristan checked and replied negatively. Jon decided to wake him. He went inside and woke Robert. Robert sounded pissed so Jon decided to cut to chase," Get ready and come to tower of hand will break our fast together there. A missive arrived in the night from Ned for our eyes only so hurry up." That got Robert up. Jon decides that his work here was done left for Hand's tower.

Robert arrived shortly along with Ser Barristen who stood outside. Robert seemed to be eager to hear from Ned, may be worried by the nature of the missive asked," What does it say?" Jon handed him the message which Robert opened

Dear Robert

I am sorry for way things were when I left for North. While we may never agree on certain things you are still my best friend and brother to me. I have always stood by your side and will continue to do so. I fought alongside you for my father, brother and Lyanna. We could not get Lya back but we got our revenge. I know it is not the same thing but that's at least something.

Robert, when I raised my banners, each and every of my bannermen answered my call; they did it out of loyalty and respect for Starks. But North and its people suffered for Stark's revenge. I must find ways to make up to them. Thus I have organized betrothal between House Stark and House Mormont of Bear Islands. They have been loyal house and must be rewarded. Benjen will marry Daecy Mormont in couple of that won't not be sufficient for my bannermen. They and their men have bled to put you on throne hopefully they haven't been forgotten. They respect you and your strength in battle which is why they followed you.

I have to ask you some concessions which might go long way in making Northern men, Lords and commonfolk alike happy.

When I was at war northern army was funded by Winterfell coffers. Lannisters sacked Kings Landing and Royal Treasury too. Northerners got nothing of it. I left without discussing any details regarding this but I believe some monetary compensation is due to Winterfell.

The north has no considerable naval power. Just few ships at White Harbour to protect it. Our western shores are often attacked by Ironborns 'who do so when not under orders of their lords.' Whole Stoney Shore is troubled by them and Lords along western shore are fed up by them. Hence we would like your pemission to start northern navy. It will help protect our western shores against Ironborns. I woud also like to point out that Ironborns have not sided with anyone fully and in future are more likely to cause us trouble.

Northern navy won't be just for war. I have intention of building trade galleys too. There is lot of potential for on the western shores. Hence, I would like some trade concessions while dealing with rest of kingdom and Essos. A good trading presence will help north immensely during winters. You should know still during winters cripples, graybeards and elders 'go hunting' in peak of winter, so that rest of their family can have enough to feed themselves. I think it is time such things stop.

I would also request a council seat. But as you know northerners don't do well in south, I request you grant a small council seat to Lord Hoster Tully. He is a good man who can be trusted look for Northern and Riverland interests. He will be valuable ally to have in Kings Landing for you too. If he rejects you may ask for his choice.

The reason for delivering these messages in secrecy and only to Jon and you is because I trust you with this matter and I hope you will return the same. But others in small council may not be so much understanding. Robert what I am planning is nothing but better preparation for coming winters and troubles. You know what Stark words are,' winter is coming' .

You will always have Northern support even if above suggestion are not met. You have been my friend growing up and still are.

Always at your service,

Ned Stark.

Jon watched Robert reading the letter again. He understood why Ned wanted Robert with a clear head. These decisions were not meant to be taken lightly. Robert looked up from letter with a smile on his face,"Look at it Jon, Ned the Lord. What do you make of it, Jon?"

Lord Hand was still pondering over the implications sighed," He is right Robert. Northerners fought for you. He should not have required asking concessions but we should have offered."

"I got that but this wording is not like Ned."

"I suspect Artos Snow is helping him. Ned was a second son with nothing much to inherit. But now he has to think of all the North. Some lords from Vale, Stromlands and Riverlands sided with royals but North stood firmly behind him hence he must offer them something in return. Besides money, concessions and a council seat is pretty much standard payment for help and we know of Ironborn troubles in North. Northern navy might help in keeping them in check."

"If you think about the secrecy, he is right there too." Jon continued, "We should discuss the Navy in details but apart from that there is nothing out of ordinary. We should also keep in mind Ned is asking these requests of you personally and privately."

"How do you think we should proceed?"

"I think we should proceed as soon as possible before Lannisters start giving their opinions. They have gotten enough as it is and they won't like some one else who would challenge their someone manages to interfere with these requests then Ned would by truly angry and it just might be last straw."

Robert never the one with patience," Fine then. Write the orders in your hand. Grant Hoster Tully position of Master of Laws. Offer twenty percent concessions for first five years and ten for next ten years in trade with any of the Seven Kingdoms but tell him to look after himself while trading Essos. Also arrange for five hundred gold dragons to be given to Winterfell. Permission for shipyards and new port on western shores. Tell him sixty percent of his navy should be made available to Royal Navy when asked immediately. Do you suggest any changes?"

Jon pondered on what Robert had ordered him. The orders were not bad, gold was no too much but trade concessions seemed too much. But then again north could not do too much for first five years. The naval bit seemed problematic," Robert, I think there should be further restrictions on navy."

Robert didn't seem to agree," How will you do that? We can't send someone from south to look after and I will not be one that did not trust Ned first. He has helped me and he will do so again if necessary and you know it. Suggest him to give authorizations properly to his bannermen. Winterfell is landlocked it won't end well if other lords grew stronger than Starks. "

Jon had to agree with Robert who had head for war related things. Robert further suggested waiting for confirmation till gold reached Winterfell and then announce the agreement between North and Iron Throne during small council meeting. With that Robert left Hand's solar leaving Jon to deal with the finalizing the agreements, sending messages and looking for Arryn men to go North.

John knew what had happened today could havw drastic consequences. But he had to keep Ned happy, because if the Targaryens returned the North was sure to stand against them.