Chapter 12

Some time later...

All the Greyjoys except Euron Greyjoy, as well as the other Lords of the Iron Islands, were bound on the floor. Even though it was Victarion who burned the Lannister fleet, they had learned that it was Euron Greyjoy who had planned the attack. And now Euron Greyjoy had gone missing after Stannis Baratheon's victory in the Reach. From Rodrick Harlaw, Aryan had learned that Euron was the most dangerous man in the Iron Islands. He was clever and intelligent, as well as cruel, a man who thrived on playing mind games with others. Several lords assumed that Euron may have died, but Aryan knew better. People like Euron did not die so easily. He would return—definitely.

Balon was glaring at Aryan, hatred burning in his eyes, for Aryan had killed two of his sons. Maron Greyjoy had perished in the wildfire explosion. Aryan stared back at him and smirked.

Some time ago, Aryan, supported by many Northern lords, had urged Robert to end the Greyjoy line or at least strip them of their titles. This was fiercely objected by Jon Arryn and his supporters from the Vale. After some heated debate, Jon Arryn had asked the other lords to leave so he could discuss matters in private with the King.

Now, they had returned to the hall. Robert, followed by Jon, looked at Balon and said, "You had some nerve to challenge the power of the Iron Throne. Did you not swear an oath to the Crown?"

Meeting Robert's gaze, Balon said, "I never swore an oath to a Baratheon. The last time a Greyjoy swore an oath, it was to a Targaryen."

Robert studied Balon for a moment before a grin spread across his face. "I like your spirit. You know, all those Northern lords wanted me to remove your head along with the others."

The bound lords looked at each other, some turning pale at the implication. Robert seemed to enjoy their discomfort before continuing, "But as Jon reminded me, a king must sometimes be merciful toward his unruly subjects. So swear an oath now."

Balon, recognizing that his life, along with those of his supporters, was hanging by a thread, immediately agreed and swore the oath.

Aryan knew this would not be enough. As Robert looked away, Aryan couldn't use his mind magic on him. Besides, due to the absence of weirwood trees on the islands, Aryan felt his wandless mind magic would not be effective against Robert unless he was drunk. So Aryan decided for a compromise, even though he didn't like it at all.

"Your Grace, the Ironborns will attack again when they get a chance. Now that they know it was the North that dealt them heavy losses, we will be their primary target. Lord Hand does not seem to correctly understand the problem. The Vale and Gulltown are safe on the eastern side, but the West Coast is vulnerable. If you will not end the Greyjoy line, then at least send Balon Greyjoy to the Wall and make Theon Greyjoy the new Lord of the Iron Islands. Lord Rodrick Harlaw can be the regent. I have met him, and he can try guide Theon correctly, he is also Theon's uncle."

'It is a pity Tywin is not here,' Aryan thought. 'He would have supported me in exterminating the Greyjoy line. Then I wouldn't have to do this. Well, this way, the Ironborn will get a chance to change their way of living. And if they do not, I will return. No matter who protests, I will exterminate all the Ironborn. Their fate is in your hands now, Rodrick Harlaw.'

Robert looked at Aryan, and after thinking for sometime said, "That is a compromise we can all agree on. Balon Greyjoy, you are hereby stripped of all your titles. You will take the black and go to the Wall. Your son, Theon Greyjoy, will be the next Lord of the Iron Islands. Until he comes of age, Lord Rodrick Harlaw will be his regent."

'Fucking idiots, they don't understand the problem. I am afraid the Ironborn will attack again. Well, I will be prepared for next time.' Aryan thought. Stannis's unexpected victory had changed his original plans, as Aryan could not finish his campaign over all the islands, which would have neutralized the Ironborns for the foreseeable future. Aryan walked out while Jon Arryn, after another discussion with Robert, gave the final terms and conditions to the Lords of the Iron Islands.

Moat Cailin, The North

All the Lords of the North were currently assembled in the hall of the Moat Cailin. After dealing with the Ironborn, Aryan had requested all the lords to gather at Moat Cailin before returning to their respective homes. The army was slowly sent back, mostly by ships. When Aryan had returned with Ned to Moat, he was unexpectedly hugged by Catelyn Stark, who thanked him for killing her would-be kidnapper. Another unexpected surprise was the presence of Hoster Tully at the Moat. Initially, Aryan had thought the man came to visit his daughter and grandchildren, but Hoster actually came to meet him.

Flashback

One morning, Aryan was telling war stories to Robb, Arya, and Bran. Sansa also sat there for some time but was taken away by Septa Mordane, who insisted war stories were not for ladies. Aryan was about to tell the Septa to fuck off when Hoster Tully and Eddard arrived. Eddard told his children to leave them, which they did after making Aryan promise that he would tell them the stories later.

His uncle said, "Nephew, Lord Tully requested to talk with you."

Aryan looked at Hoster. "Lord Tully, how can I help you?"

Hoster's face showed his dislike for Aryan, whose sole presence was responsible for his grandchildren never having the opportunity to be the Warden of the North. Hoster said, "Lord Stark, I first discussed the matter with my goodson Eddard, as he is the Regent of the North. But he told me to talk to you."

Aryan looked at his uncle, who told him, "Lord Tully wants to increase the trade of food with the North. As we are growing our own food now, the Riverlords are unable to sell theirs. His vassals have petitioned him regarding that."

Hoster interrupted, "I married off my daughter to the North to secure an alliance, so that both sides would benefit. But unfortunately, we Riverlords are not gaining anything from this alliance."

Aryan asked him, "And what exactly has the North gained? It's not like you reduced your food prices for us. Till now, you all have used the North's desperation due to its inability to grow food and profited from it, while the North remained poor as we sent all our money to feed our people. Now that we are growing our own food, you are complaining because your income has reduced."

When Hoster didn't say anything in reply, Aryan continued, "And why must I help you? You asked the King to declare me a bastard so that your bloodline would be the Warden of the North, which failed obviously, and the King threatened to bash your head. Did you really think I wouldn't find out? So tell me, why must I help you?"

Eddard became angry again at hearing that. He had heard from Jon Arryn about this.

Aryan looked at Hoster. "Very well, Lord Tully, since you are related to me through my uncle's marriage, I can resolve your problem. The North will stop the purchase of food from the Reach and will buy food from Riverrun only, if you accept my two demands."

Hoster asked, "What demands?"

"First, the North will build a fortified bridge across the Green Fork to have easy access to Riverrun, which would be strictly for military purposes. Second, you will reduce the price of the food you sell to us."

"While I can accept the second demand, a bridge across the Green Fork? Why do you need it? Besides, the Freys won't be happy about it," Hoster said.

"All the people who want to go from Riverrun can go through the Twins. The bridge we are building is only for military use. As we are allies, you could use our help in the future if any wars happen. Due to the Freys' questionable loyalty, I think this would be very beneficial. From what Uncle says, the Lannisters are hungry for power. If Tywin one day decides to attack the Riverlands, you will be utterly fucked. And if the North has to reach for your assistance, it is essential that we do not deal with the Freys. You used Uncle Eddard's desperation to fight against the Targaryens by stalling him at the Twins. I do not want a repeat of that in the future. And the Freys are your vassals—make them obey."

Hoster agreed reluctantly.

Flashback Ends

The Lords were looking at Aryan. Aryan began, "My Lords, first of all, I apologize to you all. We were not able to achieve our aims in this war. The King listened to Jon Arryn. Our actions have made us the enemy of the Iron Islands now. So the next time they attack, we will be their primary target."

"Surely, my Lord, after the sound defeat we gave them and with the new regent, they will not dare to attack us," the aging Rodrick Ryswell asked.

"They will not attack now. But I am afraid that they will definitely attack in the future when there is a conflict among the other kingdoms. History shows that whenever internal wars plagued Westeros, the Ironborn attacked the mainland. So we need to be prepared for them," Aryan told them all.

"What do you want us to do?" Lord Flint asked.

Aryan told them, "As it is obvious that the West Coast would be the most vulnerable, first of all, I want Flint's Finger, Barrowton, Torrhen's Square, Deepwood Motte, Wolfbay, and Bear Island to be heavily fortified. Don't worry, Winterfell will provide the necessary assistance to you."

All of them agreed to that. Aryan told them, "Now that we have sufficient money, I am planning on setting up a standing military for the North."

William Dustin said, "Only the Westerlands have a standing military."

Aryan replied, "As well as the Free Cities, Lord Dustin. But we don't need a large force. I'm planning to set up a ten thousand strong force to be stationed mainly along the West Coast against any surprise from the squids and along the Gift near the Wall for protection against the Wildlings."

All of them agreed. Aryan continued, "I will plan more on this idea and will implement it in a couple of years. Another thing is, as you know, we have captured many longships and small fishing vessels during our campaigns. I have decided to distribute these vessels to you all for easier trade and transport. You all know the success of the boat system I have implemented in the Fever River. Trade and transport from Winterfell to White Harbor and Moat Cailin have become easier. I want you all to set up the same system in the rivers near your lands. This will increase your income too."

Again, all the Lords agreed with him. After some final discussions, they all went their ways.

While the other lords went away, Aryan stayed back at the Moat for a few more days. He had taken time to visit the Cranogmen with Lord Reed. He was the first Lord Stark to do so after a long time. The people there were thankful to him, as due to the cultivation of rice, the Cranogmen were now able to eat better food than before. As rice could be stored for long winters, Aryan had banned its export outside of the North.

Currently, Aryan was outside with his men, ready to depart. Arya was crying, telling him to take her to Winterfell. Catelyn held Arya. Eddard returned him the Ice, saying, "Take this with you, Aryan. This belongs to Winterfell. Though why didn't you use it yourself instead of your longsword?"

Tying the ancestral greatsword of the Starks over his back, Aryan replied, "Ice is too big for me to handle, Uncle, and I am more comfortable with a longsword. Also, there is no problem now—I have acquired a Valyrian steel longsword. I have named it Frostbite."

Then, saying his final goodbyes, Aryan started his journey back to Winterfell.