To be honest, when Wyman Manderly received a message from his granddaughter Wylla via raven, he nearly choked on his Arbor Gold wine.
Gods above, what has that rascal Clay done in Winterfell?
Slaughtering Lannisters like livestock in front of the queen, Wyman had to admit, it was satisfying. But he was also shocked by Clay's audacity.
Upon receiving the message, he immediately issued a gag order to the maester in charge of the ravens, not even informing his two sons who were training soldiers outside, even though Wendel Manderly was Clay's father.
The next morning at breakfast, he announced his intention to visit Winterfell, leaving his eldest son Wylis to manage the household.
Though curious, no one dared to question Count Wyman.
Thus, Clay's grandfather set out with 100 of White Harbor's elite heavy cavalry and 100 auxiliary soldiers, covering in five days what had taken Clay and his group over a week to traverse.
News of his march north naturally reached Duke Eddard Stark of Winterfell early. Eddard had no choice but to allow it. The man was anxious to rescue his heir and, being a fellow Northerner, Eddard couldn't order Count Wyman to turn back.
King Robert, who had planned a hunting trip, canceled his plans upon hearing the news. During the rebellion, the Northern cavalry from White Harbor had left a deep impression on him.
As a king who had won his throne through combat, Robert's veins constantly surged with violent energy. So, he preferred to see this troop over hunting.
Standing atop the high tower of Winterfell's eastern gate, King Robert and Duke Eddard Stark stood side by side. The king, draped in a massive fur cloak, cursed under his breath:
"Seven hells, Ned, what kind of place do you live in? It's summer, for gods' sake! I bet King's Landing isn't this cold even in winter. How do you Northerners survive?"
Duke Eddard smiled wryly, noting his once lean brother's now corpulent figure, and murmured:
"Your Grace, Northerners and the Stark family have long grown accustomed to this. We will endure."
"I know... I know... you Starks are a stubborn lot, cold as stone."
They fell silent, Eddard knowing Robert was thinking of Lyanna again. Ever since he arrived in Winterfell, everything seemed to remind him of his deceased betrothed.
Eddard felt the same, though he had the solace of visiting his sister's tomb whenever he wished.
From this high tower, only the banners of the crowned stag and the direwolf could be seen. The detestable Lannister banner was nowhere in sight.
About ten minutes later, the sound of distant horns reached them.
Banners of deep blue mermaids appeared in the eyes of the king and the Duke of Winterfell.
Wyman Manderly, lord of White Harbor, had arrived with his troops before the king's entourage.
As the troops advanced to a distance where Robert could see clearly, he shot a surprised look at Eddard Stark, asking in bewilderment:
"Seven hells, Ned, these are your vassal's troops? Why are they so well-equipped? Damn it! I thought only Tywin's army looked like this."
As Warden of the North, Duke Eddard was well aware of his vassals' capabilities. So, he was only slightly surprised by the sight of such a well-armed cavalry unit, showing little emotion.
He patted the king's shoulder and explained:
"Your Grace, the Manderly family... they rule White Harbor, the fifth largest city in Westeros. Supporting such a troop is quite reasonable."
"If I had armies like this back in the day, I would have stormed King's Landing and wiped out those dragonspawn in a month," Robert said fiercely.
Duke Eddard frowned slightly and said in a low voice:
"You've already accomplished that, my lord."
"No... no, it's not enough. Do you know, Ned, across the Narrow Sea, the last of the dragon bloodline still hides there. I want to wipe them all out!" The king's voice was low, but the burning anger and unquenchable hatred were unmistakable.
Eddard Stark didn't want to delve into this topic, so he said:
"Your Grace, I should go meet Wyman Manderly."
"Go ahead, Ned. Tell that old eel not to trouble the queen. For my sake, Wyman can take his grandson and granddaughter away anytime. The Lannisters won't dare stop him."
With that last statement, Eddard Stark felt it was the most kingly thing Robert had said all day.
...
At the front of the formation, sitting in a grand and luxurious carriage, Count Wyman ordered the troops to halt.
Through the window, he could see the 500 Winterfell cavalry lined up opposite them, and his liege lord, standing beneath a giant direwolf banner, gazing at him from afar.
Having achieved his goal, Count Wyman spoke to the coachman, then dismounted and walked alone towards the direwolf banner without any guards.
From a distance, his deep, hoarse voice rang out:
"My lord!"
As Count Wyman approached, Eddard Stark nodded slightly and dismounted.
Aware of the trouble he had caused his liege, Count Wyman was straightforward, bowing deeply.
Eddard Stark, understanding his purpose, didn't make things difficult. He helped him up, and they chatted as they entered Winterfell.
"My lord, about that boy Clay..." Count Wyman ventured.
"Your grandson sure knows how to stir up trouble. But he's much smarter than your two sons."
With that, Eddard led Count Wyman towards the dungeon, not bothering to explain further.
The king's words were true. Though he understood Count Wyman's actions, the Manderly family's move bordered on coercion. If the queen made a fuss, the king, despite his wishes, couldn't support such behavior.
So, to swiftly cut the knot, he needed Count Wyman to take his grandchildren and leave, preventing further incidents.
Walking briskly, Duke Eddard's pace was so fast that the portly Count Wyman struggled to keep up, sweating profusely.
Upon reaching the dungeon, the White Harbor guards, upon seeing Duke Eddard, prepared to salute but immediately noticed their lord behind him and bowed their heads in silence.
The guards of White Harbor had failed to protect their heir and allowed a noble lady to be harassed by a Lannister. They felt deeply responsible.
Count Wyman, panting heavily, glared at the White Harbor guards before following Eddard Stark into the dungeon. Right now, rescuing the heir took precedence; he could deal with the guards later.
As they neared Clay's cell, Duke Eddard paused. His nose told him someone was drinking inside, and his ears confirmed there were three familiar voices.
Frowning, he kicked the cell door open, glaring at the three youths merrily drinking inside.
The boys' smiles froze on their faces.