10 Chapter 9 BRANDON

Several riders could be seen preparing their horses, and while all this was happening, a 10-year-old boy was bidding farewell to his father.

"Brandon, I'll ask you again. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, father, my decision hasn't changed."

"Alright, you're in charge. Please, protect your mother and your siblings."

"Of course, father."

"Son, I'm proud."

"Father, we're leaving."

Remembering the mission my father entrusted to me, I can't help but recall all the changes that have occurred here.

'I always knew Ned was different. He's my brother, and I truly appreciate him for who he is, but he was always strange. When I almost drowned at the age of 4, Ned began to change. He became more mature, less gloomy, but he also became freer. His demeanor became more playful; he spoke to father without retaining titles, treated the servants more carefully, and made an effort to remember their names. According to him, that was the least we could do to thank them.

It was difficult to get used to the change, but it was for the better. He helped me a lot with my lessons with Maester Walys. I couldn't notice the difference in our abilities. The things I was supposed to know, he mastered immediately. There, I thought maybe he was a better lord than me. Over time, I discovered that being a lord is not just about war and birthright. Father has always told me that there is no better gift for a lord than a capable standard-bearer.

I think maybe I could be the warrior who fights on the front lines, goes hunting, and rides all day, while Ned takes care of the territory for me... Anyway, I was never interested in anything more than being free.

One day, while Ned and I were in the Godswood, we fought. I also wanted to find things like Ned, but I didn't succeed. That day, Ned found 10 gold dragons and offered to share the treasure for helping him search all day, but I wanted to find it by myself, not just dig where I was told.

So, in my frustration, I shouted at Ned that I didn't need it, that I was the eldest, I would be the lord of the North, and he would have a small fortress. I would have all the gold of the North for myself, and he would live off his little treasures. I regretted it as soon as I said it, but I didn't know how to apologize.

He just smiled and said to me as he placed the coins in my hand: "You're the eldest, Brandon, Winterfell is yours, and when you grow up, I'll be your greatest and most faithful standard-bearer, but we'll never stop being brothers. Family comes first."

I felt so bad that I couldn't help but tell father what I had done, how I had treated Ned. Father didn't scold me, contrary to what I thought, he just said to apologize to Ned, to learn from him instead of envying him. From that day on, I strove to learn, to be better, to earn what was rightfully mine and to learn from my brother.

But it was so hard, unlike Ned, who could read for hours, I wanted to go out, ride, learn the sword… My mother called it the Blood of the Wolf.

I'm more and more sure that Ned will be a better lord than me, with all his inventions, all his desire to improve the North, he thinks about changing things, things I didn't think we needed to change. Maester Walys insists that I shouldn't let Ned surpass me, that Ned is ambitious, that he will take Winterfell from me, but I know him, I know him even better than my parents. I know he also has the blood of a wolf in him, but he doesn't seek war or glory, he loves adventure, he loves finding treasures, knowing things.

Maester Walys died. Am I a bad person for being happy? Finally, he won't try to separate me from Ned anymore

My father gave my brother a project with numbers and such. I'm sure if he does it well, he'll finally be able to do his secret projects that he only talks to me about. Meanwhile, I decided to focus on what I was good at. My father always said Ned would support me when I became lord.

But I want to help Ned. If he wanted to improve the North, I would help him, so I tried hard to help him, but I didn't know how. I didn't understand numbers like Ned, but maybe I could come up with something.

Today I talked to Ned; I told him ALL MY IDEAS. If I'm good at war, I would strengthen the North in war. It's no longer about Ned being better than me; it's about strengthening the North, no matter who does it.

As always, I'm not discouraged, but I analyze my ideas. He talked to me about how to present them or what could be improved... So I read books and numbers. I was surprised to learn that the North could actually raise twice as many people for war, about 80,000, but we usually only take half because of the cost of maintaining the army. I always thought you just called to arms and people had a duty to respond, but the levies receive a salary or something like that, 150 silver stags per year paid 50 every three months once the conflict started, and since 220 silver stags are one gold dragon, that makes maintaining the 40,000 levies cost twenty-seven thousand gold dragons a year to keep them.

But it's not just the salary; you have to equip the levies, keep them fed, and so on. I told Ned that I would like to better arm the levies; there would be fewer deaths, but although I don't dismiss my idea, he helped me make a price list:

Metal Armor 50 dragons

Leather Armor 5 dragons

Leather Gambeson 2 dragons and 50 silver stag

Sword 1 dragon and 100 silver stags

Axe 200 silver stags

Shield 150 silver stags

Pikes 5 silver stags

Helmet 1 dragon

Bows 150 silver stags

War Horse 15 dragons

Pack Horse 5 dragons

Just equipping the levies with pikes costs nine hundred gold dragons, and those things break after the first uses. The last time I asked, Father told me we have around half a million gold dragons and some more silver and jewels in the treasury. 'There goes my idea of giving armor to all the peasants.'

Ned helped me organize my ideas; I thought about increasing the guards to better fight the bandits, but I hadn't considered the cost of having more guards, a guard is paid 20 gold dragons per year plus the expense of equipping them, so our finances wouldn't allow it... thinking about the prices, I now understand why Winterfell only has 300 fixed guards. But I will find a middle ground, maybe more training or better patrols.

I thought about building a western navy to protect the coasts from the ironborn, but we don't have castles or ports or money for the ships.

My father calls it the Spring Festival, on the occasion of Benjen's birth and to celebrate that the winter was the shortest in a decade; he called all his standard-bearers to Winterfell.

Normally, they only gather at the Harvest Feast, but maybe because there hasn't been an important meeting in a long time, almost everyone attended.

The first to arrive as always were the Mormonts. Lord Jeor Mormont is one of my father's most loyal lords. Since we gave them Bear Island, there hasn't been a time when the Starks call and the Mormonts don't respond. While other standard-bearers might consider the bears as a lesser standard because their number of troops is not impressive, the Starks have always treated them with respect.

Next were the Dustins, the Tallharts, and the Ryswell, great standard-bearers of the plains.

The Umbers and the Karstarks arrived together; it seems the Karstarks avoid Dreadfort whenever they can, preferring to go around Lonely Hills by the Kingsroad.

Shortly after, the Glover caravan arrived, as did the Mountain Clans, TOGETHER, it seems there are better roads to Deepwood Motte than on the other side of the mountain.

The last to arrive were the Manderlys and the Flints of Widow's Watch and the Flints of Flint's Finger; it seems they found their way here, but Lord Manderly's helmsman broke down so often that it delayed them.

The Reeds of Greywater Watch did not attend, but Father says it's not very common for them to leave their swamps, but they always know when they need them; they always know.

House Locke did not attend because it seems they have problems with the pirates of the Three Sisters.

As for the Boltons, it seems that Lord Bolton has health problems... well, it's not like we miss them hahaha.

The discussion with the northern lords is very different from what I thought, full of a festive atmosphere and plenty of alcohol, lots of alcohol.

"My lords, I have gathered you to celebrate the birth of my fourth son, Benjen Stark, but also because we have things to discuss. As you know, for a long time the North has struggled for food, having to buy large quantities from the Tyrells."

With this, the crowd of lords erupted.

"Damn southerners."

"Their prices are getting higher and higher."

"Damn it, ever since that witch yielded the new gift, we've been left without good lands."

"Silence, I understand your difficulties. But I have an announcement that may lift your spirits: my son Ned has found a way that may help us."

"My lords, thanks to the old gods, I have found a way for our fields to yield more, to clear the land more quickly, and even to sow more grain without birds eating it."

"Hahaha, boy, what marvelous magic is this?" Lord Umber shouted.

"No, it's not magic, my lord, it's new instruments," said Ned as he indicated to the servants to place the planter and the plow in the center of the hall.

"If we can equip each farmer with these machines, we can prepare double the amount of land and sow more rapidly. As for this new harness, it allows a single horse to move the machines without getting too tired."

"And I suppose these are not just imaginary data, YOUNG Eddard," spoke Jeor Mormont.

"Of course not, my lord. A season before winter came, I used these inventions on farms a few kilometers away. Even today, Winterfell's fields use these devices for their work, and they all show the same data: more food, more fields, and fewer necessary horses."

With that, another discussion erupted.

"Nonsense, there hasn't been anything like this in eight thousand years."

"My lord, if what he says is true..."

"Bah, can a machine perform so many miracles?"

"Lies."

"The Starks do not lie, Ryswell."

"Silence!" Rickard shouted.

"I am sure, my lord, that tomorrow we could go to the farms so that you yourselves can see how they are used."

End of the scene.

Visiting the fields was entertaining. People sing praises to Ned for his projects. According to them, the roasters and planters allow them to sow more and faster, but what you really recognize is the fact that Ned gave them money to sow clover in the fallow lands. They are not optimistic about the change, firmly believing that it is an excuse for the Starks to give them money without it seeming like charity, and when they found out that it was Ned's own money, they became fanatics of my brother.

As for the lords, after a demonstration, as well as Lord Umber shedding a tear for so many green fields (manly tears), they were convinced.

The lords agreed to buy the machines at Ned's workshop. Many, like Lord Ryswell, were hesitant, wanting to make their own tools to have them all before the next planting season, but when they heard how much it costs to make them, they gave up.

My father and the lords reached the following agreement: Ned would sell them 1000 of each of the machines and 500 of the harnesses for 50 silver each. They, in turn, would rent them to the farmers for ten percent more of the harvest for 5 years; after that, they would belong to them. The best part is that Ned already had the stock; they could take them back immediately.

Also, my father gave each of the lords 15 packhorses to rent to the farmers who did not have horses or used bulls for plowing. One day before they left, my father called Ned and me to his solar to meet with the mountain clans. It turns out that they only needed some tools, as they do not have many fields to sow.

They also wanted to know what they needed to exchange for them, as they did not have much money. Before my father spoke, Ned said that he would give them the machines, but in return, he asked that some of their men guide some people through the mountains and accommodate them. When the lords left, my father asked Ned who those people were. Ned only said that they were mine seekers.

My brother is now rich, or so my father says. Apparently, one of the things he found in the Godwood was entrusted to Lord Manderly to sell. It turned out that the Lannisters acquired the gold ingot for more than triple its gold value; it turns out it was one of the first ingots minted in Casterly Rock. As for the silver one, the Iron Bank ended up acquiring it. It turns out that, since the other was so old, so old that a lord of Braavos bought it for two merchant galleys.

Now Ned has 2500 gold dragons and two merchant ships in the ports of White Harbor, not counting the 700 dragons he obtained from the plows, and that's just the first batch since covering the North requires at least fifty times that amount. That, plus the businesses he has in Wintertown, makes him richer than House Mormont already.

For now, he has rented the galleys to the Manderlys in exchange for part of the cargo being volcanic ash, which they will pay for. According to Ned, it's an important ingredient for his new way of building houses in Wintertown.

Speaking of Wintertown, it has expanded a lot. Ned insisted that the roads be straight and wide, and the houses made of the new material, although only the new part has that style for now; there are still wooden houses in some areas. However, the maester tells me that the goal is for everyone in the city to have a gray stone house.

Today Ned began his sword training, and I'm proud to say he's as good as I am. In less than a year, we'll be able to defeat most of Winterfell's squires. I prefer sword and shield, but Ned prefers using two weapons. His left is clumsy, but I know he'll master it.

My father informed us that Moat Cailin will begin to be rebuilt, perhaps as a seat for Benjen because by the old gods, I won't let Ned leave Winterfell. I'm not cut out to be a lord; Ned will have to help me manage Winterfell for the rest of my life. Haha.

Today my father spoke with us; he wants us to train a group of guards to be our own personal forces. I know Ned had something to do with it, but I'm not complaining; I'll have my own guards. Maybe I can start my bandit hunting group that I've been wanting for years. For now, Ned will pay for everything, but I'm keeping track. One day I'll pay him back... maybe.

Ned wants more than a reconstruction; he wants a completely new castle for Moat Cailin. He even talks about a canal connecting the Fever River with the White Knife, but it's still a work in progress on how to achieve it.

With the reconstruction of Moat Cailin, I'm poor again... well, Ned is poor, so I don't have loans for everything I want anymore.

But at least we were able to arm our squads: leather armor, helmets, swords, bows, and a horse for each of the 50 guards. Ned didn't let me send them on patrol right away; he insists they go through training. This includes not only weapon practice but also shooting on horseback, running, overcoming obstacles, lifting heavy objects, tracking animals in Wolfswood, and setting up and dismantling camps with wooden stakes and ditches. I still don't understand why, but every day they seem more dangerous, more professional.

Ned and I also joined their training sessions; we even eat with them occasionally. Lyanna and Benjen are as close as Ned and I are. Although I must admit, we all fight for Ned's attention when he's not busy. Even my father's ward, Mance, follows Ned around like a puppy.

Speaking of Mance, he's Ned's age and is supposed to be half Wildling, but he's quite good with music and singing, and just as good as I am with a sword in hand. He's probably preparing to be Ned's second knight, and I say second because it seems Ned already has a sworn sword. It all happened one day when we were breaking the fast.

Retrospective Scene:

"Lord Stark, good morning."

"Good morning, Duncan. What can I do for you?"

"..."

"I would like to request permission to leave your service."

"Oh, that's a surprise. Tell me, Daniel, why do you want to leave my house?"

"It's nothing against you, my lord. I just want to swear my sword to Lord Eddard of House Stark."

"Hahaha," Rickard and Lyarra chuckled.

"So that's what it's about, Daniel. Very well, but if you're going to do it, you'll do it properly," my father said as he stood up.

"Mance, bring my Ice from my solar."

"As you know, we don't have the custom of knighting in the North, but we have a similar one, the homme d'armes. You will be considered a knight in the strictest sense, but in addition, the title is hereditary; a new house will be given, which your children will inherit." (similar to the Cassels)

While he explained, Mance arrived carrying Ice.

"On your knees, Daniel."

"I, Lord Rickard Stark, Lord Paramount of the North and Lord of Winterfell, name you, Daniel..."

"Duncan, my lord, to honor the tradition, you know," he interrupted.

"Haha, are you sure?"

"..."

"I, Lord Rickard Stark, Lord Paramount of the North and Lord of Winterfell, name you, Duncan... under the service of Lord Eddard Stark. May the old gods bear witness to your oaths."

End of the scene.

Thus, my brother obtained a sworn knight, also his first lesser standard-bearer, once he settles. Now Duncan directly answers to Ned, and it is also Ned who gives him his payment: 50 dragons per year. Apparently, he wanted to give him 100 dragons, but my father did not allow it; otherwise, there would be knights and guards in the north who would line up to serve him.

Another thing I learned from this is that apparently the one who names you a knight must gift you with a warhorse, a full suit of armor, a shield with the emblem of your house, and a sword, regardless of the weapon you normally use.

***

The day we went to the crypts, I finally understood it, and with understanding, my blood pumped freely. I know what kind of lord I want to be, what kind of person I need to be. I talked to father about it, my insecurities, what I wanted from my life. To my surprise, my father didn't stop me, he just said to think about it, to seek a middle ground.

I remember Ned told me that Maester Aemon was a wise man. For the first time, I wrote to him seeking guidance.

Now I'm here, ready for the tour of the North and to fulfill my mission entrusted to me by my father. As I left Winterfell, I couldn't help but murmur,

"Now it begins."

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Diary of Edrick Stark

Entry number 3

EXCERPT FROM CONVERSATIONS WITH A SURVIVOR

Our ancestors were farmers. It is said that the first descendant set sail before the creatures of the deep swallowed the islands. He shipwrecked along with other boats for months.

We couldn't fish, everything that sank was swallowed. It seemed they enjoyed sinking us little by little. We tried to ward them off, to fight, but we were powerless.

A thousand ships left our home, fewer than a hundred reached land. Through sacrifice rather than luck.

We don't know who started it, but men threw themselves into the sea asking for help, they drowned, they didn't resurface, until it happened... They heard our pleas. It emerged from the sea with a thousand tentacles and mouths. It fought against the creatures, trapped them, allowed us to escape, reach land.

We sank, we died, but we rose tougher, stronger, we survived.

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Hello readers. How do you see the chapter? It mentions some information about prices, this to explain some things like why only Tywin has a permanent army or why the Reach has the highest number of knights.

Also, to tell you that I'll try not to handle such large numbers, my mortal mind cannot conceive millions. I think I've never seen millions of something together in real life.

"With this chapter, we can conclude the first part of the story, Eddard's childhood in Winterfell. The next arc will be his adventures in the North. I have most of this arc written, just need to fine-tune a few things and align some dates. It will be easier with fewer flashback scenes... Who am I kidding? I love them."

Thanks for the support so far. Consider leaving a review of the story,

BUT READ AND "I'm not kidding with my assessment" (wink wink).

"And again, if anyone is interested, you know."

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