Chapter 326

Arya’s prolonged stay at Crown's Rest wasn’t just because of her mischievous refusal to return home. Another key factor was that her temporary guardian, Ser Rodrik Cassel, was enjoying his time in the Gift. Treated as an honored guest, he had fine food, drink, and the occasional opportunity to oversee the training of Crown's Rest’s recruits. His days were leisurely yet fulfilling, much like an employee left behind while their boss went on a business trip—there was no urgency to return.

But no matter how comfortable he was, when Lady Cassel’s letter arrived demanding their return, Ser Rodrik dared not linger. As Aegor took Nina into his chambers for “private discussions,” Winterfell guards were scrambling through Crown's Rest in a chaotic chase to catch their runaway lady. After an exhausting pursuit that turned the inner keep upside down, they finally cornered Arya at the closed northern gate, with help from the local garrison. Despite her tears, tantrums, and pitiful pleas, they rested for a night and then set off southward the next morning without hesitation.

Arya’s departure brought relief to many. Finally, Aegor could devote all his focus to developing the Gift and expanding his influence.
----


It was only with Nina’s visit that Aegor truly understood the difference between casual encounters and genuine intimacy. The phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” rang especially true during their reunion. He realized something profound: not every physical connection between a man and a woman could be called love. To embrace, kiss, share whispered words, and meld body and soul with someone you trust completely, without any barriers or reservations, was a far cry from mere lust. Their connection brought both physical and emotional resonance, a harmony that no fleeting affair could replicate.

Nina was a smart and perceptive woman. Though she lacked magic, she understood far better than a Red Priestess how to make her man feel in control, truly relaxed, and genuinely happy.

Of course, no matter how harmonious their relationship, work remained a priority. Aegor couldn’t entrust anyone else with the critical tasks of securing loans in the Westerlands and reorganizing efforts in King’s Landing. After spending a few days meticulously detailing her mission, he reluctantly saw Nina off, returning his focus to his responsibilities.
----


Having only recently been elected Lord Commander, Aegor knew that ensuring stability within the Night’s Watch was just as important as planning the Gift’s development. Reports from his trusted agents across the Wall painted a reassuring picture: Jon Snow managed Castle Black with steady competence, leaving Aegor little to worry about.

Ser Denys Mallister at the Shadow Tower diligently focused on patrolling the southern Gorge, fully committed to his duties. Even the unpredictable Cotter Pyke and Yohn Royce at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea had been uncharacteristically cooperative—Pyke silently followed Aegor’s orders, while Royce reliably led inspections of the frozen coastline with the fleet.

Meanwhile, the newly upgraded fortresses along the Wall, under the leadership of their respective commanders and four lieutenants, were rapidly improving both cohesion and infrastructure.

Amid this relative calm, troubling news arrived from the western coast of the North.
----


Thanks to the repaired King’s Road and the influx of settlers in the Gift, commerce between the Gift and the North had grown remarkably active. Northern merchants brought goods to Crown's Rest, where Aegor soon pieced together the details of a recent battle through their accounts.

Robb Stark had led his elite guard to protect evacuating villagers but was ambushed by Euron Greyjoy’s forces. For the first time in his life, Robb suffered defeat. He was wounded in several places, many of the noble scions serving as his squires were killed, and even his direwolf, Grey Wind, fell in the battle. Only the desperate efforts of his soldiers allowed Robb to escape, though the Ironborn’s lack of cavalry spared the Northerners from total annihilation.

Among the exaggerated tales circulating—such as the “Horn of Hell” shattering courage and killing men outright or “Crow’s Eye” being possessed by a demon and slaughtering over a hundred Northerners single-handedly—one report caught Aegor’s attention: the Northern lords had resolved to rebuild their navy along the western coast to retaliate against the Ironborn.

This decision, though unconfirmed, felt logical and aligned with the North’s situation. The losses of 500–600 experienced soldiers returning from the Westerlands, coupled with the deaths of prominent heirs serving Robb, made the defeat painful for the North. Robb’s bond with Grey Wind was well-known, and his wolf’s death would have stung deeply. To maintain his authority, Robb had to respond decisively.

While the navy’s reconstruction seemed unrelated to Aegor, he saw it as an opportunity for the Gift. Establishing a naval presence required harbors, shipyards, and skilled laborers. Aegor’s surplus population could fill those roles. If he could convince the Northern lords to hire his people cheaply, it would alleviate the Gift’s labor surplus while providing an opportunity to learn shipbuilding techniques.
----


After consulting his closest advisors at Crown's Rest, the plan became even more appealing. Humphrey Hill, Aegor’s logistics officer, voiced concerns about where the Northern navy might establish its base. “The western coast is under Ironborn control, and Bear Island is likely under heavy surveillance. White Harbor is on the eastern coast. Where could they even build?”

Yarm, Crown's Rest’s mayor, had a suggestion. “Didn’t Ser Mallister request a new outpost along the southern edge of the Gorge for patrols? If we offered the westernmost point near the sea for the North’s navy, it could serve multiple purposes.”

Aegor quickly saw the logic. The site could provide a safe, hidden location for the Northern fleet, shielded from the Ironborn. Simultaneously, it could bolster the Shadow Tower’s defenses and patrols of the Gorge. Aegor’s forces could even maintain the outpost, securing goodwill from the North while subtly expanding his influence.

Humphrey added, “Since the North recently suffered defeat, borrowing money may be difficult. But if we offer free labor for the shipyards and garrison forces to protect the harbor, it will strengthen our case for loans.”

The plan, now clear and ambitious, set Aegor’s mind racing with possibilities. “Prepare for my journey south tomorrow,” he ordered. “No matter how much I secure, I’ll return quickly. In the meantime, I leave Crown's Rest and the Watch in your capable hands.”