I have decided to split this chapter into 2 [arts since there was a lot to cover plot and character wise. I plan for the next segment of this story to be released once I can finish editing and writing everything. Now on with the story.
Chapter 8
282 AC
Elbert Arryn POV
Elbert could feel the aches from his wounds throughout his body. They caused him so much pain though nothing could feel as agonizing as staying alive. He did not know how long he had been in the black cells for, but he knew he was the last of their party to survive. No longer did the screams of his companions, echo throughout the dark, dank atmosphere of his new home. He could remember Brandon raging at the news of Lady Lyanna's disappearance. He could remember how his friend's comely face twisted in an animalistic visage. Oh, how he regretted not trying to help calm Brandon's rage. His friend always thrived on taking action rather than thinking things through. He could feel new tears stream down his cheeks at the thought of Brandon and those stupid heirs and other nobles who followed them.
The mad tyrant had been kinder to his companions by granting them death. He yearned for it so he could too join his companions. He could be among them in the afterlife as living with this guilt only caused him more heartache. He could not even think of what his uncle would do when word got out that all the other people who followed with Brandon were slain but him. Elbert would always here the torturers brag about it as it was only known that both Lord Stark and Brandon died. He felt himself dying a little each day with each renewed torture and the guilt would grow even more.
His tired blue eyes gazed upon the dark and prayed for death to come. It was cruel for him to be the only one still alive. He could feel his sanity continue to break each day yet hopefully the end would come to him. He could only continue to pray that it would soon as his eyes shut once more, and he drifted off to sleep.
Eddard Stark POV
As soon as he entered the settlement ruled by House Sunderland he could feel the eyes of many Sistermen upon him. His grey eyes roamed from left to right into the suspicious gazes of the smallfolk around him. Eddard could only keep a sigh in as he continued his way towards the beaten, dirty path that would take him to the castle.
'It would seem that my ancestors did more than earn the everlasting suspicion and resentment of the sistermen', thought Eddard darkly as he continued on his way.
He could recall the old maester of the Eyrie teaching Robert and him about the War Across the Water. The war had started when House Stark had invaded the Three Sisters to take control over the islands in the Bite. The invasion had resulted in the Rape of the Three Sisters. Which was one of the most barbaric acts of Northmen history. It could have ended them till the houses of the Three Sisters bent the knee to the King of the Vale at that time. From there on the war had escalated.
King Mathos Arryn had sailed with a fleet of 100 warships to retake the islands, though he never would. His fleet and all who followed him were defeated, and it resulted in the death of the Vale King himself. The retribution of this was for the Vale forces to besiege and even burn down the Wolfs Den before House Greystark had ruled it. In response Northern forces sailed to Gulltown and burned down hundreds of ships in the harbor. In total control of the Three Sisters changed twelve times between the North and the Vale. The North would soon lose interest of holding the islands and they would remain under control by Sistermen houses under the sovereignty of House Arryn.
It was well known in the North that many called this war the Worthless War as it only saw reckless death of Northman lives over a few islands. While he shared this sentiment it would seem many here resented the Northman still even if the war happened 2000 years ago.
He could remember his late father talking about the Sistermen with blatant disdain. House Stark had faced large concessions given to the Houses of the Three Sisters for the destruction achieved from the Rape of the Three Sisters. It was decided to try and smooth over relations to allow Stark ships to dock at the islands before heading south to trade. It was vital for House Stark as at the time they had just created their own port city on the Mouth of the White Knife.
The port city of Snowfall was close to the edge of the border of House Starks domain and the lands of House Greystark. Snowfall while smaller than White Harbor was still larger than Barrowton. It saw the stationing of a Stark fleet which House Stark did not have since the times of Brandon the Burner. The current fleet stationed there was only 40 warships strong alongside many trading ships.
The town had thick stone walls around twelve feet high and eight feet thick. They encircled the whole settlement in its walls and provided suitable defense against a force coming from land or by sea. The settlement was primarily focused on the trading of furs, timber, stone, and even some ores mined by the Northern mountain clans. It had a thriving harbor and even some small ship building facilities. Though most of the ships used by House Stark were purchased from House Greystark. The settlement of Snowfall had many artisans in its walls such as skilled smiths and carpenters. The town also had plentiful game from the surrounding forest and aquatic life from the White Knife.
Snowfall even had a small citadel in the center of the settlement. It housed the Winter Wolves which was a prestigious unit of heavy infantry and calvary of House Stark. The citadel was also connected to the secondary inner wall of the settlement which provided a second line of defense if the outer curtain walls fell. The city itself was not primarily focused on defense and more on trade. The city of Snowfall was connected to Wintertown by the Stark road which was around 170 to 180 miles long. It was made of paved stone and regularly inspected for wear and tear. The city helped direct any trade incoming to Snowfall to Wintertown overland.
It had been many years since Eddard had been to Snowfall when his siblings and himself would accompany his father on a tour of their holdings. He had heard that the city had continued to grow very prosperous and had become one of the centers of trade along the eastern coast. 'It would have been my seat if Brandon and Father did not die', thought Eddard sadly.
His grey eyes once more turned melancholic as he thought of the future that could have been. He would have ruled Snowfall along with Ashara as a bannerman. He could have created his own cadet branch of House Stark as Brandon would grow into the Lord he knew he could. Eddard loved Brandon though he once again wished his brother had not as much wolfsblood in him. It had cost him both a brother and father.
Eddard could only feel both great longing and fury at the thought of the deaths of his family. Even Lyanna was not safe as she had been taken by Prince Rhaegar, The Targaryens had taken so much from him in such a short amount of time. He could only contain his fury at their actions. For it is the cold vengeance that should be feared, not the all-consuming fire that many had used to fuel themselves.
He would bind his time before he could exact the vengeance he so craved upon the Targaryens. Eddard planned to be patient and wait till the perfect moment arose. For a direwolf was a patient predator who would wait long periods of time in the winter to strike at their prey. He would need the whole support of the North to see his vengeance satiated with the destruction of the Targaryens. At the thought of bringing down the House of the Dragon his grey eyes twinkled with a dangerous glint.
His first step in his plan was to seek passage to White Harbor with the blessing of House Sunderland. They were the undisputed ruling house of the Three Sisters. Their support would go a long way to helping him gain transportation. His thoughts continued to try and piece together some plan to enact before he almost ran into someone. Upon raising his gaze up, he could make out the three women's heads, white with black hair, on a barry wavy blue and green field of House Sunderland's coat of arms.
His eyes grew wide as much as they grew inquisitive. It seemed the Old Gods had decided to give him a small miracle. He turned to gaze into the stoney expression of the guard he almost bumped into. With a lick of his lips Eddard spoke to him, "Excuse me my good man can you take me to see Lord Sunderland".
The guard grew even more weary though not surprised, which confused Eddard. The sistermen guard could only look into the glinting, grey eyes of the Quiet Wolf and say, "We've been expecting you Lord Stark. Come with me and I will take you to Lord Sunderland".
Now Eddard only grew even more confused and interested. He had not expected this to happen as soon as he stepped onto the island. Apart of him hoped this would be him being lucky, though his luck was never kind to him. With a sense of weariness overtaking him with a nod of his head deciding to slowly follow the guard. For better or worse he would see where this situation would take him.
Arthur Greystark POV
The morning air came out in a fine mist in front of Arthur's face. The party of Greystark guards had been joined by the levies and calvary of House Whitewood after they had departed from the wooden palisade of the fort. In his opinion they had made good time along the Greene road as their forces had been further bolstered by the levies of House Woolford.
While historically Houses Greystark and Woolford had a turbulent history the current Lord Woolford and his heir Kenderick were loyal to their house. It still concerned Arthur that the spare, Thorkell Woolford, was a ward of House Bolton. His eyes grew dark at the thought of a monster trained by the Boltons could mean for his House. His father had put much effort in trying to repair the relationship between themselves in the Woolfords. They had grown more prosperous and more receptive to what the Lord of White Harbor decreed.
He felt he would need to keep an eye on Thorkell as it could spell more harm than good if he ever took power of Snowford. He knew Edwyle would not put much caution as he was always the more trusting of them. 'Seven hells Wylis and I will have to double our efforts to look after our brother', thought Arthur tiredly. It would be an immense task to watch over Edwyle when he came into power.
Arthur looked upon the large frame of his brother as he entertained their vassals. He would always be a shadow to Edwyle's light. He accepted this as he cared deeply for both his brother and family. Long ago Arthur had vowed to watch over their house and if necessary take whatever action would be needed to safeguard their wellbeing. His grey eyes were filled with a strong conviction as he directed his horse to follow his brothers.
Edwyle Greystark POV
It was fortuitous for their party to run into the military force of the Woolfords. Their numbers had increased and would aid in the war effort that would soon spark a war against House Targaryen. To his knowledge his House could call upon 4000 trained and armored soldiers which would be sublimated with the 500 levies and calvary of House Whitewood and the 600 levies and archers of House Woolford. Furthermore, the forces of House Greenwood would arrive later on though in a smaller quantity. His father had seen to that they reinforce the settlement of Greenetree in case of an incursion by those blasted slavers.
Edwyle was currently surrounded by his future vassals as they moved closer to White Harbor. The black direwolf of House Greystark was joined by the white raven and blood red sheep of both the Woolfords and Whitetrees as they continued along the paved stone road. His force numbered around 1150 men included the forces of their vassals and Greystark guards. He was accompanied by his brother Arthur, Kenderick and Jocelyn Woolford, and Hadrian Whitewood. They had even received word that Jon Greenwood would also be joining them at White Harbor. While he was prepared for the war to come it would be good for all Houses and even their forces to rejoice with a wedding. It had been a long time when a Greentree and Woolford married.
So deep in his own thoughts that Edwyle missed what Kenderick was telling the other nobles. With his gaze returning back to the Woolford Edwyle tried to catch the tail end of the story.
"And with one last swing of my sword I felled the boar that plagued our lands", boasted Kenderick with an easygoing smile.
Unknown to Edwyle but his brother had noticed the absent mindedness of him. With a sardonic smirk upon his lips Arthur said, "I fear that your tall tale has seemed to have driven the great heir of White Harbor to boredom milord".
Kenderick soon turned his gaze to the larger frame of the oldest Greystark with clear disbelief upon his stunned face. Edwyle would never admit to feeling embarrassed at being caught and soon decided to cover his folly. With a raucous laugh echoing throughout the air Edwyle threw his head back in mirth at the snark of Arthur. Soon the entire party of nobles joined in with his laughter.
Edwyle turned to Kenderick and said, "My apologies Kenderick it seems that I may be touched in the head a tad. When tales such as yours are shared I tend to picture them more rather than listening".
He could see the growing mirth in Kendericks eyes as his own joy seemed to invigorate the whole party. Even in the distance he could hear a few guffaws and laughs of the levies and guards around them. Edwyle could feel himself relax a tad as the laughter died down. He would need to make sure to pay more attention as he had a habit of letting his mind wander.
"I fear you may be more than a bit touched in the head Edwyle if you could not bear to listen to Lord Woolford's boasts of bravery", said Arthur.
With a deep breath in and out Edwyle turned his mirth filled eyes open his brother. Oh, Arthur was a constant source of jeers and ribbing to everyone, but he would not have it any other way. He knew his brother cared deeply for many people though most would not see it. He loved Arthur but could he cease sometimes with tearing him a new arsehole.
With a deep sigh Edwyle said out loud, "Woe be the day I will have to silence that barbed tongue of yours Arthur. May haps I'll have to send Kenderick to do the deed".
Soon again the party erupted into laughter again. Though unknown to most Kendericks was less joyous. While Kenderick was used to ribbings and jests he would always despise the bloody and torturous nature of his families past. Though he would try and take it in stride to form a better opinion of his family. Gone were the days when the Woolfords plotted against the Greystarks. He would remain loyal to them even if he had to put with Edwyle's constant jokes.
The party of martial forces and noblemen soon arrived on the outskirts of White Harbor. Edwyle could see the churning clouds of smoke fill the clear sky as they careened further out into the distance. It seemed that White Harbor itself was in full production for the war to come.
Ignas Greene POV
Ignas would never say out loud, but he despised war. He had served the current Lord Greystark early on in his career as a men-at-arms. He could remember the horrific campaign of the Stepstones. The smell of the salty air mixing with the sick smell of men dying. The screams begging to end their suffering or even the prayers asking for them not to die. He had hardened himself to their pleas as he continued to fight island to island waiting for this dreadful war to end.
He was a smallfolk of House Greenwood originally but had distinguished himself in that he was given the opportunity to serve under House Greystark directly. Ignas could remember the presence Lord Brandon had around him at a younger age. Brandon was once full of fire and had a commanding presence to him. He had gladly joined the house guard of his Lord into battle without a care in the world for this man had seen to give him a chance to prove himself. From that day Ignas had vowed to serve House Greystark till his body fell from battle or old age and he served faithfully for decades.
He could remember the day long ago when he was ennobled. It was one of the most joyous days he had ever experienced. He was allowed to create his own house and had decided to name it Houe Greene. Ignas had chosen this name to honor his humble beginnings as a smallfolk of Greentree. He could only wish his family had survived and join him in being uplifted. Now he could only hope the people who he took in would continue his family name with honor.
The years while kind to others were not as kind to Ignas. He hunched over now as he could feel his back permanently bent forward. His once full head of hair was now gone and left only his naked head for all to see. His eyes had sunken deep into his skull as the skin around it was weathered and thinner than paper. He felt that he looked more a corpse than the man he used to be. He had not retained the height he once proudly boasted of. He could barely come up to most people's chests without feeling immense back pain trying to stare into their eyes. He could barely see out of his own eyes as they had turned glassy. Ignas had no doubts they would soon fail him as well and leave him a blind, old fool.
He would not regret swearing loyalty to Lord Brandon, but he still felt that his service took much from him. He did not have a chance to have children of his own as he used to train the soldiers and militia of White Harbor as the master of arms. Not that a noble lady would marry him as he was previously one of the smallfolk. Even trying to find a suitor amongst his former people was difficult as many felt they were beneath his station.
As time went on he had instead took in the orphans of White Harbor and raised them as his own children. Many within the village he ruled were former orphans we decided to adopt. Many of his own soldiers were young boys he took in and trained. The thought of his many children warmed his aching heart as he had taken in so many and loved them just as much. He could bear the jeers sent his way by other nobles for taking in smallfolk as he cherished those children more than those jeers bothered him.
It brought a smile to his face as he rested further into his chair. Yet, he could only feel a sense of worry as he thought of the orders from White Harbor. There was a war coming as he learned both Lord Rickard and his heir Brandon were slain by King Aerys. There were even rumors of fair Lady Lyanna being kidnapped by Prince Rhaegar. His old, worn bones were tired of war and he feared for the children he would have to send to fight for House Greystark.
Thorren Stark POV
His blood continued to burn in his veins as he exited the Iron Bank. He could remember how frustrating the meeting with the representatives was. In all of the history of the Company of the Rose had never broken a contract till now. His grey eyes burned with a dangerous glint at what those fat copper counters had said of his decision.
Thorren and a few of his captains made their way through the glistening oak doors to the meeting room the Iron Bank representatives had chosen. He could see the shiny marble floors as well as the extravagant decorations littered throughout the room. He would be meeting with a new up and coming member of the Iron Bank. Thorren believed their name was Tycho Nestoris.
The party from the Company of the Rose settled into the nicely carven ebony chairs laid out for them. While he would never admit it Thorren found these chairs some of the most comfortable he had ever sat in. It would seem the Old Gods favor was with him as he did not have to wait long for the Bravosi representative for long,
Entering the meeting room was a tall, thin, and gaunt looking man. The man had a narrow face with dark eyes, and a long, thin beard, which reached down to his upper chest. He was dressed in a shocking amount of purple. For the man was dressed in dark purple robes which had a high stiff-looking collar. Upon his head sat a brimless three-tiered hat of striking purple fabric. 'This must be Lord Tycho Nestoris', thought Thorren.
The man looked to have never seen a day of hard manual labor or even battle yet carried himself with an air of superiority. Thorren had seen many Bravosi like this as though they vehemently stated their proud former slave heritage, it seemed many had forgotten the painstaking hard work of their forebearers. He had seen many Bravosi like this though he could respect the sailors and water dancers as they seemed to embody the hard-working nature of their forefathers.
The Bravosi seemed to glide across the room till he made his way to the desk in front of the gathered mercenaries. Tycho Nestoris did not impress Thorren, but he would hold his opinion to himself. He had learned to do so with how much time he spent undertaking contracts from the Iron Bank. He would need to cancel the current contract and even hire ships from them to transport his army to join in the war against the Targaryens.
With the cultured voice of all Essoi residents Tycho said, "What can the Iron Bank help you with Lord Stark? I believe it is still too early to accept another contract at this time. You are still under one with Bravos itself".
With a calculating look in his eyes the Bravosi stared down the battle-hardened Stark. Thorren could respect that even from a copper counter. With a deep breath in and out he turned his full attention to the man in front of him.
"Lord Nestoris it has come to my attention that my brother and his heir have been slain by the Mad Aerys and I seek to join in the cause of my nephew, While I do not take this matter of cancelling a contract lightly I must insist that it be done", said Thorren stoically as his face betrayed nothing.
While his stone-cold face was for all to see they could not see the turbulent sea of emotions that Thorren felt. It was with great will power that he did not show the grief, rage, longing, and sorrow he felt show. His cold, grey eyes looked straight into the eyes of the man before him betraying nothing. Thorren vowed to see this done as he needed to join his remaining family. To both gain vengeance for hurting the pack and seeing his niece returned to her family.
Tycho grew amused at what Thorren said. The Company of the Rose had served Bravos well for hundreds or years with their proficiency and professionalism. It was one of the few mercenary companies along with the Golden Company to have never broken a contract. This development only served to amuse him as what could extort from them to see it done.
The curl of the Bravosi's lips only made Thorren grow worried as if the banker could smell blood in the water like a shark. For he had a feeling they would see what they could gain while he was desperate to rejoin his family in their cause.
"What prayer tells does the Iron Bank stand to gain from you breaking our contract?", questioned Tycho's, "Has the Iron Bank not seen to the safety and prosperity of your company?".
Thoren could only ground his teeth together as his anger grew. He could feel the call of the wolfsblood within him ordering him to strike this greedy merchant. His eyes grew animalistic at the thought of the banker putting him in this position. He could feel his hands grip onto the wooden frame of the chair as his knuckles turned white. The chair groaned slightly under the pressure of his grip.
Thorren could only try and breath deeply as he tried to control the wolf inside him begging to be let loose. It took a considerable amount of effort to curb his instincts to throttle the man before him. Though his grip remained ironclad on the chair his voice continued with the professionalism expected of someone in his occupation.
"Aye the Iron Bank and Bravos has been nothing but generous in her treatment of my company. We are prepared to pay back what is owed due to us cancelling the contract. And will work on repaying anything we'd owe", said Thorren carefully, "All I seek is to aid my House in this war. We plan on returning to Bravos to continue our employment here".
Tycho could only look amused at the balls of this Northern barbican. Many feared the reprisal of breaking a contract or refusing to pay what is owed to the Iron Bank. While normally he would decline such an offer it seemed Bravos would gain more from this transaction. With a sense of superiority, he spoke to Thorren, "The Company of the Rose has provided Bravos with many years of service over the centuries, and we can take this into consideration. But what can the Company offer us as recompense without souring our relationship".
Thorren could contain his rage as he was reduced to this position. He knew he could not offer much but make promises that could bite him in his arse later on. Yet he knew his men would stand with him as they all agreed to follow him in helping out his family. Once more, with a control that threatened to slip he bowed his head and spoke.
"I am willing to take any job the Iron Bank seeks to have us perform. We can do these contracts at a much-reduced price Lord Nestoris. Whatever Bravos and the Iron Bank need of us we will do. All I seek is for our contract to be forgiven and for the city of Bravos to supply us with ships and supplies for our journey".
Thorren could feel his pride ache at the thought of bowing to the whims of the Iron Bankers. It had been many years since the Company of the Rose resulted to begging. He could only think of a few times this occurred. The most memorable is when Brandon Snow did the same to seek employment by the Bravosi many years ago as it was hard trying to gain contracts while they were still a newly formed company.
He continued to keep his head bowed till the laughter of the Bravosi before him filled the room. He looked upon the greed filled eyes of Tycho and knew he had made a deal with the devil. Yet he would do it all over again to aid his family.
Tycho's laughter ceased and soon said, "We will of course see this contract nullified and help with anything you need Lord Stark. Though when the Iron Bank orders you next you must be prepared to keep your promise".
With a hand outstretched before him Thorren had no choice but to accept this. The gathered captains could only look at their commander with pity. They had just made a deal with a devil to aid of House Stark. Thorren could only feel a sense of dread at the day the Iron Bank came to cash out his vow.
Looking back at that meeting Thorren could only think that if he had more time it could have been better. Yet with the Iron Banks support his force of 3000 soldiers would have both ample supplies and transportation to join the war. He may regret the deal itself, but it was worth the chance to see Rickard and Brandon avenged. It was worth to see little, sweet Lyana brought home. It was worth to protect and guiding silent Eddard in his new duties as Lord Paramount of the North. And it was worth seeing young, sweet Benjen reunited with the last family he had.
Eddard Stark POV
He had been directed by the guard of House Sunderland through the gate and onwards to the keep itself. The keep of House Sunderland looked to focus more on defense though it did not compare to the magnificence and defensive structure of Winterfell. Eddard could feel the suspicious and hateful filled gazes of the servants, guards, and smallfolk around him as he made his way towards the throne room. In ages past this would be where the King of the Three Sisters would be seated.
The Kingdom of the Three Sisters was once a menace to both First Men and Andals alike. It was home to people no better than pirates as they would attack and raid anyone with impunity. It was also once home to a unique faith only found here. Centuries ago, the Sistermen worshipped the Lady of the Waves and the Lord of the Skies. It was a unique religion only worshipped by the Sistermen of old. It was said that sacred storms occurred due to the Lord of the Skies and Lady of the Waves mating. This religion fizzled out with the coming of the Andals and the Seven.
Eddard continued to follow the silent guard till they finally arrived into the throne room. He could see that throughout the castle it was made of stone. He could make out many artifacts that were decorating the walls of the throne room. Many old tapestries and even banners hung adjacently throughout the throne room of old conquests and wars fought, He could even make out old banners of extinct First Men Houses and even the banner of his own house. It would seem the sistermen still took pride in their war-torn past with the First Men.
He could not blame them for this as his ancestors had ordered the invasion of the Three Sisters and indirectly caused the Rape of the Three Sisters. Though he could guess that many atrocities had also occurred under the orders of the Kings of the Three Sisters in the past. Though they seemed to have gained much prosperity as well. He knew little of the trade occurring on the eastern coast, but he assumed much came from their close proximity to White Harbor. His cousins in House Greystark benefitted from having safe passage and harbor here when needed.
He soon stood before the throne room and with someone he could only guess was Lord Sunderland. The man before him stood at an unimpressive five feet and five inches. What truly made Eddard reconsider his opinion were the intelligent light green eyes that stared back into his grey ones. The man while older than him could have been no older than forty or so name days old. He could make out streaks of graying hair from his head of dusty brown. He could see the thin but toned from of the man as his sinewy muscles tightened upon Eddard's inspection of the man. Lord Sunderland had the sun kissed skin of a sailor though it seemed to be less weathered than most sailors. His angular face had seen some better days as a nasty scar ran from his neck upwards to just below his snubbed nose. The green eyes twinkled with something else besides intelligence as he gazed back at Eddard.
With a deep baritone voice Lord Sunderland addressed Eddard, "So it seems my people are blessed once again with the presence of a Stark. May haps this time you won't order your horde of Northman to defile our isles".
Eddard remained calm under the baleful words of Lord Sunderland. He would not rise to such elementary insults of this Lord. He was a Stark of Winterfell; his family had ruled the North for over 8000 years. This lord of just a few small islands would not be worth his time but he needed his help to gain passage back to the North.
"I doubt my people will find your hospitality as amusing as I do Lord Sunderland. You seem to forget we started our war with you pirates due to you attacking Northern ships and raiding our shores", said Eddard unflinchingly.
Eddard could finally make out what he gazed was in Lord Sunderland's eyes it was amusement. He could not guess for the reason for it, but he would not bend or even acknowledge the comments of this southern lord. He would meet any barbs with barbs of his own. Unknown to him his face and eyes soon grew cold despite what he felt on the inside. Many would soon come to know the icy gaze and tone of the Silent Wolf.
"Ha I see you are truly a Stark boy. You have the classic gaze I have seen from both your father and my friend Brandon", said Lord Sunderland. To him it seemed both the Starks and Greystarks could not take a joke without turning on that ice cold stare.
Eddard grew confused at the mention of Brandon, 'Had Brandon made friends with the Sunderland?'.
"I do not mean to assume my lord, but I fear that I did not know my brother was held highly on the Three Sisters".
"I do not mean the Wild Wolf boy. I meant the Old Wolf I am sure you've heard of your distant kin".
Eddard soon realized he meant his distant kin in White Harbor. It had been ages since he had seen the current lord and his family. It felt like a lifetime ago of his family journeying to White Harbor and meeting with the Greystarks. He could barely remember who they were, but they had been numerous.
"Aye now I see Lord Sunderland. I did not realize you were close to Lord Brandon and his kin", said Eddard.
"While I do not mind these pleasantries Lord Eddard I must ask why you have come to the Three Sisters", questioned Lord Sunderland.
"I have come here seeking passage to White Harbor. I am sure you have gotten the call to arms from Lord Arryn. We have raised our banners against the Mad King Aerys. He has seen to the deaths of my brother and father. The prince has kidnapped my sister Lyanna, and the King has even called for the arrest of both Lord Baratheon and myself", stated Eddard confidently.
"Aye I have heard what has transpired and you have my condolences. I have even raised some men and ships to answer my lieges call", said Lord Sunderland, "But why do you need passage to White Harbor when the Greystarks have seen to send men and ships to you here Lord Stark".
Eddard could only grow surprised at what he learned from Lord Sunderland. His kin had come for him even before he figured out how to get back to the North. He could only grow suspicious at this revelation. "What game are you playing Sunderland? How can you know what they are doing before even I", said Eddard icily.
"I know from what I have heard from Lord Brandon himself. He has sent a fleet of ships along with forces directly under the control of Lord Barthogan himself. They have come to aid you and if needed have brought their forces incase you have need of them", said Lord Sunderland, "Yet I would have known even without word from them. For while the Northman raped my people they did leave them with a gift".
Eddard could only grow confused at the statement of the Sistermen. What gift could happen during the vile atrocities that his people did to the Sistermen. His gaze only grew more confounded as Lord Sunderland spoke once more.
"I can see you are confused young Eddard", said Lord Sunderland with a slight smile.
Before Eddard could question what he meant he heard the cry of a hawk from atop the rafters of the throne room. It flew down gracefully as it landed upon the shoulder of the man before him. Eddard could only gasp in shock as his mind began to churn. He had known there were legends of wargs and skinchangers in myth about the First Men, yet it was his first meeting with one that left him in shock.
"Some sistermen show the gift every now and then though we try to keep it hidden from the prying eyes of some too curious septons and septas", said Lord Sunderland with a smirk gracing his face.
Eddard could only stay quiet in shock as he tried to process everything going on. He learned that there were still some wargs and skinchangers south of the Neck. House Greystark was coming to his aid with not only ships of war but also skilled warriors. He could feel exasperated at all these revelations in such a short amount of time. He soon said more for himself than Lord Sunderland, "Where is Robert when you need to get drunk".
The hall filled with the laughter of Lord Sunderland and his eagle at his expense. Eddard could only wish he either had Ashara to take his mind off of this or even just a tankard of ale. With a sigh all Eddard could do was to wait for his distant kin to reach him.
Barthogan Greystark POV
The wind whipped upon his face as he stood upon the deck of his ship. His fleet had made goodtime. The winds were favorable and within a day or even two they would be arriving at House Sunderland's domain. He could feel it within his bones that they were close to their lord.
Soon the direwolves would be rejoined and then they could hunt down those blasted Targaryens. The forces from their vassals should also arrive soon and then they could link up with the other Northern forces. Barthogan could only grin at the retribution that would be delivered by Northern justice upon those southern curs.
Author's Note: Man, I finally uploaded this story after a month lol. I'd like to apologize about the wait for this chapter since I got caught up with work and some personal stuff. I also got the inspiration for my new story which delayed this chapter. As stated in the beginning I have decided to have this chapter actually be two separate chapters. I felt like it was going on too long and I felt like I rushed some parts of it. Also, the results of the poll are in House Stormbreaker will be attacking the island of Old Wyk and House Drumm next. Though they will still have to face off against the forces of House Goodbrother and House Tawney along with what remains of House Orkwood. I plan on releasing the next chapters soon for my stories next week. I wanted to include a little pov of Elbert Arryn as I have plans for him in the net chapter. I wanted to change some things from canon since this is an alternate history story. Soon Eddard will also meet Barthogan and oh boy it will be something. I hope you guys will leave a review for this chapter since I'd love to hear some feedback. Everyone has been very supportive and interactive with this story, and it helped me grow as an author along with helping this story be flushed out. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and hopefully I can get some more chapters pumped out for you guys to read!
