Jon
It should have been an adventurous ride in the Wolfswood, but in all their youthful eagerness they lost their way in the thicket of the woods. They tried to find their way back, but soon Jon realized that they were completely lost.
"I think this tree is familiar," his brother Robb remarked. His face was pale and hidden under the scarf wrapped around his neck.
Jon stopped his horse and eyed the tree. It was an ancient Ironwood tree like thousands of others. The tree looked more crooked than others, but Robb always had a sharper eye than Jon. Maybe the cold is dulling my senses.
"I am not sure," Jon replied through gritted teeth hiding his face under his own scarf. The cold was slowly seeping into every pore of his body and he felt the numbness in his limps. This alarmed him. He knew very well what frostbite could do.
He looked around. There was another ironwood tree, a few oak trees and an old evergreen. None of them looked familiar to him. It seemed the woods turned into an inescapable maze.
Rubbing his shoulders he turned back to Robb who was now shivering from head to toe. Soon the night will be upon them and then it will grow only colder.
They were lost, hopelessly lost. Their only chance was to find a proper shelter.
"Robb," he addressed his brother."We need to find shelter. Tomorrow we will ride back or maybe father will send men to find us."
Robb´s blue eyes widened in shock and fear. Jon was also afraid, but it was foremost Lady Stark´s reaction that worried him. Her anger scared him more than the cold night lying ahead of them.
"My lady mother…" Robb protested."She will have both our heads if we don´t make it back."
Jon dropped his head in acknowledgment of his words."Aye, your lady mother will be displeased, but I think she will be happier to have you back alive."
Robb seemed unhappy with his answer, but didn´t protest they gathered twigs and leaves to build a shelter next to a fallen oak tree. It was night when they were finally finished with their work. As
they had nothing to make fire they huddled together to warm each other.
Soon it started to snow. It was only light snowing, but it added to Jon´s uneasiness. Daring to sleep would be far too dangerous.
"Robb," he called out to his brother."Have you ever seen such a bright sky?" he asked hoping it will distract him from the constant shivering.
Robb´s eyes darted to the sky where thousands of stars glittered. It looked like diamonds cast over an inky cloak.
"I think this is the Ice Dragon. The blue eye points north and the dragon´s tail will take you south," Robb remarked.
His brother´s words made Jon smile.
"A fire-breathing dragon would be better!" he replied and heard Robb´s hoarse laughter.
Robb nodded his head.
"Aye, a warm fire would be nice."
"And Old Nan´s pies…I would kill for one of those," Jon added and heard his grumbling stomach.
"Chicken tights with onions would be better," Robb countered and so it went on and on. They pictured the food that awaited them at home. They also continued exchanging their knowledge about the stars. Jon was able to find the King´s Crown and Robb the Galley and the Shadowcat.
To avoid falling asleep they exercised all few hours. They ran around and made sure their horses were well. Just moving their legs and hands proved very strenuous. With every passing hour they grew more and more tired. Soon Jon´s eyes felt heavy and his body was even worse. He felt like someone loaded huge stones into his pockets.
Afraid of falling asleep Jon started to tell stories to Robb. Slowly he recounted the Story of Bran the Builder, the Burning of Harrenhall and many more. Yet the stories were not enough to fill the countless hours. Jon started to tell his brother about the History of the Seven Kingdoms. He recounted the bloody Dance of the Dragons, the demise of Daemon Blackfyre before continuing with the Conquest of Dorne. Jon knew the most about the Conquest since he read all of Maester Luwin´s books on the topic. It was so easy for him to loose himself in the accomplishments of those great men when the cold winter winds howled around the Library Tower.
It felt like an eternity until the first morning light spread over the sky. Slowly the sunlight painted the sky in bright colours of violet and orange. It also brought back the warmth they longed for throughout the night.
Feeling numb from the cold Jon pulled himself to his feet and shoved Robb. His brother growled and cursed, but Jon was relieved by the noises.
"Let´s move," Jon suggested and it frightened him how raw his voice sounded."I am sure we will find our way with this clear sky."
"I am sure you are right," Robb stuttered hopping from one foot to the other as they made their way back to the horses.
Climbing back on his horse Jon continued to flex his hands, twitched his feet and arched his back.
Robb flashed him a fleeing smile."Soon we will be sitting in front of a warm hearth," he said and to Jon is almost sounded like a promise.
Carefully they manoeuvred their horses through the fresh fallen snow. Frost jewelled the leaves and twigs. Once they even spotted a rabbit rushing through the underwood which made Jon think about Old Nan´s hare stew.
And Jon was right. In the bright morning light they found the path they used.
"I think this tree is familiar!" Jon said and pointed at the pine tree.
"That´s the tree with the crooked crown," Robb agreed."I think we have to ride straight ahead. I am sure."
In silence they followed the path and soon they saw the familiar grey walls of their home rising in the distance.
"Winterfell!" Robb suddenly exclaimed and Jon nearly dropped out of his saddle as he heard Robb´s cry of excitement."I think I can see the Broken Tower. We truly made it back."
It was true. Rising above the tree crowns he saw a peak of the broken tower which was the home to hundreds of ravens. Jon saw them hovering over the castle.
As they approached the Hunter´s Gate men came running towards them. Among them was Ser Roderik all grim and grey-eyed.
"Where have you two been?" He asked with suppressed anger, but Jon also saw the relief shining in his eyes.
"Ser Roderik…forgive us …we got lost," Robb apologized, but Ser Roderik´s expression showed that he had no intention on going easy on them.
"Spare me your excuses, my young lord. I warned you often enough to keep close to the walls, but try instilling reason into two foolish boys," he muttered and shook his head."Your father sent men to search for you. They searched through the whole night, but found no trace. We thought the worst and Lady Stark was beyond herself with worry."
His words alarmed Jon. It made him forget about his need for food or warmth. Suddenly the cold woods seemed much more comfortable.
Robb dropped his head.
"I can only ask for forgiveness. It was my fault. I asked Jon to ride deeper into the woods," Robb explained and climbed down from his horse.
Jon felt affection flood through his veins.
He is trying to protect me.
Still Jon´s pride was stronger. He had no intention to let his brother bear the burden alone.
"It was both our fault, but I am prepared to face my punishment."
Their words seemed to satisfy Ser Roderik enough and he sent them back to the castle.
Inside they were greeted by Arya who jumped straight into his arms.
"You are back!" she exclaimed and nuzzled her head against his neck. A smile hushed over his lips and he ruffled her hair after settling her back on the ground.
"We got lost, but now we are back," he explained his voice automatically softening.
Arya brushed her hair out of her face and smiled.
"Bran thought you were eaten by a bear and Theon claimed he saw you two stolen by Wildlings. Mother slapped him for his words. You should be careful. She was very angry."
Jon bit his lips and nodded his head in understanding.
"Thank you for the warning, little sister. I think it is best for you to go back to your rooms. Robb and I can handle this."
Arya bobbed her head and rushed away.
Robb nodded and the both of them went to face their punishment.
Surprisingly their father was alone. He looked angry, but when he embraced them each Jon knew that he was also very relieved to have them back.
"We thought you were dead," their father muttered and eyed them from head to toe.
He gently touched Jon´s cheek and then moved to ruffled through Robb´s hair.
"What happened? Where have you been?" he asked and gave them each a grim look."Tom and Harwin have been searching for the whole night, but they found no trace."
Jon felt so overwhelmed that it fell to Robb to answer their father´s questions. He saw the tears shining in his brother´s eyes and the guilt contorting his face.
"Forgive us," Robb said and dropped his gaze to his boots."We didn´t listen…we rode to deep into the woods…what can I say."
Their father´s face softened and he grasped Robb´s shoulder."Of course I forgive you, but this was utterly foolish. You have to promise me to never do that again. Only the gods know what could have happened," his father muttered.
Robb didn't hesitate to give his answer.
"I promise, Father."
Then Lord Stark looked over to Jon.
Jon shook his head in understanding.
"I promise."
"Good," Lord Stark said and a small smile crossed over his lips."And now get changed and take a warm bath. I will await you later during dinner."
Jon felt utterly relieved, but it confused him that Lady Stark was not here.
"Father," Jon called to Lord Stark."Where is Lady Stark?"
A hint of worry washed over his father´s face."Lady Stark was very frightened. Maester Luwin brewed a sleeping draught for her. Tomorrow you will be able to speak to her."
"She was very upset. Give her time and I am sure she will understand. Of course the two of you will receive a proper punishment, but you gave me your promise and I believe you. I am sure Lady Stark will see it the same way…I will make her understand, I promise."
Jon wanted to believe him, but in the end it came much worse.
Both Jon and Robb grew sick. It started on the next day with shivering and fever. For days he slipped in and out of consciousness. Sometimes he dreamed, but none of his dreams were pleasant. He feared for Robb and sometimes he wished the fever would take him away. In his darkest hours when his body was wrecked by coughing he imagined Robb´s death.
What if Robb died? What would Lady Stark do? What would he do?
On his better days he received visits by Arya and Bran. Arya blabbered about her adventures and Bran slipped him cookies he stole from the kitchen. When his fever grew too worrisome even Sansa came to see him and hummed a soft song to him.
Soon Jon was unable to discern how much time had passed since the beginning of his illness. Occasionally he asked Maester Luwin and found out that nearly three weeks had passed.
Nearly a moon later the fever finally broke and his symptoms eased. His coughing lessened and he was even able to stand for brief hours every day.
Every day Maester Luwin also brought him droughts and potions to strengthen him back to health, but what he wanted the most was to see Robb.
"How is Robb?" he dared to ask Maester Luwin."When will I be able to see him?"
Maester Luwin wrinkled his brows and touched his head."He is on the way to recovery, but Lady Stark doesn´t allow visitors…at least for now. Once your brother is back to health he will come to you. Anyway, you should rest yourself. You are still pale as a sheet and should eat more."
Jon was disappointed, but understood Lady Stark´s wishes. Robb is her son.
Another two weeks passed and Jon grew increasingly bored. Maester Luwin gladly provided him with reading material, but soon he longed for the snow, his horse and most of all for his practice sword.
Such thoughts made him only more eager to see Robb, but no matter how often he asked Maester Luwin always found another excuse.
Growing frustrated he set out to speak to his father. It was still early in the morning and he hoped that none of the servants spotted him as he slipped out of his room.
With soft steps he sneaked over the corridors and made his way to his father´s solar. He knew that he will be able to find him there. Lord Stark had the habit of studying his correspondence every morning before joining them for breakfast.
With a beating heart he stepped closer to the closed door, but stopped abruptly as he realized that Lord Stark was not alone.
"I heard your complaints, but the boy is still sick," he heard his father´s voice. It was clear and sharp liked ice.
"Maester Luwin assured me the boy is well enough. Twelve years I endured his presence. The gods know I was patient with the boy, but Robb nearly died. Your heir nearly died and you act like nothing happened…," he heard Lady Stark´s agitated voice.
"I understand your feelings, but stop blaming the boy. Robb told me they both were at fault and the gods know the both of them were punished enough," he heard his father´s irritated reply."What do you want me to do? Take a child from his home, because of an act of stupidity? Have you no heart?"
A moment of utter silence followed.
Jon wished he never came here, but he was unable to move. He felt like frozen to the ground.
"I never wished harm upon the boy. I just want him gone of my sight. Lord Hornwood has a bastard and he sent him to be fostered by Lord Glover. Half of the lords in the realm have bastards and have them fostered away from their trueborn children," Lady Stark threw back and with every spoken word the strength in her voice increased."Why should this boy be special? Why do you favor him so much over your trueborn children?"
Another moment of silence followed and Jon waited for his father´s answer.
"Is it because of his mother?" she asked her voice raw with pain."Do you still love her?"
Jon instinctively moved closer to the door and a shiver ran down his spine. Jon asked his father numerous times to tell him about his mother, but he never gave him an answer. His heart bloomed with hope and he didn´t even care that the question was posed by Lady Stark.
He only wanted to know.
Pressing his hear as close as possible against the door he was even able to hear the subtle movements on the stone floor.
"Cat," he heard his father´s sorrowful tone."Jon´s mother is a matter of the past…you know that."
"You surely don´t act like it. Then why can´t you even tell me the woman´s name if she means nothing to you?" Lady Stark demanded to know and for the first time in his life he cheered for the woman who resented him all his life.
"I can´t tell you…I can´t," his father replied with a faltering voice.
"I am your wife!" he heard Lady Stark´s shrill retort.
"And I am still the Lord of Winterfell! I decide what is best for my son!" Lord Stark´s loud voice put an end to their discussion.
Jon was so captivated by their exchange that he was unable to get away before the door opened.
Helplessly he stumbled backwards.
His father´s grey eyes widened in surprise as he saw him grouching there on the ground.
"What are you doing here, Jon?" he asked."Did you hear everything?"
"Of course he did," Lady Stark said and flashed him a displeased look."He was eavesdropping."
Her father waved his hand at her and granted Jon a gentle smile.
"Tell me what brings you here?"
Jon shivered under Lady Stark´s icy look. No even his father´s warm words soothed him in that moment.
"Father…Lady Stark is right. You should send me away, but…but…before please…I only want to know one thing…," he stuttered and paused for a moment to catch his breath.
"What do you want to know?" his father asked softly.
Jon breathed deeply before giving his answer.
"I want to know about my mother," he declared and closed his eyes.
The only thing he heard was his father´s breathing and a gentle touch on his brow.
"Jon…you are still too young. The matter with your mother is difficult…a few more years and I promise I will tell you…," his father tried to explain, but Lady Stark interrupted him.
"Gods, Ned. The boy demand is reasonable. He deserves to know just as much as myself," she remarked with growing irritation.
Jon saw the anger showing in Lord Stark´s eyes, but he kept composed and helped Jon back to his feet.
"Jon…please go back to bed. We will speak later."
Jon realized it was best to leave.
"Yes, father," he replied obediently and ran back to his room. Later that evening his father finally came to see him.
He looked very tired, but smiled when Jon sat up and turned to look at him.
"I see you are awake," his father remarked and settled down on the bed.
Then he ruffled Jon´s dark locks.
"I am sorry for eavesdropping…I hope Lady Stark isn´t too angry…," Jon apologized.
A sad smile crossed his father´s lips.
"Her resentment is not meant for you, but for me. For my actions alone," he insisted, but it didn´t soothe Jon´s pain.
"I understand…I do," Jon replied."I don´t mind leaving, but before this…please…I beg you again to tell me about my mother."
"Jon…I am not going to send you away and regarding your mother…I will tell you when you are old enough."
Yet Jon had no intention to give in. It was not like he had anything to loose.
"I am twelve and soon thirteen...I am old enough to know," he stuttered."Please father…I need to know."
Lord Stark looked torn, but his pleading achieved a small victory.
"I will think about it, but now you have to rest."
…