As Benjen and I made our way through the courtyard of Winterfell, he asked about the rest of the family, and I was happy to catch him up. I told him everything going on in Winterfell—about Arya and Jon, my little prank & plan to break Jon out of his shell by trying to get him and Dacey together, which he laughed at. I also mentioned how I'd been bonding more with Theon. Both of us were working with Luwin to learn about our grandfathers, and Theon, through studying the histories of the Iron Islands from an outside perspective, had grown a fonder appreciation for his grandfather and a more soured outlook on his own father. Benjen seemed pleasantly surprised to hear this. I told him Theon was giving extra archery lessons to me and the other Stark children, aswell as the wards staying with us in Winterfell now. I pointed out how little Jon Umber was a beast in the yard, and Father had said he was very similar to his father, Lord greatJon Umber. I also shared that Wilford Manderley and Sansa were getting along swimmingly and that my Mother favored her among the other two wards.
As we continued through the courtyard, we passed the training yard, where Benjen commented on the guards' training. I explained they were practicing extra techniques to boost agility and strength, like the suicide runs and pull-ups he saw them doing. I seized the chance to offer him a more in-depth explanation and instructions on the exercises so he could take them back to the Wall when he left. He agreed, laughing as he said he was happy Winterfell was full of people and staying busy. "Ned should be pleased with all the work he's given himself," he remarked, and I nodded. I added that Father would be happy to see him, too.
I knew Benjen and I had a long way to go to convince Father of our now-shared idea, but we had some time yet. I planned to play on his honor and duty as Lord Paramount and a Stark. With me and his brother—whom I knew he missed deeply and wanted to reconnect with, though he was too awkward to admit it—this could be a way for him to mend that bond, at least in his mind. I hoped this would help me and North by getting him to lean more into accepting my idea.
As we entered the main hall, we ran into Vayon Poole, who greeted me with a "Morning" and Benjen with a surprised, warm welcome home. Even though Benjen said the Wall was his home now, I could tell he liked the words. I asked Vayon where Father was, and he told us he was in his solar after breaking his fast that morning. This was good news for Benjen and me—we could go to him right away. We thanked Vayon and headed to Father's solar, likely about to deliver one of the toughest sales pitches in Westeros or at least the northern history at this time.
As we approached, Benjen and I nodded to the guard at the end of the hall and continued to Father's door. Though we were family, I still knocked, waiting until I heard him say, "Come in." When we did, Benjen and I exchanged a glance, gave each other a final nod, and stepped through the sturdy doors.
Inside, I saw Father sitting behind his desk, a map of the North spread before him. Another hung on the wall, alongside Stark banners, antiques from past Starks, and direwolf figures on tables and in corners. "Father," I said in a chipper voice, "I bring a guest with me," as Benjen and I moved to stand in front of his desk.
Father looked up briefly, his naturally stern features softening as he noticed Benjen. "Benjen, I didn't expect to see you for a couple of days yet. I'm glad you made it safe, it seems," he said, standing to greet and hug his brother.
"It's good to be back," Benjen replied. "Robb's told me so much about the wards and the family. You must be proud. He'll make a fine lord one day. He reminds me of our father, with your best qualities and Catelyn's grace too," he added, giving me a side glance.
"There's something Benjen and I want to talk to you about, though," I said.
Father humphed, his face growing solemn again. "Looking towards Benjen then back to me, what is it Robb?"
I have a proposal for you, for the North.
"Really? He said yes, I countiue Something that could help us and the Wall, too. May we sit?" I asked.
Father nodded, telling us to sit as he settled back into his chair. "I'm guessing this is serious, judging by your tone, Robb."
I glanced at Benjen, then back to Father, nodding. "Yes, for the North. It's about the Stony Shore," I began, leaning back in my chair. "The Stony Shore has been left idle, but it used to be one of our most valuable lands—not just for taxes or crops, but for its access to the water and the protection it offered. It warned us of Ironborn raids, for the North and especially for House Stark. It's our duty to restore the land for the people who still live in that area," I said, emphasizing the word "duty" to catch his attention, "as rulers of the North to strengthen our lands and protect our people. Even though we have Theon here—and I don't think he'd ever hurt us—the same can't be said for his father, who's not known for great choices. We should strengthen it, and I believe I know a way to do that while easing pressure on the Wall."
I looked to Benjen, who picked up the thread. "As you know, the Wall's been failing more and more. We've had groups of raiders sneaking over or past it, and we just don't have enough men. We've asked for more equipment and gold to hire locals or repair the forts we have left. But what Robb and I came up with," he nodded to me, and I appreciated him framing it as our joint idea, "could lower the wildlings' morale and help the people north and south of the wall as well as the Nightswatch itself for no material cost."
"How would we do that?" Father interrupted. "I know you need more coin and men, but I don't think I can supply more than we already do."
"I know," Benjen said. "But our plan wouldn't require you to put up gold or men. In fact, it'd give the North and the Starks—directly and indirectly—more manpower. Or giant power," he added with a smirk.
Father looked confused, and I saw the opening Benjen had made. "The Thenns," I said, taking over.
"A clan of wildlings," Father noted.
"A clan of free folk," I corrected. "More advanced than the others. You can listien to Benjen about their ways."
I turned to Benjen, who continued, trading off with me in our pitch. "The Thenns are one of the biggest and most advanced clans north of the Wall. They're less nomadic, with smithing, farming, and their own settlements—some even rumored to be walled. They have giants," he said seriously. "Giants who once helped build the Wall alongside the Starks giants who bent the knee to Brandon the Builder and past Starks to fight the Dark Night. Giants who helped the First Men build castles and protect the North from invaders until the few left ended up on the wrong side of the Wall he finished. This is our chance to bring them back," I said, stepping in.
"As Starks, it's our honor, duty, and tradition to strengthen the North every generation. What better way to do that, help the Wall, and prevent bloodshed?" I said, appealing to Father's sense of honor, duty, and aversion to war. "We can't save all the free folk or make every wildling bend, but we can take in the advanced ones without upsetting the North too much—especially if they bring so many benefits," I spoke with resolve and excitement.
Father looked at me. "Is this why you've taken up the Old Tongue? You've been thinking about this for a while, haven't you? But I fear you don't understand the animosity some Northern houses, like the Umbers and Karstarks, have for wildlings."
"I do, Father," I said. "With Smalljon here, he could help me convince his father. The Umbers love strength—why wouldn't they want their emblem welcomed back to the North? And the Karstarks are family; even if they hate it, they'll support us."
Benjen took over. "Ned, brother," he said, "I think I could convince the Watch if I have your backing. With the Wall and the Starks united, we could make this work. All we'd need is to set up a meeting with the Thenns. They follow the Old Gods like us and honor guests right. If I could get word to them and promise passage through the Wall, they'd at least meet with you and Robb. They share our gods and our blood—just on different sides of the Wall. They might be the only clan of free folk to bend the knee willingly. They have laws, leadership, and know how to farm. Once they cross, they'd settle on the Stony Shore, far from the houses near the Wall. We'd separate them from their giants, letting the giants form a new house loyal to the Starks. We could give them land between us and the mountains in the Wolfswood—enough for their mammoths to roam, all lands under the starks banner not bothering the other houses."
"I've thought long and hard about this, Father," I said. "There's precedent in the scrolls I've studied with Luwin regarding the Old Tongue—records of clans coming from the Wall. The Stark name still holds significance south of the Wall. We've been lords and kings of the North for thousands of years, longer than almost any house in Westeros. Our history with the Old Gods, our battles against the Andals, and our defeat of the Dark Night—this proves we have the strength to do this.
I've even discussed leadership rights with Benjen. I can challenge them to a duel to demonstrate that Stark's strength prevails. If I win, they can keep their name and clan, but I will take their vows of loyalty. You know I'm the best in Winterfell, if not the North. Please, let me help you strengthen the North as its future leader." I leaned back, allowing him to absorb my words.
He looked at us. "This is a lot to think about, Robb, Benjen. You've clearly thought it through, but I haven't. I will still need to discuss other matters about the Wall and the North with my brother. But I promise I'll think long and hard on this. I appreciate," he said with a smile, "your commitment to duty, honor, tradition, the Old Gods, the North, and family. You make me prouder every day. Sometimes I'm thankful for that incident—it's turned you into a truer man, Robb. You're young, but you've handled the guards and wards so well, and I know you're taking your training seriously. I'll consider this seriously and let you know before Benjen returns to the Wall," he said, nodding to Benjen. "Now, please give me and your uncle some time to talk."
"Yes, Father," I said, standing. "Thank you for listening." I thought to myself that this was the best I could do to convince him. Hopefully, Benjen could push him further once I left. Father believes so strongly in honor and duty that he'd even foolishly tell Cersei he knew she cheated on the king with her brother. I hoped I could use that unyielding honor to let at least one clan of free folk come through peacefully, and his duty to strengthen the North.
As I stepped through the solar door into the hallway, my feet echoing on the stone, I considered meditating in the godswood before exhausting myself in the yard before bed to end the day. I was truly spent. I hadn't had such a long conversation with anyone since I came back—mostly just training, thinking, and planning. But it felt good to talk to Father. I didn't want to grow more attached than my other half's memories made me feel, since I wasn't planning to save him from his fate in King's Landing. I needed the power and prestige of leading the North—maybe even becoming King in the North—that the future might bring.
As I made my way to the godswood, I hoped I'd done enough to convince Father. I really wanted the giants' help when I went south—not just because the fanboy in me thought they were badass, or because an armored giant, a huge direwolf, and a loyal owl following me would make me look like a Stark warg king of old. I chuckled to myself as I continued toward the godswood.