Robb Stark. Winterfell.
Sitting in my father's study at his own desk, I sorted through document after document, with my mother standing beside me to help, sorting them by importance and taking care of anything minor. It had become a new routine for me once my father left Winterfell and I took over his duties.
Every morning, right after breakfast, and every evening, like now, I'd come here and sometimes stay up late into the night. The day was taken up with training, rounds, minor matters, and so on. As a result, I had almost no free time. I couldn't even play with Bran and Rickon, simply because I was busy and my mother was doing it. And then there's this visit, or rather inspection, of the Slates, to Blackwater, because last reports say they're suspiciously quiet and docile.
I must say, once we started producing paper, the work became easier. Whereas earlier versions required more storage space and some careful handling, there are no such problems now. The office had to be expanded a bit to put extra furniture to hold the papers, and a hidden stash behind it for particularly important types of it.
Since there was a chance they could have been stolen or something, where the stash was located was known only by my father as lord, my mother as his right hand, and me as heir. Finding it was almost impossible, as to open the stash one would have to lower a tiny lever inside a certain shelf, and an intruder would need to get information from one of us to find it.
There were many such papers, and most of them were devoted to important information, gleaned from the reports of spies from as far north and south as our men could get. They came every half month through roundabouts: through guards, merchants, ravens, and even prostitutes. In the end there was a lot of work to be done, but it was no less necessary.
After receiving and reviewing the reports for this period, I had an idea. I may not be Lord of the North at this point, but I think it's worth it. Not only are the reports themselves in its favor, but also the new situation in the North.
Lord Solomon has spurred the development of this unfriendly land. A couple of ideas drawn from his stories were able to improve the circulation of money, food, construction, and so on. This is especially thanks to the production of glass, which we used to build greenhouses. They have made it possible to almost completely solve the food issue, and we now buy only one-tenth of what we used to buy.
Really, it's not just them, it's the hunting. From time to time, Father has encouraged the villagers to take up hunting to replenish their supplies, through ransom. Winterfell bought back either parts, like hides and meat, or all of it, which helped stimulate the "economy," as Lord Solomon explained it. Residents spent more money, and the coffers were replenished accordingly. Plus, it allowed for a slight increase in tax, not without improving the lives of the northerners.
The city of Winterfell, located at the walls of Winterfell, is slowly expanding. Before leaving, father gave his approval to the builders and engineers. The city could not be called a full city before, but now the first phase of construction has begun.
The plan is ambitious, but also costly. As it is still winter, raw materials have been procured and, if possible, processed, but it will soon be over, and with spring everything will come into motion.
Because of more money, it has become more favorable. People from all over Westeros who are not happy with the South are flocking here. In theory, this could be considered desertion, but since they are still subject to the Crown, the problem is solved through taxation. Besides, there's plenty of work here.
At the moment we have enough money to rebuild Kailin's Ditch to improve logistics between North and South, but not enough workers. Even though new recruits are coming in steadily, there are still not enough of them, even if we offer them certain incentives, like not having to pay tax for the first three months of their lives. And then there's the matter of the Crown's permission to build a fortress and a small town around it.
I sighed tiredly, rubbing my eyes, and went back to work.
- You should rest, Robb," my mother said a little worriedly, "You even skipped dinner.
- I'll eat when I'm done, don't worry. Not much left, judging by this stack," I shook my head, "Besides, take a look.
- What is it? - She asked and took a certain report in her hand - A financial report? What are you referring to?
- It's this one. - Now I pulled out a map of Westeros and, unfolding it on the table, pointed to one place.
- The Darkwood? What do the Glovers and the finance report have to do with it? - Raised an eyebrow at my mother.
- Do you think Lord Glover would allow a shipyard to be built near Darkwood? - I asked, at which she rounded her eyes in surprise.
- Why a shipyard? - Mother asked, and then thought for a moment - Ironborn? You're wary of them, aren't you? But why a shipyard? Wouldn't fortifying the castle be more effective? And as I recall, one of the Greyjoy children is in White Harbor as a hostage. I don't think they're going to do anything about it, especially after their failed rebellion. And Kailin's Moat will be able to turn a profit, unlike the shipyard, and there's only enough gold for one scheme.
- Maybe I'm being paranoid, but since the North is thriving right now, there's nothing stopping the Greyjoys from trying to get their piece of the pie. On this side of Westeros, we have no acceptable defenses against them, nor do we have the ships to fight back. Their goal is to plunder, not fight, and so they can bypass fortresses and patrols. There are more than enough materials in that area, and the Mormonts would be only too happy to help and provide shipbuilders.
- But won't they be setting themselves up with this? Their plundering will be seen as treason against the crown, and this time His Majesty will show no mercy. And I don't think he'll look past building a fleet," Mother shook her head, then suddenly froze, "No, wait. The Greyjoys will just say it wasn't them, but common pirates or wildlings. But you're forgetting that there's no advantage to the Glovers in agreeing to such a thing. The same Greyjoys might well steal the ships, and you'd just paint a target on the Dark Forest. It takes money to maintain a shipyard, too.
- I hadn't thought of that. But I don't need a fleet, at least not yet, but a couple of fast little ships to get word of an attack in time," I sighed, and then propped my head up with my hand, "Maybe this really isn't my best idea.
- Well, I wouldn't say that.
The third voice startled both my mother and me, as we both jumped up and down in our seats, looking for its source. It was, of course, Lady Kinvara, who had entered the study unnoticed by both of us and had been here for an unknown amount of time.
- Lady Kinvara! You frightened me! - Mother said in an agitated voice.
- Yes... Could you make us aware of your presence, please? I wouldn't want to die so early and so foolishly. - I added, taking a couple of deep breaths.
- But getting back to the topic, your idea is not a bad one.
- What do you mean? - I understand what Robb wants, but our hands are tied.
- Euron Greyjoy. - said Lady Kinvara's name and fell silent, as if to explain everything.
- I beg your pardon? - I didn't understand - As far as I know, he's the younger brother of the current Lord Pyke, but he deserted and not much is known about him.
- That's right. He hasn't been seen since the rebellion," Mother added, "What does that have to do with him?
- For years he's been pirating in the Slaver's Bay and near Volantis, but now his range has changed. It has shifted to Lyss and Dorne, closer to us. I don't know its purpose, but it's definitely headed for the Iron Islands, at least that's what I've been told.
- Uh, relayed? - Mother inquired.
- Lyss is known for its brothels, and there are plenty of women who follow the Lord of Light. Euron Greyjoy has stayed there, of course he told me. He also has a decent fleet.
I wondered.
It's strange. Why would he come back? Father told me he burned Tywin Lannister's fleet during the rebellion, and is now a declared traitor to the Crown. To show his face here is to commit suicide. There has been no important news from Lordport, where Pyke is, and I don't think our men could have missed anything.
- And what do you suggest, Lady Kinvara? To rebuild the shipyard after all? - I asked, to which she nodded in the affirmative - But then what about the king? He will demand answers. We will definitely attract attention, as the Master over the Whisperers is somehow getting information unseen from us.
- Oh? This matter is quite solvable. - Lady Kinvara said calmly and glanced at her mother. The latter didn't quite understand what the look was about at first, judging by the look on her face, but after a few seconds it seemed to dawn on her. The mother nodded briefly and thought for a moment.
- Uh... I don't understand? - I spoke my thoughts.
- It's all right, Robb. We can start the layout of the shipyard, I'll explain it to you later," Mother said, and then headed for the exit, "I need to have a word with Lady Kinvara. Don't stay out too late.
- Okay?
With that, they left the study, leaving me alone.
I didn't realize what silent agreement they'd come to, but since it was on them, it was worth getting back to work. There was no point in worrying, as their loyalty was assured, as was their interest in the success of Stark House.
Shaking my head, I put the map away and pulled out the messages the ravens had delivered. Ten minutes later, when most of them had been read and sorted, I got my hands on one that had been sent by Ser Denys of the Twilight Tower. It intrigued me, as letters rarely came from there. Once every two or three months at most, regarding uniforms or composition.
I unfolded the letter and began to read it, and when I did, I grinned and wondered at the same time.
Jon is in a band with the wildlings? And he needs me to confirm what he's saying? I don't know what he's up to, but if that's the way it is, then ...
- Get me Maester Luwin, I need to send a raven! - I shouted a moment later as I finished writing my reply. Not five minutes later, he appeared and came into the study after knocking.
- My lord. - He greeted me and bowed.
- Send this to the Twilight Tower, and pick the fastest raven. It's about John. - I said and handed him the letter.
- Of course. Is it something serious?
- I wouldn't say so," I grinned, "He's got his usual adventures on his ass.
- I see," Luwin smiled, and then bowed, "If I may.
And with those words he left the office, and I was alone again around the shelves of papers and the lamp on the desk.
Almost done, and then we can eat. Better to get everything done for today than increase the amount of work for tomorrow. Maybe I'll even get to play with Bran and Rickon... At least I hope so....
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Kinvara. Winterfell.
After leaving Lord Stark's office, Lady Stark and I headed to the balcony where we planned to talk details. Once we were there, she walked to the railing and looked out into the distance, and I stood just behind her. A silence hung between us, but each of us realized exactly what we had to discuss.
- Do you think this will work? - She started without turning her head.
- I think it can't help but work. The content of your letters may not have changed much, but he's definitely noticed that he's undermined your trust. This is a chance to win it back that he can't help but take. His position allows him to do so, after all. And Robb will be just about to leave Winterfell when you're in the public eye, as well as responsible for the Stark family.
- But isn't that a little too obvious? Even I think it looks like I'm trying to take advantage of him.
- He loves you," I said with an indifferent smile, "And people tend to act rashly when they have that feeling.
- Speaking from experience? - Lady Stark grinned, turning to face me. And at those words, I froze without even noticing it.
- It is... perhaps," I said, coming to my senses, "And there are more than enough cases of it. After all, I've seen it with my own eyes, and I'm quite old, mind you.
- Dodged an arrow, eh? - But now that you're on the subject, how old are you? I've heard of the magic of the Red Priestesses, but that's about it. They are said to live for over a hundred years, keeping their beauty and youthfulness, is that true?
- With certain conditions, but it's true. Besides, it's very rude to ask a lady's age, isn't it?
- Then I'm lucky I'm not a lady, but an old lady, aren't I? - she laughed, and I laughed back.
- You're one to talk.
- Well, you can't escape the truth," Lady Stark shrugged and turned to leave, "I'm going to my room. I need to make preparations and send him a letter to get him ready. Good night, Lady Kinvara, or rather, Old Lady Kinvara.
- You too, old Cat.
With that, she left, and I went to my room, thinking.
Perhaps I should contact Lord Solomon...? No, not today. I don't want to distract him from his business. Perhaps later, sometime.
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