Eddard

The horses plodded forward, they were more tired than he was and the slow monotony of travel was starting to wear down his mind. Getting to Bear Island gave him a purpose and kept his mind sharp on the journey there. He had pushed those that accompanied him far too hard to get to Bear Island in time and The Wolf's Road was a difficult journey even when traveling slow, but moving quickly through the tenous paths, forced you to focus. That had engaged his mind, allowed him to stop thinking of other things and allowed a sense of calm to come. That is what he needed, what he always needed, to focus on a task and to not dwell. Ned shook his head as he didn't want to think further as to why. The Wolfswood was starting to clear some and Ned recognized the weirwood post with the iron wolf's head. Ten more miles til the hunter's gate. He was almost home.

Ned went over their journey over in his mind. The rush to Deepwood was hectic and the saddle sores were only now starting to heal. As he thought of them, Ned fought the urge to itch where it was still tender. Ned remembered the small harbor, five leagues, from the Motte, the poor condition and a small merchant cog, and the two-day journey that ended up taking four days due to poor weather and rough seas. Their week-long stay with new Lady of Bear Island which was not enough for Ned to feel steady on his legs. How it only worsened on the return journey.

His head started to ache as he thought about the business on Bear Island, and how much more was left to do.

Ned distracted himself as he looked around the group he brought and his face softened when he found a mop of auburn hair. At least the trip wasn't a complete failure. His son Robb wore a face that held deeper exhaustion. Traveling to Deepwood Mott in eight days would be difficult for anyone and at fourteen years old Ned was proud of how Robb carried himself throughout their journey. The roads, if they could be called that, through Wolf's wood punished those who went too fast, but Robb held up reasonably well. As Ned was studying him, his son's face broke into a joyous grin, whose energy seemed radiate to the rest of his body. Ned looked forward as well and he saw in the distance the grey curtain walls that protected the ancient seat of House Stark. Home.

Ned turned back to his son and said, "We are almost there, Robb." Robb nodded his head, but Ned could feel the excitement infect those around him "You did well, very well." It wasn't empty praise as Robb was attentive in all meetings, asked good questions when they were over, and was courteous to every bannerman they came across. He'll be fine lord when I am gone. Although some of Robb's ideas were far too radical for the North, there was still time to guide him back to values and standards that allowed Stark's to rule for millennia. However, Robb had traits that even Ned envied. Effortlessly courteous and charming in the way Brandon was. In a way, he could never be.

"Thank you, Father," Rob said. Ned reached over and patted his firstborn son's shoulder. Robb was a dutiful northern heir, however, his mother's southern influence definitely shone through, not only in ideas but in looks as well. His son's deep auburn hair and piercing blue eyes marked him more Tully than a Stark. Although his face was a little longer than his mother's, and his stocky build mirrored Ned's.

"How are your legs? Do they still hurt?" Ned asked.

Robb tried to hide the grimace, "No, all healed up. I may even race Jon tomorrow, and I may even win with all the practice I've had."

Ned chuckled at that. "Aye, maybe you will." He remembered being that young and full of boyish pride. Ned hoped Robb could hold onto that a little longer.

"Although I may need another horse, Snowshoe here needs a few days off," Robb said as he patted the side of his dappled courser where a few grey spots formed what looked like a horseshoe. It was a gift from the Ryswells for his twelfth name day, and it had served him well.

"Aye, that may be a good idea," Ned said.

Theon spurred forward then, the boy was proud and loud, but Ned always thought he was a good lad, but this journey may have changed his mind. "You won't see me on a horse for at least a year!" he then groaned loudly as he shuffled in his seat. "My bloody thighs will never heal," theon ended with a wince.

Robb gave a chuckle, "Aye you Ironborn are quite useless on horses."

Ned heard the leather gloves clench. "Yea? Not as useless as a wolf on water. I saw you on that cog, retching all over your own boots, moaning for three straight days. It's why ironborn can never be truly defeated at sea." Theon spat back. The good humor was gone and Ned looked back to see Robb's face go red as he hung his head in shame. Ned fought the urge to step in, Robb needed to learn to hold his own.

"Except they are defeated all the time! Why else would you be here?" Robb said. Damn it.

Ned turned around to see Theon's face flushed and his nostrils flared. As he opened his mouth Ned called out, "Theon, go with Alyn and Tom and ride ahead to let Winterfell know of our arrival.

Theon was still angry but mumbled a 'my lord' as he pushed his horse forward, Alyn and Tom right behind him.

"Robb." Ned said calmly "Come here for a moment." A few seconds later Robb was at his side, his head starting to hang low. "Robb...

"I know I shouldn't have said that," Rob said staring at hands that were resting on the pommel of his saddle.

"Robb, always look at a man when you are speaking to him," Ned said, his tone firm.

Robb's eyes lifted to meet his. "I know I shouldn't have done that, Father."

"Why did you?"

"I was angry."

"You were," Ned confirmed.

"But he was being a…"

"It doesn't matter Robb, you are the Heir to the North, petty insults cannot provoke you," Ned said. Robb hunched his shoulders a bit. "Make sure to apologize, he may be my ward but one day he will rule the Iron Islands. I'd rather you would be friends than enemies."

"Of course Father," Robb said.

"You're young Robb and I don't expect you to be perfect. You still have time, but you do need to learn."

"I will," Robb said.

Ned clapped his shoulder again and smiled, "I know. Come one, we are almost home, let's go see everyone.

Robb's face split into a grin and he pushed his horse into a trot and Ned matched it. They heard the horns heralding their arrival and soon passed the hunter's homes on the outside of the gate. Game was being skinned and butchered and fletchers making arrows. Most stopped what they were doing and greeted him as he passed by and he politely nodded in return.

As they approached the outer gate, Ned once again marveled at the size of the curtain walls, and the massive gate with large snarling direwolves facing one another. Ned would never grow used to the fortress Winterfell was. He had once heard his father say that a hundred men could defend Winterfell from ten thousand. Winterfell hadn't been sieged in more than a millennia, but as Ned passed through the outer gate, over the moat, and through the inner gate, Ned did not doubt it would hold no matter the force trying to take it.

Ned's party passed the stables and the kennels and made their way into the inner courtyard and were soon surrounded by the tall, imposing stone structures that were so familiar to him. When Ned finally saw his wife and children waiting for them with most of Winterfell's household, and Ned felt the last bit of his tension ease out of him.

Cat looked beautiful and elegant standing there holding his youngest son by her side whose auburn hair was moving as he tried to free himself from his mother's clutches. To her right was Sansa, who, at almost ten years old, was starting to look more and more like her mother. Tall for her age, she would be a true beauty with a shade of red hair that only her mother seemed to have. Ned wasn't looking forward to fighting off betrothal offers for her over the next few years, knowing many lords would give up much for his daughter's hand.

On Cat's left was Arya who, despite being in a new dress, had some dirt on her face and was arguing with Bran waving her hands around while the septa looked on with disapproval. Arya, who didn't seem to notice and at eight years old was the spitting image of Ned's sister. Wild, carefree and looked more like a boy than the beautiful woman she will grow to be.

Next to her was Bran, a gentle soul, but whose wolf's blood flared when bested at anything martial, was doing his best to argue back but after a second, threw his hands down at his side, signaling his defeat. For now at least.

Ned dismounted and walked towards the gathered group as he searched the courtyard for his last remaining son. Ned was still looking when he arrived at his lady. Standing in front of her, he looked deep into Cat's blue eyes and grabbed her hands, pressing a kiss into them.

"My Lady."

His Cat stared back, "My Lord," she said with a smile that stirred him. Ned yearned to take his wife in his arms but willed himself to greet his children first while Robb embraced his mother. Sansa bowed and welcomed him, a proper lady, Ned embraced her in a tight hug as little Rickon hugged his leg and soon Bran and Arya joined as well. They were soon speaking over each other talking about their adventures and asking about his. Ned felt his exhaustion abate as he smiled trying to follow the four different conversations. After disentangling himself from his children with promises of gifts, stories and to see what they learned he looked for Jon. He noticed him standing next to Ser Rodrik behind his wife and children. Jon had a look of longing that was quickly replaced by his usually stoic features. Ned approached and placed a hand on his shoulder, gods, he was getting taller. "Jon," Ned said, trying to put the same warmth in his tone as he did for the rest of his children.

Jon raised his head and some of the coldness in his grey eyes thawed. "Lord Stark. It's good to see you home and safe." Then Jon moved forward as to hug him but hesitated and stepped back next to the aged knight. The ice returned and he looked back at Ned then bowed his head. Ned went to turn to see what he was looking at when he heard his name called.

"Lord Stark." Ned moved around to see the Luwin walking towards him.

"Maester Luwin, good to see you." Ned greeted the man when he noticed the nervous smile. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing pressing my lord, but there are quite a few matters that need your immediate attention and too many letters that need a response." Ned's felt the ache in his head return and deepen further.

"Poole, get the men settled and fed, they rode well through less than ideal conditions. Jory, that includes you, take the evening to rest, I do not want to see you until the morning." Jory and Poole nodded their heads and left. "Maester, after I have washed and dined with my family we will go over the most important matters, the rest can wait until tomorrow." Luwin nodded and Ned started to walk towards his home and bedchamber when he felt something brush his arm.

Catelyn took his arm and interlaced her hand in his as they walked towards the keep. "Ned, you have just returned, surely all of it can wait until at least the morning." He could see a little exasperation etched on her features.

"I wish I could my lady but I promise I won't do too much this evening." He tried to sound convincing but Cat saw right through him.

"I understand." Then Catelyn whispered. "Don't tire yourself too much, I need to give you a proper greeting." Ned tried to remain stoic but some heat went to the back of his neck.

After bathing and eating Ned found himself shut up in his solar with both Luwin and Poole sifting through the most pressing issues that couldn't be completed while he had gone to Bear Island. "Maester has there been any word from the other families about the change of leadership in House Mormont." Ned still had a well of anger reserved for Jorah Mormont's idiocy. Ned liked the man well enough, counted on him during the past two wars and even had him lead some of Ned's own men during the Greyjoy rebellion. Then he married a daughter of a wealthy southron Lord and over the course of their marriage destroyed his home trying to please the young girl. Ned knew Bear Island was struggling but to resort to slavery to pay off loans from around the Braavos? Foolish. Ned initially didn't have a desire to behead Jorah, but the craven escaped before he could even get to the Motte. The trip through the wolfswood to Deepwoode Motte had taken longer than anticipated due to the spring rain and by the time they got to the island, the former Lord Mormont and his southern Hightower wife were gone.

The journey wasn't a complete waste as it allowed Maege, the new Lady of Bear Island, to swear fealty to him directly and allowed him to get a better handle on the financial disaster House Mormont was in. Ned couldn't believe the amount of debt they had. Through a few days of negotiating with the She-Bear herself, Winterfell agreed to shoulder most of the debt for an increase of taxes throughout this summer and the following summer, as well as shared profits on their timber trade, meager as it was.

The negotiation had been a bizarre one as Maege wanted to impose taxes that were far too harsh on herself for her nephew's recklessness. Ned had to argue so long to lower them just to ensure House Mormont could one day stand on its own two feet again. It was an unpleasant business, but it needed to be done.

"Every house has publicly supported the decision but that was expected. Even Lord Karstark and Lady Dustin can't find fault in punishing slavery." Ned felt little relief as he knew some of the major houses of the North would find him weak for allowing a major house to bankrupt itself under his watch. He also knew that some of the houses would think him too merciful for his relatively minor punishment, but he had to focus on the rest of the matters at hand.

So it went on; the tension between the Forresters and the Whitehills was starting to boil over again. The Glover's needed some help handling their minor Lords of the Wolfswood. Karstarks were complaining about taxes, believing that distant relations allow for special considerations. Umbers and the Night's Watch were having trouble with wildling raids, the Umbers were especially angry because they feel as though they are doing the Night's Watch duty. Ned made a note to write to the Lord Commander about what they would need now that spring had ended and summer was here. Hornwood's were wary of Boltons, and the Boltons were wary of everyone else. Both Flint houses were complaining about various rights at sea and the inability to enforce them. When they finally reached the last matter that acquired his attention Ned's patience was thin. Maester Luwin started, "As you know the wedding of Wendel Manderly to-"

"What of it?" Ned cut across him. The last thing he wanted to think about was a damn wedding, not when he was this tired. "It can wait until I get some sleep."

"I understand your grace but a few things about it have changed since you've been away."

Ned was barely paying attention, "What do you mean?" Luwin handed him the letters from Wyman Manderly. As Ned read through the letter, the dull ache turned to a steady throbbing. Wendel Manderly was marrying the fourth daughter of House Grafton of Gulltown. Being one of the few lords of the Vale that sided with the Targaryeans they had lost a lot of favor with the Lords of the Vale and it was known that the Grafton heir was betrothed a daughter of House Arryn of Gulltown, who were more merchants than lords. That being said, what House Grafton and the Arryn's of Gulltown lacked in standing, they made up for with wealth.

When comparing wealth in Westeros many people looked to Lannisters, Redwynes, and Hightowers, and while not that wealthy, House Grafton was closer in wealth than most men realized, with Wyman Manderly being one of those men. As lords of two major ports it is important to foster good relationships and Ned was glad to help broker the marriage, however, Wyman was much happier to receive a dowry large enough to renovate Wolf's Den, make Seal's Rock into a real fortress, or even build a new fleet of ships. Joining families without committing too much of the future of your house was an important part of this alliance. That being said it wasn't going to be a major event outside their respective regions.

Or so he thought until he read the letter. It stated that a tournament was going to be held in honor of the wedding. Again no surprise. Manderly's followed the seven and is considered the most southron of the northern houses and as such were prone to frivolous activities. However, since the tournament had the backing of two wealthier houses the prize for the event winners was a small fortune. 8,000 gold dragons to the winner of the joust, 4,000 for second and 100 for third. 6,000 for the winner of the melee, 2,000 for second and 500 for third and the sums were the same for the archery competition. There were even events for the squires as well that paid some gold to them as well, both a melee and joust. Shit. Ned knew his sons would want to participate, to test their mettle and win some coin. All this meant that it would be a crowded affair.

The letter from Wyman stated that he received notice that every major house in the Vale would be represented, along with a few Riverland houses, House Tully included, and even merchants and magisters from across the narrow sea. This brought the attention of the crownland houses especially those with ports and trade interests in both Essos and the Vale.

Unfortunately, it seems this once innocuous wedding between a second son and a fourth daughter was swelling and would now be one of the most important gatherings for trade talks since the end of the Greyjoy Rebellion. Which meant the King's Master of Ships was attending as well.

"Others take me." Ned cursed as he reached for the other letter.

Luwin spoke, "This one arrived last night my Lord." The seal had the moon and falcon of House Arryn. Ned broke the seal and started to read.

Lord Stark,

With the number of influential houses descending upon White Harbor the crown needs to be represented as well. Lord Stannis would be there but as you know, Robert would prefer someone else to represent the crown and he wanted to go himself to do so. But I am old Ned, I don't know how many years I have left and he needs to be King without me for a while.

There is another reason I need to come north, Ned. There is much we need to discuss and much of it can only be done in person.

It will be good to see you again.

-Lord Jon Arryn,

Hand of the King

Ned re-read the message a few times. Trying to parse the cryptic message. King for a while? What did that mean? Is Jon sick? Gods. Who would be hand? His thoughts were moving too quickly so Ned stopped.

He breathed in.

Then out.

Ned tried to corner his thoughts, an old memory he had replayed too many times to count came to the fore.

"Break the problem down to one action." Jon Arryn stood in front of him looking at him in the eyes. "Problems can be overwhelming, break them down until you have one decision or another, then build them up until you have a solution."

It took him a couple of minutes before he was ready to speak.

"Maester Luwin, prepare to send missives inviting every Northern House to join us on the journey to or to meet us at the Manderley wedding. Tell them to prepare to discuss how to best take advantage of this summer. Poole, I will be taking all my children except Rickon with me so they can experience more of the north and meet the future lords and ladies that they will one day run the North with. Since the wedding is in seven weeks, we will need to be prepared to depart in three to get there early enough to start trade talks before the southern houses arrive."

The two men agreed at once, and Ned asked, "Maester Luwin, if you could, I need you to create some figures of what each house can produce in the summer, including ours."

Maester Luwin nodded but asked, "How long of a summer should I use for the figures."

Ned thought for a moment, "Could you create numbers based on a 1, 3, and 5-year summer?" The maester nodded.

Ned got up from his seat and dismissed Luwin and Poole and had a rather large cup of wine to settle his racing mind. He needed to write Lord Manderly to send some barges up the White Knife, maybe to Greydam, it could cut a week of travel time. Ned was thinking of the time it would take to travel and the amount of time he would have to stay in White Harbor. Ned took a breath to steel himself and thought of his father. What would he do? He would relish in it, Ned knew his father's political ambition and what it had caused and Ned had no patience for it.

With that said. The North was struggling, taking young men from the harvest and losing them in both Robert's and Greyjoy's rebellion had made the past three winter's much worse. This last one lasted only two years but was especially deadly. Short, but bitterly cold. Winter had come and winter was coming. The North needed a strong summer.

"My Lord." Ned turned around not realizing the Luwin was still standing there.

"Maester what is it?"

"I wanted to talk to you about young Jon."

Ned was too tired. Jon? What would Jon have done? He needed sleep, he'd deal with it in the morning. "Is it urgent?"

"No my Lord, it can wait." Luwin departed and Ned soon followed him.

Leaving his solar to walk back to the Lord's bedroom he struggled to keep his eyes open but knew he still needed to talk to Cat. Maybe in the morning. No better it did tonight. He opened the door to see his wife in her nightgown sitting in her chair by the fire reading.

"Cat." She turned and smiled at him, closed the book and they both knew. She put down the book and walked over to him as he started to form his apology for how late it was, "I'm sorry, there was much to be do-" Catelyn had placed her hands on his face and her lips upon his and any thoughts about weddings and trade dealings disappeared from Ned's mind.