A/N: This story starts off just before major war breaks out between three of the major Crime Families of Westeros. It will show us how that feud changed the lives of the characters, and changed the destiny of one boy. The boy that would grow into a powerful man, capable of destroying those that wronged and harmed his family. He'll soon learn he's not the last of the Starks, nor the one with similar thoughts of revenge.
SNOW – Prologue
The Starks were known as one of the oldest and most respected, not to mention richest Families of the Northern Territory. They had dealings with all of the Northern Families, so there were no shortage of loyal followers. Many of the other families from across Westeros, even some International Families, wanted the Starks as allies. Aside of countless lucrative business deals, there were often alliances brokered through marriage, as well.
Unfortunately, the outdated notion didn't always end well. None more so than that of Lyanna Stark and Robert Baratheon, heir to the Eastern Family title and fortune. It would have made one of the most profitable alliances between two great families. Lyanna was the youngest daughter of Rickard Stark and she'd been promised to Robert. He'd fallen for Lyanna at their first meeting rather quickly, and he fell hard. Lyanna had a wild spirit and she was an amazingly smart and quick witted girl, and very lovely besides. However, she was less than impressed by Robert and even less by the idea of being sold into a loveless marriage. Much to her discontent, her feelings were not taken into account, weighed against the deal of a lifetime between her father and the senior Baratheon.
Weeks before the wedding was to take place, a massive engagement celebration was underway at the Stark Mansion in Winterfell. The property was filled with hundreds of friends, business partners and important members of Families from across Westeros. Lyanna was feeling restless having been unable to convince her father to call off the wedding, so she felt she couldn't remain in the dining hall faking her smiles and accepting all their congratulations. She found her way to an empty balcony, preferring the solitude and slight chill of the night air.
That was the place Rhaegar Targaryen, heir to the Targaryen title and fortune in the Southern territory. The Targaryen family was just as old, powerful and wealthy in the South as the Starks were in the North. Rhaegar was enchanted by Lyanna very soon after meeting her because she didn't bother with the unnecessary formalities everyone else used with him. He quickly realized she wasn't being disrespectful, but that she saw him as a man, not just an heir. They got to chatting and Lyanna was also very taken by Rhaegar, especially when he explained how he could relate to her qualms over the arranged marriage. He too, had a marriage arranged for business purposes and had been fairly unhappy in it.
Their conversation flowed for hours, but neither of them seemed to notice. If they had, she might have thought her family would be looking for her to make her appearance. They had commiserated over their similar situations and eventually joked and mocked how the singers and poets mostly used romance as their muse. Then, it started lightly snowing and noticed a snow flake that landed near her temple and when he reached for it, their eyes locked. Their heads began to move closer together, both anticipating what a kiss between them would be like. That was the precise moment Eddard, one of her older brothers interrupted them with a clearing of his throat. Ned told Lyanna that their father was extremely upset that she'd been missing for so long. He'd sent her siblings around the mansion's compound to find her, and return her for the evening's toast so dinner could be served.
Lyanna lamented the interruption and her eyes spoke volumes to Rhaegar; words she dared not speak aloud. After only moments of looking into each other's eyes, Lyanna sighed and left Rhaegar on that balcony. Before Ned followed her, he warned Rhaegar that it wouldn't sit well for anyone if he interfered in Lyanna's engagement. He also told the Targaryen that it would be best if he left, leave his sister be, and never return. Rhaegar understood Ned was most likely right, regardless of how he already felt for Lyanna. He sighed, looking for the determination to heed Eddard's warning, but then his eyes spotted Lyanna standing at one of the windows. She was looking longingly back at him with her delicate hand pressed against the glass.
In that moment, he felt that the look of sorrow in her eyes meant that her feelings matched his own. At least, he hoped so because of this girl he'd only just met, he found the courage to say 'to hell with 'em all'. His greatest regret had been not finding the valor to avoid being married for the wrong reason, to the wrong person, and against his better judgement. In that moment, as he looked towards Lyanna at that window, he vowed that he wouldn't leave her to face a lifetime doomed in a loveless marriage. Lyanna had captured his heart and he'd get her out, even if she didn't reciprocate his feelings. As an idea was hatching in his mind, he smiled at her and sent her a wink before leaving the mansion.
It took Rhaegar a couple of weeks to plan and arrange everything, and then he had to wait. The morning of the wedding, he paid one of the florists to help him. No amount of money was too much to ensure the florist would not only accomplish her task, but to maintain her silence afterwards. He also took several blue roses from her too, when a last spur of the moment idea blossomed in his head and made him smile. He wasn't sure Lyanna would go along with what he'd planned, but he hoped she would. It had already been over an hour since he'd sent the florist on her way, and he was nervously pacing by his convertible, miles from the Stark Mansion.
Rhaegar looked up when he heard a truck approaching and saw the florist driving her van towards him. He couldn't tell by the look on her face, if she brought good or bad news, but he felt frozen in place until she can to a stop beside his car. Before he could worry too much longer, the vans side door slid open and Lyanna was hopping out and into his arms. After he'd released her and took in her shining eyes and radiant smile. He presented her with a crown of blue winter roses he'd made, recalling how they had mocked the poets' romance stories. Rhaegar named her his Queen of Love and Beauty, they shared a quick laugh before they finally shared their first kiss. They quickly thanked the florist for her help, and then they were off.
They expected there to be side effects for their families because of their whirlwind romance. However, neither of them could have foreseen the uproar and chaos that their disappearance would lead to. They'd fled to a very remote island and didn't bother to follow up with Westeros news. It wasn't until it was far too late for them to do anything, that they learned the consequences of their actions. Countless assumptions, threats and broken partnerships and alliances had erupted among all the major Families, which led to violence and casualties. Starks demanded the return of Lyanna, while Baratheons threatened Targaryens, and other families found themselves choosing sides. Eventually, the heads of the major Families called a summit to try and resolve maters, but things got out of hand and war ensued.
Robert's father was assassinated, alongside Lyanna's father and oldest brother, causing Ned and Robert to ascend as Bosses within their Families. Because of their friendship and shared interest in recovering Lyanna, they declared war against any that stood in their way of finding Lyanna. Ned wasted no time in marrying his older brother's fiancé Catelyn Tully, bringing her powerful family as his allies, and it wasn't long before Catelyn became pregnant with his child. Robert held hope of finding and marrying Lyanna, but he also needed support. Thus, he forged an engagement with the daughter of a power Western Family, even though he had no real intention of following through with that wedding.
As time passed and war raged on, he recalled the night he'd found Lyanna on that balcony with Rhaegar. While Eddard Stark worried over the fate of his beloved missing sister, but he learned to keep his suspicions to himself. Robert Baratheon was fueled by hatred and sought to eliminate all Targaryens, because he believed they were vile for helping one of theirs to take and keep Lyanna from him. The war was going on just over a year and in that time, Robert had found and killed nearly every Targaryen. That enabled him to orchestrate a hostile takeover of the Targaryen multibillion dollar business and fortune, making Robert the most powerful man of the Eastern and Southern Territories of Westeros.
By the time Ned learned the whereabouts of his sister and found her, Lyanna was on her death bed. She had been heavily pregnant with Rhaegar's child. Rhaegar had her in hiding to protect them while he sought out Robert, in hopes of clearing things up. Unfortunately, Lyanna got caught in the crossfire between the Targaryen bodyguards assigned to her and the Lannister's hitmen. A midwife that had been with her was able to save the baby, but Lyanna was dying from severe blood loss when Eddard burst into the room with his loyal guard. Lyanna held her son for moments before begging her brother to protect her son at all costs. Lyanna had already learned that Rhaegar was killed by Robert that morning, just as she'd heard the rampage he'd been on against all Targaryens. Ned looked down at the infant Targaryen his dying sister held weakly. He agreed to protect the child only seconds before seeing a weak smile on her face and the life died in his sister's eyes.
Eddard's most trusted guard agreed to help him hide the child and it's parenthood a secret from everyone. After the dust had settled, Ned continued to let the world believe his sister had been kidnapped, held and hidden against her will, until she'd been shot to death. But Ned made sure no one ever learned she'd been in love with Rhaegar, or that she'd birthed his child. Upon returning to the North, Catelyn had introduced Ned to his son Robb and after months, Eddard finally falsely confessed to his wife that he'd been unfaithful just after their marriage while searching for his sister. He presented Catelyn with Jon as his illegitimate son, and the discord in their marriage was long and well known even outside the Winterfell. Ned took the brunt of his wife's hate and anger, ensuring that everyone heard of his indiscretion, so long as it meant Jon's true identity remained a secret.
One night after a couple of years, Eddard finally confessed the truth of Jon's parents to Catelyn and swore her to secrecy. She gladly obliged and even apologized to him for her cold behavior and for ever having believed the lie. Their marriage greatly improved after that, and mutual love blossomed between them. So much so, that they welcomed a daughter almost a year later, and several children after that. To the rest of the world, Catelyn had finally learned to forgive Eddard's past, and theirs became a loving marriage. Cate and Ned never shared Jon's truth with anyone, not even their children. Jon was loved and cared for, just as the Stark children were, even by Catelyn herself.
With Lyanna gone, Robert was left no alternative than to follow thru with the wedding to Cercei Lannister, daughter of the wealthy Western Family Boss. Together, they ruled over the South, East and Western Territories for many years. Cercei had birthed several children to Robert, and Ned found that he was glad for his old friend. He hoped that meant Robert had finally learned to accept the wife he has instead of longing for long-lost Lyanna. They spoke often enough but hadn't had the occasion to meet again for many years.
SNOW - Preface
Jon Snow was considered the bastard of the famously wealthy Stark Family, by just about everyone outside of his family. He carried that stigma for a long time. Not that his family treated him any differently, by any means. His mother, father and siblings all shown him love. As a child, he hadn't given much thought to why his surname was Snow, instead of Stark. As he grew through, he began to understand that he was different somehow. On occasions, he questioned his parents, but they never gave him a real answer. They always brushed it off in some way, and his siblings had no idea either. One day in middle school, the other boys mocked him for being a bastard. That was when he learned what it was that set him apart.
He became a more introverted boy, not that he'd ever been very extroverted to begin with. His parents - because he still longed to think of them that way, even after learning Catelyn wasn't his true mother - sat him down and told him the false story Ned had concocted all those years before. Despite the years that had passed, Ned was firm in fulfilling the promise he'd made to his sister. Ned and Catelyn told him that his last name made no difference to them in their hearts, and they urged him not to think on it unfavorably because they didn't either. He tried to follow their words, but the other children were relentless. Snow Stain of the Starks, the other boys called him and mocked him so often that he'd never forget it.
The bullying lessened eventually and almost became a thing of the past by the time he and Robb entered high school. Jon was wonderful on the sports teams. Then, every evening, they'd train with Nedd at the shooting rage and learned about the Family Business. By the time they were seniors, Sansa had entered their same high school. When her little group of friends would gossip and often reproach her for letting Jon tutor her during study hall, she began distancing herself from him. Her behavior was chastised by their parents, especially when she began doing it at home too. For his part, Jon tried to chalk it up as nothing more than teenage girl moodiness as his parents suggested, but it had stung his feelings.
The night after his and Robb's graduation, their father went away on business and Sansa had friends over. Sansa's treatment of Jon was witnessed by Catelyn and she sent Sansa's friends home. That evening, while Sansa was being reprimanded and forced to apologize to Jon, Sansa yelled words to Catelyn that hurt Jon deeply. "Just because you were fool enough to accept the usurper as one of us, doesn't mean I have to apologize to the blemish… to the Snow Stain of the Stark family." Catelyn was shocked at her daughter's words and stood frozen for several moments staring at her in disbelief.
Just then, Sansa saw Jon in the corner and turned to find all their siblings standing beside Jon had witnessed her hurtful rant. Sansa's eyes met Jon's sad and hurt eyes. In Sansa's eyes, Jon noticed she appeared shocked and he could see the immediate remorse in them, almost as if she regretted the words she'd just yelled. It was only a few seconds and he could tell Sansa was about to speak to him. However, before anything could be said by anyone, Catelyn struck Sansa's cheek causing everyone to gasp in shock once again. Sansa's hand flew to her cheek and her surprise turned into anger. She stomped away to her bedroom without another word.
That night, Jon realized his presence would wind up tearing the family apart if he stayed. He'd had an idea in his mind for some time because he knew he'd never inherit the Stark family business as a Snow. The events of that night solidified his plan to enlist in the Army, so he told Catelyn of his plans when she came to check on him. She immediately alerted Ned of Jon's plans and when Ned arrived the next morning, he went to Jon and they spoke for some time. Despite everyone, except Sansa, trying to convince him to stay, Jon was able to convince his father to allow him to make his own choice. Ned saw a lot of Lyanna in Jon and so, he eventually relented.
A week later, Jon was saying his farewells. Everyone was wishing him luck and making him promise to call or write home often. Arya was pissed at Sansa for making Jon feel he needed to leave. Just as she was at Jon for not listening to her when she begged him to stay, but she hugged him tightly just the same. When everyone was always trying to tell the thirteen-year-old girl her how to act, Jon only ever encouraged her differences and she loved him even more for it. The night before he was to leave, he surprised her with a small lady-like gun of her own. He knew how she longed to train with one, but he made her promise to be careful with it.
Sansa, of course, had not spoken to him since the night of the big fight and refused come out of her bedroom to say good bye. Jon accepted her decision but needed to say good bye to her, even if she didn't want to see him. He knocked on her door. She asked who it was, then refused to say anything more when he told her it was him. Jon stood outside Sansa's door, thinking of how he loved his sister. He recalled how they played as children, of the many times he'd helped her with her math homework, and how they playfully fought over the lemon cakes Catelyn made for them. With those thoughts in mind, he spoke to her from his heart.
"Sansa, I know you do not want to see me and I understand why that is. I'm leaving now so I just wanted to say goodbye. I don't expect you'll tell me to be safe or ask me to write you. Still, I will write home as often as I can and if you decide you'd like to reach out to me, you should know that I will welcome it. You should also know that I don't hold any of this against you; not at all. I still love you Sansa, even if you've no love for me anymore." He spoke kindly and said all he could think to say, despite the ache in his heart. When she still didn't answer him, he simply said one last "Good bye" and then he was gone.
Jon did extremely well in the Army training camp and before long, he was going on missions. Through his years in the Army, not many of his team had made the connection between him and his family back home since those things weren't important in the Army. He worked his way to become a highly ranked Army Commander and respected for the man he'd become, not for the family that raised him. That position led him to a top secret international mission that had lasted over a year. During that time, their unit was on blackout mode, which meant he couldn't see, call or correspond with anyone outside his unit. He'd been victorious over the enemy and preparing to head back to Westeros. Needless to say, he was eager to catch up with his family.
The helicopter that would return him and his unit to their major airbase took flight as he and his group chatted about what awaited them when they returned home. They'd been in the air for only minutes and barely crossing over still-hostile territory when they began having engine trouble. The pilot tried his best to handle it and avoid landing where they were, but the chopper went down with a crash.
Jon knew he must have blacked out because there was pain and a terrible ringing in his ears, as well as an awful smell of burning when he was able to blink his eyes open. He looked around him as the memory of the crash flooded his mind. It didn't look like anyone else had survived. He was surprised that for all the pain he felt, he only seemed to have some ugly bruising and some minor cuts, without any major injuries. He surveyed the area and knew he was better off hiding, knowing the enemy would be arriving soon.
Jon had miraculously survived that ordeal, only coming out of hiding at night to eat whatever leftovers he could find near waste bins. For weeks, he learned how to make his way out of that territory. By the time he reached salvation, he was dehydrated, fatigued, and a shell of the soldier he'd once been. Eventually, the Army transferred was able to transfer him to a hospital back in Westeros. Upon his arrival, he not only learned that the Army had recently pronounced his death, but he also learned the fate his family had befallen while he was away.
They had all gone their separate ways for one reason or another, and they were gone from him forever. It made him think of the words Father had told them all many times. "When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives." What would become of him now? Jon wondered, but rather than wallow for too long, he decided he'd seek vengeance on those that took his family from him. Jon set out to avenge his family or die trying.
SNOW - Chapter 1 – Truth, at Long Last
"I'm here to see Mr. Reed, please." I told the receptionist of Reed Law Associates.
"Do you have an apt, Sir?" She questioned without looking my way or taking her eyes off the computer screen she was typing on.
"No, I don't. But I really need to see …" I tried to explain, but she cut me off.
"Then, I'm sorry. Mr. Reed is extremely busy and cannot see anyone that isn't already on his schedule. You'll need to call ahead to make an appointment." She responded without even glancing in my direction.
I sighed understanding her point but knowing full well that I had no intention of leaving without seeing Howland Reed. So, I tried insisting once more. "Miss, if you would just tell him I'm here and that it's important, maybe he'll agree. I just need a few minutes of his time."
This time, the receptionist glanced up at me and by the burning look in her eyes, I felt she was about to unleash a world of fury. Instead, she seemed to freeze when she looked at me. Then, her heated look turned into one of shock and recognition.
"Jon – Mr. Snow … how? I'm sorry, I didn't … I thought you were …" She tried to say but was tongue tied, meaning she knew who I was and had heard of my supposed death.
"Dead? Well, I'm not and that's why it's imperative that I see him. I must get my legal affairs back in order at once." I replied, hoping she finally understood my urgency.
"Yeah, he's extremely busy, Mr. Snow. But even still, I will interrupt him to let him know you're here. I cannot promise anything, but I will let him know. Please have a seat… Would you like some water or anything to drink while you wait?" She spoke and gave me a tentative smile.
"No, I'm fine and I understand. I will wait. Thank you, Miss." I returned her smile and headed towards the chairs.
"Meera." She spoke but I hadn't really understood since I'd already moved away.
"Excuse me?" I questioned.
She chuckled but repeated herself. "I'm Meera, no need for the Miss." She told me with a shrug and chuckled when she saw realization dawn on my face.
"You're his daughter Meera? Of course, you are! My, but you have grown up quite a bit since I last saw you. Even so, I don't know how I didn't realize it before. It's good to see you, Meera." I told her honestly and feeling less tense than when I first walked into the building.
"We were children running around on Halloween the last time I saw you in person, so it's understandable, Mr. Snow." She chuckled before turning to walk in the direction of her father's office.
"Jon." I called out to her before she got too far, so she turned around to face me again with a raised eyebrow. "If I'm to not call you Miss, then please call me Jon… No need for such formalities among old friends." I told her with a sincere smile, which she returned with a nod.
"I'll see what I can do, Jon … I'll be right back." She replied before heading down the long hallway towards her father's office.
I sat on a chair that allowed me to look around the entire reception area. As I took in all the fancy decor of the upscale office, my eyes fell on the far wall. It was a picture of Mr. Howard Reed, just as I remembered him when I was still a kid. In the picture, Mr. Reed was shaking the hand of a younger looking Eddard Stark.
I felt my throat tighten with emotion as I looked upon my father's face. I'd missed him and my family so much while I was overseas. When I learned of my father's and the rest of my family's deaths, I was beyond devastated. They told me about the violent deaths of my father, mother and Robb suffered. Then, they told me how the remains of my youngest brothers were found unrecognizable among the rubble of our home that had been set ablaze. Even if the bodies of my sisters had not been found, they assured me they too must have been killed. To date, I'd not been able to find anyone that could tell me any differently. I'd lost them all while I was away and I'd never see any of them again. That pain will serve to fuel my need for vengeance.
"Jon!?" A man's voice called out, interrupting my thoughts and made look up at the owner of said voice. "My word! It really is you! You have no idea the good it does my heart to see you alive and well, Jon." Howland Reed said profoundly and rushed towards me to offer his hand.
"Mr. Reed." Jon greeted, taking Howland's offered hand.
Before I'd finished speaking the man's name, Howland had pulled me in for an unexpected one-armed hug and pat on the back.
"Please, Jon, call me Howland. We've so much to go over, but first… I must extend my deepest sympathies for all your losses. They've weighed quite heavily on me, so I cannot imagine how you must be feeling." Howland expressed himself genuinely.
I nodded solemnly, not really able to say anything but thinking there are no words. Howland seemed to understand my silence and patted my back once more before turning to Meera.
"Meera, please cancel my next meeting and hold all my calls. No interruptions, please." Howland told Meera, she nodded and returned to her seat.
Just before Howland could usher me towards his office, I mouthed thank you, to Meera. She smiled and waved me away before answering the ringing telephone. I released a long breath as I walked with Howland towards his office. I knew what I needed to do but had no idea of how to go about any of it, or where to start. I hoped Howland could help me sort some of it out. Once inside the office, Howland asked me to take a seat as he went to his own chair while starting to speak right away.
"Alright, first things first. We have got to reinstate you as a living person. I can handle that right away by contacting the Army and getting some documents in order. That shouldn't take more than a couple of days. Once that's done, I can institute Continuity of Control. Jon, so many have sought and destroyed Winterfell for it, but Ned was a smart man with unlimited resources at his disposal. He protected everything so that only a living relative could have access to everything. That's you, Jon, so …" Howland seemed to be on a roll but as the man spoke, things started to go over my head.
"Wait, reinstate me as a living person, yes. But, could you go back for a second? What does Continuity of Control mean? What does any of it mean?" I asked, feeling confused which seemed to make Howland exhale in understanding.
"Jon, you're the remaining heir of the Stark fortune and of the business. Essentially, you're the Stark Family Boss now." He told me and waited for me to respond in any way.
Nothing.
I couldn't think or say anything for several seconds.
Finally, I opened his mouth to try to speak but still, nothing came. I stared into Howland Reeds eyes, searching him, trying to make sense of the man's words. I tried hard to decipher and pick apart the lie ... this couldn't be true.
"I see you're shocked, Jon, and I can understand that. This is a lot … but it's and not even all of it. Yet, the fact remains, Jon. You're in charge now. I'll explain everything I know." Howland said and when I barely nodded, Reed took that as a sign for him to continue.
"Believe me, Jon. Many have tried but none have been able to access any of it. It's all yours now. As such is true and because word that you're alive will spread, you'll need to be very careful." Howland told Jon, seriously.
"How… how is any of this possible?" I asked, managing just above a whisper.
"As Boss of whole of the Northern Territory and Head of the Stark Family, Ned controlled the Stark fortune. He kept the bulk of it all, consolidated inside the Stark Vault in Winterfell. In it, are all the deeds, stocks and banking documents, and Gods only know whatever else makes up the Stark Family Fortune. Aside from a nuclear bomb, which is the only thing not yet tested, the vault has proven indestructible against everything that anyone has tried. There's only one way in, and that's the blood and fingerprints of a Stark." As Howland spoke, my eyes went wide until I shut them abruptly.
"But, I'm not a Stark. I'm only just Jon Snow, a bastard." I sighed ruefully, then continued. "Look, if I could just get your help with reinstating me as a living person again, that's really all I came for anyway." I told him with a small smile while looking at my hands on my lap.
"You're a Stark, Jon. Stark blood runs in your veins." Howland told him, feeling like he might choke on his words from all the secrets he'd kept for so long. He realized that the time had finally come.
"That's nice, I suppose, for you to say but we both know I'm not, Mr. Reed." I responded sadly, still looking down and unwilling to reveal the same old sadness I always felt for not being enough.
Howland said nothing, as he looked at the defeated boy – man, in front of him. So much like Ned, and just as somber. The thought almost made Howland smile but knowing the task he had to complete next, prevented him from being able to do so. Instead, he stood up.
I heard him moving so I looked up and watched Howland go to his office cabinet. I was curious when he pulled out a thick looking flat-head screwdriver and something smaller in the other hand. Howland then walked back to the edge of his desk and nudged it several feet out of place. I wanted to ask what the man was doing but decided to just to watch him, confused as I was by the man's actions.
"Jon, Eddard always wanted to tell you some things that he didn't get the chance to say. Honestly, he really wanted to share certain things with you that weighed on him. But you see, Ned made a promise long ago, Jon. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how stubborn he was, or how strongly he believed in keeping one's word." Howland spoke and I felt my head nod recognizing the truth of his words, but I was also curious as to what secret my father had kept from me. I wondered if it had anything to do with the identity of my birth mother, because that was the one subject Father never, ever spoke to me about.
"The thing is Jon, even if Ned wanted to tell you the whole truth of things, he didn't do it because he genuinely feared for your life. You were his boy and he loved you something fierce, just as he loved all his children." Howland spoke cryptically before he got on all fours, confusing Jon even more.
"What truth? What promise?" I heard myself ask but Howland didn't respond.
Instead, the man revealed a blade which Jon realized was the other item he pulled from the cabinet. Howland pushed the blade into the carpet and made a square cut-out. Next, he began pulling at the carpet from that spot, trying to un-stick it with the flat-head. Once it was free, I noticed there was a hidden compartment underneath.
"Jon, I'm saddened that Ned is not here to tell you what I'm about to reveal to you. Truly, I am, because I know that he longed to do it himself. Since he and Cat are no longer with us, I am the only soul alive that knows what I'm about to share with you, so it falls to me." Howland told me while wiping his brow of the sweat that had collected there. There was a feeling of dread growing in the pit of my stomach that deepened when he looked into my eyes and spoke that last words I ever expected to hear. "Eddard Stark was not your father, Jon."
I was up and out of my chair before I realized it. Howland was a supposed good friend to Father, so I couldn't understand why he would say such a thing. I became so upset at his words and looked down at the man with pure outrage, ready to yell all sorts of obscenities at the man, but Howland held up a hand to stop me.
"Jon, I know you don't believe me and I can see you're angry. You need to let me explain. I'm not lying to you, and I have everything to prove the truth of my words." Howland spoke clearly, but they still felt like foreign words.
"How could he not be my father?" I thought to myself, not realizing I'd spoken aloud.
"Eddard was your uncle, well something of an uncle. I'll show you and explain everything you need to know." Howland told me before making a tiny cut onto his left index finger with blade he'd used moments ago. As the words spun in circles in my mind, I watched him press his right hand on the flat surface of the hidden compartment. A screen light up with a blinking red light. The red blinking only stopped when Howland inserted his bleeding finger under a flap in the corner. Then, the screen lit up green and made an unlocking sound.
"It's the same type of lock used on the Stark Vault. This one is just a lot smaller." Howland briefly smiled at me, but then he took in whatever serious expression I had on my face.
"Please explain yourself, Howland. Nothing makes sense and I'm nearing the end of my patience." I spoke as politely as I could muster, barely keeping my anger in check.
Howland opened the safe, reached inside, and pulled out a thin folder. Then, he stood up and sat in the chair beside me. He opened the folder and began telling the tale he knew would change my life forever.
"Everyone in Westeros could tell you that Rickard Stark had four children. Brandon, Benjen, Eddard, and Lyanna. What no one alive knows, and not many at the time, is that Lyanna was actually Rickard's sort of niece, daughter of his cousin. Lyanna's mother died in child birth only weeks after Rickard's cousin died of a heart attack. Rickard adopted Lyanna and raised her as his own. He wanted no one to know, to avoid Lyanna ever feeling left out." I felt my heart go out to my aunt but was glad she was saved from growing up with the same stigma I did. I shook my thoughts as Howland continued speaking.
"Eddard himself was a boy of one or two at the time, I believe." Howland told me and handed me a copy of Lyanna's birth certificate. "Some years ago, Ned discovered the Lyanna's adoption papers among his father's old things and gave them to me for safe keeping, along with the rest I already had." I nodded at his words before he continued. It was Reed's first piece of evidence so I looked it over, even if I didn't really understand why any of this was relevant.
"I'm sure you're familiar with the story of how Lyanna was kidnapped by Rheagar Targaryen just before her wedding to Robert. What only a small handful of people knew - none of whom are still alive, by the way – is that Lyanna was never taken by the idea of an arranged marriage and much less to Robert. Several days before the wedding, Lyanna and Rhaegar met and fell in love. Despite all the obstacles they knew they'd face, they ran away together and left a real mess of a misunderstanding behind. Naturally, you know of the war between the families that followed?" Howland asked me, but I only nodded because a knot was beginning to form in the back of my throat as Howland continued the story.
"I'll never forget the day Ned and I found Lyanna. That day, the two of us learned the truth of Lyanna's disappearance, just as we learned something else." Howland said has he pulled another two papers from the file and handed them to me.
"Rheagar had discreetly divorced the wife he had and married Lyanna in secret. Here is a copy of the divorce papers of his first marriage, and the second page is a copy of Rheagar and Lyanna's marriage license." Howland said and I barely skimmed the pages as Howland's words began shaping a conclusion in my mind.
"I have only two pages left, Jon. How are you doing? Would you like me to continue?" Howland asked, probably sensing where my thoughts were going. I stiffly nodded for him to go on … I somehow knew that the rest would change everything. I dreaded whatever he might tell me next, but I was sure I needed to hear it.
"Ned and I learned of Lyanna's whereabouts after Rheagar had been killed by Robert's men. Ned and I went there because Robert was dealing with the destruction of the Targaryens. When we reached our destination, we were met with and fought off Guard Soldiers, and what a fight it was. We only barely won and entered the mansion in search of Lyanna until we found her in one of the upstairs bedrooms." Howland's voice sounded like his mind was far away while he recalled the events of that day.
Howland Reed then looked to me which caused my heart to beat faster than it already was, bracing for the conclusion of this crazy story. Still, I needed Howland to say it. Howland must have seen the reluctant acceptance in my eyes, and he had to know I'd figured things out, but he continued his tale.
"Lyanna had just given birth to you, not even an hour before we arrived." At Howland's words, I felt all the air leave my lungs and I felt my body sag. I tried to brace myself, but I felt gutted as I searched Howland's face for any sign that he was lying or misinformed… but I knew in my gut that all of it was true.
Howland handed me the second to last paper. It was a birth certificate... my real birth certificate. My eyes were too blurry to actually read it, but I knew what it said. Then, I looked up at Howland again when the man resumed speaking.
"She went into emergency labor after being shot in the arm during the crossfire and she learned of Rheagar's death. Luckily, she had a nurse or midwife woman with her. That woman later told us that the labor came about too quickly and became complicated. It left no time to move or get Lyanna to a hospital." Howland paused and winced at the memory.
"She was barely alive when we found her, but before passing Lyanna was strong enough to make Ned promise to protect you. She even begged him to prevent Robert from learning about you, knowing the man had gone on a wild Targaryen killing spree. He didn't even spare the women or children. Ned did not hesitate to make the promise, Jon. He did the only thing he could think to do. Just as his father had done for Lyanna, he raised you as his own." Howland concluded.
"He raised me, yes … but as his bastard … even concealing the truth of my parentage from me for my whole life." I heard myself saying with no control over the many mixed feelings surging through me... until anger began rising to the surface.
I became angry that my parents didn't get to live a long and happy life. I was angry that I hadn't gotten to know either of them. I was angry that my father – my uncle - never told me the truth. And, I was angry that I had to live with the shame of growing up a bastard, when I'd actually been an innocent orphan.
"He kept his promise, Jon. That's what he did!" Howland spoke forcefully, getting my attention before softening his tone.
"He may not have gone about it in a way you might have preferred, but he kept his promise to his cousin, whom he loved and believed was his sister. Moments before her death, your mother begged him, Jon. That's not something a man can ignore easily, especially not Ned. It was only after he promised her, that she passed in peace and with a smile upon her face." Howland told me and I noticed the man's eyes were slightly watery.
There was truth in Howland's statement and it calmed me. I was also saddened by the image of my dying mother in my mind. I could only imagine her desperation, for her to have begged so strongly. Besides, if Robert was too powerful if all the storied I've ever heard are true. He'd taken out every other Targaryen he'd encountered, women and children alike, so I'd have been no different for him to dispose of. Maybe Father really didn't have a choice, even if I wish he'd have told me. "You're right, Howland. I… thank you for telling me all this. What's the last paper?" I asked, noticing the folder still in the man's hand.
"Jon, Lyanna and Rheagar's marriage license prove their marriage was legal and together with your birth certificate, they dissolve you of being a bastard. Since your birth certificate proves you're Lyanna's son, you are thereby a Stark and legitimate heir to the Stark Enterprise and fortune. This last page is the result of the neonatal DNA paternity test that Rheagar had Lyanna submit to, while was still pregnant with you. According to the nurse that gave it to us, he wanted it done so that no one could ever dispute your paternal Targaryen birthright. This document legitimizes you as the true heir to the Targaryen Enterprise and fortune, as well. It legally forfeits the Baratheon or any other Family's claim to any of it." Howland had stunned me into a statue state, which caused Howland to chuckle.
"Jon, my boy, you're the rightful Heir to the Northern and the Southern Territories combined... you practically own Westeros. Because of this, you'll not only have all the power among both territories and the Families within, but you will also have many enemies. Jon, you'll have to be more careful and vigilant than ever." Howland told me and slapped a hand on my shoulder, causing me to unfreeze and to look at him feeling bewildered and some desperation.
"It's a lot, I know. Why do you think I had it so well hidden? Listen, you don't have to be or do anything right now. Are you staying at a hotel?" He asked, and when I nodded, he went on. "Good. Go there, think on all of this. I think we should put these papers away for you, keep them safe right back in the hidden safe. We can leave them there until the preliminary paperwork is finalized, and you've had time to think on what you'd like to do. What do you say?" Howland offered, trying to be helpful knowing these papers could not fall into the wrong hands, and I eagerly accepted.
Howland filed all the papers back into the folder and put it back inside the safe. Then, he clicked some buttons on it and asked me to add a drop of my blood into the little corner flap. I was slightly confused but agreed when Howland told me it would be practical for us both to have access to the safe. Then, he replaced the cut peace of carpet and covered it with his desk again. It looked as if nothing at all had been tampered with.
"I… I'm so… Thank you, Howland. Thank you for helping my fath- my uncle to protect my secret. He always told us how you bravely saved his life in battle and it seems I too, owe you my gratitude for helping save mine. If there's ever anything I can do to repay you, in any way…" I finally found my voice and was able to express my thanks to Howland. The older man just clapped a hand on my shoulder again.
"No thanks necessary, Jon. I think – no, I know without a single doubt that if the tables had been reversed, Ned would have done the exact same for me. He was a true friend to me since we were young, and his loyalty could never be called into question. You know, I see a lot of his same qualities in you. He may not have sired you, Jon, but Eddard Stark was a father to you in every way that matters to a young man. And from the looks of it, he raised you very well." As Howland spoke, I felt a swell of gratitude and pride. I nodded accepting that Reed was right.
"Thanks again… will you give me a call once the preliminary papers are done?" I asked, giving the man a card with my new cellphone number on it. Howland readily agreed then walked me out.
As we reached Meera's desk, she looked up and smiled but I could tell she appeared curious about the looks on our faces. "Everything okay?" She asked, only to shrug when we both replied that we were.
"Be careful and stay safe, Jon." Howland told me again, then I shook the man's hand. Meera waved from her desk as Jon walked out of the office.
A/N: Jon's got one hell of an arsenal on his side now… Two major mob family fortunes at his reach soon enough.
Next chapter, I'm thinking of checking in on someone else… any ideas? LOL