"You summoned me, your Grace?" Varys asked as he stepped into Ned's personal room.
"Yes, Varys. There is something of great importance I wish to speak with you about." Ned nodded to his guards who stood outside and closed his door. "I have discovered that House Bolton was plotting to take over the North, believing my House had become weak and attempted to capture White Fang. Unfortunately for them my friend proved to be too strong for them, leading to their deaths."
"Fortunate for you though, your Grace." Varys pointed out.
"Perhaps but I am forced to believe that House Bolton did not act alone. White Fang returned with a pouch of gold that had blood on it and when it was confirmed Ramsey Bolton and his son were killed I believed it was no wild animal that killed them." Ned held out the pouch for Varys to observe.
He opened the pouch and looked inside. "Very few are capable of having this kind of gold."
"But we know of a few." Ned remarked.
Varys nodded. "The Lannisters."
"I doubt Lord Tywin would attempt to assassinate myself or White Fang but he is not the only one." Ned said.
"Cersei Lannister has expressed her distaste in your ruling as Regent." Varys admitted.
"That is why I wished to speak with you. Lord Varys, you know Aku to be real and the threat he represents?" Ned asked rhetorically.
Varys nodded. "I watched the demon as it nearly destroyed King's Landing. I know it to be real and that it represent a threat to the entire world."
"As Regent it is my duty to ensure the stability of the throne until the next King or Queen is ready. But I also have a duty to ensure the kingdoms are prepared should Aku return. I cannot risk infighting between the houses just as stability is finally returning." Ned explained.
"And what do you wish of me, your Grace?" Varys asked.
Ned looked at Varys. "I know you have had your birds keeping watch on the Targaryen children that fled to Essos. What I want is for you to send them a message from me."
"A message?" Varys asked, sounding surprised. "You wish to ally with them?"
"My hatred for House Targaryen died with the Mad King and Rhaeger Targaryen in the rebellion and in the wake of Aku's threat I cannot afford to not consider all alternatives. Robert hated the Targaryens with all his heart but I believe it's time for old wounds to heal and for the sake of survival that we must all walk the same path as allies." Ned said. "Can I count on you for this?"
Varys nodded. "Of course your grace. My birds will find them and deliver the message."
"Actually, I was thinking of someone else." Ned smiled as he looked out onto the balcony.
Varys followed his gaze and his eyes widened when he saw White Fang, sitting up on the balcony. "I see…"
Xxx
Essos
Pentos
Magister Illyrio Mopatis was awoken to the sound of a wolf's howling. Normally this would not be a problem, only there was no wolves in Essos and the way the wolf was howling sounded like it was singing.
"What is that sound?!" The annoyed voice of Viserys III Targaryen shouted as he emerged from his bed chamber.
Servants along with Viserys' little sister Daenerys Targeryen emerged out to the entrance and were greeted with the surprising sight of a mighty large white wolf that landed elegantly on the ground before them.
"It's a…wolf." One of the guards said, gripping the hilt of his sword but not drawing it.
"A white direwolf larger than a steed," Illyrio said, reciting the numerous descriptions he had heard ever since Aku's brief rampage through Westeros. "The Demon Wolf."
Danaerys found herself enchanted by the appearance of the wolf, which padded towards them and ignored any weapons aimed at it.
"The legendary wolf which fought alongside Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon." Illyrio stated, "The one named White Fang." He bowed his head. "What gives cause for a visit from one as revered as you, king of the direwolves?"
Viserys shook his head. "It's just a beast, it can't understand you." He said dismissively before White Fang opened his mouth and dropped a parcel onto the ground.
"What is that?" Danaerys asked, reaching out for the object.
"Stay back!" Viserys tugged his sister away from the giant direwolf. "Don't go near it, Dany."
Illyrio waved one of his men forward to collect the parcel, and watched as the guard opened it to reveal a single letter addressed directly to him by Ned Stark, which signatures from others including Lord Varys among them (that one at least explained just how Lord Stark had known to send the message to him specifically).
The guard opened the message and read it aloud.
"To Viserys, third of his name and Danaerys, first of her name of House Targaryen from Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, Lord of Winterfell and Lord Regent of the Seven Kingdoms." The guard read, "There is little doubt that you both have heard of the recent events in Westeros as well as my involvement in them, and my support of the deceased King Robert Baratheon during his rebellion against your father. However I send this message to you as an offer of peace between us as well as an urgent plea for your assistance in facing a potential catastrophe."
Illyrion held out one hand and accepted the letter, resuming from where the soldier had left off. "I have no doubt that you may hold distrust of me for my part in the rebellion, but I shall not make any excuses, I did what was needed in the name of sanity and peace, but most especially for the sake of my family. Whatever hatred I held for your house died with your father, and now we are all united in the face of an enemy greater than any that has come before. This evil emerged from the Black Forest which once plagued the North for countless centuries, unleashed unintentionally by my own actions and given shape. I have only temporarily contained this evil, and I am certain that one day it shall return to resume its efforts to destroy or conquer all of the world."
"This threat goes beyond any conflicts we have ever engaged in. Its name is Aku, and it shall seek to subjugate or annihilate all who stand in its path, regardless of status or house. I and the other great houses of Westeros do intend to plan for Aku's inevitable return as well as the possibility that he may not be immediately dealt with as he was this time. We ask that House Targaryen put aside the grudges of yesterday and focus on working with us and all others who shall answer our call to fight against Aku."
Viserys snatched the letter away. "What garbage! Some northman sits on my throne and thinks to politely ask that I forget his crimes?" He demanded, reading the contents of the message for himself.
He tore the parchment in half. "There will be no reconciliation, not with the ally of the Usurper!"
Danaerys knelt down and picked up one of the halves as her brother stormed away. She began to silently read over the rest of the message…
"As a gesture of good will, I shall tell you of a secret known only to my family." She whispered, "My companion, White Fang, possesses a second message intended exclusively for only those of the Targaryen bloodline to read." She looked up to see the direwolf staring down at her…and watched as another parcel was dropped from its mouth.
Ignoring the saliva covering it, Danaerys gathered it up while the rest of the gathering was distracted by Viserys' arguing with Illyrio.
"…to simply disregard this, your grace." Illyrio insisted. "I know of the demon, I know it to be real and I know that the greatest cities and forts of the Seven Kingdoms were not simultaneously assaulted and overrun by any army. It would be foolish to ignore Lord Stark's words!"
"There will be no agreements with him so long as the Iron Throne is not mine!" Viserys snarled. "I am the true King of the Andals and the First Men, I am the lord protector of the realm and I will not suffer the right hand man of the one who took my brother Rhaegar's life!"
Danaerys crept away, taking advantage of the distraction to make her way to a nearby corridor and sit in a corner with the parcel cradled to her front. She opened it and slowly pulled out another roll of parchment, unfolding it to view its contents. Her eyes wandered across the rows of letters, and slowly widened.
She repeated the first four words at the top of the parchment.
"You are not alone…" She then looked over the rest of the letter.
…Your brother, Rheager Targaryen had another son that was born from a union between your brother and my sister, Lyanna Stark. She fell in love with him and they eloped in Dorne where she died giving birth to their son, Jon. Robert, the deceased king who went to war against your family did so in the name of my sister whom he loved with all his heart but did not know that she had promised herself to the man that he had hated and killed. On her deathbed I promised her that I would protect her son and knew that if Robert knew that his war was based on a lie he would have killed the child just as he ordered the murder of Elia Martel and her children, your nephew and niece. Upon my return I lied about his birth, claiming he was born from a woman I had taken in a moment of drunken grief and thus he was labelled a bastard but one under the protection of House Stark.
After the defeat of Aku it came to my attention of a promise my wife had made to the Gods for the safe return of me and the safety of our family and in return she would raise him as her son despite initially hating him for being a reminder that I had been unfaithful to her. In the former location of the Black Forest after I had resealed Aku back into the wasteland he had created I confessed my lie to my wife who repented her hate and agreed to help legitimize my sister's son as a Stark, explaining that a promise to the Gods outweighed any law of Man. He is now Jon Stark, a proud member of House Stark but he and my family and a select few know that both the blood of the wolf and the dragon lives within him.
This is my offer of sincerity to you, the knowledge of knowing you have family safe in my home and perhaps one day may be the one who heals the wounds suffered between us. It is with this I hope that the dragon and the wolf can walk together on a path of righteousness to protect the Realms from the greatest evil to emerge since the time of the White Walkers. This knowledge is yours to do with as you wish in whatever way you deem fit. If you wish to consider my offer White Fang will be there, whenever you decided to reply.
Do not ask how he knows for White Fang is a wolf with many mysteries, even ones I do not know.
Danaerys looked up at White Fang who stared back down at her before lifting his head up and letting out a soft howl that sounded it was singing. It seemed to sing her a soft lullaby for a moment before stepping back and leaping up over the roof of the magister's sanctuary. Danaerys looked up, watching as the Great Wolf jumped so high it looked like it was actually flying and vanished into the night and looked back down at the message.
She had a nephew.
One born with Stark blood who had been protected by the man who fought alongside the Usurper against her father. Later that night she showed the message Illyrio who shocked and surprised but knew Ned Stark was not a liar. The fact that this Jon Stark was the son of her dead brother showed that he had a stronger claim to Iron Throne than even her brother. She thought she should show this message to him but Illyrio disagreed, believing that Viserys would dismiss it as a lie or worse, attempt to have their own nephew murdered to prevent him from standing in Viserys's way of attaining the Iron Throne.
"If your brother knew of this, that there is a Targaryen with a stronger claim to the throne than him he would seek to kill this nephew. I believe it would be wise to keep this information hidden from him." Illyrio stated.
"He is my brother." Danaerys said. "The eldest of us."
"Your brother may be the elder but that does not make him your superior. There is a madness in him that has festered since he was forced into exile, having to beg others for food and luxury. He refuses to heed Ned Stark's words but I know of the demon he spoke. Countless people fled the kingdoms that day and word of the demon's rampage traveled far and wide, many of having witnessed the battle between Lord Stark and the demon." Illyrio said. "Lord Stark is not wrong to ask for help and the fact he has kept Jon's secret proves that he is indeed the honorable man many have known him as."
"What should I do?" Danaerys asked.
Illyrio glanced up at the sky. "If what Lord Stark has written about the Great Wolf is true I imagine the best way would be to write a message back to Lord Stark and wait for the messenger."
"Would he give the Iron Throne to my brother?"
"I am not sure…He went to war with your father in the name of his brother and father who your father killed. He did not take part in the murder of your brother Rheager and even demanded that the ones who murdered his wife and children be put on trial. However if he believes your brother will be the same as your father…" Illyrio trailed off. "At the very least when you make your message speak your heart to him as he has done."
Danaerys only nodded.
That night Danaerys wrote her letter and waited outside with Illyrio and a servant once they were sure Viserys was asleep and would not notice them. They waited out into the night and saw the moon rising and with it came the harmonious howling that was the song many had come to know as the Song of the Moon.
And from the shadows of the street came the Great Wolf, White Fang who moved ever so quietly towards them.
Illyrios bowed his head again in reference. "We thank you for returning, Wolf-King. Truly, you are as great as the legends say."
White Fang stopped in front of the group and brought his head down to Danaerys, sniffing at her.
Danaerys herself was once again awed by the visage of the mighty creature and held out a parcel. "I have a message for Lord Stark in reply for the message you have carried to us, Great Wolf."
White Fang looked down at the parcel and took it into his mouth. He then surprisingly brought his head closer to Danaerys, sniffing at her and looking at her. Danaerys was confused at what White Fang was doing but held up her hand and touched his fur. It was so soft and Danaerys soon found herself running her hand through the soft white fur of the magnificent creature before her.
White Fang let out a pleased sound as he lifted his head up and let out a small howl to the sky. He shared one last glance at Danaerys before stepping back and jumping up over Illyrios's dwelling, vanishing from sight.
It was an amazing sigh, one that Danaerys would never forget.
Xxx
Ned Stark walked into his office the next day and found a parcel on his desk and knew what it was. He opened the parcel and unrolled the parchment.
To Lord Eddard Stark of House Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Regent of the Seven Kingdoms from Danaerys, first of her name of House Targaryen. Though I was a mere infant at the time I was raised to hate your family and have been told stories of how you were the right hand of the Usurper, Robert Baratheon who killed my eldest brother Rhaeger and took the throne from my father, sending my brother Viserys and I into exile. I have been told your reasons for aiding the Usurper and how you are an honorable man and I have heard of the stories surrounding you and the Demon. Though I was skeptical despite the many stories I heard I believe the proof came to me in the form of your companion, the Great Wolf whom you refer to as White Fang.
I was even more skeptical of learning that I have a nephew, one who was sired by my late brother and your sister and that you had protected him all these years, going as far as to legitimize him despite his former false status as a bastard. Though I never met him I know that as my late brother's son he has a stronger claim to the Iron Throne than my brother who does not yet know. He refused to listen to your warning, stating that there would be no truce so as long he was denied the throne. He does not know of this message I have sent you because I have been informed of how great a threat the Demon, Aku represents to the world.
I am not sure what help can be offered from me as I am the younger sibling who has won no battles, no experience as a leader and am to be married to the leader of the Dothraki tribe for my brother to gain the army he believes will help him take back the throne and gain his crown. I do not wish to stand against my brother for he is the only family I have known but if what you speak is true than perhaps a truce can be arranged but not in the present. It must happen at the right time. I pray that the kingdoms of Westeros remain safe when that time finally comes.
Ned put down the scroll, not entirely surprised by the answer. It was long shot but one worth taking given what the kingdoms might face in the future. The Targaryens had been duly warned of the threat Aku represented and that was all he could do for now. At the very least one of them was considering his warning so perhaps one day the exiled Targaryens would be allowed to return home.
Robert would never have allowed it, preferring to see any remaining Targaryen dead for the 'kidnapping' and later death of his sister but Ned did not allow himself to be poisoned by hatred. Lyanna never loved Robert, possibly seeing something in him that she did not like. Ned knew his sister was no fool despite what many people would think of the choices she made near the end of her life. He fought the Mad King to avenge the deaths of his brother and father and though the king had been slain by one of his own guards Ned's personal quest for justice had been satisfied.
Now he was working to save the entire world from a demon that he had barely stopped with the help of his best friend and the Gods themselves.
And unfortunately not everyone was in the mood to give a helping hand.
He had done his best to unite the Houses, even making allies with Houses that have acted less than honorable in the last few years.
Xxx
"Marvelous. Absolutely marvelous."
Ned Stark watched as Tywin Lannister came into the council room, followed by his son Tyrion Lannister, better known as the Imp of House Lannister. Tyrion took one look at White Fang and seemed to be spellbound by the sight of the mighty direwolf. White Fang sat on the floor near his friend and looked up to see Tyrion Lannister staring at him.
"I must say, Lord Stark, your new wolf is a sight to behold." Tyrion said humbly.
Ned nodded. "Thank you, Lord Tyrion but White Fang is my ally and companion. I cannot control him as someone would try their pet. He is too proud for such a title."
"Of course. I suppose that is highly understandable. Given that he was strong enough to face a demon, even with two smaller humans with him." Tyrion nodded. "Lord Stark, I don't suppose your companion would allow me the honor of simply…touching his coat. Just to feel this mighty beast."
Ned raised an eyebrow and looked to White Fang. "What say you, my friend?"
White Fang looked at Tyrion and stood up, stretching his limbs a bit before slowly approaching Tyrion. Tywin watched in fascination as White Fang approached while Tyrion felt the sudden urge to step back but White Fang surprised them both by lowering his head enough for Tyrion to touch his face. Tyrion looked into White Fang's gold eye and saw that the wolf was looking at him with a look of intelligence and curiosity, as if the giant wolf was examining him. Slowly Tyrion's hand reached out and touched the fur by White Fang's ear and he slowly and cautiously petted the wolf.
White Fang let out a please breath and rubbed his head against Tyrion's hand, encouraging the little man to continue petting this amazing creature.
"It seems White Fang likes you, Lord Tyrion." Ned commented with a small smile.
"I can sincerely say that I feel honored, but perhaps we should get to why you have asked to meet with me, Lord Stark." Tywin suggested.
"Of course." Ned nodded. "I wish to speak with you regarding the financial debt Robert has placed the kingdom. I am sure you of all people are aware of it, Lord Tywin."
Of course Tywin knew. "And you wish to alleviate this debt?"
"Not to offend you, Lord Tywin but I wish to consider ways without half the kingdom being owned by House Lannister even if your grandson is next in line for throne. It's been coming to my attention that there has been poor managing with the city's money that have caused poor, or rather appalling living conditions for the people, especially in wake of Aku's attack. I have asked you to seek help in finding a new Master of Coin." Ned explained. "What better house can I ask for someone who understands the importance of managing wealth?"
"What better house indeed." Tywin agreed.
"And I ask of your help to ensure there is no tension between us. I know Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch answered to you and when I demanded they be put on trial or sent to the Black Robert refused. I ask you here to ensure there was no ill will to your house on my part, only to bring justice for a crime that tainted mine and Robert's honor, no matter how much we disagreed on the subject." Ned continued.
"By offering a Lannister the position of Master of Coin when my brother is already a member of the council." Tywin surmised.
"I will consider any option welcome, even asking for House Lannister's wealth in helping with the debt but hopefully as a last option. I fear such action would make it seem that House Lannister is in higher favor and I do not want to risk tension with the other houses." Ned stated.
And Ned had no desire to place the Throne itself in the debt of House Lannister by having the wealth of Casterly Rock thrown at the problem.
As they spoke Tyrion looked at the scrolls Ned brought over and looked them over.
"I don't suppose you know of anyone who could help get the kingdom out of its debt." Ned stated.
"Whoever you plan to recommend, Father, I'd say make sure they know that if any more money is spent on the brothels they'd need enough gold to build this castle twice over to pay all the women." Tyrion commented, earning their attention. "Taking out a loan would be one thing, though not preferable since a loan from the Iron Bank is often steep, and finding honest trade with Essos would be the next step, assuming they care less about the slavers which we have made a habit of sending back across the Narrow Sea in pieces."
Tyrion looked at Ned and Tywin who were both staring at him. "…What?"
Xxx
North
Winterfell
Like the King's Landing Winterfell had been rebuilt over the years following the near destruction of it at the hands of Aku. Ned Stark was still recognized as the Lord of the North even though he was forced to spend most of his time in King's Landing as the Ruling Regent and was more revered for slaying the demon.
Though it was his children who admired him the most, especially for his companion who appeared in the North from time to time.
As Winterfell rebuilt itself the people of the North had quickly become accustomed to seeing Ned Stark's newest companion, the Great Wolf and many revered and worshiped White Fang for being the personification of the symbol of House Stark and for aiding their Lord in stopping the demon that had nearly destroyed all of the North. There was even a statue of White Fang himself in Winterfell but none excited the people more to see the Great Wolf himself as he appeared in Winterfell.
"Mother, it's the Great Wolf!"
"He's here!"
"White Fang is here!"
"And he's brought another boar."
"A big one too!"
"He is so amazing."
White Fang slowly walked through Winterfell with a large boar on his back that he had caught in a hunt and knelt down, allowing the gathered men to catch and carry it into the castle since there was never enough meat that could help keep the people from starving. White Fang was adored by the children of the North and respected by the warriors for aiding their Lord in defeating the demon that had nearly destroyed Winterfell.
"White Fang!" A young girl's voice shouted in excitement.
White Fang looked to see a young girl run up to him, looking muddy and dirty but the wolf didn't mind as he let her hug him. The girl was none other than Arya Stark, the youngest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Born on the day her father stopped the demon Arya grew up listening to the stories of her father as the demon slayer, wishing to become like him and showed a fiery heart that Ned had not seen since the time of his dear sister, Lyanna. Arya cared not for the typical duties of being a noble lady, always sneaking away from her lessons and into the armory, grabbing a knight's armor and playing 'Demon Slayer' with a stick shaped like a sword.
Her poor mother sometimes felt like pulling her hair out and it wasn't any easier since Rob and Jon both liked to play that game with her while Sansa watched with amusement. It got worse as Bran, the youngest son of Ned Stark liked to sneak away and climb almost anything but there was one thing that all the Stark children had in common.
Their love of White Fang who quickly became the family protector in many ways.
With White Fang's help Ned was able to visit Winterfell quickly to see his family while his family often came to the King's Landing while riding on White Fang's back and it was something that entire family had come to love. And White Fang himself seemed to love the Stark family as much given how protective he was of each of them.
Rob and Jon were now strong young men, skilled warriors in their own rights and honorable sons of the Stark family. Jon's secret was known only to the family and a select few they trusted and Catelyn fulfilled her promise, raising and loving Jon as if he was her own son. She had even fallen to her knees and begged him for forgiveness of her misplaced hate and Jon showed him to have the same honor as the rest of his Stark relatives while having none of the madness of his grandfather. Jon had shown an interest in the Night Watch but turned away since he was more than hated by the warriors who lived at Castle Black for being a former bastard.
The one thing worse than a bastard was a bastard that had been legitimized by his family.
Instead Jon and Rob had decided to follow Ned's plan of training themselves to be demon slayers. Both could barely remember the day Aku attacked Winterfell but what they did remember was enough to give them nightmares for most of their childhood. The massive monster made of pure darkness that smiled down at them from above before lunging down and almost burning their home to the ground. It had been terrifying time for them and it was only thanks to their father that the demon had been defeated.
Sansa was also present when the demon attacked and like Jon and Rob she had nightmares of the demon coming and stealing her soul so much she was almost literally attached to her father for the next year. The Starks had been back and forth between Winterfell and the King's Landing during the following years and Sansa had grown into a beautiful young girl that though was not like her little sister had actually taken part in the 'Demon Slayer' game and even learned how to use a sword. Though Sansa took after her mother more than her father, at least she knew how to defend herself. That day when Aku attacked Winterfell had left a deep scar of terror in most of the Stark children.
Which is possibly why they seem to be attracted to Bran and Arya's carefree approach to life.
"White Fang." Catelyn smiled and bowed to the great wolf that her youngest daughter was hugging. "It's so good to see you again. Is my husband all right?"
White Fang leaned forward, allowing Catelyn to pet him which she took as the answer to her question.
"Mother, do you think I can ride with White Fang?" Arya asked quickly.
Catelyn smiled. "You always ride with White Fang when he visits or when he takes us to King's Landing."
"Please…" Arya asked nicely and pleadingly.
White Fang knelt down and Catelyn nodded. "I believe White Fang has answered for me."
Arya smiled as she climbed on White Fang's back and held on as the great wolf let out a howl and took off in a slow but exciting sprint around Winterfell. Catelyn could only watch with a smile on her face, feeling blessed that her family was so happy and had survived everything that had happened in the last few years.
The attack of the demon that had almost destroyed Winterfell.
Her husband becoming ruling regent.
And her accepting the son of her husband's sister whom she previously thought was born of a woman that Ned had been with instead of her.
Truly the Gods had blessed her and her family.
