Hello again! I bet that everyone is hyped for tomorrow: D.
Finally the wait is over. I think the hyped is really what inspired me to write this chapter.
Enjoy: D
Jon loved riding. He loved the opportunities that it opened to him. With a horse he was free to go anywhere, at any speed, to enjoy the new sights he has never seen, to feel the wind embrace him.
He was a skilled horse rider for his age; at least that was what the youngest knight told him. He was the first one to ever address him, for the others would not approach Jon, they only watched him from afar with their suspecting eyes.
They seemed like they did not believe his story. They did not trust him. And so, Jon kept riding closer to the measter the whole way, keeping him company.
Through their numerous discussions, he revealed to Jon that he was named Martyn. Something his guards did not appreciate, and still the measter kept revealing bits of information every once and then.
He claimed that Daeron reminded him of someone he served before. Jon wondered who this person was, and how similar they were.
Was he a lord? Or a knight?
But he also questioned why a measter would be traveling this long distance, instead of serving a household.
So many questions were in head, and not enough answers. He'd better keep those to himself anyway, if he wished to reach his destination.
The more they were getting south, the more it was getting warmer, and the snow coats getting lesser.
Surprisingly, Jon enjoyed the warm wind and the lighter clothes he wore. The warmth suited him better, just like his Sand surname suited him more than his Snow one.
They stopped at several inns through their way, mainly to rest a bit and feed their horses. Jon usually shared a room with the other knights. Each time, they would test him. And each time, he would pass their trust test.
It only took a few days for Daeron, to win their full trust, and his every movements to be no longer watched. He became a part of their small company, often washing clothes, looking for food, or even saddling their beasts. His most favorite one, was the young knight, a youth of twenty name days almost the same age as his uncle Benjen.
If the measter found the knights dull and boring, Marcus found his companions too old. They would usually sit at the same table, and Marcus would talk about his family back in Dorne, while Jon listened to his every word, about his life in Starfall, his small keep, and even his wife whom he left with her mother so to not leave her alone.
His small talks meant he missed his family, just like Jon missed his. He often tried not to think about them, and how hurt they were because of his disappearance, but he hoped that what he did was the right thing. He promised himself to come back, after finding his mother.
His homesickness also heightened when they finally reached Moat Cailin, the ruins that belonged to his sire's house and his ancestors.
Measter Martyn decided to camp there for one night, out of curiosity, while passionately explaining the historical importance of such a place.
Jon very deep in thoughts about his family, for once, did not listen to the measter's lesson, only hearing few words: Children of the forest, Andals, and swamps. And none were interesting enough to make him forget about the Starks.
After a calm dinner, and while everyone was gathered around the fire, Jon started to sing one of the sad songs in his book. One, about a man who longed for his family.
No one dared to interrupt him. They were all listening,and Marcus even drifted to sleep, while the others just seemed to enjoy his talent. But what really surprised Jon was the tear that escaped the measter's eye, and which was streaming down his cheek.
When Jon finally finished his song, Measter Martyn spoke only three words: "Who are you?"
Jon baffled at the question composed himself and answered as calmly as possible:
«It is me Daeron, Measter. Have you forgotten me?" Jon japed.
The measter did not respond. He seemed shacked and nostalgic.
«You look like him. You even sound like him" he whispered so faintly, that Jon almost did not hear what he said.
The following morning, measter Martyn decided that it was time to resume their travel.
Just before leaving again, Jon shaved his hair again. He noted that his hair was still getting lighter than it was before. What was once a dark brown hair, was now a very light brown almost similar to ash blond.
Jon was trying to find an explanation to this drastic change, and even consulted the measter; the latter told him that he was not sick, and therefore there was no reason to worry about it. They had a long journey before them, and it was better to keep his mind clear.
3 days after that, the 4 men and a boy finally reached Riverrun, the home to the Tullys, the kin of Jon's kin.
The green landscapes were a nice sight, a new sight he enjoyed. And still Jon felt uneasy at Lady Stark's home.
He found himself praying that they will reach the Crownlands as soon as possible.
The weather was pleasant enough, that was why they avoided staying at inns, and camped wherever they deemed proper for spending their night.
The only inn they visited was the inn at the crossroad. Unlike the others they have been to, this one was crowded. They barely managed to get a room, one that they had to share.
While they were there, Jon had the opportunity to meet other boys the same age as his.
They were planning to go to the ruby ford to look for the Targaryen's prince's rubies. Seven fell from his breastplate, and only six were found.
The boys wanted to find the last one.
Jon knew that they would probably find nothing. It was impossible after all these years, eleven years to be exact.
Still, he joined because he had nothing else to do. He was dismissed by the measter for the morning. And from what he understood, measter Martyn meant to discuss with his guards some matters of importance, too complex for a lad's ears.
The red ford was unlike its name blue. The clear blue water was cold and nice to the touch.
While the other kids were eager and searching for the gem, he just stood far away looking at the waters, enjoying the sounds of streaming water and birds, until he suddenly noticed something unusual: A red small light.
He slowly approached the water, unsure of what he has seen.
It was a gem, the lost ruby.
Trying not to be noticed by his peers, he calmly picked his new small treasure and hid it in his pocket.
He returned to the inn after midday, with the other boys who were disappointed about their unsuccessful search.
Jon headed directly after that to the shared chambers.
For no reason, he told no one else about his findings, not even the measter or Marcus.
And just before he slept, he examined the gem. He could affirm with certainty that it was the real deal.
Jon clutched the ruby in his right hand, before drifting to a deep sleep.
That night he dreamt about a falling prince, whispering his last word, his lover's name just before leaving the land of the living.
