Chapter 178: Small Council, Littlefinger, and the Imp

"Robert, I have just arrived in King's Landing; how could I serve as Master of Internal Affairs? I am not suited for it, you should choose someone else!"

In the council chamber of the Red Keep in King's Landing, facing Robert's appointment, Eddard hurriedly refused.

In the eyes of others, Master of Internal Affairs might be an honor, a cushy job, but Eddard knew very well that while the position seemed to hold great power—with a hand in intelligence, finance, and military affairs—it was, after all, a post without any actual military authority.

In fact, Eddard valued the position of Master of Ships held by Stannis more, as it allowed one to command the Royal Fleet and control the mouth of Blackwater Bay. Besides, the commander of the City Watch of King's Landing was also worth considering.

Currently, the commander of the Gold Cloaks was Janos Slynt, a man of mediocre ability and a habitual embezzler—a waste of space who seemed to be one of Littlefinger's men. If the opportunity arose, Eddard intended to get rid of Janos Slynt and arrange for his own people to take over the Gold Cloaks.

Only with sufficient troops in King's Landing could Eddard consider himself firmly established. Currently, Eddard had seven hundred Winter Wolves soldiers in his hands, and the "North Star" galleon, followed by Northern merchant ships, would bring reinforcements to King's Landing one after another; this was a very good start.

Without sufficient strength, accepting Robert's appointment and occupying a high position would only provoke hostility from his colleagues on the Small Council, so Eddard politely declined Robert's appointment.

Upon seeing Eddard refuse, Grand Maester Pycelle hurriedly said, "Your Grace, since Lord Eddard has declined this task, I think we can discuss it at length."

Robert ignored Pycelle and said, "Eddard, this is the King's favor, how can you refuse? You led the Northern Army to conquer Beyond the Wall, and the Blue Noble, Maple Syrup, Wood Carving, and Glass Pane produced in the workshops of Winterfell are all hot commodities in King's Landing. And that Black Truffle—many nobles say that after eating Black Truffle, a man regains his youthful vigor, becoming full of life and making women moan incessantly!"

"You have proven your ability to make money. You built many Wolf Castles in the North and properly settled the more than one hundred thousand Wildlings who migrated south. More than one hundred thousand Wildlings followed you from Beyond the Wall to Winterfell without a single one being lost! This proves that you have won the hearts of the people and possess superb political skills. You are my best brother; the position of Master of Internal Affairs belongs to no one but you."

The sound of teeth grinding came from Stannis's mouth; clearly, Stannis did not like Robert calling Eddard his "best brother." Stannis stared at Eddard with those cold, hard eyes, as if fire were about to erupt from them.

Eddard hurriedly said, "Robert, I have achieved a tiny bit of success in the North, but that is because I am very familiar with the North, and the Stark family has ruled the North from Winterfell for thousands of years. South of the Neck, I am relatively unfamiliar. If you let me join the Small Council to serve as an advisor, I can barely manage, but as Master of Internal Affairs, absolutely not."

"I recommend Lord Stannis. Lord Stannis is upright and unyielding, hardworking and uncomplaining; he will certainly be able to handle the duties of Master of Internal Affairs."

Stannis, did you see that? I am strongly recommending you, so save your anger for the Spider and Littlefinger beside you, and the Lannisters in the court! However, Eddard knew not to expect Stannis to be grateful; this was a man who lacked human warmth.

If Robert appointed Stannis as Master of Internal Affairs, then the position of Master of Ships would become vacant, and perhaps Eddard would have a chance to become Master of Ships, thereby getting his hands on those vessels of the Royal Fleet in King's Landing. Once he controlled the King's Landing fleet, Eddard would be able to advance or retreat at will. Even if he encountered a coup or riot in King's Landing in the future, Eddard could calmly use the King's Landing fleet to withdraw to the North by sea.

But Eddard's proposal was directly rejected by Robert, "Stannis serves as Master of Ships; that position cannot do without him. Eddard, the position of Master of Internal Affairs belongs to no one but you. I rarely attend the Small Council; I am busy hunting, drinking and feasting, and finding beauties. From now on, the Small Council is left to you and Jon to manage."

Hand of the King Jon Arryn said, "Eddard, the King's appointment cannot be declined. Grand Maester Pycelle, Master of Whisperers Varys, Master of Coin Littlefinger, Master of Ships Stannis, Master of Laws Renly Baratheon, and even Kingsguard Captain Barristan Selmy—whatever happens in the future, you must report to me and the King. You are helping me and Robert govern the country."

Littlefinger joked, "The Hand is the King's right hand, and the Master of Internal Affairs is the King's left hand. We, the small councilors, are merely the King's fingers!"

Varys chuckled wickedly, "Littlefinger, if we are fingers, you are the shortest and smallest one on the Small Council."

Littlefinger revealed a mischievous smile, "Yes, I am short and small and quick, but that is still better than having none at all, eunuch."

The title of Wolf King, power second only to the Hand of the King, and the position of Master of Internal Affairs—this was the gift Robert bestowed upon him upon his first arrival in King's Landing.

In the history of Westeros, since the inception of the Small Council, there had never been such a position as Master of Internal Affairs; this position was created by Robert specifically for Eddard, and it sounded more like a Deputy Hand.

Hand of the King Jon Arryn was getting older, and although Stannis craved the position of Hand of the King, the person Robert favored more was indeed his good brother Eddard.

The high officials of the Small Council in the Red Keep of King's Landing all realized that Robert's arrangement was actually preparing for Eddard to succeed Jon Arryn in advance.

Subsequently, Robert began to mutter about the Tourney.

"To celebrate the Wolf King's conquest of Beyond the Wall and the incorporation of the lands Beyond the Wall into the territory of the Seven Kingdoms, we are going to hold the Wolf King Festival. Among them, the Tourney is the most important event of the Wolf King Festival."

Robert glanced at Renly Baratheon, and Renly Baratheon said, "The King has already decided that the Tourney will be divided into Jousting, Archery, and Melee. To demonstrate the wealth and power of the Seven Kingdoms and the Royal House, the King has decided that the Jousting champion will receive a prize of forty thousand Gold Dragons, the Melee champion will receive twenty thousand Gold Dragons, and the Archery champion will receive ten thousand Gold Dragons."

Jon Arryn frowned, his forehead resembling the ravines of The Vale; Grand Maester Pycelle looked shocked, and Stannis's face was gloomy. Clearly, Robert had not consulted the high officials of the Small Council beforehand.

This was the Wolf King's Tourney, and Eddard hoped in his heart that the prize money would be as high as possible; perhaps the warriors of Winterfell could win in some competition, and any champion would start with a prize of ten thousand Gold Dragons.

Ten thousand Gold Dragons, if spent sparingly, could arm more than a thousand cavalrymen; forty thousand Gold Dragons would be enough to build a fleet.

However, this was money King Robert was spending for Eddard after all, so Eddard said solemnly, "Robert, there is no need to squander money for the Tourney. I am very opposed to such things that waste manpower and money. I suggest canceling the Tourney."

Stannis cast an approving look at Eddard, "Your Grace, Lord Eddard is right; the Tourney is meaningless."

Robert said, "Life is short, one should enjoy it while one can. Eddard conquered Beyond the Wall; this is a great achievement that even Aegon the Conqueror could not accomplish. I must hold a grand Tourney to bestow the greatest honor upon Eddard."

Jon Arryn said, "Your Grace, the Tourney should be held. But this prize money is too high, isn't it? The royal treasury is currently heavily in debt, and it is not appropriate to be extravagant and wasteful. I suggest cutting the prize money by ten times."

Grand Maester Pycelle echoed, "I support Lord Jon Arryn's view. Your Grace, the prize money is too high. The prize money for these three events alone amounts to seventy thousand Gold Dragons. Plus the manpower and material resources needed to organize the event, the Wolf King Tourney might cost over one hundred thousand Gold Dragons."

Robert gave a light snort, "You guys are whining over spending a little money. It's not like we hold a Tourney every day. Anyway, the damn royal debt is already as high as... how much was it?" Robert looked at Littlefinger.

Littlefinger hurriedly said, "Your Grace, the total royal debt exceeds six million Gold Dragons. House Lannister of Casterly Rock is the largest creditor; we owe the Lannisters more than three million Gold Dragons. In addition, we have also borrowed money from the Braavos Iron Bank, House Tyrell of Highgarden, and the Tyroshi Trading Company."

Robert spread his hands, "You see, the royal debt is six million Gold Dragons anyway, so what's another one hundred thousand? Anyway, after Eddard becomes Master of Internal Affairs, Eddard and Littlefinger will become my financial experts, and King's Landing will surely have a rolling source of wealth; the debt will be resolved sooner or later."

Jon Arryn looked at Littlefinger, "Petyr, can you scrape together this money?"

Littlefinger toyed with a Cat's Paw, "I think, since it is the Wolf King's Tourney, and Lord Eddard's Winterfell is now rolling in wealth and Lord Eddard is rich and powerful, the prize money for the Tourney should be paid by Lord Eddard."

Eddard said coldly, "Winterfell currently still owes a large sum of money to the Braavos Iron Bank. If Lord Petyr does not believe it, he is welcome to go and inquire."

Robert complained, "Littlefinger, if I let Eddard pay, what use do I have for you as Master of Coin?"

Littlefinger smiled ingratiatingly, "Your Grace, I was just making a little joke. I can continue to look for the Lannisters to borrow money, or I can go to the High Septon; the Church is filthy rich."

Robert said in a rough voice, "Look! The problem is perfectly solved."

Eddard took a beautifully crafted Briar Pipe out of his sleeve and handed it to Robert.

Robert was curious, "What is this?" Robert stroked the exquisite Crown of the Stag on the pipe.

Pycelle stretched his neck, Littlefinger leaned forward, and Varys held his hands and observed carefully. Everyone was very curious; Renly Baratheon's face was filled with smiles, while Stannis looked gloomy.

"Robert, this thing is a Pipe. I had a Qohor woodcarver make it specifically for you. With a pipe, you can puff away and be as carefree as an immortal." Eddard loaded the pipe with Tobacco for Robert and lit it with an Aromatic Candle nearby.

Robert took the first puff in confusion and exhaled slowly. He exclaimed, "A unique pleasure; this is even more comfortable than sleeping with a Lys virgin! Eddard, you actually hid such good things in the North."

Eddard handed Robert a bag of tobacco leaves, "I discovered this by accident when I was on an expedition Beyond the Wall."

Robert said excitedly, "Smoking a pipe feels as sour and refreshing as drinking Blue Noble! It's a pity you only have this small bag of tobacco leaves; what will I do when I finish smoking it?"

Eddard said, "The 'North Star' galleon that set off from the White Knife will arrive in King's Landing in a few days. They are fully loaded with goods, including barrels of Blue Noble, Vodka, Maple Syrup, Black Truffle, Foie Gras, Caviar, Perfume, and Incense Candle. These are all gifts I offer to Your Grace."

"Among them, there are many barrels of tobacco; Your Grace won't be able to finish smoking them in a year."

Robert let out a hearty laugh, "Tobacco is truly a good thing; I must show it off to those friends of mine in the court."

Robert announced the end of the meeting, and everyone dispersed one after another. Before Jon Arryn left, he said helplessly to Eddard, "Eddard, you shouldn't have given Robert the pipe and tobacco at all. Robert is obsessed with brothels, obsessed with drinking, and obsessed with the Tourney. If he gets addicted to smoking, he will be even more unwilling to make progress in the future."

Eddard said, "What you say makes sense, but Robert has given me great honor, so I must give him some gifts."

After Jon Arryn left, only Eddard and Stannis remained in the room.

Stannis looked at Eddard gloomily, "Lord Eddard, I always thought you were a simple and unadorned person. Why have you also started to promote luxury and pleasure? Could it be that the glory of conquering Beyond the Wall has made you dizzy and forget yourself? Poor old Jon Arryn and I were hoping that when you arrived in King's Landing, you could restrain Robert. I didn't expect you to actually offer Robert tobacco and a pipe. Do you want to make him even more wasteful?"

Eddard laughed, "Lord Stannis, it's fine for His Majesty the King to enjoy himself occasionally. Look at you, you are as taut as a bow; you should relax at the right time. I think you could also try smoking; it can relax your mood."

Stannis's mouth formed a negative shape, "Don't try that on me; I am not Robert. Some people in King's Landing say that Lord Eddard Stark is training the Winter Wolves, building Wolf Castles, forging armor and weapons, building ships, and even raising a Dragon in the North. Some people say you intend to rebel."

Eddard said dismissively, "It is merely slander; I am loyal to Robert."

Stannis frowned, "Are you loyal to Robert, or are you loyal to the country?"

Eddard thought for a moment, "His Grace the King is the country; to defend the King is to defend the Iron Throne."

Stannis said sharply, "Your answer is truly flawless. Powerful vassals are a threat to both their liege and the country. Lord Eddard, I have always considered you a man of the greatest honor; I hope you keep your word and ensure your Stark descendants maintain their loyalty to Robert's descendants."

If Stannis knew the parentage of Joffrey Baratheon, Myrcella Baratheon, and Tommen Baratheon, he certainly would not think this way. Once Cersei's children were proven to be bastards, upon Robert's death, Stannis would be the heir to the Iron Throne.

Eddard had thought he had escaped Stannis's interrogation, but he did not expect Stannis's questioning to continue.

"But what is your purpose in building ships? The North was already the largest territory in the Seven Kingdoms, and now with the annexation of Beyond the Wall, the new North is vast. The Wildlings north of The Wall have bowed their heads in submission, and there is no threat to the north of the North; are you building ships because you want to continue expanding your territory?"

Eddard said calmly, "The North is vast and sparsely populated; my building of ships is merely to protect the North's long coastline. Ironborn Pirates have been ravaging the North's coast; in fact, just before I left Winterfell to set off for King's Landing, the North had just sent troops to attack the pirates at Sea Dragon Point. That place has many hills, caves, and swamps; it is a pirate den."

"Those damned Ironborn Pirates plunder coastal property, and the Northmen they abduct are either taken to the Iron Islands to become slave laborers and salt wives, or sold directly to slave traders. If the Iron Throne's fleet cannot protect the North's coastal fishing villages and fishermen, does it not allow the North to build its own fleet?"

"Do not forget, The Reach has the Shield Islands, the Arbor Fleet, and the Oldtown Fleet; The Riverlands have House Mallister of Seagard; The Westerlands have House Farman of Fair Isle to defend against the Ironborn. The North should have built a sturdy shield against the Ironborn long ago."

Stannis gritted his teeth, "Who can be blamed for this? Back when King Balon declared himself king in the Iron Islands, I crushed the Iron Fleet of the Iron Islands in the battle at Fair Isle, and Robert's army shattered the Ironborn's defensive lines. We captured King Balon and the Iron Fleet Commander Victarion Greyjoy."

"King Balon usurped the title of king; for the sake of a crown, how many people died? That man was not worth saving. But then, how did our good Robert handle it? King Balon gave a soft kneel, and his treasonous crimes were wiped clean; Robert helped him up and continued to appoint him as Lord of the Iron Islands. At that time, King Balon and those Ironborn leaders and priests of the Drowned God under his command should have all been executed, their heads spiked on Pyke to feed the crows."

This was Stannis's style: upright and unyielding, but perhaps overly severe; this was the reason Stannis could not win the love of the people.

Eddard frowned, "Executing too many Ironborn nobles and priests of the Drowned God would make it impossible for the Ironborn to ever submit."

Stannis said, "The Ironborn never submitted in the first place, otherwise where would those Ironborn Pirates come from? From the North's Bay of Ice, Sea Dragon Point, The Westerlands, The Reach, The Riverlands, and the Stepstones, they are like carrion flies, everywhere. The Ironborn will rebel sooner or later; they are natural pirates, as fickle as the sea, born to plunder, burn, and kill."

"During the battle at Fair Isle back then, Robert had me command the fleet together with Lord Paxter Redwyne of the Arbor. Honestly, I did not like that 'Wine Lord' at all, and I will always remember the role he and Mace Tyrell played in the Siege of Storm's End."

"However, I understand that to defeat an Iron Fleet fighting on its own doorstep, one cannot do without the Arbor Fleet. Just like that, I commanded the Arbor Fleet and the Royal Fleet, relying on the advantages of troop strength, number of warships, and supplies, and only then did I defeat the Iron Fleet. I heard that King Balon, because of some matters, exiled his second brother Euron. Euron's Silence is now notorious in many Free Cities; if Euron fell into my hands, I would certainly execute him."

"Lord Eddard, your North has built many ships, which might be useful for dealing with Ironborn Pirates, but do not expect to be able to win against the Iron Fleet. No matter how many ships the North builds, Northmen are not skilled in naval warfare; without qualified captains, crew, and sailors, how could you possibly defeat a powerful enemy at sea?"

Stannis turned and left, and Eddard recalled the vision he had seen in the cave of the Wood Dancer on the Isle of Faces.

A black sea surged onto the shore, submerging the Smith's furnace, the stables, and the rocks by the sea. On the road from Harrenhal to King's Landing, Eddard had been worrying that this foretold an attack by Ironborn Longships on the Wolf Castles of the North's West Coast.

Unfortunately, the Smith's furnace, stables, and rocks submerged by the sea that appeared in the vision matched the names of the three Wolf Castles Eddard had built on the West Coast very closely.

The Wolf Castle closest to the Iron Islands was located at Sea Dragon Point and was named Blacksmith City. Blacksmith City was only a few days' voyage from Harlaw of the Iron Islands. Eddard hoped that Blacksmith City could hammer the invading Ironborn Pirates just as a smith hammers iron on an anvil, but if it were the Iron Fleet...

The situation in King's Landing was currently unstable; conspirators like Cersei, Littlefinger, and Varys could do away with Jon Arryn and King Robert at any time. When that happened, war would spread across the south, and the North would likely have to send troops south to support The Riverlands or The Vale, otherwise, they would only be able to sit and watch their allies be wiped out by the enemy one by one.

Once the North was left empty, the damned Ironborn would likely take advantage of the situation to invade the North.

Stannis could be called the most formidable naval commander in the Seven Kingdoms today; even the Iron Fleet Commander of the Iron Islands, Victarion Greyjoy, had been defeated at his hands. If someone as strong as Stannis considered the Iron Fleet to be powerful, and Blacksmith City was right next to the Iron Islands, it would be very difficult for Blacksmith City to block an attack by the Ironborn if the Iron Fleet launched one.

The commander Eddard appointed for Blacksmith City was Helen Pyke. The Iron Bitch had once colluded with the Rock King during the Rock-born War, inciting a rebellion on Skagos and becoming an enemy of the North. After she was captured, Eddard spared her life. Helen had been loyal, and the Ironborn shipbuilders under her command had helped the North build many longships.

Some of the Ironborn sailors under Helen Pyke were among the few elites in the Northern navy. Helen was familiar with the Ironborn's way of fighting, and she could make it very difficult for Ironborn Pirates to ravage the North.

But what if Helen betrayed them? A voice echoed in Eddard's mind. He remembered that when Helen was at Winterfell, she was always complaining about not being able to smell the sea salt or hear the sound of the waves. Perhaps this Iron Bitch had returned to the sea and begun to yearn for freedom again. The location of Blacksmith City was called Sea Dragon Point, and many residents here had Ironborn blood. What if Helen wanted to be a Pirate Queen...

No! Eddard comforted himself; Helen had been loyal since her surrender. She even liked to call herself Eddard's salt wife and was on intimate terms with Robb, Jon, Arya, Sansa, and Bran. Eddard had no reason to doubt Helen.

With Theon's ability, he was capable of serving as the Acting Castellan of any Wolf Castle, but Theon's identity meant Eddard could not trust him. The West Coast Wolf Castles were built specifically to defend against the Ironborn. Theon had come to Winterfell as a hostage and had grown to adulthood in Winterfell, but he was an Ironborn after all, and the only surviving son of King Balon, the heir to the Iron Islands.

When leaving Winterfell, Eddard specifically instructed Robb that no matter what changes occurred in the future, he must never let Theon serve as an Acting Castellan of a Wolf Castle.

In fact, at first, Eddard had intended to bring Theon to King's Landing, but once he thought about how nobles from all over were gathered in King's Landing, and some Ironborn nobles or even King Balon himself might come to King's Landing, if Theon met his father and King Balon requested it of King Robert, it would be difficult for Eddard to keep Theon. After all, Theon had been a hostage for so many years; Eddard refusing to release him would not only hurt Theon's feelings but could also enrage King Balon.

After weighing the pros and cons, Eddard left Theon in the North. Looking back now, could this be a hidden danger?

Besides Helen, the Acting Castellans of the other Wolf Castles on the West Coast were all from the Stark personal guard. The Acting Castellan of Stony City on the Stony Shore was Desmond; the Acting Castellan of Warhorse City in the Rills was Jacks; the Acting Castellan of Dawn Watch in the Barrowlands was Shad.

These Stark personal guards grew up in Winterfell, and their families now lived in Winterfell; some were soap workers, some were blacksmith apprentices, and some were grooms in the Winterfell stables.

Desmond, Jacks, and Shad were loyal to Stark, but unfortunately, their abilities were mediocre. If Ser Rodrik Cassel were guarding a Wolf Castle, Eddard would be much more at ease, but unfortunately, after Eddard went south, Rodrik Cassel needed to remain at Winterfell and could not be spared.

Moreover, Ser Rodrik Cassel was white-haired and aged; the North needed to cultivate young people.

The Ironborn rarely met an equal on the sea or water because the waves and the Drowned God made the Ironborn boil with blood in battle. It was in this frenzy that the Ironborn had conquered The Riverlands back then.

However, once they entered the interior, such as the vast Barrowlands or the dense Wolfswood, the Ironborn's combat ability was much worse. Furthermore, the Iron Islands had almost no decent cavalry; their infantry had strong individual combat ability, but they lacked the discipline to hide behind shields and counterattack when facing a cavalry charge.

If the Iron Islands launched a full-scale attack on the North, these Wolf Castles could at least delay the Ironborn's advance, winning time for the Northern armies at Moat Cailin, Winterfell, and Deepwood Motte to meet the Ironborn.

Perhaps Eddard could use his position as Hand of the King to direct the Iron Throne's wrath toward the Iron Islands. After the Greyjoy Rebellion was suppressed, the Iron Throne ordered a ban on Ironborn raiding in the Seven Kingdoms, but in reality, Ironborn Pirates were like poachers in the forest, impossible to stop.

It was not just the North; Seagard in The Riverlands, Fair Isle in The Westerlands, and the Shield Islands in The Reach all loathed the Ironborn. Even the powerful House Lannister hated the Ironborn; Lord Tywin and Queen Cersei would never forget that during the Greyjoy Rebellion, the greatest achievement of the Ironborn was the burning of Lannisport, burning the Lannisport Fleet in the anchorage with a single fire.

Eddard could use the Ironborn Pirate issue to have the Royal Fleet deal with the Iron Islands. Stannis always pursued fairness and justice; let Stannis and King Balon slaughter each other in Ironman's Bay and the Sunset Sea! In this way, the Iron Islands would be too busy to care for themselves and would naturally no longer pose a threat to the North, and the prophecy would be prevented—at least, Eddard hoped so.

In the Red Keep, Tyrion hummed a little tune as he entered Eddard's residence, where Olyvar Frey was polishing his armor.

Tyrion widened those eyes of his, one black and one green, "Isn't this Olyvar? Why are you in King's Landing instead of staying at The Twins?"

Tyrion's aunt Genna Lannister was married to Emmon Frey, the second son of Lord Walder Frey. Emmon Frey had effectively married into the Lannister family, so the Lannisters and the Freys of The Twins interacted frequently, and Tyrion knew Olyvar Frey.

Olyvar Frey was tall with sparse stubble, and he said, "I am now Lord Eddard's ward. When Lord Eddard went to Riverrun, he passed through The Twins and took me and Elmar Frey as wards."

Tyrion immediately became alert; this meant the Freys might have already allied with the Starks. Could it be that House Frey of the river crossing was abandoning the Roaring Lion to follow the Direwolf?

For a long time, because Lord Tywin's sister Genna was married to Lord Walder's second son Emmon, Lord Tywin had always regarded House Frey as an ally in The Riverlands.

Eddard Stark's trip south this time was already seen by many southern nobles as ambitious. Now, the Wolf King Eddard was a favorite in the eyes of King Robert and was seen by the people across the Seven Kingdoms as a hero who conquered Beyond the Wall. Lord Walder had always been a master of shifting with the wind. If Lord Walder turned toward House Stark at this time, Tyrion would not find it surprising at all.

In the courtyard in the distance, Elmar Frey was playing with Arya. Elmar and Arya were the same age, but his height already exceeded Tyrion's.

Tyrion feigned ease and said, "Olyvar, has your old man Lord Walder betrothed anyone to the Starks?"

Olyvar shook his head, "No, but in The Twins, many girls are hoping to marry Robb, Bran, or Rickon, and the boys of age are all hoping to marry Lady Sansa or Lady Arya."

Tyrion laughed, "Your older brother Septa Lucan is now a high-ranking Archbishop at the Great Sept of Baelor in King's Landing. When you have time to go to the Great Sept of Baelor to pray, remember to visit your older brother Lucan."

Olyvar shrugged, "In The Twins, apart from brothers born of the same mother, the relationships between other brothers are quite distant. My mother was Lord Walder's fourth wife, Bethany from House Rosby; older brother Lucan's mother was Lord Walder's second wife, Arwyn from House Swann."

"Besides, older brother Lucan joined the Church, which is equivalent to abandoning the family name. I haven't seen him more than a few times, and we aren't close at all, so why should I go see him? Actually, I envy Lucan a bit; he at least escaped The Twins. I despise some of the Frey brothers in The Twins, like the steward Lame Lothar and Black Walder; the character of these brothers is not very good."

Because Lord Walder always married young women immediately after his previous wife died and left seeds everywhere, fathering many bastards, his children ranged from sixty years old to infants a few months old.

Olyvar polished his armor meticulously, and Tyrion said, "It seems you are enjoying being Lord Eddard's ward!"

Olyvar said proudly, "Of course, I am already an adult and have no inheritance rights at The Twins. No matter who inherits The Twins in the future, I will be swept out the door. I have to make my own way. By following Lord Eddard and joining the Winter Wolves, maybe I can even become a lord after I perform military service!"

Tyrion said, "Or you could find time to visit your grandfather Lord Gyles Rosby; he has been troubled by a cough for these years. There is a vacancy for the heir to Rosby, and I hear Lord Gyles intends to pass it to his bastard son. If you are smart enough, you should seize the opportunity." Because Rosby was right next to King's Landing, Lord Gyles Rosby spent his time at Robert's court year-round.

At this moment, Eddard walked in through the courtyard gate. As soon as he saw Tyrion, he hurriedly called out, "Tyrion, what are you doing here?"

Tyrion squeezed out a smile, "Lord Eddard, I was just wandering about, and happened to be chatting with Olyvar Frey. We Lannisters and the Freys are relatives, you know! Will this courtyard be for you and your family to live in from now on? That's wonderful, we can visit each other more often when we have the chance; I live nearby."

Tyrion walked away on his bandy legs, and Eddard called for the Captain of the Guard, Jory Cassel.

"From now on, no one is allowed to enter our courtyard without authorization. Strengthen the guard."

Eddard arrived at the bedroom; Catelyn had already changed into a brownish-red silk gown, her whole body exuding the scent of Winter Rose perfume.

"I am going to visit Lysa and Robin Arryn, and ask her by the way if she really has been having an affair with Littlefinger. Robin has always been sickly and suffers from frequent seizures; could it be a curse from the gods for the adultery?" Robin was the nickname for little Robert Arryn.

Eddard said speechlessly, "Are you mad? Even if Lysa were having an affair with a wild man, would she admit it? I will go with you, and bring Maester Norman along to examine Robin Arryn."

Catelyn was a bit worried, "I remember Lysa mentioned in a letter to me before that Maester Colemon, who serves Jon Arryn, prescribed many medicines for little Robin, but none of them worked. Seizures are very hard to cure; can Maester Norman do it?"

Eddard smiled, "One must always try." Once Robin's seizures were controlled, Lysa would be controlled; after all, a mother cares most about her son's condition.

Escorted by the guard Dawson and Syrio Forel, Eddard, Catelyn, and Maester Norman arrived at the Tower of the Hand. In a viper's nest like King's Landing, Eddard had to have guards following him at all times.

The Captain of the Hand's guard, Ser Vardis Egen, was chatting with Ser Mandon Moore of the Kingsguard.

Ser Vardis Egen had silver hair and a sturdy build; as soon as he saw Eddard and Catelyn, he hurried to greet them.

"I have come to visit Lady Lysa," Eddard told Ser Vardis Egen.

Ser Vardis Egen looked troubled, "Lord Eddard, Lady Lysa's son, Robin, suffers from frequent seizures and is afraid of seeing strangers, so Lady Lysa has ordered that all visitors be turned away."

Catelyn said, "Lysa is my own sister. My father, Lord Hoster, instructed me to take good care of Lysa and Robin when I arrived in King's Landing. You must at least announce us."

Ser Vardis Egen beckoned to a soldier of House Arryn wearing silver-blue armor and a sky-blue cloak. The soldier immediately ran inside, and after a long while, the soldier returned.

"Lady Lysa invites Lord Eddard and Catelyn Stark to enter."

Eddard and Catelyn, accompanied by Maester Norman and the guards, walked into the Tower of the Hand.

In the small hall of the Tower of the Hand, Catelyn and Eddard finally saw Lysa.

Lysa was sitting on a chair holding Robin. Beside them was Maester Colemon. Maester Colemon was thin, with sparse hair and a long neck, looking exactly like a giraffe.

Catelyn still remembered that when they were young, Lysa was a kind and shy girl, only compared to Catelyn's beauty, Lysa's appearance was relatively mediocre, and she was not smart enough.

After marrying Jon Arryn, Lysa had suffered many miscarriages before finally giving birth to the Heir of the Eyrie and the Vale of Arryn, sweet Robin, for Jon Arryn, and subsequently experienced several more miscarriages. Eddard highly suspected whether these miscarriages were because Jon Arryn was old and his seed was weak, or because Littlefinger was physically weak and unable to give Lysa a healthy child.

Sweet Robin, in Lysa's arms, was small in stature, with pale skin, dry, grass-like brown hair, and a pair of watery eyes. He was already six years old, yet his height was about the same as a three-year-old child, and he was extremely frail. Sweet Robin stole a glance at Eddard and Catelyn, and as soon as their eyes met, he was frightened and hid back in his mother's arms.

Multiple miscarriages had caused Lysa's figure to become severely bloated. Her red hair hung down to her waist, and she wore a sky-blue velvet gown with pearl slippers on her feet. Her complexion was very poor; Lysa was two years younger than Catelyn, but standing together, Lysa seemed ten years older than Catelyn.

"Catelyn, it is so good to see you." Lysa hugged Catelyn excitedly.

Lysa nodded to Eddard, and Eddard said, "Where is the Hand of the King, Jon Arryn?"

Lysa pulled a bitter face, "The Hand of the King has to handle affairs every day; he has gone to inspect the barracks of the Gold Cloaks at this moment."

Catelyn said, "Lysa, you really should go see Father; Father's health has been getting worse and worse lately."

Lysa said gloomily, "I want to return to Riverrun very much, but I still need to take care of sweet Robin."

Eddard said, "I heard that Robin has always been in poor health and suffers from frequent seizures."

Lysa said disdainfully, "Do not listen to those rumors. My sweet Robin is physically strong; he is Jon Arryn's seed, as strong as a falcon."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Robin's body began to twitch uncontrollably. Catelyn was startled, but Lysa and Maester Colemon were clearly accustomed to it. Maester Colemon held down Robin's head, and after a few minutes, the child stopped trembling and fell into a deep sleep.

Maester Colemon sighed, "Robin has these fits every other day. I use leeches to bleed sweet Robin and give him Sweet Sleep and Milk of the Poppy, which can temporarily control the onset of the seizures, but over time, toxins will accumulate."

Eddard pointed his hand toward Norman and said, "Maester Norman is skilled at treating children's illnesses; let him take a look at Robin!"

Lysa glanced at Maester Norman and said unpleasantly, "How can I let a stranger examine my sweet Robin? We have Maester Colemon; all these years in King's Landing, it has always been Maester Colemon treating sweet Robin. I don't even trust Grand Maester Pycelle, how can I lightly trust your maester?"

Catelyn said indignantly, "What kind of attitude is that?"

Lysa was truly a cantankerous woman; no wonder she was played in the palm of Littlefinger's hand. Fortunately, Maester Colemon spoke up, "Lady Lysa, I knew Maester Norman when I was at the Citadel. He comes from House Shett of Gulltown in the Vale, and is a Vassal of Lord Jon Arryn in the Vale. There is nothing inappropriate about letting him examine Robin."

Under Maester Colemon's persuasion, Lysa finally reluctantly agreed to let Maester Norman examine Robin.

Eddard had always been very concerned about his nephew Robin Arryn's epilepsy; after all, Jon Arryn was advanced in years, and as Jon Arryn's only son, the frail Robin Arryn was the Heir to the Vale and the Eyrie.

When they were at Winterfell, Eddard had instructed "White-Haired" Maester Norman to specifically find several children with epilepsy and treat them with medicines such as Cinnabar Stone, Mother of Pearl, Iron Gall Powder, and Musk, which had achieved good results.

Maester Norman examined Robin Arryn and handed over a pill; this pill contained ingredients such as Cinnabar Stone and Iron Gall Powder.

"One pill a day, taken with clear water; there should be results in a few days."

Lysa took the pill and sniffed it suspiciously. She said gloomily, "Maester Norman, you had better hope you can cure my sweet Robin. If my sweet Robin eats your medicine and something goes wrong, I will certainly not let you off."

Catelyn said helplessly, "Lysa, because of your son's illness, I see you have become neurotic. This child should get more sun; staying in the room all day will only make him sickly."

Lysa did not agree at all at first, but under the persuasion of Eddard and Maester Colemon, Lysa finally reluctantly agreed, and the group took little Robin to the courtyard of the Tower of the Hand.

At this time, the Giant Eagle Prince Michu rode a giant eagle, streaking across the gray-blue sky and circling the Tower of the Hand.

The guards, washerwomen, and maids of the Tower of the Hand stopped to watch, and those who had never seen a giant eagle let out screams.

Lysa subconsciously shielded sweet Robin beside her. Sweet Robin widened those watery eyes, "Mommy! Look, it's the Winged Knight!"

The Winged Knight was a famous hero of the Vale who lived during the Age of Heroes. Legend has it that the Winged Knight rode a giant falcon, and the mermaids by the sea and the giants in the valley were all friends of the Winged Knight, and the Winged Knight commanded the Giant Eagle Legion. Legend has it that the Winged Knight slew the Griffin King on the famous mountain in the Vale, the "Giant's Lance," thereby ruling the Vale.

The wooden Winged Knight toys made by the wooden toy workshop in Winterfell were very popular in the Vale.

The sigil of House Arryn was the moon and falcon. Robin Arryn was very obsessed with the story of the Winged Knight; as soon as he saw the Giant Eagle Prince riding a giant eagle circling the Tower of the Hand, he immediately danced with excitement.

Sweet Robin pointed at the giant eagle in the sky and said to Lysa, "Mommy, can I fly with him?"

Lysa said, "I'm afraid that won't do."

Eddard said, "Sweet Robin, in our Winterfell, there are many giant eagles. If you go to Winterfell, you can ride a giant eagle and fly every day."

Sweet Robin danced with excitement, "Yay! Mommy, I want to go to Winterfell!"

Lysa stroked sweet Robin's head, "Sweet Robin, that place Winterfell is too cold; we are not going to Winterfell."

Upon hearing this, sweet Robin immediately began to get agitated, and his body began to tremble uncontrollably, "No! I want to be a Winged Knight! I want to go to Winterfell!"

Seeing that sweet Robin showed signs of having a fit, Lysa hurriedly gave in, "Mommy was wrong, don't get excited, sweet Robin. If you want to go to Winterfell, then we will go to Winterfell!"

Littlefinger Petyr Baelish hid in the shadows, watching all this gloomily.

If Eddard proposed to Jon Arryn to take sweet Robin as a ward, presumably Jon Arryn would not refuse. Once sweet Robin arrived at Winterfell, Eddard's group of wards would have one more Heir.

On the walls of Maegor's Holdfast, Cersei, Jaime, and Tyrion watched the Giant Eagle Knights flying back and forth in the sky. Cersei wore a sea-blue silk gown that outlined her voluptuous curves, the hem of her skirt swaying.

Jaime rubbed his eyes, "So there really are Giant Eagle Knights in Eddard's Wildling army? Is this the legendary Warg?"

Tyrion leaned against the railing, "Strictly speaking, they are skinchangers. Legend has it that Lord Eddard is the Warg; the direwolf he rides travels by night and is taller than a warhorse. Brother, when I went to welcome Lord Eddard with King Robert and Jon Arryn, I was also shocked the first time I saw the giant eagles! These giant eagles snatching a child is as easy as a cat catching a mouse."

In Cersei's emerald eyes, anger flickered.

"Robert actually allows these Wildlings to ride giant eagles and fly over the Red Keep. Wildlings are all uncivilized savages; what if they attempt an assassination?"

Jaime stroked his longsword, "In that case, the Kingsguard would come in handy! But I think Robert surely likes having giant eagles flying over the Red Keep; he is a man who cares about pageantry, after all!"

Tyrion said, "In Eddard's retinue, besides the Prince of Giant Eagles, there is also the Bear King Byars, who rides a black bear. I estimate that even the Mountain might not be able to beat that black bear. Furthermore, there is the Eagle King McCain; fortunately, his pets are not so brutal—they are falcons, owls, and hawks. I feel that half of the Winter Wolves are Wargs and skinchangers. Perhaps they will turn into hungry wolves on the night of the full moon and start a blood feast in King's Landing!"

Cersei was so frightened that her face turned pale, "This Eddard brought over seven hundred warriors into the Red Keep, more than our Lannister Red Cloaks. Eddard also has bears, direwolves, and giant eagles in his hands. It seems Eddard is truly plotting a rebellion! That fool Robert actually failed to foresee such danger."

Jaime placed his hand on Cersei's fragrant shoulder and kneaded it gently, "Sister, you are too nervous. No matter how many the Winter Wolves are, can they outnumber the City Watch? Eddard, who values honor, has no political ambition."

Tyrion said, "Eddard may have no political ambition, but the Wolf King Eddard does. In Eddard's courtyard, I met Olyvar Frey and Elmar Frey of House Frey. Both of these Freys have been taken as wards by Eddard; this at least proves that there is a trend of alliance between Stark and House Frey of the Crossing."

Cersei clenched her fists, "Hasn't Lord Walder always stood on the side of the Lannisters? His second son, Emmon Frey, married Aunt Genna; House Frey should support the Lannisters!"

Tyrion said helplessly, "Cersei, it is always a mistake to take others' support for granted. Disregarding allies will only make them drift further away from us. In a few days, Father will arrive, and I believe he will certainly be able to see the threat of Eddard."

Over the next few days, the Hand of the King, Eddard, took office. The first thing he did was to clear out the dungeons beneath the Red Keep, releasing some poachers and thieves and incorporating them into the Winter Wolves.

Among them were the poacher Koss, Kutz, a big-bellied oarsman named Woth, and a boy called "Green Hand" Lommy, who was a dyer's apprentice with a green right arm, having been imprisoned for theft.

In addition, Eddard also recruited some orphans on the streets of King's Landing to join the Winter Wolves. This included a boy named Hot Pie, who could make bread and hot pies, so Eddard kept him in the Wolf King's residence to do chores.

To celebrate the Wolf King Festival of Eddard's conquest of Beyond the Wall, activities including a tourney, court feasts, and theatrical performances were held, attracting knights, hedge knights, hired knights, wandering warriors, prostitutes, and businessmen from all over the Seven Kingdoms to King's Landing.

Whether it was the Rose Road from the direction of The Reach, the Golden Road from the Westerlands, or the Kingsroad, there were surging crowds everywhere.

Famous knights such as Lord Jason Mallister of Seagard in the Riverlands, Lord "Bronze" Yohn Royce of Runestone in The Vale, Lord Beric Dondarrion of Blackhaven in the Marches, and Gregor Clegane, the "Mountain," from the Westerlands, arrived in King's Landing one after another.

House Royce of Runestone is one of the oldest and most powerful noble families in The Vale. After Yohn Royce arrived in King's Landing, he immediately went to the Red Keep to visit Eddard in the Wolf King's courtyard.

Lord Yohn Royce had graying hair and a forehead covered in wrinkles. He had a pair of gray eyes and wore that famous ancestral Bronze Armor of House Royce, which was covered in ancient magic runes. Legend has it that those who wear this bronze armor can be impervious to blades, but in reality, many Royce clansmen wearing this so-called magic bronze armor have died in battle.

Although "Bronze" Yohn Royce was advanced in age, he was still brave and skilled in battle and was a star of tourneys everywhere. All four of his sons were knights.

Following Yohn Royce to visit Eddard today was Yohn Royce's fourth son, Ser Waymar Royce.

Ser Waymar Royce was thin and had delicate features. Ser Yohn Royce said, "This child had planned to join the Night's Watch two years ago, but while hunting in The Vale, he was attacked by savages from the Mountain Clans and captured by a savage from the Stone Crows named Shagga. Yohn Royce spent two years milking cows for the savages in the valley and was only recently rescued by a Canyon Knight."

Eddard smiled, "There are White Walkers Beyond the Wall; is Ser Waymar sure he wants to join the Night's Watch?"

Ser Waymar Royce said, "Lord Eddard, I heard that the Winter Wolves are also recruiting; I am willing to serve Lord Eddard."

Yohn Royce said, "Lord Eddard, I heard that you have taken many Rockborn and Wildlings as wards. If my son could also become your ward, I would be at ease."

Eddard smiled, "Very well, I will take Ser Waymar Royce as my ward."

In the dark secret chamber, Littlefinger stroked Lysa, "Eddard has been visiting you frequently lately! Have you been cheating on me with Eddard behind my back?"

Lysa pouted coquettishly, "How could that be? Littlefinger, I only love you. Eddard is very concerned about sweet Robin's condition. Sweet Robin's condition has gradually stabilized after taking the pills from Maester Norman. Eddard even invited me and sweet Robin to live in Winterfell!"

Littlefinger said, "Don't go under any circumstances. Eddard is calculating sweet Robin's inheritance; arriving in Winterfell will kill sweet Robin. I heard that Eddard took Yohn Royce's youngest son as a ward; Eddard is clearly trying to infiltrate The Vale. Find an opportunity and return to The Vale immediately."

Lysa said, "Littlefinger, I will listen to everything you say."

Littlefinger smirked, "Eddard thinks he can snatch sweet Robin away with petty tricks, but no matter how much he cares about you, he can't comfort you in bed, right? Come, let's make a little brother for sweet Robin!"

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(End of chapter)