Eddard waved his hand, and Kalas pulled a detailed map of the North from his backpack, spreading it carefully across the table."Here," Eddard said, pointing to the Gift, south of the Wall. He traced a circle between Eastwatch-by-the-Sea and Last Hearth, near Seal Bay. "I need your people divided into two groups. One half, under Tormund's leadership, will live here."The Free Folk representatives watched silently, though Mance Rayder's brow furrowed. Eddard smiled, unconcerned by the frown. "Within this area, you may live entirely by the customs of the Free Folk. No one will force you to kneel, and no taxes will be demanded. You may farm, hunt, herd, or even fish along the coast—so long as it remains within this circle."He emphasized the boundary, his tone sharper: "But only within this circle."The Free Folk's way of life was simple, almost primitive. They followed a few unwritten rules but largely lacked a concept of law or property, and they did not hold life in high regard. Decisions were made based on worthiness rather than morality. If an object or opportunity seemed worth risking for, they would pursue it without hesitation; if not, they would abandon it entirely.Moreover, the majority were poor, some without a single piece of iron. Placing such a people among the more settled Northmen could only lead to chaos: theft, kidnapping, violence, and constant disorder. Eddard's solution was practical: divide them and manage them with strong authority."Oh, why am I made the leader?" Tormund grinned, leaning over the iron bars, his snow-white beard brushing the map. "Is that all? Just such a small circle? It's as narrow as a giant's stomach. Life there must be cramped. Make it bigger!"Tormund was illiterate and could not grasp the scale of the map. To him, the hand-drawn circle looked tiny, almost comically so."Alright, Tormund," Jon explained, stepping forward. "That's actually a vast area, over a hundred kilometers in length and width. Fields, orchards, and houses already exist. If you work diligently, life there will be far better than Beyond the Wall. Even if your population doubles, there will still be enough space."Jon looked at Tormund directly. "Do you accept these terms, Giantbane?"Jon and Tormund had shared many experiences with the Free Folk, and the giant had shown him genuine respect and loyalty. Compared to Mance Rayder, Jon's words carried a weight of trust.Tormund scratched his head, pulling at his beard. "It's not so small, then. I wouldn't dare agree without Mance's say. I may drink more and fight better than him, my cock is bigger than his, but he's far more cunning. Handling you southerners requires cleverness, not strength alone.""You want to divide us?" Mance Rayder's voice cut through the murmur of the group, dark with suspicion.Eddard's eyes widened, disbelief shifting swiftly to anger. He slammed his hand on the table. "Mance Rayder! Are you still planning to assert yourself as King-Beyond the Wall in the North?"Rolling up the map, Eddard stood, towering over the others. "If you cling to such ambitions, gather your forces and prepare to attack the Wall. I will defeat you, kill a portion of your people, and the rest may then become more compliant. Blow your horn if you wish—I know it's a fake, dug from a giant's grave. Who are you trying to scare?""Who dares?" Mance Rayder's gray-white eyes flashed with fury, lingering on Jon for a long, cold moment.But Eddard did not falter. The Free Folk were trapped between the threat of the Others and the massive Wall. He did not wish for needless bloodshed with primitives, yet he would act decisively if challenged. "The Wall is over two hundred meters high. If you intend to climb it, you will do so slowly," he added with a calm yet intimidating tone.Mance Rayder, realizing resistance was futile, quickly changed his tone. "Alright, alright, I agree to this arrangement."His goal was simple: to save his people from the Others and lead them south of the Wall. The horn he carried was real, dug from a giant's tomb, but whether it had power or was a legendary relic mattered little—he had no confidence left after Eddard had exposed the secrets. As for Tormund taking half his people, it was difficult, yet far preferable to death.He composed himself, lowering his voice: "What is the price, Eddard Karstark?""From now on," Eddard said gracefully, "address me as 'My Lord,' Mance Rayder. The price is simple: take up arms when called upon. Tormund will assist the Night's Watch in defending the Wall. The Free Folk warriors will follow Commander Jon Snow's arrangements. This winter, Jon will provide all necessary supplies to sustain you until spring, when self-sufficiency may be possible."He looked at the representatives, waiting for questions. Styr remained stoic, his eyes like cold steel. Tormund pondered silently, aware that cunning had once allowed him to claim kingship, only to be subdued by Mance. Waramir's eyes darted about, observing every gesture. Doghead Hama's impatience showed clearly, while the giant Marga simply squatted, silent and imposing.Mance Rayder finally asked, "And the other half, My Lord Eddard?"Eddard nodded. "They will be placed near Dreadfort, within Bolton territory. You, Mance, will oversee them. Your task: surround the castle built beside the volcano. Allow nothing, not even a fly, to approach."He had no intention of stripping Mance of all authority. The Free Folk followed leaders they recognized. Tormund could be entrusted because he already held respect. Forcing leaders appointed by others led to chaos—a lesson Jon and Stannis had learned before.Eddard's approach was subtle: grant freedom initially, stabilize the population, and gradually integrate the willing into the North. Those unable to adapt would fade over time. By splitting the groups—some at the Wall, some near Dreadfort—the Free Folk's mutual support was severed, minimizing the risk of rebellion."I understand," Mance said, considering the terms. "If the Boltons eventually surrender due to starvation, will Dreadfort belong to the Free Folk?"He had been a Night's Watchman for decades and had also served in the King's army. Becoming Lord of Dreadfort, hereditary and secure, seemed tempting, especially with a family on the way.Eddard's eyes twitched slightly, reading Mance's thoughts. "Whether Dreadfort ultimately belongs to the Free Folk will depend on your performance and King Robb Stark's decision, not mine. My promise guarantees only that your people may live there, with the same conditions as Tormund's group. Do you understand?"Mance fell silent, digesting the terms.Doghead Hama, however, stepped forward, impatient. "What if the lads leave the designated area?" Her teeth bared, face tense, and eyes blazing.Eddard's gaze remained steady. "You may leave. But we have the right to enforce the law. If you end up hanged from a tree by the roadside, the blame is yours."Her face darkened immediately. "What difference is that from imprisonment? You swap an iron cage for land. How can we agree to this?"She turned to the others. "Will you kneel?"Styr said nothing, eyes fixed. Tormund shrugged casually. "Stop shouting. No one is forcing you. Stay north of the Wall if you wish—that's freedom.""You old braggart, are you really going to live among the crows?" Waramir sneered. "Be careful not to have your head cut off while sleeping!""Stop farting in front of me, or I'll skin your bear alive, make a cloak, and your shadowcat into a robe for my daughter!"Tormund laughed, the tension easing for a moment. "Then try it!"The eagle perched on Waramir's shoulder spread its wings, ready to strike."Enough!" Eddard shouted, silencing them. He fixed Mance with a piercing gaze. "Control your people. If you need time to think, take it. I am not in a hurry.""That concludes today's meeting," he announced. "Agree, and inform me. Disagree, and prepare for battle. Remember: the Wall watches you every day."He pulled his cloak and left the passage. Jon Snow nodded to Tormund and followed, leaving Kalas behind. The hidden soldiers in the murder holes emerged, weapons ready, making the air chill with anticipation."Gentlemen, if you wish to argue or duel, move further away; we are closing the door," Kalas said, a playful smile on his face, his gesture polite."Let's go," Mance said. The others nodded and followed the giant slowly out of the passage.With a heavy creak, the nine-inch-thick oak door shut, and silence returned.Late that night, Eddard lay in his King's Tower bedroom, eyes on the starry sky, contemplating the day's work. From the Free Folk's perspective, his terms were generous. Those willing to adopt a stable life would thrive. Those intent on chaos would fail outside the Wall.A knock interrupted his thoughts."Tap… tap… tap…"Kalas whispered, "My Lord, Jon Snow wishes to see you.""Tell him to wait," Eddard replied, but the moment he opened the door, Jon's words erased all drowsiness."Eddard! The wildlings have started fighting among themselves!!"---
Full book àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)