Author's Note:
Readers this is my first fanfiction,can you guys please provide constructive review
Chapter 5: "Reflections and Resolutions"
Ned Stark found himself seated beneath the ancient heart tree in the godswood. Its presence always brought him an undeniable sense of peace. Whether it was the Northerner in him or the quiet communion with the Old Gods, he couldn't be sure. What he did know was that it provided a sanctuary for him to contemplate his troubles.
His hands meticulously cared for Ice, the Valyrian steel sword that had been in his family for generations. As the blade gleamed in the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, he couldn't help but wonder if it held a deeper connection to his family or the North itself.
Amidst his contemplation, his thoughts drifted towards his family and the events that had led him to become the Lord of Winterfell. Memories of his elder brother, Brandon Stark, flooded his mind. His father often said that wolf blood had marked Brandon as bold, even reckless, in the face of danger.
Then, there was Lyanna Stark, whose beauty was renowned throughout the realm. Ned mused about the irony of telling her she was beautiful, given the melancholy that surrounded her memory. She had been a free spirit, as wild as the Wolfswood, and she seemed to possess an almost mythical connection with her horse, as if she were part centaur.
Benjen, the youngest of their siblings, occupied a permanent place in Ned's thoughts. He had lost their mother at a tender age, and in the absence of their father and Brandon, he had clung to Lyanna for solace. It was the loss of both Lyanna and their father and brother that had eventually driven Benjen to join the Night's Watch.
The previous night's conversation with Benjen in the crypts resurfaced in Ned's mind. He had mulled over Benjen's words late into the night, and his reflections had led him to consider the problems facing the Night's Watch. His thoughts ultimately settled on Jon.
Jon had been burdened by his status as a bastard, a heavy weight to carry. Ned vividly recalled the days when Jon had battled the winter chills, a fragile newborn fighting for his life. Surprisingly, it was Catelyn who had tended to Jon throughout that fateful night, guided by Maester Luwin's warning that Jon's survival depended on making it through the night. For a brief moment, Ned had hoped that Catelyn would extend fairness to Jon, but that hope had swiftly vanished.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, the haunting words "Promise me, Ned, promise me, Ned" still echoed in his soul, a constant reminder of the oath he had sworn.
It was time for Jon to have the opportunity to prove himself. Ned thought of his father, Lord Rickard Stark, a man of unyielding principles who had held a deep affection for his children. Ned knew that if Lord Rickard were alive to witness Jon's treatment, he would chastise him for allowing such injustice.
With newfound determination, Ned Stark made up his mind. He held Ice, its point directed downward, and knelt before the ancient heart tree. This tree, a witness to centuries of history, now stood in judgment. As a child, his mother had told him that the Old Gods sought only the truth, that they listened when one spoke to them. He prayed to the Old Gods for guidance in his decision and waited with bated breath.
The Old Gods remained silent, their ancient wisdom hidden. After a few moments, Ned accepted his fate and rose to his feet. In that precise moment, the chilling Northern breeze that had been swirling around stilled, and nature itself held its breath. Ned's heart skipped a beat, and he felt the weight of the moment.
But then, as if in approval, the sun ascended into the sky, heralding a new dawn. The cool morning breeze, reminiscent of a mother's tender care, enveloped him. The godswood came alive with the harmonious melody of birdsong. It was a melody that was both soothing and enchanting, filling him with awe and wonder.
With newfound determination and resolve, Ned Stark knew that his decision had received the blessing of the Old Gods. He turned towards the castle, ready to declare his intentions, determined to usher in a new chapter in the history of the North.
Ned Stark strode into the bustling Winterfell courtyard, his gaze fixed on Rodrik Cassel, the Master-at-Arms of Winterfell and a trusted member of his household. With a beckoning gesture, he summoned Cassel closer.
"Rodrik," Ned's voice was firm yet low, "please inform Lord Commander Qorgyle, my brother Benjen Stark, and Maester Luwin that I require their presence in my solar. We must discuss the pressing matters concerning the Night's Watch."
Rodrik Cassel nodded in understanding and promptly set off to deliver Lord Stark's message. On his way, he made sure to call for Maester Luwin, recognizing the need for the wise maester's counsel in this important discussion.
Shortly thereafter, Benjen Stark and Lord Commander Qorgyle arrived at Ned Stark's solar, ready to delve into the urgent issues plaguing the Night's Watch and to seek solutions to their pressing problems.
Ned Stark addressed the Lord Commander with a measured tone, "I have spent considerable time contemplating the Night's Watch and the safety of the North. My decision is to approach King Robert Baratheon and request the transfer of the rights to the Gift and New Gift lands to House Stark."
The Lord Commander, initially taken aback, appeared ready to respond with anger, but Ned raised a calming hand and continued, "Bear with me, Lord Commander. Once these lands are under House Stark's jurisdiction, I intend to appoint new lords to govern them. These lands were once fertile and crucial to the North's sustenance, but they were gifted to the Night's Watch by the Targaryens. I won't question the decisions of old kings and queens, but I must prioritize the well-being of not just House Stark but the entire North. With these fertile lands, the new lords can yield bountiful harvests, which, in turn, will benefit the entire region."
Benjen, attentive to every word, absorbed the weight of Ned's proposition. In his lordly voice, which some called the "quiet wolf's voice," Ned continued, "I could simply claim these lands from the Night's Watch without seeking approval by requesting King Robert or my foster father, Lord Hand Jon Arryn. House Stark has a long-standing tradition of supporting the Night's Watch, dating back to the ancient Winter Kings. Members of the Night's Watch are always welcomed in the halls of Winterfell, and I am reluctant to sever these ties. However, I also wish to avoid any ill will between House Stark and the Night's Watch. Therefore, Lord Commander, I propose that we enter into negotiations. The lords appointed to govern these lands will contribute a portion of their taxes to the Night's Watch and another portion to the North. These taxes will, in turn, be subject to royal taxation. These lords will pledge their allegiance first and foremost to the Night's Watch and then to House Stark."
The Lord Commander contemplated Ned's proposal, recognizing the need for a balanced solution that would ensure the safety of the North while maintaining the longstanding traditions and support for the Night's Watch.
In the solar, Maester Luwin, always a voice of reason, raised a valid concern with Lord Stark. "My lord," he began thoughtfully, "these lands have long been troubled by wildling raids. It won't be an easy task for new lords to cultivate and develop them. The North is vast, equivalent in size to the combined territories of the other six kingdoms, yet it lacks in population. Its people are thinly spread and settlements are few and far between."
Lord Commander Qorgyle, his brow furrowing, inquired about the specifics of tax allocation. "Regarding the portion of taxes," he questioned, "how much will be allocated to the Night's Watch, and to whom will these appointed lords owe their allegiance? I must reluctantly agree with Maester Luwin's point that it won't be a simple task for these lords to govern, especially with the constant threat of wildling attacks."
Ned Stark took a moment to ponder the matter before speaking, "Let's reconvene after the midday meal. I'll need to confer with my brother and Maester Luwin to work out the specific details. Lord Commander, please take all the time you require to think through the intricacies. If you need more time, it shall be granted."
The Lord Commander nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "Very well, my lord. Can we reconvene tomorrow? In my old age, I've grown accustomed to pondering decisions thoroughly, unlike the impulsive nature of my youth. Allow me to reflect on this matter with my brothers of the Night's Watch, my lord, and we shall discuss it tomorrow."
Once the Lord Commander left, Benjen, who had been attentively listening to Ned, said, "I never thought you would take my words seriously. I said them in jest. I'm not questioning your decision, as you're the Lord of Winterfell and the Lord Paramount of the North. But will the other lords agree to this proposal? Are they ready to invest in this idea of yours, or might they consider it madness?"
Ned Stark replied, "Benjen, I've given a lot of thought to your words. I have to find a solution not only to the Night's Watch problem but also for my house."
Maester Luwin, realizing the hidden meaning behind Ned Stark's words and aware of the growing tension within House Stark, gasped in understanding.
Benjen looked at Luwin and asked, "What is it, Maester? I can't grasp the full meaning of my brother's words."
Maester Luwin, in a tender voice, explained to Benjen, "Lord Stark wants to raise Jon Snow as the Lord of the Gift or one of the lords in the Gift lands."
Benjen grew visibly agitated and responded, "Is this truly the solution to our problem? I fail to see how making Jon the lord of the Gift lands, a place fraught with turmoil and danger, will bring him anything but constant peril. Moreover, it's hard to believe that other lords would readily accept a bastard as the lord of the Gift. Are you genuinely concerned about Jon's well-being, or is this an attempt to remove him from your household for the sake of having a peaceful marriage with a southern lady?"
Maester Luwin, usually witness to Benjen's mild nature, was taken aback by the outburst. He also noticed the thunderous expression on Lord Ned Stark's face, a stark departure from his usual stoic demeanor that often resembled a block of ice, embodying the Stark words, "Winter is Coming.
Ned Stark's voice thundered with authority as he addressed his brother, "Do not judge me as if I am attempting to get rid of Jon. I am not the one who shirked responsibility under the pretense of youthful follies. I have borne the weight of our house for years. I am the Lord of House Stark. Yes, Jon will face danger, but he'll be in danger no matter where he is."
In that moment, Ned realized they were not alone, and Maester Luwin was also present. Benjen, too, grasped the gravity of Ned's words and the significance of Luwin's presence.
Luwin contemplated Ned Stark's words, wondering if they were born out of anguish caused by his brother's hurtful words or if there was a hidden motive related to Jon Snow. Ned continued, "I understand, Benjen, that Jon will face danger, but do you want him to grow resentful of his birth? Do you want Robb to resent Jon because of the strife between me and Catelyn? All I'm doing is giving Jon a chance to prove himself and an opportunity to strive. This is what I can do for him now, and we will take the necessary steps to ensure Jon's safety. The lords have to accept my decision. He may be a bastard, but his blood is of House Stark." His words carried the weight of command.
Ned added, "Jon won't be the sole lord in the Gift. Eventually, I will appoint other lords."
Luwin, setting aside his contemplation for the moment, suggested, "We can approach the other lords with a stipulation, proposing that those bordering the Gift lands provide support to Jon. House Stark will ensure they are not forgotten, and in due course, we shall reciprocate their support."
Benjen, chastened by the reminder of how he chose the Night's Watch over supporting Ned when Ned needed him most after the rebellion, admitted that he had never regretted his decision to join the Night's Watch, but he regretted the timing.
Benjen, still concerned about Jon's age, raised a valid point, "But Jon is only five name days old. Is he truly capable of ruling these lands?"
Maester Luwin, who held great affection for Jon and had marveled at the boy's inquisitive and clever mind, couldn't help but speak up in Jon's defense. He vividly recalled the moment when Jon had provided a brilliant solution to a cattle plague, not only saving the livestock but also increasing their yield. Jon's innovative methods had showcased his advanced understanding of various subjects.
With genuine admiration, Maester Luwin addressed Benjen, saying, "In normal times, I would have dismissed the idea of a five-nameday-old boy ruling a castle as folly. However, Jon is no ordinary child. His inquisitive and clever mind, coupled with his ability to find innovative solutions, make him truly special. With the right guidance, there's no doubt he can achieve wonders."
Ned nodded at Luwin and then turned to address Benjen, affirming, "Yes, Jon is indeed special, and I believe in my core that this is the right decision. We will embark on this experiment for a year, and if it yields no positive results, House Stark will bear the expense. If needed, I will seek support from the crown."
"To ensure the success of this endeavor," Ned continued, "that's precisely why I requested your continued presence after the meeting. We must discuss the planning and steps ahead. Let us reconvene after the midday meal, and I will also inform Catelyn of my decision."