Chapter 11 – Unexpected News
Winterfell -5th month of 273 – Week 3 –1st day
The Starks in Winterfell
As they broke their fast in the great hall, a servant entered the hall at a run, clutching a scroll in his hand. "Lord Stark! A Raven from Kings Landing!" He panted out as he held out the scroll.
Rickard took the scroll, and opened it with a nod of thanks. He read it, then re-read it.
5th month of 273 – Week 2 – 4th day. Lord Stark,
The king received Lady Karlyn and your missive. Your request for 18,000 new men for the Nights Watch has been granted by the King. He has ordered all the male small folk from Fleas Bottom aged 15 to 45 to the Wall. Their Families are to follow and are to be settled in the Gift. The King has given us a week to send them north. The first boats will go north within the next few days, and I will be sending caravans of them north by land within the week. I know this is not what you wanted. The king will not be deterred. What supplies we have been able to get together will go with them. Karlyn is safe and will be heading to Casterly Rock in 2 days' time with my wife. – Lord Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King.
The scroll fell to the table as Rickard processed the contents of the scroll. Brandon reached out and took the scroll and then he muttered a curse his mother would have washed his mouth out for.
Rickard stood and looked at the servant. "Get me Cassel and Poole Now!"
Nodding the man ran from the hall.
"Father?" Asked Lyanna softly trying to read the scroll over Brandon's shoulder. But he blocked her. He stood to stand beside their father.
Rickard looked at his two youngest children. "Lyanna, once you and Benjen have finished your meal, go find Nan and tell her you are both her's today."
Lyanna nodded but she was curious.
Rickard was about to continue when Eli and Jai ran in to the hall. "Ah, good. Brandon, you are with us. We have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it."
Brandon nodded and handed the scroll back to his father as they left the hall. Lyanna and Benjen exchanged looks then sat back down to finish their breakfast.
== Lord Stark's Study ==
The instant the doors closed behind the 4, Lord Stark handed the scroll to Eli who read it, going pale before handing it to Jai.
Once both men had read it they turned to the Stark. "My Lord, What are your orders?"
"Ravens must fly." Rickard said. "To every keep in the north, letting them know of this. There are more than thirty thousand people in Fleas Bottom, and if they are sending everyone, then we are going to have an influx of elderly and children. None of whom are suited for the weather in the North. And not to mention the sickness that they may bring. We will need healers, clothing, bedding, tents to begin with. Wood for houses." He sat down in his chair. "And the crown will not be helping us with it financially for sure."
Brandon looked at the Map. "Boats will come to White Harbour. Lord Manderly can house a few thousand outside White Harbour for a few days while we prepare the Gift. We would have what? 4 weeks?"
"Depending on Winds, we could have 6." Jai replied.
"And those marching north, we have about the same. They will be slower, and it will be harder for them." Eli added.
Brandon nodded and then looked at his father.
Rickard picked up a quill and began to write. The note was short but succinct.
The king is sending all small folk from Kings Landing to the North. They are to settle in the gift and all men aged 15 to 45 are to be given to the Nights Watch. All lords are to send the following to Queenscrown: Tents, Food, Wood-Fire and building Supplies, clothes, blankets. As much as can be spared. – Lord Stark, Winterfell 5th month of 273 – Week 3 –1st day
He handed it over to Jai. "Copy this, send every raven to every keep except White Harbour. For the one for White Harbour, inform him that boats are inbound and he can send the supplies with the Small folk when they arrive."
"Lord Bryan Bolton will be setting up that training place at Queenscrown." Eli said calmly. "That will assist with the building of the Settlements."
Jai nodded. "I will get wagons loaded and on the road by tomorrow morning."
"Take as many men as you need." Rickard said. "And that Inn near Queenscrown will be a good place to inventory our new residents. I know only little bits remain, but rebuild it, and start on the houses in the village. The apple trees will supplement food and the Oak Trees, cut them down where possible and prepare the wood. We have 4 weeks to get it started."
Jai nodded.
"Father, I believe that tour you wished me to do, is now no longer an idea."
"No, you depart for Moat Cailin with a small force to greet the people coming by land. Tomorrow."
"Aye Father." Brandon nodded.
Orders given, Rickard dismissed them and they all went about their jobs. Ravens flew like a black cloud from the Rookery of Winterfell.
The next day wagons loaded with supplies, troops, both mounted and on foot, left Winterfell heading for the New Gift, and Queenscrown, and a small troop headed south to the ruins of Moat Cailin.
Lyanna watched from the battlements with Benjen perched on a box as Brandon and his group rode south. Their Aunt would be arriving that day so they would need to be down in the court yard soon. At least when their Aunt arrived things would be a bit better.
Author Notes:
Wow loving all the follows and likes for my story. Reviews are welcome too. – This is just a short chapter to set in place the