9th Day of the Second Moon

Ironrath, The North

"Something about the whole thing reeks of dark plots." Desmond Forrester sat at his dark wood looking over the many piece of correspondence that lay across it. Without lifting his head he speaks to his Sentinel, Ethan Forrester.

"Weirwood arrows...if Tully thinks we would be so stupid...might as well have held up big banners that said WE ARE FROM THE NORTH."

Desmond's brother held back a chuckle. Ever since the two were boys the younger had always found it funny when his older brother got angry.

Perhaps he wishes it to be true? Start a war to get favor with his King. Be the man who brought the Great Northern Kingdom back under the Dragons?

Desmond stopped and looked up at Ethan. The two held a gaze for a moment and they both knew the statement had been as much of a jest as it was suggestion.

"Then let us hope that our King has his spymaster looking into it."

Yes let us hope.

The two didn't speak for some time.

"Where are we with preparations for the trip to the Barrows?"

Everything is in place for your leave. If history repeats perhaps you will have to face another war before returning.

This causes Desmond to laugh.

"I would hardly call Blackvein's little event a war."

Still, it may have lost you a son.

"Torrhen is to stubborn to die on the shore of Skagos. He has a better chance of falling off the Wall with our baby brother."

Finishing his sentence he tossed a piece of paper over to Ethan. The Sentinel unfolded it and read the words. It was from their youngest brother and Ranger of the Night's Watch.

Torrhen was to take the black?

"Seems that way. Rodrick talked him out of it. I got word that he arrived in Winterfell earlier today."

He made a note in a ledger and closed it moving to a shelf behind his desk.

You think he is coming home?

Desmond didn't answer at first. He paused a long moment as thoughts of his son filled his head.

"He might...or he will wait to go to the wedding and return with us. But before the end of the moon he will be back within our halls. And then we must begin training him to one day take over our house."