The Riverlands – Maidenpool
The port sparkled under the spring sun as seabirds fluttered around the docks, searching for scraps to fill their bellies.
Ships of every kind sailed in and out, carrying gold, spices, and porcelain to every corner of the world.
Since Maidenpool had come under the protection of House Whent at the start of the war, Ser William Mooton could conduct his business without worry.
For this rather weak man, nothing brought greater joy than sitting safely at home while collecting coin, and he was more certain than ever that he had made the right choice by following Roman closely.
Today, the port welcomed unexpected visitors: men of the Night's Watch, the Northern Garrison, and Free Folk had all gathered together.
William Mooton warmly entertained the group and arranged carriages for them after learning they were heading to see Roman.
"Lord Roman is currently at Harrenhal overseeing the final arrangements for Harrenhal University. You will be able to meet him directly if you go there."
Among the party were Jon Snow, Samwell Tarly, "Kissed by Fire" Ygritte, and Bowen Marsh of the Night's Watch.
All along the road, Ygritte could not stop exclaiming in wonder.
Before crossing the Wall, she had lived in the harsh wilds beyond it and had never seen tall buildings, let alone such magnificent castles.
She had been catching glimpses of wonders ever since they left the North—each castle larger than the last—and now they had entered the territory of House Whent.
Looking at the strongholds and towns they passed, she could not help but tease,
"I have to admit, you southerners are quite skilled at using stone and land. The castles here are even bigger than your Winterfell, Jon."
Fat Sam said proudly, "Of course! These were all built stone by stone by the industrious and wise people of Westeros!"
Ygritte rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes. You not only have castles but also built the Wall, silently shutting us Free Folk out in the north and then calling us wildlings."
Fat Sam scratched his nose awkwardly. The more he thought about the subject, the more embarrassed he felt. Brandon the Builder had raised the Wall to guard against the Others, but in doing so he had also barred the ancestors of the Free Folk.
To Ygritte, the land belonged to everyone. Beyond the Wall, one simply could not survive the long winters without living in large tribes. Therefore, the Free Folk especially looked down on southern nobles who claimed vast tracts of land as their private property.
At that moment, Bowen Marsh, who was responsible for recruiting new members for the Night's Watch, reminded them,
"Ygritte, we are here to ask Lord Roman for help. Do not speak when the time comes, lest you offend him!"
"And you, Jon—keep Ygritte in check at the critical moments. She is your woman."
Jon, who had been quietly looking at the passing castles, turned red with embarrassment and could only give Ygritte a pleading look.
The group from the North had come this time to purchase food. After accepting so many Free Folk, the North's stockpiles had been nearly depleted.
Even though the Free Folk were learning to farm like the Northerners, in a harsh region like the North the cost of agriculture was too high. Eddard had therefore decided to send Jon south to seek help from House Tully and House Whent.
But as Snow looked at the endless green ocean of wheat seedlings swaying in the wind along the road, everyone present could not stop staring. Even Fat Sam, who had grown up in the Reach, admitted he had never seen such lush fields.
Snow said quietly, "It seems we came to the right place. Lord Roman's ability to stand alone against Tywin certainly has its foundations."
When they finally arrived at Harrenhal, everyone's hearts filled with doubt.
Where was Harrenhal?
After an explanation from the patrol, they learned that this was the expanded Harrenhal. The main castle of House Whent was now like King's Landing—the fortress itself embedded within a growing city.
Fat Sam exclaimed, "By the Seven! We are witnessing the birth of a second King's Landing. This is even greater than when Black Harren built Harrenhal! While Lord Roman fought on the front lines, he completely rebuilt and expanded this place through production in the rear! Who else in Westeros has this kind of capability?"
At that moment, even Ygritte—who was usually most disdainful of southerners—had to admit the greatness and prosperity of the city.
Just as the group stood gazing at the walls, a wave of heat washed over them.
A ball of white flame slammed into the ground right in front of them, but the expected explosion never came. Instead, the flames shot upward in a towering pillar, merely scorching the earth.
After the brief burst of fire, white smoke rose from the ground, and a calm voice spoke from within it.
"The miracle of Harrenhal is the result of the collective efforts of its people. I am merely the guide."
The figure walking toward them was Roman. By now he had shed most of his scales and removed the robe and mask. He had returned to his former appearance—black hair, blue eyes, and sharply defined features.
However, scales still covered his neck, torso, and exposed arms. His hands showed a distinctly non-human shape, and a claw formed from one of his wing fingers rested on his shoulder, with the wings hanging behind him like a dark cloak.
Everyone exclaimed at once, "Lord Roman!"
Roman's appearance made them instinctively tense. In that instant, they felt as though they were facing not the heir of Harrenhal, but a genuine beast.
"Why are you all standing there? Is there something you need help with?"
The words snapped the Northern party back to their senses. One by one they recovered and bowed formally to Roman.
Roman wasted no time on ceremony. He led the group directly into Harrenhal and asked about their purpose.
Bowen Marsh explained, "Lord Roman, the North has accepted many Free Folk, and our food stockpiles are no longer sufficient. Lord Eddard hopes you can provide some grain aid. If possible, we would also like to purchase fertilizer and farming tools. In exchange, we can offer the North's timber and minerals."
Roman nodded. He had already received the news via raven while flying.
As for helping the Free Folk, he was naturally willing. In the beginning, when Harrenhal had nothing, it was thanks to the nearly one hundred thousand Free Folk recruited from the surrounding areas and the North that the territory had developed so rapidly.
The North's proposal to trade raw materials for industrial goods and food was exactly what he wanted. After unlocking sulfuric acid technology, nitrogen, phosphate, and potash fertilizers were all available—one of the reasons Harrenhal could support so many people.
The relevant agreements were quickly signed. The North would provide more ore and timber, while Harrenhal would supply food aid and sell farm tools, oxen, fertilizers, and various steel products at low prices.
Afterward, Bowen Marsh also approached Roman, hoping he could provide manpower for the Wall.
"Don't you have the Northern Garrison? Isn't that enough to defend the Wall?"
Bowen Marsh gave a bitter smile. "My lord, you may not know, but Lord Commander Jeor ultimately does not trust the Free Folk. To an old veteran like him, only brothers of the Night's Watch who keep their vows are truly reliable."
Roman replied, "Most of the current Night's Watch are criminals. What can an unenforceable vow prove? When things truly reach a desperate point, I doubt many of them will actually honor it."
"That is why I have come to you, my lord. Lord Commander Jeor hopes to recruit truly trustworthy men from here to face the threats that are coming."
Roman frowned. "Has something happened beyond the Wall?"
Bowen Marsh looked at the bright sunlight outside the window and listened to the lively voices of the people. His tone trembled slightly.
"The cold is coming. The strange beasts are rising again. And most importantly…"
Bowen Marsh looked at Roman with visible fear.
"Maester Aemon's eyes have regained their sight."
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