A Game of Thrones: A Stark Shard.

[InfinityReads999]

Author's Note: Hey guys, this is my first fanfiction ever, but I hope you enjoy it. It won't be the best ever, obviously, but I'll try to maintain a schedule. This is being crossposted, and you can find up to chapter 30-ish on Webnovel. I hope that by posting it here, my readership will grow.

For now, I'll post chapters as I finish editing the existing ones since, to be honest, the first chapters were terrible, lol.

Either way, enjoy!

As I opened my eyes, blinking to clear the white spots from my vision, I couldn't shake the confusion about where I was. My hands groped around, and I gasped when I saw the pool of blood nearby. The last thing I remembered was going out with my friends for drinks at the bar down the street from my house.

Struggling to stand, I was immediately hit with dizziness that spread through my body. My hand instinctively went to my head and found it damp. Pulling my hand away, I saw it stained with blood.

The stench of the street filled my nostrils, making me recoil from the smell of garbage. And waking up in a dark alley with what seemed like a serious head injury was definitely not part of my plans.
As I realized my clothes weren't the ones I had been wearing, my confusion deepened. I scanned the alley for a reflection, but I found no windows near me. I approached a puddle at the alley's entrance. I knelt, staring in disbelief at my reflection.

I looked much younger than I should have. My bloodied face resembled a ten-year-old Robb Stark. That thought never crossed my mind among the theories of where I might be. I slumped back, wondering what the hell was happening to me.

Faint memories of a tipsy conversation with my closest friend lingered. We had debated better endings for some characters in Game of Thrones.

Finding myself in a situation that had only existed in my dreams was overwhelming. The impact was so intense that I could only wander the town. I clutched my head and prayed to any god listening. I hoped this was Winterfell, where my new family held power and would find me soon.
As I had no memories of the original Robb. I could only awkwardly smile at the commoners. They shouted my name upon seeing the lord's injured heir walking alone in the town. Feeling my strength wane, I collapsed face-first onto the dirt and passed out. My last thoughts were a hope that the maester could help me once someone took me to the castle.

Lord Eddard Stark
As a father, one of the worst things is hearing that someone has injured your son. When two guards entered my study, they had bad news. They found Robb wandering Wintertown with a bleeding head. It pained me more than anything. Even the deaths of my family didn't compare. I had lost my father, my brother Brandon, and my sister, Lyanna, during the rebellion. Hearing about my heir's injury was a stab to the heart. I ran through Winterfell's stone corridors to Maester Luwin's office, desperate for news of my son.

Maester Luwin
Maester Luwin furrowed his brow with concern as he tended to Robb Stark's head wound. The young heir lay motionless on the examination table, blood dripping from the wound. The maester hastened his work. He cleaned the wound with care. His hands darted, but his eyes flashed with intensity.

Ned Stark's heavy footsteps echoed through Winterfell's corridors. He hurried to Luwin's office, worry etched on his brow. He pushed the door open, his cloak billowing behind him. His gaze fell on his unconscious son.

"Luwin, how is he? Is he going to be all right?" asked Eddard Stark, his eyes wide as he leaned in to get a better view of his eldest son.

Maester Luwin raised his eyes, his face etched with worry, yet his tone soothed.

"Lord Stark, he received a strong blow to the head. The wound is deep, but I've stopped the bleeding. Now he needs rest, and time will tell," Luwin replied as he washed his hands in a basin of water.

Ned approached the table, his heart sinking as he looked at his son, so still and pale.

"He hasn't woken up. How long has it been?" asked Eddard, swallowing hard. He worried for his heir, usually stoic but now concerned in private with Maester Luwin and his injured son.

Luwin's hands moved with precision as he crafted a response. His voice was calm despite the serious situation.

"Not long, my lord. These things take time. Robb is strong; he will wake up," Luwin explained.

Ned's fists clenched at his sides, his palpable concern evident as he watched Luwin work.

"He must." Ned said, "Our family worries about him," aware of the shared concern outside as he hears the master's verdict. Sansa, Jon, and his mother all cared and were waiting for the news outside the solar.

Luwin finished bandaging the wound. He wrapped Robb snugly in a blanket and then he stepped back to allow Ned to approach.

"He will, Lord Stark. Give him time. The Old Gods are kinder to some than to others," Luwin said.

Ned nodded, his gaze never leaving his son's face.

"Thank you, Luwin. Keep me informed of any changes," said Ned, giving the master space to continue with his heir's treatment.

Luwin nodded in response; his expression was serious.

Luwin: "Of course, my lord."

Ned stayed a moment longer. He gently stroked Robb's hair, then turned to leave. As the door closed, Maester Luwin turned his gaze to his young charge. He prayed for Robb Stark's swift recovery in these uncertain times.

Eddard Stark

Ned emerged from Maester Luwin's office with heavy steps. He met his wife Catelyn and the other Starks who waited anxiously outside. All eyes were on him, desperately searching for some sign of hope on his face.

"How is Robb? Is he going to be okay?" Cat's voice quavered as she clutched Ned's hand tightly for reassurance.

Ned tried to appear calm through his gaze, despite feeling troubled by his own thoughts.

"Luwin is doing everything he can. The wound is serious, but he's stable. He says we need to give him time," Ned replied, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

Sansa and Arya approached, worried. Bran watched in silence. He didn't understand the situation but sensed the tension. Theon and Jon were in the back, worried, but trusted Ned enough to wait for him to finish the explanation.

"Is he going to wake up soon, Father?" asked Sansa, her voice trembling and eyes watering, seeking hope.

Ned's nod conveyed gravity even as he infused his words with optimism.

"Yes, Sansa. Luwin believes so. Robb is strong, like his mother and father. Everything will be all right," Ned said, trying to instill confidence in his children.

Arya stared at her father, her jaw tense as she struggled to contain her emotions.
"Can I see him?" Arya demanded to see her brother with her own eyes, just to ensure he was okay.

Ned embraced her tenderly, feeling the fragility of his family in this moment of uncertainty.

"Soon, Arya. Let's give Luwin time. He'll keep us informed," Ned replied, comforting his daughter.

Catelyn clung to Ned. Relief and concern crossed her eyes as they looked at the closed door of the master's office.

"Robb has to wake up. He has to be okay," said Catelyn with determination, expressing her deep desire.

Ned nodded, his voice full of determination as he looked at his gathered family.

"He will be, Catelyn. We're in this together. And together, we'll get through this," Ned affirmed with conviction.

The Starks embraced, finding comfort in family unity. They anxiously awaited Robb's return to consciousness and health.

Robb Stark

Robb Stark remained in a state of deep unconsciousness, but in his mind, he had a vision of two entities of exceptional size. He instinctively knew these beings were the "Entities" from Worm. They granted powers in a parallel universe very different from Westeros, where he now found himself.

In his vision, he watched as a single shard split. It then communicated with itself, exchanging parts with a precision that defied understanding. Robb knew these entities were linked to his new powers. But, he did not understand why or how they interacted with him in this different universe.

As the vision faded, Robb clung to his new insights. He knew something monumental had occurred. Meanwhile, his family waited outside Maester Luwin's office. They were anxious and unaware of Robb's transformation or the entities now tied to his fate.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Author's note: The first couple of chapters are kinda meh since I had to do the setup and had no idea what I was doing, but I'd like to think I did a better job later on. I already have up to chapter 11 double-checked for grammar and all that. I'll post about three a day for now until I catch up.
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Robb Stark woke up slowly, a strange sense of connection lingering at the edge of his consciousness. He recalled the vision of the entities and the determination it had stirred within him: he had a power. With his eyes still closed, he concentrated, feeling the presence of beings at the back of his mind.

In response to his mental call, a few tiny insects began to move around the room, responding to his will. They were timid at first. Robb found it surprising that he could control them. But the lack of insects in the North limited what he could do.

As he pondered the implications of his new abilities, Maester Luwin entered cautiously, noting Robb's awakening.

"Robb, how are you feeling?" Luwin asked with a kind yet concerned tone, stepping closer to assess his condition.

Robb's eyelids lifted, and comfort washed over him at the maester's presence.

"I feel... confused," Robb admitted, his voice reflecting his bewilderment. "Maester, what happened?"

Luwin briefly recounted the accident and how Robb had been unconscious for a period of time. Robb nodded slowly, trying to piece together his thoughts amid the haze.

"I don't remember much," Robb frowned. He tried to recall his original self, but found only fragments and a mix of fanfictions and the original series.

Luwin gave him an understanding look. "That's to be expected, Robb. Head injuries can cause memory loss. I recall reading about such cases at the Citadel, though witnessing one is different. Don't worry; often, memories do return."

Robb tried to recall more, but only fleeting memories of Winterfell and his family came to mind. He remembered snippets of his childhood. But, much of what any Stark should know felt distant.

After a brief chat about his health, Luwin decided to send a messenger to inform Lord Stark of Robb's awakening. While they awaited Ned's arrival, Robb contemplated the implications of his newfound powers, aware that his incomplete knowledge could prove both an asset and a liability in the uncertain future unfolding in the cold North.

Lord Eddard Stark

A swift-footed messenger burst into Ned Stark's study with urgency. Bowing quickly, he handed the message to Ned, who eagerly read its contents.

Ned's heart surged with emotion as he set down the parchment and rose with determination. "Robb woke up" he said simply.

Catelyn, watching anxiously from the doorway, followed him as they rushed through Winterfell's corridors to Maester Luwin's chambers.

Upon entering, Ned halted abruptly at the sight of Robb sitting up, a tired but reassuring smile on his face. Relief flooded Ned as he approached his son.

"Robb," Ned said with a tremor in his voice, completely different from his stoic normal self, moving to his son's side.

Before Ned could say more, Maester Luwin intervened solemnly.

"Lord Stark, Lady Stark, allow me to explain first," Luwin requested. "There are important matters to discuss."

Ned nodded gravely, letting Luwin proceed as he sat beside Robb, gripping his son's hand firmly.

Luwin explained the nature of Robb's injury and the potential memory loss due to the head trauma. He said Robb might struggle to remember his childhood in Winterfell.

Catelyn listened attentively, concern etched on her face as she looked at her son with loving eyes.

"I understand, Luwin. Let's hope his memory returns. But even if it doesn't, Robb is young and resilient. He can learn anew," Ned said firmly, hopeful for a smooth recovery but mindful of the challenges ahead.

"How do you feel, Robb?" Ned asked finally, his voice a mix of relief and contained anxiety.

Robb looked at his new father with a faint but genuine smile.

"I feel... Confused, but, well, Father," Robb replied sincerely. Some emotions from the original Robb blended in at the time of their fusion. He felt grateful for his family's support during this crucial moment.

Ned nodded, a weight lifting from his shoulders as he saw Robb recovering. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but having his son back was all that mattered at the moment.

Lord and Lady Stark were in Maester Luwin's chambers. They were united, facing an uncertain future together. Luwin continued calmly explaining the nature of Robb's injury and how it might affect his memory, as well as the treatment required.

"Robb has suffered a significant head injury, resulting in memory loss. We don't yet know if it will be temporary or permanent. He may experience confusion and difficulty recalling recent events or specific details of his life," Luwin explained, his voice reflecting both medical authority and compassion for the Stark family.

Catelyn looked at Robb with concern. Her heart ached at the thought of the challenges he might face in the future.

"How long will he need to stay here, Luwin?" Ned asked, his gaze shifting between his son and the maester.

Luwin sighed before responding. "It would be wise to observe Robb here for a few more days to ensure his full recovery. However, for now, he may receive brief, if quiet visits."

Robb weakly nodded, understanding the need for rest and care as he processed the information of his injury that Luwin had shared.

Ned placed a reassuring hand on Robb's shoulder. "We'll be here with you, son. Together, we'll get through this."

With those words, Lord and Lady Stark decided to notify their other children to visit Robb, stressing the need for a stress-free visit.

Ned Stark watched with concern as the messenger left with the message addressed to his other children. The message stressed the importance of maintaining a calm environment and avoiding stress for Robb during his recovery, though it welcomed them to visit him in Maester Luwin's chambers.

Moments later, Bran, Arya, and Sansa arrived at Maester Luwin's chambers, their faces filled with concern as they entered.

"Robb..." Sansa exclaimed with relief, rushing to her older brother and embracing him gently.

Robb smiled weakly, grateful to see his siblings. "I'm fine, Sansa. Just a bit confused."

Arya, less reserved, stepped forward with palpable curiosity. "How are you really feeling, Robb? What happened with that head injury?"

Robb's parents intervened immediately, concerned for their eldest son's emotional and physical well-being.

"Sansa, Arya," Maester Luwin began calmly, noting the tension in the room. "Robb has suffered partial memory loss due to the injury. It's important that we all support him and show patience as he recovers."

Ned nodded, looking at his children with affection. "Robb is still recovering, but he needs our support. Let's avoid dwelling on the accident for now. Let's wait for everyone to be here for Robb to talk about it and not have to repeat himself."

Catelyn placed a loving hand on Robb's shoulder, conveying her support silently. "We'll be here for you, Robb. Together, we'll get through this."

After the embrace and Maester Luwin's explanations, the mood in his chambers lightened somewhat. Ned watched his children with affection. Catelyn felt uneasy with Jon's presence. But, she kept her emotions in check for Robb's sake.

Jon and Theon had arrived during the hug. Jon regretted missing Robb's first awakening. Theon, always cheerful and carefree, tried to lighten the mood with a quip.

"Robb, my friend! Glad to see you up and about," Theon exclaimed with a wide grin.

Robb smiled back, less emotionally but following his role. He recalled what Theon had done in the original story. He also chose to be friendly. Maybe he could guide Theon to be better without betraying them. "Thank you, Theon. I'm still trying to catch up with everything that's happened."

Jon approached cautiously. Catelyn's gaze made him uneasy. But, Robb seemed pleased to see him.

"Sorry I'm late, Robb," Jon said sincerely. "Seems they forgot to give me the message."

Robb made a face at that, though it vanished so quickly Jon thought he had imagined it. "No worries, Jon. I'm fine, thanks to the gods and Maester Luwin."

Catelyn watched Jon with a mix of displeasure and concern. But, seeing Robb's joy at reuniting with his half-brother, she decided to keep her feelings to herself for now.

Ned, sensing the underlying tension, intervened to change the conversation's tone.

"Robb, do you want to tell your siblings what happened since you woke up?" Ned suggested, prompting Robb to share his experience with them.

Robb nodded gratefully, glad for the opportunity to divert his thoughts from the future and all the things that had occurred.

"There was... an accident. "I don't remember much. Wintertown people found me with a head injury," Robb began, looking at his siblings. "But I'm alive thanks to Luwin and the Old Gods. I don't remember everything clearly, but I'm sure we'll get through this together."

After some time of conversation and laughter among the Stark siblings in Maester Luwin's chambers, daylight began to slowly fade. Aware of the need for Robb to rest properly to facilitate his recovery, Maester Luwin intervened with gentleness.

"I think it's time for everyone to leave and let Robb rest," Luwin announced, looking at each Stark family member with understanding.

Ned nodded, recognizing the need to follow the maester's instructions for Robb's well-being. "You're right, Luwin. Robb needs rest to fully recover."

Catelyn stood up somewhat reluctantly, though she knew it was best for her son. "Robb, sweetheart, we'll be nearby if you need anything," she said softly and reassuringly.

Robb smiled wearily, grateful for his family's support but happy to be able to rest and then have some time alone to practice with his power. "Thank you all for coming. It means a lot to me."

The Stark siblings bid Robb farewell with hugs and words of encouragement before leaving the chambers, leaving Robb in Maester Luwin's care so he could rest properly.

As he closed the door behind them, Luwin looked at Robb hopefully. "Try to get some sleep, Robb. I'll be right here if you need anything."

Robb weakly nodded, letting fatigue envelop him as he closed his eyes and drifted into the restful sleep he so desperately needed.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Author's Note: I'll use this space to write anything I feel is important in case I forget about it. As general info, I started writing this fic a little more than a month ago, and I've been trying to maintain 1.5k words per chapter. I'm also posting 5 chapters a week. Here, I'll post three daily, as I said before, until I reach chapter 11 (that's the last one I tried to fix for the moment because I've been really busy setting up my Pat*eon page and moving in real life).

I think this is everything y'all should know about my writing schedule, so yeah, enjoy the chapter!

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After waking up a few hours later and allowing Maester Luwin to clean his wound and change the bandages, Robb waited for him to leave so he could practice with his power.

Thanks to his prior knowledge of Worm, whether from fanon or canon, he had the advantage of understanding how powerful his new ability was.
Controlling an extraordinary number of insects simultaneously and the ability to multitask were just the beginning.

However, he felt he still needed to fully explore his potential. Focusing inward, he sensed a faint yet palpable energy that seemed entirely imaginary but now flowed within him.

As he explored this power source, he began to grasp more about his capabilities. A grin crept onto his face, one that could be described as manic. His power was a mix between Taylor and Amy, though different.

This energy allowed him to create any insect he could imagine, with certain limitations but incredibly functional in his newfound universe. This discovery meant he could fulfill any dream he set his mind to, though he had only considered the prospect of facing the White Walkers and their leader so far.

Despite his excitement, Robb remained calm enough to reflect on the requirements and limitations of his power.

He needed energy to fuel his insects, but how would he obtain it? The answer was simple: his insects needed to consume biomass, which would be converted into energy through some space whale mumbo jumbo.

With this energy, he could create more insects, strengthen them, make them more resilient, and even imbue them with specific functions that could be decisive in battle.

However, to give them specialized characteristics, he would need catalysts. For instance, if his insects consumed biomass from a venomous snake, they could acquire the ability to infect others with that same venom upon biting, faithfully reproducing its original attributes.

These reflections led Robb to consider different inventions that could be helpful in various situations. He imagined spy insects with functional eyes that would allow him to see through them or insects capable of injecting adrenaline into his soldiers to enhance their combat ability. He also thought about depressor insects designed to demoralize his enemies, among other strategic uses he could develop with enough energy.

After days of rest and recovery in Maester Luwin's study, Robb finally felt strong enough to leave bed and walk independently. He sincerely thanked the maester for his care and attention during his convalescence.

"Maester Luwin, I feel much better," Robb said with gratitude as he inspected the still-healing wound on his head.

Luwin nodded, satisfied with his young lord's recovery. "I'm glad to hear that, milord. It seems everything is going according to plan. I believe you can consider yourself discharged. Don't forget to take care of yourself and rest properly. And no practicing with the sword."

Robb nodded and dressed in clean, comfortable clothes, leaving Luwin's study with a relieved smile. He headed towards the large table where his family awaited him for dinner, finding them gathered around the dining table.

Ned and Catelyn exchanged looks of relief upon seeing Robb enter through the door, while Arya, Sansa, Bran, Rickon, Jon, and Theon greeted him with smiles and exclamations of joy. Robb took his place at the central table, feeling reassured by his family's warmth and support.

During dinner, conversations ranged from memories of times past to trying to make Robb remember things to plans for the future. Catelyn couldn't help but ask cautiously, "Robb, dear, how are you feeling now? Are you sure you're alright?"

Robb nodded with a calm smile. "I'm fine, mother. The maester has discharged me, and I feel better every day."

Ned spoke up, proud of his eldest son. "You've shown great strength, Robb. We're proud of you."

By the end of dinner, the Starks retired to their chambers as the fire crackled softly in the fireplace, and Winterfell was bathed in the night's warmth. Though his path was marked by unknown challenges, Robb knew that he had his family's unwavering support to face whatever the future held.

Alone in his room, with the dim light of a candle illuminating the desk, Robb contemplated. Before him, on the extended parchment, he drew diagrams and jotted down ideas while gazing at the cold landscape of Winterfell through the window.

"The available insects here are scarce due to the climate," he murmured pensively. "I need a solution to increase my biomass supply."

With determined eyes, Robb began to brainstorm. He focused on his newly discovered power, summoning several insects he had created. They were few and scattered, slowly feeding on the biomass available in the area. Robb watched them closely, considering how he could enhance their efficiency.

"I can design insects that are more efficient in consuming biomass," he murmured as he traced lines on the parchment. "They need to be able to quickly locate and consume any available biomass source."

Skillfully, Robb began to sketch out new designs. He planned to create insects with more robust, sharper mandibles capable of crushing and digesting biomass more rapidly. He equipped them with wings that allowed them to move quickly from place to place in search of food.

Additionally, he gave them greater resistance to the cold so they could survive and operate efficiently in the harsh northern climate.

"These should do the job," he muttered satisfactorily as he finalized the last details of his designs. "With this improvement, I should be able to significantly increase my energy production."

With the blueprints ready, Robb carefully stored the parchment in a secret compartment and prepared to put his plans into action the next day. He knew that building and deploying these new insects would be crucial to strengthening his capabilities and preparing for the challenges looming in the future.

Robb, commanding his large fleet (lol) of 80 insects, searched for biomass sources around Winterfell, giving them directions and instructions on what to do and not to touch.

Robb strove to avoid harming any human who did not deserve it. Though he wasn't sure if he would ever feel ready to consume a human for biomass, deep down, he knew that if the opportunity arose, he would likely do it to his worst enemies after giving them the worst poison stings Westeros had ever seen.

Descending from his room to join his family for lunch in the great hall, Robb pondered whether he should reveal his powers to his family. The situation was complicated due to the various advantages and disadvantages this would entail.

The advantage would be the lack of need to hide what he could do, at least from his family, as he didn't think it would be best for everyone to know about his capabilities. Robb thought about how he could convince his father of the advantages of his insect control.

Still, he had much to learn about his powers; one of the most essential would be the effective range within which he could control them. When he had that information, he would consider revealing his abilities to his family, first to his parents and then, perhaps, to some of his siblings in the distant future.

The next day, Robb stood in the middle of one of the open fields near Winterfell. He used his control over a butterfly and instructed it to fly as far away from him as possible. Robb waited silently, practicing his power by sending more insects to find biomass.

He specified that they should look for animals or decaying objects that, when consumed, could provide unique characteristics for creating more insects. In the back of his mind, he always kept track of the butterfly that remained on its task.

He estimated it had traveled at least a mile and didn't feel the connection weakening, so he allowed the butterfly to continue. Robb would be pleased if it reached at least 1.5 miles, as he believed it was an acceptable distance that would allow him to fulfill many of his secret plans, such as espionage or sabotage of essential players in the Game of Thrones.

One of his biggest weaknesses for now was that the biomass his insects consumed could only come from prey that was already dead in some form. They did not have the means to defeat anything apart from other insects, which contributed absolutely nothing to energy.

Robb hoped to create insects that would infect animals with deadly or debilitating diseases by consuming decomposing biomass.
Robb had nothing to measure distances, but he calculated that his control over the butterfly broke about five miles away.

He was delighted with his power, as this distance would be helpful. In the meantime, he returned to Winterfell for lunch with his family, thinking about how to reveal to his father that he had an extraordinary power and convince his mother that it wasn't something evil according to her religion or something stupid like she might think.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Author's Note: I hope this decision gets better received here than it originally did. There is absolutely no way Ned or Catelyn would allow Robb to implement his plans and travel through the North without having some assurance that he would be okay. In my opinion, it was necessary for him to talk with people who have a better idea of the repercussions his power would have in the grand scheme of things. But don't worry, only the closest people to him will know, as he understands that keeping it a secret from the South would be better for the war.

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I woke with the first light of the day, missing the convenience of a cell phone or alarm to ensure I was proactive in my new life.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I allowed my thoughts to focus on the daunting task ahead: deciding whether I should finally reveal my newfound powers to my parents and how to approach it.

The idea had kept me awake for much of the previous night. I was torn between the desire to share my abilities with my family, who had always supported me, and the fear of the unknown repercussions this revelation could bring.

Unlike Taylor's experiences in Worm, I didn't share her strained relationships with family or the inherent distrust of those in power, so her example wouldn't guide me through this situation.

"How can I convince them that my powers are a blessing, not a curse?" I wondered quietly as I got up and dressed for the day ahead.

Glancing at myself in the mirror, I nervously adjusted my hair. While my physical appearance did not matter compared to what I was about to divulge, the gesture provided a moment of calm before facing the conversation.

Descending the stairs to the dining hall, I anticipated finding my family gathered for breakfast. The giant oak table was partially set, with my parents and some servants preparing for the morning meal. My siblings had yet to arrive.

I paused at the threshold, watching my parents with affection. I knew everything would change once I revealed the truth about my powers.

Approaching the table, both Ned and Catelyn greeted me with warm smiles. Sitting down, I felt uneasy despite my efforts to conceal it. Catelyn noticed my concern and glanced at Ned, who sensed my discomfort.

After a few minutes of eating, Ned finally broke the silence.

"Robb, son, is everything alright?" Ned asked calmly. "You seem a bit distracted this morning."

Pausing for a moment, feeling the weight of the decision I was about to make, I knew I couldn't delay the conversation any longer.

"Father, Mother," I began carefully, "I want to talk to you about something. But I'd prefer to do it privately, in your solar, father."

Ned nodded, noting the seriousness in my expression. "I understand. Let's finish eating, and then we'll go to the study."

The meal passed silently as I struggled to focus on the dishes. Though my mind was elsewhere, I tried to savor each bite before revealing my secret.

Once everyone finished, Ned led me to his study, with Catelyn following with a concerned look.

Once we were all inside and the door closed behind us, Ned turned to me with a questioning look.

"Robb, what is it you want to discuss with us? And why did you not want to speak about it with others present?" Ned asked, keeping his voice low to encourage me to speak candidly.

Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I began slowly.

"Father, mother... there's something I recently discovered," I started, my voice wavering slightly. "It's difficult to explain, but I feel you should know."

Catelyn approached me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Robb, you can trust us. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Grateful for my parent's support, I took a deep breath before continuing.

When I woke up, I discovered I had a special ability," I revealed. I can control insects and... create them."

There was a moment of silence as Ned and Catelyn absorbed my words. Ned furrowed his brow slightly, trying to process the information.

"Insects..." Ned murmured, searching for words. "Are you a skinchanger, my son? But I don't recall Old Nan's stories about wargs controlling insects, only animals, and not creating them. What exactly does this mean?"

I proceeded to explain how I had come to discover my powers and some of the things I had been able to do so far. Catelyn listened attentively.

"Robb, this is... hard to believe," Catelyn finally said, choosing her words carefully. "Are you sure about what you're saying? Is it safe?"

I nodded seriously. "Yes, mother. I'm sure. It's a power I can use to protect Winterfell, our family." Gesturing subtly, I demonstrated by controlling a few insects I had with me: flies, butterflies, and a couple of spiders.

Ned ran a hand through his beard, clearly deep in thought. "Robb, this is something that needs to be handled very carefully. I understand you have good intentions, but..."

I interrupted, trying to convey my conviction. "I know, father. I'm not certain of all the implications, but I believe I can use this to help. It could be an advantage for Winterfell, especially now with the challenges ahead."

Catelyn looked at me with a mix of pride and maternal concern. "Robb, we need to think carefully about how to handle this. It's not something we can take lightly."

Ned nodded slowly. "I agree with Cat. This is something we need to investigate further before making any decisions."

I nodded, understanding their concerns. Despite hoping for understanding and support, I knew my parent's doubts were justified and caution was necessary.

"I understand, Mother, Father," I said sincerely. "I just wanted to be honest and show you that I'm trying to do the right thing."

Ned placed a reassuring hand on my hair. "We appreciate that, son. Now, go rest. Tomorrow, we'll think about how to proceed together."

In the end, though the future remained uncertain, I knew I had taken the first step toward acceptance and understanding from my family.

The next day

After the conversation with my parents in Ned's study, I felt relieved to have shared my secret with them. Knowing I had my family's support meant a lot to me.

Deciding it was time to demonstrate more of what I could do, I mentally prepared myself that afternoon, gathering a select group of insects I had created.

I needed to showcase not only the existence of my abilities but also their potential strategic uses for Winterfell.

I went down to Winterfell's central courtyard, where I found my father, Ned, busy overseeing some guard training. Catelyn was nearby, conversing with servants as she watched the rest of the Stark children playing in the yard.

Ned looked up as I approached, noting the seriousness in my eyes.

"Robb," Ned greeted. "Is everything alright?"

Deciding to reveal more about my abilities, despite feeling nervous, I knew it was the right time after our discussion in Ned's study.

"Father, mother," I began, looking at them seriously. "I want to show you something, but I'd prefer to do it somewhere no one can see us."

Ned and Catelyn exchanged glances, silently acknowledging my request. They followed me through Winterfell, away from the central courtyard and the curious eyes of servants and guards.

I led them to a small clearing in the wolfswood, where we occasionally went for private conversations.

"What do you want to show us, Robb?" Ned asked, watching me closely.

Closing my eyes for a moment, I focused on my power. Slowly, small groups of insects appeared around me: butterflies, bees, beetles, ants, and various northern insects.

Ned and Catelyn watched as the insects obeyed my subtle gestures, forming patterns and performing specific tasks under my control.

"This is... incredible," Catelyn murmured, impressed.

Ned nodded slowly. "Robb, how many can you control like this?"

Feeling more confident as I demonstrated what I could do, I explained, "All of them, father. I can control all the insects within my range. Not only that, but I can also command them to perform various tasks. From gathering information to patrolling our borders, these insects could be our eyes and ears where humans can't easily reach."

The Starks continued to watch as the insects executed coordinated movements and collected small samples of biomass scattered on the ground.

"Robb, this has incredible potential," Ned admitted, impressed by the strategic implications of my abilities. "But it's also a tremendous responsibility. What else can you do with this power?"

Carefully considering my words, I replied, "I've been thinking about that. Besides surveillance, I could use insects to gather resources, spy on our enemies, and even, if absolutely necessary, as a form of defense."

"Assassination, really, Robb? I thought I taught you better than that. That is dishonorable. We're not the Lannisters," said Ned, shaking his head when he heard his heir giving that example.

"I will do everything I can to protect our family, Father. We are Starks, not Arryns," I said, unwilling to change my stance.

"I understand your concern for our family's safety, but we cannot resort to assassination. It goes against everything we stand for. There are other honorable ways to ensure our protection."

"You speak of honor, father, but what good is honor if our family is in danger? What if the Greyjoys decide they want Sansa as a salt wife? Or if the wildlings want Arya? I will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. If that means removing a threat quietly, I will not hesitate," I said, shaking my head to emphasize his point.

Ned threw his hands in the air and raised a cautionary hand. "Robb, we must tread carefully. We must uphold our principles, even in the face of danger." He took a deep breath to calm himself, dropping the subject immediately since he didn't want to think about that situation.

"I understand, father," I responded, acknowledging his concern. "But I also need to protect our family and Winterfell. If that means unconventional methods, I'll do what's necessary."

Catelyn approached me and embraced me tenderly. "Robb is right, my love."

"Robb, we've always taught you to be responsible," Catelyn said gently. "But this... this is something completely new for us."

Nodding, I felt the weight of the responsibility I had taken on by sharing my secret with them. "I know, mother. But I want to use this to protect Winterfell and our family."

"We're here to support you, Robb," Ned assured me. "But always remember to consider the consequences of your actions."

The afternoon continued with me demonstrating more abilities as we discussed potential uses and limitations. For Ned and Catelyn, accepting this new reality was a significant adjustment, but it was also an opportunity to strengthen Winterfell's defense against the challenges ahead.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Author's Note: Another thing—this fanfic is somewhat slow-paced. I set my SI (self-insert) about five years before canon to give him time to prepare for everything, and it ended up getting longer and longer, lol. I added time skips in future chapters since I know it can get tiresome to read about preparations and all that. But in my latest chapter (41), he finally arrived incognito in King's Landing around the time of the Hand's Tourney.

---

Upon waking up, I pondered what to do. My insects were working hard to obtain biomass and procreating with each other, but I had nothing to do. My best idea was to fill the void in my knowledge, so I headed to the library.

I knew that with the Citadel's monopoly on knowledge, finding many books would take a lot of work. Still, I hoped that being the seat of power of House Stark, there would be a large quantity for me to learn about my house's history and alliances.

Considering that Luwin gave his life to save Bran in the future, I hope to change; I would expect to have him as a confidant, but I'm still not sure if I should tell him about my powers; the Citadel, in general, hated magic and had done some terrible things to erase it from the world.

But I could use his attachment to our family to win him over. Still, I avoid talking about my powers, choosing only to study the crucial houses of Westeros and things I need to know in the future.

The Library of Winterfell

I was amazed by the size and the number of books and parchments in Winterfell library. Because of how remote the North was, the Citadel didn't have much pull in this place.

Maester Luwin greeted me with a warm smile.

"Will the wonders ever cease?" Maester Luwin said jokingly, "I never thought the young heir would enter the library without Lord Stark making you attend the lectures."

"I need to fill the gaps in my memory, maester," I told him, and it was true. I didn't know anything about my house, only snippets about wars they fought and things that would happen in the future. But about the past? I was utterly clueless.

"Come on, then, milord. Sit with me," said the Maester, pointing towards

an empty chair and the table he was using.

In a quiet corner of the library, surrounded by tomes, I sat next to Maester Luwin. The maester, with his accumulated wisdom over the years, began to explain to me the history of the Northern houses and their lineages, mentioning historical facts and prominent figures.

"Maester Luwin," I began, "there are many things I must know; as you know, much of my knowledge has disappeared due to the blow, and I want to study; I don't want to feel useless. I am the heir to Winterfell, I will be the next Lord Stark, and I cannot lead the North without the necessary knowledge."

Maester Luwin raised an eyebrow with interest, watching me as I

continued.

"I think the first topic I should learn about is the Northern houses," I continued. "I would like to learn more about their histories and relationships with my family over the years. Could you recommend some specific texts that would help me better understand the relationships between the houses?"

The maester nodded understandingly.

"Of course, Robb," Luwin replied. "We have detailed records that will be of great help to you. The chronicles of alliances, conflicts, and pacts between the Stark, Bolton, Umber, Mormont, and other lineages are essential for understanding the political history of the North."

I listened attentively as the maester continued explaining each text's relevance and the importance of understanding historical relationships to grasp the present.

"Additionally," Luwin added, pointing to a nearby section of maps, "we have detailed maps that could help you visualize the territories and resources available in Winterfell and its surroundings."

I nodded gratefully, absorbing every word from the maester as it was a crucial lesson for my future as Lord of Winterfell.

"Thank you, Maester Luwin," I said sincerely. "Your guidance is important to me."

Luwin smiled. "I am here to guide you in your quest for knowledge, Robb. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have more questions or need further information."

With that promise, I thanked Maester Luwin. I immersed myself even deeper in the library, determined to absorb all the knowledge I could about the Northern houses and their complex relationships.

I delved deeply into the ancestral history of my own house, sitting beside

a window that let in the soft afternoon sunlight.

Carefully flipping through an old book titled "The Starks of Winterfell: A History," I was fascinated by the pages that described the legendary origins of House Stark in the days of the ancient Age of Heroes.

"The House Stark," I murmured as I read, "Founded by Brandon the Builder, who raised the walls of Winterfell and established House Stark as the guardians of the North."

Brandon, the builder, was one of the most important characters in Game of Thrones; everything he accomplished paved the way to the present; the Wall he created with the help of the first man and the children of the forest protected us from the actual threat in the beyond. People in the present think that it was built to protect us of the free folk, but in truth, it was enhanced with magic to prevent the white walkers from entering the land of the living.

I marveled at the stories of the Stark ancestors, the early lords who had shaped the fate of Winterfell and its lands. I read about the early kings of the North and their feats, like the legendary King Jon Stark, who unified the Northern houses and defended the North from the incursions of the Free Folk beyond the Wall.

As I progressed through the pages, I discovered detailed accounts of the great battles that had shaped my house's history. The Battle of the Thousand Streams, where the Starks defeated the river kings and secured their dominion over the lands of the Trident. I also read about the fierce resistance of the Starks during Aegon the Conqueror's Conquest, when King Torrhen Stark knelt before the dragon to save his people from destruction.

One of the kings that surprised me was the story of Brandon the Burner, as, according to the book, he was responsible for why the North was weak against naval attacks in the present. Bran the Burner was a king who led the North when the Ironborn decided to attack the North for resources and saltwives.

The King decided to create a great fleet to fight the Ironborn outside of the North, but he made a drastic decision to ensure the fleet made for the North could not be used by the Ironborn. He decided to Burn the entire fleet to destroy the attackers and prevent their use against them.

The book also mentioned the internal revolutions that had shaken House Stark over the centuries. I read about the Hornwood Rebellion when House Stark intervened to resolve disputes and restore peace in the North. I also paused at the Iron Rebellion, an internal conflict that threatened to divide the Northern lands until Stark intervened to restore order and unity.

As the afternoon wore on, I absorbed more of my house's history. The Starks were not only guardians of the North but also protectors of their people and defenders of justice. Each page reminded me of my future Lord of Winterfell's responsibility and the importance of learning from my ancestors' mistakes and triumphs.

I closed the book momentarily and rose from the table to search for a book on Stark's allies.

I delved deeper into Winterfell's library's books, learning stories about the allied houses of the North. I read dusty volumes detailing the family lines of Houses Umber, Mormont, Manderly, and other nobles who shared the vast and cold domain of the North with the Starks.

I discovered that the Umbers, famous for their ferocity in battle, had been trusted allies in numerous wars against external enemies. The Mormonts, known for their bravery and loyalty, had sent warriors to fight alongside the Starks on many occasions, from the Wars Beyond the Wall to the Ironborn raids on the northern coasts.

The Manderlys, expert traders, and astute politicians, had built a prosperous White Harbor city and were pillars in the North's economy. They were the wealthiest house in the North, and I started thinking about ways the Starks could rise on the ladder.

The North was poor, and it had many virgin lands that were unused. When I earned the trust of my parents, I started making changes to give the peasants a better life.

Taking meticulous notes, I drew connections between the houses, their mottos, and their historical actions. I recognized the importance of understanding my allies' motivations and strengths to forge a stronger bond in times of peace and war.

Next day

I returned to the library with a brief greeting to Maester Luwin, who nodded kindly. After paying my respects to the maester, I delved into the shelves, searching for knowledge about biology, medicine, and flora and fauna of the North.

Understanding more about these subjects would broaden my general understanding and offer me new perspectives on how to use my abilities more effectively to benefit Winterfell and its inhabitants.

Consuming medical plants with my insects would allow me to create many beings that will have the same properties as the plants. For example, mosquitoes, when they bite, provide an amount of adrenaline, or if I consume the milk of the poppy, I'll have an effective painkiller to use when needed.

I selected several ancient books covering a wide range of topics, from the anatomy and physiology of Northern creatures to the medicinal properties of local plants. I immersed myself in detailed studies of the animal species that inhabited the surrounding forests and mountains, learning about their behaviors, habitats, and roles within the ecosystem.

In addition, I consulted manuscripts on traditional healing methods used by maesters and healers of the North over the centuries. Improving my understanding of medicine and biology would help me explore new ways to use my powers and prepare me to face future challenges that might require creative and swift solutions.

Healthcare in Westeros was a joke; the healers and what posed like that in this land knew about the importance of cleanliness, but they couldn't enforce it.

Peasants didn't bathe, or they did it sporadically; nobles were the same. They bathed more constantly than peasants, but they also bathed in incense or perfumes to hide the stench they must have.

Life expectancy was low, even more so in the North, since winter was dangerous to everyone, and people couldn't maintain their diet without food. Children died because of malnutrition or exposure to the weather. Most healers used a combination of herbs, potions, and a narrow knowledge of surgical techniques. A lot of prayers, too.

A typical cold could kill people without treatment, and it was a complete mess that I had to change for the better in the future.

As I started planning ways to change healthcare, I noticed that the sun was beginning to set on the horizon.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Catelyn Stark

I looked at Ned worriedly as we watched Robb leave the library with a stack of books under his arm.

"Ned, don't you think Robb spends too much time on these studies? He's just a boy; he should be playing outside with the others," I voiced my concern.

Ned adjusted the scrolls on his desk before responding.

"I understand your concerns, Cat. But ever since he lost his memories, he seems to have an insatiable hunger for knowledge. We can't deny him that opportunity to learn, especially if it might help him understand his abilities. We must wait for Maester Luwin to allow him to resume his practices with Jory."

I nodded slowly, acknowledging Ned's point.

"I know, but I worry he's pushing himself too hard. Sometimes, I see him in those books until late at night."

Ned came closer and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"We indeed need to be cautious, but we must also understand what's happening. Robb has shown extraordinary abilities, and we must consider how best to support him."

I sighed, looking out the window overlooking Winterfell's courtyard where the children were playing.

"I guess you're right, Ned. But I don't want him to feel alone in all of this. He needs someone he can trust to talk to about his powers."

Ned nodded, furrowing his brow as he contemplated the situation.

"I agree. Robb has us for the moment. I want to exclude others since everyone else is just a viability. Many other lords would enjoy having someone with those abilities at their beck and call."

Grateful for Ned's support, I nodded in agreement.

"Yes, we need to keep it a secret. I can't imagine our life having to fend off assassin after assassin."

Ned smiled.

"Me neither, my love. We need to be careful about our movements. I can assure you there are no spies from other houses in Winterfell. "

"Are you sure there could be spies in our castle, Ned?" I asked, afraid of his answer.

"I can't say there aren't, Cat. We don't mesh well with our Southern neighbors, they are too busy playing their games, but my father always cautioned me of the dangers of dealing with them" Ned said, taking my hand in his to show his support. "The good thing is, with Robbs's new powers, he'll be able to find every single one before long. Maybe there will be a moment that we'll know we will be surrounded by only people we can trust."

Arya Stark

I knew something bigger than what we were told was happening at Winterfell. I noticed my parents acted differently when they mentioned Robb, so being the best little sister in the world, I decided to investigate what was going on. I had been watching Robb for days from a distance where I was sure he couldn't see me. I noticed he spent most of his day in the library, talking to Maester Luwin or reading boring books.

Robb had lost much of his memory, but I still knew him well. Robb had never been interested in books; he preferred to play and joke around with Theon or practice swordplay with Jon, Jory, and the others. As I considered various possibilities of what might be happening, I noticed a minute later that Robb had disappeared. That was when I felt a firm hand on my shoulder and heard a whisper.

"Arya, what do you think you're doing?" Robb asked, with a smile on his face.

"You scared me, you idiot!" I exclaimed, turning around and attempting to hit Robb's shin.

I did not know how he knew what I would do, so I was surprised he sidestepped my kick.

"You're so predictable, Arya. Trying to hit your dear brother, hm?" Robb laughed as he let me go and ruffled my hair.

"Hmph, I hate you," I said, crossing my arms and pouting at him.

"Hahaha, you're so cute, Arya. Now, why don't you answer me? What were you thinking following me for the last few days?" Robb asked, stepping back from me and looking into my eyes.

"Robb, you've changed. You spend so much time in the library now and no longer play or joke with Theon or practice with Jon. Also, I see our parents acting suspiciously when they talk about you. I haven't heard what they're saying yet, but I know something's going on, and I want to know," I finally explained what I was doing, I didn't like change, and I was preoccupied that something big was happening.

"Don't worry, little sister. It's not anything bad. It's just the memory loss made me realize how disqualified I am for when I'm the next Lord Stark," Robb said seriously. "Besides, increasing my knowledge will make the North prosper. I have so many ideas for changes that will benefit us."

"Alright, Robb. I'll wait for you guys to explain... But besides that, how did you know I was following you? I know I was very stealthy, and you were looking the other way," I asked, looking at Robb with doubt.

Robb simply laughed, turned around, and continued walking towards his bedroom with his last words, "I'm just him, little sister. Nothing escapes my sight."

Maester Luwin

I walked uncertainly towards Lord Stark's study, wondering why I had been summoned. There was still half a moon to deliver his tax report, even longer until winter arrived, and Robb was recovering at a surprising speed.

I knocked on the study door and waited until I heard Lord Stark's voice, allowing me to enter.

"Come in," Lord Stark's voice was heard.

Upon opening the door, I was surprised to see Lady Catelyn and Robb in the study.

"Maester Luwin, we want to ask you to start teaching Robb. He wants to learn as if he were an acolyte," said Lord Stark.

"Lord Stark, where is this coming from? Learning to be a Maester is no simple feat. And while I know Robb is as intelligent as other acolytes I've seen in the citadel, it requires intensive learning that will prove difficult for him". I explained.

"I want to learn, maester. If I had that knowledge, I'd be able to change a lot of situations in the North when I become Lord Stark. If I were to know about medicine, politics, and economics as good as you, maester, there will be a good chance I'll become what the North needs to progress," said Robb, the heir to Winterfell, unaware of the impact of his words on me.

Catelyn Stark simply smiled, surprised but pleased to see how Robb explained his dreams to become the best lord stark in history.

"Of course, Robb. I will teach you. I will not lie; it will probably be hard for you. But if you truly want to learn, I'll give it my all to teach you. It might be interesting to see what a well-learned Lord is capable of. No offense, Lord Stark," I said, asking for forgiveness for my faux pas.

"No need to ask for forgiveness, Maester. I'm also curious to see what height Robb can reach when he completes his training," said Lord Stark, smiling in his usual impassive expression.

"Now we must discuss how Robb will continue with his maester studies," said Lord Stark as he presented me a parchment to jolt down ideas.

"Well, to begin with, milord, Robb must prepare with the necessary basic knowledge to start his training. I need Robb to be able to read and write without errors. I will probably teach him other important languages like High Valyrian, the Old Tongue, and Braavosi, which are crucial. The advantages they will bring Robb when he becomes Lord Stark will be immense," I explained, thinking about how to start his training.

"After the important languages, Robb should learn about medicine, as this subject is very relevant, especially in the North. The number of peasants dying here due to winter is too great. In addition to medicine, I would teach him about engineering to implement ideas that come to mind."

"Yes, that's good, Maester. What else do you think will be important?" asked Lord Stark.

"Robb will also need to learn about the land he will rule in the future, about geography and food production in our lands," said the Maester, who continued writing on the parchment about the topics he would need to explain.

"I think that is enough to begin his training, milord. I will take my leave to prepare for his classes." I told Lord Stark, rising from my chair.

"Oh, and Robb? I'm proud of this decision, and I'm excited to see what you are capable of," I told the heir of Winterfell as I took my leave to my chamber.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Winterfell.
Robb Stark.

Awakening at dawn, I prepared myself for my first sword training in both lives. I couldn't deny feeling nervous. I could count on one hand the times I'd needed to use violence to resolve a problem, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it, let alone taking someone's life in cold blood.

Nevertheless, there was also excitement. Who hadn't dreamed of being in battle, riding towards enemies for a deadly duel? But facing it in real life was vastly different from dreaming about it after a day of playing video games.

While bathing and changing, I instructed my insects to continue gathering biomass. Due to the cold northern climate, the number of insects under my control was insignificant. I only found mosquitoes, ants, a few beetles, and worms in such frigid conditions.

Deciding to scout around Winterfell and Winter Town for more insects, I felt a beehive near the Wolfswood. I ordered them to reproduce quickly and relocate closer to the castle's radius.

Thanks to the conversation with my parents, where I revealed my powers, I managed to secure a portion of the dungeons to house my swarm. Given their small size, I managed to do it without anyone noticing the change in the insects' behavior.

My father, Lord Stark, instructed the servants to use that dungeon part to store scraps and unused biomass in the castle. Without question, they began using it as a dump, and my insects continued consuming the available biomass. My insects reproduced rapidly. When they ran out of biomass to consume, they either continued reproducing endlessly or rested.

As a result, the amount of energy available increased exponentially. I decided to use this extra energy for the first time to create my first modified insects. Using a pair of beetles under my control as a template, I enhanced their senses biologically to see, feel, and hear, similar to humans. These beetles would act as additional eyes, watching my blind spots.

Noting that a third of my energy was used to create ten modified beetles, I wondered if this was due to the modifications or simply the act of creating insects.

"I need to increase the number of available insects," I whispered as I headed toward the castle.

I created eight pairs of ants and modified them to enhance their reproduction efficiency. I altered their biology so that males and females emitted pheromones that stimulated the natural ant need to procreate, facilitating easy insemination.

I ordered my new insects to move to the dungeon to start reproducing, and then I returned to the castle, heading to the library for research.

"Good morning, Maester Luwin," I greeted the maester as I made my way to the anatomy section.

"Good morning, Robb. I hope you're ready for your practice with Jory," the maester replied.

"I'm excited, Maester. But I want to study a bit before practice," I said, pulling a book from the shelf.

"Of course, Lord Robb. Go ahead. I'll continue preparing materials for your studies with me," the maester said, continuing his work at a nearby table.

Sitting at a secluded table, I began studying human muscles. Ever since discovering my power, I had the idea of creating an insect capable of sensing muscle tension to anticipate movements. I wanted to develop a form of precognition where insects strategically placed on my opponent could transmit information about their movements before they made them.

Using ants as a base, which can go unnoticed due to their small size, I enhanced their sensory system to better detect vibrations and their neuronal system to instantly transmit information. Theoretically, with these ants, I could anticipate my opponent's movements.

Creating a dozen ants, depleting the energy I had. I kept half near me, instructing them to stay on my head, and sent the other half to the dungeon to reproduce.

Next, I began thinking about how to use my future knowledge to my advantage. First, I needed to enhance security within Winterfell. Knowing my enemies' capabilities gave me an edge. To everyone else, I was just Robb Stark, the heir to the poorest kingdom in the Seven Kingdoms, a ten-year-old with nothing special compared to other famous nobles.

Varys and Littlefinger were known to use spies; Varys with his "little birds" and Littlefinger with his connections in brothels. I needed to be cautious around them and investigate Winter Town's orphanage and the brothel frequented by Theon.

Aware that I couldn't reveal my knowledge of the future, I devised an initial plan. My primary focus would be rapidly expanding my swarm, requiring a significant amount of biomass for modified insects and traveling to different northern houses to obtain various natural insects.

Afterward, I would create insects to facilitate the growth of essential plants and animals for the North's subsistence, either by injecting nutrients or using modified insects as fertilizers to promote their growth and health.

Training Yard

I was in the training yard, ready for my first practice with blunted swords. I knew that in Westeros, learning to defend oneself in close combat was essential for any houselord, especially for me, given my lineage and responsibility over the North.

"Ready, young Robb?" Jory Cassel, Winterfell's captain of the guard, asked.

"Yes, Jory, please be gentle with me," I said, taking my sword and assuming a beginner's stance.

Jory frowned. "We'll start slowly, milord. Everyone in the castle has heard about what happened. I'll make sure not to push your body too hard."

With no strategy beyond trying to strike Jory, I lunged at him with a quick lateral movement, attempting to break his defense.

Not taking the fight seriously, Jory responded with a downward slash that I managed to block, though the force made me step back.

"Not bad, Robb. I'm glad your reflexes are working," Jory said, stepping forward with his sword pointed toward the ground.

"Thank you, Jory. Let's continue," I said, raising my sword and attacking like he had moments before, but this time with more force. Jory simply sidestepped to avoid my strike.

Jory countered with a vertical cut, which I blocked with my sword, but he capitalized on my movement with a kick to the chest that knocked me to the ground.

"Pause, pause," I requested, taking deep breaths. "I need a moment to think, Jory," I added, stepping back and closing my eyes to concentrate.

Controlling the recently created ants, I ordered them to take their place at critical points on Jory's body.

"I'm ready, Jory," I said; in my mind, the ants captured the sensations of each of his movements.

"Of course, Robb, we can restart," Jory replied, assuming his stance and raising his sword.

Through the ants, I tried to memorize the sensations captured during Jory's movements, preparing to anticipate each of his actions.

Each time Jory tensed a muscle, the ants gave me an additional fraction of a second to react. Gradually, I noticed the difference: I knew which muscle Jory would move before he did, stepping back when he advanced, raising my sword to block his every time his wrist prepared to strike.

Despite my weak body and lack of speed, I kept up with him. I noticed he intensified his attacks as the practice continued, but I could anticipate and react in time to dodge or block each of his strikes.

Surprised by my sudden improvement, Jory continued escalating the intensity of his attacks. However, this meant little; Jory was a skilled fighter but he couldn't compare to Westeros's best. He wasn't as fast as Oberyn Martell or as strong as The Mountain and certainly didn't have the fluidity and technique of the Kingslayer.

Neither he nor I noticed the silence falling over the training yard. I closed in on Jory, who began taking the practice more seriously. He dodged my attacks; realistically, my ten-year-old body lacked the strength and speed to harm him. And despite his attempts to strike me with his sword, I could evade all his attacks.

Blow after blow, we continued the fight until the silence of the training yard made us realize everyone was watching us with surprised expressions.

My parents were watching. Catelyn was both concerned and proud as she saw me evade all the attacks, and my father smiled a small smile of satisfaction for the show we had provided.

The silence was broken by Arya, who jumped excitedly, shouting that her brother would be the best swordsman in Westeros.

"There, see that?" Arya exclaimed. "My brother will be the best!"

"Well done, son. I'm very proud of you," my father said.

As Arya's cheers echoed through the training yard, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride in my newfound abilities.

Evading Jory's attacks had been exhausting but fulfilling, a testament to the potential of the combat side of insect control.

Standing in the middle of the onlookers' stares, including my parents' proud gazes, I realized that learning to fight was just the beginning of my journey.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Winterfell.
Robb Stark.

"Are you ready for your archery practice, Robb?" asked Ser Rodrick Cassel, the master-at-arms of Winterfell and uncle of Jory.

"Yes, Ser Rodrick. I'm as ready as I can be," I replied, taking the bow with my offhand.

"I hope your skill with the bow remains the same even though you don't remember much, milord."

"I hope so too, Ser," I replied.

The night before, I spent sketching different insects that could help me excel as an archer. While I performed all my duties and practices the previous day, my insects continued to work to replenish the energy I had expended. The energy gradually increased, and though I didn't have as much as the day before, it was enough to try out my idea: modified flies to deduce wind speed, trajectory, and direction. These flies would serve a role similar to modern sniper spotters, providing distance, wind direction, and other factors influencing where the arrow would land, ensuring my shots wouldn't miss.

I hope that with the maester's teachings on engineering, I could provide the necessary information to a blacksmith to construct a composite bow usable at great distances and superior to common ones. A long-range crossbow would suffice if I couldn't create such a bow.

I could become the greatest long-range assassin Westeros had ever seen using these flies. If I used a venom-producing insect, whether lethal or paralyzing, I could order them to mark my arrows with these poisons, killing my enemies with the bow range without them knowing my location.

I closed my eyes to focus and sent the flies to land on the practice dummy's head. Opening them, I positioned myself 15 meters away. I took a deep breath and tried to mimic the few archery videos I'd seen in my previous life. I raised the arrow and nocked it, exhaling slowly, aiming slightly above the dummy's head and adjusting my body to the left, as the flies indicated the wind was blowing to the right.

When I released the arrow, I watched it fly disappointingly, embedding itself in the ground about 5 meters from the dummy.

Taking a moment to observe the arrow, I noted the information provided was accurate; had it continued in the air, it would have struck the dummy's head directly.

"Hahaha, Robb! Trying to imitate Bran with that shot? Maybe we should call for the maester to keep teaching you in the library," Theon called from the field entrance, having arrived for his daily practice.

I frowned, trying to calm my annoyance. Theon was a character I didn't care for; all his actions until his death were driven by selfishness, and though he gave his life for Bran, it didn't absolve all his previous sins. Yet the Theon before me was just a teenager obsessed with women and martial practice. He still needed to do something to earn my disdain.

"You're quite the jester, Theon. I suppose your charisma attracts women, not your gold," I retorted, grabbing another arrow.

"Women adore me, Robb. Maybe you'll understand when you grow up a bit more," Theon chuckled.

"If you give gold to a monkey, Theon, it will dance."

"Enough, both of you. You're here to practice," Ser Rodrick shouted, showing his displeasure, though he couldn't hide his smile at my responses.

"What about a wager, Robb? I bet you a gold dragon that you won't hit the target for as long as it takes me to finish my practice," Theon said, preparing his bow and arrows.

"Fine, let's bet. Now shut up and let Rodrick instruct me. I don't remember how to use a bow," I said, turning to Ser Rodrick.

"Very well, milord. Let's begin the practice. The first mistake I noticed was your stance. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Your dominant foot should be slightly behind the other for good stability," Rodrick commented, assuming the position himself.

"Is this right, Rodrick?" I asked, mimicking him.

"Yes, young Robb, just like that. It was good to take the bow with your offhand, and the string should be drawn with your right hand. Extend the bow forward and aim directly at the dummy. Remember to keep your elbows straight but relaxed," Rodrick said, demonstrating the actions as he spoke.

"And how do I aim properly, Ser?" I inquired, following his instructions and focusing on the flies' information.

"The most important part of using a bow is hitting the target, obviously, Robb. Stare directly at the target and use your index finger to aim. Align the arrowhead with the target. Take a deep breath and release the string smoothly," Rodrick said as he did the same and released the string. The arrow flew through the air and struck the dummy square in the chest.

"Thank you, Ser. Now it's my turn," I thanked him for his guidance and followed his steps precisely.

Releasing the string smoothly, I watched the arrow fly straight toward the dummy's head, piercing it with a single shot.

"Well done, milord, an excellent shot," Rodrick praised, patting me on the back.

I glanced over to where Theon was practicing, and with a smile, I called out, "Hey, Greyjoy! Looks like you owe me a gold dragon," pointing my finger at the dummy.

Theon, surprised, followed my finger's direction and let out a whistle of surprise.

"That's how it's done, Robb. I'm thrilled your accident didn't render you useless. Although the bastard might still outshoot you," Theon said, not forgetting to jab at Jon.

Rodrick stepped forward, clearly intending to give Theon a piece of his mind for speaking ill of a Stark, but he stopped when I shook my head.

"Enough, Theon," I said firmly. "Jon is a Stark, no matter if he was born on the wrong side of the bed. You will give him the respect he deserves."

Theon looked surprised, perhaps because the original Robb never defended Jon so quickly, maybe not to offend Theon, or perhaps due to Catelyn's teachings, but I wasn't the original Robb. Jon is a Stark, the only son of Lyanna Stark and Prince Rhaegar, and I wouldn't let Theon or anyone else treat him as less.

I needed to change Jon's situation. Not only did he not deserve the hate people had for him, but having his support could help me with many plans. Jon wasn't just a fantastic fighter; he also had a blood relation with Daenerys. If I didn't communicate with her before the conflict began, I would need an in with her, whether I decided to act for or against her.

My family needed to be united; there was no need or time to waste with disputes that could affect the future.

Later that day.

Entering Maester Luwin's study prepared me mentally to return to school.

At least I had the advantage that the Common Tongue was English, and I could already read and write it correctly.

The maester mentioned that one of the first topics he would teach me would be High Valyrian and Braavosi, which would be very helpful in the future.

"Good morning, Robb," greeted the maester, indicating I should take a seat beside him.

"I hope you're ready, Robb. We'll start with the Common Tongue; once I decide you've mastered it enough, we'll move on to the other languages and other subjects," continued the maester.

"When you finish this lesson, I want you to take these books to practice and let me know when you've finished reading them," said the maester, handing me four books: one on the Age of Heroes, another on Westerosi history during the Conquest, one on basic human anatomy, and finally, a book on common food plants in the North.

Taking the books and thanking the maester, I sat down, and we began the lesson.

"I want you to write and say aloud each letter of the alphabet," the maester instructed.

Without waiting for further instructions, I began my task, clearly showing I already had the necessary knowledge to proceed to the next part.

"How can you do this so well, Robb?" asked the amazed maester.

"Since I lost my memory, maester, I've been reading a lot in the library. I've also taken books to my room to keep reading before bed," I explained.

"Ah... So that's where the books I couldn't find were. And here I was about to talk to your father about the supposed theft," chuckled the maester.

"Haha, I'm sorry, maester. I'll be sure to let you know next time I take books," I said, embarrassed.

"Yes, please do so next time, Robb. But I've noticed the missing books were on medicine and common North fauna. Are you interested in those subjects?" the maester asked me.

"Of course, maester. I hope to become an expert in them shortly."

"Interesting, milord. It's good that I already included them in the curriculum we'll use," said the maester as he took notes.

"Let's continue then. Since you already know about the Common Tongue, we'll start your studies on High Valyrian."

"Understood, maester," I replied, preparing my quill and ink to take notes.

As the maester began the lesson, I thought about how to surprise him with my learning ability. Thanks to my multitasking ability, I could pay attention to his teachings while thinking about ways to cheat to learn faster.

I planned to create mosquitoes that secreted neurotransmitters and hormones so that when I controlled them to bite me, they would transmit these substances to my body. I would also need to create other insects to counteract or eliminate these extra substances in my body, as I recalled reading about the dangers of drugs that increase these. By studying and using animals to check this safety, I could use them to facilitate my learning more efficiently.

I hoped that by noticing how easily I learned, I could gain my parents' confidence to travel across the North in the next two years. Many of my plans depended on having a larger number of insects, and the easiest method for that would be to travel and collect as many natural insects as possible around the North. In addition to increasing my insect count, I could eliminate different people who would be dangerous in the future. Much depended on my ability to carry out my plans, and I didn't want to fail in the future.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Winterfell.
Robb Stark.

I decided to check on the progress of my insect breeding ground in the dungeon, noticing in the back of my mind that the number of beings I was connected to had increased significantly compared to the day before. I sent them towards the dungeon using my modified beetles, which could see in the dark. Despite their biological modifications, these beetles looked physically identical to any other beetle from the North.

As I waited for the beetles to reach their destination, I realized I would need to modify them to move faster. I was ready to leave my room in about five minutes, and my beetles had not yet reached the entrance.

Various ideas crossed my mind for their modification, from enhancing their muscle structures to increasing the speed of their nervous systems. I even considered altering their wings to make them more aerodynamic, enabling them to fly long distances quickly.

Walking to the large breakfast table, always using the rest of the adult insects at my disposal, I remained vigilant for anything out of place, whether it be a spy or a secret compartment the Stark family had yet to discover. Considering Lord Stark's position was forced into my father's hands, there were likely many things he did not know about the family's secrets.

Father grew up as a ward of House Arryn from the young age of eight, only returning for short periods during his wardship, so it's highly probable that due to not being the primary heir, he was unaware of many things about the castle or hidden vaults within it.

One of my first ideas upon discovering my powers was to use my insects to find treasures or valuable items. I imagined I could uncover forgotten riches within Winterfell or perhaps find something in the collapsed crypts beneath the castle. Who knows if such things exist, but one can dream.

"Father, Mother, I hope you are well," I greeted them at the table, frowning as I noticed Jon was sitting at a table separate from the rest of the family.

I never understood why my father never revealed the secret to my mother. In the early days of their relationship, it was understandable—they practically married without knowing each other, and my mother was betrothed to my uncle Brandon.

But they already had five children together; I think it was time for Catelyn to learn the secret. Honestly, it would have helped a lot in the original story. Who knows what would have changed if Jon had never felt the need to go to the Wall to honor his father despite being a supposed bastard?

Well, I have other things to think about for now.

"We are well, dear," said Catelyn, as my father nodded.

"I'm glad, mother. I would like us to talk in your solar, Father. We have much to discuss."

"Very well, son. We can meet after breakfast," my father confirmed, clearly wondering what I needed to talk to them about.

"And how are you?" I asked my siblings, who responded that they were well.

Making a decision, I took my food, lifted it, and went to sit next to Jon at one of the tables for the servants. I didn't want him to feel more marginalized than he was, and I promised to find ways to improve his situation in Winterfell.

"How are you feeling, Jon?" I asked as I took my seat.

"You shouldn't sit here, Robb. I'm just a bastard," Jon said, trying to ignore Catelyn's gaze.

"You're my brother, Jon, and you have Stark blood. That's enough for me."

Jon ran his hand over his eyes, and I tried to ignore the tear stains on his sleeve.

"Let's eat, and after my conversation with our father, we'll go train. How does that sound, Jon?" I asked him as I began to eat.

The diet of the North was quite repetitive due to the lack of gold, the climate, and the difficulty in farming in the area.

I needed to start my training to become the Lord of Winterfell, show my intelligence to my parents, and hope to obtain permission to travel and continue my plans.

As I ate, I thought of ways to improve the North while also watching through my beetles how the dungeon breeding was going, making a mental list of what I had at my disposal.

- 2 pairs of normal wolf spiders, 2 males and 2 females. They were natural insects that I controlled to mate as much as possible. The advantage of these spiders is that every time they lay eggs (which can happen as quickly as an hour after mating), they lay 100 to 600 eggs per cluster.

- 3 ice spiders, 2 females and 1 male. They were also natural insects I found while practicing my powers outside Winterfell. Thanks to my control over them, I didn't have to worry about the females killing and eating the males. I instructed them to mate whenever possible, in addition to feeding and resting.

- A small colony (300) of Northern ants, naturally originating from the region and with a fur layer on them.

- A large colony (12,000) of cryptic ants adapted to live in underground environments and were found in the Winterfell crypts.

- A pair of Northern beetles, 1 male and 1 female, adapted for cold climates. Like the spiders, they were intended to mate as quickly as possible. This beetle is the basis of my modified beetles to see through them. Modifications can be hidden thanks to their original size so they do not stand out from natural insects.

- A flock of forest butterflies, found on the outskirts of the Wolfswood.

After finishing the mental list of the natural insects at my disposal, I made another list of the modified and created insects with my power.

- Seismic ants: these created ants allow me to predict my enemies' movements by detecting muscle tension through their improved sensory system and neural adaptations that process information quickly. They can climb onto my opponents and sense when they tense their muscles before moving (a dozen).

- Seer beetle: these beetles act as my additional eyes. For now, I only had five pairs, which, when not in use, were dedicated to mating. I changed their gestation form so they could have more offspring quickly, although they needed more feeding.

- Sharp flies: these eight flies were created to enhance my archery skills. Modifications include neural adaptations to process information quickly, an increased vibration sense that allows them to detect wind speed, direction, and trajectory and communicate it to me rapidly, and a change in their wings to fly steadily even in strong wind.

For now, these were the only insects I had created. In the previous days, I hadn't focused much on increasing biomass consumption to create more insects; first, I wanted to increase the quantity available. I planned to send a substantial part of them to Wolfswood to consume biomass while a small part focused on defense and espionage.

With the orders set, I stopped thinking about the insects and prepared to improve the overall quality of life for the Northern population.

The North's economy was challenging, mainly because my family emphasized honor, loyalty, and support for our subjects.

Much of the income from taxes on other houses was used for the most brutal months of winter.

The Stark family sponsored most smallfolk when they ran out of food. Winters were harsh and long, creating hardships for Northern families. Only some had the advantage of savings; most peasant families could survive with one gold dragon a year, but only a few could earn that much.

I had different ideas to improve the economy with my powers, from creating insect-based fertilizers (modified insects would produce nutrient-rich excrement, increasing nitrogen or phosphorus production) to warding off pests affecting plants. However, I would have to wait a while to propose these ideas to my father.

In addition to focusing on agriculture, creating alcoholic beverages would be an excellent investment for the North. Potatoes, one of the main crops in the area, are used to make vodka, and many of the wild berries found in the North could be used for winemaking in appropriate quantities.

The last idea I had to improve life overall in the North was creating insects to use as bait in fishing. By modifying their pheromones, I could increase the amount of fish caught when the oceans and rivers were not frozen. I would also have to review the preservation method used in the North, as I had yet to learn what they used or if they had one, but keeping food frozen could help keep it edible for longer.

After finishing my meal, I stood up and followed my parents to the solar, thinking about how to start this conversation so that everyone would be satisfied.

"I want to up my training to become the next Lord Stark, father," I said seriously. It was the most important thing right now: for my father to accept, teach me to handle the house's finances, and teach me various subjects with which I could surprise them with how quickly I learned. That way, they would trust me more to implement my plans.

There were five years left until the start of the series, and there was much to do, from improving the economy and quality of life to getting rid of enemies within the North to avoid conflicts in my territory when my father was arrested by the Lannisters.

I already knew I couldn't convince my father not to go to King's Landing; honor seemed more important than life for him. But I was sure that, with these five years, I could be prepared to get my entire family out of the Lannisters' hands.

With my insects, sneaking into the dungeons of the Red Keep without being detected would be a piece of cake. I would also have to have my insects ready with morphine in case my father suffered any injuries beforehand. There were many things to prepare, but I was confident I could do it.

"Are you sure, Robb? It's not an easy training," my father said, although I noticed a small smile of pride on his face.

My mother remained silent for the moment, but it seemed she didn't want me to start this training so early and wanted me to enjoy my childhood. I would like to live in a perfect world where I could do that, but it was a pity that Planetos wasn't like that.

"Yes, father. I need to start now. I need to learn to lead and manage finances. I want to be a great Lord Stark (and King after)," I said, reciting the last part inside my mind. "That's why I want to up my training from now on," I told my father.

"Very well, Robb. Catelyn, love, leave us alone," my father said to my mother, who was getting up from her chair.

"I love you, dear, and I trust you will do a great job in the future," said Catelyn.

"Thank you, mother. I promise not to disappoint," I said with a smile, delighted that my plans were progressing.

When my mother left the solar, my father got up from his chair. Taking the ancestral sword of House Stark (Ice), he approached me and indicated that I should kneel.

"One knee on the ground, son," my father said, with a voice colder than the climate in the worst winter months.

Surprised, I did as he said and knelt, looking him in the eyes.

"What are we doing, father?" I asked him, needing clarification.

"Silence," said Ned, raising his sword.

"Robb Stark, heir of Winterfell and future Warden of the North of the Seven Kingdoms, do you promise to protect your family and home with honor and courage?"

"Yes, father. I promise," I replied, swearing to do what was necessary to survive the chaos approaching us.

"Do you promise to rule with justice and compassion, always listening to the advice of wiser people than you and respecting the laws of our people?" my father asked again.

"Yes, father. I promise."

"Do you promise to defend the ideals of the Starks, loyalty, honor, and honesty, without deviating from the straight path even in the darkest moments?" he asked again, with his eyes fixed on mine.

Apologizing mentally for lying to him about something important, I kept my face serious as I said, "I promise, Father."

My father looked me in the eyes for a moment longer and, without saying anything else, rested his sword on my shoulder.

"Then rise as a true Stark, my son. May your actions always be guided by the oath you have made today."

Standing up, I approached and hugged him, making the inner promise to protect everything important to me in this new life.

I hope this chapter captures the development of Robb's character and his commitment to his future role. It's clear he has ambitious plans and a strong sense of duty.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Somewhere near Hornwood.
2 Years Later

"We will rest here," I told my companions as I dismounted from my horse. My hunting party consisted of eight people: Theon, Jon, Jory Cassel, and five guards loyal to the Stark family.

"We'll continue chasing the bandits in five minutes. Take the opportunity to rest, eat something, and drink water," I ordered them while I prepared my weapons.

As my group settled down, I released all the insects I had on hand. The sound of two hundred thousand insects flying simultaneously was shocking. Due to the lack of subtlety, I quickly spread them throughout my entire range. In the North, there were approximately one to two million insects per square kilometer. With my five-mile range, I could maintain stealth by using between two hundred thousand and half a million insects.

After ordering them to look for traces of the group we were chasing, I sat on a rock next to Jon to rest my legs.

"How are you feeling, Jon?" I asked my cousin, taking a moment to recall the conversation that changed the course of his life.

Flashback: 1 Year Before

"Come in," Lord Stark's voice was heard. Jon and I were outside his solar, waiting for his permission. Strolling, I placed my hand on Jon's shoulder to show my support.

"You sent for me, Lord Stark?" Jon asked as he approached my father's desk.

"Have a seat, Jon."

"We have a lot to discuss," my father said. "This will be a difficult conversation for everyone, and I want you to understand that what we discuss must remain secret. No one else should hear about this," Lord Stark said seriously.

"What is this about, Lord Stark?" Jon asked, his frown showing his confusion.

"I've been arguing with Robb recently. He discovered the truth and made me realize it's time for you to know," Lord Stark said, looking embarrassed. "It's about your mother, Jon."

"My mother? Are you finally going to tell me who my mother is, Lord Stark?" Jon asked, biting his lip to hold back tears.

"We have to start with what probably will affect you the most... Jon, the truth is, I am not your father," Lord Stark said with an anguished face. "That doesn't mean I don't see you as my son. I'm very proud of everything you've accomplished, but I'm not your biological father, Jon," he continued.

"You're my nephew, Jon. You are the son of my sister Lyanna and... and Rhaegar Targaryen. And no, before you think the worst, you are not the result of rape. My sister ran away with Rhaegar so she wouldn't have to marry Robert... if only I had listened to her," my father lamented.

"But what are you saying, Lord Stark? Am... Am I a Targaryen? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Jon exclaimed.

"You know why, Jon. After seeing Robert smile the deaths of the royal children, I couldn't risk the same happening to you. You are the only reminder of Lyanna I have," my father explained, taking a deep breath.

"Your true heritage must remain a secret, and honestly, I had planned to take it to my grave," my father continued, clearly regretful of his plans. "If those who supported the Targaryens found out about you, Jon, it could spark a war in the kingdom."

"But that wouldn't change anything, Lord Stark. I am still a bastard of Prince Rhaegar," Jon said, confused by what my father was revealing.

"No, Lyanna explained it to me before she died... The prince annulled his marriage to Princess Elia. You are the legitimate son of Prince Rhaegar," my father explained.

"Is Lyanna Stark truly my mother?" Jon asked, his eyes full of tears.

"I'm sorry, Jon. Like I said, I had to protect you, and this was the best way I could think of at the time," my father said, standing up and hugging Jon. "Never doubt that I love you, and despite not being your biological father, you are my son, Jon."

"What do we do now, Father?" Jon asked.

"We continue as we have, acting like you are my bastard. We can't risk this secret getting out," my father said seriously.

"Understood, Father," Jon said, wiping away tears and hugging our father again.

Present

"I'm alright, Robb. Just a bit tired; we've been chasing these bandits for days," Jon said as he ate, trying to fill his stomach.

"I know, but I'm sure we'll catch them now. I can feel it," I said, smiling.

"Heh, the senses of the northern ghost," Jon said, teasing me with the nickname the peasants had given me.

"Shut up, don't remind me of that, haha," I said, lightly hitting his shoulder.

"Alright, let's get ready to move," I said to my group, grabbing my bow and arrows. "I already know where the bandits are. Remember, they are dangerous and are wanted for selling slaves to Slaver's Bay. Lord Hornwood wants them alive for attempting to sell his son, Daryn," I continued, explaining the situation to my group.

My group and I were ready for the hunt; my insects had already found the group of bandits camping three kilometers away.

Insect control showed its advantages in this type of operation. With many of my modified insects, I could see almost everything happening within my five-mile range, making it easy to track enemy groups.

Walking slowly to avoid making noise, my group and I headed toward the camp where nine bandits were eating, drinking, and boasting about their exploits. Listening to them laugh as they recounted selling victims to slavers or committing rape during village attacks made me sick to my stomach.

"Stop and prepare to approach. I will provide cover with my bow from here. Attack when you see the first wound. Remember, kill only if necessary, but try to leave them alive so that Lord Hornwood can execute them personally. Don't take risks; if you need help, say so," I ordered my group, hoping they wouldn't end up dead or injured.

While waiting for Jon and the others to get close and hide from the bandits, I readied my bow and firmly placed an arrow on the string. This wouldn't be a difficult shot; my bow, modified by Maester Luwin, was much more potent than standard bows. Despite its cost and rarity in Winterfell, it was more than sufficient for a 300-meter shot.

With my gear in position, I gently released the arrow. Using my insects, I had already determined the distance, wind speed, and other necessary data for a perfect shot, aiming for the leg of the first bandit. Confident in my archery skills, I readied the next arrow without waiting for confirmation of the previous one, aiming at the arm of one of the bandits further away.

As I served as the long-range support, Jon and the rest of my group launched their attack upon hearing the first bandit's scream. Brandishing their war hammers, they charged toward the nearest group of bandits, breaking bones without hesitation. A few moments later, the battle was over. On our side, only one guard had been injured with a cut on his arm, nothing serious, thanks to the old gods.

The group of bandits didn't fare as well; three had arrows in their bodies, and one was dead with an arrow in his head—unfortunately, I had to kill him because he had nearly killed the wounded Winterfell guard. The other two had arrows in their arm and legs, respectively. The remaining four had broken arms and legs from the war hammers: Jon dispatched two with his small size and agility, Theon defeated one, and the guards took care of the last.

Injecting the subdued bandits with milk of the poppy using my insects to alleviate their pain before their execution, we tied them up and took them back to our horses, ready to head to Lord Hornwood's castle.

Lord Hornwood

I was in my study, reviewing reports on the area's economy provided by my steward. A knock on the door caught my attention.

"Come in," I said with authority.

"Lord Hornwood, my apologies for disturbing you. Robb Stark has been sighted by troops returning from his hunt, bringing the nine bandits causing trouble in the area," the messenger reported, trying to catch his breath.

I nodded with momentary surprise before a satisfied smile crept onto my face. "Heh, the ghost of the North strikes again," I muttered under my breath. Turning to the messenger, I added, "Thank you for bringing me this news. Now, go and rest."

The messenger nodded gratefully and left my study, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I couldn't help but feel pleased. "The heir of Winterfell continues to impress," I murmured as I stood up, preparing to greet my visitors. "He will truly be a better Lord Stark than the last ten combined."

Robb Stark

I could never get used to the nicknames they gave in Westeros.

As we walked to deliver the bandits to Lord Hornwood, I heard the murmurs of the townsfolk.

"The ghost of the north," they called me. For a year, I had been working tirelessly to cleanse the North of scum like this group. The smallfolk and even the lords of different houses decided to call me that due to my efficiency in hunting down the enemies of the North. No one knew where I was striking from or could escape me.

I understood the importance of reputation in Westeros, so I didn't complain, but that didn't mean I enjoyed hearing people call me that.

"Here is the group, my lord. One did not survive the battle, but the leader of the rest had a superficial wound on his arm. Be careful, though; they are very dangerous men," I said as we handed the prisoners to Lord Hornwood's guards.

"Robb Stark, or should I say, the ghost of the north. I heard about your arrival, but I didn't expect you to bring the bandits with you so quickly. It's always an honor to welcome you in my home, young Stark," Lord Hornwood said with a smile.

"Thank you for your kind words, Lord Hornwood. But now, please take care of these bandits. My group and I need to eat and rest before returning to Winterfell," I said, smiling but tired from the journey.

"Of course, take all the time you need, and thank you for your assistance. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," Lord Hornwood said, bowing slightly to show his respect.

"Thank you, my lord. Now, if you'll excuse us," I said, shaking his hand before returning to our accommodations.

As I walked to my room, I thought about the future. I improved at controlling my insects, and my archery skills were unmatched in the North.

However, I knew the dangers were far from over. The South watched my every move, and it wouldn't be long before I had to defend the North from threats beyond bandits and raiders. For now, I would focus on strengthening the North and my abilities. The time to face my enemies was approaching, and I would be ready.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Near the Dreadfort.
Robb Stark.

"We'll reach Dreadfort in less than an hour," I told my companions. "Remember to behave properly when we meet Lord Bolton."

"And why are we here, Robb?" Theon asked, eating atop his horse.

"There have been reports and stories of people disappearing around the castle. No one knows who's responsible, but we'll find out."

"Remember, depending on the perpetrator, we may not be able to act until I speak with my father. I don't trust Roose Bolton," I continued. "Our priority is to gather evidence to return to Winterfell and plan our next steps."

"Do you believe the rumors we heard from Lord Hornwood?" Jon asked.

"It doesn't hurt to investigate, Jon. Remember, as Starks, we're obligated to protect the northern smallfolk. If we can look into the rumors about smallfolk fleeing to Lord Hornwood due to fear for their lives at Dreadfort, that's what we'll do," I said firmly.

Knowing the original story, I already knew how sadistic and cruel Ramsay was. I planned to gather enough evidence of Bolton's crimes and bring it back to Winterfell to make my case that we should destroy the Boltons before my father. This way, the North would remember that the Starks aren't like those in the South (a characteristic that had been secretly discussed since my father took over the North), and we would get rid of a family that would betray us.

I would use my insects to investigate the entire castle while resting there. That way, I could locate all the torture and flay rooms and perhaps obtain disloyal correspondence from the Boltons.

Thirty minutes later

"Welcome, Robb Stark!" Roose Bolton greeted us as we arrived at the outskirts of Dreadfort.

"What is the reason for this visit from the ghost of the North?" Lord Bolton continued.

"I've heard about the disappearances happening in this area recently, Lord Bolton. I decided to offer my help to you," I replied.

I was ninety percent sure Roose would decide to use Ramsay's friends as bait to absolve House Bolton of any wrongdoing. This way, I could quickly eliminate them and prevent Ramsay from having support in the future.

"Our search has been a failure, my lord," Lord Bolton responded. "We've searched for them and haven't found anything."

"So you won't hesitate to accept my help?" I asked.

"No, my lord. I offer you bread and salt, and I will prepare accommodation for you and your companions," he replied as a servant approached with both plates.

"Thank you, Lord Bolton. I'm sure we'll root out this scum," I said seriously as my companions and I finished the hospitality ceremony.

Lord Bolton

"See what you did, you damned bastard," I shouted at Ramsay as we gathered in my office.

"Now the heir to Winterfell is snooping into things he shouldn't, thanks to your inability to stop your stupid hunts."

"What shall we do, father? Shall we kill the Starks?" Ramsay asked.

"No, you idiot. We can't touch them for now. They've come from Hornwood territory and announced they were heading to here. If anything happens to them, everyone will know we're involved in their disappearance," I tried to explain to this disgrace. I didn't know how it had ended like this.

"Now you will go with your little group and lead them into one of those hunts they do. You won't accompany them. We'll use them as an excuse, and they'll die in battle," I ordered.

"I'll instruct my soldiers not to leave anyone alive. That way, they won't be able to speak or involve us in this," I continued.

"But, father, they are among the few who support me," Ramsay said, throwing a tantrum.

"I don't care, bastard. We can't let the Starks find out how we're involved," I said firmly.

"Very well, father. I'll go tell them to prepare for a night's adventure," Ramsay said with his head down.

Watching Ramsay leave, I rose to give orders to the soldiers under my command.

Robb Stark

As I eavesdropped on their conversation from my room, I marveled at the advantages of listening in from a distance.

Knowing the series was a great advantage. Roose acted just as I expected. He was ready to sacrifice Ramsay's friends while they escaped unharmed. He was always seeking advantages for his family, waiting for the right moment to betray us.

We would rest from the journey for a couple of hours. Then, we would go out with my group and the Boltons to look for clues when the sun went down. Planning for Ramsay's group to be in the middle of the chase would practically force a lethal response to defend his victim, but the truth is that I didn't care. They weren't that important in the grand scheme of things.

While resting, I used my insects to investigate Lord Bolton's office. My insects were more than capable of moving letters. I would read all the correspondence while Lord Bolton was out of his office.

"Heh, slippery rat," I murmured as I read a letter from the Redwyne and another from the Lannisters, offering rewards if Roose obtained the vodka manufacturing method.

I started with the factories the previous year, and it had been a success across Westeros, increasing my family's income by 80%.

My father wasn't very pleased with the decision to sell alcoholic beverages, but the taste and profits won him over. Vodka was excellent for warming the body in the cold climate, and its relatively low price made it affordable for most people in the North.

People loved the new "Frostbite". Most in Westeros were accustomed to only drinking wine, beer, or strong spirits, and there was almost no competition.

When such a different drink hit the market, it was obvious it would quickly grow in sales.

The first few months were tough, as only people around Winterfell knew about the drink. Until the great annual northern gathering arrived, where different lords met once a year to discuss regional politics, defense of the North, and other important events. During the banquet, my father and I decided to provide 5 barrels of vodka for the lords to try.

I couldn't help but laugh when I remembered Lord Umber being so drunk that he started a fight with Galbart Glover, arguing that vodka was superior to northern beers.

Lord Wyman Manderly requested a meeting with my father at the end of the banquet, excited about the profits vodka could bring to other parts of the Seven Kingdoms. He proposed that if my father trusted him, he could market it in the different realms, keeping a small portion of the profits while the rest went into Stark family coffers.

After that meeting, Lord Manderly hurried back to White Harbor with 60 barrels of vodka in a giant procession, guarded by soldiers from various houses who would focus on defending the cargo.

As I continued reviewing Lord Bolton's letters, I found the most essential thing: his diary. Inside this diary, hidden under the floor of his office, Lord Bolton wrote about all his plans and atrocities, how his family had never stopped torturing people, and his plans for a new revolution, among other topics.

Taking a pen, I began transcribing the most revealing information onto a parchment I had at hand. I couldn't steal the diary, as that would show Lord Bolton that someone knew his secrets and could mount a defense when we returned to besiege the castle. The correspondence with the Redwyne and Lannister was transcribed verbatim onto my parchment. When I finished transcribing everything, I decided to truly rest, leaving my insects with instructions to protect and attack if anyone entered our rooms while we slept.

At dusk

Preparing to search for the group kidnapping peasants from Dreadfort, Jon, Theon, and the others joked to ease tension. The guards who would accompany us were severe. None of them mentioned Lord Bolton's orders, but it didn't matter if they died. A group of guards or smallfolk accusing a northern lord's heir wouldn't change anything. Therefore, it wasn't necessary to keep them alive to talk about who else was involved. I already had enough evidence to present my case to my father. For now, we would only go after the group of criminals.

"Ready, guys?" I asked as we mounted our horses.

"Ready, Robb. These criminals won't know what hit them!" Theon said.

Nodding, I turned to the leader of the Dreadfort guards. "Let's begin the hunt."

"Understood, milord," he said with a severe voice.

As we approached the village outskirts of Dreadfort, I started spreading my insects within my range, searching for traces of a group of people chasing someone. When I found them, I signaled to the rest.

"Over here, there are tracks ahead of a pursuit. We must hurry before they reach their victim," I said seriously.

As we got closer, we could hear the curses from the group of criminals, creating a knot in my stomach.

"There she is! The little bitch is around here," shouted one of the bandits, speeding up and urging the rest of his group and the hunting dogs to pursue the girl.

"We have to hurry," I told the others, dismounting from my horse, taking my bow and arrow, and preparing to shoot. Without hesitation, I aimed at the head of the nearest bandit to the girl, releasing the first arrow before he reached her. Without stopping, I continued taking more arrows and releasing them quickly. My arrows flew one after another through the air, heading straight for the heads of my enemies. The rest of the group remained on horseback to quickly approach. Jon jumped off his horse without stopping, tackling one of the rapists to the ground as he drew a Knife and thrust it into his chest.

While the rest of my companions finished off the criminals, I quickly approached the girl they had been chasing, trying to calm her with a calm voice as I took a bandage from my bag, calling my insects with medical modifications, crushing them into the bandage to clean her wounds and ease her pain.

After doing my best to heal the girl, my group was already preparing to return to Dreadfort, where we would rest for one night before heading back to Winterfell.

 

[InfinityReads999]

The Dreadfort

Waking up in this dreary castle is not my idea of a good time. However, I still need to find the torture chambers that the Bolton family must surely have in this grimdark castle. Ordering my insects to check every nook and cranny inside, I also began the next part of my plan: injecting the maester with a slow-acting disease carried by some of my more dangerous insects.

I injected methylmercury, obtained from consuming the biomass of infected fish, to develop this neurotoxin that causes symptoms like cognitive impairment, tremors, and eventually paralysis.

This neurotoxin is ideal for this operation because it doesn't spread from one infected person to another. In this case, it will ensure that only the maester develops the symptoms. With this covert assassination, I intend to prevent the Boltons from gaining allies. Since the deaths of his heir and wife, I aim to utterly destroy House Bolton.

Everyone who supported Roose Bolton will meet their end once I convince my father.

Leaving my insects to their task, I completed my morning routine and headed to the courtyard, where most of my party was training with their swords alongside some of the Dreadfort guards. I quickened my pace upon noticing a problem: Ramsay had managed to strike up a conversation with Jon.

Jon Snow

I don't trust this Ramsay, and honestly, I don't know why. He feels so slimy trying to befriend me immediately, using our 'bastard' status as common ground.

I should be glad someone overlooks my bastard status to befriend me, but something feels off. Maybe his smile doesn't feel genuine, or his eyes lack warmth, showing only amusement at having achieved something.

"We're different, you know. We should stick together and go on adventures," Ramsay said, attempting to get closer to me.

"We don't have the same ties to our families. We could travel, see the world without constraints," he continued, staying in place as I instinctively stepped back when he got closer.

"I have my duties to House Stark, heir Bolton," I said firmly.

"But they'll discard you when you're no longer useful. That's how it is for bastards like us," he stated matter-of-factly.

"I've been forgotten since birth. It wasn't until Domeric died that my father acknowledged me. We're just disposable pawns to our families," he said with that unsettling smile.

I frowned at him. If this conversation had happened before I knew about my heritage and the discussion with my uncle, Robb, and me, I would have listened to him. But now, I know I'm loved by the Starks, aside from Lady Catelyn, whom I can forgive since she doesn't know any better.

"The Starks aren't like that," I said firmly before adding, "I'll stay with them until my dying breath."

As we heard footsteps approaching, we both turned and saw Robb.

Robb Stark

"Well said, brother. You're important to us, and the whole family is waiting for our return," I said, giving Jon a half-hug.

"I'm sorry, Bolton, but Jon has to stay with us. We're family," I told Ramsay with a dangerous smile.

"Now, come on, brother. We need to ensure everything is ready for our departure," I finished, pulling Jon along.

Controlling some insects, I injected Ramsay with neurotoxins that would make him feel lethargic and depressed, I didn't want him going on any hunts while I made my way back to Winterfell. Deciding to do the same with Roose Bolton, my party and I bid farewell to our hosts.

I noticed Ramsay lingering in the background, moving lethargic. I was pleased to cause inconvenience for him and his father, who didn't even come out to see us off, claiming he "wasn't feeling well."

With a laugh, my party and I began our journey to Winterfell.

Ten Days Later

Winterfell.

As the sun set, casting the last light of the day over Winterfell's walls, Ser Rodrik Cassel stood atop the battlements, scanning the lands beyond. Beside him, two younger guards, Jonas and Harwin, leaned against the tower wall.

"Report!" Ser Rodrik called out.

Jonas grunted, adjusting his fur cloak. "Quiet as the crypts, Ser," he replied gruffly. "No sign of trouble for a while."

"Every bandit in the North is keeping their heads down since Lord Robb started his hunts," Harwin added, marveling at the abilities displayed by their future lord.

"He is a true wolf," confirmed Jonas.

A distant clatter of hooves reached their ears, growing louder.

Jonas straightened, squinting into the darkness.

"Riders approaching," he announced with a hint of excitement.

As the riders drew nearer, their torchlights illuminated their faces, revealing a small group led by two figures clad in Stark colors. Ser Rodrik peered intently, recognizing the familiar silhouette before the riders came into view.

"Seven hells," Harwin muttered, a grin spreading across his face. "It's the Northern Ghost himself, returning from his months-long journey."

Ser Rodrik nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Aye, and look how he's grown in these months away from us," he observed quietly. "Not a boy anymore, but a young lord in his own right."

The riders approached the gates, where guards stood ready to lower the drawbridge. Robb reined in his horse, a broad smile lighting up his face. Beside him, Jon appeared more serious, though relieved to be back in Winterfell. Robb glanced up at the guards, meeting Ser Rodrik's gaze for a brief moment before nodding.

"Open the gates!" Ser Rodrik called down to the guards below. "The heir has returned."

"Send someone to inform Lord Stark quickly," he continued.

As the gates creaked open and Robb and his companions entered Winterfell, the guards exchanged glances, anticipating the renewed vitality their return would bring.

Lord Eddard Stark

Waiting for Robb and his party to arrive in the courtyard, I watched as the rest of the family gathered to welcome them back.

As they approached, I noticed the weariness in their exchanged glances, wondering what preoccupied them.

"Welcome back home, sons," I greeted them, waiting for them to draw near enough for me to embrace them. "We've missed you all. Winterfell isn't the same without you," I told Robb and the others.

"I'm glad we're back safe and sound, Father, but I'm afraid I bring bad news," Robb said, his usual warmth absent from his face.

His companions frowned collectively, clearly displeased with the topic.

"I think we should eat together in the Great Hall. Afterward, Jon and I should speak with you in your solar, Father," he continued.

"Let's go and eat then. Now, go greet the rest of the family," I instructed him before heading toward the castle.

I noted the tension among Robb and his group inside the Great Hall.

Nevertheless, he engaged with his brothers and sisters, kissing Sansa on the cheek and giving her a fabric gift for her studies, lifting Arya into the air and embracing her while presenting her with a wooden sword. He greeted Bran and Rickon equally enthusiastically, offering them trinkets he had brought from his travels.

The last person he greeted was his mother, kissing her cheek and presenting her with a handmade totem of a Seven Pointed Star from her religion.

Lord Stark's Solar
Robb Stark

Inside the solar, I sat with the most important people in Winterfell: Maester Luwin, Father, Ser Rodrik Cassel, and Jon. We talked about our travels and adventures for a while, but I knew the real reason we were here was far more serious.

"So, Robb, tell me what's been troubling you," Father said, his voice calm but firm.

I took a deep breath, knowing there was no easy way to say what I had to. "There's no easy way to say this, Father," I began, feeling the weight of my words. "The Boltons need to disappear from the North."

Maester Luwin looked shocked, and Ser Rodrik's expression turned grave.

"Why, son? What have they done to deserve such a fate?" Father asked, his tone steady but with a hint of concern.

"Treason, Father. Let me explain," I said, trying to organize my thoughts. "When we were in Lord Hornwood's territory, we heard rumors about peasants fleeing from the Dreadfort, stories of disappearances in Bolton's lands. It didn't sit right with me, so we investigated the castle."

I paused, glancing at Father to make sure he understood. "There, I discovered that Lord Bolton has been trying to sell the vodka-making process to the Redwynes and the Lannisters. And that's not the worst of it. He and his bastard son have been flaying their subjects. They never stopped, even after it was outlawed. I found three separate torture chambers and Lord Bolton's diary where he detailed all his plans."

Ser Rodrik frowned deeply. "Flaying? Again? This cannot go unpunished," he said with a stern voice.

Maester Luwin, usually composed, looked visibly shaken. "The selling of Northern secrets and the perpetuation of such atrocities... This is grave news indeed," he murmured.

Father's expression remained impassive, but I could see the tension in his eyes. "Robb, what you have found is deeply troubling. The violation of our laws and the betrayal of our trust cannot be tolerated. We must gather all the evidence you have brought and prepare to present it to the Northern lords. The Boltons must answer for these crimes."

I nodded, my resolve firm. "Yes, Father. I have detailed notes and drawings from the torture chambers, as well as copies of Lord Bolton's correspondence. We should act swiftly before they can cover their tracks."

Ser Rodrik stepped forward, his voice steady with determination. "We'll need to prepare for any resistance from the Dreadfort. They won't surrender easily."

Maester Luwin added, "And we must consider the implications of their dealings with the Redwynes and the Lannisters. This could escalate beyond the North."

Father nodded solemnly. "Prepare a raven to summon the bannermen. We must convene a council at Winterfell immediately. Robb, you've done well in bringing this to our attention. Now, let us see justice served."

 

[InfinityReads999]

King's Landing
Varys.

At the small council table, I watched as the most influential figures of Westeros gathered, ready to discuss the pressing matters that demanded our attention.

"My lords, let us begin with the matters at hand," I said, breaking the silence. "My little birds have informed me of unrest in the Riverlands, particularly among the smallfolk. Ser Barristan, any reports from your patrols?" I inquired, turning to the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

"Aye, my lord," Ser Barristan responded, his voice as steady as ever. "The smallfolk are discontent; they speak of rising banditry, especially since many groups are migrating from the North to escape the so-called purge. Lord Tully's men have been vigilant, but the situation grows dire."

"Oh yes, the purge of the North. Such a marvelous happening," Petyr Baelish sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

It had been a year since the purge began in the North, a campaign led by House Stark to eliminate any bandit or lawbreaker within their borders. The name "the Ghost of the North" had gained popularity among the smallfolk, who whispered of peacekeepers like Robb Stark and his companions, wishing for similar figures in other kingdoms.

Over sixty bandit groups had been brought to justice by Robb Stark alone, an impressive feat that had not gone unnoticed. Other lords in the North had begun to increase patrols in their lands, eager to win favor with their peasants and House Stark.

"Such a promising youth, that Robb Stark," commented Renly Baratheon, the Master of Laws, with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Indeed," I mused thoughtfuly.

"he has catalyzed revolutionary change in the kingdom, though his haste may bring unintended consequences. Actions have repercussions, and perhaps he did not foresee the unrest it would sow in other kingdoms," Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, remarked with a shake of his head.

"They don't deserve any better," Stannis Baratheon grumbled. "Ironically, an eleven-year-old started what we should have done long ago. If only Robert had maintained that same vigor after the rebellion. He doesn't even attend these meetings anymore."

"Do not speak ill of your King, Lord Stannis," Jon Arryn retorted sharply, his tone carrying a hint of warning. "He brought much-needed change and deserves respect for his actions."

"Yes, he did well in the rebellion," Renly added, "but he is King now and should act accordingly."

Jon Arryn huffed in frustration, choosing to let the topic drop, though I could see the tension simmering beneath the surface.

An awkward silence settled over the meeting until Petyr Baelish, ever eager to move things along, resumed, "Besides that, unrest often follows a long summer, my lords. We must ensure the granaries are stocked and inspect the treasury. We cannot afford another economic crisis, especially with our debts to the Iron Bank and the Lannisters."

"How much debt exactly, Lord Baelish?" Stannis inquired, his tone measured.

"Two million gold dragons to the Braavosi bank, my lords, and one million to the Lannisters, who have been quite accommodating with their interest terms, thanks partly to our Queen," Baelish replied smoothly.

"And what are the plans to settle this debt, Lord Baelish?" Grand Maester Pycelle asked, his eyes narrowing. "Should we not prioritize repayment to the Lannisters, who have been steadfast supporters of the realm?"

I couldn't help but notice the lords rolling their eyes at Pycelle's usual favoritism towards the Lannisters.

"I have plans, my lord, but they need to be kept secret for the moment," Baelish responded with his characteristic slyness.

"And what about the Targaryens across the Narrow Sea?" Renly inquired, shifting the conversation.

"No new reports, Lord Renly," I answered calmly. "Viserys Targaryen and his sister remain exiled in Essos, still wandering. Our focus should be nearer to home as they pose no immediate threat to the reign of Robert. The economy remains fragile after the last tournament held for Prince Joffrey's name-day," Jon Arryn noted.

"We could consider raising taxes in the North temporarily to alleviate some concerns," Baelish suggested, his smirk returning. "They have seen significant gains with their new vodka, and the Reach has been complaining about declining food purchases from the North. It seems they've found a new means to feed their people, and it shows no sign of stalling."

"That could be a strategy worth considering," Maester Pycelle concurred.

"Absolutely not!" Jon Arryn cut in sharply. "The North was a crucial ally in the rebellion; we could not have won without them. As for the Reach, they can bear their discomfort. Over the past three decades, the North endured years of overpriced food purchases without complaint. Now that they stand on their own feet, the Reach suddenly balks? Send a letter to Lord Tyrell telling him to accept the situation."

"This discussion is going nowhere," Jon Arryn finally declared, his patience clearly worn thin. "Let us adjourn the meeting here. We will reconvene when necessary."

The North
Robb Stark

Since I began implementing my plans for improving the North last year, everything has proceeded smoothly, with only minor hiccups. Bandits attacking the vodka factories were swiftly dealt with as I rounded up their spies and presented them to my father for judgment—most were sent to the Wall.

My initiative to increase food production had the most significant impact and garnered admiration from my family and the smallfolk. Using modified insects as fertilizer, we tripled our crop yield, and my ability to control insects prevented crop-threatening pests.

With crop yields increasing threefold under my watch, rumors spread among the people that I was blessed by the Old Gods, attributing our flourishing harvests to their favor.

The introduction of vodka brought the most significant influx of gold to the North in a century. We focused on scaling up production and improving quality.

Initially, our hired hands experimented with different fruits and flavors, catering to various tastes, including lower-alcohol options for the ladies.

The spy issue was the most straightforward yet most time-consuming problem. Spies from the Middle Ages were often easy to identify, with their nervous behavior and cryptic messages hidden in hard-to-find places. Whenever I detected such behavior within my range, I tagged them with an insect and monitored them closely.

If they persisted, or if I saw someone retrieving the message, I would lead a group of guards to apprehend them, presenting the evidence to my father for judgment—either the Wall or the sword. This method uncovered spies from whores gossiping to loose-tongued guards for Littlefinger, children in orphanages working for Varys, and even guards paid by the Lannisters.

The restriction on vodka factories around Winterfell was due to the risk of the recipe falling into the wrong hands. Our family would lose substantial gold if competitors emerged, and many lords expressed interest.

However, this concern did not extend to the fertilizer, which no one could replicate.

After the northern banners arrive at Winterfell and we prepare to ride for the Dreadfort to confront House Bolton, I will propose collaborating with the other lords to root out all spies in their territories, starting from the closest to Winterfell and expanding outward. This would allow my family to share more about our successes, ensuring the North could flourish under our rule.

With this plan in motion, all that remained was to wait.

Six Weeks Later

With the last of the bannermen gathered—from the Karstarks and Manderlys to the Umbers of Last Hearth—every lord of the North, except the Boltons, assembled in Winterfell. We were ready to proceed with the case against the Boltons in absentia.

Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the council, gathering my thoughts and evidence, preparing to justify the decimation of House Bolton.

Observing the gathered lords, I addressed the assembly. "My lords, we are gathered here to address the crimes of House Bolton against the North. Their treachery and brutality cannot be ignored any longer."

Lord Manderly, a large man verging on overweight, was the first to speak. "What have they done, my lord? I know they are not liked among us, but do they truly deserve this?"

"Treachery of the highest order, my lords," I asserted firmly, hiding any nervousness about addressing the esteemed lords of the North. "They attempted to steal the knowledge of vodka-making to sell to the Redwynes or the Lannisters. Additionally, I have discovered that Lord Bolton and his bastard son continued their flaying practices, killing smallfolk within their territory."

Lord Hornwood continued. "Yes, my lords. When Lord Robb visited my lands during his last hunt, I informed him of rumors among the smallfolk seeking asylum in my domain out of fear for their lives at the Dreadfort."

"Indeed," Lord Stark interjected solemnly, cutting through the quiet in the chamber. "There can be no peace while House Bolton stands. We must gather our strength, rally our banners, and march on the Dreadfort. We will not rest until their castle lies in ruin and their name is naught but dust."

Cheers erupted from the gathered lords, agreements resounding through the hall.

With this, the fate of the House of Bolton was decided, and we would march the moment we were ready.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Winterfell

"I want to be the one leading this siege, father," I told my father seriously when we were alone in his solar.

"May I know why, son?" he asked, dipping his head to meet my eyes.

"I want to start gaining the trust of our fellow lords, Father. The Lords of the North may be simple, but they are hard to impress, and I need to do that to accelerate my plans for the future. I've been having some bad premonitions for a while," I explained, pacing around the room.

"I also want to keep many Bolton's men alive, the ones redeemable at the very least. We could use this large man force to achieve many things while they pay for their crimes if they have any," I continued.

"And what are those plans, son? I've seen you talking with the maester about ways to change the North, but I have been trying not to interfere. I trust you, and I know you'll do what's best for our people," said my father, standing up and placing his hand on my shoulder.

"I have many plans, Father. But do you trust me? Can I ask you to leave me alone when I start to work with the Boltons and their territory?" I asked.

My father took a moment to respond, likely weighing the pros and cons of this decision, before walking towards his window and gazing out towards the courtyard.

"I'll trust you in this, Robb. I want you to show me what you're capable of. I won't interfere in your decisions regarding the Dreadfort unless I see you breaking the king's peace," he stated.

I never thought I would seek the approval of my new father in this life, but I couldn't deny that hearing him put his faith in me meant a lot.

Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I assured him he wouldn't regret it and asked him to wait and see the results.

"I'll take only 100 guards from Winterfell. I don't want a big battle where our loyal soldiers might lose their lives. Just wait for the raven, father, and take care of our family."

"I'll wait for the good news then, my son. I'm proud of the man you've become," Ned said.

Great Hall

"I know I'm young, my lords. But my father passed his command position on to me. He trusts me, and I ask you to do the same," I addressed the many lords gathered in our halls.

"You know this is not the same as hunting bandits, right, Lord Robb?" Lord Ryswell asked.

"I am well-versed in warfare, my lord. The maester has been kind enough to teach me all he could, and I have experience in battle. Besides, I won't make decisions without consulting the lords accompanying me," I assured him, pondering which lords would best take to the Dreadfort.

"Lord Umber, Lord Karstark, Lord Hornwood, would you please join me in the back to discuss my plans?" I asked some of the assembled lords.

"What about the rest of us, Lord Robb?" asked Maege Mormont.

"I want the rest of you to return to your territories and await good news. Afterward, I ask that all of you, my lords, return to Winterfell in a few months. By then, I'll be back, and my father and I wish to have words with all of you after dealing with the Boltons."

Five minutes later

"We're here, my lord," said Lord Hornwood after closing the door, entering last.

"Good, we can begin," I said, sitting behind the desk.

"As you can see, I don't intend this to be a siege. I have plans for the Dreadfort and little time to waste trying to breach its walls; that alone would take months, and even with the new fortune of my house, there is no need to waste that much gold.

My plan involves infiltrating the castle with a small group to capture Lord Bolton and his bastard son without alerting anyone," I began, "Since they are the last Boltons alive, there is no one that would take their place in command; the only who could do it would be the master at arms, and he won't go to a war that he would lose"

"After securing them, we'll send a messenger to inform the castle's guards and servants, thereby avoiding bloodshed and minimizing the risk to our loved ones," I continued.

"My lord, I don't mean to offend, but that plan seems impractical; there is no way you could infiltrate a castle and take the lord without anyone noticing," said Lord Umber, known for his blunt manner.

"I can do it, my lord," I replied confidently.

"Are you sure, Lord Robb?" asked Lord Karstark, his frown indicating he had reservations.

"By the Old Gods, I swear I am fully capable of taking a castle alone, and I won't be doing it alone, so you can send some of your trusted men with

me," I assured them earnestly.

"Then my two eldest sons will accompany you into the castle. I trust you with them. Please ensure their safety," said Lord Karstark.

"And my son, Smalljon, will join you as well. He's already quite capable in battle; I'm sure he'll serve you well, Lord Robb," added Lord Umber.

"I thank you both for entrusting me with this, my lords," I said sincerely.

"While I and my group infiltrate the castle, I want all three of you to take your banners and march towards the Dreadfort. This show of strength should demoralize any remaining Bolton loyalists. I understand war is costly, so House Stark will provide funds for foodstuff. I assure you that we will emerge victorious and forge strong bonds through this. I won't say more for now, but I'm confident we'll develop a strong alliance," I smiled.

"Now, let's begin preparations. We will leave promptly. Lord Hornwood will remain behind to gather his bannermen. Then, we'll travel through the Lonely Hills to Last Hearth, where Lord Umber will prepare his march. Once introduced to Little Jon, we'll proceed to Karhold, where Lord Karstark will do the same. My group and I will hasten ahead, and we'll have both Boltons in chains before you arrive at the Dreadfort, I assure you."

"Let's see what the Ghost of the North is made of then," Lord Umber said with a laugh, rising from his seat and leaving the office.

"I hope you live up to your reputation, Lord Robb," said Lord Karstark before following suit.

"I'll prepare for the journey, my lord," concluded Lord Hornwood.

Finally, alone in the room, I sank back into my seat, feeling the tension drain from my body. I had been an ordinary college student before inhabiting Robb's body. All these conversations, plans for the future, and everything else took a toll on me.

Choosing these three lords was straightforward; they were closest to the Dreadfort and loyal to House Stark. The issues with House Karstark in canon were mostly due to the original Robb and Catelyn, and by protecting them in this fight, I could gain favor with two of the North's most influential houses. Forming alliances with future heirs would also advance my plans for improving the North.

The Dreadfort would serve as my headquarters in the future. I planned to build the largest town in the North nearby, revolutionizing the regional economy. I would start by securing Last Hearth, Hornwood, and Karhold from any potential spies (though I doubted there would be any, given their remote locations) and begin developing industries to support the economy.

Establishing joint ventures with our houses for more efficient vodka production and breeding cold-resistant bees with my powers would ensure their prosperity and loyalty, which is crucial for future support in a more assertive North.

In the assembly that I asked the other lords the next few months, I will propose to clean their houses of spies; that way, we could add them to the growing list of allies to give them some responsibilities and ensure they get more gold with different industries the maester and I planned.

 

[InfinityReads999]

Two weeks later.

Returning to the Last Hearth after leaving Lord Hornwood to begin preparing his soldiers was challenging. The Lonely Hills were barren hills where ordinary people did not attempt to live due to the rugged terrain. The only inhabitants were bandits fleeing justice, but they rarely ventured there.

We encountered no bandits, but the horses were tired and thirsty after a grueling adventure. As I dismounted, I saw Lord Umber embracing "Little" Jon Umber, a fifteen-year-old with broad shoulders and a rugged appearance.

"We're back, lad," Lord Umber greeted him.

"I can see that, Father," replied SmallJon, gesturing for servants to bring bread and salt.

"Welcome to the Last Hearth, Lord Robb," said SmallJon.

Smiling, I returned the greeting. " A Pleasure to meet you, Smalljon. We'll have to call you that since we already have another Jon in our group."

"Hah, no problem at all. Nice to meet you, Jon," he said, giving my brother a firm handshake.

"Are you ready to make history, Smalljon?" I continued.

"History? What are you talking about, Lord Robb?" he asked.

"Go and speak with your father; he'll fill you in. For now, we'll take a break before heading to Karhold."

We headed toward the rest of the group and completed the bread ceremony before entering the Last Hearth. The closest castle north of the Wall was large, sturdy, and cold.

After a modest dinner, we set off again towards Karhold to gather the final two members of our small group: Jon, Smalljon, Jory Cassell, and Harrion and Torrhen Karstark. Jon and I were the youngest in the group but still the nimbler fighters. On our journey towards the Dreadfort, we engaged in a few spars to assess everyone's style and strength. Jon and I were notably the most agile and skilled with a bow. Conversely, Theon and Torrhen Karstark were the weakest, while Smalljon was the strongest, making me wonder if the Umbers truly descended from giants. Harrion was a solid all-around fighter but excelled in none.

Upon arriving at the village near the Dreadfort, we lodged at an inn for a week, during which I decided to conduct reconnaissance. I donned a hood to remain incognito and approached the castle. Using my ability to control insects, I surveyed the area and sensed an unusual atmosphere within the castle walls. With my enhanced beetles, I located the maester trembling in bed, battling the neurotoxin I had infected him with. Scouring further, I found Roose Bolton sound asleep in his solar, unusually pale and gaunt, resembling a corpse. Moments later, I discovered Ramsay in his chamber, equally pale as if he hadn't seen sunlight since my departure.

Depression, indeed, was a dreadful affliction, robbing one's will to engage in productive activities and leaving one pondering whether death might be preferable to life. This was compounded by the medieval era's ignorance of mental health issues.

Having gathered sufficient intelligence, I returned to our group to report my findings.

"This will be easier than I thought," I said, taking a swig of vodka to warm myself.

"Why do you say that, Robb?" Harrion asked.

"They have no maester, leaving the castle incommunicado, and the Boltons seem half-dead," I explained.

"We'll wait for Jory to arrive before we begin the infiltration. For now, relax," I continued.

Jory had remained at Karhold, and when their army was a day's journey from the Dreadfort, he would join us. While waiting for Jory, I focused on preparing the tools we needed for the infiltration.

"I want six black hoods from you," I instructed the local clothing merchant in the village.

"Understood, milord. What sizes do you need?" the merchant asked.

"Two small, two medium, and two large," I clarified.

"Return tomorrow to pick them up, milord," he said.

"Understood; thank you for your help," I acknowledged.

After securing the infiltration attire, I sought a merchant who sold a sufficiently long rope to scale the castle walls. The plan involved using my insects to discreetly incapacitate rooftop guards, followed by deploying a set of stronger insects to fly to the top of the Wall and enable us to climb to the highest point where our operation would commence.

Two days later, Jory had just joined us. After resting for a few hours, we waited for the sun to set before commencing our operation.

"Before we begin, let me clarify that you must do exactly as I say when I say it," I said sternly to my group.

"There will be no room for hesitation in following my instructions. If I tell you to jump, you jump immediately, understood?" I continued.

"Understood, Robb. I hope you know what you're doing," Torrhen Karstark said.

"Trust me, we'll be done in less than an hour. I assure you," I replied.

With that conversation concluded, I allowed the rest of the group to focus.

"Remember not to wear armor, just light clothing. We won't engage the guards face-to-face," I reminded them.

"And one more thing," I added, "I don't want you discussing anything you see today. It's a secret only my father knows at the moment. Don't ask questions, as I won't answer them. Perhaps you'll learn about this in the future, but ignore anything you see; just continue following my orders."

"Understood, Robb," Jon affirmed.

Approaching the castle's rear on horseback, my group and I tied them up in the forest. From there, I retrieved the rope I had crafted and purchased from the village merchant, a 30-meter-long rope long enough to reach one of the lower towers.

Using my insect control, I first sent an observation group of over 500 insects modified for visibility. These insects had various capabilities, some seeing in infrared, others adept in darkness, and the most sophisticated group modified to view in the electromagnetic spectrum. These beetles were painstakingly tricky to create but proved invaluable intel, providing me with insights into the bioelectricity of all living beings within their range. They were my best available spies.

In addition to my observation group, I dispatched an attack group composed of thousands of mosquitoes secreting a neurotoxin that induced fainting in those they bit. This allowed us to incapacitate guards without causing unnecessary fatalities.

I controlled my mosquitoes and ordered them to bite the three guards patrolling the rooftop. Once the guards were incapacitated and the rope was securely in place, I returned to my group.

"We can climb now; no guards are awake," I informed them.

"Robb, what's going on? How did you do that?" Theon asked.

"I said no questions, Theon," I said sternly.

"Let's proceed with the infiltration," I directed the rest.

Being the first to ascend, I began climbing with the aid of the rope. Jon followed suit without questioning the safety, followed by Harrion, Jory, Theon, and Torrhen. Once we were all atop and observed the guards on the ground, they exchanged glances but refrained from asking questions.

"Let's proceed this way; first, we'll go for Roose Bolton," I directed the group. "When we have him, Jory and Harrion will handle him. Don't harm him more than necessary; he's asleep in his solar."

"Understood, Robb," the rest nodded.

"Two guards to the right, Jon. Shoot the second one with your bow. Aim for the neck; he's not properly protected," I whispered to the group. Remember to be stealthy, no shouting, and move with caution."

"Understood, Robb," Jon nodded.

"On my mark, Jon. Shoot the second one. One, two... three."

Simultaneously, two arrows flew from our bows, hitting their intended target. When both guards fell to the ground, clutching their throats, they made a bit of noise, but no other guards were close enough to be alerted.

"Let's move on this way," I directed my group.

As we continued our journey toward Roose Bolton's solar, we encountered two more guards. These guards were innocent of wrongdoing, so I incapacitated them with my insects.

Upon entering the solar, Jory and Harrion seized Roose Bolton by his arms and legs, focusing on moving him. While they attended to that, I searched for the original evidence, which I intended to keep as a trophy in Winterfell, as the last diary of the house of Bolton.

As we continued with our task, our next stop was Ramsay's room, where my insects had rendered him unconscious before our arrival.

With everything prepared, we readied to return to the rooftop, where we entered the castle. We encountered and subdued three guards who were guilty of obstructing our path.

Once at the rooftop, I descended first, followed by Roose Bolton, Jon, and Ramsay. While the rest descended from the castle, Jon and I carried the Boltons near the forest where our horses were stabled. Once ready, the rest mounted the Boltons, and we swiftly escaped, riding our horses until we reunited with the armies of Karstark and Umber.

"Can you use magic, Robb?" Torrhen asked as we traveled.

"Magic ceased to exist when the last dragon died, Torrhen," I replied with a smile. "Stop asking questions I won't answer for now. Just wait a bit."

Three hours later.

"I can't believe it, they did it," murmured Lord Karstark.

"Heh, so you didn't trust Lord Robb, eh, Rickard?" chuckled Lord Umber.

"But I'm glad our children returned safely. Our bet to include them in Lord Robb's inner circle seems to have paid off. I hope they'll become friends with the next Warden of the North," continued Lord Umber.

"Yes, it paid off. And after fighting together, their friendship will grow just like ours did with Ned," affirmed Lord Karstark.

"Here we bring the Boltons, my lords," I said as we dismounted from our horses. I was able to hear their conversation thanks to my insects.

"So I see, Lord Robb," said Lord Umber before continuing, "I'm glad you're safe, son," he said, embracing Smalljon.

"Let's continue towards the Dreadfort, my lords. Let's end this farce," I told the rest.

As we continued our journey towards the castle, the rest of my group recounted what happened during the infiltration, only commenting on what they had seen. They were unable to explain what I had done with my insects since it was dark and i used a small amount of them or how I knew what was happening before they could see it, which increased rumors about my feats and how I knew everything that was going on around me. Even rumors about me using magic were discussed by the soldiers.

Knowledge of my name would grow with this feat, and I would gain a reputation for being able to do things that other people believe are impossible. Having such a reputation in my case was more positive than negative, as the people of the North (who are the ones who matter to me at the moment) do not follow the Faith of the Seven but the Old Gods, so they would believe that I am chosen by them as a champion for the North.

As the army reached the entrance of the Dreadfort, we heard a great commotion because the guards had found the dead or unconscious guards, and they realized that the Boltons were no longer inside the castle.

Lord Umber decided to approach the castle and shouted loudly.

"Bolton bannermen, surrender!" he shouted. "We have an order from the Warden of the North to bring to justice those who have broken the North law. We already have Lord Bolton and his son; you don't have to die for them."

"Surrender yourselves. There's no need to shed more blood than necessary today," he shouted.

Minutes later, the castle's master-at-arms was walking towards our group, saying they would surrender only if we promised not to kill people who didn't deserve it, hinting that not everyone who would come out of the castle would be peaceful.

Preparing my bow, I signaled to Lord Umber to proceed.

"We will attack those who try to escape. Come out in a straight line and drop your weapons at the castle entrance," said Lord Umber.

"Remind the soldiers that I never miss my shots, guard. Don't try to escape, or my arrow will reach you," I told the master-at-arms before he left.

Gradually, the soldiers and servants approached our group, where they were being caught one by one despite some escape attempts that were thwarted thanks to my arrows. The vast majority of the castle's residents were taken without a fight.

"Summon the villagers from the town. I want them to see what's happening and point out the different criminals within the groups. Once we have the list, prepare the courtyard to administer justice depending on their crimes," I ordered my group.

"Right away, Robb," Jon nodded as they prepared to follow my orders.

---

Author's note: I tried to convey that the rest of Robb's companions were unable to notice him using his powers because of the darkness. They obviously know he's not normal, but Robb is playing a mysterious character to enhance his reputation. I did my best to communicate that in the chapter, but just in case it didn't come across clearly, I'm writing this to clarify my intentions.

 

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Preparing the logistics for executing the Boltons and the guards involved in their crimes was complicated. Lord Umber, given his experience with encounters with wildlings, kept a close watch on this.

Meanwhile, I kept busy dealing with all the complaints from the smallfolk living in the village near the castle. Not everyone had good things to say, and some tried to shift blame onto innocent guards.

Thank the Old Gods that after setting an example with a couple of peasants, the rest dared not attempt to deceive me.

"Lord Robb, the courtyard is ready for the execution," Lord Karstark informed me, staying alert for any changes in the situation and passing on important messages.

"Understood, Lord Karstark. Let's get this over with," I replied with a smile that barely concealed my weariness.

The courtyard.

"We are gathered here for the execution of Roose and Ramsay Bolton and the guards involved in their crimes. The crimes of the Boltons include treason against the North and attempting to sell crucial information to Southern lords. In addition, Ramsay Snow is accused of hunting humans for sport. This crime cannot be forgiven for the sake of peace in the realm," I addressed the gathered people, motioning for some guards to bring the Boltons before me.

"Do you have anything to say, Roose Bolton?" I asked as I prepared my sword.

"Just kill me, demon. Ever since you visited my castle, I've only wanted to die. I don't know what you did to me, but I know it's your fault. End this," Roose Bolton said with an air of resignation.

"I did nothing to you. Perhaps the gods noticed your crimes and decided to act against you," I told him.

Raising my sword as high as possible, I aimed for his neck and let gravity and weight do the work. As the sword fell, the only sound that echoed was the thud of Roose Bolton's head hitting the ground and rolling a little.

"Bring Ramsay Snow before me, chained, please," I requested a guard from House Umber.

"Ramsay Snow, you are accused of committing human hunts, murder, rape, and continuing your family's forbidden practices," I told Ramsay sternly.

"Do you have anything to say?" I asked.

"My victims should be grateful. Their lives meant nothing until I gave them meaning," Ramsay laughed, his sadism overriding the depression influenced by my power. "They would be nobody without me!" He finished shouting.

Looking around me, I noticed the frowns on the faces of those present, from the peasants to the lords. Without a doubt, they felt disgusted by Ramsay's behavior.

Making a decision, I continued, "Last night, I had a dream that I didn't understand," I began, addressing those with me. "I dreamed of a being of great evil suffering for its sins before the gods, and that being was left in chains while the gods delivered their punishment in a forest," I continued.

"I didn't know what it meant, but since I was young, I've known that dreams can sometimes be important when used as a guide. And you, Ramsay Snow, are a being filled with evil," I said seriously.

Seeing that some people looked at me strangely, I ignored them and continued.

"Take him to the forest and leave him there. Let's see if my dreams mean something, and if not, they don't call me the Ghost of the North for nothing; I'll find him," I directed to some guards.

"Are you sure about this, Lord Robb?" Lord Umber asked me.

"Yes, Lord Umber. Trust me, as you trusted your son's life in my hands," I replied.

"Hah, this is what caught me? A boy who thinks he's Daenys the Dreamer?" Ramsay scoffed as he was lifted by two guards.

"If it amuses you so much, I'm sure you won't hesitate to try it," I said.

"Let's head to the edge of the forest. Once this is over, we'll continue with the court," I addressed the rest of the observers.

As a group, we approached the forest slowly while Ramsay continued to mock the punishment, saying how he would emerge unscathed, that the Old Gods didn't care about his crimes, and so on.

When we reached the forest's edge, I ordered the guards to release Ramsay.

"Escape, Ramsay, try to get out the other side. If nothing happens to you, I'll start hunting you like you enjoy in one hour," I addressed Ramsay Snow, who had a disturbing smile.

"I'll get revenge on all of you; one by one, I'll slit your throats and feed you to my dogs," Ramsay promised as he took his first steps into the darkness of the forest.

Five minutes passed with no sound, and most observers seemed bored with the wait, giving up due to the lack of action from the gods. Suddenly, a chilling scream cut through the air, coming from the forest. The people present looked at each other.

"Help, please, someone help me," Ramsay Bolton's desperate voice sounded.

The fallen leaves of the trees rustled, and the breaking of branches indicated someone was running with all their might. The screams became more frantic, interspersed with groans and gasps of desperation and physical effort.

Thanks to Ramsay's depression, he had not eaten well or exercised since visiting the castle a month earlier, so his physique was worn down, and he couldn't escape quickly.

"No! Please, no," panic was heard in his voice, "Please, stay away, don't do this to me," he continued shouting.

An elderly woman brought her hands to her mouth, tears of excitement in her eyes. "The Old Gods heard us," she whispered. "They sent a message to Lord Robb through his dreams," she exclaimed a little louder.

Most observers looked at each other, murmuring as they turned their gaze to me. I had to hide my smile about a plan coming to fruition.

Then, a strange sound rose above the screams: a deafening buzz, filling the air with a palpable vibration that could be heard from within the forest. The vibration was so strong that it made everyone's hair stand on end, even the great veteran warriors of the rebellion; no one had ever heard such a terrifying sound.

"What in the seven hells is that?" Lord Umber exclaimed, trying to make himself heard above the noise.

Another scream echoed, this time closer. The intensity of his terror resonated in the hearts of everyone who heard it. No one moved, paralyzed by fear of what was happening inside the forest.

The branches shook violently, and a loud snap, like a tree falling, filled the air. The buzzing became even more intense, as if whatever was inside the forest was preparing to come out.

The guards and warriors drew their swords, ready to protect the rest of the smallfolk, showing fear and their backbone in these difficult moments, until suddenly, complete silence fell over the forest and its surroundings, broken only by Ramsay's last gasp.

The observers remained at the forest's edge, their eyes fixed on the entrance, waiting for any terror to attack them or an explanation.

"What the hell happened, Lord Robb?" Lord Karstark asked.

"I don't know, my lord, but it seems the gods delivered divine justice to Ramsay Snow," I said seriously.

Lord Karstark gave me a look that indicated he didn't believe me but dropped the topic.

"Does anyone want to go fetch Ramsay's body?" I asked loudly with a laugh.

No one responded, clearly traumatized by the so-called divine punishment.

"Jon, come with me to fetch Ramsay's body, and someone bring me a rope. I don't know what happened to him, but I don't think I want to touch him after all that," I told Jon and the rest of the guards.

Approaching the forest, Jon whispered to me, "Do you know what happened here?"

"Wait until we return to Winterfell, brother, I'll tell you the truth there," I said.

As we walked towards where Ramsay's body lay, we noticed a predominant stench in the area. Ramsay's body was partially consumed, with wounds from small jaws numbering in the millions. His face had no eyes, clearly eaten by the largest insects, his face swollen from an allergic reaction, holes in different parts of his body, and his orifices more open than usual.

It was a terrifying sight, but trying not to vomit, Jon and I approached him, tying the rope around his "half" intact leg; we began to drag him towards the outskirts of the forest.

When we reached the outskirts, the conversation that had been heard when we were inside was silenced as if by a magical spell, a memorable silence as all the people present saw the body of the young sadist who had promised revenge.

"Hang him on the castle walls; let his body serve as a message against those that break the law in the north," I told a group of guards.

---

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"What do you think of Lord Robb, Jon?" Rickard Karstark asked Lord Umber as they walked with Lord Hornwood towards Robb's temporary office in the Dreadfort.

"I'm not sure what to make of him, but his reputation speaks for itself," Lord Umber replied, scratching his beard thoughtfully.

"It's impressive what he has achieved at such a young age, but there are many inexplicable things about his accomplishments. Have you heard the rumors?" Lord Hornwood asked.

"Heh, about how he knows everything that happens around him, strange sounds wherever he is, or people fainting without him being nearby? Or, more importantly, that the gods communicate with him through his dreams?" Lord Umber chuckled.

"Twelve name-days, and his legend is already greater than many war veterans," Lord Karstark nodded.

"The North will be in good hands when Old Ned passes the torch to him," Lord Umber continued hopefully.

"I wonder why he asked us to stay here," murmured Lord Karstark.

"I have no idea, but I hope the wait is worth it. My wife is waiting for me," Lord Umber said with vulgar gestures.

The Solar of Dreadfort

"Welcome, my lords. Please, take a seat. We have much to discuss," I smiled at the lords.

"Thank you, Lord Robb," All lords nodded.

"To begin with, I want to thank you for your support in this campaign against the Boltons," I started the conversation.

"It is our duty as vassals of House Stark, Lord Robb," said Lord Karstark, sipping the beer I had prepared for them.

"Even though it is your duty, you did not hesitate to trust me by placing the lives of your heirs in my hands. I can say with absolute certainty that they acted magnificently. They are great warriors and deserve the honors they received after the infiltration," I said sincerely.

"Heh, SmallJon has already used his newfound fame to win himself a lady," Lord Umber laughed heartily.

"Heh, he deserves an adventure after carrying Roose Bolton around by the legs through his castle," I replied, laughing.

"Why did you call us here, Lord Robb? I appreciate your words about my sons, but I think this conversation will be a bit more serious," Lord Karstark said impatiently.

"Let's get serious then," I replied. "My father, Lord Stark, has given me full control over how to act against the Boltons and use the territory in the future."

"Ned did that? Why?" Lord Umber asked.

"Because he trusts me, and I have plans I need to accomplish in less than two years to prepare us," I said seriously.

"Prepare us for what, Lord Robb?" Karstark asked.

"War, my lords. Prepare us for a war that is coming," I said with a furrowed brow.

"My dreams are not exact. They do not tell me who, what, or how it starts, but they show a war that will engulf the entire North. I do not intend to hesitate in preparing for any eventuality," I continued.

"Bah, do you believe that, young Robb?" Lord Umber snorted.

"Do you doubt it after what happened to Ramsay, Lord Umber?" I asked.

Lord Umber shifted uncomfortably in his seat, recalling the chilling scene of Ramsay Bolton's death.

"Similarly, even if there were no war, my plans involve the economic growth of our homeland and weapons preparation that could be used against the Wildlings in case of another incursion. You lose nothing by supporting me in this, my lords," I assured them.

"What do your plans consist of, Lord Robb?" Lord Karstark asked, adopting a thoughtful posture.

"First of all, investigate your houses to see if there are any spies in your territories. And don't think it's because I doubt your loyalty, but we have already found several spies within Winterfell being paid by the Spider of King's Landing, Littlefinger of the Vale, and Tywin Lannister. I imagine that due to the remote location of your territories, there won't be any, but we must be sure before continuing with the plans," I began listing the tasks ahead.

"Next, our four houses will occupy the former Bolton territory. The Starks of Winterfell, the Hornwoods, the Umbers, and the Karstarks will take command of this territory and create the largest town in the North," I continued my explanation.

"But the workforce needed for this would be higher than we can provide even if we work together," Lord Umber pointed out.

"The guards of Dreadfort!" Lord Hornwood exclaimed. "That's why you were so merciful with the guards, isn't it, Lord Robb?"

"Exactly, Lord Hornwood. The guards will pay for their crimes by protecting and aiding in constructing the new town," I confirmed with a smile.

"In addition, the profits my family has gained from vodka are more than enough to start with the expenses," I continued.

"But the town is just a façade, isn't it, Lord Robb?" Lord Karstark asked, smiling slightly before continuing, "You said you planned to prepare us for war, and a single town won't help with that."

"That's right, Lord Karstark. The town will attract attention so that the rest of Westeros ignores the true reason why so many people will be migrating to work in the town," I explained.

"I want us to quietly bring in all the blacksmiths and builders we can to start creating armor, weapons, and everything necessary for war. My family will be in charge of preserving and buying food, just in case. My family will buy the metal used for the time being. Before returning to Winterfell, I will thoroughly search this territory. Perhaps I will find a steel mine or some metal that can be used," I continued.

"Now, let's discuss plans to improve the North's overall economy," I continued.

"First, we will build new vodka factories close to the Dreadfort. Additionally, we will start breeding and selling products from various insects I have encountered in my travels," I explained.

"Insects, Lord Robb? How can simple insects contribute to the Northern economy?" Lord Umber asked.

"Haha," I laughed heartily at that question, taking a moment to calm my amusement before continuing, "Listen to all the advantages we could gain, my lords."

Opening a drawer of the desk, I began to take out different products I had obtained throughout the years, placing them one by one on the desk before motioning for the lords to come closer and inspect them.

"First, silk, my lords. When I traveled through Torrhen's Square, I found this type of larvae that produces this high-quality silk in acceptable quantities. Then we have honey and wax from these bees, which I found in Deepwood Motte. These bees survive and continue to work even in the harshest winters that have affected the North. Next, we have this pigment produced by scale insects found in Moat Cailin, and the most important product for the entire North, a fertilizer that has improved crops in Winterfell by three times the original yield last year," I explained with a smile.

"Before we continue, I want you to understand that these profits will go to the North, not specifically to our families. Each will retain a percentage, but most of the gains will be used for the good of the North, not specifically for our houses. And if I find out someone stole from us, I hope they pray to the old gods for mercy, because I won't have any" I told them seriously.

"Understood, lord robb. I'll leave my son with you as a sign of trust, and I'll stay here to check the work for a while; my wife can take care of the last hearth in my stead," said lord Umber.

"Then I will go back to Karhold, lord robb. Either way, my heir and second son will continue with your group if that suits you. Don't hesitate to send a raven if anyone needs any help with anything. I'll leave a third of my bannermen to help with the construction and security," said lord Karstark while walking out of the solar.

"Me too, Lord Robb. I'll go back to Hornwood since it is so close to the Dreadfort; I'll bring any mason or blacksmith I can find," said lord hornwood.

"You have my thanks, everyone. I hope this is the beginning of a fruitful relationship," I told them with a smile.

---

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The chapters following this one will have this message at the bottom since im just copy/pasting everything. One thing of note, as a free member you can read up to chapter 39 as of this post, one tier for 40 an the other one till 42.

 

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Four months later.

With the profits from all the new products, continuing our plans has been very smooth. The gold acquired by the four families was unimaginable for the northern population; the latest vodka production was so large that the Manderlys had to start creating more cogs and galleys to transport the products farther.

In a secret meeting between my father, myself, and Wyman Manderly, it was discussed that due to the North's newfound wealth, it was necessary to build more galleys for the defense of merchant ships, given the increase in Ironborn attacks.

Gradually, the North was preparing for the future unknowingly under my manipulations; the heightened security and training of new troops would serve for the War for the Iron Throne, and the new stance against bandits and Ironborn would ensure that most warriors were strict against our enemies in the war.

"How is the construction going, Smalljon?" I asked while we were having some vodka in the solar.

"Everything is going well, Robb. More blacksmiths come to Froststorm every week, and their production is advancing rapidly," Smalljon replied.

"Excellent. How many War sets do we have available at the moment?" I asked.

The War sets were what we called the instruments that each important soldier would need. They consisted of a full suit of armor, a sword, two daggers, and the tools necessary to keep the equipment in good condition.

"So far, we have approximately 130 War sets, Robb. We only have 38 blacksmiths working on these sets; the rest are focused on building the factories or on Froststorm itself," said Smalljon, shaking his head.

"These sets will be used by the best warriors of the North. We need to have at least 200 before the year ends," I told him.

"The North can provide up to thirty thousand soldiers, and I hope none will die for lack of some minimal form of defense," I said seriously.

"That will be very difficult, Robb, at least with the number of blacksmiths we have available," said Smalljon.

"I know, Smalljon, but I want us to be prepared. We cannot secure alliances with other kingdoms until the conflict begins."

"We must continue in secrecy. I don't think the rest of the Seven Kingdoms would remain calm if they knew of our plans," I continued, furrowing my brow as I thought of ways to improve production.

"We will use the Ironborn attacks as an excuse for the rest of the Northern houses to expand their production. That way, most blacksmiths throughout the North will focus on creating light armor and weapons," I said as I walked in the solar.

"Send a message to your father, Smalljon. Have his maester send a raven to Winterfell explaining this to Maester Luwin so he can send the rest of the messages to the other Northern houses," I instructed.

"Understood, Robb. I think this idea is like killing two birds with one stone. The threat of war will deter the worst attacks from the Ironborn, and we can increase production as needed," Smalljon said with a small smile.

"Exactly. We have that excuse if the rest of the kingdoms want to meddle in our problems. They cannot interfere without using the king for it, and with his friendship with my father and his hatred towards the Ironborn, he will not support the rest," I said.

"Excellent, Robb. I will take the fastest horse to meet with my father and tell him about your plans. I'll be back as soon as possible," Smalljon said as he left the solar.

King's Landing.

In the Great Throne Room of King's Landing, the Small Council gathered to discuss a matter of growing concern: the unexpected economic growth of the North. Even King Robert Baratheon was present, compelled by his Hand, Jon Arryn.

"Bah, how important can this be?" asked the king as he drank his new favorite, Northern Frostbite. "I have better things to do than waste time here."

"Prostitutes, my love?" asked the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Cersei Lannister, rolling her eyes.

"Please, Robert, Cersei. We must talk about this issue. The balance of the Seven Kingdoms is on the verge of breaking," said Jon Arryn with a severe expression.

"Lords of the council, King Robert Baratheon and Queen Cersei Lannister," began Varys, the Master of Whisperers, his voice filling the room. "My little birds in the North have not communicated with me for over a year. No spies in any of the important houses of the North, and reports from the rest of the kingdoms indicate that the Stark and Manderly houses have significantly increased their wealth in recent months. This change has raised concerns about the balance of power in the Seven Kingdoms."

Lord Stannis, the Master of Ships, observed from his seat. "Maritime trade has been key for the Manderlys, allowing them to expand their influence beyond the traditional limits of the North. This has given them a significant economic advantage over the rest of the kingdoms."

"If we allow the North to continue on this trajectory without supervision," interjected Lord Baelish, attempting to sow chaos for personal gain, "they could emerge as both an economic and military force to rival any other region of the realm. It's an issue that requires our immediate attention."

Cersei Lannister added, "The Northerners are barbarians, rough, uncouth, and uncivilized. It's a marvel they have accomplished so much."

"We must ensure we maintain control over these houses. We cannot allow the North to become too powerful and jeopardize the stability of the Seven Kingdoms," she continued.

King Robert Baratheon stood from his chair with a monstrous expression, approaching his Queen and raising his hand.

"Robert, calm down. Cersei is right; we must maintain a fair balance in the realm, and the North is endangering that balance. The Tyrells continue to complain about the decrease in their food purchases, and the Redwynes about the profits they have lost due to vodka, as well as the Martells and their wine," said Lord Arryn, trying to calm his stepson. "We must be careful about how we respond to these accusations; the North is our ally, but we must consider the other kingdoms."

Robert Baratheon took a deep breath, slowly trying to calm himself before retaking his seat. "Ned is my friend and a loyal ally. I don't want him to feel upset by our actions, but we must also ensure the peace and stability of my realm."

Jon Arryn, after carefully listening to the councilors' opinions, spoke in a calm voice. "I propose we send a delegation to investigate further. We need to better understand the motivations behind this growth and ensure it does not endanger the fragile harmony we have managed to maintain."

Lord Renly, raising his hand, continued, "But who will go on this investigation? I can go; I have been wanting to meet the heir of Winterfell. His legend has grown much in recent years, and I wouldn't mind if he became my squire," he finished with a smile.

Jon Arryn frowned momentarily before turning to Varys and sharing a look. "Varys and I cannot attend; we are in the middle of another investigation and cannot leave it unfinished."

"My father has been interested in the changes in the North and wants to know more about them," said the Queen. "Why don't we send the Imp to the North? Maybe he'll find a home with the rest of the barbarians."

Jon Arryn looked thoughtful before giving his opinion. "Lord Tyrion will be the next Lord of Casterly Rock and is wise about the realm's politics. He has my vote."

"Mine too," nodded Grand Maester Pycelle.

One by one, they were convinced until it was decided that Tyrion Lannister would be in charge of the delegation to investigate what was happening in the North.

King Robert stood from his throne with a thoughtful and worried expression as he watched the rest of the council members slowly disperse. Jon Arryn approached him with a serious yet serene look in his eyes.

"A necessary discussion, my king," said Lord Arryn. "The North is becoming too strong, and the balance of the Seven Kingdoms is in danger."

Robert nodded. "I hope the Tyrion brings clear answers. I don't want to have trouble with Ned. My victory was largely thanks to his support, and we repay him with distrust."

Jon placed a reassuring hand on the king's shoulder. "Ned is loyal; I have never doubted that. And thanks to the Seven, he is also pragmatic. He will understand our concerns if we explain them properly."

Grand Maester Pycelle approached. "My lord, is there any instruction you wish to give before we conclude for today?"

Robert rubbed his chin, thinking for a moment. "Inform Ned of our decision to send a delegation. I want to make sure he is fully informed."

Pycelle nodded reverently. "Of course, Your Majesty. I will personally see to delivering the message."

---

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The chapters following this one will have this message at the bottom since im just copy/pasting everything. One thing of note, as a free member you can read up to chapter 39 as of this post, one tier for 40 an the other one till 42.

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Casterly Rock

Tyrion Lannister

As I made my way toward the solar, I couldn't help but wonder why my father had summoned me. Most days, the man couldn't bear the sight of me, so this sudden interest was curious, to say the least. I knocked on the solar's door and waited. Five minutes passed before my father finally called me in, a petty move to make me suffer, knowing full well that standing too long took its toll on my twisted legs. Typical Tywin, always finding small ways to remind me of my place.

It's no secret that my father and Cersei partly blamed me for my mother's death, though I suspect it was my appearance that fueled most of their resentment. Yet, I wasn't entirely devoid of affection in this family. My aunt Genna and my brother Jaime had been the only ones to offer me kindness within these cold walls.

"Come in," Tywin's voice cut through my thoughts, cold and commanding. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for whatever fresh hell awaited me. Talking to my father was never a pleasant experience. As I opened the door, I was surprised to see not only my father but also my aunt Genna, uncle Kevan, and Maester Creylen. This meant the conversation was not just important—it was crucial.

Tywin sat in his usual place of power, his gaze as stern as ever. The others were discussing the contents of a letter when Tywin began to speak. "Tyrion, the time has come for you to be useful to our family instead of wasting your time with whores and drinking," he said, looking at me with that familiar mix of disdain and disappointment. "This is an important task for House Lannister and the realm. You will be responsible for going North and conducting an audit on behalf of the realm."

I raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "An audit, Father? In the North?"

Aunt Genna, ever the gentle soul, stepped in. "It is a crucial task, Tyrion. Given the current situation in the realm, we must secure our interests."

Kevan, always the dutiful brother, added gravely, "The small council in King's Landing has decided to send an audit to investigate the changes in the North. The king isn't entirely sold on the idea, thanks to his friendship with Lord Stark, but the recent economic growth of the North threatens the status quo of the Seven Kingdoms." He paused, then continued, "In addition, you have another task from our family, Tyrion."

Tywin's voice took over, commanding as always. "I want you to spy on Winterfell and the Starks. Somehow, they've managed to rid themselves of all our spies in the North. I haven't received reports for over a year, and the only house that accepted our bribes seems to have been destroyed. I want you to find out the source of the changes in the North and, if possible, obtain the recipe for the new products they're importing."

Kevan nodded, his expression serious. "We need precise control over the other realms. When Robert Baratheon dies, our house will be next in line for power, and we can't risk everything we've achieved so far."

I looked at each of them, noting the gravity of their expressions. I knew this was one of the few chances I'd have to earn my father's approval, but I couldn't ignore the fear creeping in. "If the North has been able to dispose of all spies from the other realms, how will I manage to do this? And even if I can, how will I return alive if they find out?"

Tywin frowned, dismissive as ever. "They wouldn't dare harm you. You are a Lannister, and the small council is sending you. You just need to ensure they don't catch you meddling in their affairs."

The casual disregard for my safety stung, though it was no surprise. I'd always known I meant little to my father.

"Understood, Father. I will retire to prepare for my journey," I said, feeling the weight of defeat settle in.

"Be very careful, Tyrion. Some people would be saddened if anything happened to you," Aunt Genna said with a warm, understanding smile.

"Thank you, Aunt. I hope to return with good news. I will depart at dawn for King's Landing to join the rest of the audit group," I replied, rising from my seat and limping toward the exit.

"Don't fail me, Tyrion," Tywin said with finality.

As if I had a choice.

The Dreadfort
Robb Stark

Two weeks had passed since Smalljon Umber had left the Dreadfort, and while waiting for his response, I kept busy with the logistics of maintaining a large group of blacksmiths in a new village.

The expenses incurred so far had been astronomical, and there was no way the original North's history could sustain this expenditure. However, with the profits we had gained from vodka and its variants, we could manage this expense for some time. Additionally, the profits we would gain from other products would improve the situation.

Preparing for war was very complicated, even more so in a medieval era like the one I found myself in. The area that encompassed the North was much larger than the rest of the kingdoms, so communication between houses was slow, and there was no way to improve communications with my powers or knowledge of the future. Because of that, I had to wait weeks if not months to receive news of important events in other houses, not to mention the other kingdoms.

Noticing with my insects that Jon was heading toward my new solar, I waited for him to get close to the door to tell him to come in.

"Come in," I said before he could even knock.

"What message do you bring now, Jon?" I asked with a smile.

"Someday you'll tell me how you know how it's possible that you know it's me," Jon said with a laugh.

"I've already told you, little brother. When we return to Winterfell, I'll tell you about this," I said enigmatically.

"Aye, I can't wait," he said with a deadpan.

"So, Jon. What does the message say?" I asked quickly.

"It's a message from Last Hearth, Robb. Smalljon left his home four days ago. He should be coming today or at the latest tomorrow," Jon said.

"Very good news, Jon. Is that all?" I asked.

"No, it also says that Smalljon brings urgent news, but he will explain when he arrives," Jon said with a puzzled look.

"Hmm, it must be something very important for them not to write it down," I said, rubbing my chin.

"Don't do that, Robb. You don't even have a beard," Jon joked.

"Shut up haha," I laughed with him.

"Let's go to the village to check on the progress they've made in this time," I told him as I got up to go together.

As we walked through the corridors of the castle, I thought about everything I had managed to accomplish in this short time in Westeros. The North was at peace; the bandits no longer acted for fear of the new policy against them; there were no longer spies or traitors. I knew my progress had been excellent, but my story was just beginning. The real problems would start with the war for the throne, and then the war against the dead. I couldn't give up, no matter how scared I was of what might happen. My connections with the rest of the North had become much stronger in this short time, but I would do everything in my power to keep my loved ones safe.

While watching the former guards and workers working in the village, I noticed a commotion on the edge of my power, a group galloping quickly toward the village entrance, and the guards preparing to welcome them.

Turning to Jon, I put a hand on his shoulder as I began to push him.

"It seems Smalljon has returned already. Let's go greet him," I said as I guided him toward the commotion.

Arriving at the village entrance, I put a smile on my face as the guards welcomed Smalljon and his group.

"Welcome back, Smalljon," I said as I hugged him.

"Thank you, Robb, but I'm afraid I bring bad news," Smalljon said, furrowing his brow.

Looking at him seriously, I asked, "What happened? It must be something serious for you to look like this."

"The king will send a group to investigate the changes in the North. Maester Luwin sent a raven to Last Hearth saying he received the news from a raven from King's Landing," Smalljon said with a displeased face.

"Damn... do we know who will lead it?" I asked.

"Tyrion Lannister, Jon. I've heard about his intelligence and political acumen. It won't be easy to keep this secret," Smalljon said, shaking his head.

"Hah, I can work with this," I replied with a smile before continuing, "Jon, get ready for the journey back to Winterfell. Smalljon, you'll stay in charge of continuing our work here. Keep me informed; I trust you'll do a good job, and if you need help, don't hesitate to write to Lord Karstark."

"Understood, Robb. I won't let you down," Smalljon said, shaking my hand.

---

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The chapters following this one will have this message at the bottom since I'm just copying/pasting everything. One thing of note, as a free member you can read up to chapter 39 as of this post, one tier for 40 and the other one till 42.

Also, my membership of Grammarly ended last night, so I'll be posting the chapters as I had them (don't worry I still use the free version, just not completely checked since I don't own the premium version)

 

[InfinityReads999]

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.

"Uncle, it's good to see you again," 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.

---

If you want to support me or read up to three chapters ahead, you can find me on patr*e on . co m (slash) Infinityreads99

The chapters following this one will have this message at the bottom since I'm just copying/pasting everything. One thing of note, as a free member you can read up to chapter 39 as of this post, one tier for 40 and the other one till 42.

Also, my membership of Grammarly ended last night, so I'll be posting the chapters as I had them (don't worry I still use the free version, just not completely checked since I don't own the premium version)

 

[InfinityReads999]

Winterfell.
Robb Stark.

Walking with Jon as we left my father's solar, I mentally prepared how to start this conversation with my brother. I wanted Jon to be my right-hand man; his character showed loyalty in the series, and I knew that growing up together and for the years ahead, our bond would be strong. He could assist me and take command when I was unavailable.

As we walked, I said, "Jon, come with me to the dungeon; we'll have our conversation there."

Jon nodded, walking calmly towards one of the most remote areas of the castle where no one else could enter except for me. My father, despite trusting me, wouldn't dare to enter the zone that had been dedicated as a breeding pit. The rest of Winterfell's residents had orders to stay away.

When we arrived at the dungeon entrance, I greeted the guards patrolling the area.

"Arryck, Gared, I hope you're having a good day," I said with a smile.

"Lord Robb, Jon, we're well," they replied simultaneously.

Jon smiled at them; they were among the guards we trusted most, having served under our banner for over a decade. They had never shown disdain towards Jon for being a "bastard"; in fact, they were some of the most respectful towards him in the entire castle.

Jon's situation was very different from canon. After being my right-hand man for these years since we started traveling, he had earned a very good reputation throughout the North. No one dared to offend him because I stood by his side and quickly defended him whenever anyone spoke ill of him in my presence. As time passed, he became less reliant on my protection, gaining a reputation for his potential as a great warrior.

My mother and Sansa were two of the three people who found it most difficult to change their attitudes towards Jon, but the worst of all was Septa Mordane.

She harbored such a deep hatred for anything "unnatural" that I was forced to get rid of her by infecting her with an illness until she had to be sent back south. When she left, I cured her of the disease. There was no reason to kill her, so I simply ensured she left.

I think I had never seen Arya as happy as the day the septa left Winterfell, although her joy did not last long as her replacement returned. At least Septa Elenya was not as strict and much younger than the old Mordane.

It was difficult, but I managed to persuade my mother of the advantages of having a septa born in the North. Elenya grew up in an orphanage in White Harbor, one of the few areas in the North that publicly followed the Faith of the Seven. However, she grew up as a Northern resident, understanding how harsh winters were and how the Northern lords behaved and expected others to act, so she didn't hold the same disdain for many things that Septa Mordane detested with all her soul.

"Jon and I will enter the dungeon. Take a break and go eat something in the kitchen; tell them I sent you," I said, handing them a couple of silver coins.

"Understood, Lord Robb. We'll return in an hour, or sooner if you call us back," Arryck said, taking the coins with a smile.

All residents of Winterfell were loyal to the Starks, but it never hurt to give them more reasons to be happy; that's Lordship 101.

As I waited for the guards to walk away, I took the keys to the door and opened it.

"Take careful steps and follow me," I told Jon.

Taking a pair of torches, we made our way to the back of the dungeon. Jon walked carefully, occasionally jumping in surprise at the sounds coming from the darkness.

"Relax, Jon. They won't harm you," I said calmly.

When we reached the center of the dungeon, I asked Jon to stand still while I headed toward the edge of the passage, placing my torch at the bottom. I watched as the fire spread in a circle to illuminate the dungeon. One of my best inventions so far was a vast quantity of insects that secreted a flammable liquid inside their bodies which they could spit out. These insects had only two tasks: to procreate and to fill the channel with fluid to be ignited when necessary.

Jon's eyes widened in alarm. "Wha... what is this, Robb?" he asked anxiously.

"These are our house's greatest secret, Jon. They are our allies, and with them, we will overcome whoever opposes us," I said with a smile, ordering a couple of groups to approach slowly.

These groups consist of various insects—bees, ants, spiders, etc.—approached, I watched Jon closely as he tried to compose himself.

"They won't harm you, Jon," I reassured him.

"How can you be sure of that, Robb? That spider is like the ones mentioned in the library books as one of the most dangerous creatures in the North," Jon said, his breathing becoming erratic.

Noticing that Jon was not taking this revelation easily, I was as honest and concise as possible.

"Because they are under my control, Jon. And you know I would never harm you," I said sincerely.

As Jon tried to calm down, I demonstrated my control over the insects by ordering them to somersault or simply climb onto my body without harming me.

"Feeling calmer now?" I asked with a smile.

"This is amazing, Robb. What else can you do?" Jon asked, curious.

"I can do anything, Jon. My control is absolute, but that's not all. Everything they feel, see, smell, etc., I will know instantaneously," I said, closing my eyes and walking without stumbling or bumping into walls.

"That's how you always know what's happening around you, right?" Jon asked.

"Impressive, isn't it?" I smiled.

"It's amazing. Thank you for trusting me," Jon said with a slightly sad smile.

"You're my right-hand man, Jon. One of only three people who know about my power," I affirmed.

"Our father and Lady Catelyn?" Jon asked.

"Yes, Jon. No one else knows, and I trust you not to tell anyone," I said seriously.

"Don't doubt it, Robb. I would never do anything to endanger our family," Jon replied just as seriously.

"While we're here in privacy, I want us to prepare some things for when the King's Landing delegation arrives," I continued.

Two weeks later.

Everything was ready for the delegation's reception; any evidence of my involvement in the ideas that changed the North had disappeared, and all the servants knew what to talk about and what not to mention.

The dungeons where my breeding pit had been located were empty; now my insects were in the deepest part of the crypts, where no one, not even I, could access them. Moving all my insects stealthily had taken more than a week due to the large quantity I had accumulated over the years, but little by little, it had been possible to achieve.

Ten days ago, we received a raven from White Harbor mentioning that the King's Landing delegation had arrived; Lord Manderly accompanied them with thirty guards to ensure their safety on the road, and according to Maester Luwin, if there were no issues, the delegation would arrive today.

As the hours passed slowly, in the evening, there was a commotion at the entrance of Winterfell. The sound of horses approaching grew louder.

Using my power only to confirm, I noticed that the delegation and the knights from White Harbor were approaching Winterfell quickly. Standing up, I went to inform the rest of my family.

When we were all ready, we went out to the courtyard to receive them. More than fifty guards stood by our side, all dressed in full armor as a show of power.

Slowly, the caravan entered. The master-at-arms of White Harbor was the first to pass through the gates, followed by the biggest surprise I've had since I started this life. A kingsguard followed the maester at arms. Then came the litter, followed by the rest of the guards; those at the front dismounted from their horses.

A servant opened the litter's door, from which Lord Manderly emerged, somewhat forcing himself to exit through the door, followed by a person of small stature, eyes of different colors, and hair almost white, with a large forehead and head.

Suppressing my surprise at seeing that Tyrion from the series was very different from the one in front of me, I smiled beside my father.

The rest of the delegation knelt before my father, showing the respect he deserved as the Warden of the North. My smile became even more genuine when I noticed that despite the physical discomfort it caused him, Tyrion also knelt before him.

My father, taking charge, addressed the delegation.

"My lords, it is an honor to receive the representatives of King's Landing. Please, take bread and salt, and let us continue this in the warmth of the castle," he said, gesturing to some servants to start moving.

"It's an honor to see Winterfell, my Lord," Tyrion said as he stood up with a smile. "The books fail to detail how majestic it is."

As the guests finished the bread and salt ritual, I subtly investigated the rest of the delegation, but I didn't see anyone important accompanying them.

"Thank you for your words, Lord Tyrion. I believe we would say the same if we were to visit Casterly Rock," my father said with an impassive face.

"We have prepared a welcoming feast; please, join us," he continued, before turning around and heading towards the dining hall.

---

If you want to support me or read up to three chapters ahead, you can find me on patr*e on . co m (slash) Infinityreads99

The chapters following this one will have this message at the bottom since I'm just copying/pasting everything. One thing of note, as a free member you can read up to chapter 39 as of this post, one tier for 40 and the other one till 42.

Also, my membership of Grammarly ended last night, so I'll be posting the chapters as I had them (don't worry I still use the free version, just not completely checked since I don't own the premium version)

 

[InfinityReads999]

As we walked towards the dining hall, I observed the delegation that had entered the castle with great interest. Most of Tyrion's companions were important figures from King's Landing, yet they were not featured in the series.

Lady Elyse Harroway, a young woman in her early thirties, presented herself with a perfect demeanor, as a lady should. She was responsible for handling dignitaries from outside King's Landing, receiving and treating them with the respect they deserved.

"You wouldn't believe what happened next," Lady Harroway said with a laugh, delicately covering her mouth with one hand. "Lord Hallish slipped as he exited the office, and he was so embarrassed that he didn't return to continue with his complaints."

The rest of the group laughed at her story, breaking the tension that had been building as we walked in silence. The rest of the delegation began conversations with various people from Winterfell, from guards to servants and my family.

Tyrion remained in conversation with my father, engrossed as they discussed the history of the castle.

"Is it true about the battle against the Red Kings where Winterfell held out for six months with only five hundred men?" Tyrion asked with curiosity.

My father, with a furrowed brow, nodded. "Difficult times, according to the writings I've read, but yes, our castle can defend itself with very few people."

"Impressive, and the castle's temperature is warmer," Tyrion commented as he removed his cloak and handed it to a servant. "It's incredible how the founder of House Stark managed to build this castle. Supposedly, hot water runs through its walls to prevent them from freezing. It's a marvel of construction; there must have truly been magic in the Age of Heroes."

"It's a shame that magic disappeared, isn't it, Lord Stark?" he asked.

My father paused for a moment, contemplating. "Yes, it is. The things that could be accomplished if magic still existed would change the world as we know it."

"You don't disdain magic here, Lord Stark?" Tyrion inquired.

"No," my father replied after a moment of silence. "During your stay in the North, you'll see how different it is compared to the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, Lord Tyrion."

"I hope to be pleasantly surprised. Honestly, the hospitality we've received so far is better than that of many houses in the South," Tyrion remarked with a wry smile. "No one has insulted me or looked down on me because of my appearance. You get good at noticing such things when they happen often."

"Rumors of your intelligence have reached us, milord. And as I mentioned, many things are different here in the North. There are always bad people, but I hope you won't encounter any unpleasant situations within the castle. All residents have been instructed on how to treat dignitaries, so they will treat you with respect," my father said seriously.

As we arrived at the dining hall, all the important guests took their seats at the main table. Jon remained with Sansa and my other siblings to watch over them at the lower tables. My father, mother, Tyrion, Lady Elyse, the Kingsguard who had yet to remove his helmet, and I sat at the head table.

"I hope you enjoy this banquet prepared in your honor, my lords," my father said, raising a glass of vodka for a toast.

"As I said outside, it is an honor to be here, Lord Stark," Tyrion replied, and Lady Elyse nodded beside him.

The music started, and the atmosphere became lively as everyone chatted, ate, and drank. Lord Manderly, in particular, seemed quite cheerful. Due to his weight, he rarely came to Winterfell when he could avoid it. Enjoying his food and drink to the fullest, since his wife Donella was not present to deny him more.

After the banquet, my father stood up and addressed the rest of the guests.

"Rooms have been prepared, and your belongings have already been delivered to each room. Please follow the servants; they will guide you to your chambers," my father said with a serious tone.

"Lord Tyrion, Lady Elyse, and your guard, please accompany us to my solar. We will continue your purpose for coming to the North there," my father concluded, turning to walk towards his solar.

Seeking Jon's eyes, I nodded at him, and Jon got up, taking the rest of my siblings to continue their day as usual.

Standing up, I addressed the most important members of the delegation for the first time.

"Lord Tyrion, Lady Elyse, please follow me," I said with a smile.

We began to walk towards my father's study at a calm pace, initiating a small conversation.

"Lord Tyrion, what do you think of the North from what little you've seen?"

"Well, it's certainly different from what the rumors say in the South, Lord Robb," Tyrion replied with a chuckle.

"That we're barbaric and uncultured?" I quipped back, joining in the light-hearted exchange.

"It seems you're familiar with the South, my lord?" Lady Elyse interjected.

"Just rumors from my travels, same as you both," I smiled.

"Hah, I like you," Tyrion remarked.

"I thought you might be more proud, with the fame you've garnered," he continued.

"We're built differently in the North, Lord Tyrion," I said with a smile, before becoming serious. "Life is hard here; we don't have time for pompous things like the stories they tell about us."

"I hope to learn more during my time here," Tyrion remarked thoughtfully.

"And how long will that be, my lord?" I inquired.

"As long as necessary, Lord Robb. This is the first time the crown has tasked me with something like this, and I won't fail them," Tyrion replied seriously.

"Many people aren't pleased with the crown's decision," I added, my voice impassive.

"I can imagine, Lord Robb. I know how my father would react if they did something like this to him," Tyrion chuckled.

"And what do you think about it?" He asked finally.

"I'm not happy about it, Lord Tyrion. But I understand why they're doing it," I said, furrowing my brow.

"We've arrived at my father's study," I announced.

I knocked on the door, waiting for my father to invite us in. Inside the study, the maester and my father were waiting for us.

"Please, have a seat," my father offered. "I hope the banquet was to your liking, my lords."

Tyrion nodded with a smile. "It was, my lord. It's a pity this is my first time visiting your home under these circumstances, but I hope we all end up satisfied once this is over."

"The crown is concerned about the recent changes in the North, and we've only received rumors, so they decided to send this delegation to investigate further. As a delegation sent by the crown, we're here to look into these matters and ensure that the peace and stability of the Seven Kingdoms are not compromised," Tyrion said respectfully.

Lady Elyse spoke up in a calm voice, "Lord Stark, you need to understand that the recent actions of the North have raised some concerns at the small council. However, let us assure you that our interest is more in understanding than confrontation. We would like to discuss openly how we can collaborate for the mutual benefit of our regions."

My father nodded briefly. "I understand your concerns, and I appreciate your diplomatic approach. The North has prospered greatly in recent years, it's true. We've invested in our infrastructure and strengthened trade with various goods originating from our area."

Ser Arys Oakheart spoke gravely, "My lord, I have been sent by the king himself to provide leadership in the defense of the delegation and to return with objective knowledge to report back to the king accurately. Our purpose is to ensure that the interests of the realm are protected everywhere."

"Understood, Ser Oakheart. And I hope you will return to the capital with the necessary knowledge to make your reports. Please understand that you'll only receive answers regarding matters relevant to your investigation, nothing more," my father said seriously.

"There will be a couple of rules for you to continue your duty. First, give the necessary respect to the Northern workers; I don't want to hear that you've used dishonorable methods to obtain information. Second, you can investigate anything related to your duty, but I don't want to find out that you came with ill intentions to uncover secrets of my house that have nothing to do with this," he continued, with a furrowed brow.

"Please don't doubt that, my lord," Tyrion said, trying to ease the tension in the room. "We will fulfill our duty and nothing more, aside from enjoying what the North provides," he continued with a smile.

"I hope you stick to that, Lord Tyrion. Now, the maester will guide you to your chambers. We can continue this when you've rested from your arduous journey," my father concluded decisively.

---

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The chapters following this one will have this message at the bottom since I'm just copying/pasting everything. One thing of note, as a free member you can read up to chapter 39 as of this post, one tier for 40 and the other one till 42.

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[InfinityReads999]

Winterfell

Tyrion Lannister

Next day.

"What do you think of the Starks, Lady Elyse?" I asked as we settled in after the maester had shown us to our chambers. The North had already proven to be a place full of surprises, and I was curious about her impressions.

"It's... interesting," Elyse replied after a moment of contemplation. "Almost everything about the North is different from how people act in King's Landing, Lord Tyrion."

"Oh? Please, elaborate," I prompted, intrigued by her observations.

"Well... for starters, I noticed that Lord Robb was with us in the council meeting. Isn't it unusual for the heir to be present at such meetings from such a young age?" she countered.

"Isn't it normal for the heir to learn to lead from a young age?" I asked, though in my case, it had been different—more due to my father's disdain than anything else. Still, I'd heard enough about the other western lords to know it wasn't unheard of.

"Yes, but it's not normal for the maester to give them glances as if his opinion mattered, rather than being present just to learn," Elyse said thoughtfully. "I don't know. It seems strange to me that a twelve-year-old's opinion would be sought in a situation like this."

"You're right; that's not common. But we don't know if it's just the Starks or if that's how things work in the North. As we've heard, winter is harsh; perhaps they prepare them even more rigorously from a young age in case something happens to the lord of the house," I said, frowning at the thought.

"That might be the case, Lord Tyrion. We'll have to wait and see if there are any inconsistencies. Besides that, did you notice the number of guards training and patrolling? A normal house doesn't have so many soldiers on hand in peacetime," Elyse remarked.

"We also have to consider the number of blacksmiths working tirelessly when we passed through Wintertown before reaching the castle. The North is preparing for something, and we need to find out what," I said, my tone firm. The Lannisters needed to understand the Stark's sudden surge in activity.

"Well, in that case, we have time. These kinds of investigations can last for weeks, if not months. Thank the Seven that Lord Stark is being kind to us. The fact that the crown is getting involved after having forgotten the North for so many years hasn't made us friends with these lords," Elyse said, her voice tinged with concern.

"In that case, I hope what Lord Stark said is true and they treat us well while we're here. I'd rather not find out how a group of Northerners would treat us if we stumble into something we shouldn't," I said with a slight laugh, though the unease in my gut was hard to ignore.

Robb Stark.

Waking up at dawn, I got ready to accompany the delegation from King's Landing on their investigations. My job would be to go with them and calm the smallfolk so that there wouldn't be too many problems.

Most Northerners didn't think positively of people from the South, and this action by the crown to send a delegation to investigate our progress after having left us forgotten since the revolution didn't help at all.

Walking towards the dining hall where I would meet with the rest, I mentally prepared for what was coming. I knew I was relatively intelligent, and knowing how some of the named characters would act would help, but I also knew that Tyrion was a very intelligent person, and Lady Elyse must be too if she had been working in her position for some time.

I would have to be very careful with what I said and hope for the best. The only real advantage I had was that the North hadn't done anything "illegal" in the time I'd been here. Most changes could be explained without getting into technicalities.

"A good day to you, Lord Tyrion, Lady Elyse," I greeted them with a smile as I sat down at the table with them. "If you like, when we finish eating, I'll be your guide around the castle and its surroundings. If you want to bring a guard just in case, there's no problem with me, but my company might be better for your safety and when talking to the residents."

"It would be an honor, Lord Robb. I hope you won't be bored while we conduct the investigation," Lady Elyse said, looking at me with a calculating gaze.

"That won't happen, milady. I'm sure I'll have good company with you," I replied with a smile.

As we continued with breakfast, we had small, unimportant conversations, from how the weather was that day to what I usually did in my daily life.

Answering their questions calmly until we all finished, Tyrion, Elyse, Ser Oakheart, and I got up to start their investigations.

"What would you like to see right now, milords?" I asked them as we left the castle.

"I think we could start by talking to your master-at-arms, Lord Robb. I assure you we'll try not to ask any questions unrelated to our investigation," Tyrion assured.

"That sounds good. Ser Rodrick is training the recruits who have come to Winterfell. Let's go to the training area," I said, changing direction.

Walking toward the training areas, it was quite obvious the number of trained soldiers and recruits, had increased considerably in these two years. Generally, in previous years, there were only 800 to 1000 soldiers at any given time in peacetime, but since I began to get more involved in how the house was run, I subtly gave reasons why we should have more guards in the castle and its surroundings. Inside the castle, the original garrison of approximately 900 trained soldiers was always maintained. But now on the outskirts of Winterfell (the industrial areas and in Wintertown), there were different barricades focused on training recruits and securing the assigned areas.

When House Stark put out a notice in the center of the town that we would start training a force under our name, rumors began to travel from town to town thanks to travelers and merchants moving between them, offering everything from food to an honest salary. We had managed to have a militia of 2500 well-trained soldiers; they were no longer the same youths who joined us out of honor or to help their families, most of the soldiers were trained and already had some battles in their name during the bandit purge.

As we walked towards Ser Rodrick's location (which I had obtained through my powers), most of the soldiers stopped their work to greet me respectfully. The respect they had for me because I had trained with many of them was quite evident; I had earned their trust and admiration with my martial skills. I wasn't the best fighter in the whole North, but regarding archery, no one could say they were better than me.

Also, that didn't mean I was bad at fighting with a sword; in fact, I was one of the best, and I had the potential to be the best over time, but thanks to my physique for my age, or lack of experience compared to the best, I wasn't able to beat them. That didn't mean I fell without giving a fight, as I had the reputation of being difficult to beat, thanks to cheating with my powers.

"Ser Rodrick, I need a moment of your attention," I shouted at the entrance to the training room.

Ser Rodrick looked up from where he was yelling at a poor sap who was thrown to the ground upon hearing my voice.

"Jory, keep training them," he said authoritatively.

"What can I do for you, Lord Robb?" Ser Rodrick asked as he walked out of the area.

"For now, let's move to a quieter place, Ser," I replied as I walked towards a solitary area.

As the rest followed me, I used my power to see that there was no one snooping around; I didn't think there were new spies yet, but curiosity killed the cat and I preferred to be sure.

"My companions would like to ask you some questions, Ser. Answer them without hesitation; if any question exceeds their power, I'll let you know to stop," I addressed Rodrick.

Tyrion cleared his throat to get attention. "Ser Rodrick, I hope you're having a good day," he began greeting.

"Start with the questions, Lord Tyrion. I have to get back to training that group of useless ones," Ser Rodrick said with an air of irritation.

Turning to Tyrion and Elyse, I just shrugged. I told them that Northerners weren't going to be happy about this.

"Yes, yes... My first question is, is there any reason why there are so many soldiers and even more being trained?" Tyrion asked.

Ser Rodrick raised an eyebrow, saying, "To increase security, obviously, milord. Isn't it normal to do that in the South?" he ended by asking.

"Of course it's normal," Lady Elyse intervened calmly. "But usually the numbers are lower, and we were wondering why there are so many. Even the Gold Cloaks in King's Landing number only 2000."

"We have the town and the industrial areas to protect, milady. I know you recognize the amount of gold obtained thanks to the new industries in the North; clearly, we have to protect the area and send battalions guarding the merchandise when sent to White Harbor," Ser Rodrick said in a tone gentler than the one he used with Tyrion.

"Ah, of course... your new products have created quite a stir in the Seven Kingdoms and beyond," said Lady Elyse with a chitter.

"But after the purge, there aren't as many bandits in the North. Wouldn't it be logical to reduce expenses by maintaining a fleet of this size?" Tyrion asked shrewdly.

"You can answer without hesitation, Ser Rodrick," I reassured the Master-at-Arms calmly. "It's not something we have to hide."

"It's because of the threat of the Ironborn," Ser Rodrick explained, annoyed.

"What have the Greyjoys done now?" Elyse asked with a concerned air.

"What haven't they done?" exclaimed Ser Rodrick. "They're attacking our coasts, our merchant ships, and then they give the excuse that it's not them, that pirates are sailing the sea," he finished with annoyance.

"By the Seven," Elyse said, "this is going to get more complicated than I thought," murmuring so softly that I only managed to hear it thanks to my insects.

"Are you preparing for war?" Tyrion asked alarmed.

"We prepare for any eventuality, Lord Tyrion," I intervened softly. "We have the right to defend ourselves if the Ironborn continue with their nonsense."

"This won't please the Crown, Lord Robb," Tyrion said seriously.

"Hah, quite the opposite, Lord Tyrion. I believe our king would be pleased if we rid ourselves of the Ironborn," I said with a laugh.

"The king perhaps, but the Hand would not. Lord Arryn doesn't want disturbances like war and prefers to resolve conflicts without shedding blood," Elyse explained.

"Then I hope that when you return, you kindly ask in our stead for Lord Arryn to intervene. But in the meantime, we will defend our assets with all the might of the North," I said seriously. "The North is prospering for the first time in decades, and we won't let people with fish brains stand in our way."

Lady Elyse looked conflicted about the situation but remained silent for a moment.

"Thank you very much for answering our questions, Ser Rodrick," Tyrion finally said after sharing a look with Elyse.

Ser Rodrick didn't move an inch. Noticing that, I said, "You may leave, Ser Rodrick. I hope this group of recruits will be ready soon."

Ser Rodrick nodded. "I'll push them until they faint, Lord Robb," he said with a laugh.

"Don't push them too hard, Ser Rodrick," I chuckled. "We still have plenty of time."

"Understood, Lord Robb. I'll take my leave," with a final farewell, Ser Rodrick returned to the training ground.

"And now, milords?" I asked my companions.

"Now, I need a drink, Lord Robb. If you'll excuse me..." Tyrion said as he began to walk away.

"There's a bar at the entrance to Wintertown that I've heard is very good, Lord Tyrion. Look for Mickel at the entrance and tell him I sent you; he'll provide an escort to ensure you pass safely," I smiled.

"And you, milady?" I asked with a smile to the delicate lady.

"Why don't you show me the castle, Lord Robb? I'm very interested in its history," she said, covering her mouth with her dainty fingers.

"It would be my pleasure, my lady."

---

If you want to support me or read up to three chapters ahead, you can find me on patr*e on . co m (slash) Infinityreads99

The chapters following this one will have this message at the bottom since I'm just copying/pasting everything. One thing of note, as a free member you can read up to chapter 39 as of this post, one tier for 40 and the other one till 42.

Also, my membership of Grammarly ended last night, so I'll be posting the chapters as I had them (don't worry I still use the free version, just not completely checked since I don't own the premium version)

 

[InfinityReads999]

"So, my lady. What do you think of what you've learned today?" I asked Lady Elyse as we walked through the halls of Winterfell.

"I believe the situation has become even more complicated, Lord Robb," she replied, keeping pace with me.

"Please, call me Robb, Lady Harroway," I said with a smile. "I think we'll spend some time here, so let's spare ourselves the formality."

"Understood, young Robb, and please, call me Elyse," She said, smiling back.

"Why don't you tell me about yourself, Lady Elyse?" I asked as I guided her to my small office.

"Well, there's not much to say, Robb. My father is Ser Harroway, a sworn knight under Lord Arryn. I grew up in the Vale with my family," she began.

"Do you have any siblings?" I inquired as I poured her a glass of wine.

"I had one," she said with a sad smile. "My brother Edric passed away in the Battle of Pyke during the last rebellion."

"I'm truly sorry for your loss, Lady Elyse. The Battle of Pyke claimed many valuable lives. I hope you find solace in the honor he showed on the battlefield," I said empathetically.

"It was a sorrowful and tough time for my family. He was a squire to a friend of my father's and unfortunately strayed too far and encountered Rodrik Greyjoy while attacking the towers. He was only sixteen, unable to do anything against that damned man," she said with a choked voice.

"The Greyjoys are a plague on our kingdom," I said, shaking my head. "That rebellion was probably the stupidest decision possible. They couldn't possibly win against the other realms, yet they dared to do so much harm."

"No one has ever accused the Greyjoys of being intelligent, Robb," Elyse said with a slight smile. "Isn't Balon Greyjoy's son, Theon if I recall, here at Winterfell?"

"Yes, Theon is usually here, but right now he is busy surveiling the construction for our new town. His demeanor is different having been raised with Stark values. I hope it won't be a problem if you were to meet him?" I asked.

"Do not worry, Robb. I won't blame a relative for the sins of another. It's practically a requirement in my line of work," she said with an honest smile.

"And tell me, how did you obtain your position in King's Landing? It seems like a very prestigious job for someone as young as you," I asked.

"Haha, you flatter me, Robb. Well, it's simple. My father, noticing my intelligence, simply introduced me to Lord Arryn, and he made this possible. I wouldn't be anyone without his support," Elyse said calmly.

"You hold Lord Arryn in high regard, don't you?" I asked as I settled more comfortably into my chair.

"Without a doubt, Robb. Lord Arryn is a role model, an honorable person who has maintained the realm's balance for many years," she said with admiration towards the old lord.

"My father tells me about when he was raised in the Vale alongside the king. The things Lord Arryn taught him have made him the person he is now," I said with a smile.

"And what can you tell me about life in Winterfell, Robb?"

"Well, thank the gods, my life has been quite peaceful thanks to this long summer," I said calmly. "My days consist of training, training, and more training. I'm not very interesting, to be honest."

"Your name has reached King's Landing, milord. And despite rumors being exaggerated, everyone knows there's at least a grain of truth in them," Lady Elyse giggled.

"Hmm, why don't we play a game, Lady Elyse?" I smiled cheekily.

"Oh, what game would you like to play, milord?" she asked with a quirk on her lips.

"In turns, each of us mentions a rumor we've heard, and the other responds with the truth. How does that sound?" I proposed as I poured her another glass.

"Hmm, alright. Let's play a bit," Lady Elyse agreed.

"Is it true that King's Landing stinks, Lady Elyse?" I asked with a laugh.

"Haha!" she chuckled. "Yes, Robb. I'm thinking of prolonging this investigation just to spend more time away from the capital." she ended up joking.

"I wouldn't blame you, Lady Elyse. The North has its advantages," I deadpanned.

"How true is the rumor about your exploits, Robb? Is it true what they say about your role in the bandit purge?" she asked as she began her third glass of wine.

"Starting strong, milady? I'm not sure what rumors you've heard. Why don't you tell me first, and I'll confirm if it's true?" I asked calmly.

These were things she could discover for herself while in the North, so I had no problem answering her honestly.

"The stories say that you were the one who proposed starting the purge and that you and your group were responsible for more than sixty groups brought to justice," she asked, starting to sound tipsy.

"Haha, how stories fly, my lady. I assure you, that number is exaggerated by singers and merchants," I laughed heartily.

"I thought as much, Robb. No offense, but I find it hard to believe that someone your age could catch more than sixty bandit groups in less than two years," Lady Elyse laughed. "If you don't mind my asking, how many groups were there really? Five? Or ten?"

"There were 42, Lady Elyse," I smiled. "Probably the bards thought that sisxty sounded better in their songs."

Lady Elyse stopped the glass halfway to her lips as she understood what I said. Her eyes widened in amazement.

"Really, Lord Robb? You and your group caught more than forty bandit groups?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"I have no reason to lie to you, Lady Elyse. You can ask any resident of the castle about it," I smiled kindly.

Gradually, the game between Lady Elyse and me continued for hours, until she became so intoxicated that her tongue began to let loose. The questions she asked were less serious since she was already drunk and stopped trying to get information about me. In the end, she asked me to call her only by her name.

Standing up happy to have made a friendship that could serve me a lot in the future without losing much, I offered her my arm to take her to rest in her room.

Upon opening the door of my office I came across a Tyrion Lannister equally drunk, who had had a good day at the bar. Ser Oakheart accompanied him with an annoyed look, clearly not wanting to be taking care of a drunk.

"Lord Robb!" Tyrion exclaimed upon seeing us. "Thanks for your recommendation. The people here really know how to drink haha" he continued, slurring his words.

Putting his arm on my back with some difficulty, Tyrion laughed as he walked with us. Ser Oakheart coughed in his fist to get attention. "Excuse the inconvenience, Lord Robb. It seems that Lord Tyrion got carried away at the tavern," he said as he separated Tyrion from me.

"Don't worry, Ser," I smiled. "The atmosphere in the northern taverns tends to be exciting, at least that's what I've heard."

"I think it would be best if we take Lord Tyrion and Lady Elyse to their rooms," noted Ser Oakheart. "I wouldn't want people to see them like this."

"Then follow me, Ser," I affirmed calmly. "I know passages that have few people along the way."

Walking towards their rooms and avoiding the rest of the servants was a bit complicated, but with the use of my power, I could tell when it was the right time to pass through each corridor. This moment gave me the opportunity that both leaders of the delegation owed me since it would be embarrassing for them to find themselves that way on their second day of the investigation.

Leaving them to rest in their rooms, Ser Oakheart ordered a couple of guards from the delegation to keep watch outside their rooms.

"I appreciate your help, Lord Robb," he said sincerely. "If there's any way I can repay you, please don't hesitate to tell me."

Taking a moment of silence to think, I took a deep breath before continuing.

"Did you train today, ser?" I innocently asked.

"No, Lord Robb. I had to accompany Lord Tyrion in case there were any problems and lost the whole day on that," the knight admitted.

"Then why don't you pay me with a few spars?" I said calmly. "Kingsguards are famous for being the best fighters in the Seven Kingdoms, and I can't deny I'm curious about how one fights."

"Are you sure, Lord Robb?" the knight asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's just training, ser. There won't be any trouble with my father. I doubt I can beat you, but I'll give it my best shot," I said seriously.

"Very well, Lord Robb," Ser Oakheart nodded slightly. "We can go to the yard right now if you wish."

"It would be a pleasure, Ser. I hope to exceed your expectations," I said as we walked to the training field.

---

If you want to support me or read up to three chapters ahead, you can find me on patr*e on . co m (slash) Infinityreads99

The chapters following this one will have this message at the bottom since I'm just copying/pasting everything. One thing of note, as a free member you can read up to chapter 39 as of this post, one tier for 40 and the other one till 42.

Also, my membership of Grammarly ended last night, so I'll be posting the chapters as I had them (don't worry I still use the free version, just not completely checked since I don't own the premium version)

 

[InfinityReads999]

Walking towards the courtyard with the Kingsguard behind me, I prepared the insects that could assist me—ones transmitting vibrations, others injecting me with a small dose of adrenaline, others with endorphins, and one widening my blood vessels. Each was difficult to create, requiring over 100 times the biomass of a normal insect due to their complexity. Thankfully, I only needed to focus on making one or two pairs of each insect to allow them to reproduce independently.

I reserved these insects for extreme situations, as an instant surge of these hormones could cause problems. Thus, I also created an insect to remove the excess and leave me with a normal level of these hormones. The idea for these insects stemmed from my knowledge of the "fight or flight" response I had read about in my past life on the internet. Unfortunately, I couldn't recall other enhancements I could create to increase my effectiveness in combat, but for now, these were more than sufficient.

I intended to go all out against the knight to ensure he returned to the capital extolling my potential. Rumors would grow as more people heard them, possibly helping me avoid future problems. There were also negatives to standing out so much, but I was confident my power could prevent any assassination attempt—even from the Faceless Men of the House of Black and White.

My power was so unique that it made me practically omniscient within its area. The only special ability those assassins possessed was changing their faces; they weren't inherently stronger than a normal human. And I was sure I could poison or kill them with my swarm before they could harm me or anyone I cared about.

"Give me a minute to prepare, Ser Oakheart," I said calmly as I headed towards the armory.

Inside, I located where the practice swords were kept—identical to real swords but lacking edges. They had the same weight, balance, and blades as those used in actual battles. Calling for a squire to assist me in donning my customary armor—mainly lightweight but durable steel with additional forged steel plates alloyed with other metals for enhanced durability without excessive weight.

After changing, I exited the armory and noticed the practice yard, which was empty when I entered, was now filled with people—from my parents watching proudly from above to my siblings shouting my name showing their support. Approaching the knight who would train with me, I nodded respectfully.

"We'll use practice swords, Ser. I hope that's not an issue?" I asked.

"Of course not, Lord Robb. I prefer it... I'd hate to accidentally injure you," the knight said, shaking his head.

"Don't underestimate me, Ser. I may be young, but that doesn't mean I'm a poor fighter," I responded seriously.

"I'll keep that in mind, Lord Robb. Are you ready?" the knight asked, raising his sword.

"Give me a moment to focus," I replied.

Taking a deep breath, I summoned my insects to inject me. Meanwhile, my sensory insects positioned themselves on Ser Oakheart's body—on all major muscle groups, arms, and thighs. Opening my eyes, I immediately noticed the difference. The world around me slowed, and every sound seemed amplified. I could distinctly feel my heart beating with immense force as if it wanted to escape my chest.

It was always challenging to concentrate at this moment—every sensation heightened, almost to the point of causing a panic attack. Yet, with the practice gained over the years, I could somewhat control myself.

Locking eyes with the knight, he easily noticed the difference, his grip tightening on the sword's hilt.

"I'm ready, Ser," I said, drawing my sword.

With my insects correctly positioned, I moved toward my opponent. Raising my sword, I made a lateral cut towards the knight's shoulder. I knew my strength was low due to my age, but over these years, I'd focused on improving my agility in fights— as I was unable to overpower older opponents with sheer strength, I had to find other ways.

As my sword approached, the knight raised his sword to block my attack. Anticipating his sword's position through my powers, I made minimal movement to alter my attack's direction, which eventually connected with the knight's shoulder.

Ser Oakheart took a step back, surprise in his eyes. He raised his hand and touched his slightly dented pauldron.

"Looks like I need to pay attention, Lord Robb," the knight said seriously.

His entire demeanor changed in an instant, and I felt the hair on my neck stand on end. Ser Oakheart wasn't the best fighter in Westeros, but he had years of experience and had fought in two different wars.

Blow after blow echoed through the yard—metal against metal being the predominant sound. Thanks to my advantages over others in this world, I could move as if I already knew what each person would do at any moment—dodging from the moment their muscles tensed, it seemed like I danced around my opponent.

Circling Ser Oakheart, I continued to attack swiftly. The only way to strike him directly was to change my attack trajectory before he blocked or dodged them. Therefore, I focused on rapid strikes rather than putting all my strength behind them.

Gradually, I approached my goal—the knight found himself at a disadvantage for the first time, but my attacks never ceased until I managed to strike him with the blade of my sword on his helmet. The sound of the impact resonated around, and the knight fell to the ground more from surprise than from the force.

The rest of the onlookers went wild at this sight—the heir to Winterfell knocking out a Kingsguard, even if only for a moment, was astonishing. The other guests, excluding Lady Elyse and Tyrion, who were resting, were unable to contain their awe.

After a moment on the ground, Ser Oakheart stood up, looking me in the eyes with a new feeling—respect.

"Well done, young lord," Ser Oakheart said after a moment of silence, a slight smile evident on his face. "It seems the North has a promising warrior among its ranks."

Breathing heavily after giving my all in this fight, I bowed my head respectfully.

"Thank you, Ser Oakheart. I still have much to learn from you and many others."

The knight nodded, removing his dented helmet and taking a few steps towards me, placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Luck is one of the most important qualities in a knight. Even the greatest warrior in the world can lose to someone weaker who has luck on their side. But today, you've shown you have skill as well. Keep training with that same passion, and you'll be a great leader for your people."

The crowd erupted in applause, recognizing not only my ability but also the humility and acknowledgment shown by Ser Oakheart.

Returning to his original position, the knight said, "Now, raise your sword. Let's start again."

Later that night, settling into my bed after three more spars with the Kingsguard, which he won, and other recruits, I mentally prepared to crash out. I had used the enhancements for quite some time, so it would take a while before I could do it again.

Changing my hormones and receptors on the spot was dangerous and I couldn't do it continuously, but with the help of different animals and bandits, I was able to find out which amount was safe to inject, how much time I could use it and find the best way to detoxify myself.

Truthfully, I was pleased with how the day had gone. I had formed new friendships and connections with a multitude of people, increased the respect Winterfell's inhabitants had for me, and my legend would grow when the delegation returned to the capital.

Taking a deep breath to prepare myself, I positioned myself correctly in my bed and injected myself with the hormone neutralizer. My final thought was about the repercussions of my actions in the future, but I was prepared to face them.

---

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Three weeks later.
Robb Stark.
"I want to thank you for being so accommodating with this investigation, my lords," Tyrion said as he addressed the rest of the people gathered in Ned Stark's solar.

Lady Elyse nodded, "You have been very helpful in our investigation, and we return to King's Landing pleased with the news we bring," she said with a smile.

"Before we retire to rest before our departure to the capital, I would like to discuss a few specific points," clarified Tyrion as he opened a journal where he had noted many of his findings during his time in Winterfell.

"Firstly, we understand that we cannot disrupt your production of various goods you are selling, but I want you to know that the Master of Coin can and likely will increase the taxes levied on the North," Tyrion said uncomfortably. "I don't believe I can influence his decision, as he is in charge of such matters and I merely provide him with the information we have gathered."

From that moment, I decided to eliminate Peter Baelish when I had the chance. It was a pity that even if I did it now, the tax hike would be implemented by whoever replaced him. The North's profits had been monumental, and anyone focusing on that would not doubt taking a part for the crown and/or themselves.

My father took a breath to calm himself before responding. "I am not happy about this. For the first time in decades, the North prospers, and now a portion of what should benefit our people will go to the crown just because? My people have worked hard to achieve the prosperity we have now. Punishing their success with more taxes would be unjust."

The maester also frowned, understanding why they would do so, but that didn't mean he could do anything to change it.

"I know, I know, Lord Stark. Believe me, if it were up to me, this wouldn't change, but Lord Baelish seeks any way to keep the realm afloat. From the Iron Throne's perspective, it's difficult to ignore the North's economic growth. It seems... unusual. Especially from a region known for its austerity," Lady Elyse intervened.

"The North's prosperity is not the concern of the Iron Throne," my father said after sighing. "We have remained loyal and fulfilled our obligations. Increasing taxes now will only sow resentment among my people."

Tyrion nodded slightly. "And yet, the South is uneasy, Lord Stark. The Tyrells, the Redwynes, and even the Martells have noticed a drop in their sales due to the North's self-sufficiency." Taking a deep breath, he continued, "This causes imbalance, and as you know well, Lord Stark, imbalances in the realm can lead to greater problems in the future."

My father crossed his arms with a furrowed brow. "And what solution do you propose, Lord Tyrion? Imposing more burdens on those who cannot bear them? This will only lead to ruin and discontent."

Lady Elyse interjected thoughtfully, "I am not so insensitive as to not understand that, Lord Stark. Perhaps there is a way to reach an agreement." After a minute of silence, gently tapping the table, she continued, "We could negotiate certain compromises. The North could resume some purchases of Southern products, enough to appease the Southern nobles without causing too much burden to the Northerners."

My father grunted, "And why should we spend our gold on things we do not need, my lady?"

"It's just an idea, Lord Stark. If you have a better one, please share it," Lady Elyse said.

My father and the maester exchanged a glance with me while Tyrion and Elyse talked among themselves, and honestly, it was hard for me to hide my smile at this turn of events. I subtly nodded to indicate he should accept.

My father took a deep breath and furrowed his brow, though I noticed it was acted. "I apologize for raising my voice, Lady Elyse. You are right, that could be a starting point. But I insist that any increase in demands from the South must be minimal and must not affect the quality of life of my people."

Tyrion smiled and nodded, "I promise you, Lord Stark. I will do everything in my power to ensure that. I do not want more conflicts, and I do not want the North to turn against the Iron Throne. I am here to negotiate peace, not to impose tyranny."

My father nodded. "Very well, Lord Tyrion. For the sake of the realm, I will find a way to cooperate. But remember, the loyalty of the North is not bought with coins or taxes but with justice and respect. Most Northern lords will be displeased with this decision, but I will ensure they do not cause trouble."

"Now I want to talk about my condition," my father continued. "The North will no longer tolerate the pirates raiding our coasts or our merchant ships. If the crown does not move to stop them, they will face Northern justice."

Lady Elyse interjected slowly, "The crown won't like that, my lord."

"It's not my problem, Lady Elyse. As the Guardian of the North, I have every right to defend my people. Therefore, when you return to the capital, do everything you can to stop them. Meanwhile, if they attack us, we will defend ourselves mercilessly; the protection of our shipments will increase, and we will kill any pirate who attacks us," my father said with a tone that brooked no doubt.

"We have a responsibility to our people, Lady Elyse. Just as Jon Arryn or Tywin Lannister would defend their lands if this happened to them, the North will defend itself and even preemptively strike if necessary," I spoke for the first time in this conversation.

"Yes, I understand, Robb. But it's not that simple... sigh, I promise to do everything in my power to convey your message," Lady Elyse said with a hint of regret.

Tyrion raised his wine cup, saying, "To justice and respect, then. May our negotiations bring peace and prosperity to all."

Next day.

The sun was just beginning to rise, and my family and I were bidding farewell to the Crown delegation. These three weeks had been complicated, but thank the gods, we managed to achieve our goals without losing more than we had planned.

The horses were already saddled, and the carriage loaded with scrolls containing the information they had gathered during their stay, of which I had already made copies and we would read slowly among my father, the maester, and Ser Rodrick after they departed.

"We have concluded our investigation and will head directly to the capital. We greatly appreciate the hospitality you have provided," Tyrion said respectfully.

My sisters and my mother made courtesy gestures; thanks to my intervention, Arya was a bit more controlled in this life, as she did not have to hide or reveal herself to do what she wanted, and Sansa was less stuck-up thanks to the change of the septa, so both had behaved properly during this time.

My father replied briefly, "We are glad to have been good hosts. I hope you have found what you were looking for and that this brings understanding and peace between our lands. We will not forget what was agreed upon, and I hope you will fulfill your promises."

"That will be the first thing we do upon arrival, Lord Stark. Trust us," Lady Elyse replied with a smile.

"My greatest responsibility is the welfare of my people. Anything we can do to maintain peace, we will do, as long as it does not negatively impact my population. As I said yesterday, I will speak with the rest of the lords; they won't be happy, but they won't cause trouble either," my father said firmly.

The delegation began to mount their horses and started to leave Winterfell. But the last to leave approached my family.

The Kingsguard knight rode towards me with a small smile. "I look forward to hearing more songs about you, Lord Robb. You have great potential and I am sure you will be one of the finest warriors of our lands. Be humble, and you will go far."

"Thank you for your lessons, Ser. I hope to make a mark on the Seven Kingdoms," I said seriously.

"I have no doubt you will, young Robb. I can't wait to tell Ser Barristan about the gem you are," he said with a hearty laugh.

"Have a safe journey, and take the opportunity to rest while you are in the North. I'm sure there are no more bandits here," I mentioned with a slight smile.

"And all thanks to you, right? Haha," the knight said as he departed with the rest of the caravan.

With one final farewell, the delegation departed, leaving Winterfell behind. As they withdrew, only Jon, my father, and I remained in the courtyard.

"You handled the delegation splendidly, Robb. I am very proud of you, as I am of you, Jon," my father said seriously. "It's not easy to deal with Southerners, especially people as intelligent as Tyrion and Lady Elyse."

"I knew it was important to show them that the North is not a threat to the realm, Father. But we must not appear weak either. For now, we just need to maintain our prosperity and continue strengthening our defenses in case the situation changes," I replied, while Jon nodded in agreement.

My father placed a hand on our shoulders. "And we will, my sons. The future of the North is in good hands with you both, but we must prepare for the future. If there's one thing I know about the South, it's that they don't always play fair."

"We will be ready, Father," Jon said seriously.

---

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[InfinityReads999]

Winterfell.

As I took my seat in my father's solar, alongside Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik, I prepared my notes on what I had discovered about the delegation during their stay in the North. With my insects, I spied on every moment of the crown's representatives, gathering a wealth of information about them and even learning what they had "discovered" about us.

The most significant points about the delegation were that the Northern economy had grown fivefold over two years, in addition to the increase in available military power, and that we were still focused on expanding that number with no intention of stopping. Lastly, there were over three scrolls filled with hypotheses and theories on how our new products would impact the other kingdoms, including Braavos.

"Tyrion is truly very intelligent," said the maester, his eyes shining with admiration.

"We can't deny that, Luwin. How do you think this report will affect our relationship with the crown?" asked my father, frowning.

"I don't know, Lord Stark. I can't be certain, but I hypothesize that it won't have much impact in the short term. Our new goods will take a significant amount of time before we see the profits we know they'll bring," said the maester, stroking his chin.

"We need to secure a good stock of goods to start selling them in the different kingdoms, Father," I said seriously. "I am completely sure that silk and honey will be a success with the other kingdoms. The clothing produced from this silk will become the new desire of all the highborns in the Seven Kingdoms and even beyond."

"As for the other two products, in my opinion, we should reserve the fertilizer for exclusive use by Northerners for the next two years. After two years, we can start selling it to the rest of the kingdoms, but I want the North to be self-sufficient before we distribute it," I said with determination.

"Why not share the fertilizer with others, Robb? It would be the honorable thing to do," said my father with a furrowed brow.

I had to struggle not to roll my eyes. I replied with the most deadpan voice, "What is our family's responsibility, Father?" Without waiting for a response, I continued, "Our people should be the first to benefit from our gains, not the rest of the kingdoms. We are Starks. We were the kings of the North, not the dogs of the South." I finished with a raised voice.

The silence in the solar was striking, and it made me realize the mistake I had made.

Before anyone could continue, I stood up and turned to the others.

"Forgive me for raising my voice. I shouldn't have lost my composure and allowed my feelings to enter the discussion," I said, a hint of shame in my voice.

My father looked intently into my eyes, which were expected to reveal my feelings about the situation. I was embarrassed for losing control, but that didn't mean I regretted saying it. It was high time my father stopped thinking and acting like anything other than a Stark.

Slowly, my father nodded his head, making me exhale with relief as I took my seat again.

"What do you think, Rodrik? Do you agree with Robb?" he asked, looking at the knight squarely in the eyes.

Ser Rodrik shifted uneasily for a moment under my father's gaze before becoming serious and making his decision. "Yes, Lord Stark. Ned... I've served this house since your father gave me the chance to be a guard here. I started from the bottom, and thanks to your father and then to you, I am who I am today. I understand your point of view, but Lord Robb is right. The North bled for Robert Baratheon, and we were left in this situation. The North deserves what the North sows."

My father said nothing, his face as hard as stone as he closed his eyes for a moment before turning to the maester. "And you, Luwin? What do you think about this?"

The maester sighed before rising and walking to the window. "I grew up in the North, Lord Stark. I've endured both wars, and I know that when a Northerner goes to help the South, it doesn't end well. I also agree with Robb on this. Moreover, the fact that we use it first for a while doesn't mean the South will never get this advantage; we're just waiting for a time."

My father stood up and began to walk around the solar. After a minute, his shoulders relaxed. "As I said yesterday, Robb, the North will be in good hands with the next generation." With a small smile, he continued, "We will do as you say, Robb. The fertilizer will be used by our people first. In the future, we will start selling it to the rest of the kingdoms."

"Thank you, Father. Your confidence in my plans means a lot to me," I said as I stood up and embraced him.

"Tyrion took samples of our new products to the capital. I hope it will bring us more clients by giving them an idea of what we offer. But I also hope the new taxes aren't intended to drain the North," I said with a smile that turned into a grimace at the end.

"According to these notes you provided, young Robb, Lord Tyrion was impressed with our new products," said the maester as he read the copies of the scrolls Tyrion had used while in Winterfell.

"He had nothing negative to say. The only point he mentioned frequently was how our exports might affect the other kingdoms when we start," I said with a furrowed brow.

"Do you think we'll have to watch out for assassins sent from Braavos or Qarth?" asked Ser Rodrik.

"We'll increase security. But at least for now, there isn't much risk. When we start exporting, that's when other countries will focus on us," said my father seriously.

"Let's keep a low profile for now. The delegation will return to the capital in a month. For the moment, we need to increase the training for recruits and start offering more incentives to encourage others to join our forces," said the maester.

"Many peasants have children who could start training to be guards in the future. If we offer food and pay, most families would choose to send their young ones. We can train them in their strengths, forming battalions of only squires, only archers, and so on," I said thoughtfully.

"That's a good idea, Lord Robb. I'll tell Vayon Poole to start drafting messages to post in the town centers," said Ser Rodrik, scratching his beard.

"Also, instruct him to ensure that each messenger carries extra coins to give to the merchants so they can spread the word about the opportunity as they travel. The more people hear about it, the better," I replied.

"Anything else we should know, Robb?" asked my father.

"Yes, Father. Tyrion tried to snoop where he shouldn't have," I said with a grimace. "He was investigating the formula for making vodka."

"He dares?!" exclaimed Ser Rodrik with a shout.

"I don't think it was because he wanted to do it," I said after he calmed down.

"What do you mean, young Robb?" asked the maester, raising an eyebrow.

"It seemed like he was doing it out of obligation, not because he wanted to. When I appeared in front of him, he stopped and didn't attempt it again during his stay," I responded mildly.

"Tywin," said my father and Ser Rodrik simultaneously.

"This is getting more complicated by the minute... If Tywin is interested in the North, he could do things to make our lives difficult," said my father after releasing a sigh.

"We will face it together, Father. The North remembers," I said calmly.

"The North remembers," the others said firmly.

"Another issue was one of the servants who came with the delegation. He had orders to interfere with the investigation and spy on our family," I said with a frown.

"Damn it, if it's not one thing, it's another," exclaimed Ser Rodrik.

"Do you know who he worked for, Robb?" asked my father seriously.

I nodded slightly. "A certain Peter Baelish. The Master of Coin of King's Landing."

The rest sighed with frustration. "What will we do about it?" asked the maester.

"Nothing for you. I've taken care of it, so there's no need to worry," I said mysteriously.

"What did you do, Robb?" asked my father seriously.

"Nothing that affects the North, trust me, Father. I would never break the rules of hospitality. The reason I'm not telling you is to avoid the risk of more people finding out," I said calmly.

My father exhaled slowly. "I'll have white hair before forty thanks to you, son," he said, shaking his head.

"Each one a new experience, right?" I laughed as I stood up.

"Before I leave, I'd like to hear your opinions on an idea I have," I said as I turned to the rest.

"I want my group and me to stay near the coast for a few months until we see the crown's sincerity and they deal with the Ironborn," I said seriously.

"We could start by going to Bear Island, then stay a few months in White Harbor to help protect the town from those damned pirates," I continued in a calm voice.

"Why should you go, Lord Robb?" exclaimed Ser Rodrik. "A messenger and a group of guards would be more than sufficient."

"Because the North will need to be united for what's coming. I want the other houses to know that the Starks of Winterfell have their backs and support them. Besides, the crown's decision will anger many of the lords, and if a Stark is explaining the situation, we might prevent many problems."

"It's a good idea, my lord," intervened the maester.

"I hate that you're right... our relationship with some houses isn't that close, and that could influence their attitude. Very well, Robb, head out at dawn with your group to Bear Island. Tomorrow I'll give you a letter to deliver to Maege Mormont. I don't know if the letter will help or make things worse, but I trust you can handle it," he said with a hearty laugh.

"If you encounter any pirates or bandits, you have my permission as Warden of the North to administer whatever justice you see fit. You've earned my trust, and I know you can do it. Be just, son, and remember… whoever dispenses justice must wield the sword," said my father, placing his hand on my shoulder.

"I won't let you down, Father," I said solemnly.

---

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Kingslanding

Tyrion and the rest of the delegation entered the capital. The journey had been relatively smooth, but the difference was palpable once they left the North.

While in the North, the caravan had moved peacefully along the King's Road, with no attacks or incidents of note. The only unusual occurrence had been the illness contracted by one of the servants accompanying them. It started as a common cold; the servant felt weak and tired, but as days went by, they were unable to control it.

During their stay of a few days at the Dustyn ancestral home in Barrowton, the maester in charge of the fortress couldn't do anything to save him, predicting that the illness would worsen over time. As they continued their journey to the capital, the servant began to lose muscular control, and his health deteriorated until he passed away at Walder Frey's ancestral home.

Tyrion shook his head, trying to push the image out of his mind. The death had been agonizing and seemed painful. The only consolation was that no one else had been infected by whatever that was.

Tyrion emerged from the caravan, assisting Lady Elyse, and together they began walking toward the fortress, where the steward of the Red Keep approached them.

"I hope you had a pleasant journey, Lord Tyrion, Lady Elyse," said Reginald Hawke as he approached.

"Thank you, Reginald. I trust everything has been well since the delegation left?" Lady Elyse asked with a small smile, greeting her old friend.

"Not much has changed, Elyse," Reginald replied, giving her a brief hug. "The Small Council is gathered and awaits your report. In the short time since you left Winterfell, troubling news arrived."

Lady Elyse nodded. "Let's head straight there, then," she said, as she, Tyrion, and Reginald entered the fortress.

"Who is present, Reginald?" Tyrion asked, trying to keep their pace.

"Everyone is present, Lord Tyrion— even the King, Lord Renly, and Lord Stannis," Reginald responded calmly.

"And my sister?" Tyrion inquired.

"She is also present, my lord," Reginald said, opening the door to where the others were gathered.

Tyrion and Elyse entered the chamber where the most important figures in Kingslanding were assembled. The King sat on his throne with a goblet of wine, while his wife, the Queen, looked visibly irritated by the situation. Varys and Littlefinger spoke in hushed tones, and the rest of the attendees exuded an air of discomfort.

Lord Arryn looked worried as he read a message beside Maester Pycelle, sipping wine as he waited for the rest of the delegation to arrive.

When the leaders of the delegation—Tyrion, Ser Oakheart, and Lady Elyse—had entered with a few servants carrying various scrolls, the members of the Small Council gave them their full attention.

"Lord Tyrion, Lady Elyse, thank the Seven you arrived safely," said Jon Arryn with a smile that barely concealed his unease.

"Thank you, Lord Hand. The journey from the North was quite straightforward and peaceful. The Stark's bandit purge has yielded impressive results. The Riverlands, however, was a different story; the caravan encountered six different groups of bandits," Tyrion said with a carefree smile.

"Indeed… and what can you tell us about your investigation in the North, Lord Tyrion? My birds only sing in the Riverlands, so I haven't heard anything about your stay," Varys asked with his enigmatic smile.

"The situation is more complex than it appears, Lord Varys. The North is on track to becoming one of the most powerful realms in Westeros," Tyrion said, shrugging.

"Ha! That's my Ned," Robert Baratheon exclaimed with a hearty laugh.

"Why do you believe the North is on that path, Lord Tyrion?" Baelish asked.

"Everything they're doing, Lord Baelish. The North is training recruits en masse and has practically doubled its number of soldiers in peacetime. They may even have surpassed the gold cloaks here in Kingslanding," Tyrion replied, shaking his head in admiration.

"Really? That many? Why would they need so many soldiers?" Renly asked.

"They're preparing for an armed conflict with the Ironborn if the Crown doesn't compel them to stop their attacks on the North. Lord Stark told me with complete seriousness that the North will go to war if the Crown does not intervene," Tyrion said, his tone serious as he met the eyes of each of the kingdom's representatives.

"We can't allow that! The realm couldn't bear a war between two houses like the Starks and the Greyjoys!" Lord Arryn exclaimed, worried.

"Then I suggest we send a messenger to Pyke immediately… The North is ready, and I didn't notice any attempt to pressure me," Tyrion explained.

"I have a message from one of my little birds in the Iron Islands," Varys interjected. "It appears that young Robb Stark and the bastard of Winterfell defeated and beheaded Dagon Cod of House Cod and sent his head to Balon Greyjoy with a note demanding he cease his attacks on the North."

"Damn, we arrived too late," Tyrion murmured, shaking his head.

"This will complicate things," Jon Arryn said, worried.

"Complicate? The Iron Islands will cease attacking the North's ships by order of the King!" Robert exclaimed, banging the table with his fist.

"But, Your Grace… this offense…" the Maester began.

"Enough!" the King raised his voice, "I am the King, and I order those damn ironborn to stop acting like fools. They started these conflicts with their raids, and what they got is what they've sown!"

"They won't like that, dear. You should punish the scion of the Starks," the Queen intervened with a condescending smile.

"Silence, woman!" Robert roared, "My word is final. Maester, send a raven to Pyke demanding that they stop immediately, or the rest of the Seven Kingdoms will attack them until their bloodline is erased from history."

The Maester nodded quickly, eager to avoid the wrath of the drunken King. Rising, he began to walk towards his quarters as swiftly as possible.

"What other results did you obtain, Lord Tyrion?" Jon Arryn asked after a defeated sigh, knowing he couldn't change Robert's decision once he was in this mood.

"The North's products are starting to shake up many businesses of various houses, but I have no doubt that the North will continue to rise to the top," Tyrion replied.

"What wonderful products does the North bring us?" Renly asked, tilting his head.

"Honey, silk, and a way to dye their garments a very beautiful red," Lady Elyse said for the first time since the conversation began.

"And they also have another product they tried to keep secret. Despite my efforts, I couldn't find out what it was," Tyrion said with a frustrated look.

"And you have no idea what it could be, Lord Tyrion?" Varys asked softly.

"No… The Starks guarded it with all their might. Despite being permitted to visit any part of their magnificent castle, I saw nothing that gave me a clue as to what this secret product might be," Tyrion explained slowly.

"Curious…" Renly said.

"Did anything good come out of this investigation?" Stannis finally asked.

"I managed to persuade Lord Stark to continue buying supplies from the Tyrells and the Martells. This should placate those families by providing them with this concession," Tyrion said.

Tyrion then began explaining the details of his conversation with Lord Stark, and gradually the members of the Small Council began to understand how they could use the situation to the Crown's advantage and their own.

"And you, Ser Oakheart, have anything to add about your stay in the North?" Jon Arryn asked.

The knight exchanged a glance with Tyrion and Elyse before standing up and addressing Ser Barristan directly.

"There is a gem in the North, and I'm not ashamed to admit that he will be a better warrior than I in very little time," Ser Oakheart said.

Ser Barristan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who are you speaking of, Ser?" he finally asked.

"Lord Robb Stark has the potential to be one of the greatest swordsmen Westeros has seen since the Age of Heroes," Ser Oakheart said.

"Really? He must have impressed you," Littlefinger commented condescendingly.

"He defeated me in our first duel. I wasn't giving it my all, but for a twelve-year-old to beat me is no simple feat," the knight continued.

"He beat you? I expected more from a Kingsguard," Jaime Lannister said with a mocking laugh, accompanying his sister as her guard.

"Don't mock him, Kingslayer. You wouldn't have beaten a Kingsguard at twelve," Ser Barristan defended his friend.

"Ha!" The King laughed loudly. "The young wolf lives up to his name."

"Indeed, Your Majesty. He has truly impressed me. And as Varys mentioned earlier, he defeated Dagon Cod. Consider this… he is only twelve. His potential is truly impressive," Ser Oakheart agreed.

As the meeting and report concluded, the representatives began to leave one by one, until only Tyrion, Varys, and Littlefinger remained in the chamber.

"Lord Tyrion, do you know what happened to the servant Darion? He was with you to the North," Littlefinger asked.

"Yes… it's truly a shame what happened to him," Tyrion said with difficulty, the memories of his worsening condition resurfacing in his mind.

"Did something happen?" Baelish asked, feigning concern.

"He fell ill when we were passing through Torrhen's Square. Gradually his health deteriorated, and even the Dustyn maester couldn't save him. I'm sorry for his loss; Darion helped us greatly in the investigation, and it seemed he tried to assist at every opportunity," Tyrion said, meeting Baelish's gaze.

Baelish's eyebrow twitched nervously. Rubbing his throat, he said, "Yes, Darion was like that. Always wanting to help and be involved in everything. He was truly a good man. If you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave," he said, exiting the room.

"It seems he had sent a spy with the delegation," Varys murmured. "It's a pity he fell ill. He might have learned various things in the North. But I guess we'll never know."

Tyrion remained alone in the room, reflecting on what he had heard, before paling as he remembered that upon returning to Casterly Rock, he would have to face his father with bad news.

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Bear Island

"Jory!" I called out from the entrance of House Mormont's keep, accompanied by Maege Mormont, the lady of Bear Island.

Jory turned to look at us, leaving the handful of recruits we had brought to the coast for training—an opportunity for them to lose their hesitation about taking a life in defense of our realm.

"Robb, Lady Mormont. How are you both today?" Jory asked with a smile.

"We're well, and much better thanks to all the support from House Stark," Maege said with a grateful smile. "We had been suffering greatly from all the raiders that have been attacking lately."

"We Starks must protect our realm, Lady Mormont," I replied calmly. "Besides, all our recruits are gaining valuable experience here." I finished with a chuckle.

"We all benefit, don't we?" Lady Mormont said. "The best alliances are forged this way."

Thanks to my father's idea to bring 500 soldiers with us on this expedition to the coast—to let them get some real experience and see the life of a guard—we were able to enhance the training effectiveness through real battles against raiders and pirates.

These soldiers were from the first batches we graduated in Winterfell. They had the theoretical knowledge of how to fight and defend their lands, but over the months they had spent on the coast, they had gained practical experience and lost their sensitivity to taking lives when necessary.

The Mormonts had provided a small keep, which would be maintained by our soldiers. For their sustenance, both groups would work together to supply the population of Bear Island, from fishing practices that could be useful in the future to hunting the island's wild animals.

Moreover, with the message my father gave me before starting this expedition, the Mormont family began to increase their maritime power with the help of the Clover family, who stayed with another contingent of 300 guards. Each of the northern houses was ordered to start training large groups of soldiers from the beginning, it didn't matter if they were highborn or peasants, everyone started at the same level. Any peasant who wished to help or simply offer their services was accepted, as long as they did not break the law. Naturally, some houses could not provide large numbers of soldiers, but those who could were doing so.

Additionally, all families with coastal territories were required to increase their security and begin constructing keeps where garrisons of soldiers would be stationed. With this and the help of the Manderlys, they could start working on maritime trade and begin earning more gold for their families and the North.

The Clovers, the Flints, the Ryswells, and the Karstarks had the support of the Manderlys and the Starks in this effort. The Manderlys were building merchant and warships at no charge, and once each house had at least three ships—two merchant and one warship—they would begin seeking out trade opportunities for the goods produced by the other families. The Manderlys could continue assisting thanks to the profits they had accumulated over the years, and the Starks subsidized where we could, making the North stronger.

We were gradually preparing for the War of the Five Kings, and I was genuinely pleased with what we had achieved over the past two years. We were still waiting for the crown's response regarding the decision they would make with the research data, but as much as I wished otherwise, I had no power to change it, and we would have to endure these decisions for over a year. The advantage was that by troubling the Northerners with these sanctions, the separation or struggle for the throne would gain more traction, which would give the North better advantages in the future.

As I thought about the changes in the North, Jory and Maege finished their conversation and were looking at me, noticing I was distracted.

"Are you okay, Robb? You seemed lost in thought for a moment," Maege asked with a teasing tone.

"I think it's time to return to Winterfell. I'm sure your family will be able to continue the construction and other tasks," I said with a sheepish smile.

"Dacey will be sad to see you go, Robb," Maege said with a hearty laugh.

"Tell that little demon to give me some space, haha," I laughed with her. "She never stops fighting with me or Jon; all she thinks about is battles."

"Yes, it's a pity," Maege said, "I'd like to have grandchildren soon," she added with a suggestive wink.

"Ughh," I staggered back a couple of steps. "I need to go. Jory, prepare everything for our return to Winterfell. We leave at dawn."

Putting as much distance as possible between myself and the lady of Bear Island, I focused on the memories of my family. Realistically, I had been away from Winterfell for a very long time, but it was necessary. Preparing ourselves before Canon began would ensure the North could defend itself against the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. There were too many enemies and too few allies, so preparing ourselves could save our lives in the future.

Winterfell

Leaving the battalion on Bear Island was a decision made very carefully between my father and his advisors, but realistically it was the best option. We left one of Winterfell's veteran guards in charge of the keep at Bear Island; he would command the troops alongside Maege Mormont.

This way, my house wouldn't lose control of the troops, as it would be a joint command between both houses.

Approaching Winterfell, I saw the guards opening the castle gates. The sounds of the hundreds of guards present at all times, the clanging of their training weapons, could be heard from outside the castle. Their effort was at 110%; no matter the initial reason they joined the army, after months of training together, they had all gained a new family in each other.

Entering the Great Hall, I noticed that my family was not alone. Various lords were present with them.

"Robb. I apologize for not being able to receive you as always," my father said, a bit embarrassed.

Giving him a calm smile, I approached his seat at the table and hugged him. "No problem, Father. It's good to be back home."

My father responded with a small smile before returning to a conversation with Rickard Karstark.

"Mother, every time I see you, you look more beautiful," I said to Catelyn with an honest smile. My relationship with her was not like in canon; the distance that had grown between us was quite obvious, but that didn't mean I didn't love her. She was like a second mother to me. There wasn't total trust, and my maturity had led her to stop treating me like a child in front of others. But I couldn't deny that I felt good when she showed concern for me.

Catelyn smiled warmly at my compliment, stood up, and gave me a welcoming hug. "We've all missed you, and Jon," she whispered so only I could hear.

"We're happy to be here. And I think we'll be staying in Winterfell for a long time. There are many responsibilities I've had to neglect due to my travels, and it's time for me to return to them."

My mother's smile grew even wider upon hearing this. Kissing me on the brow, she followed my father's example and returned to her conversation with Lord Umber's wife.

My younger siblings also approached happily, even more so when they heard what I told my mother about staying in the castle for a long time.

Sansa and Arya were accompanied by the new septa, who was tasked with guiding them as best she could. At least Sansa listened to her teachings, but Arya couldn't care less about them. At least she attended and didn't try to run away, as she had permission to do as she wished in this life. For now, she just ran and played with some guards, but in the coming years, Arya would surely start learning how to defend herself.

My mother didn't seem to like this, but she overlooked it and continued teaching her other daughter how to be a proper lady.

Sitting down, I couldn't deny there was no way to express how happy I was to finally be home. Each day left less time for preparation, but I was confident I would achieve my goals. The War of the Five Kings, and then unifying the kingdoms under my command, all that work just to prepare for the long night.

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Winterfell.

A new day began at Winterfell Castle. The sound of metal against metal could be heard from outside. Soldiers were training, and blacksmiths used their hammers to create more tools and weapons.

I found myself once again with my father and mother in the Lord of Winterfell's solar, a warm scene of family affection. These years had been tough for us, but each member of the Stark family fulfilled their duties to help others whenever possible.

The sanctions imposed by the crown— and they were sanctions, despite their claims of acting for the good of the Seven Kingdoms— had created very negative feelings among the northern population. My father's friendship with the king and the Hand had been affected. Despite my father's affection for both, he could not defend them in front of the other northern lords without being affected.

The North was different from the South; lords preferred to be direct, as there was no time to waste on such matters. Thus, in the great assembly that followed the delegation's visit (over a year ago), the other lords and ladies were very displeased with the crown's decision. After five months, we received the first royal order: the taxes we paid to the capital would increase by 32% from what was previously paid before the delegation's visit.

Calls for the head of the Lannisters and the Master of Coin were the only things heard in the great hall of Winterfell for a couple of days. The lords— particularly those who had started earning extra gold due to our new industries— were the most upset. Lord Umber and Lord Karstark were the most vocal in the discussion.

Alcohol did not help at all, ending with Lord Umber questioning my father's decision to accept these new taxes instead of responding with war. My father quickly silenced the lord, as he had their respect. The worst part was that the other lords around also agreed with Jon Umber and wanted Southern Blood to calm down.

After some concessions and my father's promise to do everything possible to resolve the situation, the rest of the lords fell silent. We had the advantage that, not being winter, the North had become almost self-sufficient within a year. Thus, the other houses calmed down enough.

Food had become abundant, there were more guards than had existed in the written history of our kingdom, and the population was happy, sleeping in warm places with full stomachs. For the first time in decades, the population did not fear not being able to feed their children.

The North was stronger than ever, but the lords knew it was not enough to defeat the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, and it was too early to decide to separate from the rest of the realms. Therefore, the decision was made to wait a few years before making a decision.

My opportunity would come soon. Northerners were hard to offend, but we also forget slights slowly. Therefore, when the Lannisters take power in the capital, I would have the support of the other lords to claim the Iron Throne or our independence. We had already heard the news of a deserter from the Night's Watch, so I was just waiting for them to capture him and for my father to take us to the execution to know that the canon had begun.

In the War of the Five Kings, the North had sent approximately twenty thousand soldiers in support of the original Robb. Now, with all the effort we had put into the North's security in these five years, we could double that number without counting the soldiers who would remain in the North for its protection. We had focused on strengthening the North for any invasion, but since the South had no available spies, the news did not reach them; so, they only heard rumors they did not believe due to their perception of the Northerners.

Every Northerner was upset with the crown's decisions, from peasants and merchants to the lords of the great houses. Therefore, their loyalty to House Stark had increased like never before, as it was thanks to us that they could live without worries now. Unfortunately, I had to involve myself significantly with different lords to demonstrate that the Starks should be feared and respected.

Secret meetings with the lords who supported my view of the situation and knew that I would do whatever was necessary for the good of our kingdom consolidated their support for me. Lord Umber, Lord Karstark, Lord Hornwood, and Lady Mormont were the lords who, despite being unquestionably loyal to my father, also knew that if we wanted the North to come out of a war smelling like roses, my father was not the commander we wanted for our armies.

My father, for all his virtues, was very blind regarding his honor and would be the type of commander who would let his enemies go just because they surrendered, not realizing they would wait to stab him in the back.

The political situation was less complicated in the North, and with my powers, I had the advantage of being able to investigate any house without them realizing, so I could be sure of their loyalties.

While I was lost in my thoughts, a hurried knock sounded at the door of the solar.

"Enter," my father said authoritatively.

Ser Rodrick hurried in but was happy with the news he brought.

"My lord, the deserter from the Night's Watch has been captured," said the knight, standing at the entrance, knowing how his liege would respond.

"Good," my father said before standing up. "Prepare the horses, Rodrick. We will leave in ten minutes and send a servant to get Bran ready. It's time he sees the reality of our world."

My mother frowned before intervening. "Are you sure, Ned? Bran is just a boy."

"At his age, my father had already taken me to my first execution. Relations with the rest of the realms are not so good. Bran needs to stop being coddled, Cat," my father said with understanding but certainty in his decision.

"I'll be with him if he needs comfort, Mother. As will Jon and Theon," I said with a smile before becoming serious. "For days, I've been having bad premonitions. I think it would be best if Bran comes with us."

My father and Ser Rodrick grew serious upon hearing what I said. Over the years, I had used my supposed premonitions to explain knowledge I should not have, so the people of Winterfell took it seriously when I said such things.

"Do you know what they are about, dear?" asked Catelyn worriedly.

I simply shook my head and, hugging her, withdrew to prepare for the journey.

Writing on a piece of parchment, I composed a message for Jon, explaining the situation and instructing him to prepare. Tying it to the leg of a beetle, I directed it to where Jon was to deliver it. This was a practice I had with him, partly for ease of communication and partly because his reactions were quite amusing.

Jon never adapted to my insects, though he no longer feared or disgusted them as he did at first; he still felt strange when I used them.

Taking a light armor from the armory and a simple sword, I headed towards the entrance of Winterfell, where the rest of the party was waiting.

Smiling at Sansa and Arya, I hugged them quickly and ran my hand through Rickon's hair, who was in my mother's arms.

Sansa became second in command after Mother when my father, Jon, and I were away from the castle. Convincing the maester to teach her about the responsibilities of a lord was relatively easy— just a few ideas about how it could be beneficial, and the maester took care of her education.

Sansa was less on board at first until I explained that no man worth having would want a decorative wife, and knowing how to help her husband would be a great advantage for her.

"Take care of the castle while we're away," I said with a small smile, which all four returned affectionately. "And make sure Arya doesn't burn down a room," I joked.

Arya pouted at me. "It was only once, Robb. And I've already apologized for my actions," she said, her eyes looking at the ground.

"I'm just teasing you, little sister," I said with a kiss on her head. "I trust you'll protect Mother and the rest of the family if something happens," I whispered in her ear.

"Yes!" Arya shouted excitedly while reaching for a dagger hidden at her waist, a gift from Jon and me.

Taking her hand before she revealed the weapon to avoid my mother's scolding, I joined the group to start the journey.

Nodding to my father, he motioned for the rest of the guards to join us, and with haste, we started the trip to the execution.

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