Chapter 96: Secret Discussion in the Study (Part 3)
Saelen spread the map across the table and pointed to a narrow choke point.
"This is Moat Cailin. Any force marching south must pass through here. We need to strengthen its defenses and repair the fortifications."
Everyone gathered closer to study the map.
"At the same time, we station three thousand cavalry here. The moment something changes in King's Landing, they ride south along the Kingsroad and reinforce Lord Eddard."
He paused, then added,
"Officially, we'll say Castle Edd was raided by bandits, with heavy losses, and that the raiders fled into the swamps. This cavalry force will be stationed at Moat Cailin under the pretense of hunting them down."
Robb nodded firmly.
"Good. I'll issue the orders tomorrow—assemble the cavalry and send them to Moat Cailin."
Maester Luwin hesitated at the side, clearly troubled. How many troops had they already planned to mobilize?
"Robb, relying on Winterfell alone, we can't gather that many cavalry."
Robb's expression hardened, as if he had made up his mind.
"Then we call upon all our bannermen. Have their cavalry assemble at Winterfell."
Luwin was taken aback. Just earlier that day, they had been discussing how to deal with House Bolton—now they were preparing for a southern campaign as well?
"Robb, Saelen," Luwin said seriously, "it is my duty to advise the lord of this castle."
"We were just discussing how to respond to House Bolton. Now you want to assemble three thousand cavalry for a potential southern march. What about the Boltons?"
He paused, then continued,
"Gods… to gather three thousand cavalry, we would need nearly all mounted forces from the North. Combined with those already sent to guard the Wall, we're approaching ten thousand men."
"And what of the threat beyond the Wall? The White Walkers—are we to ignore them?"
Saelen fell silent for a moment.
Luwin wasn't wrong. The North was surrounded by danger—White Walkers in the north, looming war in the south, and instability within from houses like Bolton and the Barrowlands. One misstep could lead to ruin.
"I understand your concerns, Maester," Saelen said at last. "But with the Free Folk now aiding in the defense of the Wall, its strength is sufficient for the time being."
"Before any southern march, we will first deal with House Bolton. Only after that will we decide whether to reinforce King's Landing."
Luwin still looked uneasy.
"But Robb is not yet Lord of Winterfell in truth—only acting in his father's stead. Many northern lords are proud and difficult. He may struggle to command their full loyalty."
"And Lord Eddard is Hand of the King in King's Landing. Such a large-scale mobilization should have his approval."
"Otherwise, we act blindly here while he remains unaware in the capital—it could place him in a dangerous position."
Robb considered this carefully, then turned to Saelen.
"Saelen… Maester Luwin has a point."
He then addressed Luwin.
"Maester, please send a raven to my father and inform him of everything."
Luwin nodded, relieved, and turned to leave—
"Maester, wait."
Saelen's voice stopped him.
Luwin turned back, puzzled.
"Robb, sending a raven risks interception. Leave the matter of delivering the message to me."
Luwin hesitated. "Ser Saelen, you…"
Saelen cut him off with a shake of his head.
"Grand Maester Pycelle cannot be trusted."
Robb frowned in surprise. "Why do you say that?"
Saelen looked around at the group and explained calmly:
"I suspect he's aligned with the Lannisters."
"Think back to Robert's Rebellion—when King Robert, Lord Eddard, and Jon Arryn rose against the Targaryens…"
Tywin's army stood at the gates of King's Landing. From what I know, it was Grand Maester Pycelle who strongly urged the Mad King to open the gates and welcome Tywin's forces into the city. As for what happened afterward… I don't need to spell it out. That alone proves there's something deeply wrong with him. If our letter falls into his hands, the Lannisters will know its contents before Lord Eddard does."
"…" Everyone fell silent, stunned by the implication.
After a long pause, Robb exhaled slowly. "It seems Mother was right to deliver the letter herself."
The others nodded in agreement, though Maester Luwin still struggled to accept it.
"Maesters swear sacred vows," he said. "They renounce their family names and allegiances, serving their lords without political bias…"
Saelen shook his head slightly. "Maester, you must admit—maesters are still human. And humans have desires, weaknesses. There will always be those who betray their oaths for their own gain."
He paused, then added calmly, "Don't worry. I'll make sure the letter reaches Lord Eddard personally."
At this point, Luwin could only sigh. Though reluctant, he said nothing more.
Robb nodded. "Saelen, then I'll entrust this matter to you."
Saelen inclined his head. After discussing a few final details, the group dispersed.
---
Back in his chamber, Saelen opened the window and summoned a hawk. He rolled up both his letter and Robb's, placed them into a small bamboo tube, and tied it to the bird's leg.
He had used hawks to send letters to Eddard several times before—but none of them had ever returned. He had even tried to sense their location through his ability, yet found nothing. Whether they had lost their way or been shot down mid-flight, he couldn't tell.
This time, he decided to personally possess the hawk and deliver the message himself.
…
King's Landing
Inside the study of the Tower of the Hand, Eddard Stark was buried in paperwork.
A knock sounded at the door as Jory Cassel stepped in.
"My lord, Ode is outside the Tower, requesting an audience."
"Ode?"
Eddard frowned, not immediately recognizing the name.
"My lord, have you forgotten?" Jory prompted. "Ode is one of Ser Saelen's men—the one who was sent to escort the wight to King's Landing as proof."
Realization dawned on Eddard. "Didn't they encounter King Robert's party along the way? Why is he still in the capital?"
"Shall I bring him in for questioning, my lord?"
Eddard nodded. Jory bowed and left, returning shortly with Ode.
"My lord Stark," Od said, bowing respectfully.
Eddard inclined his head. "Ode, your mission should have been completed by now. Why haven't you returned to the North?"
"My lord, the escort mission is indeed complete," Od replied. "However, I gained some unexpected results during the journey, which delayed my return."
"Unexpected results?" Eddard asked, curious.
Ode then explained how he had recruited free riders, mercenaries, and other men along the way.
Eddard raised his brows in surprise. "How many men have you gathered?"
"Three thousand in total," Od said, holding up his fingers with a hint of pride.
"Among them, over fifteen hundred are mounted, with the rest being infantry. However, their backgrounds are mixed—men from the Riverlands, the Westerlands, and the Reach. Most are mercenaries, hedge knights, bastards, second sons, and commoners. Only some brought their own equipment; the rest are poorly armed."
Eddard nodded thoughtfully, clearly pleased. "You've done well. Equipment can be replaced—what matters is that they can fight. With some training, they'll make solid soldiers."
He looked at Ode again. "So, what brings you to me now?"
"My lord," Ode said quickly, "I came to King's Landing to recruit more men to send to the Wall. But the Gold Cloaks keep interfering. I ask for your help in resolving this matter."
Eddard considered briefly, then said, "Very well. I understand your request. I'll have Jory assist you with this."
"Thank you, my lord."
Ode bowed deeply in gratitude before taking his leave.