Jorah's keen eyes swept over the guesthouse and its surroundings, finding all to be in order. The darkness concealed the sleeping figures of nearby people, including the guards assigned to protect them.
But as the bird approached the Godswood, Jorah's eyes caught a peculiar sight - a group of soldiers stealthily moving corpses and gift chests, pilfered from House Manderly.
The bird drew nearer, its form concealed within the shadows of the trees.
"Quickly, clear the boxes," one of the robbers commanded. "Move the bodies inside. We leave at first light."
Though their voices were hushed, Jorah discerned their intentions. These thieves had somehow infiltrated the Manderly caravan, planning to replace the gifts with the corpses of soldiers. They aimed to slip away from Winterfell, taking their ill-gotten gains with them, all before anyone noticed.
The bird observed their faces, imprinting the image in Jorah's mind, before breaking contact. It was a stroke of luck, a gift for him, and he decided not to dwell on it further.
Weary from his nocturnal activities, Jorah poured himself another drink before succumbing to sleep. In the morning, he summoned Elros, entrusting him with the task of hunting down these bandits and recovering the stolen goods.
"Aye, m'lord," Elros replied eagerly. The prospect of robbing the robbers rekindled the excitement in him, breaking the monotony of their travels and peaceful days. The soldiers needed a chance to test their mettle, and these robbers presented a perfect opportunity.
"Ensure the soldiers depart in small groups and trap the thieves outside the village," Jorah advised his young commander, who was eager for the challenge.
"Yes, m'lord!" Elros saluted before departing, leaving Jorah to dismiss the matter from his mind.
***
"What is your counsel, Maester Luwin?"
"Milord, though House Manderly's request may seem straightforward given the current situation in the North, granting it would disrupt the entire balance of power. House Manderly is the wealthiest house in the North, with a port that can bring both merchants and soldiers, thereby surpassing House Stark in wealth, prestige, and influence."
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Lord Stark had shared the matter with Maester Luwin and his wife, Lady Catelyn, and they now studied a map of the North, flags of noble houses pinned to their respective lands.
"We must divide the land and maintain balance. Otherwise, fifty years from now, it won't be the Starks ruling the North but the Manderlys. You cannot make such a promise to them, Ned," Lady Catelyn expressed her concerns.
"Hmmm... I understand. But who can I appoint to govern these lands? In the west, we have House Glover, House Ryswell, and House Dustin. House Glover wouldn't want Sea Dragon Point; it holds little value for farming or mining. Stony Shores are distant, and if we grant it to them, they'll be rulers in name only."
"On the other hand, House Dustin has been loyal, but after the death of Lord Dustin, I can't say our relations are as strong. We can grant them more lands in Barrowlands, which might soothe our relationship, but they're not suited to handle the Ironborn on Stony Shores."
"House Ryswell could take the Rills, but they lack the strength to govern Stony Shores."
"Milord, sometimes the answer lies right in front of us," Maester Luwin interjected, moving the flag of Bear Island to Stony Shore and Sea Dragon Point on the map.
"House Mormont has been secluded on Bear Island for centuries, yet they have remained loyal to us. Young Lord Jorah has proven himself capable, of developing his lands more efficiently than ever seen before.
They have the strength to defend Stony Shores from the Ironborn, and their loyalty to House Stark is unquestionable. Moreover, granting them Sea Dragon Point will impose a burden, preventing them from growing too powerful too quickly."
Ned pondered the suggestion, finding it to be a far more suitable arrangement than any other proposed.
"And in the East?" Ned inquired after a brief silence, indicating his agreement with the arrangements for the Western lands.
"I regret to say, M'Lord, there is no suitable noble house in the East that can match House Manderly. Lord Halys Hornwood, who might have been an option, is married to Lady Donella Manderly, cementing a closer tie to House Manderly.
House Flint possesses strength in Widow's Watch but lacks the resources and army to govern the lands. Lady Leona Woolfield, married to Ser Wylis Manderly, raises questions about their loyalty and strength. In short, Widow's Watch is already divided, and they seek official confirmation."
Maester Luwin offered his counsel to the young wolf, who was still coming to terms with the complexities of the northern houses.
"Is there no other choice?" Ned queried, his mind restless as he looked at the seemingly difficult situation.
"I do have an idea, but it might not be to your liking, my lord husband," Lady Catelyn spoke, her gaze fixed on the maps.