Thank you all so much for the support. The gym was closed today thanks to some idiot pulling the fire alarm so I couldn't really lift. So I decided to finish and give my chapter early. That means there will be another chapter this weekend. Also I got switched to midnight shift starting Monday. So there maybe a small interval of waiting while my body gets used to it. I still have schooling, the gym, and prepping for deployment soon so those are my primary concerns. But I do love writing this story and I promise that there will still be at the very least one chapter on weekdays, and maybe one on the weekends. So at the very least one chapter per week. Again thanks for the support. This will be a long journey together with this story so keep the comments, criticism, and thoughts coming. It helps me improve the story and as a writer. As for shipping I already told someone this, but nothing is set in stone yet. There will be some romance down the road. but nothing has really started yet mainly because I don't want it to be only about shipping. That's not true writing, that's just day dreams in my opinion. Also anyone into sports? who you calling for the super bowl this year? I'm a die hard Steelers fan so that's where my allegiance lies lol. Comment not just on the story but who you picking to win! I like hearing opinions about other stuff, not just the story lol. Enjoy this chapter, and tell me what you think! Airman out.
Jon Snow
The nightmare before him vanished as quickly as it came. His mind reeling over what he just witnessed. The stories talked about by Old Nan and legends told to merely frighten children were all true. The talk of dragons and white walkers would soon come to pass once again. What scared him the most was that he still had no idea why it was him chosen to see these coming events. Sure he had political power in the war to come, but nowhere near the likes of others such as his father, brother, or the dragon queen.
"We're here." Brynden said
Jon awoke from his thoughts and took in his surroundings. It was almost the exact opposite of the frozen tundra he just experienced. Sand and dirt encompassed the landscape. The sun towered above them. Palm trees as far as the eye could see. And alone in this desert climate lay a single tower guarded by three men decked in expensive looking armor.
The Targaryen sigil ever present on their brightly shining chest plates.
"Where is here? Are these some of the dragon queen's men?" inquired Jon. His gaze lingered on one man in particular.
"I never said I'd only be showing you the future of Westeros, sometimes to move forward… you must go back. I won't lie to you young one, this will not be an easy sight to bear on your part." Brynden coughed out. His voice becoming less and less serious and more emotional.
Jon laughed. "I fear there is nothing that can truly put a scare into me as much as what you showed me last."
"Scare no. I fear this will be more mind boggling than fear mongering. These three men are members of the King's guard to Aerys Targaryen. Though around this time he was put to the sword they be ever vigilant for someone else." Brynden said crossing his arms across his chest.
Jon was confused. The King's guard to the "mad king" included many famous swords throughout history. Some of which Jon idolized. Especially the sword of the morning. The lord commander Ser Gerold Hightower, Ser Oswell Whent, The Kingslayer Jamie Lannister, Barristan the bold, and last but not least the greatest swordsman in history Ser Arthur Dayne.
"So this is Robert's rebellion? How could the past possibly help me? I've already heard the stories of triumph over the mad king. My father told me of his duel and victory over Arthur Dayne. Which is what i presume you've brought me to watch."
"No, I've brought you here to the tower of joy to see your destiny. I can already tell how much you've doubted yourself throughout our journey through time. It is time you see why I've chosen you over everyone else. It's time for you to see who you were born to be." Brynden said.
'What is he talking about, born to be? All I've been born to be is a stain on my father's honor. Nothing more, nothing less.' Jon thought.
The sound of a discussion or more like an argument broke out amongst the guards breaking Jon out of his internal debate.
"You know they are on their way to free the queen Gerold! Lord Eddard from what the queen has informed us is an honorable man. He has no reason to harm the prince!" One of the men frustratingly called out.
Ser Gerold Hightower shook his head. "While that may be in fact be correct, I won't dismiss the orders of our king Arthur. Rhaegar made it clear that no one other than us and the handmaidens may see his wolf. We must follow orders given to us." The commander said. His eyes told them this was not up for debate.
The man Jon had always idolized truly looked beside himself. "By your orders commander." He grumbled.
The sound of hooves hitting path could be heard not far from where Jon and his guide lay waiting.
'Then it's clear, this must be the story father always told us about. The day the morning met the blade of the wolf of Winterfell. But what could possibly be so important to show me this over everything else that transpires over time.' Jon thought.
"Just wait, once your eyes take in what will occur you will not be the same. Once this is over you will return home to the present in Winterfell. I'll answer anything i see fit to confide in you. But, it must be quick. You won't have much time after this, your mind will be close to fading into this realm for all eternity." Brynden concluded.
Jon nodded in understanding.
It amazed him that one night of sleep in Winterfell turned into something that only could be described as a tale to tell around an open fire. Stories like this were not meant to happen. Only in dreams. But this was no dream. Jon rarely dreamed so vividly.
As time passed the sound of approaching horses drew closer and closer. The air of battle was ever present amongst these incredible swordsmen. Finally, after what felt like a century of waiting. Seven men on horseback arrived at the entrance of the tower. Their demeanor nothing but serious.
They dismounted and one man stepped forward amongst the rebels of the crown. "That's father" Jon smiled. His appearance only changed slightly throughout the years.
Whenever someone gave him the complement of looking like his lord father he thought it to be just pity upon the bastard of Winterfell. But looking at him now, he now knew why people addressed his appearance as such.
Though Ned's hair was slightly lighter in color Jon's face and demeanor remained so much alike it was uncanny. Ned was slightly taller than Jon was now but his build being very similar to Jon's. Relying mostly on speed and skill rather than strength in a battle.
"Lord Stark." Arthur acknowledged. Before plunging his bastard blade into the ground directly in line with the northern party. The tension could be cut with a knife.
"We looked for you at the trident." Ned called out. His eyes looking upon the tower that stood behind the Targaryen warriors.
"If we stood foot on the trident, the usurper would be in the ground where he belongs." said Ser Gerold Hightower. His presence overwhelmingly intimidating. Oswell Whent kept his mouth silent.
"The mad King is dead." Ned postured up, trying to appear strong and fierce.
"Rhaegar lies beneath the ground as we speak."
Arthur sighed. He looked not shocked but extremely downtrodden. The history told to him was that The sword of the morning was very close with the prince of Dragonstone. Jon could only imagine losing such a person so close to one's heart as Ser Arthur had. It would be like losing Robb or Arya. He couldn't even begin to fathom what that would do to him.
"Why weren't you there to protect your prince?" Ned questioned. His northern accent as expected from the now warden of the north.
"Rhaegar wanted us here. His mind was not fixed on battle as the usurper was. Unlike your best friend, our prince wasn't so blinded by lies and promises." The commander retorted.
A brutal silence filled the air. Only the sound of Ned's inconsistent breathing could be heard amongst the group of warriors. "Where. Is. My sister." Ned questioned. His glare settling on the three.
Ser Arthur really looked entirely hesitant. But Gerold was not. "We wish you good fortune in the wars to come my lord." The commander finished. Placing the silver looking helm behind his eyes. His hair jetting out all angles behind his neck.
"And now it begins."
Ned unsheathed Ice from his scabbard. "No. Now it ends." Ned said.
The rest of the Ned's party released their swords from hiding. The sound of bare steel being let loose could be heard for miles on end. The northern men looked very nervous. Sure they had fought strongly at the trident which led to their victory, but these opponents were like nothing they had ever faced before. The tales of accomplishments and skill with a blade were talked all over the seven kingdoms.
Ser Arthur released his sword from the ground. His hesitance now shattered at the sound of swords drawn. His eyes showed nothing but calm and collectivism at the face of battle. He dropped into a stance. Unsheathing his other sword placing it directly in line with his father's face.
Wasting no time at all Ned jumped into action lunging forward towards the famed sword of Starfall. The quickness ever present in the spring of his step. Ned's strike was quickly parried by one of his opponents swords. The other men also struck forward to protect their leader. Ned seeing Hightower off by his lonesome he took after the weaker of the three swordsman. Striking with such ferocity. Constantly keeping the commander on his heels.
After a swing met by steel Hightower knew what was to come. Ned sent a kick towards his abdomen followed by a quick sword to the throat. Ending the once famed commander.
Meanwhile three of Ned's men were in a fight for their lives against the double sword wielding warrior. Each of them getting picked off like flies.
"He's incredible." Jon said out loud to the old Targaryen. "I know he was famous for how skilled he was at the end of a blade, but even those stories do not do him any justice. I don't think with twenty years of training could even spar for a minute against him." Jon said in awe.
For the first time since he met the old man. He laughed. "Don't sell yourself so short. Funny enough later in life people of the north begin to call you his rebirth. You became one of the greatest swordsman who ever drew breath. But, yes his skill his remarkable. And more impressive his opponents are not novices. They are respected warriors throughout the north."
Jon smiled. He knew that times to come were gruesome and truly nightmarish. Especially with the walkers about once again. But hearing his name as one of the kingdoms great swordsman drew a smile to his face. It was his passion.
The battle raged on. Oswell whent had been struck down by Lord Reed told to him by Brynden Rivers. It was three of the northerners fighting an uphill battle against Dayne. Each strike sent his way was blocked, parried, and countered easily.
Ser Arthur struck one of Ned's last men across the arm before sending his head flying across the dead grass stuck to the ground.
Now all that remained was his father and Lord Reed. Each of them feeling the strike of fatigue as the battle continued. Lord Reed sent a high strike over his head towards the King's guard shoulder. A costly mistake as his strike was blocked by one sword. As quickly as the first sword came up, the other swiftly struck the man's chest. Lord Reed fell quickly.
Now all that remained was the wolf, and the morning. The battle went back and forth, each strike taking longer than the last. It was obvious to anyone with a pair of eyes who held the advantage.
"Father said he won this battle and killed Ser Dayne. He has no chance from what I can see now." Jon said.
"Your father though skilled was no match for this battle. He had very little experience compared to Dayne who has been in quite a number of battles throughout history." Brynden replied.
'How does father claim victory then?' Jon thought.
Finally a swift kick to Ned's upper body sent his sword from his hand and his back to the ground. Nothing left of him. His breath left him from the sudden fall. And nothing to protect himself from the next blow.
But it never came. Ned opened his eyes to see Ser Dayne on his knees from Lord Reed's sword struck through his leg. Eyes of shock from the famed sword of Starfall.
Jon gasped for air. "What honor is that? I thought father said he killed him on his lonesome?! Why would he lie?" Jon cried out.
"Your father lied for a purpose. Just wait and see." Brynden concluded.
Ned got up from his back. His breath returning to him slightly. Picking up Ice and readying the final blow to end this game.
"I'm sorry Stark, we were following orders to protect and defend the prince at all costs. Even from you. Ask your sister to forgive me." He said drawing his head to the ground awaiting death honorably.
"There is nothing to forgive Ser." Ned sighed.
Sheathing Ice back into his scabbard. "Lord Reed, see to it that this man gets treatment for his wounds. Enough blood has been shed this day. I won't dishonor the God's by taking this man's life without defeating him in a true battle." Ned said his eyes resting on his companion.
Arthur Dayne looked up in shock. Never had he seen someone so quick to forgive since Rhaegar.
"But my Lord-" Howland was cut off quickly.
"That is an order my lord. He poses no threat to us right now. And i pose no threat to him, I just want to leave with my sister. I didn't come here to kill off an honorable man for following orders no matter how misguided." Ned said.
Lord Howland nodded "At once Lord Stark." Howland picked up the injured guardsmen and carried him to a large stone. Laying him down gently. "I'll be back with a maester at once Ser Dayne." Lord Reed said not turning to see the grateful eyes of his once enemy.
"Lord Stark, protect him. Whatever you do, do not give him to your friend." Lord Dayne called out to the warden of the north. He was already on his way to running up the stairs of the tower.
Jon was truly shocked. Why had his father never told him of Ser Arthur Dayne's survival here. While he lied about his defeat he did the most honorable thing in this situation. He let the King's guard live. And what was the sword of the morning on about? Let who live? He must be delirious from the loss of blood from the fight was the only conclusion Jon could make.
"Come. There isn't much time to waste. Follow your father and see why I've called you here." Brynden said. Walking briskly to the tower.
Jon nodded running up the tower behind his father. His mind clouded by thoughts of what awaited. 'What did he mean? I thought he brought me here to see Ser Arthur live, but what could be more important than that.' Jon thought his steps finally reaching a halt inside the tower.
A wooden door opened slowly as his father entered a room of the tower. All he could assume was his Aunt Lyanna laid in waiting here. His father never ever spoke of her, but he knew the story. She was kidnapped and raped by the prince of Dragonstone. She died shortly after here at the tower after his father "defeated" Ser Arthur Dayne.
Jon entered the room and saw a blood curdling sight. Blood stained sheets over one of the most beautiful women he had ever laid eyes upon. Even in her sorry state of complete exhaustion and death she was a sight to behold. This was the woman that brought about the death of thousands of people. Jon now saw why Robert was so adamant about fighting for her. Her hair the color of brown braided back to keep it from falling into her face. Her eyes showing as grey as his. But without the solemnness. All Jon could see was compassion and a glint of happiness at the sight of her brother's arrival. Her face was as pretty as Sansa's but showed similarities with Arya.
"Ned is that you?" she cried out. Unshed tears being to develop in her eyes. Jon could barely watch without feeling such sadness for his aunt. This was so incredibly tragic.
Ned ran to her bedside. "It's me Lya, I'm here. Everything will be okay." His eyes as desperate as he imagined they would be. There was always talk about how much his father loved his sister Lyanna. They were extremely close growing up. He never felt close to his brother Brandon or his father. But Lyanna always seemed to have Ned's back wherever he went.
"I'm sorry Ned, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. I didn't know this would happen. I swear I didn't. Rhaegar said his father was mad, but I didn't know he'd do what he did." She cried out. Tears befalling her pale milky white face.
Ned too was on the verge of crying. "It's okay my sweet sister. Nobody blames you. Nobody. We didn't know the prince would take you. We didn't know Aerys would turn so brutal at the very mention of justice." Ned cried out truly trying to stop his sister's falling tears.
His words did no such thing however as the falling tears became more frequent. "He didn't take me Ned. I went with him. I loved him. He was my husband." She bawled out.
Ned couldn't believe his ears. He knew of her distaste for Robert. Especially knowing of his bastards he had. But he had no idea she fell in love with the prince of Dragonstone. If Robert found this out it would bring about the destruction of the kingdoms.
"It's okay Lya. I promise we will get you out of here and return home. I-" Ned was cut off quickly.
"No Ned, I'm sorry but there is no coming back from this. My minutes are short." She cried out. She smiled. "I'm a coward brother, I'm scared. I don't want to die." She bawled into his shoulder.
Ned's dam of hot salt broke. Tears erupted down his face. "You aren't going to die Lya. Don't talk like that." Ned said. His voice cracking.
Jon too was crying silently to himself. He may have never had known his aunt but this could truly move even the most hardened of hearts to break.
The cry of a baby heard behind him awoke him from his tears. He turned to see a woman no older than Lady Catelyn holding a bundle of white sheets holding a brand new babe. She walked past the invisible Jon and Brynden who hadn't uttered a single word to bring the babe to Lyanna.
Ned too was silent. The babe uttering cries for his mother. "I wish I had more time Ned. I wish I could be around to watch him grow into a true prince. A prince of Dragons and wolves. But my time is limited now. You have to promise me Ned. Protect him. You know what Robert will do if he finds out. He'll never let him grow if he finds out." She cried out kissing the top of the baby gently.
Ned was beside himself. The shock of the presence of his sister's babe brought him further into his tears.
The babe's crying slowly diminished as Lyanna softly hummed a tune to him. The sound of her breath slowly becoming weaker and weaker.
"It can't be." Jon whispered. Tears poured down his cheeks.
She slowly came closer and closer leaning into her brother. Ned leaned too taking her hand in his. Her whisper of a voice on the verge of breaking. "His name is Aegon Targaryen. You have to protect him Ned. Promise me." She said her eyes looking lovingly one last time at her son.
Ned's sobs began to broke out as she handed her babe to him. He looked down to see the dark ruffle of hair and grey eyes of a stark as his eyes began to close into slumber.
Jon was sobbing too. He knew now why he was here. His question of who she was, now answered. The dreams he would have of who his mother was, was for not. He would never forget the loving gaze of the woman he thought to be his aunt. But in reality she was and always had been his mother. He was loved since day one.
"I promise. I'll keep him safe. You have my word Lya." He sobbed. His hand shaking as he felt his sister slowly fade to rest.
She looked at him one last time. "Thank you brother, tell him of me one day. Tell him how much I love him. How much his father loved him." She whispered her hand in his becoming clammy.
Ned cradled the baby in his arms. His hot tears settling on the sheets of the bundle that encompassed the child. He looked to see his sister's eyes slowly close. Her breathing stopped, all that remained now was the beautiful smile of his beloved sister, and her baby boy.
Ned quickly got up still cradling the baby gently in his arms as he slept. He turned to the woman who brought in Aegon. "Cover her up as well as you can." His voice still cracked and breaking. "I will send for my men to bring her home to Winterfell where she can rest among her kin." He said not even allowing her to see his eyes.
"I think it goes without saying that nothing of what transpired here can ever be spoken about to anyone." He called out seriously.
The woman nodded. "You have my word my lord. She was my friend in her last days. I'll take this secret to my grave. I promise you." she said just as sadly. She took the sheets and gently placed them over his sister's head to hide her from the air.
Jon's sobs continued. He slowly shrank to the ground and curled up. "The one thing I've always wanted to know in my life has come to me. And now that i know the truth, I'm truly alone." He cried into his hands. His breath moist against his now wet tunic sleeve.
That's when he felt the hand of Brynden grasp his shoulder lifting him up off the ground. "I know this isn't easy child, but you now know how much you are loved. She loved you till her last breath. And from what I know of my visions of your father. He loved you while you lay in your mother's belly. He knew somehow how important you would be to this world. You are the offspring of fire and ice. Dragon blood and wolves blood. You are the hope of Westeros and all who live in it. This is the reason I have brought you here child. Humanity will fall in years to come. You have the knowledge, the power, and the right to stop it…" Brynden finished passionately
Jon though still heartbroken cracked a smile. "I will stop them. You have my word." Jon said determined to change the future.
He smiled back "Come there is one last thing you must see before i take you back to the living realm. He said patting Jon's shoulder lightly.
Jon followed him out of the room. Looking back one last time imagining the loving stare of his mother. "I will make you proud." he whispered.
Jon caught up to the old man.
'For as old a man as he is, he sure does move briskly' Jon thought smiling to himself.
The pain of what he saw was still there but now he felt something he always wanted growing up. The love of a mother. And that alone brought himself joy.
They finally caught up to Lord Stark who still carried baby Jon in his arms. His arms held the babe tightly. Never letting his gaze linger away from him too long. Ned's sister entrusted him with her last breath. And he'd see to it that no one ever would take that away from him.
Ned approached the still fallen Arthur Dayne. He was tended to by the Maester of a local village nearby. Ned assumed the man left because all that remained was the now limping swordsman, himself, the babe, and Lord Reed.
Arthur quickly hobbled over to him. Using his sword as a walking stick of sorts. "I see you know the truth Lord Stark. Is she?" He whispered. Already knowing the response.
Ned nodded. "She named him Aegon. Though I'll have to change that. I will take him north to Winterfell. I'll claim him as my bastard son, thankfully he doesn't take after his father in looks or else another war would surface quickly." Ned said. His eyes still glued to the sleeping baby.
Ser Arthur smiled "No, he takes after you. He has the Stark look. Which will give him time to grow and become a true prince. You have my gratitude Lord Stark. I know Rhaegar wasn't your friend, but he was mine. He truly would be in awe of the compassion you show not only to his son, but to me." he praised gently grasping Lord Stark's shoulder firmly.
Ned nodded. Still feeling sadness over the death of his sister. "I won't tell him till he's ready. He can decide what he wants to do with his life when he learns the truth at a proper age. I'll raise him as if he was my own. He's my sister's babe. I already have love for him as i would for her...Where will you go?" Ned inquired.
Ser Arthur's smile fell. "I won't submit myself to the Usurper. I think the best I can do is keep an eye on the other children. Rumors of Aerys's children have surfaced here. I will find Viserys and Daenerys and keep them under my watchful eye. Though of course I will not tell them who I am. At the very least I can make sure they are protected from Robert's wrath. Seek me out Lord Stark when the time comes. Send him to me. I will send ravens to Winterfell where my location will be. And when the time does come that he knows of his lineage send him to me. I at the very least can show him to be another great swordsman of house Targaryen." Arthur finished shaking the northerners hand.
Ned smiled. "You have my word Ser. Take one of the horses left behind. Keep out of sight. And stay unnoticed. The world will hear of your defeat and death at my hands. That at the very least should keep you out of Robert's eye for now."
Ser Arthur laughed. "You were an honorable match Lord Stark. Perhaps we may clash blades once again. Though next time I hope it will be much closer." Ser Arthur winked.
And just like that the famed sword of Starfall was gone.
And not long after Ned rode off with Lord Reed to break the news of what "truly" happened here.
All that remained were Jon and Brynden. "So this is it?" Jon questioned.
Brynden nodded. "You have learned everything I could possibly show you. That gives you insight of what to do. You don't need my help anymore it seems. If you have any questions I will answer them. But make them quick. You must return home to where you belong. Your uncle and siblings worry about you." Brynden coughed out.
Jon nodded. "Well there is one question I have." Jon smirked.
The seven kingdoms would never be the same.
