Chapter 24: Luwin’s Counsel

"My lord Eddard, this is utter madness!"

In the study of Winterfell, Maester Luwin stroked the chain around his neck.

"My lord, as a maester, my oath compels me to offer counsel to my liege. I have served in Winterfell for many years, and both you and Lady Catelyn have treated me like family. I see Robb, Bran, Jon Snow, and every child in Winterfell as my own. Therefore, I beg you—retract your decision to send troops to Skagos!"

Eddard frowned as he studied the map of the North, his gaze lingering on the waters surrounding Skagos.

"As vassals of Winterfell, the Stoneborn of Skagos have long refused to kneel, and that, I have tolerated. But now, they dare to set sail to my lands, ravage my salt towns and villages, and slaughter my people. As Warden of the North, I must act. Would you have me sit idly by while my people are butchered by savages?"

Maester Luwin responded, "Though the world views Skagos as a barren, savage, and uncivilized land, history has shown that the Stoneborn are not to be taken lightly. Since the days of the Kings of Winter, the rulers of the North have launched numerous campaigns to subjugate Skagos and unify the North. Yet every time our armies withdraw, rebellion rises anew."

"My lord, do not forget—barely a century ago, during the reign of Good King Daeron II, the Stoneborn raised their banners in rebellion against Winterfell's rule. That war lasted three years, costing the lives of countless Northern warriors, including your own ancestor, Duke Barthogan Stark."

Eddard pressed his hand against the map, his palm covering Skagos entirely.

"You think that just because the Kings of Winter failed, I shall fail as well? This is the largest island in the North—it has belonged to the Kings of Winter since time immemorial. If these Stoneborn refuse to kneel, refuse to pay tribute, that alone might be tolerable. But now, they dare to launch attacks?"

"If this continues, my people and my vassals will begin to believe that Winterfell is too weak to suppress rebellion. They will think House Stark is soft, that we can be defied without consequence. And once the seeds of rebellion are sown, the vast North will erupt in flames. I am not a man who thirsts for bloodshed, but I have no choice."

Maester Luwin sighed. "My lord, if the construction at White Harbor had not drained our coffers, I would support your campaign. But as it stands, we are nearly bankrupt, and yet you propose to wage war? Tell me, my lord, how will we fund this campaign without coin?"

Eddard replied, "I was about to speak with you on this matter. I have decided to accept Klar's advice and borrow funds from Wyman Manderly, the Lord of White Harbor. Draft a letter to Lord Wyman, informing him that Winterfell will borrow ten thousand gold dragons, to be repaid through deductions from White Harbor's taxes over time."

Maester Luwin's eyes widened. "You would take on debt just to wage war against savages? My lord, once war begins, ten thousand gold dragons will not suffice."

Eddard nodded. "Which is why, in the end, I will have no choice but to seek a loan from the Iron Bank. I have already instructed Klar to send a rider to White Harbor to make contact with the Iron Bank's representatives there. My initial plan is to borrow fifty thousand gold dragons."

Maester Luwin was aghast. "My lord, this is madness! You would plunge Winterfell into crippling debt just to deal with the savages of Skagos? Can Winterfell truly afford to repay such a sum?"

Eddard responded patiently, "Luwin, not all of this money is for war. The expansion of White Harbor would require borrowing sooner or later. With these funds, the shipwrights of White Harbor can also begin construction on the Northern fleet in earnest."

Originally, Eddard had planned to delay the shipbuilding project after consulting with Master Shipwright Marlon. However, the Stoneborn now ravaged the eastern coasts of the North, using longships from the Iron Islands. The possibility of an alliance between the Stoneborn and the Ironborn convinced Eddard that he could no longer afford delay—he would build a fleet, even if it meant falling into debt.

Maester Luwin's expression darkened. "The Stoneborn of Skagos are but a minor affliction. 'The Iron Bank will have its due'—any king who fails to repay them finds his enemies well-funded. Once winter comes, our debts to the Iron Bank will be undeniable. My lord, do you not fear that the Iron Bank will stoke rebellion in the North? Is a handful of pirate raiders worth such a heavy debt?"

"A minor affliction? A handful of raiders?" Eddard's temper flared. "Luwin, reports from the Dreadfort, House Umber, and House Karstark all speak of pirates appearing in the hundreds—entire fleets of raiders! I appreciate your counsel, but you misjudge the situation."

"The Stoneborn wield Ironborn weapons, armor, and even longships. Is there Ironborn influence on Skagos? Or perhaps they have made pacts with Cotter Pyke of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea? Could the King Beyond the Wall, Mance Rayder, have forged an alliance with them by sea?"

Eddard pointed at Skagos on the map.

"This is the largest island in the North, nominally a vassal of Winterfell, yet we know nothing of its tribes, its population, or even whether they use coinage. The records contradict one another, and you, of all people, should know this, Luwin."

"Our records claim that the people of Skagos are primitive savages without currency. And yet, these so-called primitive savages managed, just over a century ago, to resist the Northern host for three years, costing Winterfell a duke and thousands of warriors."

"I must lead the Northern host to Skagos. Even if I cannot force the Stoneborn to kneel, I must uncover the truth—are they allied with the Iron Islands? I will not allow the Ironborn, Mance Rayder, or any other foe to use Skagos as a dagger in the North's back. Right now, the Stoneborn are a greater threat than the Free Folk beyond the Wall."

If the Free Folk crossed the Wall, Eddard could rally the Northern host and crush them in the Last Hearth or Karhold. Poorly armed and undisciplined, the Free Folk had been defeated time and again by the Night's Watch and the Northern lords.

But the Stoneborn were different. They commanded the largest island in the North, and without a fleet, the North had no means of striking back.

Maester Luwin stared at Skagos on the map. "Perhaps you are right, my lord. But even if you march to war, the North lacks naval power. You are as close as a brother to King Robert, and Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, was not only your foster father but is also your goodbrother. His wife, Lysa, is Lady Catelyn's sister."

"If the Stoneborn are raiding the North's coasts with Ironborn weapons and armor, we have reason to suspect Lord Balon of the Iron Islands. My lord, why not write to King Robert and Hand Jon Arryn, seeking judgment from the Iron Throne?"

*Thanks to venkat for subscribing in warden of the Realm *

"Help the story climb the rankings! Don't forget to leave a Power Stone and share your thoughts in the comments if you enjoyed this chapter!"