Chapter 81: A fish drowns
23 AF
Rickard Stark
He woke up in bed next to the naked body of his wife. The weak autumn sun shone through a gap in the curtains on the wall in front of him. The light was dim, and he guessed that it was still very early in the morning.
He looked over to the sleeping figure next to him. Allara was sleeping on her stomach, her body rhythmically rising and falling with every breath. He didn't love her, but he respected her and they liked each other well enough. Their marriage had been a political one, as most marriages in the nobility were.
Still, they had grown closer lately since the birth of the twins. He loved his newborn children and was forever grateful to her for their existence. He grinned silently, as he knew she quickly wanted more children. He could wait a bit, but he would welcome them anyway.
He looked over her tall naked figure. Many men were put off by her length, but he wasn't. He was taller still and her legs were something many a man would happily die for. He chuckled at the memory of the night before. She had wanted him, and she had gotten her wish. Nothing stroked his ego more, and it had temporarily brought him the peace of mind that he had been craving during the last few days.
He slowly stood up, careful not to wake her. He walked to the adjacent room and splashed some water in his face from the bowl that stood there ready for just that purpose.
He stretched his tall body out and looked at himself in the reflection of the water. His father often joked that he looked much more like a Northerner than he himself had ever done. It was true that he looked fiercer than his father lately, but his father seemed to be the biggest supporter of the change.
He looked at his brown hair in the reflection. As a child, it had had a reddish tint but that had disappeared over the years. He had grey eyes, even greyer than his mother's. His grandmother always told him that they were his grandfather's eyes, Stark eyes. His long face resembled both his mother and grandfather too. His height was all Karstark, having already surpassed his father two years ago.
Nevertheless, he still resembled his father too. He was of a broader build than his Karstark uncles, combining his father's broad shoulders with their height. Many of his facial expressions and mannerisms were also said to be almost exact replicas of his father's. However, the most resembling trait he had of his father was his red beard.
As much as the hair upon his head had darkened, the hairs on his chin and lip had remained bright red. He kept his beard in the cleaner version of the Northern style, just like his father and many remarked upon their resemblance every day. Hopefully, it would help him to demand the respect of their subjects today.
He quickly washed his limbs and torso with a wet cloth and put on a dark grey tunic, lined with grey wolf fur. His trousers were blackish grey, and his crown was bronze and iron like his father's. His father had had it commissioned for his sixteenth birthday. "You are a man now, but more than that you are also the adult Crown Prince of the kingdom. From now on, you will look the part too." It was smaller and less commanding than his father's, but unmistakably similar.
He walked out of his room and closed the thick wooden door as silently as he could, without waking his wife. Ser Jeremy Bigglestone stood guard in front of his room, and he greeted the knight. After a few words of small talk, the Riverlander fell in line next to him as they walked towards the nursery.
As he walked in, he saw that his sister was already there. "Good morning, Edda." He smiled, before she saw him. She turned around and smiled as well. "Good morning, Ricky." In the corner, he saw the figure of Denys Northguard silently standing guard. The loyal Northmen had been born and raised in Wintertown, the only lowborn soldier to be a part of the Wolfsguard. Now, he was guarding the nursery on his orders.
His sister held her second son on her lap, whilst her eldest boy was playing at her feet. Her youngest son and daughter were in their cribs next to her. Two more cribs could be found in the room. He happily walked over to the large one. Inside, he found his two small children looking up at him. They were only four months old, yet they already were the family's pride and joy.
"How are they?" He asked his older sister.
"Well, Lynara has cried a few times, but the direwolves easily placated her. Edwyle has remained silent. They have both been fed not an hour ago. They refuse to sleep, but they remain quiet." She responded.
He picked up both his children, Edwyle on his right arm and Lynara on his left. Both looked very interested and happy at the development. Edwyle pushing his small hand into his beard as he tried to pull at the hairs. Lynara tucked herself away in his arm, whilst taking in the room around them with boundless curiosity.
He walked over to his sister and sat next to her. On their way, they passed the only other crib, which was empty. His uncle had taken his bastard cousin Vala with him on his trip. He smiled to her eldest son Galbart Glover, and the six-year-old boy happily smiled back.
"Uncle!" His second nephew called out happily from his mother's lap. "Hello there, little nephew! Did you sleep well?" The boy nodded happily.
They sat and talked like that for almost half an hour, before he again had to put his children down in the crib. Their mother would soon come to pick them up together with her ladies. He had to start the rest of his day.
He walked into the Great Hall to get his breakfast. He ordered sausages, bacon, bread and jam to start his day, together with some watered-down ale. He had a long day ahead of him, and he would need a hefty breakfast. In the Great Hall, many of his household and council were present and pleasantries were exchanged.
His direwolf Ash seemed happy, as he was given generous amounts of bacon and sausages under the table. He looked upon the color of his companion's fur, and mentally patted himself on the back for his name once more.
His brother-in-law, Gawen Glover, arrived a few minutes later and joined him at his table. They talked about their families together, until he left the older Glover heir to go to his father's solar with his trusted guard Ser Dickon Brune. The knight from Crackclaw Point had served him for over fifteen years and had become a trusted advisor of him, as well as his loyal protector.
On his way, he passed by the Hand's solar, and he saw that his uncle Harry was already there. The Lord of Karhold smiled at him and slightly bowed his head, but he waved it away. "What are we looking at today?" He asked his uncle.
"Two farm disputes, a rapist and a thief for now, but more could turn up." The answer came. As the Hand of the King handed him a small stack of papers.
He nodded meaningfully. The last two would be easy enough to deal with, but the farm disputes would require more finesse. It was his job to hold court this week, now that his father was away.
Two months ago, they had returned from Seaguard from his sister's wedding to Ser Jeffory Mallister. It had been a beautiful wedding, although he disliked the setting in a Sept. His own wedding to Allara had been in front of the Weirwood in Winterfell, and to him that was a much more mystical and divine setting.
He had known Ser Jeffory for years, and he was a good friend of his. His cousin, Hoster Tully, had been raised in Winterfell for years when they were younger together with the (future) heirs to Houses Manderly, Umber, Karstark, Flint and Ryswell. Some Riverlander nobles had been disgruntled that the heir to Riverrun would grow up in a fully Northern setting, which is why they were joined by Jeffory Mallister and Tytos Blackwood after a year.
They had become close friends throughout his childhood and many marital bonds had come from their friendships. His own wife was the sister of his friend Osric, whilst his cousin Lysara Karstark had married Tytos Blackwood. Osric himself had married Robyn Ryswell, his friend Mark's sister. Now his own sister had married Jeffory Mallister in a dual wedding where Jeffory's sister also married his cousin Hoster Tully.
His father had encouraged many of these marriages, to strengthen his own position later. "Best to be good friends with much of the North." He always told him. During the latest winter, Gawen Glover had been the newest addition to his inner circle.
Lately, his younger brother had found himself his own friend group as well together with their cousins Belthasar Bolton, Edrick Whitefyre and Medgar Cerwyn.
His twelve-year-old brother Jon had left Winterfell together with his father and would continue afterwards his journey to Sea Dragon Point with their uncle Jon. He would be fostered there for the next four years, together with their Whitefyre cousins and the heir to House Mormont.
Three weeks ago, his father had received a message about a large dispute between three clan chiefs in the mountains. He and his uncle Jon had quickly left to deal with it, taking his younger brother with them in the process. His father hadn't visited the clans yet during his reign and would use this opportunity to rectify this just before winter arrived.
He also wanted to check on the roads that had partly been built in that direction this summer. Summer had been far shorter than they had hoped, which resulted in the roads not being finished yet. They would have to restart their activities in spring. This would cost a lot more, but nothing could be done about it.
His father also wanted to ask the clans about their stores for winter. Traditionally, many moved south to pass the winter in Wintertown, and that could already be seen by the doubling of Wintertown's population. Due to these influxes, it had temporarily passed Barrowton's with some forty thousand people lived in the town now, although over half would leave again by spring. His father wanted to send more food transports to the mountains and would use his journey to assess which clans needed help the most.
This all left him in charge of Winterfell as the heir. He would have to speak law for the people and deal with the immediate problems of the kingdom. His father had joked that it was good practice, and it was the second time he had to do this for a longer time now. The first had been over half a year ago when his uncle Rickon had arrived back from Essos.
His uncle had completely changed from what he remembered and was now a father. His own father had made him an advisor on the council almost immediately after his arrival. Uncle Rickon was loved my most of the family, especially his nephews and nieces. In contrast, the relationship between him and grandmother remained strained, but it was improving slightly over time.
His uncle was expected to return from Torrhen's Square today, as he had visited Uncle Jon's daughter Lyanna and her husband and son there together with Jon's other daughter Wenda. She had wanted to see her sister again before her upcoming marriage with Byam Flint, Lord Timotty's eldest son, and Uncle Rickon had offered to accompany her.
He shook the thoughts out of his mind and walked on towards his father's solar, which he had been allowed to make his own for the duration of his absence.
He sat down upon the main chair and looked over the documents his uncle Harry had given him. He looked them over and prepared for the farm disputes, until his uncle suddenly walked in with a scroll in his hand. Maester Jonos stood silently behind him.
"News from Riverrun, it is bad." The Lord of Karhold spoke. Without another word he took the raven scroll from his hand. It was written in his cousin Hoster's handwriting.
"With sadness I announce that my father, Lord Edmure Tully, has died after a fall of his horse during a hunt. I request the Crown's aid in ensuring a smooth transition of power in the Riverlands and my recognition as my father's heir.
Hoster Tully, Lord of Riverrun and Harrenhal, Paramount of the Riverlands"
He looked at the letter in shock. His great-uncle Edmure had died. Lord Edmure had ruled the Riverlands well the past two decades. With the aid of his father, Houses Stark and Tully had been relatively successful in pacifying and uniting the famously divided Riverlanders these past years.
Without him, problems could arrive. The timing of it all couldn't be worse, just before winter. If problems broke out due to the succession, the North wouldn't be able to respond quickly enough. Gathering the armies of the North was an endeavor that took around six to ten weeks in summer. In winter, this could easily double.
Nonetheless, the biggest problem would be supply. They would partially have to use food that was set aside to feed the smallfolk, which could create a disaster if they had to face a long winter.
He looked into the eyes of his Karstark uncle. "Suspend holding court and call my father's council. I want them all in the council room in an hour. We must take immediate action and prepare for all different scenarios. My father can then ultimately decide on what to do, but we need to act now."
The head of House Karstark looked at him in thought, before silently nodding and walking away. When he was alone, he placed his head in his hands.
Of all the times that this could happen, why now? He and his father had been in the Riverlands three months ago. They had seen Uncle Edmure there and he had been in good health. If something would have happened there, father could have acted. Now it fell to him.
He picked up the scroll and walked out of the solar. Ser Dickon immediately falling in behind him. He strode up to the rooms of his grandmother, knocking at the door politely after the guards let him pass.
To his surprise, it was not his grandmother, but his sister Berena who opened the door. She had a weird bun in her hair. It looked delicate and was definitely not Northern.
She saw the look of surprise on his face and immediately explained herself. "Grandmother is teaching me old hair- and dress styles from the Vale. She says that I will be much easier accepted by the local nobility and peasantry if I dress and look like them."
He mulled that over in his head for a second, before concluding that it wasn't a half-bad idea. "That is a good idea sister, although I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't accept you for who you are."
His younger sister smiled at that. "However, I have urgent news for grandmother. You can stay, if you like. It concerns a family matter. Nonetheless, your lessons will need to be postponed."
"What happened?" Berena asked. "Where is grandmother?" He simply replied.
"Berena, sweetheart, what is happening at the door? Your hair is coming undone like that." He heard Lady Catelyn Tully call out loudly.
He softly pushed beyond his sister into the room. "Grandmother, we need to talk. Something has happened in the Riverlands."
The old matriarch of the family looked up in shock. She saw the severity on his face. "Has war broken out? Has the Reach invaded?" She asked, her eyes turning wide.
He shook his head. "No, but I got word from Hoster. Something has happened to Uncle Edmure." He responded solemly, as he closed the distance between them. She immediately jumped up and accepted the raven scroll into her hands.
Her eyes scanned the parchment quickly, as her face turned pale. She simply nodded, as she handed the scroll back to him. A small tear started forming in the side of her eye, but she wiped it off quickly.
"Thank you for bringing me the news in person. I imagine that you have a lot of work to do." She said, her voice almost breaking.
Berena came behind him. "Ricky, what is this? What has happened?" He silently handed her the paper, as he kept his eyes on his grandmother. He pulled her into a hug, as her tears started to flow more freely.
"He was my little brother … After the death of our mother, I had to raise him. He always loved me. I had already lost father and Lysa, and Uncle Brynden is fading. Soon I will be the last of the Tullys of my childhood." She voiced softly.
He hugged her more tightly. "Hoster is a great man. He will honor your brother and father greatly. The Tullys of Riverrun are stronger than ever, and it is partially by your marriage and your care for my father and Hoster that they will be so strong." He tried to reassure her.
She pulled back a little and smiled sadly at him. "You sound just like your late grandfather. He would also try to reassure me with kind words and a hug when I felt miserable."
He tried to smile back but didn't know how to respond to that. "I understand that the news may be overwhelming, but I would ask for your council. After Sarra's wedding, most of the Riverlanders on the council used the fact that they were already in Seaguard to visit their families and prepare their own lands for winter. None of them are present and the only Riverlanders that I have available for advice are you, Uncle Brynden, Hoster Blackwood and some Kingsguard members."
His grandmother wiped off another tear but nodded affirmatively. "When would you need it?"
"We will gather in the council chamber in half an hour." He replied.
"Let me change and make myself presentable. Afterwards, I will come."
"Thank you, grandmother. I appreciate it greatly." He responded honestly and she just gave him another sad smile.
He turned around and saw Berena looking at him. "What are you going to do?"
"I am going to rule in father's absence. His last known location was Breakstone Hill. I will go to the Maester now to send the information on, but by the time a raven reaches it and flies back days will have passed. That is if we assume that he is still there, which he probably isn't. We can't wait that long to send our condolences and support to House Tully. Hoster needs House Stark's support as soon as he can to consolidate the Riverlands as best as he can before winter."
She looked at him and nodded. "Will mother join you in the council?" She asked.
"I hope so." He answered.
"Then I will go with you to the maester and afterwards to mother. Margaret is with her, and you know how she gets if she is without family since Sarra's wedding especially now that father is away. I will take care of our little sister, whilst mother helps you with governing."
"Thank you, Rena. That means a lot." He replied honestly. They said another goodbye to their grandmother and left her chambers together.
They climbed the stairs until they reached the maester's turret. A few minutes later, Maester Jonos had copied the letter and sent it on to Breakstone Hill. He also sent it to three more Mountain Clans that would be on his father's route to ensure that he got the message.
They left Maester Jonos to gather as much information about the Riverlands as he could, before leaving to find mother. After asking a few people from the household, they found her in the Godswood together with Ser Edmyn Grey. Usually, their Uncle Torrhen protected her, but he had travelled with their father.
Their mother was playing with their younger sister's hair, as she hummed a song. He knew the song. It was an old lullaby native to Karhold, which his mother and uncles had taught him to sing when he was younger.
The Queen smiled at her two children, but seemed to understand immediately that something was wrong. "What is it, Ricky?"
"Word has come from Riverrun. Uncle Edmure has died. Hoster asks for our aid. He has already claimed the title of warden and the lordship of both Riverrun and Harrenhal."
The Queen's eyes went white. "He will of course be named warden. The lordship of Riverrun is his too, but Harrenhal is supposed to go to his younger brother."
"Aye, and the relationship between both brothers is already strained. I need your help." He pleaded.
She immediately got up and dusted the leaves of her dress. "Have you called the council?"
He nodded. "They will be assembling in a few minutes."
"Very good, I will join you immediately." She answered, as she rushed over to him.
"Shouldn't you wash up first?" Berena asked her.
Their mother scoffed. "I know that your grandmother has been teaching you about the South, Rena, and it will do you good. However, never forget that this is the North. I am their Queen, and these men will have to listen to me whether I am in gown or a muddied dress. Decorum and chivalry are pleasant and useful, but not important in a time of crisis."
His sister nodded, her cheeks glowing red for the chastisement. "I will take care of Margaret, mother."
"Thank you, my daughter." Their mother smiled at her. She walked over and placed a small kiss on the crown of her head, which visibly seemed to please Berena.
"Ser Edmyn, will you guard my daughters?" She asked her protector.
"Of course, Your Grace. It is my pleasure to guard the princesses." The knight acknowledged with a slight bow, which made Margaret giggle.
Together they strode out of the Godswood. They walked towards the First Keep and climbed up the stairs. When they walked into the council room, everybody was already there.
To his surprise, his Uncle Rickon was there as well. He was still in his riding coat and his boots and trousers were muddied, possibly beyond repair.
"Welcome back, uncle." He greeted him. Ash happilygreeted Shaggydog and took place next to him in front of the raging fireplace.
"Thank you, nephew. I arrived just ten minutes ago, and I ran into the Hand of the King. I hope you will forgive me my attire." Uncle Rickon grinned, as he gave a sideways look towards his mother.
He waved the concern away. "I need your brain and its advice. I couldn't care less about your attire." His uncle grinned a very wide smile directed at Lady Catelyn.
Out of habit, he walked to the seat of the heir close to him and prepared to sit down, but his Uncle Harrion coughed. "Prince Rickard, your father has left you in charge of Winterfell and given you the authority to act on his behalf. I would suggest that you take his seat so you can effectively take charge of the meeting." He suggested.
His uncle saw his hesitation and continued. "Maybe the Queen could take your seat instead? To signify her importance perhaps?"
He looked over to his mother and she nodded encouragingly. "Very well, Lord Hand." He replied. He pulled out the heir's chair for his mother, who graciously sat down. Afterwards he walked over to his father's throne. He caressed one of the direwolf armrests, before taking his place.
He looked upon the faces that had been gathered today. The council was less than complete, but he could still count on some important figures. Three of his uncles were present. Lord Harrion Karstark, the Hand of the King, sat to his right. His Uncle Rickon sat a bit further on the same side. Next to him sat Lord Cley Cerwyn, the husband of his Aunt Arya.
His mother's cousin and the Master of the Treasury, Osric Karstark, sat next to the Hand. Next to him sat the Master of Whisperers Berthan. In front of him sat Lord Wylis Manderly, the Master of Ships.
To his own left sat his old great-great uncle Ser Brynden Tully, in the capacity of Lord Commander of the Wolfsguard and as representative of the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. Maester Jonos sat next to Lord Manderly and next to him sat the newest member of the council Hoster Blackwood. Lord Hornwood sat next to the Riverlander. His mother and grandmother completed the room.
"First of all, I would ask if any of you have any problem with me bringing Ser Dickon Brune of the Wolfsguard into the council? He would take the seat of his uncle Lord Rupert Brune for the time being as our voice from Crackclaw Point." He looked around the room for a response. He knew he could very well bring in anyone that he liked, as he had done with his grandmother, but it would still be beneficial to be in the council's good graces.
As no one objected, he motioned for his trusted protector to come into the room and take as seat. He looked around the room at all the familiar faces.
"We have received grave news today. Lord Edmure Tully, the Paramount of the Riverlands, has died. The Lord Paramountcy of the Riverlands is the most important title in the kingdom aside from those of the Crown. He was a well-liked figure in his sometimes-troublesome homeland, and we must assess if any problems are expected to arise due to his passing." He began the emergency meeting.
Maester Jonos spoke up first. "In your and the Queen's absence, I have read aloud the raven scroll that Ser Hoster Tully has send. I hope you find this agreeable?" He waved away the formality.
"Thank you, Jonos, that saves all of us some time. Any remarks?" He continued upon that information.
"Well, first of all we need to look at the situation of House Tully." Lady Catelyn spoke up, before looking at him for confirmation to speak further. He motioned for her to do so.
"My Brother Edmure left three sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Hoster, has recently married into House Mallister with his marriage to Lord Jason Mallister's granddaughter. His eldest daughter, Minisa, married Ser Robb Paege, the heir to Fairmarket. The other three, Oscar, Celia and Elmar, are neither married nor betrothed." She described the situation.
"Oscar Tully has long squired for his grandfather Lord Jonos Bracken. He has recently started squiring for his uncle Ser Hendry Bracken, who as you all know has resigned from the council a few months ago for this exact purpose. Celia Tully remains with her brother Hoster in Riverrun, while the youngest son Elmar is being fostered at Pinkmaiden with House Piper."
Most at the table knew this already, but now came the interesting information. "The relationships between the children, and especially the boys, is very strained. My brother often wrote to me for help, as his heir Hoster couldn't see eye to eye with any of his brothers. Problems between the sons are to be expected, especially with Hoster now laying claim to his brother's title."
"His brother's title?" Ser Dickon Brune asked.
"My nephew signed an agreement with the King that his second son should be given Harrenhal at the latest on his twentieth birthday. The King never wanted Harrenhal and Riverrun to be ruled by one man together. The problem is that my nephew never got the chance to hand it to Oscar. Now due to his death, Hoster as the oldest inherits everything, at least in theory. This scroll shows us that he intends to do just that and that he claims his brother's intended inheritance." His great-granduncle explained.
Many of the men present scratched their beards. "Are the relations between both brothers really that bad?" Lord Wylis asked.
Hoster Blackwood scoffed. "Everybody in the Riverlands has heard about their numerous fights. Many stories go around about them. They even say that Oscar and Elmar once tried to convince their father to disinherit Hoster because he was a bad Riverlander. It is said that young Hoster had to be restrained from charging them with a dagger when he heard."
He sighed. He knew the story, or a version of it at least. Hoster was a good friend of his and had written to him about his brother's attempts to undermine his position. In all his letters, he had always promised his support to his cousin against possible aggressions by his brothers in the future. It was clear that his cousin was now trying to take him up on that. It was probably known that his father was away. This message was sent for him.
"What were their reasons for calling him a bad Riverlander? I have seen the boy throughout the years. He seemed relatively promising. Good with a sword, intelligent in conversation, just, … the only arguably bad thing that I could mention from his time in Winterfell is a vindictive streak that I could recall from one or two occasions." Lord Roderick Dustin asked.
His grandmother shuffled on her chair. "My brother wrote to me that his youngest sons disapprove of his lack of piety and a knighthood. They also reproach his choice of friends, as many aren't from the Riverlands."
This led to great commotion among the council. Lords Karstark and Manderly were furious, whilst Lord Dustin looked appalled.
"His choice of friends? My grandson, and heir, is one of those friends!" Lord Wylis shouted, a thing that he didn't often do.
"As is my son and heir." Lord Harrion growled.
"Although I sympathize with both your feelings my lords, I think you forget the greatest insult of all." His Uncle Rickon spoke up in a calm, but firm tone. This got him the attention of most at the table.
"One of my cousin Hoster's best friends sits over there in that chair." Uncle Rickon voiced, as he lazily pointed his finger at him.
This got the whole room agitated once more. "Prince Rickon is right. Those boys not only insult House Tully's heir, but the Crown Prince himself with their comments!" Lord Halys Hornwood spoke up.
Next to him, Uncle Brynden sighed and buried his head in his hands. At the same time, his grandmother came to her nephews' defense. "My lords, these comments were made when both were mere boys. They still are underage years later. I will not defend their words against my own grandson, but keep in mind that these things were likely said in the heat of an argument between brothers. None of them would ever have the intention of insulting Prince Rickard."
He watched the interactions. His father had taught him to let things play out first, before speaking his mind.
"They may not have intended to do so Lady Catelyn, but that doesn't mean that they didn't." His mother spoke up against his grandmother.
He looked over to the Blackfish. He was here to represent House Tully. "What would you propose Uncle Brynden?"
Surprised to be singled out, he looked at him for a moment. "It's not an easy situation. First, Hoster would need to be confirmed as Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. Hopefully, this pacifies some of his fears. I tutored Edmure's oldest son for years here in Winterfell and the boy wrote to me after the incident happened."
All members of the council now looked at the Blackfish. "He was afraid that his inheritance would be unjustly stolen from him. On top of that, he also showed signs of, what Lord Dustin so aptly called, a vindictive streak. Him laying claim to Harrenhal, Oscar's birthright, is his revenge for Oscar trying the same with Riverrun two years ago."
He nodded at that. Hoster never forgot a slight. He would not miss an opportunity to get back at Oscar for what he had tried.
"Now, my nephew tried to pacify the boys by keeping the boys apart. After the incident, Oscar returned to Stone Hedge to foster with his grandfather, whilst Elmar was send to Pinkmaiden to foster and repair relations with House Piper. With Hoster back home, Edmure could afford to send both boys away and he hoped the distance would mend things in time. Apparently, this failed. However, the problems went deeper than that." His great-granduncle sighed.
"My late nephew's eldest daughter Minisa always supported her eldest brother, whilst his youngest daughter Celia supported the younger brothers. Even with Oscar and Elmar away, Celia often started fights with the two eldest. She often found excuses to visit her brother and Bracken cousins in Stone Hedge and Edmure, tired of her antics, allowed her too much freedom to do so."
"That is not fair, uncle! Minisa and Celia are both good girls, they just missed guidance. Edmure's responsibilities were vast, and he often travelled the Riverlands. It is his wife whom I blame. Lady Jayne poisoned the minds of her youngest children against her elder ones. She spent far more with the youngest and very openly favored them against Hoster and Minisa, which caused irreparable damage between the children." His grandmother called out.
"Ha, a Bracken wife poisoning the minds of your family around you. Who would have thought?" Blackwood called out. He gave his advisor a stern look. No use digging up old rivalries.
"Ser Brynden is right. Past actions have made the inheritance of Riverrun doubtful. We need to take away that doubt and assure Hoster that House Stark is on his side. We need to publicly affirm him as the heir to Riverrun and name him Lord Paramount. Maester Jonos write up the papers now."
"Of course, Prince Rickard." The Maester replied dutifully.
"What about Harrenhal?" Lord Hornwood asked. "We can't let it go to someone that insults the North, the Crown Prince and tries to usurp his older brother."
"Lord Halys, they are children!" His grandmother exclaimed in shock.
"No matter how hard I agree with Lord Hornwood's sentiments, I must remind you all that it was King Robb who decided that Riverrun and Harrenhal shouldn't be held by the same lord. He ruled that a side branch of House Tully should be established there." Osric Karstark pointed out.
"By the time that he became twenty, now the boy is only fifteen!" Cley Cerwyn pointed out.
"My brother became king by the age of fifteen." Uncle Rickon countered, as he raised his eyebrow.
This went back and forth a few more times before he spoke up. "I can't possibly overrule my father's earlier decisions. However, Oscar is too young to rule, he is not even of age."
"The Crown could appoint a regent until then?" Lord Wylis remarked.
"Until when?" Hoster Blackwood asked.
"Until he comes of age?" His grandmother proposed.
"That is within a few months, My Lady. Wouldn't it be better to wait until he has received his spurs? That could be years from now. More than enough time for His Grace to deal with the issue personally." Lord Manderly countered.
Most seemed to agree with that statement, but not his mother. "No, he is squiring for his grandfather Lord Jonos and his uncle Ser Hendry Bracken. If we announce that Oscar gets full control over Harrenhal when he is knighted, they will knight him this afternoon. Lord Edmure's court was filled with Brackens at multiple points. They will try the same in Harrenhal."
The Blackfish agreed with that. "Old Lord Jonos would knight his grandson in a heartbeat, if it meant gaining influence over Harrenhal and its rich lands."
"Very well," he surmised, "we appoint a regent until Oscar comes of age. Do you know when that would be?"
"His name day is in nine months. Edmure had celebrated it with him just before arriving in Seaguard for the wedding." His grandmother replied. He thanked her for the information with a kind smile. He didn't want her to get isolated, as she had more personal information about Uncle Edmure's younger children than anyone else.
"Nine months is quite a way's off. By that time, Young Hoster will be settled in as lord in Riverrun and his fear will hopefully have faded. His brother Oscar will be certain of his inheritance and things might die out soon. They won't become the best of friends, but that might work." His Uncle Harry thought aloud.
"You are all forgetting one crucial thing." Uncle Rickon brought up.
"And that is?" Multiple voices asked at once.
"As Lord of Harrenhal, Oscar will have to pay homage to his brother." The elder Stark Prince replied.
This got a lot of sighs from the room. "He might rebel from the thought alone." Hoster Blackwood rightfully remarked.
"The lordship of Harrenhal would give him the means to do so." Lord Hornwood added.
"What if we make it a condition?" Lord Roderick Dustin asked. "Oscar gets his lordship after reaching adulthood, but only if he pays homage to his brother and the King now?"
He mulled it over. "He won't like it, but it will work. The Brackens won't allow him to throw away the riches Harrenhal brings." He agreed personally, which put the issue to rest for most.
Uncle Rickon didn't agree. "This might work nephew, but winter is coming. The next few years, Oscar will be plotting and scheming against his brother from the safety of his snow-covered fortress. This will plant the seeds for future strife in the Riverlands. Those lands have always been divided. The lords will have enough camps to choose from between two Tully brothers, the Faith Militant that is stirring trouble and a revanchist Reach on the border."
He had to acknowledge that it held some truth. "What do you propose then, uncle?"
"That Oscar gets nothing. We gift Hoster the lordship of Harrenhal, under the condition that he keeps investing coin into it. The Crown appoints their own castellan to oversee things daily, whilst Hoster gets the nominal lordship. He could pass it to his second son in time. This could still fulfill my brother's vision." He proposed.
"Rickon! How dare you say such things? Oscar is as much your cousin as Hoster is!" His grandmother scolded his uncle for everyone to hear.
The Stark Prince simply shrugged. "Better than having a war. I'd much rather upset a cocky cousin of mine than that I would have to leave my daughter to go kill those who revolt against my brother or nephew in the future."
An uneasy silence settled itself over the room, until Lord Cerwyn countered the proposal. "Harrenhal couldn't ever hope to stand up to Riverrun on its own, could it? It is still recovering from the war. You also need to keep in mind that Hoster has clear allies in region in the Mallisters and the Paeges."
"The Blackwoods and Goodwoods would stand at Lord Hoster's side as well." Torrhen Blackwood added resolutely.
"Aye, as will many others I suspect. However, Harrenhal would not stand alone. As a lord in his own right, Oscar would be free to marry and form an alliance without his elder brother's approval. He could also receive support from his mother's family and many of their friends and allies that he has come to know from his time at Stone Hedge. Besides, if he slanders his elder brother as an Old Gods' lover, many pious Riverlords could lend their support too." His uncle opposed the view.
He thought it all over, before speaking up. "My uncle makes some valid points, although it is not enough to break my father's word over. Besides, it was also Lord Edmure's wish that Harrenhal would go to Oscar. Preventing that would be seen as tyrannical." Many in the room murmured their agreement.
"Nonetheless, it wouldn't to keep an extra watch on the situation. Berthan, if I give you access to the royal regent in Harrenhal for a few months, would it be possible for you to infiltrate some spies into the castle to keep an eye on things." He asked his father's spymaster.
"Certainly, My Prince." He answered quickly.
"Rickard, are you truly going to order that man to spy on your cousin?" His grandmother asked in shock.
"Aye, I will. It is better than to tyrannically strip him from his inheritance." His grandmother relented at that.
"I applaud that you will at least do something, Rickard, but I keep to my earlier point. Conflict will come of this. The Riverlands have always been easy to divide. Without the common enemy in the Lannisters, it has already proven more difficult each year for your father to keep the lords in check. This will give the discontent lords a cause to rally around." Rickon brought up for a last time.
"It might, uncle, but he may rally those lords around them even quicker when he is unjustly robbed of his birthright. It would give him a legitimate cause to rebel not only against his brother, but against House Stark as well. I will not create the possible grounds for a great rebellion in the Riverlands during winter without my father to back me up." He closed the conversation. His mother openly supporting his view.
"These measures could also give the Crown more time to create lasting alliances in the Riverlands during winter. My daughter's marriage to House Mallister was no coincidence. As you all know, I have two more children which could yet be betrothed. On top of that, Prince Brandon has three children that will have need of a match. I will discuss the need for additional marriage alliances with the Riverlands with my husband and my brother-in-law. If we use this possibility this winter to better our position, we might very well intimidate them enough to the point that rebelling won't seem an option."
Many murmured their agreement and he subtly nodded to his mother in thanks, before taking back control of the room.
"Immediately after this meeting, I will send the same message to Riverrun, Stone Hedge, Fairmarket, Pinkmaiden and Harrenhal. This will ensure that all my cousins will know the news at the same time. The Crown can't be seen as picking favorites unfairly. Hoster will be affirmed as the Lord of Riverrun and the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. Oscar will be given Harrenhal after swearing his oaths and reaching adulthood. Elmar will continue his fostering by House Piper, as his father intended." He summarized, before taking a deep breath.
"I would also like to personally have lessons with you, Uncle Brynden, about the Riverlands. You are the most experienced man concerning the subject, both in the politics of the Riverlands and war and conflict in general. I would gladly indulge in that experience." He voiced, as he looked at his old great-granduncle.
"I am afraid that I won't survive this winter, young nephew, but I would be happy to be of service in any way until my ailing body decides it has enough of the biting cold that you call winter." He nodded in thanks. Ser Brynden, the Blackfish, was a legend in all the Seven Kingdoms and had had a great part in his father's success. He wanted his wisdom to be a part of his as well.
He looked around the room. "I thank you all for your wise council. I declare this council meeting over. Maester Jonos, if you would be so kind as to allow me to follow you towards the Rookery then we can send the letters together immediately." He finalized.
"It would be my honor, My Prince." The Maester smiled.
All council members stood up from their seats. Rickon whistled for Shaggy and the huge direwolf got up on his feet immediately. All others let him pass first, as the direwolf easily towered over any man there by more than a foot. Ash padded over happily towards him, and he scratched him behind his ear.
His mother and Uncle Harrion stayed behind for a little while. The Hand of the King patted him on the back. "You did very well, Rickard. You will make a fine king someday."
His mother agreed. "Your father would have been very proud of you, my son. I know that I already am. When one day fate strikes and your father is forced to leave us, the North will be safe in your hands." She lauded him. It brought a smile to his face, and he thanked both profusely.
Afterwards, he walked out with the Maester, who took the opportunity to hand to ask him about all sorts of products that would help him in his experiments.
This is it for this chapter!
We see some the family dynamics of House Stark and see through the eyes of Crown Prince Rickard Stark for the first time. We learn more about his upbringing, friends and alliances, as well as those of his younger brother Jon. We see how he will try to rule when the time comes and how he thinks both on important and unimportant matters. We also get to know his twin children Edwyle and Lyarra.
News comes that Edmure Tully has died, and he leaves behind a divided legacy.
On the one hand, he helped Robb to create a peaceful and plentiful land for the people. The population, economy and land have largely recovered from the utter destruction of the war under his rule. The Riverlands have expanded, and House Tully has become much more powerful and respected.
On the other hand, he failed to unite the Riverlands. His children are at each other's throats and the Riverlords may be forced to pick sides in their disputes. Religious tension remains high (Blackwater Bay and Faith Militant) and he failed to completely stamp out old rivalries like those between Houses Bracken and Blackwood, despite the marriage policies.
This leaves a difficult situation for Winterfell, which the young Crown Prince is forced to act upon. As expected by them, the coming winter will prove uneventful. The next chapter will jump directly to the next spring. We will see what it has in store for Robb's kingdom.
If you have any for direwolf names, please let me know.
Thank you for your support!
Fannic
Reviews:
- Supremus85: We hear that tensions between Catelyn and Rickon are slowly calming down, although Rickon is not making it easy for her. You are absolutely right, and Jon is of course the anomaly here. A thing that Rickon will try to exploit in the future. For now, Robb holds firm to the rule.
- George Christian810: She will never get the Stark name, although she will be treated as a girl of high nobility. Legitimizing her would lower the legitimacy and prestige of the entirety of House Stark, especially in the Riverlands where they look a lot less fondly upon bastardry. Robb bringing his brother's bastard into Winterfell in a crib next to his own grandchildren (and future heir) will already be a scandal. He can't afford to legitimize her. She can remain an asset with the name Snow, as smaller Northern families might consider marrying into her regardless of her name because of the Stark backing and dowry.
- Scifiromance: Thank you so much! Rickon is carving his own path in the world, and he is getting the appreciation he hoped for out of it. Robb has appointed him to his council, whilst Rickon still retains much of his autonomy. He has given Vala many honors and accepted her into the family.
It is sad for her, but Medieval times weren't often fair to women … Yes, they have been! The Mallisters have even risen further by also providing the new Lady of Riverrun. They are loyal and have now risen to become a very influential house in the Riverlands for the next few decades.
Your marriage proposals are very interesting and are greatly appreciated. Next chapter, you will see that some will have made it, whilst others have not.
- I am no one: Thank you! Yes, it does extend to Jon's house. For the simple reason that if it doesn't, he can't control it. It would mean that in 3-4 generations, the Whitefyres can breed their own direwolves independently from House Stark. They could allow their female line descendants (which could be literally any house in the North) to have direwolves as well. This is unsustainable, although I am looking into another "companion" animal for Jon's descendants as his warg blood is very strong because of Stark AND Targaryen ancestry.
- GoMagikarp: Interesting ideas, thank you! Caron, I think, is off the table, as they are 'reforged' by some far away cousin line together with a Carron daughter/Frey-widow. Dondarrion and Swann are interesting although not that easy. They don't bring any real trade benefit with their political power, which the Royces do. I will look into it.
The others will be considered. Thank you!
- Poly19hum: Thank you so much! You will get info about the Freys, and the new houses on their former lands, soon.
The Wall is stable and there is no real threat anymore north of the Wall. Jon scattered the Wildlings in 2 AF, killings thousands and, more importantly, taking their camp with all their supplies in the middle of winter. Many (tens of?) thousands more died because of it and Jon and the Night's Watch raided many of the Wildling villages close to the Wall after that. Then Jon let 1500 Wildlings south as well.
Their numbers, especially of those tribes close to the Wall were decimated by battle, winter and infighting for food. They then had to face a 4-5x stronger Night's Watch. This means that raids across the Wall are near impossible, which deprives them of steel and tools they usually stole on their raids.
On top of that, Robb came back to display the powers of the Stark direwolves to the nearby tribes in 13 AF. These stories would realistically still be told amongst those tribes. The tribes closer to the Wall have basically been reduced to proxies for the moment of the Night's Watch, akin to the Germanic tribes closely living to the Roman Empire when the border was stable, like the Batavi after 68 AD. This will change back in the future, if the Night's Watch weakens or they suffer defeats, for now the Wildlings are subdued. It was a generational defeat they suffered.
- Force Smuggler: Thank you!
- Guest: Yes! Many more to come as well.