A small feast was underway within the castle, attended only by Eddard Stark, Wright, Davos, their families, and a few of Eddard's closest advisors. The table was laden with bread, fried fish, roasted meat, vegetables, and freshly pickled vegetables.
Wright was discussing the purpose of his visit with Eddard.
"Robert asked me to deliver his regards," Wright began, his speech already slightly slurred after a few drinks. Though he rarely drank due to his poor tolerance, Eddard had insisted. Wright hiccupped before continuing, "Robert also wants me to visit Lyanna's tomb for him."
"Let's go after the meal," Eddard replied, understanding that Wright's visit surely involved more than this simple task. Such matters would need to be discussed in private, and the family crypt beneath Winterfell was a perfect place for secrecy.
Wright pulled a small glass bottle from his belongings, sprinkled some powder onto his fried fish, took a bite, and then passed the bottle to Eddard.
"Dragon pepper from Dorne. It has a unique aroma and heat that makes you break into a sweat. Give it a try."
Eddard took the bottle and mimicked Wright's actions, sprinkling a bit on his own fish before taking a bite. The intense spiciness and the distinctive flavor were far superior to the typical seasoning of lemon juice and salt. Within moments, Eddard's face turned red, and sweat began to bead on his forehead.
"Fantastic! Is it expensive? Get me more of this," Eddard said enthusiastically.
"A bottle of dragon pepper powder is a bit pricey, but since you only use a small amount each time, it's not too bad. Lower-quality versions are even cheaper and affordable for common folk in Dorne. I also have a few other spices for you to try," Wright replied, pulling out several more small bottles.
"Dragon pepper powder must stay dry, so the price includes the bottle. However, the bottles can be returned for a refund. Nymeria can discuss the details with you."
As the agricultural boom in Westeros allowed people to eat their fill, the demand for better-tasting food had grown. Spices had become a thriving business. Wright managed to strike a deal with Eddard, securing Stark family participation in the trade of Dornish spices.
Meanwhile, Catelyn Tully was chatting with Nymeria and Tyene.
Tyene, clutching a toy bear, leaned weakly against Nymeria. "It's my first time in the North, and I feel awful."
Catelyn offered a reassuring smile. "When Dornish merchant ships visited White Harbor, they experienced the same. You'll feel better in a few days."
Nymeria, equally weary, added, "I heard about this back in Sunspear. Afterward, most merchants began unloading their goods at King's Landing for transport further north, instead of traveling north themselves."
Catelyn instructed a maid to remove the wine in front of the two women and bring them some warm honey water.
"No more wine for now. Warm honey water will do you better."
In Westeros, anyone under sixteen was considered a child. At feasts, children typically had their own table, separate from the main one. Only in households with no other adults could children sit as family representatives at the main table.
The Stark household, with its many children, had additional company today: Ashara Dayne. When she entered the room and removed her cloak, the children quickly noticed the two swords strapped to her back, sparking their curiosity.
Theon, Robb, and Jon were uncharacteristically shy in the presence of the unfamiliar girl. They nudged Asha Greyjoy, their elder, to break the ice.
"How old are you?" Asha asked.
"Ten, born in 283 AC," Ashara replied, her naturally sociable nature slightly subdued by the formality of being a guest.
"You're only a few months older than Robb. Are those real swords or just practice ones?"
"They're both real. One is for beasts, and the other is for people." Ashara perked up at the question, stepping to the door to retrieve the swords from their rack. She returned and tossed them onto the table before drawing one to display.
"This one's for beasts. They're larger and don't wear armor, so the blade has a fuller and barbs on one side. This one's for people—it's thicker and less likely to break. But either can kill a man," she explained, then grabbed a piece of roasted meat and bit into it.
The children were fascinated, picking up the swords to examine them. Even Sansa came closer, intrigued. Seeing that Ashara wasn't much older than herself yet already wielded swords while she spent her days embroidering, she timidly asked, "Have you ever fought anyone?"
Mouth full, Ashara nodded. "I have."
The boys jeered and teased, doubting that a ten name day girl had fought anyone. They even suggested meeting at the training yard the next day to test her skills. The exchange quickly broke the ice, and the group grew closer.
---
After dinner, Wright followed Eddard down into the dim crypts. A few magical orbs of light flew to the walls, illuminating the underground tomb as brightly as day for the first time.
Standing before Lyanna Stark's statue, Wright relayed Robert's message. Then he turned to Eddard.
"I came for three reasons. The first concerns Ashara Dayne. She doesn't yet know you're her father. What's your plan?"
Eddard thought for a moment. "I'll tell her myself tomorrow."
"Let me speak to her first. She's known since she was little that I knew who her father was. But what about Catelyn? How will you explain it to her?" Wright suspected Eddard's answer, knowing his character.
"The truth," Eddard replied.
As expected.
"A single lie spawns countless others. The current situation stems from the war, and I believe Catelyn will understand," Eddard said calmly, as though long prepared for this moment.
"The second matter concerns Asha and Theon Greyjoy."
Eddard's face tightened in surprise. "Robert pardoned them years ago. Why bring this up now?"
"You misunderstand. The Greyjoys lost their noble titles long ago. While you've treated them as your own, what happens when they grow up? Would the children of a great noble house willingly remain commoners? This situation ties into another pair of siblings."
Eddard frowned. "What does Robert have planned?"
"You should start by rigorously training the Greyjoy siblings. Back when Robert showed mercy, two Targaryen children escaped to Essos. Recently, Robert asked about them, and Varys reported that in Essos, people have begun openly referring to them as Prince Viserys and Princess Daenerys. These two are growing up, becoming unpredictable variables.
"One of my missions in Essos is to investigate their situation. If they pose a threat, I'll eliminate them. If not, Robert will let them live peacefully. But the danger lies in someone stirring up trouble or inciting them. We need people close to them, and the Greyjoy siblings — whose family was nearly wiped out by Robert's orders — are perfect candidates. Their background won't easily raise suspicion."
"How do we proceed?" Eddard agreed. He and Robert had been lenient in the past, not pursuing the children. But now they were adults, and Eddard had no qualms about taking harsher measures.
"I'll speak with Asha and Theon tomorrow. They must willingly take part in this mission for it to succeed."
Though Wright spoke with conviction, his true thoughts were elsewhere:
Jorah Mormont, no longer exiled due to smuggling, has settled on Bear Island with his two children. He'll never meet Daenerys. That means I must ensure someone protects her—at least until she hatches her dragons. After that, I'll take the dragons myself. Even if I have to kill them, their souls and meat will be invaluable. As for Daenerys, whether she lives or dies will depend on the circumstances.
As for Viserys, I have no fear of his so-called "wrath of the sleeping dragon."
"If Asha and Theon agree, I'll handle their training. Now, what's the final matter?" Eddard braced himself. The previous issues were challenging enough; he suspected the last would demand blood.
"I need your help finding a boy named Jojen Reed. Once you find him, give him this and send him to King's Landing's magic School." Wright handed Eddard a Valyrian steel die, a token for academy admission.
"That's it?"
"That's it! He's from the North. It's only proper I go through you, the Warden of the North, rather than seeking him directly. Besides, his father, Howland Reed, is your friend." Wright deliberately avoided mentioning the Tower of Joy.
Eddard raised an eyebrow. "Your academy is impossible to enter for most. You haven't even met Howland Reed's son, and yet he's admitted without question?"
"Yes." Wright offered no further explanation.