Chapter 11
Hello everyone. I had some extra free time, so I decided to write another chapter for this story. I understand that I have introduced many new things and that the story might feel rushed. I looked over it and I think that from now on I will focus on Jon and the people who are around him. All other characters that I introduced are going to show up later when the action is about to start. I will likely create other stories showing what Barth/Kirei is doing at Sunspear and about the girls at Dragonstone, but later since their roles will be important and I do not want to give spoilers too early.
Chapter 11 Leaving the Nest
The sight of the majestic creature from legends has left Lord Manderly and Ser Tully speechless. Its cerulean and silver scales glittered brightly in the dim light of the torches. Its body is the size of a large hound, a far cry from the feeble dragons that remained after the Dance of Dragons. Its wings are robust, and Jon yearned for the day where he would be able to take flight on his mount. Its four legs are strong and allowed Dreamfyre to stand proudly. And finally, the dragon had vibrant violet eyes that would be the envy of any amethyst.
"As you can see my nephew is a prince of House Targaryen and has managed to hatch a dragon from its egg," Ned said.
Lord Manderly and Ser Tully were still recovering from their shock and remained silent.
"We all know that the king and the Lannisters will never stand for a Targaryen dragonrider to draw another breath. I have summoned both of you here to prepare for what is to come. I am aware that the Riverlands has many loyalist Houses that still yearn for Targaryen rule. I would like to ask you, Ser Brynden, how many would help me defend Jon from the Lannisters and Robert," Ned ended his question with a grimance.
"There are several Houses that would have happily risen for the Targaryens no matter what my brother had to say. I am certain with an actual dragonrider to declare for and their Lord Paramount's order that most of the Riverands will take up your nephew's cause."
Jon watched his uncle frown sadly when Ser Tully called Jon his nephew.
"Lord Manderly, your House came to the North after being exiled from the Reach and received the aid of the Starks and recovered and thrived in your new home. Will you help House Stark in its hour of need?" Ned asked.
"Of course I will. There is no need to doubt my House's loyalty to the Starks. I would like to ask why you have summoned me, why not the Karstarks or Umbers?" Lord Manderly asked his liege lord.
"Not only was I certain that I could place my trust in your House, White Harbor has resources that are now necessary. Dreamfyre is now two months old and has grown rapidly from the size of a cat to its current size."
Lord Manderly and Ser Tully looked shocked at that and they looked apprehensive at how fast a creature of fearsome and legendary power is growing.
"Jon, I am sorry to say this, but with how fast your dragon is growing I am afraid it will not be able to remain hidden in Winterfell for much longer." Ned told his nephew sadly.
Before Jon could say anything Maester Luwin hastily started explaining this decision.
"Jon, when Maegor the Cruel created his Dragonpit for the mounts of House Targaryen, that began the steady decline of power of the old dragons of your House. If Dreamfyre remained here we would need to start chaining it up to keep it hidden. It has been observed that the dragons of the Dragonpit did not respond well to captivity and grew feebler that its ancestors." Maester Luwin said.
"I do not want to be separated from Dreamfyre," Jon declared.
His uncle seemed even more sad than he was before, but he did not look shocked at Jon's decision.
"I thought that might be the case. I have consulted with Maester Luwin and have decided that it would be best for you to head for Essos. Maester Luwin has studied the higher mysteries at the Citadel and has informed me that the Maesters do not take claims of eastern sorcery seriously. If there were any tales of a dragon at Essos, hopefully they would not be taken seriously." Ned said.
"Jon, I know that I have treated you unfairly and that I have made it clear that I wanted you gone from Winterfell. But now that it is happening I regret it. Your uncle, no your father is clearly heartbroken about this decision. And I have now seen that you make Robb, Arya, Bran, Ned and Rickon happy by being a part of their lives. I have had words with my husband about your origins, and I apologize for my treatment of you and for how long it took me to understand that you are family." Lady Catelyn said.
Jon was honestly shocked that Lady Catelyn would feel sorrow at him leaving Winterfell. Then again having a dragonrider in the family would be much better than a bastard.
"I should not be so hostile to her. My uncle has placed himself and his House in danger for his sake and it would be unjust for me to remain angry at his wife." Jon thought.
"And just who is going to watch over the lad when he is off in Essos? He is just nine namedays old." Ser Tully asked.
"I was planning on having Rodrik or Jory take him there and defen…" Ned started to say.
"I will take him with me." Ser Tully said.
Everyone looked shocked at this turn of events.
"I am certain that Cat here would be thrilled that the Bastard of Winterfell will be gone from her presence as her uncle's squire." Ser Tully said.
Jon watched Lady Catelyn cringe at this. He could not deny that sounded reasonable and plausible.
"And well, I am certainly not growing younger and I would love to take a tour of Essos and see what the Free cities have to offer." Ser Tully said.
"But you are in Lord Arryn's servi…" Ned attempted to protest.
"I am certain that a request from his ward will certainly allow Lord Arryn to understand the circumstances and release me from my service. And Lysa has been telling me that she is a grown woman now and no longer needs me to protect her." Ser Tully said.
Jon saw that Lady Catelyn looked unnerved at the mention of her sister.
"Ser Tully…" Jon tried to talk but now he was the one being interrupted.
"Call me Great Uncle Brynden. I have heard a lot about you, mostly negative things but I am certain that I want to help you. I went to the Vale in order to help my niece Lysa when she first got married, but she is now settled in her new home and my presence is no longer necessary. Now that I have heard Cat's regrets about you, I am certain that you need help and that I am the person capable of helping you." Ser Brynden told Jon.
"I would like to discuss this later with you." Ned said.
Jon was certain that the presence of Lord Manderly was the only reason why an argument has not taken place.
"I was also hoping to contact the Velaryons and I believe that White Harbor has some dealings with Driftmark." Ned said.
"Yes, my lord. My House has some dealings with them regarding trade." Lord Manderly said.
"I plan on letting the king, the current king know that the Manderlys have been having a "disagreement" and a request that the lord come to White Harbor." Ned said.
No one commented on Ned's discomfort when bringing up the king.
"House Velaryon has strong ties to the Targaryens, they would be the best people to consult about the remaining loyalists in the Crownlands. Although it would likely be necessary to show Lord Velaryon Dreamfyre to get his aid." Maester Luwin said.
"Jon it is time for you to go to bed, remember to keep Dreamfyre hidden from sight." Ned said.
Jon was assigned a new room as a "nameday gift" it was certainly private and had enough room for Dreamfyre. Lady Stark also let the maids be aware that Jon should clean up after himself and that they should not go into his room.
He was certain that this discussion is not over, but he knew that his uncle would not change his mind.
"Why do you have to go?" Arya asked him.
"Ser Brynden wants to tour the Free Cities and he has invited me to accompany him. It is a grand opportunity." Jon said. He had to admit saying goodbye was harder than he expected it to be.
"Things won't be the same without you here." Arya said.
"I'm sorry, but Father has made up his mind." Jon said.
Bran and Rickon were also upset, but they were taking the news better than Arya. Bran was sad, but he was also happy that Jon was going to go on an adventure. Rickon did not seem to understand yet what Jon going to Essos entails.
"Will you write often?" Arya asked.
"Of course I will." Jon said.
"Fine," Arya left in a huff.
"Brother, is life in Winterfell really so bad?" Robb asked his brother.
"It is not, I am accompanying Ser Brynden because Father thought it would be a good opportunity for me." Jon said.
"When will you return?" Robb asked.
"I am not sure yet." Jon said.
"I want you to return soon. I am ashamed to admit this, but I have been jealous of you and I fear that has ruined our bond." Robb said.
Jon was surprised at this admission.
"Its just that you are good at so many things and…" Robb's eyes started to tear up.
"It is all fine, we are family, we are brothers. I am going to come back, and things will get better. I am certain that when I come back I will have many stories to tell, that even Old Nan would not know." Jon tried to reassure his brother.
"Thank you." Robb said.
Jon held back a sigh, his choice to leave Winterfell was a harder one than he was expecting. He now only had four days left with his siblings before he goes to White Harbor and meets Lord Velaryon. He could not help but dread the meeting that is vital to his safety and House Stark. Jon vowed that he would convince Lord Velaryon to support him and his family.
And now Jon is leaving Winterfell and going to meet up with some important people at White Harbor. I decided that Brynden Tully would be the best person to accompany Jon because he seems like an awesome character from canon that would have a lot to teach Jon. I will leave Brynden's reasons and explanation to Jon for a later chapter. I know that the Dragon of the North also has Jon squire for Brynden, but I'll be honest and say that I haven't read that story. I would like to thank all my readers, I'm sorry that my updating speed is a bit random. Life has a habit of dumping responsibilities and tasks on me.