Chapter 168: Winter is Coming

Lord Stark ordered the kitchen to prepare the finest food for a grand feast to welcome his brother home.

Many knights and nobles from the North had gathered in Winterfell, as the entire region was actively preparing for war. They were heeding the call of King Robert to cross the sea and attack the Targaryen remnants on the continent of Essos.

While the nobles of the other six kingdoms were displeased with the King's summons, as they had just recently answered a call to arms and fulfilled their duty of loyalty to the king, Lord Stark was different. He and King Robert were close friends, and he unconditionally supported the King's call. The North was preparing for war in full force.

However, even with his noble Stark name and status as the Lord of Winterfell, Eddard's decision was met with some criticism from the other northern nobles. They privately cursed their Stark lord, calling him a loyal dog who didn't care about the well-being of the North, but ultimately sent their men to support the cause.

The timing of Benjen's return was perfect, as nobles and knights from all over the North were present in Winterfell. Eddard organized a grand feast to serve as a pledge of allegiance before the campaign, as well as to celebrate Benjen's return.

Benjen did not object to the grand feast, but he quickly appeared in his elder brother's room, telling Eddard he had something important to discuss privately.

...

With a click, Benjen closed the door behind them once they entered the room.

"What's going on, Benjen?" Eddard asked, his smile fading, knowing his brother was not one to act without reason.

"Eddard," Benjen replied, his gaze intense and his tone serious, "Winter is coming."

Silence filled the room as Eddard initially struggled to understand why Benjen had suddenly brought up their family motto. But then, realization dawned on him.

"What?" he asked.

Winter might just mean colder weather and occasional snowfall for people in other regions, but for the North, each winter was a tremendous ordeal. The white snowflakes seemed like harbingers of death, reaping the lives of Northerners. Countless Northern families were left in ruin after each long winter, with many freezing or starving to death huddled together in their homes.

"How could winter come so soon?" Eddard Stark's face paled, completely unprepared for the swift arrival of the cold season.

No one knew the arrival of winter better than the Night's Watch, stationed at the Wall. Even the Citadel couldn't match their knowledge. The brothers of the Night's Watch were the first to feel the cold before anyone in the Seven Kingdoms.

"The motto 'Winter is Coming' serves as a reminder for us to never forget winter, as it can arrive at any moment."

...

"Moreover... reality is just so swift, elder brother."

Benjen Stark's face was solemn, and his breath turned to mist in the cold air.

"You see..."

Watching the mist from his breath, Eddard's face also grew serious. Even though there was no fire in his room, the temperature had already dropped rapidly.

Creak...

Eddard's gloved hand clenched slightly, the sound of his knuckles cracking crisp and clear.

Every winter in the North was akin to a battle with demons, and losing such a battle meant death.

"I understand, Benjen."

"Thank you for the reminder."

The dark-haired man's face was somewhat pained, but he still nodded solemnly.

"Father."

At that moment, a young girl quietly pushed the door open and peeked her head in.

She had a head of soft auburn hair and a pair of beautiful blue eyes, having perfectly inherited her mother's exceptional genes.

Seeing her father, her lovely eyes blinked, and she ran over to grab the hem of his clothes.

"Mother says the feast is ready, and she wants you and..."

The girl hid behind her father and sneakily glanced at the man who looked somewhat similar to her father, a man weathered by life, before timidly speaking.

"And... Uncle Benjen to come."

She had only heard of Benjen Stark's name since he had already left Winterfell when she was born, but this was the first time she had met him.

"Alright, Sansa."

"Tell your mother we'll be right there."

Eddard gently rubbed his daughter's hair, bent down to nuzzle her face, and then sent her off ahead.

He then looked back at Benjen.

"Your niece, Sansa."

Benjen also turned his head to watch the girl's retreating figure, her long dress trailing behind her, and nodded slightly.

"I've heard."

"A lovely girl, very much like Catelyn."

Benjen then patted his own body, realizing that besides his sword and the dagger hidden in his boots, he had nothing else.

The man's hand stiffened, and a hint of embarrassment appeared on his usually stern face for the first time.

"I came in such a hurry; I should have brought something with me if I had known..."

However, Eddard looked at his brother's embarrassed expression, and a smile appeared on his previously solemn face.

"Benjen, you're still the same as before."

Splash—

Eddard then patted his brother's shoulder, and the two embraced for the first time since their reunion.

After the embrace, the smile on Eddard's face vanished. He looked at Benjen Stark's face and spoke solemnly.

"Alright… I know what to do next."

"I will personally write a letter to Robert explaining this matter."