I have decided to have the defiance of Duskendale happen in the timeline of my story, so I omitted a line in previous chapters which indicated that the defiance happened in the past.

I do not own any character or material in any way from ASOIAF. Any resemblance to any place or people in the real world is coincidental.


278, the Separation

Lord Armond's condition was stable, but the fever did not leave him even after three days. His wound was not deep, but it had become infected. The maester told Jon and Carl that the infection was the reason which the fever could not be broken. He also told them that he has done everything in his power, and only the Seven could help their father now.

Jon broke from his thoughts as he entered the room where his father was. The room was decorated with well carved wooden furnitures which were glimmering by the rays of sunlight. Upon Carl's insistence father was moved to a room facing the sun with fresh air. As Jon was occupied last night with the gathering of lords and knights present at Storm's End to form a party to deal with the outlaws, Carl had taken care of their father and kept to his side. Carl was sleeping on a chair next to the bed with a blanket on him. To his side was a basin with water inside which was used to keep the fever of father down.

Jon became angry that Carl was sleeping in such conditions, he silently exited the room and called for the nurse who was responsible to take care of his father. The nurse was a chubby middle-aged woman with red hair and a freckled face.

Jon asked her, "Why is my brother sleeping on a chair in that room? Aren't you responsible to take care of my father? Why has he not been taken to his room to sleep?"

The woman stuttered before answering Jon whose patience was running dry, "It was the young lord's wish, milord. He asked us not to go inside until he says so," When the woman saw that Jon was not buying it, she added, "Young lord wanted to be alone with your lord father, milord. He gave me the order late in the night after I cleaned the wounds of your lord father."

In Jon's opinion, despite Carl's mature appearance and manner, he was simply a child who had grown up fast because of the lack of their mother. Father kept Carl close, but he expected a lot out of him in the meantime as well. Sometimes Jon thought that the similarity in the appearance of Carl and their mother may have caused father to see him differently. He needed to ask some questions.

Jon spoke to the woman, "Why have you not taken him to his bed after he felt sleep?"

The woman looked afraid, she replied, "Young lord especially told me that should he find himself outside this room when he wakes up, he would have my life. I do not dare to disobey, milord," then she pleaded, "Please have mercy on me, milord. Betsy has done no wrongs. I have children, milord. By mother's mercy forgive me."

Jon got bored with the woman's ramblings, he told her to keep looking after his father. He would take his brother away to sleep on a bed and the woman does not need to worry if she continues to look after his father well. Jon gave the woman a silver coin and entered the room as the woman started to thank Jon for his mercy and benevolence. He slowly picked Carl up and took him to his own bed to sleep. Jon was careful not to wake the boy.

While Jon was putting Carl to bed, Carl woke up. Jon cursed under his breath for waking Carl up.

Carl looked sleepy and confused while asking, "Is it you, Jon? Where am I?"

Jon put Carl to bed, put a purple velvet blanket on him, and patted his head. Jon whispered in Carl's ear softly, "Go to sleep little brother. You have done a lot while big brother was away. Now it is time to go to sleep and let me handle things."

Carl said sleepily, "But what about father?"

Jon looked at two large brown eyes which were covered by eyelashes. The eyes were familiar and they brought sorrow, anger, despair, and happiness all the same to Jon. Jon could not think how father coped with it every day for the last eight years. Jon knew that he could not look at this face, nose, and eyes and do not succumb to sorrow.

Jon closed Carl's eyes with his hands and shushed him, "Sleep now. I would be on our father's side."

The features of Carl's face relaxed and Jon could finally hear the breathing of Carl which had relaxed again. Jon silently exited the room, then he went to find Talea. Why was Carl alone in their father's room when he arrived? Where was Talea? In addition, he had some other questions which needed to be answered and who could better answer him than the closest person to both Carl and his father.

Jon found Talea with her two sons, Jasper and Josef in the servant's quarters. The boys were wearing gears which showed that they were going to train with other squires and boys at the castle. Jon always thought that father gave too many privileges to them because of Carl, nevertheless, he would also give in to any request Carl had.

Upon seeing Jon, Talea and the boys curtsied, "My lord."

Jon gave a node to them, then dismissed the boys. What he wanted to ask was not proper for the ears of ten names day olds. When he saw that they have left, Jon asked Talea, "Why has Carl been alone with my father? Where have you been?"

Talea replied to Jon, Jon could pick the bitter taste as she spoke, "My lord, last night, the young lord asked all servants and me included to leave him with his father alone. We are in no position to deny the young lord, my lord. I tried to dissuade him, but he would have none of it. In the end, he reminded me that I am his servant and I should obey as ordered to."

This was as Jon thought, unlike Jon, Carl had a finality in his voice which would make others obey his commands. It was one of the few things which he had picked from their father.

Jon lowered his voice for what he was next to ask, then he looked at their surroundings to make sure that no one was listening to the conversation, "What can you tell about the behavior of my father toward Carl to me? Have you noticed something which is out of the norm aside from the usual overprotectiveness?"

Talea hesitated but answered, "I do not understand what my lord means."

Jon almost growled, "You understand perfectly what I meant. Is something going on between them?"

Talea who looked bewildered replied hesitantly, "There is nothing going on, my lord, but I guess there is something in Lord Armond's eyes as Carl is growing up. The features of your deceased mother become more prominent as time goes by," then she added, "I may have interfered once or twice when Lord Armond was a little into his cups before anything could happen."

Jon said, "I see. I want this matter to remain hushed. You are to interfere if anything happens. I would resolve the problem, and in future, you would tell me about Carl. I want to know more about what is happening around my brother. Your sons seem to be good friends with him. And they may one day make fine knights, however, it is neither easy nor cheap to become the squire of another prominent knight. And in truth the connections made during the time one is a squire determine ones future most of the time."

Then Jon placed a small bag of silver coins in the hands of Talea, "I would be looking forward to our future meetings."

Jon saw that Talea was in an internal conflict, "I want the best for my brother, but I cannot be present next to him; thus I need you to tell me if there is any problem regarding him."

Talea nodded, Jon became pleased that everything went on without a hitch. Jon gave a final look to Talea and left to find the Prince. There was still work that needed to be done and the day was young.

At the door of Prince's room, Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Barristan Selmy were present. Jon greeted the two members of King's Guard, "Is Prince inside his room?"

Ser Barristan replied that the Prince was inside and he has been awaiting him for some time. In the room, Jon saw the Prince in his usual black and crimson attire with the designs of a three-headed dragon. Rhaegar was looking at a letter so intensely that Jon thought at any moment a hole could appear on it.

"Look any harder and the letter would burn my Prince," Jon japed. When Rhaegar did not reply to him, he became worried. He asked, "What news have made you so worried?"

Finally, Rhaegar looked away from the letter and looked back at Jon. Without saying any words he gave the letter to Jon to read, and started to look at the courtyard below. The sound of training of squires and other boys could be heard. The incident had caused a state of martial readiness which the younger ones had taken much more seriously and were hoping that if they prove their worthiness they may be allowed to participate in the hunt of the outlaws. Jon read the letter from the beginning to the end:

Your grace Prince Rhaegar Targaryen,

Regarding tax and charter disputes with lords Mooton, Darklyn, and Ser Cox, the king traveled to Duskendale with one of the King's Guard. After the meeting, the Darklyns have taken the king hostage for unknown reasons and Ser Gwayne Gaunt has been slain. Lord Mooton and Ser Cox's connection with their families outside of Duskendale has been severed and their houses have come to the King's Landing to plead innocence. I have called the banners in Crownslands to siege Duskendale and rescue the king. I ask of you to return with all haste to King's Landing in the time of this crisis and in the absence of the king and me as I am leading the host to rescue the king.

Lord Tywin Lannister, hand of the king, Lord of the Casterly Rock, Warden of the west, and Shield of Lannisport

Well, the news was totally unexpected. Jon knew there were ongoing tensions with lords who held port towns at the coasts of Narrow Sea. These lords wanted charters from the crown which would allow them to increase the amount of trade ongoing to their lands and beyond, but Lord Hand had repeatedly denied giving any charters on behalf of the crown to them despite lowering the taxes and tariffs for major ports of the kingdoms. Although it was understandable why they have been denied. Lord Hand had acted on the benefit of the Crown. All these port towns were major competitors with King's Landing as they were all near each other, especially Duskendale. It seemed that father was right. How could he have been blind to the developments of the Capital when he was living there?

Jon asked, "What are you going to do, my Prince?"

The Prince replied, "I am going to share the news with Lord Baratheon and ask his opinion on the matter. Although I am sure that he has already received a similar letter to mine. But I believe that we would leave for the King's Landing. The hunt of outlaws must be handled by Lord Baratheon himself."

Jon nodded, it made sense. They would go to King's Landing to prevent the Capital to be destabilized and Lord Steffon would handle the outlaws. But the problem was that Lord Steffen was also going on a mission on behalf of the king. There was uncertainty on who was going to do what.

Jon asked the Rhaegar, "Wasn't Lord Steffon tasked to find you a Valyrian bride, my Prince?"

The Prince looked uneasy on the prospect of having to marry some random girl. Jon did not like the king's order either. After Lord Tywin's daughter was denied to marry the Prince by the king, Jon thought that Prince would not marry for years to come.

However, Prince Rhaegar asked him worriedly, "Would you come back with me? I think we would need to leave soon."

Without thinking about his father's condition or leaving Carl alone, Jon replied, "Of course, I would always be by your side."

"Thank you. It means a lot to me to know that I always have you to have my back. I know your own situation is not too good. I would pray for the fast recovery of your father," The Prince's features relaxed noticeably.

Only after giving his promise Jon noticed what the consequence of it was. He needed to abandon his own family again, but it could not be helped. What could he do by standing next to his father's bed? He could only hope for the best and pray. His Prince needed him though, and he could do something for him. Jon said, "I am thankful on behalf of my father, my Prince."

Prince Rhaegar sighed, he stood up, walked toward the door and locked it up. Then he moved toward the window and drew the curtains. Then he seated on the bed and gestured for Jon to come and join him. In all these hectic situations, this was one of the few things which could bring a smile to Jon's lips aside from being with his brother. Jon joined the prince and the morning session of their passion began.

Jon was waiting outside of Lord Steffon's solar and waiting for the Prince. After him, Jon was going to speak with the lord of Storm's End regarding his father and brother. Jon looked at outside, the sun was almost at its zenith. It would be time for lunch soon. Before coming he had checked on both his father and brother. Both were sleeping. The door of the solar opened and Prince Rhaegar came out.

Jon asked, "What have you decided my prince? Are we leaving?"

The solemn features of the prince upon seeing his best friend and partner brightened, "We would go to Summerhall and there I would raise a host of a thousand men by Lord Steffen's permission and go to the King's Landing through the Rose Road as the King's Road through the Kingswood is infested with outlaws," then he continued, "Lord Robert would organize the men here aside from marcher lords and deal with the outlaws. Lord and Lady Baratheon would go on their mission to Essos as scheduled."

Jon noted the dislike in Prince's tone as he said the last part. Jon also hoped that Lord Baratheon would delay their journey as the situation was critical both at the Kingswood and Duskendale. But the decision was sound. Jon told the Prince that he would see him for the lunch and knocked on the door of the solar. A deep voice invited him in, and Jon entered.

"Ah, Jon. Come and be seated," Lord Steffon told Jon. Lord Steffon's feature of a warrior was even more prominent from up close. Broad shoulders and chest, and Strong arms. As Jon seated himself, Lord Steffon asked, "Wine? It is dornish. I have found out as sweet as it is, it would make you forget your worries when you drink it, and afterward, well … it would pull the rug out from under you."

Jon accepted the cup of wine and tasted it. It was truly too sweet as anything dornish was. Jon told Lord Steffon that he had come to see him and speak with him regarding his father and brother before his departure with the prince to the King's Landing.

Lord Steffon assured Jon, "Maester Cressen would look after your father, Lord Armond. My house would do outmost in our power to help him to recover," he maxed, poured himself and Jon another cup as Jon emptied his previous cup of wine, "And Regarding your brother, there is no need to worry. While my Lady and I are away, his education would be taken care of by Maester Cressen and I can assure you that there is no better person I would entrust my own sons too. His martial lessons would also be under Robert and the master-at-arms of Storm's End. After I have returned from Essos, I would take him as my page and later when he is older as a squire. He could also see you when I come to King's Landing, so no worries there."

Jon didn't like or want to leave Carl behind, but his father has struck a deal with Lord Steffon and promises were given. Although Jon had become in reality the acting lord of Griffin's Roost as his father's heir, he could not take Carl with him.

Jon thought, 'If King's Landing was safe, Lord Steffon was not alive, and I was lord of Griffin's Roost, things could have been different,' then he mentally shook his head, 'Too many ifs and some of them border treason.'

Jon thanked Lord Baratheon for his considerations, "I appreciate what you do for my house, Lord Baratheon. House Connington would not forget this."

Lord Steffon rose and came to the other side of the table where Jon was seated and put a hand on his shoulder, "Do not worry my boy. All of us have a duty and need to do it and see it done. You have a duty to our prince, and you have a duty to your family. Today, you have made sure that your father would get the best treatment and your brother would be looked after for. You are a man and must leave your family behind sometimes for the sake of duty. Unfortunately for you, you have to face it sooner than most, but I see a bright future in you."

Jon thanked Lord Steffon for his praise and after some more pleasantries, he left the solar.


The lunch was roasted pig, boiled vegetables, and beer. Not a bad dish, although Jon liked cow's meat more than pig's.

Rhaegar asked him, "From the start of the lunch you have been in deep thought. You know it is usually me who thinks and you who pesters me, but our roles are now reversed."

Jon who came out of his musings looked at Rhaegar, the Prince was right, he was in his own thoughts more than ever. In truth, Jon was never a deep thinker, but he dreaded when he was going to tell Carl that he was going to leave him behind with the condition which father was in. After all, Carl was still a child and may not understand. He was thinking about how to break the news to not hurt Carl's feelings.

Rhaegar sighed, "You are thinking how to break it to the boy, aren't you? You should just be straight forward with him and explain the situation to him."

Jon almost yelled at Rhaegar, "He is only a child," then he noted that he yelled and lowered his voice, "I am sorry for raising my voice, my prince."

"Haven't you told me that your brother is more mature than others his age? You know many are even promised to each other when they are children or lose their parents or even become lords of their own right? He is not in a situation which many others have not found themselves over the course of time," Prince Rhaegar explained to Jon to ease his worries without mentioning the yelling.

Jon thought there were many, but they were not his little brother who he had vowed to his mother to protect at any cost on her deathbed, "You are right my prince, I should only talk to him and hope that he understands."

Prince muttered under his breath, "I hate boiled vegetables," this was one of the many things the two friends had in common. In fact, it was the first thing that caused their friendship to blossom that many years ago at Griffin's Roost. Jon also picked his fork and started to eat, he placed a boiled spinach in his mouth and wanted to spit it out, but he knew that one must eat boiled vegetables if he wanted to remain healthy, and he had to remain strong for the sake of his family and the Prince.


Jon moved through the maze of corridors at Storm's End to reach his brother's room, Carl was at front of the door and Jasper and Josef were next to him and speaking with him in a battered condition. They looked like they have been literally to a war.

Jon raised his voice a little bit and said jokingly to lighten the mood for the news he was going to deliver, "What has happened to these two, brother? They look like they come from a fierce battle!"

Carl looked at Jon with his cute smile and jumped at Jon. Jon hugged him and lifted him up. Carl was light, Jon thought he should eat more and build more muscles. Well, father was not going to any longer deny him training. If there was anything good coming out of leaving Carl behind at Storm's End, it was that Carl would be able to train and build his swordsmanship skills. After all, their society was, in essence, a martial one and major conflicts happened in lifetimes and minor conflicts were numerous.

Carl told Jon, "These two wanted to become knights and were training at the yard with other squires, so I asked Talea to let me help them. You know that they are like my own brother, Jon. How I could not help them?" Carl was saying all of these with such a straight face that Jon would have believed Carl's words and taken it for granted if he was not seeing the condition of the boys.

Jon rose a brow and looked at the boys, "Is it as Carl says?"

They both stuttered to answer him, Josef answered bitterly, "Yes, milord. Young lord helped us by asking permission from mother and arranging our training with the Iron Guard. He especially told them to not hold back."

Jon became amused, he truly wanted to know what was behind this story as he knew that his brother was not one to bully others, alas he was on a tight schedule. They would leave for Summerhall in less than two hours; so they could reach Felwood before nightfall. The prince wanted to send riders ahead of them at night to notify the castles of Dornish Marches; so they could start to raise their banners from early morning tomorrow. The prince wanted them on their way to the King's landing with the utmost speed possible.

Jon pinched the corner of Carl's cheeks. Carl cried in protest, "You were mischievous apparently, little mouse."

Carl told him in a hushed voice, "Don't call me that in front of them. They would not stop teasing me after you are gone!"

Jon told Carl seriously, "Order them to stop teasing you and they would. You are the lord. Always remember that. There are those who you should obey and those who should obey you. While I am away, you are a ward of Lord Baratheon and in his absence, his heir. You should behave as it befits a member of House Connington."

The smile on Carl's lips vanished, "You are leaving then? Why? What about the father? What about our home? You should take the responsibilities of father you know."

Jon placed Carl back on his two feet and explained to him, "There has been a small rebellion at the Crownlands, as a companion of the prince, I have to accompany him to the King's Landing. I would send a raven to Cousin Ronald to take care of Griffin's Roost as castellan also."

Carl protested, "You could not trust that snake! He would betray you if he could."

Jon scolded his brother, "You should not speak about your family like this. He is our kin, never forget that."

Carl told Jon, "I advise you brother to change, you should not trust someone simply because they are family. Family may betray you, especially if they are greedy, ambitious, and given an opportunity."

Jon did not know what to say to that. He decided to ignore the last words of Carl, "Take care of yourself and father, brother. If you need anything ask Maester Cressen or Lord Robert. Also, write to me frequently, I would also try to update you on the developments of the capital. As soon as I can I would come back to see you."

Jon saw that Carl looked upset, "You are a man now, act like it, little brother."

Carl gave a small smile to Jon, "I would try my best," then he added, "Don't do anything hasty. I am sure whatever situation is happening would resolve itself. I also think it is best to keep Ser Barristan at King's Landing when you go back."

Jon asked, "Why? Ser Barristan would accompany the prince wherever he goes."

Carl put a hand on the back of his neck and looked sheepish, "Well, I have seen how Ser Barristan fights and how brave he is. I think should he be given leave, he may do something reckless. I know because I deal with one such person daily. Trust me."

"I don't understand what you mean, but I would keep it in mind. Goodbye little brother," Jon hugged his brother again before his departure for the last time.

Carl also hugged Jon back firmly, Jon could feel that Carl was acting and he was trying to put a strong face in front of Jon. The control of his emotions was a result of the father's demands on his sons to keep a strong façade in any situation. While the mother was alive she disagreed with father on the matter and deemed it unhealthy for one's mental health. She argued with him a lot about this, and as a result, Jon had not developed a strong façade as Carl at such a young age.

Before leaving, Jon also gave a look to the twins which they would understand the meaning of. Jon wanted them to protect Carl against all things, they were given so many opportunities only because of that. Should they fail, they would lose more than their privileges, and Jon believed the boys knew that as well.

As Jon entered the courtyard, a stable boy gave him his prepared horse. The prince and others were already seated on their saddles. Jon mounted his horse. A voice called out to Jon and he looked up to the balcony to see Carl, "Goodbye Jon, Triumph and come back." Jon also waved at his brother.

The group moved out, Rhaegar told him, "Your brother seems the sweet type to me though. Like Viserys, not what you describe him."

Jon replied, "He is sweet and mature. It is hard to understand unless you talk to him."

Then Jon thought internally, 'However, I do not know which one is the façade which he puts on. A little of both, I think.'

Rhaegar said, "We would bring him to the King's Landing when the dusts are settled. do not worry. First, we have more immediate problems to deal with."

Jon also agreed and wanted to finish this rebellion business faster. He did not understand what Darklyns were thinking that they would achieve by taking the king hostage. If the king died, however, well … this was also a thought which was definitely treason and Jon should not even think about it. As his mind was playing with the idea of his prince becoming his king, the group rode toward the west.