Chapter 20: The North prepares.

The journey to Winterfell was fairly swift. Jon, Theon, Jory, and I rode without rest until we returned, still in "summer" despite the ongoing snowfall. The animals were accustomed to this climate, allowing us to reach Winterfell in thirteen days, stopping only when necessary to rest.

My intention in returning to Winterfell well ahead of the Southern delegation was to prepare my family for the types of questions and actions the delegation would take. I also aimed to conduct a thorough cleansing of the castle to rid it of any evidence that could reveal either my powers or my actions. My reputation hinted at my intelligence, but only my father and Maester Luwin knew that I was behind most of the economic changes in the North. Most people only knew me for my martial feats.

As we approached Winterfell's walls in the distance, my group and I maintained our pace. Within minutes, we began to hear the commotion from inside the walls.

"Open the gates!" shouted Ser Rodrick Cassel.

As we waited for the gates to open, we dismounted so the stable boys could care for our horses. After the journey, they deserved rest and care.

"My Lord Robb, Jory! It's good to see you," said Ser Rodrick as he approached us.

"Ser Rodrick," I nodded.

"Father, I'm glad to be back," Jory said as he embraced his father.

"Come, come, the stable boys will take care of your horses. The rest of the Starks are waiting for you in the courtyard," said Ser Rodrick, leading us toward the rest of my family.

Entering Winterfell, my group and I reunited with the rest of my family. My parents, Bran, Rickon, Sansa, and Arya were waiting for us with open arms.

"Welcome back, I'm glad to see you all safe and sound," said my father.

"I'm glad to see you all again," I said as I approached them.

After embracing the rest of my family, we retired to the dining hall to eat well after a long journey.

The atmosphere was warm yet tense. The news of the delegation coming from King's Landing was a nuisance to most residents of Winterfell. The offense at the lack of trust from the capital towards us was considerable.

I was probably the only one who understood the true reason why the South was sending this delegation. Lord Arryn was a hypocrite, working so hard only to try to keep the Baratheon dynasty alive after all the fuck ups the king did. But I was sure the old Arryn didn't have much time left; he was probably already investigating the true heritage of the kingdom's princes.

Tyrion Lannister was one of my favorite characters from the series, and being sent by the king of the realm meant he had a higher level of protection than he would normally have. I had no doubt he would seek more than what was discussed in the letter. The Lannisters would not hesitate to use this opportunity to further their plans.

Eating with my family and engaging in small talk, we quickly finished the welcoming banquet. My father, with a serious air, addressed me.

"Robb, Jon. Come with me to the solar. We have much to discuss."

Accompanying him slowly, Jon, my father, and I made our way to his solar. Outside it, Ser Rodrick and Maester Luwin were waiting for us to enter. Together, we all entered and took our seats to begin planning for Tyrion and his companions' arrival.

"I can't believe the king has accepted this decision," Ser Rodrick said with a frown.

"He had no other choice, Ser Rodrick," I replied, looking everyone in the eyes. "The North has grown rapidly, whether in economic or military power, and I imagine the fact that they don't get quick news from here makes them even more nervous."

"They have no right to have spies in the North, and they get upset when we've rid ourselves of those who were here?" Ser Rodrick asked again.

"That's the game of Thrones, Ser. It's a pity they don't understand that here in the North, we have neither the time nor the inclination to get involved in their problems," Maester Luwin said calmly.

My father nodded, frowning. "The Maester is right. I never liked politics in the South, and this looks like it's planned by Jon Arryn and the Lannisters. I know how they operate; I grew up in the Vale and noticed that Jon had done something similar when Lord Royce was trying to expand his profits," he continued after taking a deep breath. "Besides, we cannot have spies lurking in the North. It is our responsibility as guardians to protect these lands and its people."

"Tyrion Lannister's intellect is praised even here in the North. We should bear in mind that he will notice any inconsistency," Jon said, wanting to contribute but feeling very out of place in this conversation.

"Despite the offensive nature of this audit, we cannot show any hostility. We must be careful how we act with them," Maester Luwin said, stroking his chin.

"I don't like this, my lord. We fought alongside King Robert, and he repays us with this?" Ser Rodrick exclaimed, banging the table.

"We can do nothing at the moment, Ser Rodrick," I said, leaning forward. "That's why we must prepare a proper reception for the delegation. We must show them the respect due as representatives of the king, but we also need to make it clear that the North is not a place to be underestimated."

Maester Luwin nodded. "We should prepare a welcoming feast. The delegation will arrive in two or three weeks, depending on where Lord Tyrion is."

"We'll increase security. We need more guards patrolling the area, and the rest of the castle will behave as it does now. We have the advantage of knowing that the entire castle is loyal to the Starks, and it won't be easy for them to buy them off thanks to the goodwill we've earned with your actions, Robb," my father said with a slight smile.

"We also need to keep a watchful eye on Lord Tyrion and his companions. We can't let them snoop beyond what the king's permission allows," Ser Rodrick said.

"Exactly, Ser Rodrick," I agreed. "The time when the North depended on the South's whims is over. With the new products and the amount of food we've obtained, we are capable of being independent. The only reason we remain loyal is our honor."

"On that note, Father," I addressed him, "One of the reasons I imagine they're upset is that we've stopped buying food from the Tyrells. And from what I've heard, their lord won't hesitate to complain to the king about the loss they've had."

My father chuckled, "Yes, son. I have no doubt Mace Tyrell has complained to Robert for that reason. The man is a fool."

"I think it's time we started buying from them again, but only perishable food. Don't you think stockpiling extra food would be a good idea? Winter is coming, after all," I said with a conspiratorial smile.

"If Lord Tyrion brings this up, we should play hard to get before conceding, shouldn't we?" Jon asked.

"Why would we do that, Jon?" Maester Luwin asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jon shifted nervously, obviously feeling out of place.

"Well, I think it would be a good idea because that way Lord Tyrion would feel that the power granted by the king is what made us 'lose' money just to follow his orders," Jon timidly suggested.

"And seeing that we relent on that indication, we get what we already wanted and they see us as weak! Ha, I love it, Jon. Brilliant idea," I said with a smile.

"I don't like these games. We're not like this in the North," my father said with an impassive face.

"Do you think it would be best, my lord? It's a very good idea that would help both sides," Maester Luwin said.

"They deserve it, my lord. After all, sending this delegation is offensive," Ser Rodrick snorted, clearly still upset by that slight.

"It's a good idea, Father. We both get what we want - us, food to stockpile; the Lannisters feel good about ordering us around; the Tyrells stop crying over sales, and the crown is pleased that we accept their terms. It's a win-win," I said seriously.

My father fell silent for a few seconds before letting out a sigh of defeat.

"Aye, they deserve it," he said before rising.

"It's settled then. Rodrick, prepare the guards. I want them to show the power of the Starks. Maester, please speak to Vayon to ensure the servants are ready. Robb, you'll keep an eye on the guests; I want to know everything they do at all times. And Jon, you'll assist your brother," my father said decisively.

"Understood, Father. Now, it's time for me to have a private conversation with Jon, so we'll be taking our leave," I said with a smile.

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