iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 668 The Living Alliance
With the North returning to the Seven Kingdoms, Eddard had already mentally prepared himself for being neglected, as well as for the mockery and malice from others.

In this regard.

He will face it all calmly, because it is the price he must pay.

He also knew very well that the last Targaryen had brought three-headed dragons, and that the North's "tenacity" was meaningless; it would only lead to destruction.

Moreover, and more importantly, he could not turn the North and Stark's benefactor, Grimm Clyburn, into enemies, as this would violate the honor of the Stark family.

He believed in Green, that the new King of the Seven Kingdoms would allow the North to have a place in the Seven Kingdoms, which was the best outcome he could think of.

however.

The King of the Seven Kingdoms, having already considered the "awkward" situation of the Starks and the North, opened his arms to them.

Ed took a deep breath; he... had no way to repay him.

Subsequently.

An indescribable sense of ease swept over him, and even the gray sky seemed much brighter.

His grey eyes shifted to Grimm: "Your Majesty, Stark will never forget."

Green smiled and nodded, then reached out and patted his arm: "Duke Ned, let's go back."

Their steps turned back in the direction they had come from, and Green said as they walked, "Let's talk about the White Walkers..."

He took a sip of wine, paused, and continued, "...I came to the North ostensibly because of Stannis, but my real purpose is to discuss with you the matter of the White Walkers."

Duke Eddard tucked the wine pouch into his waistband: "Winterfell has a duty to fulfill, and I will be prepared for battle."

Green paused slightly: "I want you to gather 100,000 Northern soldiers, quickly, and the more the better."

One hundred thousand? !
Duke Ed frowned. He wasn't thinking about Green's request in a distorted way, but rather... pondering the possibility of it.

With winter approaching, if a man goes to war, his family will be rendered unable to survive, and Winterfell will have to take on the responsibility of caring for his family.

However, it was clear that Winterfell, having experienced three consecutive wars, was incapable of shouldering this responsibility.

Green had naturally taken this into account: "I will mobilize supplies from the south to support Winterfell and the Wall."

After walking a few steps, he added, "Over in King's Landing, I have arranged for the training of 100,000 soldiers. This is the first batch of troops to support the Wall."

Upon hearing this, Duke Ed couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, the first batch?"

Green nodded: "Yes, the first batch. The second batch is 200,000, the third batch is 300,000, and so on. The living allied forces will continue to move north until we win the final victory."

.........

...

Inside the tent fluttering the direwolf banner, Duke Ed, who had just removed his cloak, slowly sat down on a folding chair. The crackling of the charcoal in the brazier cast a long, slender shadow over him.

In this decisive battle for the survival of humanity, the North must give it their all...

This is not only for the Seven Kingdoms, but also for the North...

This is still a battle for Stark honor...

Green's voice still seemed to echo in his ears. Duke Ed touched his beard, which he hadn't shaved for days. There was no way out in the North. Perhaps... he had to make a decision.

They won. This achievement was enough to establish the entire North under the Targaryen-Clayber dynasty, and the Starks could wash away the shame of their eldest son's violation of guest rights.

If we lose...

If we lose, the seven kingdoms will perish; we must win!
Duke Ed's breathing became heavier; he was actually feeling an irrepressible excitement about the impending final battle between the living and the dead.

After a while, his breathing gradually calmed down.

You're such a nuisance, your blood's frozen solid, Ned. Let me tell you, I'm still hot-blooded! (Chapter 144)

Ed could feel his blood still boiling. A faint smile finally appeared on his resolute lips. Father… it turned out that not only his brother and sister, but also the blood of the wolf surged within him (Chapter 136). “Father!”

The curtain was lifted, letting in a gust of cold wind and the clear voice of the little girl.

"Arya".

Duke Eddard's gaze shifted to his beloved youngest daughter, Arya, who looked remarkably like Lyanna when she was a child. Seeing her was as if his sister was still by his side.

Seeing the little wolf girl running towards him, a fatherly smile immediately appeared on his serious face.

"I miss you so much!"

His little wolf girl was very agile. She shouted and pounced on him, clinging to her father's broad body.

Ed ruffled Arya's fluffy little head with his large hand: "You seem to have grown a bit taller."

Upon hearing this, Arya pouted as she left her father's embrace: "I'll be taller than Sansa soon."

Ed smiled slightly: "I'm looking forward to it."

Arya was finally happy, and she hugged her father again: "You are the best. Lady Catelyn always favors Sansa."

Duke Ed sighed softly: "Arya, wolves thrive in packs."

"Humph."

Under her father's stern gaze, Arya's little face puffed up: "The lone wolf dies."

Duke Ed sighed and patted his youngest daughter's head. "Kate loves you both very much, Arya, believe me."

“Very well, very well, I will give the Lady of Winterfell a chance to prove herself, Your Grace.”

Listening to Arya's seemingly obedient complaints gave Duke Ed a headache. Oh well, he decided to leave this kind of problem to Kate.

After letting his youngest daughter sit beside him by the fire, Eddard slowly spoke, "Arya, come back to Winterfell with me tomorrow."

Arya's bright eyes widened slightly: "Are we going back tomorrow? By the way, is Grin coming with us too?"

Duke Ed nodded his chin, then shook his head and said, "Green will go to the Great Wall; we'll go back ourselves."

Seeing that her father was no longer speaking, Arya's eyes flickered slightly: "Father, I want to go to the Great Wall with Green. I want to see the edge of the world."

Duke Ed frowned slightly: "Next time, His Majesty has important business at the Great Wall."

After waiting for a long time without any explanation, Arya had already guessed... that it involved a secret between the adults.

She said dejectedly, "Very well, I'll go back with you, Your Excellency Duke of Winterfell."

"Ah."

The perceptive little wolf girl caught a fleeting hint of apology on her father's face and immediately seized the opportunity to make a request: "Father, when we get back, you must address Mrs. Caitlin's frequent favoritism."

"..."

"Also, you must stop her from punishing me with a brush!"

"..."

"And also, she's not allowed to restrict my sword practice time..."

.........

...

The King's Tent, located in the center of the camp.

Mace Tyrell's cheeks flushed red, and he trembled as he managed to squeeze out his words: "A living alliance?"

(End of this chapter)