Chapter 7: The Salt Settlement and Honey Plan

The people of the North's western coast—House Ryswell of the Rills, House Mormont of Bear Island, House Glover of Deepwood Motte, House Flint of Flint's Finger, and House Wull of the mountains near the Bay of Ice—had all suffered greatly from Ironborn raids. These lords harbored deep hatred for the Ironborn pirates. However, when it came to funding the construction of watchtowers to defend against the Ironborn, the lords were reluctant. "To protect the safety of the western coast, the watchtowers must be built," Eddard urged his vassals. Lord Rodrik Ryswell said, "Lord Eddard, the coastline is vast. Building watchtowers and stationing soldiers will be a significant expense, and the maintenance costs will also be substantial." Lady Maege Mormont added, "The Wall is a perfect example. It's the largest defensive structure in the world, isn't it? Brandon the Builder constructed so many castles, but most of them are now abandoned. Only Eastwatch, Shadow Tower, and Castle Black remain functional." The other nobles nodded in agreement. Eddard explained, "I've already considered the maintenance costs and the soldiers' expenses. Each watchtower will be manned by twenty soldiers. In addition to training, these soldiers will work. Beside each watchtower, we'll develop salt pans to extract sea salt. Like the military settlements, I call this the 'Salt Settlement.'" Lady Barbrey's eyes widened, Galbart Glover fell into deep thought, and Harrion Karstark looked puzzled. Clearly, they didn't fully understand Eddard's plan. Eddard patiently elaborated. "My lords, during summer, the North is largely self-sufficient in salt. But in winter, with insufficient sunlight, our salt production plummets, and many salt pans shut down. During the long winters, we're forced to buy salt from across the Narrow Sea or the southern regions." "Every winter, we spend a fortune on purchasing salt. The North has vast coastlines on both the eastern and western sides. Why not take advantage of the summer to develop salt pans along the coast? In winter, we can store large quantities of salt and even export it to other regions for profit." The First Men were not a seafaring people. Over the centuries, the North had faced invasions from Andal pirates, Ironborn raiders, wildling pirates, Sistermen pirates, and pirates from the Stepstones. Coastal salt pans were often destroyed by these raiders, leading to a sharp decline in their numbers. By winter, salt became so expensive that common folk could scarcely afford it. Eddard was determined to change this. The lords of Winterfell began to understand. Lady Barbrey said, "Lord Eddard, you mean to use the profits from the salt pans to cover the costs of the watchtowers and their maintenance? That seems like a good idea. But what if the salt doesn't sell?" Eddard replied, "Winterfell will purchase the salt at market price. You only need to ensure the safety of the watchtowers and salt pans. Salt isn't valuable to the Ironborn, so you don't have to worry about them targeting the salt pans." Initially, the western coast lords had complained about the costs of the watchtowers and soldiers. But the prospect of earning profits from the salt pans quickly changed their minds. They agreed to Eddard's plan, their faces lighting up with smiles. Seeing the western coast lords benefit from both watchtowers and salt pans, the eastern coast lords grew interested. Roose Bolton's pale, icy eyes gleamed. "Lord Eddard, my lands are occasionally visited by pirates as well. I could also build watchtowers and develop salt pans. But will Winterfell purchase the salt at market price?" Rickard Karstark stroked his beard. "Lord Eddard, House Karstark is a cadet branch of House Stark. Since you've proposed the Salt Settlement plan, how can I lag behind? Our lands receive ample sunlight, and the quality of our sea salt will be excellent. Don't forget, my house sigil is the white sunburst." "Everyone knows that wildling raiders often paddle around Eastwatch, cross the Bay of Ice, and land on my peninsula. This is a major threat to the North. I believe that developing salt pans, building watchtowers, and stationing soldiers on my coastline will prevent these wildlings from threatening the realm!" Lord Locke of Oldcastle and Lady Lysara Flint of Widow's Watch also requested to join the plan, building watchtowers and salt pans in their territories. Even Wyman Manderly joined in. "White Harbor has plenty of beaches, and we already have some salt pans. If you need, Lord Eddard, I can build watchtowers and salt pans to join the Salt Settlement plan. The watchtowers will enhance the city's defenses and deter smugglers!" In truth, Lord Wyman didn't care much about the profits from the salt pans. White Harbor already earned substantial tariffs daily. What interested him was Winterfell's promise to purchase the salt at market price. By joining the plan, White Harbor's salt would have a guaranteed buyer. Eddard nodded. "White Harbor can join, but remember, Winterfell will only purchase salt produced by the North's watchtower salt pans. Don't mix in salt from the Free Cities or the South." Lord Wyman rubbed his fat fingers together gleefully. "Lord Eddard, you can count on me. I wouldn't dare deceive you." With the coastal lords joining the Salt Settlement plan, the inland lords—chiefs of the Wolfswood clans and mountain tribes, as well as lords like Medger Cerwyn and Halys Hornwood—could only watch with envy. Eddard noticed their disappointment. "For those who haven't joined the Salt Settlement plan, don't worry. I have another business opportunity for you." The lords listened intently. Eddard continued, "The North has vast forests, mountains, and farmlands suitable for beekeeping. I plan to promote beekeeping. You'll establish apiaries in your territories, using the designs I provide for beehives and the recipes I give for feeding the bees. I'll assign experienced beekeepers to assist you." "Trust me, if you follow my instructions, the bees will bring you profit. You won't have to worry about selling the honey. Like the salt, Winterfell will purchase it at market price." The lords' hearts were as sweet as honey. The North had always been a harsh place, and these lords lived in constant fear for their lands and people, trembling under the shadow of winter. Now, Eddard's plans shone like a beacon of hope. The Greatjon Umber said, "Lord Eddard, I'm a simple man, and I don't understand all this. But I'm worried. If you keep buying honey and salt at market price, won't you end up with a surplus? Don't lose money on this." Eddard smiled. "Greatjon, don't worry. I won't lose money. The honey and salt I purchase will have their uses. There's one more thing I need from all of you. If your lands have skilled craftsmen—blacksmiths, tailors, masons, veterinarians—anyone with real talent, send them to Winterfell." Eddard gestured for the meeting to adjourn, and Lord Halys Hornwood led the lords out of the hall. "Lord Wyman, stay behind."

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