White Harbor was exactly as Ned remembered it. From far off, the city was like white marble, the masts of the ships creating a wood forest, but instead of leaves, there were all colors of sailcloth. As the Fisher King got closer, the whiteness of the city became marred and uneven as the sea and wind had stripped the building blocks to their original color.
Then the smell hit the Lord of Winterfell. Hundreds of unwashed bodies combined with the smell of fish created a very unpleasant smell.
"What's that smell?" Arya asked, holding her nose as she walked up to her father.
"That's the smell of the sea." Ned laughed. "It'll be over once we move past the harbor."
"It's horrible!" Arya protested.
Ned laughed again. He had many feverish dreams about his daughters while he had been transported from King's Landing to Braavos. Sansa was the perfect lady, just as Catelyn had been when Ned had first met her. But Arya, Arya was Lyanna through and through. Unapologetically herself.
He ruffled his daughter's hair. "How are your lessons going?"
When Derren's agents had gone looking for Arya in the city after she had escaped the Red Keep, they had come across Syrio Forel, her dancing master who had gone looking for her as well. After explaining to Forel who they were and why they were looking for Arya, and finding out who he was and why he was looking for her, they teamed up and found Ned's daughter chasing after a rat.
For Arya's safety, she hadn't been told who the agents were, only that they were old friends of House Stark. It was only after Syrio had said that they could be trusted were they able to coax Arya on board the ship bound for Braavos.
Arya then spent her entire voyage and her time at Snowfall training with Forel while Ned developed and beat a fever. She now looked like a true braavo, with a leather jerkin, knee-high boots, and her hair pulled back in a simple knot that her mother would find unladylike.
But she looked extremely happy.
Arya proudly showed her father her hands. They were red and raw from climbing the rigging and fencing.
"They're going really well!" She said happily.
Ned smiled. "I'm glad. I don't know how your mother will react, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."
"Will mother still love me?" Arya asked quietly, the happy smile fading.
Ned bent over, still unable to kneel because of his knee, and placed his hand on Arya's shoulder, looking her in the eye. "Arya, what you saw in King's Landing with the Lannisters and Robert, that's not family. Jon, Robb, Sansa, Rickon, Bran, your mother and I will always love you. No matter what. Do you understand me?"
Arya nodded. Ned smiled, patting her on the shoulder. "When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies…."
"But the pack survives." Arya finished firmly.
"Never forget it." Ned said as he turned his gaze back towards the city. Now, the first ships of the fleet were making their way into the harbor. Waiting on the docks, decked in silver-armor and wielding tridents and shields, were a squad of city guards under the command of a knight wearing ornate and decorative armor. He did not wield a trident but did have a bejeweled longsword at his side.
As the ship came to a stop alongside the dock, the guards turned and stamped their tridents on the dock as their commander walked to the edge of the ship, a curious scowl on his face.
"Who is the captain here?" He asked, not stepping onto the ship. Ned knew that it would be a dangerous breach of protocol if he were to step aboard without permission.
Jorah Fisher stepped forward, leaving the tiller in the command of his first mate. He nodded to the knight.
"That would be me, ser," he answered.
"And who would you be?" The knight barked.
"Jorah Fisher, ser, of the Company of the Rose," he answered proudly.
The knight scowled. "The Company of the Rose?" He asked. "Come to fight for the Boltons have you? Well…."
Before he could finish, Ned stepped forward. "Ser Marlon, is it not? Cousin of Lord Wyman?"
The look on the knight's face was priceless. His jaw nearly dropped into the sea and his eyes widened to comically purported. Ned hid his grin. Ser Marlon Manderly had always been a bit of a stick, but it was nice to catch him off guard now and then.
He immediately dropped to his knee. "Lord Stark, we heard you were dead."
Ned resisted the urge to smirk. "As you can see, I am not. The men of the Company of the Rose rescued me and brought me home. Not only that, but there are northern lords among them who have been away from home for a long time. Is this how you will welcome home long-lost friends and allies?"
The knight shook his head. "Of course not, my lord. Forgive me."
Ned nodded. "You are forgiven. Now make sure that these men are given the utmost respect and help should they need it. Four thousand warriors have traveled a long way so that our home can be saved."
"Of course, my lord." Ser Marlon answered still on his knee.
Ned turned to Jorah, who had a small smile on his face as he watched the byplay. "Jorah, please tell Derren and Steffon to meet me at the castle."
The captain of the Fisher King gave a slight bow. "Of course, my lord."
Ned, with a little bit of help from Fisher, stepped onto the dock, reaching out a hand behind him to help Arya, Syrio appearing behind her as well. "Now, Ser Marlon, would you be so kind as to escort us to see your cousin."
The knight nodded and stood up. At a barked command, the squad formed up on either side of Lord Stark and his daughter as they began to walk towards the castle. Ned quickly looked around before they left the harbor, catching sight of a sail that he had not seen since Robert's Rebellion.
"Many of these ships do not look like traders." He commented as they walked into the city proper.
"Quite right, my lord." Ser Marlon said, now over his shock and back to his haughty self. "I'm not sure how much you've heard about King Robb's success, but after he defeated Stannis Baratheon at Storm's End, the Masters of Driftmark and the Onion Knight pledged their loyalty to the king. As did a band of lysene pirates if I am also correct. After having them capture Dragonstone, they effectively cut off King's Landing from all trade. Up until a few months ago when a large fleet of ships came from Essos bearing many armed men and there were even the rumors of dragons."
Ser Marlon shook his head. "Utter madness, if you ask me my lord, but the small fleet fled here. They arrived a few days ago."
"There was word that the last remaining Targaryen girl managed to put together an army." Ned answered. He and Derren had spoken about it on the voyage from Braavos to the North. His cousin still wasn't sure what the entire story was, but the girl now had an army and a fleet. "I believe she went back to the castle of her ancestors."
"I will have to take your word for it, my lord." Ser Marlon said as they walked. "You have arrived right in the nick of time."
"Oh?" Ned asked, a sick feeling seeping into his stomach. "Why is that?"
"Your….sons are having quite a bit of success." Ser Marlon said, hesitating for some reason on the words 'sons'. "King Robb had defeated Tywin Lannister with the help of the Knights of the Vale who have finally come to their senses. And your natural son is set to take Moat Cailin if he has not already."
Ned then realized why the men hesitated on sons. Ser Marlon is a man set in his ways and is one who looks down upon bastards.
"That is good to hear." Ned answered. "I am happy that Lady Lysa has finally sent her men to aid Robb."
Ser Marlon shook his head. "Apparently Lady Lysa Arryn had an unfortunate accident that took the lives of her and her son Robert. A young man by the name of Harrold Hardyng is now Lord of the Eyrie, although I haven't the faintest idea why."
"Harrold Hardyng?" Ned muttered to himself before the dots connected. "He is the grandson of Jon's sister. He was the next in line after Jon's son Robert."
The knight nodded. "Indeed. Well, he and the forces of the Vale have finally joined the fight. Soon enough, I believe that we will have word that King Robb has taken the capital."
By now, the small party had entered the castle and were just outside the doors leading to the Merman's Court.
Ned turned to Ser Marlon. "Ser, I am sorry if I barked at you earlier. That was wrong of me."
The knight shook his head. "Quite alright, my lord."
Ned nodded and turned as the doors were opened. Ned was the first to enter, his cane marking his every step. Forel and Arya were right behind him. Sitting on a massive throne in front of him, perched on a mountain of cushions, a platter of food within hands reach was Wyman Manderly, Lord of White Harbor.
Wyman had always been a massive man, but since the end of Robert's Rebellion, he had let himself go. His enormous gut sat casually on his equally fat thighs while his sausage-like fingers twirled his wispy beard. But for his appearance, all Ned was gazing at was his eyes. Pale blue and intelligent.
"Lord Stark!" Wyman cried, staggering down from his throne and bowing deeply to his liege lord. "When I heard that you were alive I could scarcely believe it!"
Ned smiled and clasped arms with the fat man. "Wyman, it's good to see you again. I can't tell you how glad I am that you have not sided with the Boltons."
Wyman snorted. "Oh, Roose tried all kinds of ways to win my allegiance," he said. "But he should have known that the North has no king but one, and his name is one."
Ned raised an eyebrow. "Interesting phrase. Don't think I've ever heard it before."
"When Bolton sent out messages across the North declaring himself Lord Paramount and asking for all to bend the knee to him, Maege's youngest I think responded with one phrase. That was it." The big lord held his belly and chuckled heartily.
"Leave it to one of the She-Bear's girls to shut the Leech Lord up."
Ned snorted and turned, ushering Arya forward. "Lord Wyman, I don't believe you've met my youngest daughter. Arya, meet Lord Wyman Manderly, Lord of White Harbor, Warden of the White Knife, Lord Marshall of the Mander."
The big lord smiled kindly at the small girl. "My lady, you are a stunning replica of your aunt if I might say so myself."
Arya went to curtsey, but then stopped herself before giving a simple bow. Wyman erupted with laughter. "She's a She-Wolf alright, my lord."
"Wyman, your cousin filled me in with what's happened with Robb, the Vale, and Jon. Is there anything else I should know?"
Wyman stomped back to his throne, doing his best to get back on it with dignity, which he ultimately failed at. When he was finally seated, he popped a piece of fruit in his mouth and chewed thoughtfully.
"Had he mentioned the Onion Knight?" Wyman asked. "Lomas, go fetch the Onion Knight and Lord Velaryon."
"Velaryon is here too?" Ned asked.
Wyman nodded, his four chin wobbling as he did. "Indeed. The man brought nearly five hundred men with him along with an impressive fleet. Oh, and a lysene man that I find quite entertaining."
"And they're loyal to Robb?" Ned asked.
Wyman nodded again. "I was skeptical myself. He's been my 'guest' until I can get a message to Riverrun."
"And Stannis? I heard that he died, but I do not have the full facts." Ned continued.
Wyman grimaced. "I asked the man the very same question, as he was said to be very close with Stannis." Wyman shook his head. "Best you hear it from the man himself. I still have trouble believing it."
Ned and Wyman waited for a moment before the doors in which the servant had exited were opened, revealing three men. The first was easy to recognize as Ned had met him before. Ser Davos Seaworth had aged slightly but was still easily recognizable by his simple clothing and his shortened hand. Behind him were two men who looked fairly similar to each other. One man wore sea-green silks and had a silver seahorse brooch on his breast. His fair hair and blue-purple eyes marked him as a Velaryon. Based on the way he was dressed, Ned guessed that he was Lord Velaryon.
The second man had silver-gold hair and grey-green eyes, wearing neat and well-made sailing clothes with a wide-brimmed cap and a long, black came that was lined with sea-green. On his black leather vest, he wore was a silver seahorse.
"Lord Stark?" Ser Davos said, stopping suddenly before bowing. "I did not expect you to be alive."
Ned nodded. "Aye, I heard that the Lannisters faked my death," he turned to the other two men. "I take it you are Lord Velaryon and….."
"Aurane Waters, my lord." The second man answered simply. "Natural son to the late Lord Velaryon."
"We have not met before, not even at the Tourney of Harrenhal." Lord Velaryon spoke up now. "I am Monford Velaryon, Master of Driftmark."
Ned nodded to him again. "Lord Wyman tells me that you are all pledged to my son."
"We are, my lord." Ser Davos answered. "After Lord Stannis was killed outside Storm's End, King Robb asked that we become his allies or his prisoners. All we had to do was, well, make Joffrey's life hell."
Ned smiled a little at the man's frankness. "And how did he want you to accomplish this?"
"Before the other lords of the Blackwater joined the boy, Joffrey had no fleet save for some traders," Monford explained. "All we had to do was capture any traders going in and out of King's Landing."
"Cut them at sea," Ned said. "And now you are here."
"Seaworth had ships patrolling around Dragonstone that would get any ships that strayed too close to the island." Aurane Waters said. "It was them that saw the fleet….and the dragons."
Ned glanced at Wyman, who shrugged. "You are sure they saw dragons?"
Seaworth nodded. "The men say that they were no bigger than ponies, my lord, but they swear on all the gods that they saw them."
Ned stroked his beard. "My cousin said much the same thing he mused."
"I did." Derren Stark said, marching into the hall with a stout blonde man. Derren bowed to Lord Wyman. "My lord, I am Derren Stark, Leader of the Company of the Rose."
Wyman nodded to the man, but his gaze was on the blonde man, who bowed as well. "Well met, cousin. I am Steffon Manderly."
Wyman looked stunned. Ned quickly stepped in to explain. "When the Company of the Rose was formed, all the houses of the North sent cousins or third sons so that northern houses could live on in case the Targaryens burned the North."
Wyman nodded quickly, still shocked, but he understood. Ned turned back to his cousin. "Derren, I am glad you are here. This is Ser Davos Seaworth, Lord Monford Velaryon, and his brother Aurane Waters. They serve my son."
Derren nodded to them all. "Greetings."
"Ser Davos was Stannis' right-hand man." Ned continued. "You said that the details of his death were hazy."
Derren nodded. "From what my sources have found, yes."
Seaworth scratched his beard, looking like he had aged five years. "It's a tale that you may not believe, my lord, but it's the truth. I want that to be known before I start."
"Very well," Ned said. "Go on."
"Lord Stannis had gotten mixed up with a red priestess. His older brother constantly looking over him to congratulate others might have pushed him towards the woman, but the outcome was the same; he fell under her thrall," Ser Davos began.
"She was a witch?" Ned asked.
Seaworth hesitated. "I'm not sure what she was, my lord, but she had powers, I know that for sure. She managed to convince Stannis that he was someone called Az….Ah…."
"Azor Ahai." Derren helped. "It's a fabled hero that's supposed to save the world from a great darkness. It's a myth told by the followers of R'hllor."
Seaworth nodded. "To the point, my lord, Stannis used this priestess to use some sort of shadow magic that killed Renly and almost King Robb as well."
"Shadow magic?" Derren asked. "She's a shadow-binder?"
Seaworth shrugged. "Don't know, my lord. The woman was killed by drowning after Dragonstone had been taken."
"Probably for the best," Ned said grimly. "How did Stannis die?"
"He helped create the creature." Seaworth answered. "When your son destroyed one, that harmed Stannis. I saw a thin cut from his collar to his hip that I had never seen before. When the shadow went after King Robb again, and he destroyed it, Stannis died as well. It looked like he had been stabbed in the chest."
Derren nodded, his face just as grim as Ned's. "Aye, that sounds right. The only way to kill a shadow-demon is with obsidian or valyrian steel."
"Robb has valyrian steel?" Ned asked curiously.
Seaworth shrugged again. "I can't answer that, my lord. All I know is that he is responsible for destroying the demons and inadvertently killing Stannis. And now Lord Velaryon, Captain Waters, and myself are here. The fleet sailing towards Dragonstone bore the banners of House Targaryen."
"Then the Targaryen girl has arrived back in Westeros," Ned said, looking at his cousin. "Robb must be warned."
"I will send out a rider and a raven immediately." Wyman offered helpfully.
"I will see if Alec can get a message to his wife," Derren added.
"My lord, you should also know that the ironborn are mostly gone from the North," Wyman said, switching the conversation point now. "All they control now is Deepwood Motte."
Ned smiled slightly. "So Bolton is alone."
Wyman nodded. "He's been sitting at the Dreadfort ever since he returned to the North. The Ryswells and the Dustins have been unable to take Eagle's Roost and Arnolf Karstark has tried twice to take the Last Hearth, but both attempts have been unsuccessful."
"His forces are divided," Ned said. "The Company shall ride out at once and join with Jon's men at Moat Cailin."
"I shall send what reinforcements I can under Ser Marlon's command," Wyman said.
Ned nodded. "Ser Davos, we will talk more before I leave. For now, there is much to do and little time to do it. Cousin," he said, turning to Derren. "Welcome back to the North."