Chapter 79: Foreign relations
19 AF
There is a 6-year time jump between this and last chapter. Keep that in mind.
Robb
The warm morning sun shone unopposed through the rooms of his solar. He had moved himself into another chair so he could bath in its light when doing his work.
It had been the longest spring in recorded memory. Usually, the in-between seasons were much shorter than winter or summer, but this spring had been going for two years already, after a three-and-a-half-year winter.
The winter had been harsh, but their preparations had been more than sufficient. In his own lands, they had lost far fewer people than they normally did. Although the effects of their work weren't as strong everywhere in the North, the general trend was the same. Less people, especially less children, had died.
This was wonderful news and something that he and Alys were very proud of to have achieved. It was also one of the main goals of his reign to grow the native population. There was no better way to do that than to save the children from starvation and have them live long enough to make children of their own. The subject would be discussed more in the council meeting for this afternoon.
Now, he was waiting on a peculiar guest. Two days ago, a traveler from the Vale had arrived at his court. Ser Jeremy Tollet had arrived with a dozen companions and had asked for his hospitality. The younger brother of Lord Tollet was a known advisor of Ser Andar Royce, the heir to Runestone, and he had known him during the war.
The knight had asked for an audience on the first night that he had arrived, and he could be getting here any minute. He was interested in what the man would have to say. It was clear that it was important, but why Ser Andar wouldn't come himself while his old and respected father still ruled Runestone he knew not.
Not much later, a knock on the door was heard. Ser Edmyn Grey of the Kingsguard opened it slowly. "Ser Jeremy Tollet is here to see you, Your Grace."
"Very well, Ser Edmyn. Let him in."
The Vale knight entered slowly. It was clear that he was a proud man, like many of his countrymen in the Vale. Yet, he remembered from the war that the knight shouldn't be underestimated. The man was around ten years his senior and had a lot of experience in both war and the politics of the Vale.
"Welcome, Ser Jeremy. Have a seat. I have had the servants prepare you some food and wine to make our talk easier." He welcomed him, with a gesture towards the chair and the food.
"I thank you, King Robb." The knight replied gallantly. He took a seat in front of him and took a small piece of cheese and a glass of red wine.
"Please, Ser Jeremy, free me from my curiosity. What brings you so far north?"
The Valeman smirked. "I was sent here by my liege and friend Ser Andar Royce in a diplomatic mission to you. Andar fondly remembers the bond House Stark and House Royce have shared for over a century now and he wishes to honor it."
"Honor it, you say?"
"Yes, King Robb. He wants to again deepen ties with your house. That is why he sent me." The knight replied.
He held up his hands for him to stop for a moment. "If it's so important to him, why didn't he come here himself? His lordly father still rules over Runestone after all these years, which should give him the ability to come here in person, no?"
The Tollet knight smiled sadly. "If he would have been able to come himself, he would have. Lord Yohn, the Seven protect him, has seen his health decline steadily the last few months. Ser Andar doesn't want everybody to know about how serious his condition is, but considering the purpose of my trip I guess he wouldn't mind me telling you if it stays between us."
"How bad is it?" He inquired.
"Bad. He is bedridden for half the time now. He has already resigned his post on King Harrold's council, which His Grace has gracefully awarded to Ser Andar instead. Between the Eyrie and Runestone, my liege and friend saw no possibility of travelling to Winterfell in person no matter how important this may be. I hope you will accept this. He sends his apologies."
He waved it away immediately. "No apologies needed. I understand completely. I am saddened to hear about Lord Yohn. He was a great man and a great ally. Without him, the Vale would have never gotten its independence and parts of the Vale might have even joined Cersei against me. I respect him greatly, as did my father before me."
"Kind words, which I will surely pass on to my liege." The Vale knight replied.
"Now for the true reason that you are here. It must be something more specific than 'honoring the bond between our houses'. What may that be?
Ser Jeremy Tollet nodded. "As you know from the war, Ser Andar had already been the father of three daughters during the war …"
He nodded and interrupted his guest. "Have they made good marriages by now?" He had certainly been told the news before, but it slipped his mind and he wanted to estimate House Royce's position immediately now that he knew of Lord Yohn's failing health.
"Certainly, King Stark. House Royce has benevolently made alliances and bonds with houses that had long stayed neutral during the past conflict. The eldest has long married the heir to House Melcolm. Ser Andar's second daughter has married the new Lord Donniger. His third daughter married Ser Vardis Egen's heir just three years ago. All are happy and the Vale is more united for it."
"I am happy to hear it." He smiled.
"To come back to the heart of the matter. Ser Andar was blessed with two more children that survived early childhood after the war. Amongst them a son named Allard Royce, the future heir to Runestone. Young Allard is fourteen years old now and has been squiring for Lord Jasper Redfort for the past four years."
The experienced knight took a deep breath and looked solemnly at him. "It is for him that I am here. Ser Andar wishes for me to negotiate a betrothal between one of your daughters and his heir. He is asking for a marriage alliance between Houses Stark and Royce, as has happened twice before over the last century."
He smiled at the last remark. "I am pretty sure that the marriage of my ancestors Beron Stark and Lorra Royce has been more than a hundred years ago by now, but your point remains valid."
Ser Jeremy bowed his head to apologize, but a small smile also crept on his face. "Nevertheless, my liege wants to formally renew these bonds."
"Which of my daughters were you thinking about? I expect that you are talking about Sarra or Berena?" Tollet nodded in response.
"They are still very young. Sarra is only twelve, whilst Berena has yet to celebrate her eleventh birthday this year." He remarked. Such early betrothals weren't unheard of, but he wasn't a personal fan of the idea. Especially not for his darling girls.
"That would depend on your discretion, King Stark. In the Vale, we have no knowledge of any secret betrothals that you have made for them, but your first daughter's marriage came as a surprise to us as well. For this reason, Ser Andar found it better to keep an open mind on the subject. He also said that you might prefer one of your girls to remain in the North and would trust your judgement on which of them would fare better in the Vale. I have been strictly informed that the young Allard would be grateful for a bride of such prestigious lineage as yours. He will not mind waiting two more years to get married, if you decide upon the younger of your middle daughters."
He nodded along with this explanation. The offer was well brought, but the political implications of it all were clear. Lord Yohn had been the second most powerful man in the Vale for over fifteen years. Ser Andar was capable and well-respected, yet he wanted to use a betrothal between his heir and House Stark as a show of strength of House Royce for future generations. He told the Tollet knight as much.
He simply smiled. "Andar told me not to underestimate you, it seems he was right."
"You don't become king from the Wall to the Blackwater without acknowledging political realities, Ser Jeremy." He shrugged.
"So, it seems." The knight laughed good-naturedly.
"How does the political reality look for House Royce in the Vale with the other houses and their alliances there? What marriage relations do they have now? Oh, and I would advise you not to lie to me. My advisors will know everything I want to know, I just want to hear it from you."
"House Royce enjoys very good relations with most of the Vale. The houses that allied together to depose the false Lord Robert are still closely knit together. Amongst them, House Royce is closest to Houses Waynwood and Redfort."
"Ser Andar's youngest sister is married to Roland Waynwood, who became the head of his house three years ago after the dead of his grandmother Lady Anya. As mentioned before, Allard himself is squiring for Lord Jasper Redfort and Ser Andar often visits there on his way from and to the Eyrie. My liege is even in advanced conversations about a betrothal of Allards younger sister to the Redfort heir at the moment. I am certain that those will have concluded by the time I have returned."
He signaled for the Vale knight to continue. "Marriage alliances have been reached with Houses Melcolm, Donniger and Egen through Ser Andar's adult daughters. His beloved sister Ysilla is the Queen of the Vale and mother to the Crown Prince and the other royal children."
"His eldest sister, Ryella Royce, was once married to Ser Arwood Frey. After the fate of her children, she had secluded herself in a convent of sisters of the Seven for years, albeit without ever taking the vows. A few years ago, she found love with a with a knight of the Royce household, and they live happily and secluded in a small holdfast on the coast with their two boys."
He listened closely to all the information. The last one was news to him. He knew that Ser Andar's sister had had multiple Frey children who had either been sent to the Wall or the Septs of Oldtown, but he hadn't known she had remarried. A marriage to a household knight was inconsequential, except for perhaps strengthening House Royce's hold over their vassals. Good for her that she had found happiness again after the mess that had been the fall of House Frey.
"Lastly, Ser Andar enjoys very good relations with his vassals of House Coldwater, as Lord Coldwater is his maternal cousin. His own wife is my sister, which ensures my loyalty and that of my lordly brother." He laughed. He had forgotten that the man in front of him was Ser Andar's brother-in-law.
"Young Allard is your nephew?" He asked.
Tollet nodded. "Yes, he is. Good lad, he is a lot like Andar and idolizes his father. He's good with a sword for his age and he has potential for rule. The Crown Prince, Redfort and Waynwood heirs are good friends of him, as well as my brother's youngest son. Additionally, it may be mentioned that House Royce has held significant sway over House Upcliffe ever since the war."
"Thank you for this detailed description, Ser Jeremy. It helps me to assess the benefits of a marriage with House Royce. I must admit that they have done a very good job to integrate themselves with the nobility of the Vale. It is an impressive feat what they have accomplished through marriage."
"The same can be said for you for family, King Stark." The knight quipped, which made him smile. "Aye, I have done my best."
"Now, what would a possible betrothal look like?" He asked.
"My liege's proposal is that the marriage would wait a few more years until your daughter is fifteen, regardless of when she flowers. The marriage would be held in the Sept in Runestone for the peerage of the Vale and all those of your kingdom that you wish there to be present. Allard would make the journey to Winterfell himself in two years, after he comes of age. This way he gets to know his fiancé and for you to get to know your future son-in-law before the marriage."
"Andar wouldn't oppose to it, as he wants his heir to see some of the world to try to understand it more. House Stark is the Vale's principal ally. It is important that he visits Winterfell. Knowing my liege, he would likely encourage the boy to travel on to the Wall as well. Andar's brother Waymar died as a member of the Night's Watch and the Royces have always respected the Watch. He would want to instill the same values on his son." Tolled told him.
"Very well, I would have to discuss this with my wife and council before making a decision, but that seems very reasonable. What would Ser Andar want as a dowry, if I were to agree to this?" He asked.
Ser Jeremy looked him in the eye. "Ser Andar would be happy with a gift consisting either of raw materials or coin. I have been allowed to negotiate on both. However, my liege would prefer for a specific trade clause to be included to some of your ports. He is especially interested in trade with Maidenpool, Saltpans, Duskendale and White Harbor."
Of course he was. "Do I need to understand from that that the rivalry with House Grafton is still ongoing?"
"Not at all. House Grafton cannot stand up to my liege anymore. Their loss of lands to House Royce, combined with the devastation they suffered have put them far enough back that they aren't a daily concern for my lords anymore."
"Aye, I understand that but, surely, they have largely recovered from that in the last fifteen years. After all, your side had suffered devastation as well." He countered, knowing full well that the Tollet knight hadn't told him the full story.
"We have long since replenished, King Robb. It is true that they have largely recovered as well, although they remain shackled to new taxes for the next thirty years. The slight hurdle we have met is that the fame of Gulltown sometimes outweighs the usefulness of our ports for foreign traders. We would like to remedy this, especially when it comes to your kingdom." He explained.
It was clear. House Royce and their trade was booming well, but they were often overlooked by outside merchants. His kingdom was the main trading partner of the Vale, especially the four towns that had been named. Diverting trade away from them to their own ports and skipping over Gulltown could both be a major boon to House Royce and a major blow to House Grafton.
"That is an interesting proposal. I will take it with me to my council meeting this afternoon. Although, I can tell you that I can never agree to preferential treatment of all four of those cities. Nevertheless, some of them might be discussable." He diplomatically answered the request.
"That is all my liege asks of you." Ser Jeremy acknowledged.
"Would it seem agreeable to you that I discuss this with my council and family, before meeting you again? Let's say we talk again two days from now, would that work?"
"Certainly, King Robb. I thank you for your time and hospitality." The knight stood up and bowed slightly out of respect, before leaving the room.
He basked in the sunlight coming from the window for a few minutes, before getting up and walking out the door himself to find Alys.
After lunch and a very long talk with his wife, it was time for his council meeting. When he walked into the new council chamber everybody was already there. He looked proudly over one of the first rooms in the Old Keep that had been restored.
Natural light flowed in from the windows towards the south and west. On the north wall, a great old tapestry hung that had been in his family for centuries before he was born. It depicted the defeat of the Wildling brothers Gendel and Gorne by his ancestor. They had crowned themselves king and led a host of wildlings south of the Wall three thousand years ago.
The tapestry depicted the ensuing battle after his ancestors showed up. It depicted the killing of Gorne by the Stark Crown Prince, after the Wildling had killed his father and king.
He had hung it there for a reason. It was a testament to how old his family was, but there was more. It showed all councilors that would ever set foot in this room that his family would in the end prevail. If he were to fall or be defeated, another Stark would rise and finish the job. He had also chosen the Wildlings as a common enemy and had refrained from hanging any tapestries in the room that could agitate Southerners or Seven Believers.
On the east wall, above the fireplace, hung a tapestry depicting the mythical Brandon the Builder to show his dedication to great works and infrastructure, as well as show his family's mythical founding.
In the middle of the room stood a dark oaken table. It was rectangular in size, with one seat at both ends. One was large and decorated with direwolves cut into the wood in the design of the throne of Winterfell. The one on the other sidewas very similar, but smaller and less grand.
In the smaller seat sat his fifteen-year-old son Rickard with his back towards the door. He turned around and smiled at him as he entered, he smiled back and swiftly pinched his shoulder as he passed, but he said nothing to his son. This was not the time and he had to learn that.
He sat down in his seat, as all his councilors stood up silently. "Please be seated, my lords." He began the meeting. His councilors all took a seat.
To his right, in a slightly more decorated seat than the others, sat Jon. He had made the seat of the Hand of the King stand out more than the others, whilst still being dwarfed by both the king's and the heir's seat. It was a show of symbolism that clearly showed the hierarchy in the room.
To his left sat his old great-uncle and captain of his Wolfsguard. His uncle had become too old for many of the mundane tasks now at seventy-four years of age, but he still served capably as one of his advisors. Torr had taken over most of his active duties and firmly served as the second-in-command of the guard.
The others at the table were free to sit wherever they wished. Next to Jon sat Os, his childhood friend and his wife's cousin, as Master of the Treasury. Next to him, you had his Master of Laws Lord Jason Mallister. Almost as old as his great-uncle, but still sharp as a blade.
Then you had Ser Wyllis Manderly, who had taken over the position of Master of Ships from his father half a decade ago. On the far right of the table, his advisors Lord Danwell Deddings, Lord Lothar Mallery and Lord Cley Cerwyn made up the rest of the row.
Next to his great-uncle sat Lord Roderick Dustin. Lady Dustin had died from a fever this winter and Lord Roderick had succeeded her as ruler of the Barrowlands. Roderick himself mostly remained in Winterfell or on the road, whilst his heir William ruled over Barrowton. William had been groomed and educated by Lady Barbrey for years, and as such the inheritance had gone over smoothly.
Next to Lord Roderick sat his master of Whisperers. A peculiar man named Berthan, who had been brought to him from White Harbor by Lord Wyman Manderly a dozen years ago. The man had originally been born in the merchant class there but had soon realized that he could make more coin gathering information about the world and selling it to merchants who were willing to pay for anything that could get them ahead of their competition.
With the guidance of Lord Wyman and the funds of the Royal Treasury, he had managed to establish a spy network that stretched over Westeros and even some of the Free Cities. Although not as thorough as the Spider's network had once been, it had provided him with valuable insight on many a topic throughout the years.
Next to him sat Maester Jonos, who had succeeded Maester Luwin three years ago after his childhood teacher had succumbed during the winter. He had firmly told the Citadel that he would only accept a Maester native to his kingdom and they had sent him Jonos, born as the third son of a landed knight sworn to House Vance of Atranta. The man was capable and seemed trustworthy, although he still had his messages watched from time to time.
His council was completed with three more advisors that he had appointed. Lords Halys Hornwood, Lord Rupert Brune and Ser Hendry Bracken, the heir to Stone Hedge, completed the council. Whilst most of active councilors had remained the same throughout the last fifteen years, the advisors changed a lot.
Advisors had often quit or were replaced throughout the years depending on familiar circumstances in their lives. His brother-in-law Harry had long served as an advisor in summer, but he had given up his position to personally manage his lands throughout the winter. Domeric Bolton had done a similar thing, whilst Lord Lucas Goodwood had resigned due to the inability to pacify and rebuild his lands when visiting Winterfell so often. Other members of the council had died like Lady Dustin, Lord Rodrik Ryswell and Lord Ryger.
It had also been difficult the last years to find men from the Riverlands to serve him. Many important and skilled nobles had died, and their lands had been devastated. Their young heirs more than often couldn't leave their homelands for long trips at a time as they needed to manage the reconstruction closely.
Other times, the heirs had been too young to even rule the lands themselves the first years or the lands belonged to newly awarded lords and landed knights which needed to win over their subjects first.
However, now the Riverlands were well-represented. One man he had often thought of bringing to his council had been Hoster Blackwood, the bookish but very well-read younger brother of Lords Blackwood and Goodwood. Nevertheless, he couldn't do so. The Brackens wouldn't accept another boon given to the Blackwoods and he couldn't risk opening wounds that finally seemed to be mending. Instead, he had named Ser Hendry Bracken and the man seemed capable enough for now.
The last and most recent member of his council was his boy, Rickard. He was of the opinion that the heir to the kingdom should always have a seat at the council to know how things were ran. He also believed in involving his son quickly in governance.
His father and Lord Rickard had thought him well, yet when he was only Ricky's age he had had to call the banners to march south against the Lannisters. He had felt horribly unprepared at that time. He hoped his sons or grandsons would never have to do something like that, but better to be unnecessarily prepared than caught with your breeches hanging.
He had an agreement with his son. The boy was still underage and so he had forbidden him to talk in any of the council meetings, no matter how good his ideas were. He had a quill and ink in front of him on which he could write all the questions he had and everything that he didn't understand. After every council meeting, he sat down with his son for half an hour and answered all his questions. He also listened to his suggestions, which had proven very useful on more than one occasion.
The point was for the boy to learn to appreciate council and to listen to his vassals and advisors. He needed to be taught to think about their advice before immediately commenting on it. He had done so for the last eight months, and it had worked out well. His son had also enjoyed their time after the council meetings when it was just the two of us.
"As you know, I have welcomed an ambassador of House Royce in my halls the past two days. He has updated me on the workings of the Vale. In short, it seems that King Harrold's authority is still growing strong, as is the power of the families that had made up the Lords Declarant twenty years ago. Even with Lady Anya Waynwood and Lord Horton Redfort dying, their families retain their hold over the court."
"King Harold's heir Prince Jasper Arryn has wed Lord Gilwood Hunter's eldest daughter last year, as promised after the war. Whilst King Harold's eldest daughter has recently been betrothed to the heir of House Belmore. Bronze Yohn Royce has been replaced as his Hand of the King by Lord Symond Templeton due to sickness, but his heir Ser Albar remains on the Arryn's council." He told his councilors.
"If I may add something, Your Grace?" Berthan asked, and he nodded.
"Lord Royce's health seems to be failing more than they let on. Whispers from the Eyrie tell me that they don't expect him to ever make a full recovery." His spymaster added.
"Aye, Ser Jeremy Tollet told me a similar thing this morning. It's a pity. Yohn Royce was a very good man, both to us and the Vale."
This elicited responses from Lord Mallister and his great-uncle. Both were saddened by the news about their old war companion. Lord Jason had known him well, as they often confronted each other at tourneys, whilst his uncle had bonded with him during his time as Knight of the Gate.
After a while, the talk died down. "I suggest that we use this opportunity to discuss how the other kingdoms are faring. Berthan would you do me the honor?"
"Certainly, Your Grace." He ruffled through a few of his papers before speaking. "The Westerlands seem to finally be thriving again. Finally rid of the need to pay war reparations, the Lannisters themselves are once again investing more. King Willem has expanded his fleet with half a dozen warships and new trading ships have also been added. The defenses of Lannisport and all coastal castles have been restored and often even fortified, as it seems that the Lannisters don't trust the Ironborn's new peaceful ways just yet."
The man from White Harbor took a deep breath before continuing. "Nevertheless, King Willem's hold on some of his vassals remains tenuous. Many proud houses still look down upon his so-called 'Merchant Queen" it seems, and they still enjoy the autonomy they have created for themselves after the fall of Tywin Lannister."
"King Willem seems to be making headway here through clever politicking, although it goes slowly. As you know, his twin brother's marriage to a daughter of House Serret pacified one of his strongest possible opponents in the east early on in his reign. The marriage of his much younger sister Janei to the heir of House Banefort, as well as his own to Lady Westerling, have solidified royal control over the northern coastal regions of his kingdom."
"Now things may finally speed up, as the recent marriages of his two eldest daughters to the heirs of Houses Marbrand and Brax seem to be pacifying more and more lords of his kingdom. His nieces' marriages into Houses Moreland and Prester also seem to have a positive effect. I think it can be safely stated now that Casterly Rock has once again regained full control over two thirds of the West."
"The main holdouts are the houses in the south and east of the kingdom, for example the Crakehalls, Lyddens, Leffords and Paynes and they only partially listen to Casterly Rock's demands. However, rumor has been circulating that King Willem is looking towards the daughter of Lord Tybolt Crakehall to marry his heir. That might tilt things even more in his favor in time, especially when you consider that he has a second son, third daughter and nephew that can be used for other alliances in the future."
"Thank you, Berthan. How likely do you estimate the ability of the Lannisters to raise a host against us this coming summer?" He asked.
"Very unlikely, Your Grace. Even if King Willem manages to win over more of his lords, none will be jumping for another war. Some houses, like the Sarsfields and Marbrands still haven't fully recovered from the war. Others will use their momentary autonomy to oppose and corrupt his goals and war plans should he make them. House Lefford and its important border stronghold of the Golden Tooth seem, due to their marriage, closer to House Piper than to the Lannisters. They would actively oppose and hinder war against them. No, the Lannisters have much more to win from continued trade through the Gold Road and Riverroad, as well as our trading cogs that reach them from Seaguard and Barrowton. King Willem knows this, I don't expect him to try anything over the next years."
"Very well, thank you for your insights. Does anyone have anything else to add or does someone disagree with the given analysis?" He asked, but none spoke up, so he continued on.
"How fare the Iron Islands?"
Lord Jason Mallister spoke up. "Still the same story with them, Your Grace. Trade flourishes and the Harlaws keep them in check, but discontent remains widely spread. Many of the young and ambitious leave the islands and turn to piracy in the Stepstones together with the mess of pirates that are already there. However, still no recorded attacks on any of our ships in the Sunset Sea, which is good enough for me for now."
He nodded. The Mallisters had been century old enemies of the Ironborn. Lord Jason and his heir Patrek were monitoring the situation closely.
"The payments of tribute still come in each year. None of the houses, big or small, have even dared to delay payments." Os added.
"However, all of the Ironborn hostages have by now reached the age of sixteen and have been returned to their homeland. The threat of the hostages cannot keep them in line anymore, although some of those may look favorably upon the North if they have kept good memories of the North during those years." Lord Halys Hornwood remarked.
"What about Pyke and Saltcliffe? How about the thrall islands?" Ser Wylis Manderly asked.
Lord Jason shrugged. "Not much has changed. They still appear to be a blend of Ironborn and Andal culture for now, although it can be said that noble families have established themselves on the isles. The Harlaws have turned to marriages to try and integrate them into the Ironborn culture with many higher and lower heirs on the isles married to daughters from Harlaw and Blacktyde. For now, the Ironborn's hold on the two islands remains feeble."
He nodded. "Good, the Stormlands?"
Lord Lothar Mallery spoke up. "Things are going well. The lands have largely replenished from the past wars. The Carons have once again regained a strong hold over Nightsong. Queen Shireen's reign is well-liked and additional trade from the Free Cities, Riverport and Duskendale are filling the coffers of many of the Stormlords. With the problems in the Stepstones Pentos and Myr chose to trade more with the Stormlords than the south and east of Essos and it is benefiting them."
"Oh, it is benefiting us as well. Believe me on that." Ser Wylis Manderly bellowed, and many lords laughed heartily. He smiled as well. Trade had been especially well this spring due to the problems in the Stepstones. Trade through it had become nearly impossible and many merchants from Lorath, Braavos, Pentos, Myr and even Tyrosh had chosen to come to the eastside of Westeros to find new wares instead of risking the dangerous journey.
Lord Mallery continued. "Relations across the border are very good. Both with the houses on the southside of the Blackwater and the houses of the Narrow Sea. Small trade has been flourishing in the area with Riverport on our side as the main trading hub. On their side it is split between Hight Tide, Sweetport and Wendwater Bridge."
He nodded contently. "Dorne?"
Ser Wyllis shrugged. "All trade with them has ceased, but it wasn't much to begin with. The extra trade from the Free Cities more than makes up for it."
"Princess Arianne is preparing a second force to strike at the pirates in the Stepstones, after the first campaign failed last year. Rumor has it that she is organizing a coalition consisting of Lys, Tyrosh, Volantis and Braavos to get rid of the problem." Jon added.
"Good, the added trade benefits are good for now, but they can't hold. Better that trade through the Stepstones resumes in the future. Ser Wylis, Lord Jason, I want your families to keep eyes on the stories that sailors bring with them to your ports. If those pirates are broken, I expect a lot of angry and disappointed Ironborn to make their way back to our shores. I want all houses on the Sunset Sea to be warned and prepared before they make it back. Any Ironborn that dares to attack our ships or people will be returned to the Iron Isles without a head." He ordered.
"Certainly, Your Grace." Both loyal men called out.
"Now … the Reach?" He asked and the collective sigh was a good measure of how people thought about the situation in the room.
"Parts of the Reach are replenishing awfully quick from the war, as the Tyrells have fully opened their coffers once more. Most of the inland territories, as well as the Marcher areas have fully replenished from the war. The Shield Islands have been repopulated and their garrisons are once again similar to what they were before the Great War. This has allowed the Mouth of the Mander to start replenishing as well and trade is once again finding Highgarden and its downriver ports freely." Roderick Dustin answered.
"Yes, that sums it up. Patrek writes to me that merchants from Dorne and the Westerlands are flooding in and out of the Reach. He personally spoke to a captain that had anchored in Oldtown only a few months ago. He told me that the city seems as busy as when he was just a sailor under his father before the Great War."
"It was a stroke of genius of Willas Tyrell to give House Hightower back the privileges and titles that they had lost after Robert's Rebellion. The Hightowers have emptied their coffers and are ably replenishing their lands. It will take two more decades before the city once again reaches half a million people, as the hinterlands can't provide the food needed to sustain the population for now, but the lands are healing rapidly."
"The Reach's shores are still severely depopulated and the Arbor barely supports half of its pre-war population, but at this rate these issues will largely be dealt with in the next two decades. Now that the Tyrells are once again producing over eighty-five percent of their pre-war food production, they can easily fuel population replenishment in these areas in the next years and fishing ships are already expecting that competition will rise in the next years." The old Lord of Seaguard explained.
"Are we at least sharing in the profits through trade?" He asked.
"Barely," Hendry Bracken replied. "The new major road from Bitterbridge to Riverrun yields only half the trade that we expected it to. Our traders are also being shunned by many noble houses in the Reach. It is so bad that it is delaying our efforts to restore the southwest of the Riverlands."
He sighed. "Which areas are most affected?"
The heir to Stone Hedge looked into his eyes. "We are, both Vances, the Pipers, the new borderlords namely the Mennings and the Parrells, the Lychesters, the Tullys, both in Riverrun and Harrenhall and Stony Sept is also suffering. However minor setbacks are noted all over the southern, western and central Riverlands."
He didn't like that one bit. "I would like to nuance that a bit." Os spoke up. "You need to keep in mind that the increased trade on the eastern coast, as well as Seaguard, has trickled inward as well. The result of that is increased growth in the northern and eastern parts of the Riverlands. Additionally, many houses in the center of the Riverlands have also benefited from this throughout the river systems. Stoney Sept, Harrenhall, Fairmarket and even Riverrun have seen extra trade which partially makes up for the lost profits."
He looked to the Bracken heir to confirm whether this was true, and he shrugged. It was clear that the Brackens were hurting and many of their allies and neighbors too, but that the situation wasn't completely bleak.
"I will write a letter to Willas Tyrell about lords scorning our merchants. Until then, I want the local lords to use the route to trade better with Riverrun and Stoney Sept and by way of the river systems reach the Narrow Sea when the Reach doesn't want to trade." He replied and most of his council seemed to support that decision.
"What else is new?" He asked.
"The Faith Militant tried to set up three chapter houses outside of the Reach this year. The first one next to the keep of a knightly house sworn to House Selmy in the Stormlands. Lord Selmy dealt with it swiftly on the Stormqueen's orders. A small battle ensued between both forces. Of the forty-seven knights, thirty were captured and later beheaded by the King Consort, whilst all the Poor Fellows had been executed on the battlefield by Lord Selmy. Apparently, King Consort Edric has sent the heads of the beheaded knights to the Starry Sept to warn them not to cross into the Stormlands again." Berthan spoke up.
Many at the table grinned. The Storm Kingdom was proving to be a valuable ally. "What happened to the knight who hosted them?" Lord Hornwood asked their spymaster.
Berthan shrugged. "His head and that of his brothers still adorn the gates above Storm's End as a warning to their own vassals not to invite the fanatics over."
This seemed to shock Bracken and Mallery, whilst most of the others at the table grinned wider. "That is very good news, because the Starry Sept has been recruiting. A knight sworn to one of my vassals has left my lands recently to join them in Oldtown. They are building a standing army and they have built bases all over the Reach, not coincidentally often close to our borders." Lord Deddings spoke up.
That was worrisome, when knights left their homeland to join religious fanatics. However, isolated cases could be managed as long as they weren't allowed to gain footing outside the Reach or Dorne.
"Their second attempt was in the lands of House Payne on our border in the Riverlands. However, Casterly Rock managed to force them to stop it. This wasn't easy for the Lannisters and House Payne was not punished, but the Faith Militant has left. Interesting to note is that two cousins of Lord Cedric Payne have joined the order together with dozens of other knights from the Westerlands and they have left for the Reach." Berthan continued.
This led to a lot of murmuring in the room. Whilst it was good that they were expelled from the West, it didn't sit good that the perpetrators on their own borders hadn't been punished and that the religious extremists had been able to grow in numbers once more.
"Their last attempt had been the most surprising. They had been invited by a new local noble on Saltcliffe in the Iron Isles. However, a coalition of Ironborn under House Harlaw with the support of a few local ex-thrall families managed to attack the base, killing all the fanatics and most of their supporters before they grew too large." The spymaster concluded.
Most in the room showed the same combination of shock and relief. "They are trying to get settled on the Iron Isles? This could break the delicate balance that has now been established on the isles." Lord Jason Mallister asked worriedly.
"Aye, they are. However, I have personally received word from Lord Harlaw that precautions have been made so they will never take hold again. Neither Lord Rodrik Harlaw, nor his heir Ser Harras, have ever failed to keep their word until now. Lord Rodrik is becoming old and blind but remains true to his word and in turn the Ironborn have prospered through trade. He and his heirs greatly stand to benefit if the status quo continues. They will ensure it does." He replied, which managed to pacify his lords.
"What's next on the agenda?" He asked Jon.
"You wish to wait with the news from House Royce?" His brother asked and he nodded in response.
"Then it's the infrastructure projects planned for this summer." His Hand of the King read from a scroll in front of him.
Lord Dustin spoke up. "In short, we will aim to expand the roadway system in the North with emphasis on the Hornwood and the Mountain Clans, as well as the roads in the Former Gift." Lord Halys looked pleased at that. His house had long been left out of the development plans, but not any longer.
"Further loans will be made available to Riverlords on the borders to fortify their keeps. Specifically, we would want the newly established houses that lay on the southern border to increase their efforts now that the threat of the Reach increases. A similar loan will be proposed to House Shield, to better help them prepare for any future Ironborn threats." His Master of Infrastructure continued.
This was met with approval by many at the table, as it was clear that they were anticipating any foreign threats beforehand.
"However, I would ask the council for more time to make up the details of these plans, as they are not finished. I will come back to you with more by the next meeting. I can say that all plans that were made last summer have been successfully completed and that all extended loans have had sufficient effects." On that note, all agreed to discuss more later.
"Next up is the demographic situation." Jon called out. "This winter has made the least number of casualties in the North in recorded history. This has allowed many of the children of the so called 'baby-boom' to survive the winter. All these children, born in the spring and long summer after the war winter, are now between the ages of seven and fifteen. The best example of them is our esteemed Crown Prince here."
All looked towards his son. He gazed proudly upon the boy, as he met the eyes of the councilors without flinching. The parchments in front of him seemed full of scribbles and notes that he had been making and he smiled. Many boys of his age would be bored out of their mind in these meetings, but he seemed to take governing to heart. He knew that it helped that he could try to impress his father afterwards, but that made it even more worth it in his personal opinion.
"The current population of the North is around three million eight hundred thousand people after losses past winter. It is expected that the native adult population will rise significantly all across the North, and the overall population as well once they start having children. This will start in two years and will continue for almost a decade. Not all areas will profit of this as much as others, but all will benefit. The main centers of population growth are the Stark and Cerwyn lands, the Barrowlands and the lands around Torrhen's Square, and the areas around the White Knife." The nobles present from these areas nodded happily.
"The rulers of these lands have all agreed to send a portion of the extra available manpower to help populate remote regions of the North. All have agreed to send people towards the Moat Cailin area. Houses Dustin and Tallhart have also vowed to send people towards the Stoney Shore. The Cerwyns and the Starks will send more people to my own lands, as well as the Former Gift. The Manderlys, Woolfields and Lockes have agreed to steer people towards the new farmlands around Hornwood and the Sheephead Hills and will allow a small amount of people to move towards the Blackwater." Jon explained.
"Even more people towards the Blackwater?" Hendry Bracken asked annoyingly.
"Aye, there is a huge shortage of fishermen and sailors in those parts. Lord Rodrik Sumber has personally written to us to ask if the North can spare any, as the men in the region are spread thin between Saltpans, Maidenpool, Duskendale, Riverport and minor villages and towns. He wishes to expand his trading fleet to be able to take advantage when the Stepstones are freed in the coming years." Many in the council agreed with the man's business acumen, but the Bracken heir wasn't satisfied.
"I do not agree that importing Northerners is the way forward. Already close to a hundred thousand of these have settled in the Riverlands and their number is increasing due to the high birthrates. This will be the cause for additional strife in the area and the whole of the Riverlands at large." The knight countered.
Jon didn't agree, neither did he. "All estimates point towards the fact that around fifty thousand Northerners have settled in the Riverlands over the past twenty years, of whom at least five thousand are veterans that fought and bled for your freedom with another twenty-five thousand being their families and kinsmen. The others have largely been invited by the rulers of these lands." His brother pointed out.
"Besides, their presence has, as asked by House Tully, been restricted to the lands of only five families the Blackwoods, Goodwoods, Rosbys, Sumbers and Hayfords." Jon continued. "No strife has been recorded, except on the lands of the Rosbys and Hayfords. The former has largely been resolved with the latter being controlled. The influx has been noted as very beneficial by the three other houses."
"That is true. My son-in-law is the nephew of Lord Sumber and his uncle often writes him the question to send more sailors and tradespeople from White Harbor towards his city. Apparently, the people of my family's lands are more tolerant and able to work well along both Southerners and Northerners and he asks for them specifically." Ser Wyllis Manderly boasted proudly.
"That seems to be true. The records of intermarrying between the Seven-Believing settlers of White Harbor and old remaining population of King's Landing seem to be extremely high in the city. In the farmlands around the city more Old Gods believers have settled, but there too can be seen relatively high numbers of intermarrying between the natives and the Northern settlers."
"Besides, my nephew is the lord of Hayford. Ever since he has come of age six years ago, the volatile situation there has been dealt with. The lands just needed its lord and lady to be present. The years of absence when they were educated in Winterfell took their toll. This last winter, he has won over the hearts of many. The region even seems to be thriving ever since spring has come along." Lord Cley Cerwyn interjected as well.
Bracken scoffed. "That doesn't nullify the fact that curses about it are regularly heard all across the Riverlands. If we don't want our knights to leave disgruntled, like the aforementioned subject of Lord Deddings, then we should stop the migration to those areas. The economic benefit is not worth the trouble that it is creating in our lands."
This was news to him. He knew many still grumbled about the situation at the Blackwater, but not that it was this much of a talking point. However, it could just be the case that the Brackens were vindictive about the situation because it had strengthened both branches of House Blackwood too. Not even their seat on the council had fully managed to be pacify those feelings.
He shared a look with Jon. "We will look into the matter on the ground further before answering Lord Sumbers request. Besides, many of the sailors in White Harbor will be necessary to man your own fleets. I heard that you have built another ship last month, Ser Wylis?" He changed the subject.
"Aye, a beautiful trading cog named the Seabreeze. It will be captained by the son of an accomplished captain that has sailed for us for fifteen years. It's first destination will be Braavos, which will be its usual route to take part in the lumber trade." The old heir to White Harbor replied.
"Back to the population discussions, Jon." He looked to his brother.
"The Riverlands show much of the same trends. A 'baby-boom' occurred during the same period after the devastation of the war. The population growth will be welcomed greatly, as the Riverlands lost over one million people during the war and the Former Crownlands many as well. The expected growth will allow many abandoned fields to be resown and desolated hamlets and villages in the south to be resettled."
"A thing for everyone to look forward to." He summarized, and all agreed. "Cracklaw Point is much the same." Lord Rupert Brune picked in. "Our population has steadily risen with the extra lands we received after the Staunton Rebellion, combined with the exemption of taxes and the good relations with House Mooton that allow for extra trade."
"That is very good to hear Lord Rupert. If there is anything more that we could do for your region, don't hesitate to ask me or Jon. Cracklaw Point has long been forgotten under the Targaryens and especially the Baratheons and Lannisters. It won't be under my rule." He responded, which Lord Brune greatly seemed to appreciate.
"Next up there is another matter. The ambassador of House Royce was not only here to tell me about the situation in the Vale. He came to formally ask for the hand of my daughter, Princess Berena, for Allard Royce, Ser Andar's only son." He shared with the room. All looked at him in surprise, but the only pair of eyes he showed interest in were those of his son. The boy's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at the mention of one of his little sisters. Nevertheless, he managed to remain quiet.
"Princess Berena, Your Grace? Not her older sister Princess Sarra?" Cley asked.
"In all fairness, he asked for the hand on of one of them. During lunch, I spoke to my wife. Together we decided that Berena's spirit would suit the Vale far better than Sarra's would." He explained.
"You are accepting the offer then?" Lord Deddings asked.
"We are leaning towards accepting it, but we haven't formally decided. I wished to hear your opinion on the matter first." This seemed to stroke the egos of his lords, which was a thing most of them liked above all else.
"It surely has its merits. Young Allard will soon be the heir to Runestone and is the most priced bachelor in the Vale since his cousin the Crown Prince's wedding. It would tie us together even more with the Vale and ensure peace with our allies for the next generation, maybe even multiple. The Arryns couldn't hope to challenge us without the aid of their most powerful bannerman." Ser Wylis Manderly replied.
He had expected the Manderly knight to be favorable towards the proposal. The Manderlys had great trade interests in the Vale, and he had recently betrothed one of his granddaughters to the Hunter heir. A deal which gave the Manderlys access to their white stone quarry, as well as ensured a steady stream of food coming from the Vale.
Others, like Lords Deddings, Brune and Hornwood, also voiced their support for the proposal. Lord Jason Mallister mentioned a concern that he had been expecting. "It is a great opportunity, Your Grace. However, I would like to remind you to not forget about the nobility of the Riverlands. Many felt abandoned after you announced that your two eldest children wouldn't marry one from their midst."
"I understand Lord Mallister, however that has already been explained. For Eddara there was a clear lack of candidates. Most nobles, in both the North and the Riverlands, only married after the war. All the eligible heirs were at least five years younger than her. Gawen Glover was one of the few exceptions and they are very happy together. Already, they have been blessed with two sons." He countered.
"I agree, Your Grace, and I understand your choice of Lady Umber for the Crown Prince. It connects him to much of the nobility of the North, as well as Houses Sumber and Rykker along Blackwater Bay. All I'm saying is that many of my countrymen will not look fondly about being passed over once more." Lord Jason replied courteously.
"You are right, of course. That's why the Queen and I have decided that my second daughter Sarra will be married into the Riverlands nobility. Another one of my two youngest children will also marry into your peerage, but they are too young to discuss betrothals yet." This seemed to pique the interest of all the Riverlords at the table.
"Your Grace is wise and forward-looking as ever." The lord of Seaguard responded contently.
"As of now, I will be officially accepting offers for her hand. Nonetheless, a decision on the matter may take many more months." Mallister and Bracken were visibly excited by the prospect. Everyone at the table knew that Lord Jason's grandson and Hendry Bracken's son would be viable contenders for his daughter's hand, and her extensive dowry. He would consider both of these together with other offers in due time.
It was of course something that he had himself thought about long before. His own maternal lineage had won over the Riverlords in the first place. After he, Jon, Sansa and Arya married Northern spouses, murmuring had already occurred. This had cleverly been evaded by Bran's marriage to Bethany Blackwood but had sparked up harder and fiercer after Eddara's marriage to House Glover.
When he had announced Rickard's betrothal to Allara Umber, a small riot had broken out amongst some of them. Nevertheless, the choice was a clear one. The Umbers had built a gigantic network of allies, all connected by marriages to the main Umber line.
The lords or heirs of Houses Karstark, Hornwood and Rykker had married an Umber bride, whilst the heiress of House Manderly had married Harmond Umber as her consort. Rodrik (S)umber also ruled Riverport in his own right. Allara's mother, Lyra Mormont, brought him more useful connections to the Mormonts and Shields, who had been elated about the betrothal. On top of that, Rodrik, Harmond and Smalljon were now making new alliances of their own with their adolescent children.
No house in his kingdom had this network of alliances in place which he could marry his son into. The only house that came close was House Bracken, with marriages to Houses Tully, Blackwood, Darry and Lychester and blood relations to the new House Mossbridge. The problem was that Lord Jonos and Ser Hendry Bracken were too greedy for power. They would use the marriage to try to populate his court in Winterfell with their puppets, like they had done in Riverrun. A thing which he would never allow.
Besides, both Alys and he wanted a Northern Queen to succeed her. If he truly wanted to establish a free Northern kingdom, he needed to limit Riverlander influence in Winterfell at the start. It was especially important on the influence she would have on his future grandchildren. However, both Alys and he had agreed that Rickard's heir would have to marry into the Riverlands, as their proud nobility would never accept to be snubbed thrice in a row.
"Does anyone have any other objections towards the Royce proposal?" He asked, to go back to the original topic.
None spoke up. "Very well, then I will accept it. I plan to hold the discussions with him the day after tomorrow. I don't have to tell ALL of you, that I don't want this leaking out before the negotiations are completed. The marriage of a princess is a serious matter I don't want anything to spoil before the official announcement."
He looked around the room to everyone, but his eyes rested on his son in front of him. He knew that it would be difficult, but the boy would need to be taught to keep silent when necessary.
"For the dowry, the Royces have inquired about the options of trade benefits with Riverport, Duskendale, Maidenpool and White Harbor. They will try to use this to get further ahead of House Grafton and better their situation in the Vale. Giving them all of those is unacceptable, but some might be possible. What do you think?" He asked them.
Ser Wylis Manderly spoke up first. "In all honesty, Your Grace, I see very little benefit for White Harbor to do so. We already a lot of trade with the whole of the Vale and extra benefits for the Royces might hurt more than it helps."
He agreed with that, White Harbor was too important to allow that. Lord Rupert Brune spoke up next.
"Maidenpool might be a good idea. Trade has been booming and the city has been rebuilt, but still the Mootons have trouble rivalling Duskendale. It might benefit Cracklaw Point too in the long run."
"Interesting idea, Lord Rupert. Would it be beneficial for your region if we give them some benefits for Cracklaw Point directly as well? I was thinking of your own keep of Dyre Den for example?"
Lord Rupert slowly scratched through his beard with his finger. "No great volumes could be transported from Dyre Den, but for some special shipments it might help us greatly if you could make it possible."
He smiled. "I will try." He looked across the rest of the room. "What about Duskendale and Riverport?"
"I don't think it a good idea. Duskendale is already growing at an astonishing rate, whilst Riverport has become a prosperous trade hub with the Stormlands. It would only be seen as preferential treatment and reduce the impact on Maidenpool." Lord Danwell Deddings countered.
He agreed with that assessment. "Any other ideas?"
"What about Saltpans? It could help the town grow, if it gets a study stream of trade with Royces. From there, it could be transported on barges across the Northern and Central Riverlands. It would be a huge boon to both us and the Royces." Lord Jason proposed.
"I like that idea. I will keep that in mind. Possibilities for deals on Cracklaw Point, Maidenpool and Saltpans, but none of the others. Anything else on the topic of the betrothal?"
"What about the rest of your family? Will any more betrothals be made?" Lord Lothar Mallery asked.
"Whom of my family do you think off, Lord Lothar?"
"Prince Rickon, or the children of your brothers and sisters, Your Grace." His vassal replied.
He sighed. "As you know, Prince Rickon has left for Essos six months ago with many of his noble companions. After visiting Braavos, Pentos and Myr, he has recently departed the latter city to travel to Volantis over land. He has found a mercenary company heading there, which will accompany and protect him through the often-hostile terrain. He has no intention to marry, as of now." The last sentence still seemed to illicit that annoying smile from his great-uncle.
"Now concerning the children of my brothers and sisters. If you wish to know about my sisters' children, I would ask them or the childrens' fathers. One of them is here amongst us, if you would like to start." He told him, as he nudged toward Cley.
"For Jon's children, it is the same. He is a lord in his own right and can and will make the decisions of his family on his own. Besides, his eldest daughter Lyanna will soon marry House Tallhart's heir." He continued, whilst looking at his brother. Jon simply nodded at his remark.
"Lastly, you have Brandon's children. All three of them are too young to discuss betrothals. These will eventually be decided by my brother and me together, but it is far too early for that. As announced, his son Prince Brynden will soon leave to be fostered with his cousins at Raventree Hall. In time, he will squire for his uncle Lord Brynden Blackwood to earn his spurs. Any more questions?"
All his councilors moved their heads to say no. "Any updates on the treasury?"
"Everything remains positive. The huge amounts of coin that we had after the war are in the past now and we have spent a lot with the food imports for the winter, but the finances remain very good. The income is picking up again now that trade is steadily expanding as the weather improves. Os responded.
He nodded in thanks. "Master of Laws?" He asked Lord Mallister. "Not much to report on. Three prisoners have been sent to the Wall. They joined the convoy of a handful of others coming from Barrowton last week. No riots or uprisings have been reported anywhere, nor are any of our laws being contested by nobles as of this point."
"Thank you, Lord Mallister."
"Master of Ships?" He turned to Ser Wylis.
"Everything goes well. Our trade fleets in White Harbor, Barrowton, Seaguard, Duskendale, Maidenpool and Riverport continue to grow steadily. Lord Dustin and I are drawing up plans to enlarge the harbors at Barrowton and Seaguard to increase both our trading and military fleets capacity there. Militarily, we want both towns to support three additional war galleys to prevent the Ironborn from having any funny ideas in the future."
This plan was met with support, as no one wanted to be surprised by the Ironborn ever again.
"Very well then, I close this council meeting here. I will see most of you next month. Maester Jonos, will you leave the report of the meeting here? I would like to look it over some time later."
"Of course, Your Grace." The Maester answered. All his councilors picked up their papers and walked out of the room whilst talking to each other in hushed tones. Cley patted Rickard's back as he left and not much later no one remained apart from him, his fifteen-year-old son and his grand-uncle.
Ser Brynden always remained, as member of the Kingsguard. Sometimes he joined in their conversations, giving invaluable insights to his young heir, other times he silently stood guard.
He took place on one of the normal chairs in the middle of the table, as his son took the one beside him. Rickard spread out his notes in front of him and looked up at him expectingly.
"Now son, what have you learned today? I know you must have at least a hundred questions for me." He grinned.
His young heir grinned pack. "At least, father." They both laughed heartedly together, before bowing over the notes Rickard had made during the council as well as the report that the Maester had made. He listened closely as his eldest son started recounting the meeting, a feeling of pride once again filling him from within. All the while, their two direwolves played in front of the fire. Father and son spending some time together, just like they were doing.
This is it for this chapter.
It is a (very) long one and is filled with information. First, Robb negotiates the betrothal of his third daughter to the future heir of House Royce. We also get more information about how the Vale is faring.
Afterwards, Robb holds a council meeting, in which the fate of the other kingdoms is discussed. We see Robb's improvements slowly bear fruit, as the population in the North growths and in the Riverlands recovers. Friction keeps up about the demographic situation along Blackwater Bay, as the Faith Militant keeps slowly rising in power.
We also meet Robb's loyal council and see the dynamics at play there.
We learn that Eddara (now 20-years-old) has married the heir to House Glover and has made Robb a grandfather of two. Other new family members have also appeared, be sure to check out the online family tree that I made. It also holds information which isn't specifically mentioned but has taken place over the course of the time jump. The family tree will also include related families, which you can see if you click on the wives and other family members. We will meet many of those characters in the next chapters. The link is in my bio. Just remove the spaces between the parts of the link and add it into your browser.
Rickon and his companions have finally left for Essos (after being held back by Robb for years) and still refuses to marry. Bran's son Brynden will fostered in Raventree Hall with his maternal uncle and cousins.
Springled throughout the chapter is the relationship that Robb holds with his eldest son and heir Rickard, which comes clearer into view in the end. The chapter ends with (another) cliffhanger that spoilers that new direwolves have been born. A lot more on that in the next chapter.
Thank you so much for the support.
Fannic
Reviews:
- GoMagikarp: I understand the constructive criticism, thank you for it. However, the only alternative was a stretched-out plot spanning multiple chapters over many years, which would have (unnecessarily) added many chapters to the stories and which would have hampered my personalization of future Stark generation, like for now Robb's eldest children.
I tried to make it less set in stone, by not showing Bran what he would find and by making it "a possible and likely future" instead of a "certain future." However, I understand and appreciate your remarks. Thank you for the other compliments and your loyal support to the story.
- Scifiromance: I'm glad you liked it. Yes, Robb couldn't just go and leave. It took him 7 weeks instead of 3 from (planning in) Winterfell to beyond Castle Black. Thank you for your support.
- WolfStark: Thank you! Did you like the update on the other kingdoms?
- Foxy-Floof: Exactly! Two female direwolves (for the two legitimate male lines of House Stark) will keep the family going. It wouldn't be unheard of for their descendants to mate with direwolves from the other's litters thereby ensuring their line for a while. However, you are right that new blood might need to be added from time to time. This conundrum will be addressed in a future chapter. However, there are still thousands of direwolves north of the Wall, so the species won't go extinct.
- MartyJWykes: Thank you! I won't spoil the future, but the Faith Militant still exists (and thrives) in the Reach for the moment!
Glad that it works! For the Starks it is actually pretty believable. Many of their 2nd and 3rd sons went to the Wall, other times nephews or others did. This significantly limited the family tree's size. Far removed cousins are alive in Houses Umber, Cerwyn and Royce and the descendants of Artos the Implacable in canon, but I agree that there could be a lot mor.
- Supremus85: It was actually Bran who asked it haha, but the gist of it remains the same. I really enjoyed writing that part. Ser Brynden Tully is Robb's most trusted and important protector and advisor and Bran's mentor and idol and he won't help them with them Rickon because of his own stubborn ideals.
- Rebfan90: Thank you so much!
- Force Smuggler: Thank you!
- Wolflord456: Thank you for your support!
- George Christian810: Thank you! This could easily safe the direwolves for a few generations, but new blood should be added at some point. More on that later, but for now they are secure.
- Poly19hum: Thank you for the compliment. Yeah, the cliffhanger was real especially with the time jump, but I hope you had your closure in this chapter.
- Graycup113: Thank you so much! I know it isn't mentioned that much normally, but without it you can't build up a state. Many others just deus ex machina infrastructure and money that should take years. The last chapter had less infrastructure and from chapter 81 onwards it will be A LOT less again.
Tommen was captured when the Red Keep surrendered. Myrcella was handed over to Robb by Doran Martell. Tommen was sent to the Wall and Myrcella to the Septs, both taking a vow of chastity so that Tywin's line ends with them.