The silence between the duo stretched for several long moments. Neither of them spoke. Lucas was intentionally giving Ned Stark the time to process everything he had proposed with a calm mind, and Ned was doing exactly that.
He was replaying every word uttered by Lucas, turning them over in his mind and examining them from every angle. He was considering everything in detail and even so he was not reaching any conclusion. He was going to take his sweet time, a few days at least before he would come to any discussion. He was about to discuss everything with his trusted advisors, including his wife, and likely with the other Lords of the North. Though they were his vassals, Ned was not a man who would make such a monumental decision in isolation, especially considering that the fate of the entire North rested upon the outcome.
"Lord Lucas," Ned began, "though I am not yet fully convinced by your words and must consider them thoroughly, let us, just for a moment, for the sake of argument, assume that I concur with your proposals and believe the bold predictions you are making."
Lucas nodded, and Ned continued.
"Then the question arises," he said, with a small pause, his eyes settling over Lucas. "What do you want in return?"
"I believe, and I am sure I believe correctly, that whatever you are trying to do is not for charity. There is a price you seek for what you are offering us."
"And I am also certain," he continued, "that you are aware that neither Winterfell nor any other house in the North is in a position to pay that price in coins."
"So, Lord Lucas," Ned questioned. "What is it that you want? What is it you seek from the North?"
"Certainly, Lord Stark," Lucas agreed without hesitation. "While I am not here to rip you off, I am also not here for charity."
"As I said, I am a merchant and trade is my profession. I am well aware that no house in the North is willing to part with coins, especially with winter looming on our heads."
"From the North," he continued. "I want what it possesses in abundance."
"Except for snow and wilderness," Ned countered, "the North has nothing in abundance."
"Resources, Lord Stark," Lucas corrected him with a shake of his head. "Resources. The North has a wealth of materials that interest me. Coal and timber to keep my metal forges burning. Metal ores, iron, mostly, to keep them fed and my supply lines running."
Ned did not react immediately, looking instead perplexed.
"I understand your point," he finally sighed. "But I doubt the North possesses the mines you seek. Even if we had such a treasure trove hidden somewhere, it would take years to find it."
Lucas shook his head in denial.
"You underestimate the potential of the North, Lord Stark," he said. "I have a theory. The more rugged and infertile a land appears on the surface, the more potential it has for vast riches beneath it."
"And leave the task of discovering them to me," he added. "When we search for something, we will surely find it."
Ned nodded slowly and thoughtfully.
"I do not know about your theory but what happens if you are unable to find these resources?" he questioned, his brows furrowing. "What will happen to all these grand proposals of yours?"
"That will not happen," Lucas said firmly.
"Trust me, Lord Stark," he continued, cutting off whatever Ned was about to say. "You will not be disappointed. There are vast amounts of wealth waiting to be unearthed in your lands."
"And you believe these resources would be sufficient to pay for everything you have promised?" Ned pressed.
"Yes," Lucas replied, his voice brimming with confidence. "They would be more than sufficient. I am certain of it."
Ned nodded but did not respond immediately.
"I have one more question," he said.
"Ask, Lord Stark," Lucas replied.
"Why the North?" Ned questioned. "Even if I assume and believe that the North has the highest amount of whatever resources you are seeking, it is not as if the other realms are completely devoid of them. The other realms must have enough resources to keep your forges running and alive."
"So, why the North?" He pressed further, his gaze steady. "Especially when House Lannister and House Stark barely enjoy a cordial relationship. We might not be enemies, but our history is anything but smooth."
"I knew that sooner or later this question would find its way to me," Lucas said with a chuckle. "And I will be honest with you."
"First," Lucas said, with a polite expression. "You are an honorable man, Lord Stark. You are not like the rest of the nobility. You are not a greedy bastard like so many of them. You are someone who values his words and promises. And as a merchant, this is the greatest quality that we seek in our partners."
Ned nodded, though inwardly he hardly believed that sentiment alone would drive such a massive trade proposal.
"Secondly," Lucas continued. "Any other realm I go to will see this as an opportunity to squeeze my neck. If I become dependent on any other House, they will try to take advantage of my situation. They would constantly threaten me by choking my supply lines. I believe you already understand this problem well, since the North is currently dependent on other Houses for its grain. And it is a situation that I want to avoid."
Ned nodded slowly, acknowledging the bitter truth of that statement.
"But with the North, I do not see that problem," Lucas explained. "If we are able to come to terms, then we will both be dependent on each other. Both of us will hold the other's weakness in our hands. I could rest easy knowing that my supply lines are safe and secure that I would not be squeezed at every turn by a partner looking for a better deal."
Ned nodded, looking thoughtful. He was now seriously considering the proposals and Lucas let him be as he continued to remain silently in Ned Stark's solar looking outside the window.
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