The crowd fell silent, absorbing his words. Robert leaned forward, intrigued, while Cersei's expression shifted to one of interest, her displeasure momentarily forgotten. The other nobles exchanged glances, weighing the implications of Narcius's declaration.
Robert turned to his hand and best friend, Eddard Stark. "Well, Ed? Skagos is part of the North. Is it true he's the bastard-born of House Magnar?"
Eddard looked thoughtful, his brow furrowed. "It is true that Skagos is a part of the North but in name only. Any contact with the bannermen there has been lost. It's been a long time since anyone from Skagos entered the halls of Winterfell."
"I'm sorry, Your Grace," Eddard continued, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. "I can't confirm or deny the words of this man. I will send a raven or men to House Magnar, but I'm not sure how long it will take to get a response."
"Ah, to the Seven Hells with it! Come here, boy, and kneel to Eddard. You will be the new lord of Skagos for all I care," Robert declared, waving his hand dismissively.
"Not so fast, Robert. I need to talk to the boy first. Follow me," Eddard said, motioning for Narcius to follow him to the Tower of the Hand.
As they ascended, Narcissus felt the weight of the quiet world around him. When they finally sat down in front of Eddard, the lord regarded him with a serious expression.
"Tell me about Skagos. What's happening there? It's been a long while since we heard from any of my bannermen."
Narcissus took a breath. "Well, my lord, there isn't much I can say. We've stopped hearing from House Stane of Driftwood; they're probably overrun by cannibals for all we know. But I can tell you about House Crowl of Deepdown. They're struggling. Lord Crowl is old and frail, and his eldest son died to Skagosi cannibals, leaving him with only one son. My family isn't any better. The population is extremely sparse and struggling to survive, my father is well with his son and heir bran and duaghter for now."
Eddard frowned. "What do you mean, 'for now'?"
"Well, my lord, life is brutal in Skagos. You could be alive one moment and eaten the next," Narcissus replied.
Deceit and deception surrounded Eddard Stark, as Narcissus spun a web of lies and half lies that kept him in the dark. For now, these falsehoods reigned. House Stane could potentially be overrun by cannibals, while House Crowl faces a precarious future. Lord Crowl, old and frail, could pass at any moment, leaving his sons vulnerable to death and the possibility of extinction for their house. Life in Skagos is merciless; one moment you're alive, and the next, you're gone.
"Tell me about your new house and fort. Why should I accept you as my bannerman?" Eddard asked, his voice steady.
"My lord, when was the last time any of your bannermen from Skagos came to pay homage? Skagos is part of the North in name only. I have built a fort on a mountain, and five hundred people live there safely—more than all three other houses combined. With the thirty thousand gold coins I've won, I can construct a castle that will guarantee a safe life for Northerners. You have seen my power. Why not?"
"What is the name of your castle?" Eddard inquired.
"Olympus, my lord. It's but a fort for now, but it will grow."
Eddard nodded, contemplating the implications. "Then it is decided. Olympus will be under the rulership of House Olympain from now onwards." He stood and gestured to the map. "Skagos is unique, and I must admit, I know little of its houses and their borders. Mount Olympus and any land you can bring under the North's control will be your domain, provided you do not breach the borders of the other houses."
"Olympus will be under the rulership of House Olympain from now onwards." He stands up and points to the map" The mountin and all land you bring under House Olympain control, its people will be your people from now on, you will be responsible for caring, protecting and feeding your people, you will be responsible for dispatch justice when necessary,do you take this privilege and burden?." He says with authority.
"Yes, Lord Stark. I accept the privilege, the responsibility, and the burden. I and my descendants shall treat our people with justice and fairness. We shall feed all, care for them, and defend them with our lives if necessary." Narcissus bowed, a hand on his chest.
"Then rise, a Lord of the North." Eddard clasped hands with him and smiled,"How long will you be staying in King's Landing?" Eddard asked.
"Not long, my lord," Narcissus replied, his voice steady. "As I said, life is brutal in Skagos, and leaving my people unprotected is very dangerous. I will return at once. I also need to visit my family; the prize money can help them immensely."
Eddard nodded, accepting the response, unaware of the layers of deceit. Narcius was not just eager to return; he had to ensure the fate of House Crowl and solidify his claims. After all, he had just lied to the Warden of the North about the stability of a house that was, for all intents and purposes, on the brink of collapse.
He needed to visit his "father" and make certain the circumstances he had spun into his narrative would come to fruition. The stakes were high, and every white lie had to be quickly turned into a reality.