Game of Thrones: The Frozen Throne

The fire burned in the hearth. In the bedroom, baby Rickon slept soundly, wrapped in fur.

"Half a million gold dragons?" Catelyn stood by the window, gazing at the warehouses, barracks, and workshops under construction in Winter Town.

She turned to glare at Eddard. "Are you insane? You've put Winterfell in debt for half a million gold dragons. How could we possibly repay the Iron Bank?"

Eddard placed a reassuring hand on Catelyn's shoulder.

"Don't worry. We will repay it."

In truth, Eddard had also borrowed another hundred thousand gold dragons from Wyman Manderly of White Harbor, but there was no need to add fuel to the fire while Catelyn was already furious.

Catelyn brushed Eddard's hand away with her slender fingers. "With what? When have you ever seen Winterfell's treasury hold that much gold?"

Eddard replied, "My financial advisor, Klar, and I have planned everything. Once Winter Town's expansion is complete, we will generate revenue and recover our investment. In fact, a honey candle factory is about to start production. The raw materials and workers are already in place."

Catelyn scoffed, "Honey candles? You think honey candles will pay off half a million gold dragons?"

"We will also produce candied fruits and smoked sausages," Eddard added.

These plans were closely tied to the beekeeping and salt-curing projects he had initiated. The candied fruits and honey candles would rely on honey, while the sausages would come from Winter Town's livestock farms.

The former pigsty overseer, Given, had been promoted to head of livestock. He now managed the pig and cattle farms, and on his recommendation, Eddard had also invested in poultry and rabbit farms. Soon, Winterfell would have a steady supply of meat.

Additionally, the hunters of Winterfell regularly brought back game from the Wolfswood—boars, pheasants, hares, and deer. Many of these hunters were former poachers who had become prisoners. Eddard had pardoned them in exchange for their service, allowing them to hunt to repay their crimes.

With all this fresh meat and the salt from the curing houses, Winter Town's factories would soon be able to produce smoked sausages and hams.

Eddard was confident. "Catelyn, Klar and I have carefully planned everything. Klar will ensure Winterfell makes money; otherwise, why would I have hired him?"

Catelyn's blue eyes burned with anger. "That Braavosi Klar has sold you to the Iron Bank, and you still trust him to handle our finances? He used to work for the Iron Bank! He was probably sent here to steal from us."

Eddard sighed and smiled. "The Iron Bank lent us money—how is that stealing? Besides, Klar was invaluable during negotiations with their envoys. He secured us a much lower interest rate."

Catelyn shook her head. "How do you know he wasn't putting on an act with them? Klar is Braavosi, and the Iron Bank's envoys are Braavosi. I've heard Braavos is filled with theaters—Braavosi are masterful actors."

"And that Syrio Forel!" she continued. "Every day, I see him training Robb, Arya, and Bran with swords, and it terrifies me. The moment I hear his thick Braavosi accent, I fear he'll run off with my children. He keeps filling their heads with stories about Braavos—Arya told me she wants to go see the Titan of Braavos with him!"

Eddard chuckled. "Children say all sorts of things. Sansa dreams of visiting King's Landing and Oldtown. Robb talks about venturing beyond the Wall. They just let their imaginations run wild."

Catelyn fumed. "I've told you countless times to get rid of Klar and Syrio Forel, but you refuse to listen. If you insist on keeping Syrio as a sword instructor, let him train Jon Snow. Or Theon. Or that Bolton boy, Domeric. Let him train the bastard and the ward, but keep him away from my children!"

Eddard said calmly, "There's no need to rush Syrio out. I'll be taking him on campaign with me."

Eddard had already ordered the banners of the North to gather. They would soon launch an expedition to rid the eastern coast of Skagosi raiders and strike at the mysterious island of Skagos. Syrio Forel's sword skills would prove useful in battle.

Eddard expected Catelyn to be pleased at Syrio's departure, but instead, she suddenly grabbed his wrist.

"Eddard, it's not too late to call off the campaign. We already owe the Iron Bank so much money—we can't afford a war. If you cancel the invasion of Skagos, I'll stop insisting that Klar and Syrio leave."

Eddard frowned. "Did Maester Luwin put you up to this?" The old maester had strongly opposed the Skagos campaign. Had he failed to convince Eddard and decided to persuade Catelyn instead?

Catelyn released his wrist. "I don't need Maester Luwin to tell me this. I've spoken with the women of Winter Town. They all beg you to reconsider. Their husbands and sons are being taken to war when their fields haven't even been tilled, and some of them still don't have a roof over their heads."

Eddard sighed. "I know it's hard for them, but the Skagosi raiders must be dealt with."

Catelyn argued, "Those women say this is a time of peace. Why raise an army just to fight some raiders?"

"Peace?" Eddard's patience wore thin. "They are safe behind Winterfell's gates, but the eastern coast bleeds. From the Seal Shore of the Umbers to the Karhold Peninsula, the Last River, and the Dreadfort's estuaries—the Skagosi have been raiding unchecked. Would they say the same if they lived on the coast?"

Catelyn sighed. "What is Skagos even worth? Do you truly need the Skagosi to kneel? I've heard they have a tradition of cannibalism. What good are such savage vassals?"

Eddard kept his voice steady. "Catelyn, you know me. I am not an ambitious man. If the Skagosi stayed on their island, I would leave them be. But they have come to raid our shores, and their armor, weapons, and ships are of Ironborn make. This means outside forces are meddling in Skagos."

Realizing she could not change Eddard's mind, Catelyn let out a sharp breath.

"Then take your Braavosi swordsman Syrio Forel with you. And take Klar as well—he can count your men and manage your supplies."

Eddard shook his head. "Klar must stay. Winter Town's expansion and future trade depend on him."

Catelyn clenched her fists, barely restraining her anger. "So I'll have to go through that damned Braavosi for every expense? Will you name him acting castellan while you're gone?"

Eddard replied calmly, "My lady, that won't be necessary. You will be the acting castellan, with Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik Cassel advising you."

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