GOT: Chapter 233/234

Chapter 233: Playing Bigger and Bigger

Time was running out, and now that he knew the logistics supply was on the verge of collapse, Aegor didn't dare waste another moment. The next morning, he led the reinforcements and new recruits from the South back to the Wall.

Arya remained in Queenscrown. Aegor had originally intended to send someone to escort her home, but the Kingsroad was far from safe, and sending eight or ten men might not be enough to guarantee her protection. Sending more would leave his own stronghold under-defended. After some hesitation, he decided to return to Castle Black first... and send a raven to inform her family, letting her guardians in Winterfell decide what to do.

The Starks can't even keep an eye on their own children. Why should I be the one cleaning up the mess?


---

Castle Black was only a few dozen miles away. After leaving Melisandre's convoy and the new recruits behind, Aegor swiftly returned to the headquarters of the Night's Watch. After reporting to Mormont about the reinforcements sent by Stannis and the North's logistical difficulties, he presented a plan to resolve the crisis.

"Apply for a loan from Braavos and buy grain from across the Narrow Sea?" Mormont asked, visibly worried. "The Iron Bank is a wolf that devours without leaving bones. When Robert was king, he controlled the taxes of all Seven Kingdoms, and even then, it was just enough to pay the debt in installments... How will the Night's Watch repay them?"

"The Lord Commander knows of the Iron Bank?"

"The brothers at Eastwatch heard it from sailors docking at the port. It might be exaggerated, but it's certainly not fabricated. You haven't answered my question—what will the Night's Watch use to pay them back?"

"Use the Night's Watch's assets as collateral," Aegor answered without hesitation, then shrugged. "Instead of worrying about repayment, we should think about how to convince the Iron Bank to lend us the money. I'm planning another expedition beyond the Wall. I want to capture a wight and send it to Braavos by ship, to show those bloodsuckers that if the Wall falls, neither the North nor the Seven Kingdoms will be safe. If Westeros descends into chaos, the Iron Bank will never recover the money it's already lent."

"There's no need to go beyond the Wall. I didn't have a chance to tell you—news just came from Eastwatch. A ship from Braavos docked there the day before yesterday. Several men disembarked, claiming to be investigators from the Iron Bank," Mormont said. "Cotter Pyke questioned them, but they refused to explain and said they would only speak with the Chief Logistics Officer."

…

Investigators from the Iron Bank?

Melisandre didn't lie!

But... did it have to come true so quickly?

For the second time, Aegor witnessed the uncanny accuracy of the Red Woman's predictions. After a few moments of stunned silence, he relaxed. Good. Someone was finally stepping in to share the burden. The past few days had left him feeling as though he alone—he and the Night's Watch, and he as a reincarnator—were responsible for saving Westeros. But how could he be the only one concerned about stopping mankind's greatest enemies and preventing extinction?

Stannis, now wearing a crown, had made a decision opposite of the original plot: "Only by ending the wars of men can we turn to saving mankind." Aegor couldn't say it was the wrong choice, but it did leave the Night's Watch in a desperate situation. Fortunately, there were powers in the world beyond the Iron Throne that could help.

The Iron Bank had loaned millions of gold dragons to Westeros. It had a vested interest and couldn't remain indifferent. Their response may have been slow, but it wasn't too late.

As relieved as he was, Aegor didn't overlook a critical detail. "Only talk to me?"

"Yes. They said they'd only speak with you," Mormont said, shrugging. "They're heading west along the Wall now, escorted by a small group of rangers. They'll likely stop at Sable Hall and Beacon Tower. They'll reach Castle Black in a few days. Then you can speak with them."


---

Something was strange.

Yes, it was true Aegor had never allowed any other Night's Watch officer to interfere in the industry he'd built. The Logistics Department was completely under his control. In all but name, it was independent of the Night's Watch.

That fact alone was an obvious sign of "divided loyalties," but Mormont had accepted it for the greater good. The two had reached a quiet understanding: the Night's Watch wouldn't interfere in Aegor's attempts to defend the Wall with his own funds, and Aegor would publicly act as a loyal officer, never undermining the Lord Commander.

In reality, his relationship with the Night's Watch was strained. The truth was known only to Mormont, Jaime, and a handful of Aegor's closest allies. Even Jon Snow, the First Ranger, or the craftsmen and stewards might not know the full story. But how could the Iron Bank, across the Narrow Sea, know so much that they sent investigators straight to the Wall, demanding to speak only to the Chief Logistics Officer?

This clearly revealed a deep understanding of the Night's Watch's internal affairs—a startling demonstration of their intelligence network. But in bypassing Mormont so directly, what did that say about the real Commander?

Fortunately, Mormont didn't seem bothered. This nobleman, who had once supported and joined the Night's Watch voluntarily, truly put the interests of the realm before his own pride.


---

"Alright. I'll meet with them and try to secure a loan to purchase food across the Narrow Sea." Disregarding the rough seas and bad weather in the Narrow Sea, the distance from Eastwatch to Essos was actually shorter than from the Wall to the Reach. "But here's the problem— even if negotiations go smoothly, and we immediately send people back to Braavos with the investigation team to procure food, it will still take at least two or three months for the grain to arrive at the Wall."

"Our reserves won't last that long?"

"If we calculate carefully, we could manage," Aegor said, shaking his head. "But we're talking about feeding thousands. It's possible in theory, but there's no guarantee. Any small setback would be a disaster. We need a way to hold out during that window."

Mormont nodded. "What's your plan?"

"Reach a settlement with the Free Folk as soon as possible. Let them pass through the Wall and obtain their food reserves. At the same time, free up manpower to head south and help the North drive out the Ironborn and restore their logistical support to the Wall. If the first half of the plan works, it buys us an extra month or two. Once the North resumes supplying us—"

Mormont frowned. "The men of the Night's Watch are forbidden from taking part in the civil wars of the Seven Kingdoms."

"I don't see any civil wars. I see a band of pirates from the Sunset Sea raiding the North, cutting off our supply lines, and disrupting the logistics department," Aegor snorted. "And I promise, no Night's Watch brothers will be involved in expelling the Ironborn."

Technically, the Iron Islands weren't even one of the original "Seven" Kingdoms, and they did lie in the Sunset Sea... It really could be done without Night's Watch involvement?

It was obviously a stretch, maybe even a blatant lie. But even a cornered rabbit will bite. Wars have started over less. When survival is on the line, who clings to rules?

…

"Oh... Aegor, you have a sharp mind. I trust you, so I support your plans. But you're playing bigger and bigger now," Mormont said, tapping his fingers on the table, his mind racing. "The plan is feasible, but everything has to go right for it to work. What if the Iron Bank refuses to lend us the money? Or what if we can't get enough grain from across the sea? If we can't feed everyone, do we slaughter the wildlings we let through the Wall? Even against enemies, I couldn't do such a thing."

"You don't need to decide now. Let's meet the Iron Bank's envoys first. If they refuse the loan, we'll pretend to negotiate with the Free Folk. Tell them we'll open the gates. When they gather, we'll launch a large raid and take as much food as possible." It was cruel, but there was no place for mercy when winter was coming. "If we get the loan and confirm that food from Essos is on the way, we'll hold another council to discuss the possibility of a real peace with the Free Folk."

"That works."

"Hmm… Two more things. Stannis's priestess, rumored to be his true queen, will arrive at Castle Black before nightfall. Let Lord Bowen know not to neglect her." Aegor added, "Also, we've had some Free Folk captives rotting in the dungeons. It's time to put them to use. Release a few and send word to Mance Rayder that we're willing to negotiate."

Whether the talks are real or not, we need to find the man first. Mormont nodded quickly. "Alright, let's do it."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 234: Long-term Food Stamps

Two Free Folk with less severe injuries were dragged out of the cells, given food, and told the message they were to deliver. The Night's Watch then lowered them down from the Wall… The prisoners, who had been locked away for days, were thrilled to regain their freedom. Once they reached the ground, they leapt from the basket, sprinted off, and quickly vanished into the vast Haunted Forest.

With the garrisons and walls of the three main Night's Watch strongholds restored and seven newly opened forts operational, the defenses along the gorge and the entire Wall were finally connected. The frequency and scale of attacks remained constant, with casualties reported daily, but the Free Folk's hope of crossing the Wall into the Gift was growing slimmer by the day. Despite their ability to observe the defenders' movements using skinchangers' birds and beasts, they were still the best scouts on the continent paired with the most poorly equipped and undisciplined main force imaginable…

Mance Rayder had once been a deserter from the Night's Watch. Gathering a hundred Free Folk tribes and leading them to the foot of the Wall was already the height of his ability. Now, he was completely at a loss, unable to form a proper army to break through a tightly guarded defense line swarming with sentries and patrols.

As long as the message that the Night's Watch was willing to negotiate reached the "King Beyond the Wall," no matter how skeptical or unwilling he might be, he would have no choice but to accept the olive branch and respond.

The initiative rested entirely with the Night's Watch.

…

The new recruits brought by Melisandre and her followers were quickly integrated into the corps and assigned to various departments. Until now, Aegor hadn't had a single subordinate within the official "Logistics Department." Alliser Thorne, who had been declared a representative in King's Landing, had been completely sidelined in practice. Perhaps out of guilt, when Aegor requested help, Mormont readily assigned Humphrey Hill to the department.

At last, Aegor had an official subordinate within the system. He appointed Humphrey as the "Chief Logistics Officer of Queenscrown," working alongside "Mayor" Yam to develop and manage the trading market in the Gift and to ease the burdens Yam had been carrying alone.


---

After a few more days of work, Aegor finally welcomed the long-anticipated delegation from the Iron Bank.

…

Three Braavosi arrived at Castle Black, escorted by a small contingent of rangers. They passed through the newly rebuilt gate and dismounted in the center of the courtyard.

"Gentlemen, welcome to Castle Black, the headquarters of the Night's Watch," Aegor greeted them warmly. "I am the Chief Logistics Officer of the Night's Watch. This man beside me is the Lord Commander, Jeor Mormont."

The leader of the Braavosi, a tall, thin man wearing a purple felt hat, stepped forward. "Tycho Nestos. These two are my guards. I have been sent by the Iron Bank to assist the Night's Watch." He removed his hat and bowed slightly. "Thank you, my lords, and the brothers of the Night's Watch, for your hospitality and safe escort. I hope we haven't caused any trouble."

"Not at all, ser. You are most welcome," Mormont replied with a smile. At least that part felt genuine. "Would you care to come inside for some hot soup and warm food, or would you rather visit the top of the Wall? Castle Black has the highest vantage point. The view over the Haunted Forest is unlike anything in the world."

"No doubt… but we've already experienced the Haunted Forest from Eastwatch. There's little meaning in seeing it again from a few dozen feet higher. After a long ride, I would prefer a warm and quiet room where we can discuss the purpose of our visit."

Mormont gave a knowing nod. "I understand. Come, we'll go to my study. Jon, fetch some food and mulled wine from the kitchens."

…

The fire in the hearth had burned low, but the room was still much warmer than outside. Mormont's crow welcomed them with a squawk of "Corn!" They removed their cloaks and coats and sat down around the Lord Commander's desk.

Once the guests were seated, Aegor began, "What a coincidence. Just a few days ago, I was preparing to sail to Braavos myself to request a loan from the Iron Bank to get us through these hard times. I didn't expect the Bank to send three representatives here first. May I ask, my lords, what is the purpose of your visit?"

"I don't dare call myself a lord. We are humble employees of the Iron Bank," Tycho said, though he held his head high, as if well aware of his authority. "Our mission is clear. The Bank's directors heard about the troubles facing the Wall and instructed us to offer all possible assistance. We are authorized to offer the Night's Watch an interest-free loan to help its defenders through these difficult times."

Aegor and Mormont exchanged a glance, both visibly surprised. This was unexpected. The Iron Bank may have received information about the wights from Jaqen H'ghar and grown concerned that the White Walkers would overrun Westeros, making their loans to the Iron Throne unrecoverable. That part made sense. But to rush here uninvited and say, "We're here to give you a loan, interest-free"...

It was a bit too enthusiastic. Too forward.

The logic didn't add up… All the arguments Aegor had prepared in advance were rendered irrelevant by those words. He didn't know how to respond. Then, something suddenly surfaced in his memory: before Jaqen had left, he promised to send a ransom and said he would pay within a few months. Could this "interest-free loan," offered unsolicited, be the very ransom the Faceless Man had promised?

If that was the case, then the reach of the Faceless Men within Braavos was far beyond Aegor's expectations. He stared at the three men in front of him and thought to himself, Is one of them Jaqen H'ghar, wearing a new face?

"Of course, there are conditions," Tycho continued. "We ask that the Night's Watch industry be pledged as collateral, and that observers be allowed within the Night's Watch's territory to ensure the loan is used for defending the Wall. Additionally, if you intend to procure supplies from beyond Westeros, Braavos must be given priority."

Was the Iron Bank trying to use the Gift as a loophole to infiltrate Westeros? Or did they hope to use the loan as leverage to take over the Night's Watch's enterprise? Aegor wasn't sure. With Stannis seated on the Iron Throne, neither seemed likely to succeed.

After some thought, Aegor put his doubts aside. At a time when the Wall's supply lines were on the verge of collapse and thousands of lives were at stake, could he afford to turn away a lifeline just because of vague suspicions?

Better to think of real, tangible gains. "Those are reasonable terms. But we have a small request—the Wall is short on manpower, and we lack the people to manage such operations. We hope the Iron Bank will issue the loan directly in the form of food aid."

Tycho raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Lord Logistics Officer? The Iron Bank should purchase the grain on your behalf and arrange for ships to transport it to the Wall?"

"That would be ideal."

Tycho chuckled. "I've heard the Chief Logistics Officer is known for seizing every opportunity and resource. Seeing you now, I believe it."

Aegor shrugged, taking it as a compliment. "So, do you agree?"

"My orders are to assist the Night's Watch to the fullest extent permitted. Everything is negotiable. But we must agree on the details. Is that acceptable?"

"Certainly."

"Very good. Let's begin. First, bring me something to drink. I'm parched."

Out of respect, Aegor deferred to Mormont and had him appear to lead the negotiations with the Iron Bank envoys…

But in truth, the old bear had no say in the matter. Aegor and Tycho spent two or three hours drafting clauses and hammering out the fine print. When the final document was ready and both Aegor and Lord Commander Mormont signed the contract drafted by Tycho, Jon Snow's legs had gone numb from standing.

The Iron Bank would provide a loan of up to 100,000 gold dragons and would be responsible for converting the amount into food and fodder for transport to the Wall. However, the price would be based on the market rate in Braavos on the day the ship docked at Eastwatch. Furthermore, all expenses incurred during the process—including the pay of supervisors, the cost of hiring ships, and any losses or compensation from accidents at sea—would be charged against the loan. In short, it would all count toward the 100,000 gold dragons.

Once winter ended, the Night's Watch would have twenty years to repay the debt.


---

"Are you sure this is a good deal? That Tycho fellow made it clear that, after all the expenses, we're essentially paying double what we would for grain from the North," Mormont said uncertainly after the Braavosi had been shown to their quarters. "In other words, we'll get food worth 50,000 dragons, but owe them 100,000. That so-called 'interest-free' loan is just a pretty name. They're taking their interest through other means."

It looked like a scam on the surface, but Aegor, as someone familiar with financial maneuvering, knew better. The Iron Bank wasn't being exploitative in this deal. They were genuinely trying to help. "They're merchants. It's unrealistic to expect them to gain nothing. It's true, we'll probably receive grain worth 50,000 dragons, but the fact is—even if they gave us 100,000 dragons and told us to handle everything ourselves, we might not be able to secure that much food. More importantly, we signed our names, and that was all it took. Even if we do have to pay up, it won't be for twenty years."

"Well, the Night's Watch is being pledged anyway." Mormont shrugged. "I'll likely be dead by then… Whatever. Do as you see fit. I have no objections."

"Thank you for your support, my lord," Aegor said sincerely.

…

After leaving the room where he'd spent half the day, Castle Black appeared unchanged, but in Aegor's eyes, everything was different. There was no turning back now. There were many in the world who had offended kings and still lived carefree lives, but no one who struck a deal with the Iron Bank could ever go back on it without consequence.

Until the very moment he signed the contract, he had the option of quietly cashing out all the Night's Watch assets he controlled, fleeing across the Narrow Sea, and living in peace and luxury as a rich man. But driven by something that could be called ambition—or something deeper—he made the opposite choice.

Like a gambler who had already won, he wanted to bet again and win bigger. Now, he had placed everything he had—his Night's Watch industry and current position—back on the table.

The loan was secured. There was no time to hesitate or regret. Aegor's expression hardened with resolve. With the long-term food supply settled, it was time to figure out how to secure enough food from the Free Folk to survive the coming month... and the next.

(To be continued.)