20.5

Eve stared bored at the great hall of the current self-styled King in the North. While it was a grand and imposing space, befitting the ruler of a vast and noble kingdom, that wasn’t saying much. Constructed with solid and sturdy materials, the hall exudes a sense of strength and resilience. As a person entered, most were immediately struck by the sheer size of the hall, with its high ceilings and expansive dimensions.

While the middle path was left bare, the sides of the great hall were packed with petitioners, guards, and minor nobles.

Smaller than the lobby of my bank. Eve thought as she ignored the conversation around her. Gaining an audience hadn’t been hard, as money opened almost every door. First was buffering her against interested individuals, while the Third supported his efforts.

For those that tried for a more physical path past them, Eve had some of Fourth, Hood’s, people in full plate to dissuade them.

Eve looked at the walls of the great hall adorned with magnificent tapestries depicting the rich history and heroic tales of the North. The most recent additions to these tapestries showcase scenes of valiant battles, legendary warriors, and the natural beauty of the northern lands. The vibrant colors and intricate details capture the imagination and serve as a visual reminder of the kingdom's proud heritage. She was particularly interested in the tapestry depicting the signing of the Pact.

Brushing her senses against the tapestry Eve could feel the powerful magic of the Fae inside it. Before things became awkward, she withdrew her inquisitive Witch’s Dust.

A majestic and intricately carved wooden throne adorned with furs and pelts sat upon a raised dais at the far end of the hall. This was the seat of the King in the North, a symbol of power and authority. The throne was positioned beneath a large, ornate banner that bore the sigil of the ruling house, representing their ancestral lineage and dominion. Her sharp eyes didn’t miss the newly stitched attempt at a Bear that had been added. House Mormont was making waves in more ways than one. Lady Madeline was no slouch after all.

While they would never admit it, Eve knew the Stark family was descended from Lord Greenhand’s more adventurous days. It just wasn’t something anyone would state in polite company. Such knowledge did make for gossip of the best sort at parties, though.

Stretching out from the throne along the sides of the room, long and sturdy oak tables and benches extended through the sides of the hall. These tables commonly served as a gathering place for the King's council, advisors, and esteemed guests. Crafted with care, the tables were polished to a shine, reflecting the flickering light of torches and chandeliers that line the hall. On such tables, matters of the kingdom were discussed, alliances forged, and justice dispensed. They were buried behind the mass of humanity at the moment, though to Eve’s amusement.

I doubt less than a third of these people would be here without knowing the Silver Bank would be in attendance. Eve mused.

The hall was usually alive with activity, bustling with courtiers, nobles, and servants who went about their duties. However, today, the air was filled with a sense of anticipation and respect, as the great hall was not only a place of governance but also a venue for celebrations, feasts, and important events.

Events like the most powerful bank in the known world attending the birth of Lord Brandon Stark’s heir.

It had been a convenient excuse to visit the North, and Eve had taken full advantage of it. With the Bear taking the seas, the Wolf had also reached out their fangs. Overland routes that went through the North were well within the jaws of the Stark family. The days of bandits roaming were well passed. Kill squads patrolled the North along paved roads. Any bandit that chose to show their mettle received an equivalent wage of solid steel.

Eve had gone a step further and carved the economy of the other Houses to pieces. Trade agreements bound every northern lord to the King of the North, backed by silver. There had been a few lords that resisted such things, but the Faceless handled those smoothly. All bent the knee to the Stark household or were made more malleable.

Politics are for the powerless. Eve thought as the King in the North, Brandon Stark, appeared. True power didn’t adhere to the wants or needs of others, only those of the wielder.

“Lord Paramount of the Mountain Tribes, Lord of Winter’s Fall, King of the First Men, and One True Ruler of the North, Brandon Stark!” announced the seneschal in a booming voice.

On ceremonial occasions, the hall echoed with the harmonious melodies of musicians or resounded with the booming voices of bards reciting epic poems. Now the whole place grew hushed as no one was willing to speak. In the evenings, torches and chandeliers illuminated the space, casting a warm and inviting glow. The sound of booted footsteps resounded as the King paced to his throne with controlled steps.

Eve was impressed at the man’s showmanship. Overall, the great hall was a place of grandeur and power, where history and tradition merged seamlessly with the present. It served as the kingdom's heart, embodying the strength, resilience, and noble spirit of the North and its people. Brandon Stark knew precisely how to mold the expectations of his people.

“Greetings to our visitors from across the Shivering Sea.” King Brandon said, glancing at Eve’s party. “We are always glad to welcome those of Silver into the House of Winter.” Such words instantly placed her party above everyone else in the room.

Eve inclined her head regally. Her senses quickly caught the murmur of those shocked at her manner of dress. While the women flayed her with their jealous eyes, the men of the hall took note of her guards in heavy plate armor. She knew that each of her guards was worth five men before runic magic was involved. The training of Silver Bank security was a brutal method that ruthlessly separated the wheat from the chaff.

“It is always kind to be welcomed into the House of Winter. I have taken the time to prepare a few gifts.” Eve said, her voice toned and pleasant. A finger snap as Eve moved toward the King caused multiple items of intricate effort to appear in the air around her slowly. She phased them in from Storage with minimal effort for maximum effect. The requirement of such delicate magic had forced her to attend this meeting personally.

“For the child, a blade that grows with every kill.” A toy sword floated point down and appeared near Eve’s left shoulder.

“A puzzle to sharpen the mind to incredible heights.” A rubric cube rotated slowly by the sword.

“Clothing that never stains and repairs itself. Ah, it will also dispose of any messes placed inside.” Several sets of folded clothing from baby to early childhood floated in orbit with the puzzle around the small sword.

“For the mother, a potion that will restore her to full health instantly removes all the annoying parts of childbirth. I have little doubt it will improve her current condition manifold.” A maroon hue appeared near Eve’s right shoulder as she stood ten paces from the throne.

“Clothing from my tailor, fitted to exact specifications.” A set of dresses of luxury appeared folded perfectly by the potion. Eve decided not to mention the undergarments, although she was sure the King would appreciate them, eventually.

“A variety of enchanted jewelry, with a scroll detailing their effects.” A scroll tied with silver wire appeared atop a jewelry case of medium size.

Eve translocated and smiled disarmingly at the King before she continued. “I craft these last three gifts. First, a sword that grows from killing the enemies of the King of the North. It will always return to the wielder’s hand with a thought” A shining sword appeared and pointed down in front of her.

“A set of armor that will turn elemental magic and steel alike.” A suit of full plate armor inscribed in silver runes appeared. Eve manipulated the suit of armor with Telekinesis to grab the sword and place the blade in the wyvern skin sheath hanging from the left side.

“A shield that will break unholy things and repel dark curses.” Eve’s final gift of a massive tower shield appeared only to be gripped in the armor’s left hand.

The hushed whispers had turned into shocked murmurs. Holding everything up like this was a power move that denoted immense magical strength. It also ensured the court sorcerer knew he was utterly outmatched and that attempting to screw with her was a one-way ticket to meet the Old Gods of the Forest.

“Fascinating gifts. Is there any way we can repay the masterful craftsmanship invested in them?” King Brandon said with a raised eyebrow.

No, but I’ll take the next best thing. Eve thought as she replied, “I would only wish to have a private conversation with you for the betterment of all.”

King Brandon’s other eyebrow joined the first before he laughed and said, “Granted. Please see the seneschal after the court is adjourned.

Eve nodded and teleported back to her people. She kindly left the objects floating until Stark guardsmen managed to get ahold of them all. “Your too kind.” First whispered below earshot.

“It does no good to flex and then fumble,” Eve said, her lips unmoving. The benefit of being able to manipulate air molecules was understated.

“What shall I do for the nobility that attempts to mob us for such items.” Third, asked politely.

“Tell them they are royal gifts,” Eve said, shutting any attempts to get more down with cruel glee.

The rest of the court session passed with House Glover, Umber, Karstark, and Bolton presenting their gifts. Eve was utterly unimpressed at them all. They might as well have slammed a rock on their feet rather than follow her presentation. King Brandon was diplomatic with every gift, but she could read his eyes and body language. All the presents other than her own were slated for despair.

As they should be.

The Clans made a better showing with a few trinkets that had mana. Eve’s eyes narrowed as two gifts for the newborn bore dark mana. She let them get out of sight before disintegrating them with a clenched fist. “Clan Liddle and Norray, wipe them out. People who send poison to babies need not be saved. Humanity is better off without such trash.”

First gave no outward sign, but Eve knew those two clans were now doomed.

After the gifts came the petitioners. Eve watched two men argue incessantly about a goat while restraining herself. After that, arguments about a well, a farm, then inheritances.

If nothing else, King Brandon’s patience is legendary. Eve thought when the court finally finished.

Eve contacted the seneschal through the suitable method of plucking him to stand directly before her with translocation. “I’m scheduled to meet King Brandon now. I was told you would make this happen.”

The seneschal said, “Of course, I was just preparing to approach you.” Eve raised one eyebrow, and the seneschal gulped guiltily.

“Wonderful, proceed,” Eve said nonchalantly.

It took a few minutes to arrive at an antechamber nearby. Eve left First, Third, and her guards outside as she entered the room. She ignored the two chairs and moved to view an even more detailed tapestry depicting the Pact.

“They say the series was a gift from the Old Gods of the Forest.” King Brandon said from behind her.

Eve didn’t startle, instead peering at the figures and reading the auric signature of each. “I wonder, are you aware they are essentially gateways into your home?” Turning, she witnessed a surprised expression cross the King’s face as it smoothed away.

“No, but now that you say it, I am less amused than before.” King Brandon said, gesturing for her to take a seat. “Please, be welcome as a guest in my home.”

“Oh? The old ways are a nice touch.” Eve said, taking a seat as the King moved across from her. “I promise to uphold the rights and requirements of a guest under your roof. To that end, fair warning. Clan Liddle and Clan Norray will cease to exist.”

“You agree to guest rights and then make war upon those under my banner?” King Brandon said heavily.

“Ah, it is only because they attempted to give your newborn infant toys cursed with dark magic,” Eve said, dropping a diplomatic bombshell. “Weak as your court mage is, the truth spell he has running is quite well woven.”

King Brandon rubbed the bridge of his nose and said, “Things are going to get worse, aren’t they?”

Eve nodded and said, “Indeed, I’m here to request the help of House Stark to save the world.”

“I knew it couldn’t be anything good. Madeline told me the last time we met, the Silver Bank was a nightmare cloaked in luxury and honey.” King Brandon said with a deep sigh.