21st Day of the 8th Moon:

White Harbor, The North:

Jojen joined his men that had arrived in the White Harbor town center this morning. The rest of the forces were camping a few hours march outside of the city. “The Manderlys will be providing ships to travel south. We need to connect with the rest of the Northern forces. I would like this to be done sooner than later. I do not like being away from Lord Stark. Have the men rest but be ready to leave at any moment. It will be today.”

The men nodded their understanding.

“I will send a runner when we depart.”

He left the men and continued back to his own lodging. He had sent Gawen back to ready their belongings for the travel. Upon entering the room his son pointed to his desk.

“A letter from Ryon.”

Jojen crossed the room and opened the letter he found it contained two messages one written in his son’s hand and another written in one he didn’t recognize. He started with his son’s.

Father,

Things are going well here in Deepwood. Our people are well feed and our treasury is full, would be fuller if we didn’t have to pay for troops, you must finish this conflict quickly so we can get back to improving our settlement. Our new barrack is coming along nicely and I am already putting plans in place for our next project. Just need to gather the resources first. I have enclosed a letter that arrived for you. I don’t know what it is about but am guessing you do, and will let me know when you deem it worth me knowing. Good luck father. Give my best to Gawen and safety to you both.

Ryon

“Your brother misses you.” Jojen spoke with a slight chuckle.

My dearest Riverlord,

I have arrived and must say I am enjoying the weather. I think that there could be a lot of trade opportunities here but sadly I do not have the coin or equipment to set up a shop. I have met some interesting people who could help us set up contacts. I would love a raise on my allowance dear Friend.

Serra

Jojen read the letter over a second time with a smile. He liked this new associate very much. Taking a moment he penned out a short letter and gathered some gold and placed it into two separate leather bags. Calling one of his troops to the room he handed the bags and letter to him.

“Please get yourself on the first ship to Bravos. You will be joining a friend there. Don’t worry she will find you. When she does give her the gold. Use the gold in one of the bags to buy yourself some equipment. I have provided what kind of equipment on the letter. And before you sail lose all garb that shows you belong to our house. When she finds you let her know you are her personal guard and work for her. I await her next letter.”

The guard bowed his head and left the room. Gawen looked at his father. “Do I want to know what that was about?” Jojen gave his son a small shake of his head. “I will tell you about it while we are sailing south. As of now you needn’t worry about it.”