Chapter 18

Moat Cailin, The North

Eddard asked, "Is this journey to Essos after Dorne truly necessary, Aryan?"

"You need to see the bigger picture, Uncle. While today we are on our way to becoming self-sufficient, soon a time will come when we will be producing a buffer stock and will no longer be able to sell our products in Westeros only, like the Reach is today. So I want to ensure that we have trade partners for the future. I still have time before I take the Wardenship of the North. I always wanted to visit the Free Cities. So after Aunt Allyria's marriage, I will visit them and establish trade relations. Perhaps we could set up a Stark-controlled trading outpost in Lys too, like we have done in Braavos," Aryan explained.

Through his contact in the Iron Bank, Aryan had been able to set up a trading outpost in Braavos, which was proving to be profitable for both parties. There was demand for Northern products in Essos. Aryan had implanted an easier way of making wool from fur in the minds of some workers at Last Hearth. So now the Umbers were making wool, which was highly demanded throughout the North. Marwyn was also trying to redesign the weaving machines from the memories Aryan had given him, but progress was slow. Since the North had been given tax exemptions, Aryan had extended the same for his lords too—except for those who had to repay their loans.

"I still don't understand. Lord Dayne and you did not part on the best terms. He was resentful of us for the loss of his brother. Then why is he inviting you now?" Eddard asked, confused.

"Uncle started contacting me a few months before the Greyjoy Rebellion, and Aunt Allyria never stopped talking to my mother and me. Not everyone can process grief in a healthy way, Uncle. Some people become bitter. But unlike Tywin Lannister, he realized it and asked for forgiveness for his words and actions, and then started trying to mend the bridges with us. In an ideal world, we would not have parted on bad terms, but this is not an ideal world. So I am going." Aryan explained.

"Very well. How long will you be gone, then?" Eddard asked.

"Around a year, Uncle. We will first go to Oldtown for Marwyn's ascension ceremony. I have a meeting there with the Maesters regarding the setting up of the University at Widow's Watch. Then to Starfall for the marriage. From there, to Sunspear, where Lord Wyman will join us. Then we will go to Lys, then we will see where, and finally to Braavos to meet with the Iron Bank for finalizing some business. And then to King's Landing to swear fealty to King Robert as I will have come of age. And from there, back to the North," Aryan said.

"Why exactly are we setting up the University here? Is the Citadel not enough? I have seen the progress of the work, and it will be finished within two years. What if the Citadel doesn't allow the University to exist?" Eddard asked after hearing about his nephew's travel plans.

"Let's say that I am not comfortable with the Citadel controlling the flow of knowledge in Westeros. I want an alternative. Something we can rely on. And regarding your doubts about whether the Citadel will allow the University to exist, I assure you they will. This University will be independent of the Citadel's influence. I will make sure of this," Aryan informed him.

As they began to walk into the castle, they were suddenly assaulted by Arya, who hugged Aryan's leg. She then asked, "Can I come with you? Please."

Taken aback, Aryan asked, "Come where?"

"Arya, what are you doing here? Did you abandon your lessons again?" Eddard asked, aghast.

"Can I come with you? I don't want to stay here and learn to become a lady. I hate listening to Sansa and her stupid songs of ladies and knights. I hate Septa Mordane. Sansa and Jeyne Poole always call me Horseface," Arya babbled with big puppy eyes.

Aryan and Eddard looked at each other. Then, thinking for a moment, Eddard said, surprising both his nephew and his daughter, "I want you to be on your best behavior for the next few days. If your mother says you have listened to everything she said and were on your best behavior, perhaps I will allow you to go with Aryan."

"Really? Oh, thank you, Father! I will try my best to be a lady to impress Mother. But Septa Mordane will still say I did not do it properly. She hates me," Arya said.

Winking at her, Aryan told her, "I will talk with the Septa. Now go and impress your mother."

Arya ran away with a determined look.

Looking back at his uncle, Aryan asked, "I am surprised you agreed to her demand. Even Arya was surprised you easily gave in."

With a faraway look, Eddard told him, "Arya always reminds me of Lyanna. I do not want to make the same mistakes my father did regarding Lyanna. She craved freedom from traditions, for which she lost her life. So by giving Arya some form of freedom, I want her to have a better life."

"Will Aunt Catelyn agree to it? After all, Arya is still nine years old," Aryan asked with a raised eyebrow.

"She will need convincing, but she will listen to me. As for Arya being too young, I feel more comfortable leaving Arya alone than ever with Sansa," Ned said.

Aryan agreed with him. Two days ago, in a conversation, Aryan had asked Sansa what she wanted to do when she grew up. Aryan was disgusted by her reply. She had said that she wanted to go and meet the knights of the South, then marry a handsome knight and have beautiful babies with him. Aryan mentally laughed at her fantasy and naive outlook on the world. He then tried to tell her about the real world and how treacherous people could be and how cruel they could be behind their smiles. But she called him a liar and ran away. Since then, she had been maintaining a distance from him.

"Uncle, I am worried about Sansa. That Septa Mordane is filling her head with a lot of nonsense. I don't know whether she told you or not, but when I tried to tell her about the real world, she called me a liar and ran away," Aryan told him.

"Is that why she is avoiding you? I was about to ask her why. I will talk with her. But she is still a child. She will understand in a few years," Eddard told him.

"I hope so too," Aryan wished.

They were suddenly interrupted by Robb, who came running. "Father, is it true that you are allowing Arya to go with cousin Aryan?"

"We have not yet decided on anything. But the matter is in active consideration," Aryan told him.

"But that would mean that Arya would be away for almost a year," Robb said, thinking.

Aryan denied saying that, "No. I will send her back from Sunspear. Lord Manderly will be joining me from Sunspear. I will send them back in Lord Manderly's ship with Ser Brynden Tully. That way she will be away for only three months at the most." He thought 'Now I have to convince the Blackfish to come with us' 

Eddard agreed to that. 

"Father it is very unfair that Arya is going South. I am stuck here." Robb lamented. 

"You are my heir Robb. You have to learn how to rule after me." Eddard said to him. 

Robb tried again, "But uncle Brandon was supposed to be the heir, and he was fostered at Barrowtown." 

"Robb you went to your first battle in Skagos, so there is no need to be jealous. But he is still right uncle. I suggest you send him to Uncle Benjen or Lord Manderly for fostering. He would learn how to manage a city from them, which would be helpful in the future." Aryan offered. 

"It sounds like a good plan. I will consider it Robb." Eddard told Robb who brightened at that. 

Aryan's senses were alerted to someone coming. Discreetly looking behind, he saw Catelyn coming with a red face. Eddard also noticed her. 

Winking at his uncle, Aryan said to Robb, "I will leave you to deal with her, uncle. Come Robb, let us see how good you are with a sword." 

They both walked away, leaving poor Eddard to deal with an angry Catelyn. 

All the Starks were assembled at the docks to see Aryan and Arya off. 

"The battle has changed, Robb. Sending him as a squire with Lord Dustin was an impulsive decision of mine, but it was worth it. I even heard that he killed two men of his own. Lord William Dustin was praising him for his deeds." Aryan told him. 

Ned said grimly, "Yes, William wrote to me too. He said that Robb is quite skilled with his sword. Though I wish he didn't have to see blood at such a young age." 

"The world we live in is quite harsh and unforgiving, uncle. We must adapt to it. Besides, I also tasted first blood at twelve namedays. And yes, Lord Dustin is correct when he said Robb is skilled with his sword." Aryan said. 

"You are quite skilled yourself, nephew. I had seen you practice and heard from Benjen too. After all, Arthur was the legendary Sword of the Morning." Ned said. 

Eddard asked, "Sometimes I fail to understand you. You are so understanding sometimes. And on other occasions, you are so ruthless. I heard there was a purge at Skagos." 

"I am sure you have heard about the people of Skagos from Robb and Lord Dustin, plus they refused to bend the knee, so the purge was necessary. I have placed some men under Whoresbane Umber there to deal with pirates who may arrive there after hearing that there is no one on the island now." Aryan told him. 

"What exactly are you building with the white stones near Wintercity?" Eddard asked. 

"I am building a stadium for conducting games, uncle. I want something like tourneys for us too. We will conduct many types of games there. I am still making the plans. Let us keep it a secret for now." Aryan told him. 

"It sounds interesting. Very well, I won't tell a soul." Eddard agreed. 

They were soon approached by Catelyn, Arya, and Brynden Tully. The Blackfish had come a week ago to visit his niece, but Aryan convinced him to accompany Arya, which he readily agreed to. 

There were tears in Catelyn's eyes for sending away Arya, but the same could not be said about Arya. There was excitement and unbridled joy in her eyes. 

"Nephew, please reconsider the matter. She is only nine years old." Cat said. 

Blinking his eyes, Aryan replied, "I am not taking her forcibly. It was uncle who allowed her. But I think it will be good for her. She has an adventurous spirit." 

"Sansa is still waiting for you to apologize." Ned whispered. He could see Sansa standing with the Septa in a stuck-up pose. 

'Fuck off,' he said mentally and whispered to his uncle, "Uncle, I am not going to apologize for speaking the truth. I said those words for her benefit only. She needs to understand that the world is not roses and grass but also thorns and snakes behind the beauty." 

"Can we go now?" Arya asked impatiently, taking everyone's attention. 

Catelyn hugged Arya, and soon they started to board the ship. Suddenly reminded of something, Aryan told Eddard, "Uncle, you will soon be receiving Tyrion Lannister soon. Officially, he is to buy materials from us, but I believe that he is here for something more. Send him to Winterfell, Jaqen will deal with him." 

"Are you sure your Steward can deal with a Lannister?" Eddard asked, worried about a Lannister presence in the North. 

"He is no ordinary man, Uncle. Trust me on this. Also, in her latest letter, mother said that she will stay in Dorne after the wedding. She will directly come to King's Landing to see me swearing my oath." Aryan told him, starting to board the ship. 

Eddard nodded. 

The Sunset Sea

The winds had been favorable, and they had passed Lannisport a week before. They had crossed the Ironman's Bay without any trouble from the Ironborn. They were also ahead of schedule, something that confused the Captain. What he did not know was that Aryan had enchanted the ship to become faster and stronger, as well as resistant to fire.

Arya was practicing sword fighting with Myrio Florel, the Captain. Aryan had given her a blunt and short rapier for practice, which had made her very happy. She always moved around with her sword. She used to learn from Myrio Florel, who had learned the basics of water dancing with Syrio Florel.

Aryan stood near the bow, and soon Marwyn joined him.

"The Captain is bewildered about how we are going so fast," Marwyn said.

"Let him. We have more important things to discuss. Since we are going to raid the Citadel, I want to know more about its layout and structure, as well as its origins. So tell me about that."

Marwyn began, "Of course. The origin of the Citadel is disputed, but House Hightower is generally considered to have played an important role in its foundation. Most accounts on the Citadel's origins say that it was Prince Peremore the Twisted, the second son of King Uthor of the Hightower, who is behind the foundation of the Citadel. The curious Peremore invited numerous scholars, including wise men, teachers, priests, healers, singers, wizards, alchemists, and sorcerers, to Oldtown. After Peremore's death, his brother, King Urrigon, granted land alongside the Honeywine to 'Peremore's pets,' who developed the tract into the maesters' Citadel. House Hightower still continues to be a strong patron of learning to this very day."

"Now about the layout of the Citadel?" Aryan asked.

Marwyn began to explain, "The Citadel lies on the Honeywine, where its towers and domes are connected with arching stone bridges. Houses and stalls sit on the bridges. The gates are flanked by a pair of tall green sphinxes with the bodies of lions, the wings of eagles, and the tails of serpents. One has the face of a man, the other a woman.

Just inside the gates of the Citadel lies the Scribe's Hearth. Here, the citizens of Oldtown come to hire scribes, usually acolytes, to write and read letters for them. The scribes wait in open stalls for their custom. Other stalls situated at the Scribe's Hearth include those where books are bought and sold. Some others offer maps too.

Then there is the Weeping Dock, from where one can get a boat for a voyage to the Bloody Isle.

Outside the Seneschal's Court lies the place where acolytes and novices are punished for minor crimes, such as petty thievery. Inside the doors is a hall with a stone floor and high, arched windows. At the far end of the hall, there is a raised dais where a gatekeeper greets all those who wish to make an appointment to see the Seneschal.

Finally, there is The Isle of Ravens, which is linked to the eastern bank of the Honeywine by a weathered wooden drawbridge. On the island is located the Ravenry, the oldest building of the Citadel. The walls of the Ravenry are covered in moss and vines, and within its yard sits a weirwood tree on which the ravens like to perch. The white raven rookery is located in the west tower. These are sent throughout Westeros to announce the coming of winter."

"If we were to steal all the knowledge from the Citadel, where should I go?" Aryan asked.

"All the records, the books, and artifacts are kept at the Central Library, for which you have to pass through the Seneschal's Court. But I have a doubt. The Citadel has books and records from thousands of years. Are you sure that you can replicate them all in a single night?" Marwyn asked, confused.

"I will be utterly exhausted due to not being in the North, but it can be done. Just make sure you are there at the entrance to show me the way," Aryan told him, to which Marwyn agreed.

Aryan then broached another subject. "You know, when I met the Children of the Forest, I asked them to come back to the North. Do you think the people will be comfortable with that?"

"The Northerners, I have to say, will accept anything. The word of a Stark is law for them, and you can easily convince the North. But I cannot say the same about the rest of Westeros. The Faith will not like it and may cause some problems. But considering their almost non-existent hold in the North, I doubt it will matter much. But you should be more worried about the response of the Citadel," Marwyn warned.

"While I know from your words that the Citadel dislikes magic, do you think they will do something against the Children?" Aryan asked.

Marwyn laughed mirthlessly and started to explain, "Who do you think killed all the dragons the last time around? Gallant dragonslayers armed with swords? The world the Citadel is building has no place in it for sorcery or prophecy or glass candles, much less for dragons. Ask yourself why Aemon Targaryen was allowed to waste his life upon the Wall, when by rights he should have been raised to an archmaester. His blood was why. He could not be trusted. No more than I can be. The maesters will try with whatever means to eliminate the Children. That is why I asked you to set up something to rival the Citadel to break their monopoly. Something like the University will be a big boon to you."

Thinking for a moment, Aryan said, "If what you say is true, then the setting up of the University is a priority. The Children will come to the North, and I will welcome them with open arms when they come. If the Citadel tries anything, I will make sure that they become history."

"Other than Archmaester Ebrose, there is no one I would miss there. Perhaps we can convince him to accompany us to the North," Marwyn suggested, to which Aryan offered no objections.

As the sun began its descent, Aryan told Arya to go to rest. They would be in Oldtown in a week.