In the courtyard of Seaguard.
Eddard Stark's gaze rested on Seaguard's battered walls. No emotion showed in his gray eyes.
His voice was calm, carrying the North's characteristic chill, as if he were simply stating a fact. "Suleiman."
"You sacrificed yourself in the fighting for the Riverlands."
"King Robert will remember your service."
"I will remember it too. I'll speak to Robert on your behalf."
Suleiman felt that this Warden of the North and lord of Winterfell wasn't as cold as he appeared.
His sternness was a habit. But because he always wore a grave expression, and spoke with the same gravity, people could easily mistake it for disdain and indifference toward them.
Suleiman replied politely, "It was my duty, Lord Eddard."
Eddard Stark gave a slight nod. His gaze shifted from the distance to Suleiman. "Lord Hoster's affairs need to be settled. I'll be going to Riverrun."
He paused, as though weighing something in the silence.
"My wife and children will travel light from the North to meet me at Riverrun."
"I hope you can ensure their safety along the way."
The request was unexpected, but it also made sense to Suleiman.
The Ironborn had been cleared from the Riverlands, but bandits were rampant. Suleiman was the de facto military commander of the West Riverlands and its strongest military presence.
As long as their interests didn't conflict, Suleiman was glad to build ties with decent people.
He readily agreed. "It would be my pleasure, my lord."
Just then, a guard came rushing over in a panic, interrupting their conversation.
"Lord Suleiman! Lord Eddard!"
The guard gasped for breath, his face full of worry.
"Lord Suleiman! Our men... our men are fighting with the Northmen!"
Eddard Stark's brow furrowed at once. He turned to look at his attendant, who was