One week ago, Eddard remained outside the walls of Lannisport, overseeing the prisoners as they prepared for the "siege," and anxiously awaiting news from Riverrun.
As evening fell, Jon arrived with a summons from Robb, inviting Eddard to the main tent of the camp.
Eddard lifted the tent flap and immediately noticed the unusual gathering inside. Only a few people were present, but they were all significant figures. The lowest-ranking member was Ser Brynden; everyone else, apart from Robb Stark, included Earls and direct heirs of noble houses, including his adoptive father.
Something felt off. Almost everyone was looking at him with eager anticipation—even Jon Umber.
"What is going on?" Eddard thought.
"Eddard Karstark, you're here—sit," Robb said with a smile, gesturing to the seat beside him.
Eddard walked over and sat down, asking, "Your Majesty, is this regarding news from Harrenhal?"
Robb handed him a small piece of paper. In the fading light, Eddard read the note: Tywin has left Harrenhal. His army is heading toward Riverrun along the River Road. The plan is proceeding smoothly!
Next to it was the Trout emblem of the Tully family.
Eddard put the note down with a smile. "This is excellent news. According to Your Majesty's plan, we should leave a portion of our forces to continue deceiving the enemy. The majority of our cavalry should move into the Westerlands under the cover of night."
Robb's eyes twinkled with expectation. "Do you have a task for me?" Eddard asked cautiously.
"There is indeed something I need your help with," Robb replied. His expression sharpened with a hint of excitement. "Eddard Karstark, I've noticed that you have a talent for capturing cities. The arrangements you made outside Lannisport, and the siege engines the craftsmen built, are all remarkably well thought out."
"So," he leaned forward slightly, "do you have a strategy to take Golden Tooth quickly?"
Robb had observed Eddard's operations outside Lannisport in detail and realized that with sufficient manpower, a siege might indeed succeed. Asking Eddard for his advice was a calculated move—a potential advantage for the North.
Eddard froze in surprise. If I truly had a method, I would have suggested attacking Golden Tooth myself. Why wait for Grey Wind to find that hidden path?
He understood the strategic importance of Golden Tooth—it was the gateway to the Westerlands and a shield for the Riverlands. Capturing it could give the North the initiative in the war. It would make Tywin's ambushes easier to counter and secure a key defensive position.
Robb's strategic acumen impressed Eddard. The young King's ability to seize opportunities and decisively strike at the enemy revealed his growing maturity. But why were all these nobles eagerly looking to him for guidance? Eddard realized he had outperformed their expectations while deceiving Davos and Tywin. Human nature was predictable: competence breeds reliance, and reliance breeds expectations. He had, in effect, shot himself in the foot.
Robb, observing Eddard's shifting expression, knew the situation was delicate. He leaned toward Ser Brynden and whispered, "Robb, this young Karstark has a calm mind and the courage of a Northerner. Relying solely on a title or his father's oath won't suffice. You must offer a greater incentive."
A determined look crossed Robb's face. He whispered into Eddard's ear, so quietly that only he could hear: "Eddard, if this mission succeeds, Golden Tooth will be yours to manage. If you wish, I can also grant you a territory near Karhold, enabling you to establish a new castle. Harrenhal in the Riverlands is not out of the question; House Hoare currently has no news. As King of the Trident, I can discuss it with my uncle and grant it to you."
Eddard's jaw dropped. The offer was staggering. Golden Tooth was not only strategically vital but also had a gold mine. A new castle near Karhold could flourish with Winterfell's and Karhold's support. Even Harrenhal, a massive and difficult stronghold, was suddenly within reach.
"Your Majesty, please allow me a moment to consider," Eddard said, striving to contain his excitement.
The tent fell silent. Most of those present were hardened warriors, fearless and skilled, but strategy and planning were matters for capable minds.
After careful thought, Eddard spoke. "I've devised a plan. Golden Tooth's walls are strong, and a direct siege would require an impractical number of siege engines. We must rely on clever strategy."
Jon Umber leaned forward eagerly. "The Karstark boy—or rather, the Hand of the King—just tell us what to do! Any method that can defeat the enemy is a good method!"
Eddard smiled. Jon, like many others, had initially doubted him due to his youth, but the recent successes had convinced them. Even Davos Lannister's compliance with the ruse and Tywin's reckless departure had impressed the rough Northerners.
"First," Eddard continued, "we need a group of one hundred brave warriors to descend the cliff at night and seize the East Gate. Once the gate is open, the Northern cavalry can charge into the city and engage the enemy directly."
The tent erupted in excitement.
"I remember that path!" someone shouted. "It's a sheer cliff beneath the East Wall!"
"Exactly! We weave rope ladders and climb down under cover of darkness. The element of surprise will be on our side."
Greatjon slammed his fist on the table. "Let me do it! Every man in House Umber fears no death! This task belongs to us!"
"Bear Island warriors are skilled too," another voice interjected. "Our men are adept in forests and mountains alike."
"Our Karstark warriors are capable as well!" Eddard interjected, amused at the eagerness of the lords. He recognized the Northerners' enthusiasm, possibly fueled by a string of recent victories.
"Quiet!" Robb shouted, bringing silence to the tent. "Eddard, who do you think is most suitable?"
Eddard smiled and pointed to Owen Norrey. "House Norrey will send thirty men—agile and fast, ideal for leading the descent and securing rope ladders."
Owen's chest swelled with pride. "Leave it to us!" he said.
"The remaining seventy will come from House Umber," Eddard continued. "They are strong and enduring—perfect for climbing and carrying armor and weapons."
Jon Umber laughed with childish excitement, confirming the arrangement.
Eddard raised his hand to gain attention. "This is only the first step. We also need at least five hundred elite cavalrymen to move to the Riverlands via a hidden path the night before the battle. Once the gate opens, they will charge into the city."
Robb added, "I will oversee this personally. Warriors from Karhold, Deepwood Motte, and Bear Island will make up the cavalry—over seven hundred elite fighters in total."
The lords looked around, curiosity and anticipation in their eyes. Tai Tuo Si of Raventree Hall finally asked, "And what of us? Are we merely to wait?"
Eddard reassured him. "Of course not. Every noble here will receive an important task. I will explain the rest of the plan shortly."
The tent quieted again, as everyone recognized the magnitude of the upcoming siege. The North had devised a daring, unconventional strategy—one that could seize a crucial city, secure a key route, and shift the momentum of the war.
Eddard looked around at the eager faces of the Northerners. Bravery, loyalty, and boldness—these people truly make the North strong.
Robb nodded, satisfied with Eddard's plan. "Prepare yourselves. The battle for Golden Tooth will soon begin, and victory favors the bold."
Outside the tent, the fading evening light bathed the Northern camp in a golden glow. Horses stamped the ground, soldiers whispered excitedly, and a sense of purpose filled the air. The Young Wolf's army was ready to strike—a bold plan forged by cunning, courage, and careful strategy.
The Northern lords and warriors exchanged glances, all aware that the coming siege would test their strength, skill, and resolve. Yet, under Eddard's guidance, they felt a surge of confidence. Tonight, the stage was set, and Golden Tooth awaited its conquerors.
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