Three days later, as the eastern sky began to show a pale glow and the western horizon still clung to darkness, the night had just departed. The lords of the North and Riverlands stirred their camps and prepared to lead their troops away from Red Pink City.
Some lords took portions of their soldiers to garrison key locations, securing the Riverlands from sudden enemy incursions, while others returned to their territories to rally farmers who had gone into hiding, to rebuild villages and restore lands scorched by war. The Riverlands were scarred, but there was hope yet.
Roose Bolton, recently restored to Robb Stark's trust, led his soldiers to guard Ruby Ford, a critical crossing, ensuring that no Lannister or rogue forces could advance unchecked. Fortunately for him, the flood season had swollen the rivers, making the ford difficult to cross; only a modest garrison was needed to hold it.
Robb, meanwhile, stationed the bulk of his forces at Riverrun, the strategic center that allowed him to support both Harrenhal and Golden Tooth whenever needed. With these two fortresses under Northern control, any enemy wishing to move through the Riverlands would be forced to lay siege rather than march freely. Supply lines would be exposed, and the North could strike with devastating precision.
On Eddard Karstark's advice, Robb also dispatched envoys to King's Landing. With so many high-value captives in hand, he sought to negotiate, to see if the Iron Throne might trade prisoners or delay action. Hoarding captives wasted food, and it was more pragmatic to exchange them for key allies or to ensure the Lannisters hesitated before moving their armies recklessly.
Robb's strategy was clear: wait for Stannis to regroup in the Stormlands. The inevitable clash between the Baratheons and Lannisters would provide the perfect opportunity to benefit without risking his army unnecessarily. Tywin Lannister was clever, but Robb's position forced the lion to make difficult choices. Relying solely on the gold of the Westerlands, the lion could not crush both the North and the Riverlands simultaneously. And Stannis, ever ambitious, could never compromise on the Iron Throne.
Eddard, meanwhile, had his own assignment. He would take a hundred cavalry and three hundred infantry of House Karstark to garrison Twin River City, relieving Herman Tallhart. The strategic importance of the city could not be overstated. Even if Theon Greyjoy were killed decisively, the Iron Islands would likely strike north again. Twin River City would be a critical defensive point, and its control would protect the North from another devastating incursion.
Additionally, Robb Stark's arranged marriage with House Frey might coincide with these maneuvers. Walder Frey was unpredictable and cunning; no one could fully trust him. Yet the city itself was formidable, perhaps the strongest in the Riverlands and North combined. At the war's start, House Tully alone could muster three thousand infantry and one thousand cavalry, plus another four hundred soldiers guarding their castle. Excluding vassals, few could match that strength. Once the elderly lord passed and a new heir assumed command, the region's defense would stabilize further.
Eddard's mission was multi-layered: preserve the strength of the Riverlands and North, prevent Robb from being further disillusioned by Ironborn treachery, and ensure that political marriages or alliances did not spiral into disaster. The young King of the North had already suffered too much. He had lost his brothers to Theon's assault on Winterfell, and his mother's release of Jaime Lannister for the safety of Sansa and Arya had shattered his trust.
At sixteen, Robb was still vulnerable to distraction. A woman offering comfort—a healer like Talisa Maegyr, or a noblewoman like Jeyne Westerling—could become his queen simply by capturing his heart. It was a problem Eddard intended to manage carefully. The boy needed protection, not just from enemies, but from his own impulsive choices.
In this complex chessboard, Eddard would become a piece himself. Stationed at Twin River City, he would prevent tragedies like the Red Wedding from repeating, allowing the Northern army to deal with the Ironborn in their own time. With Theon dead and the Ironborn scattered along the coast, Bran and Rickon would remain safe, and Robb's mother could no longer make reckless decisions that endangered the North.
With Kevan Lannister and Jaime Lannister—captured and held securely—exchanging Sansa would be straightforward. Arya's whereabouts, however, remained a mystery. Even Eddard, who knew much of the unfolding plot, could not divine why she had not been moved to Harrenhal. Perhaps, he mused, she would reveal herself in time.
Thinking through these responsibilities, Eddard cursed silently. I've been a nanny to this extent, and yet I've already earned Golden Tooth and an Earl's title. If I do more, Robb might have to marry his sister to me to repay my service!
Shaking his head, Eddard mounted his horse and prepared to lead his soldiers. That was when he saw the Running Wolf banner galloping toward him.
"Karstark! Wait!"
It was Robb Stark, the Young Wolf, riding quickly to bid farewell. He regarded Eddard as more than a distant relative or advisor; he was a friend, a vassal, and a confidant. The bond forged through shared hardships on the battlefield had created a trust that few could rival.
Eddard raised a brow, puzzled. His instructions were clear, and his mission was defined. Why had the King come to see him off so early?
"Eddard!" Robb called, his tone earnest, breath visible in the cold morning air. He looked disheveled, his coattails askew, collar loose, boots creased from the night ride.
"I remembered," Robb continued, "your title was Hand of the King. Now that you're garrisoning Twin River City, that title seems unsuitable. Although I do not fully understand your eagerness for this task, I want to give you a proper title."
He smiled, winking. "Commander of the River Crossing Army. As for your salary—after we negotiate with the Lannisters, you will be named Earl of Golden Tooth. No gold dragons, though."
Eddard's face registered a flicker of surprise. A king, acknowledging his service and offering a title so personally—it was unexpected. A smile spread across his face.
"Then I thank Your Majesty for the honor. It grows late; please allow me to lead my troops without further delay."
Robb waved. "Mm! I wish you a smooth journey."
Eddard donned his helmet, nodded, and shouted, "Depart!" He urged his horse forward, leading House Karstark's soldiers out of Red Pink City. The contingent moved steadily, never looking back, their banners fluttering in the morning breeze.
Robb watched them go, a pang of loss stirring within him. Since the Haunted Forest battle, Eddard had been at his side, offering counsel that had consistently proven accurate. His strategies had drawn out Tywin, secured Golden Tooth, and achieved victories critical to the North's position.
Without Eddard or Ser Brynden at Harrenhal, Robb felt the void keenly. It wasn't until the Karstark force shrank to a distant dot that he returned to his camp, resolutely declining Earl Clement's invitation to remain in comfort. He would stay with his soldiers, among the men who had fought and bled for his cause.
Daisy Mormont, finishing her night duty, returned to her mother's tent. She crawled inside, lowering herself carefully.
"Mother," she said.
Lady Maege, polishing her mace, glanced up briefly. "You're back?"
Daisy's eyes sparkled. "Do you know? His Majesty said Eddard Karstark is to become Earl of Golden Tooth!" She could no longer suppress her astonishment.
"I guessed as much," Lady Maege said, unsurprised. "In war, sharp minds rise quickly. Eddard Karstark has proven himself the brightest blade of this era."
Daisy frowned. "But he's so young—he's not even twenty!"
"Age matters little," Maege replied. "The Young Wolf became King of the North at sixteen. War tempers people, and gold shines quickly in capable hands."
Maege returned to her polishing, voice calm. "If you were prettier, I might petition His Majesty to marry you to Eddard Karstark. Golden Tooth controls gold and a key river pass. Life on Bear Island would be far easier."
Daisy's eyes widened. "Mother, why prettier? Isn't skill in battle enough?"
Maege chuckled. "Ha. That boy chose among Riverrun's women, but none captured his interest. Beauty matters to kings and warriors alike—it catches the eye in ways skill cannot."
Daisy nodded thoughtfully, understanding at last. Some lessons, it seemed, were as essential as swordsmanship.
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