The affairs of the North

[Poach]

Freshly returned from Robert's crowning, and with a new Tully bride in tow, Bayard had at last reached Winterfell and home. The ride North had been quick, with a short stop in Riverrun for the wedding, as the Lords that remained for Robert's crowning were an all-mounted group. A lack of an army of footmen greatly sped the return trip.

Entering Winterfell's great hall, he met his uncle Maric.

"What news of home during my absence, uncle?" asked Bayard, whose face looked harder now, etched with the memory of war and loss.

"The Ironborn and Wildlings raided with near impunity during your absence," said Maric, "Of the Great Houses only House Bolton sent the militia you ordered. Houses Karstark and Manderly ignored repeated requests and House Reed sent troops too late to be of use. All three complained of lack of funds, yet only Reed sent troops after tax collection after the first year. The west coast has been greatly ravaged and we battled Wilding raiders in the Wolfswood after enough men were scraped together to march on the coast, albeit too late."

Bayard was greatly saddened. The Greatjon was a vital asset in the south, but it seemed his father was less so at home. So too were Lords Karstark and Reed. It seemed a dire contrast: the men he took south were skilled and capable, but his uncle was left with the fools in the North and his home had suffered greatly for it.

"They must be brought to task, Bayard." said Maric after a brief silence, "Homes and villages the length of our western coast have been burned and ravaged. The King must know we demand recompense: it was for him we fought and suffered. Those who failed their obligations must also be seen to be punished: your reputation and respect demand it."

"They fought well in the South, Uncle. I..." attempted Bayard.

"Good men, and true, Bayard." said Maric sympathetically, "They bear no fault: I call on individuals, not entire Houses. Allowing them to go free despite their great failings only shows you to be tolerant of failure and insubordination. Tytos Lannister tolerated that, and it was to his son to restore the Lannister name: you remember the tales of Castamere?"

"I do..." said Bayard, suddenly fearful that he would go the way of old Tytos, facing vassals who mock him openly and having to face yet more of his family taken from him, as the Tarbecks had taken Lannisters during their rebellion, "I must show strength."

"Yes." said Maric, "There are other matters, too."

"Other matters?" asked Bayard.

"Yes, matters in the far north." said Maric, drawing Bayard over to a map and placing a finger gently on the New Gift, "The New Gift, Bayard. Taken from the North by Targaryens and handed to a dying order long ago."

"The Watch needs it, Uncle, we..." attempted Bayard, again being cut short.

"I chased Wildlings back through it, Bayard." said Maric, "The entire land is wild, unfarmed, abandoned. I have consulted ancient texts and believe it must return to our fold."

He put an arm around Bayard and spoke confidently.

"With the passing of Targaryen rule, their royal orders may now be revised. The current Crown is no longer a direct line from that which issued the New Gift, and as such their orders are not renewed with each Monarch."

"The New Gift is disused by the Watch, they lack the manpower to tend to it, and indeed the Wildling raiders only use it as a staging ground for ranging further south. Our current border with the New Gift is held by a patchwork of Lords and Knights, making coordinated efforts to secure our own border impossible. Let us proclaim a new Lordship of the Northmarch and re-settle the New Gift with a Marcher Lord and Knights, awards for service in the war to the south. One Lord charged with protecting the North from the Wildling menace."

Bayard was considering it. It's true the Watch didn't use it, it's true Wildling raids have always been a problem even in his father's time. Using land the Watch wouldn't miss and creating a dedicated buffer to Wildling raids would be to everyone's benefit, surely?

"It may be controversial," said Bayard quietly, "The Watch may not agree..."

"The land is ours with the passing of the Crown," said Maric with a chuckle, "I am confident they will see the justice in our moves. I would propose charging Caron with the task."

"He was an aid in the war..." said Bayard, half to convince himself.

"It ensures someone you trust takes up the task," said Maric, "He knows the army that went south and you know him to be a good man. He will see to it that deserving men receive fiefs in the Northmarch."

"Yes, yes. See to it. I must summon the Lords who were with me in the South to discuss compensation and rewards for service." said Bayard, and after a short pause, "and to discuss failings, where they happened."

OOC:

Northern Lords, Bayard is summoning each of you individually, as such we can all RP at once but conversations will be one-to-one.

Pericles, Bayard will summon only the Greatjon.

[Oznerol]

Wearing long riding boots, a crimson doublet, gloves and a woolen pink cloak with red drops, fastened with a flayed man, Lord Roose Bolton of the Dreadfort answers his Lord's call. He had enough time to rest at the Dreadfort, including a good deserved leeching that had drained his bad mood after the travel Northwards. Lord Bolton scanned the guards with his pale, ice-like eyes, while they announce his arrival. His own guardsmen were left tending the horses and waiting at Winterfell's courtyard.

[Pericles of Athens]

The ride north had been more enjoyable than the ride from the Tower of Joy to Kingslanding, where on the latter the Greatjon had been solemn and stoic over the death of Lyanna he was his usual self on the ride home, all japes and stories and hearty laughter. And of course there had been a wedding! The Greatjon drank (naturally drinking everyone else under the table) and sang with Northmen and Riverfolk alike, and when the time came for the bedding he hefted the newly made lady Stark over his shoulder and carried her to Bayard's bed all the while making bawdy jokes.

He'd only split off from Bayard's company once they passed the Neck and made his way to White Harbor, he loved the road but he had been gone a long time and wanted to see his wife and the rest of his family. But he didn't get long to reconnect with them as a letter soon arrived calling him to Winterfell, strange that it didn't call for the lord of White Harbor as well but he told them it was probably a reward for service and went along toward's the North's capital.

He arrived with a small retinue of men, his signature furs were piled atop his shoulders and he wore light mail, just in case. These days he carried with him two blades, his own sword hung at his hip and Dawn strapped across his back, he wasn't quite sure yet what he should do with that blade, after all he wasn't about to return it to the Daynes after they found Lyanna dead but was it right to wield another family's ancestral sword? He approached the gates and requested entrance, the lord Stark was likely expecting his arrival and he was eager to see his friend again.

[Poach]

Bolton

Lord Bolton was shown into the hall where Bayard sat at his usual seat. He rose and walked to Bolton.

"Lord Bolton," he said with a smile, "You look well, I'm glad the ride North has not caused you trouble. I have need of a strong man, one whose presence intimidates and whose words, though few, carry weight. I can think of none better."

He showed Lord Bolton over to a map of the North, one they were both familiar with.

"Ironborn have raided the western shores while we left: you were one of the few who sent the troops I requested. For that my uncle was most appreciative, and it is for your diligent nature that I would seek your attention on this task." said Bayard, before producing a scroll and handing it to him, "I would name you as my representative in recovering what is owed to us from the war. We must know what damages the Ironborn caused, and they must be induced to compensate us for the losses incurred. Go to Pyke, go to King's Landing itself before the King. We fought for Robert and our homes burned to do so: just reward must be sought, my Lord, wouldn't you agree?"

Greatjon

"Greatjon," said Bayard loudly with a smile, "How fares White Harbour? Well, I hope."

"My friend, I have sad news." he said, "You served me well in the south: commanding the Vanguard alongside Lord Karstark and standing by my side as we battled for my sister," A short pause was had at the mention of Lyanna, "I cannot say your father was as diligent and loyal in the North as you in the South. Ironborn ravaged our coast while we fought for Robert, and anticipating this you will recall I instructed militias to be formed and sent to Winterfell, that we may produce a defence force for home while the armies fought abroad."

"Your father failed to do this, Greatjon. My uncle sent ravens, many ravens, begging for men even as reports came in from the coast of thousands of reavers pillaging the shores. By the time enough men had been gathered from Lords Bolton and Reed, it was too late to save the fisherfolk. Your father failed in his duties where you excelled, my friend."

[Oznerol]

Bolton

Lord Bolton was shown into the hall where Bayard sat at his usual seat. He rose and walked to Bolton.

"Lord Bolton," he said with a smile, "You look well, I'm glad the ride North has not caused you trouble. I have need of a strong man, one whose presence intimidates and whose words, though few, carry weight. I can think of none better."

He showed Lord Bolton over to a map of the North, one they were both familiar with.

"Ironborn have raided the western shores while we left: you were one of the few who sent the troops I requested. For that my uncle was most appreciative, and it is for your diligent nature that I would seek your attention on this task." said Bayard, before producing a scroll and handing it to him, "I would name you as my representative in recovering what is owed to us from the war. We must know what damages the Ironborn caused, and they must be induced to compensate us for the losses incurred. Go to Pyke, go to King's Landing itself before the King. We fought for Robert and our homes burned to do so: just reward must be sought, my Lord, wouldn't you agree?"

Lord Bolton bows politely.

"The ride North was tiresome but calm, not a single disturbance, my Lord"

His pale eyes pierce the young Stark. He found interesting what the Stark told about him. Indeed Bolton liked to play with men, hunting, manipulating or imposing their will over them, in those things he found joy.

"Thanks my Lord, I did what I must"

He studies the map, and then hears silently the words of Bayard.

"The Ironborn shall return what they stole in a moment of weakness or they shall pay for their insolence. Mormont suffered greatly, I've heard, as many in the Stony Shore"
He grabs the scroll. The task was perfect. Maybe was irony he sent a representative to Pyke weeks ago looking for trade. If Ironborn had raided the Weeping Water Roose would have delighted in flaying them alive. Like that Reach knight that dared to face him in a duel. He died slowly...

Squid may not be willing to return what they stole, but still it is an interesting task. The wolf cub is more intelligent than I thought...

"I will do my best to restore the North authority and integrity in the Realm"

He looks Bayard

"My Lord, may request you something? My son, Domeric, will soon end his warden-ship in the Vale, but I fear he might be too used to ways of his relatives, he must be a true Northman, such I don't know a better way that squiring with your Lordship"

[Pericles of Athens]

Stark! the Greatjon thundered as he lifted the small man off the ground in an embrace. And just as it seemed he might crush his lord he released Bayard and patted his shoulder. White harbor fares well enough now that the men have returned home. Many of the guard marched south with us and when you have a city as big as ours you'll get some bad seeds, but they're putting order back in the streets now.

His smile began to wane at the mention of Wyman, But Bayard, you know well that we sent all our men south with you and me, White Harbor had nothing left to give. We have not forgotten the oaths our forefathers took in the Wolf's Den, we are Stark men always will be.

[Poach]

"House Bolton found the money to recruit men," said Bayard sadly, it pained him greatly to bring disrepute onto a house such as Manderly, but Wyman did fail in his obligations and the spectre of becoming another Tytos hung heavily in Bayard's mind, "So too did the Reeds after the new year taxation. Your father rejected requests that others were able to meet, my friend. Many died because the needed men were not produced."

[Pericles of Athens]

I'm sorry those blasted squids took advantage when our backs were turned, but we aren't to blame for the raids. We risked everything for the Starks, the safety of the city - our lives, and we'd do it again.

[Poach]

Bolton

"Go then, Lord Bolton," said Bayard confidently, "Claim for the North what the Ironborn and the King owe us. The scroll you hold gives you authority to act on my behalf in these matters."

The scroll reads:

"By the order of Lord Bayard Stark, Lord Paramount of the North, Warden of the North, Lord of Winterfell,

Lord Bolton is hereby vested with the authority to speak and act on behalf of Lord Stark in the pursuit of recovering compensations from the Ironborn and the Crown in matters relating to the sacrifices made by the North to place House Baratheon on the Iron Throne in the Rebellion against the Mad King.

All who deny Lord Bolton's authority in this area do also deny Lord Stark his legitimate right to seek redress for the above mentioned grievances and shall be required to answer to Lord Stark their reasons for denying these just and fair requests.

Lord Bayard Stark

[Stark Seal]"

"I would be honoured to receive him as a squire, my Lord," said Bayard, casting his mind back with fondness to his own time in the Vale, a time long past now, "The Vale is a noble place but you speak the truth: he must become a man of the North in his heart and mind."

Greatjon

"You are a credit to House Manderly, Greatjon," said Bayard, "My grievance lies not with you. You conducted yourself with honour and truth, and I expected no less from you."

He took a breath.

"Your father stands to blame, Greatjon. Upon his coffers he sat even as others spent their money hiring freedmen into a militia, as all of us sent those feudally obligated to serve to the war in the south. He enriched himself knowingly despite the command to form a militia and despite repeated pleas from Winterfell for troops to defend the coast. I cannot allow that to pass, Greatjon: I have a duty to the North and your father caused me to fail my people along the coast."

[Edit: Is Greatjon son or brother of Wyman? I'd assumed son because the bios you posted don't actually tell me, but I just saw their age difference...]

[Oznerol]

Bolton

"Go then, Lord Bolton," said Bayard confidently, "Claim for the North what the Ironborn and the King owe us. The scroll you hold gives you authority to act on my behalf in these matters."

The scroll reads:

"By the order of Lord Bayard Stark, Lord Paramount of the North, Warden of the North, Lord of Winterfell,

Lord Bolton is hereby vested with the authority to speak and act on behalf of Lord Stark in the pursuit of recovering compensations from the Ironborn and the Crown in matters relating to the sacrifices made by the North to place House Baratheon on the Iron Throne in the Rebellion against the Mad King.

All who deny Lord Bolton's authority in this area do also deny Lord Stark his legitimate right to seek redress for the above mentioned grievances and shall be required to answer to Lord Stark their reasons for denying these just and fair requests.

Lord Bayard Stark

[Stark Seal]"

"I would be honoured to receive him as a squire, my Lord," said Bayard, casting his mind back with fondness to his own time in the Vale, a time long past now, "The Vale is a noble place but you speak the truth: he must become a man of the North in his heart and mind."

"Thanks your Lordship, I will report to you as soon as I arrive to Pyke. First I shall inspect the damage on our western coast. Ryswell will provide me with a ship"

He nods while his eyes look into Bayard's

"He is a magnificent rider, no one can equal him, he will be a fine squire, my Lord"

He bows.

"If you need nothing else from me I shall leave"

He toyed with the idea of acting as Stark's representative, authority, power, and being able to exercise it. Magnificent.

[Pericles of Athens]

If your grievance lies with my brother, my family, my House, it lies with me as well. What would you have from us, our honor besmirched or our blood spilled?

OOC Gosh, I'd forgotten, he's his brother. So we'll just assume you said that instead of father.

[Poach]

Greatjon

[OOC: Going on age difference I'm going to assume brother now. Ignore references to father.]

"Lord Wyman Manderly will be summoned to answer for his failings," said Bayard with confidence that stood in contrast with the great sadness and disappointment inside him, "I would name you Castellan of White Harbour until Lord Wyman has stood trial for his failings. He will be summoned here upon your return to White Harbour and you will assume his duties until his guilt or innocence has been determined."

This is what being a Lord Paramount is, Bayard told himself, sometimes hard choices need to be made. How easy it would be to forgive and forget, putting it down to the Greatjon's services in the south. What of the peasants whose lives have been destroyed along the coast, though? Their blood is on Wyman's hands! Blood that Bayard is personally responsible for. No, Wyman must be brought to judgement for this: others sent the needed troops, but wealthy White Harbour did not. It was unacceptable, even with the Greatjon's exemplary service in the armies.

Bolton

Bayard watched Lord Bolton leave, confident that the man would have the stature and savvy to see the North properly compensated for the war. A new squire would arrive soon, too.

[Pericles of Athens]

And if he is found guilty? The jovial nature of the Greatjon was gone, replaced with red hot rage at his friend's betrayal. He couldn't help but wonder if Rickard, whom he'd become close with over the course of the campaign, would be treated in the same way.

[Poach]

"Punishment shall be passed," said Bayard bluntly, "The nature of the punishment will be determined by his defence."

Bayard couldn't help but feel that, were his father still here, Wyman would've sent the men. The Lord of White Harbour seemed to think it acceptable to push Bayard, to see how far the pup would go if money was not spent where it should be. The thought of the ravaged coastlines and Wyman's ample treasury stirred an anger inside Bayard. The man had the money to spare to equip troops to defend the North, as so many others had done. Instead the lack of troops doomed many peasants to rape, death or ruined livelihoods. Lord Bolton would make that right, he was dependable, unlike that fat Seven-worshipping southron. No, remain calm. You are the Lord Paramount of the North and this shall be handled with dignity and reason. Wyman may have a good reason for the lack of troops.

"Let us settle this like noble men, with Wyman standing before me and stating his case as he has it," said Bayard, "I will judge no man before he has his say in the matter."

[Pericles of Athens]

The Greatjon spat. Don't play me for a fool, Bayard, you've already determined his guilt. But I wonder, would you stand beside if your liege designed to murder your kin under the guise of justice? It was a clear reference to the Mad King's judgment on Bayard's father and brother. He wanted to pull his steel, but he couldn't - he wouldn't, Bayard was his friend even though someone must be poisoning his mind, that blasted Bolton.

[Poach]

The anger rose again. Taking jabs at the death of his father and brother was a low blow indeed, one very worthy of retaliation. No: Jon was simply defending his family, as any man would. Justice will not be found in a shouting match or in a stand-off. This must be resolved.

"I am a man of my word," said Bayard with determination, "I will hear Wyman's case and I will decide on the merits of his argument whether he should face punishment for what he has not done."

He turned to a waiting guard, "Tell the Maester to send a raven to White Harbour. Summon Lord Manderly to Winterfell at once."

He faced the Greatjon once more, "I owe it to the people who died along our coast to do something about this, Jon. I can't do nothing. Wyman must answer for failing to equip a militia: if his reasons are just I will take no action. Until then White Harbour needs a Castellan and I have appointed you."

[Pericles of Athens]

Jon's rage had passed, now he just felt the sting of betrayal, the honor of House Manderly besmirched and his brother put on trail for imagined crimes. I understand, we all have our loyalties - to our liege, to our people, to our friends, to our kin. I'll return to White Harbor, I'll even be the Castellan if that be your order. Its funny though, I came here expecting thanks from a friend, instead I receive a city I never wanted and I may have lost two brothers in the process.

[Poach]

Bayard allowed him to leave in silence, his own emotions churning within him. Rage, disappointment, worry, fear. Was this the right course? Were you supposed to keep your friends and forgive their errors? Or was justice paramount above all? Was Wyman truly guilty? Would troops have even helped?

He took several breaths to calm himself. Wyman's trial would resolve everything. It will be fair and impartial, and all the North will know Bayard Stark is a man of fairness, justice, and honour.

[Pericles of Athens]

A fortnight passed and Wyman arrived in Winterfell. The ride wasnt so long on horseback but the aptly named lord-too-fat-to-ride-a-horse was, as the name suggests, unable to ride to Winterfell. Lesser men may have tried to leave, cross the Narrow Sea and live out the rest of his days in Pentos or Lys, but Wyman was a loyal man of honor and he would answer the young Stark's call.

He didn't wear his usual garb, yes everything was light and silken for comfort but he wore subdued colors instead of the gaudy Manderly greens and blues he usually dressed himself in. He'd lost some weight on the ride to Winterfell, though not enough to notice or take stock of, and looked a bit sickly and tired. The men approached the gate requesting entrance.

[Poach]

He is brought into the Great Hall by two guards, to see Bayard sitting at a large desk, along with Maric and Winterfell's Maester. The two guards wait by the door and Wyman is presented with a lone chair before the desk. Bayard stands.

"Lord Manderly I have summoned you here to answer for your failure to support the North's defence while the armies fought in the South. I ask that you sit." he said solemnly.

After seating himself, Maric is the first to ask a question of Lord Manderly.

"Lord Manderly," he said in a curt, official tone, "How are White Harbour's finances?"