Chapter 327

Aegor had neither the tools nor the means to measure mystical phenomena like the "magic density within the Wall" or the "concentration of the Cold God's energy in the air." Naturally, this meant he couldn’t precisely calculate when the White Walkers would finally overcome their aversion to the Wall and launch an all-out assault.

In theory, every day could be the last before the White Walkers attacked. The Gift was already in a state of maximum war preparedness, with everyone’s ingenuity and initiative being channeled into fortifying this first line of defense.

However, two key events had yet to occur, leading Aegor to believe there was still time:

Bran Stark’s Return
Bran Stark remained lost beneath the massive weirwood at the Nightfort. Despite Aegor’s interference drastically altering the world’s historical trajectory, the events beyond the Wall seemed relatively unaffected. Aegor pinned his hopes on the greenseers’ ability to ensure Bran’s safe return to the southern side of the Wall. As long as Bran lived, he would inevitably return before the White Walkers amassed enough power to breach the Wall’s defenses. In other words, the White Walkers’ attack would likely coincide with Bran’s return.

Daenerys Targaryen’s Invasion
Without the reckless and prideful young queen delivering her dragons to the Night King, the White Walkers lacked the means to destroy the Wall outright. Their only options were to wait for the opportune moment or attempt to bypass the Wall entirely—something Aegor had already accounted for in his defenses.

Relying on plot knowledge to predict the enemy’s movements was, of course, irresponsible. Aegor’s plan was simple: complete his business as quickly as possible and return to the Gift without delay to oversee its defense.

Leading a lightly equipped party of a dozen guards, Aegor traveled south along the newly repaired Kingsroad. After several days of relentless travel, they arrived at the Glover stronghold of Deepwood Motte, the northern "command center" for the war on the western coast. It was a castle Aegor himself had reclaimed from Asha Greyjoy during a previous campaign.
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The ambush on Robb Stark weeks earlier had shaken the North from the Neck to the Wall. Upon hearing of the attack, the Northern lords quickly mobilized troops to assist their liege and pursue Euron Greyjoy, who had dared to venture deep into the Wolfswood.

Unfortunately, by the time thousands of Northern soldiers arrived at the battlefield half a day later, the Ironborn had already completed their plundering and retreated. All that remained were the corpses of six noble heirs, hundreds of Northern veterans, and the mutilated, skinless remains of Grey Wind, whose head was mounted on a pike as a grim warning.

Tactically, psychologically, and in terms of public perception, this was an undeniable disaster. However, it didn’t derail Robb Stark’s strategic plans. Learning from this bitter lesson, the North’s military operations on the western coast became far more cautious. Troops now deployed with extensive reconnaissance, ensured nearby allies were ready to provide support, and—most importantly—always carried earplugs to counter the Ironborn’s dreaded horn.

While this newfound caution prevented further ambushes, it also significantly slowed the evacuation of coastal residents. Despite the delays and losses, by the time Aegor arrived at Deepwood Motte, the remaining western coast population had successfully relocated to nearby winter towns, forming a defensive network.

With this phase of the plan complete, the Northern lords were preparing to divide their forces—leaving a few elite troops to guard the towns while the rest either returned home for the winter or moved south to defend the Riverlands. The only reason they still lingered was to debate the details of their military retaliation against the Ironborn.

Aegor’s swift arrival proved fortuitous. He reached Deepwood Motte just before the lords concluded their discussions on where to establish a new western naval base. After formally announcing his presence, he joined their council.
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It wasn’t the first time Northern lords had seen Aegor at a war council, and few objected to his attendance. As Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, he entered the hall naturally, commanding a sense of authority. Without preamble, he presented his proposal: a multifunctional military harbor at the Gorge’s western mouth, combining a naval base, shipyard, and the Night’s Watch’s twenty-first outpost. He emphasized that the Night’s Watch would provide free labor and harbor defenses.
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Technically, the Night’s Watch had no authority to meddle in the Seven Kingdoms’ internal affairs. But in an era of chaos, where rules and traditions were already crumbling, none of the young, vengeance-driven Northern lords questioned the legality of Aegor’s proposal. Instead, they were secretly relieved that someone was willing to shoulder the burden of building the naval base.

No one contested Aegor’s bid. Instead, the lords quickly turned their attention to the plan’s feasibility.

“Building a harbor at the Gorge’s mouth? Isn’t that too far north? Won’t the ships freeze in the port?” one lord asked.

“They won’t,” Aegor replied confidently. “I’ve had my men research historical records and consult with the Wull clan’s fishermen. The waters of the Bay of Ice have never experienced large-scale freezing. It’s likely due to ocean currents blocked by the Frozen Shore—or perhaps a warm current flows from the west. Whatever the reason, the harbor will remain ice-free.”

Another lord raised a concern. “What about timber for the shipyard? Is there a forest nearby?”

“Yes, though not as vast as the Wolfswood, it’s more than sufficient. We don’t need a massive fleet like the Ironborn’s. A few sturdy warships capable of transporting and protecting troops to land on the Iron Islands will suffice. I’ve even considered using wildfire as a weapon against the Iron Fleet. Its inherent instability makes it dangerous, but the frigid conditions of the Bay of Ice could make it feasible.”

The mention of wildfire—a weapon infamous since the Mad King’s reign—grabbed the lords’ attention. Seeing Aegor had not only thought through logistics but also potential combat scenarios, their expressions softened, and the atmosphere shifted from frustration to cautious optimism.
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As the lords bombarded Aegor with further questions, he answered each one with clarity and precision. Key points were confirmed: experts from King’s Landing would oversee harbor construction, White Harbor would supply skilled shipwrights, and Bear Island’s Mormonts would provide soldiers to train new recruits and form the backbone of the Northern navy.

For a region without a proper navy since the days of Brandon the Burner, rebuilding a fleet was a monumental task. Endless details needed consideration, and even after hours of debate, much remained unresolved. Eventually, Robb Stark, arm still in a sling, raised his hand to quiet the room.

“Aegor, your dedication to the North is appreciated,” Robb began, his tone heavy with gratitude and lingering sorrow. “But your duty lies elsewhere—holding the Gift, guarding the Wall, and keeping the wildlings and the White Walkers at bay. We are grateful for your offer of land and assistance, but the North will handle the rest.”

This was a gentle rebuke, a reminder to focus on his primary responsibilities. Aegor raised his hands in mock surrender and replied, “My lord, you misunderstand. I didn’t come solely for the navy. Establishing this outpost is part of the Watch’s broader defensive strategy. However, the Watch faces financial difficulties. I came to seek economic support and only offered assistance with the navy as a gesture of goodwill—repayment for the North’s long-standing support