Author's Note :
All characters belong to GRRM.
I have been lax in mentioning timeline clearly. I will rectify that.
281 AC
- Year of false spring.
- Tourney of Harrenhal.
282 AC
- Lyanna is abducted.
- Rickard Stark and Brandon Stark are murdered.
- Robert's Rebellion begins in the later half of the year.
- Cat and Ned are married.
283 AC
- Robert becomes king in the eight month.
- Events of Tower of Joy and Starfall.
- Ned Stark returns to Winterfell in the eleventh month.
284 AC
- King Robert grants north concessions.
- Ned plans for Harvest Fest in the Fourth month.
- King Robert marries in the sixth month.
Reviews and Criticism is welcome
7.
Second month of 284 AC
Nearly after a month riders that had been sent south had returned. Hand of King and his mentor Jon had sent royal decree with them. Ned had read the missive and had been pleased that Robert and Jon had agreed with his demands. Jon had also told that the gold that was promised would be with Iron Bank and their representative would come to Winterfell.
The very next day a raven from citadel had arrived that said that winter was over. Ned knew there was no time to waste. Ned had discussed their next move with Artos, they had decided to invite all the lords of North to Spring fest like Harvest fest, which would officially mark the start of North's rise to power. It would give him opportunity to discuss his plans with his lords in length and distribute them their tasks. It would take them about a month to arrive so he had enough time to welcome them and discuss separately with each of his lords if he wanted. The Mormonts had replied that they would arrive couple of weeks before the lords that will be arriving for spring fest.
In the mean time, Ned and Artos were discussing about lords and their lands. Artos had adviced him that though he had won their respect by leading them to war, many lords would be still unhappy, hpofully the spoils of war would make up for it. They will be testing him in matter of governance, judging Lady Catelyn for her suitability. The lords such as Bolton and Ryswell will be looking for weaknes. Artos had explained how Lord Ryswell had encouraged his daughter in hopes of marriage with Brandon and how Lady Dustin would be upset with him for not bringing her husband's remains but his horse.
In the months leading to the harvest fest Ned and Artos finalized their plans for north. Now Ned had to make the lords of the north work hard for him in peacetime. It was one thing to fight hard in the war but totally different to work hard in peacetime.
Ned had decided that first day of fourth moon would be the start of Spring fest. The days leading upto it were busy. The Mormonts were expected to arrive soon. He had also informed Lord Manderly to escort the Iron Bank representative with him.
The Mormonts arrived couple of weeks before Spring fest. Ned welcomed them and invited Lord Joer and his heir Jorah for talks in the evening. Later that evening Artos and Ned were preparing themselves for their meet with Mormonts in his solar, when Mormonts entered. Both father and son looked like bears with their impressive height, thick built and beards. Maege Mormont, sister to Lord of Bear Islands too entered along with them. Artos and Ned welcomed them, invited them to sit and they talked about general things over spiced wine. Joer had made up his mind and would be taking black after the spring fest. Jorah was happily married with his Glover wife who was under the weather and had decided not come. Maege was silent for most of the time but did talk about her daughters.
Joer then decided to broach the subject that Ned had mentioned in his letter," So, Lord Ned what do you wish to discuss with us, you mentioned such in letter."
Ned glad that they were finally talking," The North and its Lords have fought for their Starks and their revenge. Its time Starks compensated them for their losses. King Robert has granted my requests which will benefit North and its lords. As you know lords fight and commoners suffer. The north has hlped to put a new king on Throne and the king has granted some concession. The time has come for north to have its own navy. We will have navy to defend our western shores again. This will help us defend from Iron born. King Robert has granted us permission to build a new city and Harbour on the western coast. Mormonts and Glovers along with mountain clans have been always loyal to us."
"Mormonts and Glovers are related by marriage. I am suggesting a marriage between my brother Benjen and Maege's daughter Daecy. I am going to grant Benjen Sea Dragon point where North will have new town, hopefully a city later and naval base for Northern ships on western shore. Glovers might object but as it is whole of western North is abandoned. I have few plans to make them agree. This Harbour will help Mormonts and Glovers in trade and hopefully the mountain clans late on. We will discuss the plans later on but now I want to know whether you agree to this marriage. The plan for Harbour won't change even if you answer is no."
"There are several ideas I want to implement and Mormonts are one of the most trusted Bannerman of Winterfell. We suspect Ironborns will get bold now and they have new Lord. Further details and plans will be revealed when times comes. If you have any objections or requests feel free to say it."
Joer who had thoughtful look on his placed," Thank you, Ned for the trust you place in me. Mormonts have always done their duty by Starks and we will continue to do so. I am glad King Robert has not forgotton us. You know 'North Remembers'. I will agree to marriage between Benjen and Daecy provided she doesn't object. She can be quiet headstrong like her mother. As for Navy on western shore, I will say it is about time. Ironborns need be reined in."
They wrapped up their meeting after that. Mormonts stayed in Winterfell the days after that. Thankfully Benjen and Daecy appeared to be getting along. They practiced in the courtyard most of the time. The Mormonts officially accepted the marriage proposal after that. The marriage was to happen in the new port town when it was established.
Meanwhile the lords had started arriving. Ned had not talked anything with lords that arrived. He just told them that King Robert had granted few of his requests and that he was going to offer them war reparations, which was essentially correct. Ned and his council had further discussed what to offer to which lords. Then there were few lords that were lords that needed to be appeased. Lord Rodrick Ryswell of Rills had major reason to be upset with Starks. His eldest daughter was second wife and Lady Bolton, main rivals of Starks in the north. His second daughter Barbrey Ryswell was now Lady Dustin one of Winterfell's main bannerman. Ned's elder brother Brandon had an affair with her and her husband William Dustin had died in fighting with Kingsguard at Tower of Joy and now House Dustin did not have an heir. William had accompanied Ned to tower of Joy and died there. His dying was not the problem but now there was no one named Dustin left.
Fourth month of 284 AC
Every Northern Lord and Lady had arrived well within time. Only one not to arrive was Lord Howland Reed which was understandable. Howland however had sent a dozen of his trusted men with orders to bring back commands from Winterfell. Yesterday, Ned had sent them message that the meeting will be held in great hall when on the morrow after breaking the fast and a grand feast in the evening. He had sent invites to all his main bannermen, which were in fact orders.
Ned got up early next morning, after getting ready decided to pray in godswood. As he sat beneath the weirwood tree, he thought about recent few months. Ned, Uncle Artos and Maester Luwin had prepared for this meeting. According to Uncle Artos, he had been preparing for a long time. He had told Ned for what did Rodrick Stark was really wandering for. Ned's father and grandfather had funded his journeys where Rodrick collected anything from books to old sayings and stories, he also had written his experiences. There were things written in his journals from free cities, westeros and as far as yi-ti. His father and Uncle Rodrick had kept all those books, maps, diagrams and his journals in the Winterfell's Library and if you didn't know where to look you would have found anything. Ned prayed old gods for favorable conditions so that he might be able to right by the Northern people.
When Ned entered the Great Hall it looked like how it might have looked in times of Kings of Winter. The wall had banners hanging of all the major northern houses, the biggest of them was of house Stark on the wall opposite the entrance. In the center was large table along which his lords and their trusted bannermen or advisors had settled. He took seat his seat on the narrow end of the table, Cat had settled to his left and uncle Artos to his right while Ben and his master were waiting behind him. He suspected that uncle Artos had made the arrangements. He could see Lord Crewyn and his son sitting besides his wife, then followed Tallharts, Lady Dustin sitting along with her father Lord Ryswell was accompanied by his heir, then Flints of Flint's fingers, Glover brothers and Mormonts. To his right, Lord Manderly and his heir were sitting beside Uncle Artos. Then followed Hornwoods, Lockes, Boltons, Kharstarks, Umbers and members of mountain clans. There were few lords, heirs or advisers standing them. His uncle whispered to him,"Only those must be present are present."
Ned allowed them few moments to settle and then began," My Lords and Ladies welcome to Spring Fest at Winterfell. You all are invited to discuss the reparations of war which the North fought for King Robert. King Robert has given the North five hundred thousand gold dragons. The Iron Bank representative has arrived in Winterfell to see the payments. Further the North has been granted trade concession of twenty percent for next five years and further ten percent for next ten years. King Robert has also agreed to allow formation of northern navy. The north will have navies on its both shores. " Ned stopped after this as there was lot of cheering. Ned knew much of the north was fed up by Ironborns on the west, pirates and bandits from three sisters in south and wildings in the north. The northern naval fleet provided the ability to deal with it.
Ned continued as cheering dies down, "Winterfell has raised enough money to start the building of naval fleets. We will further our plans with money from trade concessions, the northern trade, the Iron bank and from coffers of our lords. The Citadel's opinion is that this summer will last for two to four years. We will have to complete our target and then prepare for winter." The murmur of dissatisfaction started. Ned knew he had to curb this now," My lords, for too long has North has survived through winters but no more, we have to prosper through it. Cripples, eldrs and greybeards from our lands still still 'go for hunting' never to return in winters so that young and able ones left behind could eat. People die due to hunger in winters and not just common folks my lords. What are lords for if they let their people die of hunger. The north has vast unused lands; seas that border her have ample fish in them. When winter comes we all hid in to our homes and wait for summer to arrive and when summer arrives prepare for winter to come. The northern folk are not afraid of hard work. This summer we all will work harder than the last so when winter comes we will be able to prosper through it."
Lords had beed hooked to him," Many of you would have begun wondering why now? During Dance of Dragons Lord Cregan Stark sent two thousand northerns called winter wolves under Rodrick Dustin. You all know their deeds. But Cregan could not follow them south with rest of army as he planned. Reason was winter. The northern army could not move through winter and they got delayed. When Cregan reached south the peace negotiations had already begun. But Cregan had to leave his majority of army in behind as they knew there was not enough food for them in north. This incident affected Cregan greatly. He began researching for ways and ideas for things like this to not happen again. But after his death nothing came of it. Nearly hundred years later, Artos stark came across Cregan's books in library. He then took up where Cregan had left. Lords of Winterfell have worked consistently since then on this matter. My father when he began taking interest in south, Winterfell had sufficient amount of money to make enough progress. But things didn't go as per his plans. After the war Artos Snow informed me of my father's plans and its necessity. "
"Many of recent Starks like my father, my good father, my grandfather and my uncle have put their time and resources in this. I plan to make their dreams off northern prosperity true. "
Ned began, "First order of business, Lord Manderly, you have most resources and so you will start first. Increase number of building decks to ten. You will start building trading vessels first. Find trusted men to man the ships. You are expected to take advantage of the new trading concessions. Flints of Widow's Watch and Lord Locke will help you as much as they can. We will require more men, men with skills in builders, traders, shipwrights, miners, craftsmen and many more. You with help of Iron bank will be incharge arranging them."
"Lords Hornwood, Bolton will start new town ports on the Broken Branch, Weeping Water and Last River. Lords Umber and Karstarks will too build similar port town between their lands. We will be able to keep a close eye Skagos, Nights watch and wildings better. "
"Lords Flint will be starting a port town too. It will be used for fishing and monitoring Ironborns better. "
"Lady Dustin and Ser Tallhart will develop new port town near Salts spear. Lord Ryswell will do the same at the mouth of Rillswater. This port will help in defending Ironborn and will increase population in your lands which will help you in future. You own good fertile lands and so you will make sure they are cultivated."
"Lord Mormont and I have agreed to marriage between Benjen Stark and Daecy Mormont. It was as per my father's wishes. Lord Mormont and Master Glover will build a new port near sea dragon point, which will be base for Northern Navy on western shore. White Harhor and Sea Dragon Point will be our biggest harbors and port cities. The other port big enough to carry out the trade from that region. If we are succesfull they will continue to grow."
"Winterfell and mountain clans will start building roads that will connect these ports with Kingsroad. All lords will help me with whatever men they can spare, Winterfell will pay them. "
"Pirates and Bandits in the seas and on the lands are to be dealt decisively. So we will have to make sure northern war galleys are not left unprepared if required. Every lord will start keeping a standing army. The number will vary from fifty to one thousand as per our requirement and how much we can afford. The army will help keep peace in the lands and will work towards building and development of our keeps. "
"I know what I am saying will sound outlandish but it can be done. Lords who don't have enough will be given help and lords who have more will be asked to help and necessary Winterfell will ask for loans from Iron banks."
Roose Bolton broke in, "My lord what will Iron Throne will make of our moves. Many southern lords might take it as an action against Iron Throne or themselves."
"The south has always thought of us as Savages. We have always fought better than them. They still think themselves as great. Our Northern army fought and won at Trident but they will still sing songs about knights Reach and of their chivalry. Our men and women don't need to be blessed by the gods to be brave. Just because we don't follow Seven doesn't mean we are savages."
"We were granted resources by King Robert as war reparations. Northerners have bled for him and died for him, lords and commoners alike. North supports King Robert and will continue supporting him. If any lords from south have any problems then they can take them to our king. We have got nothing to hide."
"In the next few days, I will personally discuss our future course action with every single of you. If you have any questions or doubts we will deal with them now. "
Lord Manderly had one," The common folks may not agree to work for us. We may have to force them to do so. If such thing happens we won't be able to complete our targets before winter."
"You are correct Lord Manderly. But what do the northern men do when they are not at war. They tilt their fields. But apart from that there is nothing done on regular basis. White Harbour is only city in the North. People have something to do there, but not all. Our plans will give every capable hand in the north work. When we are providing them with food, shelter and money, they will eagerly work for us. Those who are too lazy or too careless, we will make them work. We are not making anyone work for free. "
"Lord Stark, would you please elaborate about standing army." Lord Karstarks heir asked.
"It is like castle guards you have. Most of the northern castles have just about enough guards. What we will do is increase their number. Winterfell in future will have five hundred guards. I will encourage them to bring their families with them. Winterfell will have every capable hand working shortly. More families and men will be welcome. I will have these guards to look afters my lands, repair my castle and if necessary tilt my lands. They will follow my orders because I will be the one paying them. Our standing armies won't be permanent; they will be assembled whenever required. I plan to keep a thousand men and women on my payment for next year or so. During which time they will repair the castle, tilt the nearby lands and star my plans regarding roads. The lords who are building new ports will be able to make good use of them. These men will be fully equipped cavalry. They will kp peace in the lands and provide protections to commonfolk. When they are not doing that, they will work with builders, farmers and traders and after their end of contract they might just settle there."
Lady Barbrey then put forth the important question, "How will you decide who gets how much gold?"
"We have given a lot of thought and come up with a solution. If you have surplus lend your money to me. I will give it back to you with considerable interests. I suspect there won't be many cases as such in the start. Those who require money, you can borrow it from me. I will lend it to you at very low rate, rate at which no one would lend anyone money. Though, Winterfell will suffer in terms of interest. I am prepared for such loss as it will be overall gain for north. In few years, our revenues will increase and Winterfell will have money coming in which will cover our losses."
Lord Bolton expressed in his small voice," Admirable effort lord Eddard. Every northern lord will contribute his share. This will change north if successful but well all know Stark words are 'winter is coming'. Are there any contingency plans made, if our plans fail my lord?"
There was a murmur and it was clear Roose had dragged them out of their dreams of possibilities. Ned replied," We have Lord Bolton. We will follow my plans till autumn sets in. During the harvest fests at Winterfell, we will bring our accounts till that time and then decide if we are on right path and can we continue further on the road. If we decide that it is not feasible them we will cut our losses. I have taken all such possibilities in to consideration before giving you guys any orders. If every lord follows my orders to the letter we won't require contingency plans."
There was a long silence. So Ned decided to end their meeting," Thank you all for attending this meeting. Please enjoy the feast tonight. I will meet each of you personally and then you can be on your homes. " with that he got up and decided to leave.
There had been a great feast and even a greater celebration that evening. The northern lords had celebrated end of winter, Robert's Reign, his lordship, birth of Robb, the North's rise and many important and unimportant things. They had drank and sung every song even if they didn't remember all of it. Ned had excused himself halfway through it. Cat and Uncle Artos had left earlier.
Castle woke up very late next day. Ned had decided to meet with the less than friendly lords today the likes of Bolton and Ryswells. In the afternoon he decided to call Bolton for meeting. Roose didn't give away how he felt about their plans. Ned instructed him to build a harbor and town on the mouths of Last River or Weeping Water, if possible on the both. He was also told to increase mining in the lonely hills. Roose had requested money for this endeavor. Ned had doubts regarding Bolton's intentions but decided to give him twenty-five thousand gold dragons and suggested the Iron Bank if he required more. He knew Roose was testing him. But decided not go into Bolton accounts now, he will deal with him when time came.
Ned then arranged to meet with Lord Rodrick Ryswell. Lord Ryswell was ambotious lord even by southern standards. He had hoped to marry his daughter to heir of Winterfell. Lord Ryswell and his heir Roger came to his solar. He ordered him to make sure his lands are free of any unsavory elements. Ordered him to make a new port on Rills water. He also offered him loans if came the difficult part. Artos was sure that both Bolton and Ryswell had not fielded their entire strength. So they had decied to make sure Ryswell won't support Bolton again rather than taking both Ryswell and Bolton to the task,"Lord Ryswell, did you bring your entire strength south with us."
Lord Ryswell was shocked due to sudden change in the topic of discussions,"I was not able to call entire force in the given time but in necessary I had ordered to assemble the remaining men but we had won at the trident by that time."
Artos spoke,"Yes it is understandable and winter makes difficult to call the entire force. That is why we are going to implement these changes. We don't want to repeat this again. If you do given tasks then it will be benefecial to your house."
Ned decided to continue," You had hoped to marry your daughter to Brandon but that didn't happen. But you had no right to be angry. If we had more men at the trident few of our men might have been alive now. But there is no use in arguing over spilled ale. You have one of the most fertile lands in the north. Make sure it is cultivated to the fullest extent. I am giving your house a chance. You wanted to improve your house's standing you have a chance to do it."
"There is also another topic I wish to discuss. Lady Dustin is your daughter, you have to make sure that her lands are not left behind. At present there is an issue of Dustin heir, we will address that matter shortly. But till that time you will have to look after her."
A look of understanding crossed on Lord Ryswells face. Hehad been angry at the beginning but as Ned gradually explained him, Ryswell understood that he was going to have considrable influence over Barrowlands through his daughter. They further talked of men and payments, after which Lord Ryswell left. Ned then asked to Uncle Artos,"I have said too much haven't I ?"
Artos still looking over documents," Don't worry Ned. He know his house can be finished if you decide now. All you have to do is to tell this to northern lords and march on Rills. Hopefully, we can cut him from Bolton in coming years. We have offered him good deal to do so. He is going to have influence over Barrowlands and hopefully Bolton heir."
In next couple of days, he decided to deal other lords. Lady Dustin proved difficult, Ned had apologized her. She was angry at Ned but she was by no means dumb. She had said that common folks will not suffer due to her anger at Starks. Ned had left the issue at that and decided to give her a chance meanwhile ordred Luwin to look for possible heir to Dustins.
He ordered the Flints of Flint's Finger to build a port and clear their lands of pirates, told them to increase the patrols in their lands and in the forests to their west. He also sent orders to Reeds to increase their presence in the neck and to start clearing the moat Cailin with the possibility to begin its reconstruction. He also sent him gold to start building a port on fever river near moat cailin. He told Mointain clan leaders to sent workers as much as they can to winterfell where they were to begin constructing road. He ordered the same to Lord Crewyn.
Now the remaining lords were the loyal and trusted lords. He then decided to meet with Lords Manderly and Iron bank representative. Ben and Artos were present for the meeting. The Iron Bank representative was called Tycho Nestoris was upset that he had been kept waiting and none of the Northern lords had not asked for loans from Iron Bank as he was expecting. Ned decided to get to the point," How much gold does Winterfell have with Iron bank?"
"Close to eight hundred thousand gold dragons with recent addition from Iron Throne. I have been authorized to provide loans up to two millions."
Ned knew not to take all just because offered, "Thank you. The reason the lords haven't asked for loans from you is because Winterfell will bear the under burden of north. We will take whatever you can provide as loan to Winterfell. Winterfell will distribute ie among its lords and winterfell will b responsible for return of you loans."
The banker didn't apper happy with that,"Winterfell alone doesn't have the credit for that my lord."
Artos decided to speak,"Tell me my lord, for how many years does Stark have ruled over Winterfell. For nearly eight thousand years. Besides winterfell has over five hundred gold dragons in its treasury after funding the entire war. A war where they won."
Ned continued on,"Winterfell has further received twenty percent trading concessions with seven kingdoms for five years. If Iron Bank provides us with say fifty ships on loan for five years,we will be able to take advantage of that. We all know Iron Bank has its due. If you helped us in the start I am sure you will be spared from funding a war later on. We ar willing to pay for the help after all."
This got interest of Tycho,"Go on. We might be interested in such investment."
Ned asked Wyman,"How much money will you be able to raise my lord."
Wyman replied,"If Iron bank agrees to loan us separately, then around one and half million. I can manage more but I don't want to go to the faith and trade cartels."
Ned nodded,"So we can have nearly five million gold dragons. I want Iron bank to loan me fifty ships for next five years and another fifty for three years starting next year along with crew. The north will be responsible for its maintenance and you will be paid in gold for any damaged ships. You have to make sure they are in good condition. They will sail under Direwolf and Iron Bank's banners."Tycho nodded, so Ned continued,"The iron bank will have help us find good skilled men. The north will need builders, architects, shipwrights and common labor. The Iron bank will receive a decided commission on every worker they provide. I might be needing them in thousands and even few elephants for road building, I will ask for more if they are able to work in the northern conditions. The workers provided by you will receive good pay and will be free to return when work is completed or can stay here."
Tycho had listened while taking notes,"My lord you have presented a good plan. When we provide you with ships, we might be able to provide you with trading deals with other free cities. But to me it appears Iron bank will be doing most of the work and even taking most of the risk. We should receive more than commission."
Ned knew he was asking for something more,"Yes, you are correct. But Starks rule over North. If I say no then you won't even have any business to do. Whatever our plans are, they are going to be implemented with my permission. If you don't agree, then you won't have any possible business from the north and if you agree you will be able to make money and my plans will too suffer. If we have a fruitful relationship, then Iron Bank stands to gain much."
The Iron Bank representative agreed as he realized by saying no or asking too much they stand to loose further business. The demands made were not to difficult to meet and the north was certainly able to meet their demands from other sources,"The Iron bank agrees with these stipulations. Shall we finalize the contract."
Ned called maester Luwin and along with Wyman Manderly, they finalized the contracts. Tycho informed them that he will be staying in White Harbor where he will handle things on this end in their dealings with Iron Bank. When the representative left, Lord Wyman asked,"Is it wise to take such a load on Winterfell's treasury."
Ned replied,"I understand it is risky but I don't want to burden the lords and apart from you and Bolton possibly, we don't have regular dealings with Iron Bank. I will borrow from Iron bank and distribute them at lower rates. If we are successful this will serve as a base for starting our own bank. If we can get Iron bank to support us in exchange of some shares then it will have credibility. If we have our own bank, we will be able to give loans to northerners may they be traders, farmers or craftsmen. But that is well in future and we will not worry about it now."
"We will discuss things further with few other lords shortly." He sent men to invite the lords. Lord Umber and Lord Karstark arrived first. They were followed by Glover and Joer and Jorah Mormont. Lord Horwood entered last. Ned began,"My lords, every one in this solar has my complete trust. What we are discussing is the secret part of the plan and I hope it will be kept that way because you will be benefiting from them most."
There was a general consent from the lords present. Ned continued further,"You will be seeing and hearing certain words from previous Starks." He showed them the sorted and rewritten material along with original ones. After much deliberations and discussions, he continued,"What you hav seen are words and opinions of previous Starks including Cregan Stark. He was of the opinion that the north was decaying. The home of first men wasn't as mighty as it was led to belive. When you see moat Cailin or the condition of wall you will have to agree with him. Even Winterfell has old abandoned parts. There are may holdfasts in the Wolfswood and Gift in similar conditioons. Even Sea Dragon point has a big ruined castle same is case on the stoney shores. What these ruins tell us is that there were people living there once but aren't now. Tell me my lords did we suffer like Valariya in the Doom. "
"No. We didn't, we are simply withering away." Every lord present looked grim." Artos Stark who was uncle to my Uncle Artos Snow has put some similar observations regarding wildlings and the wall. I have read you the paragraph from his writings. We all have visited wall at least once. You can even see the wall from Last Hearth. Now tell me do you really think such a massive structure was built for keeping wildlings away. He even mentions that he has seen giants when he went beyond the wall. Now most of us including me until recently would have said that they just stories used to scare the children but how many of us have been to the lands beyond-the-wall. Generally the Nightswatch kills every wildling they come across and they do the same. We have no interactions with them."
He saw Umber was about to speak something but he continued," Most of us know the vow of Nightswatch. Even before Targaryens, all of the seven kingdoms sent their men to Nightswatch, in the days when Nightswatch was strong, there were many nobles among them. Why ? Why was the wall not left at our mercy. Why did Firstmen allow Andals to join the nights watch ? Why there is a phrase 'realms of men'? Why not 'Seven Kingdoms.'?"
"We have lot to think about and lot of answers to find. But they will be found as we do our work."
"Lord Manderly you must be prepared. There will be lot of people coming through White Harbor. You will raise a standing army to help you with your city watch. Clear out your lands of Bandits. Make sure your lands are fully cultivated. You and Lord Hornwood are related by marriage. You will help him build a port at Ramsgate where Hornwoods will have free access though it is in your lands. You will increase you Shipbuilding decks up to ten. Four will be built in secret. When we start trading with bravosi ships under our banner, pirates will may grow bold. I want our navy built by that time."
"Master Glover and Lord Mormont you will see the construction of our new port ans new town. Choose the location wisely. It must be as much near to Wolfswood as possible. This port will see trade from Mormonts, Glovers and Mountain Clans. The workers and gold will be provided by Winterfell. Mormonts will have few more shipyards that will build our warships in secret. Eastern coast has royal fleet that won't be danger to us. But on the west coast we have Ironborn, Lannisters and Tyrells. We will make a show of building warships on Sea Dragon point. Lord Manderly will provide skilled labor which will be provided by Iron bank."
"Lord Umber and Lord Karstark you are to build your own port in your lands. But you will start with port in Umber lands. It will trade with wildings, Skagosi and Nightswatch. Winterfell will provide you with extra gold and you will have necessary men from White Harbor. Every house near wall will make sure they have sufficient standing army. Any wildings coming over the wall should be dealt with."
"Both of your ports will start trading with wildlings. Offer them simple stuff like hunting equipments, knives and medicines in exchange of hides or whatever they have. Our target is to establish goodwill with them. They will remember us when we will feed them during winters or when our medicine cures their children. Slowly we will start allowing them into our lands if they decided to follow our rules. If not we will help them establish their towns. They already have Hardhome, we make sure they have a settlement of their own there. Hopefully we will help establish another on western shore. There will always be few who won't agree and they will start fighting among themselves. We will support those who are beneficial to us."
Lord Jon Umber looked unsettled,"Ned, Umber lands have suffered for generations. What you are asking is too much."
"Jon, anyone raiding will meet their death that's for sure. But what we are planning will help us for sure. Why do you think wildlings raid or come south ? For safety from winter and for better life for their children. We are providing them but on our terms. Of course there will be some who will be stubborn and they will die we will make sure of that."
They continued their discussions further. The contract were settled at last and every one was happy to go home. Ned decided to start with winterfell castle and then wintertown along with roads. If he were to start mining in mountains then there must be necessary roads. By the time Harvest Fest, next year Ned wanted to be done with Winterfell repairs.
Artos had told him that there were bound to be some lords who won't take things seriously so Winterfell must lead with example and Ned was prepared to do just that.