Chapter Eleven
Jon snow hugged the man he admired the most for a while. He had missed his uncle, and his uncle's eyes that seemed to be kind and hard at the same time whenever he gave Jon solemn advises. Jon knew his uncle had got the meaning behind his reason for naming the mighty ship 'Winter Queen'.
After getting his mind together, he proceeded to give the Starks one the most valuable gifts that he possessed, now more than ever; that he could give them- Dragonglass. Other than Sansa and Lady Stark he gave all the remaining Stark's a Dragonglass daggers and arrowheads. After Sansa's stiff reaction at his gifts, he decided not to push their already delicate relation. When Rickon asked the reason behind the obsidian weapons, he just mouthed a latter at him and others.
Jon knew now would be the time to actually talk with his foster father.
"My lord, I have some correspondence to write and send. If you would kindly permit me to use your solar, I would appreciate it greatly." Jon knew his uncle would read his sudden change of subject and tone. Jon needed to have a private sitting with the warden of the north.
"Of course", his uncle answered, staring at Jon, imploring Jon to do address matters he hadn't acknowledged till now.
The Three Princesses.
No uncle, I have nothing to do with them. The moment my feet passed winterfell gate those five years ago, I broke all my chains.
Jon passed the angry eyes of lord Stark and his wife as he made his way to the Great keep. Tyrion would handle the mess Jon left behind. He always did.
Before he could the courtyard a sweet voice filled with poison reached him.
"Lord Commander, I believe we have not been introduced." Jon did not need to turn around to know the voice belonged to the eldest daughter of the king. The Dornish Princess's voice had a tinge of annoyance and superiority or maybe contempt.
Well, nothing new from this lot, Jon thought bitterly.
They all are the same.
Without any intention of having a nice chat with them, Jon answered back without turning back.
"We met last night at the feast."
He ignored the gasps that followed his curt answer. He could only take a step before the voice stopped him again, this time with barely contained fury.
"Nevertheless, don't you think it is obligatory to explain yourself to the king the reason for bringing three hundred armed men in his kingdom without informing him and his court?"
Jon waited for Tyrion to interrupt the increasingly heated exchange. He tried to remind himself, why he kept Tyrion around if not for this kind of situation.
And why was Tyrion keeping his usually loquacious tongue sealed now? Jon reminded himself to make sure Tyrion gets seated between Cersei and Joffrey during the next feast. Jon signed deeply; the girl did ask a reasonably logical question now, didn't she?
He turned around to notice closely the three Princesses for the first time. While Daenerys and Tyrion's niece had predominantly Targaryen coloring, the eldest seemed to be more exotic in Jon's eyes. Her womanly curves were more defined and prominent than the other two younger girls, which were to be expected. But the things that caught Jon's eyes the most were her fiery lilac eyes contrasting to her olive-tone face, they were glaring at him in way reminding of him Arya. Her ruby lips were slightly pouting in annoyance. Her choice of wear in this cold place should at least be applauded for her courage. The specific places her dress parted tried to throw men off.
In Essos, Jon had experiences with enough women who tried to make men think less of them, to hide their deadly sharp mind. To him, somehow Rhaenys Targaryen seemed to be one such. But his first impressions have been wrong many times in past.
Still he knew he had to be careful with her.
This one can ruin our plan if not tackled properly.
He caught Tyrion's amused smirk. Jon planned a thousand ways to kill that little man.
On the other side, he noticed Arya's curious expression.
When did Arya started to measure his competence in handling situation like this, Jon guessed bitterly.
Jon straightens his back, and started without any sort of greeting or courtesy.
"Our company was asked by the Hand of the king to talk about a certain contract in Winterfell. Usually, I am never involved in any type of negotiations and meetings regarding the terms, as they are always handled by our master of coin. I don't even meet the person, or in your case the King who hires us. It reduces misunderstandings and ambiguities. As the lord commander, I only prepare and lead the men on the battlefield, while our Master of Coin manages all the 'behind the doors' aspects. This time the circumstances were a little different. I had already planned the training some of my lesser experienced soldiers in the harsh northern land beyond the wall, and help the Night's watch in rebuilding some of their fallen castles. Unfortunately the king decided to visit the North at the same time, causing both of our party to coincide. So, lord Tyrion here, will carry out all the talks and clarification with the king and his Lord hand, and if necessary with the princesses, too, in my name. "
His words more or less were true, still Jon tried his best to make it sound flawless. All the while eyeing princess Rhaenys as if she was standing on the other side of the battlefield, making his intentions wholly clear to her.
Other man could fall for her farce; Jon had enough troubles already.
When the only response he got after been glowered for a while, was a sly smile from the princess, he knew no more words were needed between them. He noticed the vehemence of Viserys sister's anger never shrinking throughout the whole small spat. For a moment he could see the famous Targaryen madness in her eyes. Aside from this disturbing revelation, Tyrion's niece seemed a little frightened from him. Still Jon admired her steely composure for not showing it.
As Jon turned and made his way towards his uncle solar he thought Tyrion would love that about his niece, and she in turn could love him, if only she gave him a chance unlike her mother...
One only needs to give a chance.
Jon snow and Eddard Stark were holding a staring match in the latter's solar. As if dueling with their minds, No one ready to give any space to the other. In the end it was the lord of winterfell to break his silence.
"You didn't need to behave that way towards the Princesses. Especially Rhaenys, Arya is her lady-in-waiting."
Jon flinched when he heard Arya's name. He hoped he hadn't got her into trouble.
"I didn't know that, I will talk to Arya later." Jon felt he could at least do that.
"You should, but not for that reason. The reason should be to make amend for ignoring her for the past two days."
This time Jon chooses to stare anything other than Lord Stark's sudden piercing gaze. For the first time since he had returned to winterfell, Jon didn't have any response. He thought his silence would cause his uncle to change the subject, but Ned stark was merciless.
"My daughter has been trying to reach you since she last saw you bring those Direwolves and you have continued to ignore and averted her advances. Maybe I can't change much regarding her current situation but I would still do anything in my power to keep her happy, Jon. And I would not have her feeling sad and rejected just because you are feeling insecure."
Jon was taken aback by his uncle sudden finding about his behavior. He wanted to look into his eyes and tell him he was wrong. But deep down Jon his uncle was right. So he chooses to remain speechless.
"I know both of you were very close in your childhood," his uncle started with a kind tone. "And Yes, Things have changed. There are many things you both don't know about each other. Still, those unknown matters not if both of you are just willing to share it with each other. Son, look at me."
Unlike the last time, Jon found gentle, caring grey eyes.
"Share it with her, son, and let her share it with you. In time both of you would find the balance between your past and present self."
Jon nodded his head slowly towards his ever forgiving uncle.
"And when you are willing, do not ever hesitate to share it with me Jon, aye?"
"Aye"
Five years did amount to nothing in his uncle's sense of understanding towards him.
"Good, now tell me everything you have done in this five years. From your planning to leave winterfell, to you meeting Joer, to joining a Sellsword company and then latter becoming Lord commander, to Direwolves, to meeting the heirs of house Lannister and Tarly, to Sandor bloody Cleagan, to Dothrakhis, to Wildlings, to earning a deadly ship, to Ironbank, to obsidian daggers, to that red-dress woman, to that small girl. And not to forget that old man whose naked arse I had to see in front of my wife. The gross one or whatever his name is."
Jon laughed at his uncle's oddly amusing disgusted face when he recalls seeing the old one's arse. I have never seen his uncle so disgusted before. And that wave of his hand when he said 'whatever'! Arya would die laughing if she had seen her father imitate such a ladylike gesture that could even make the stony septa blush.
"But you just now said to tell you when I am ready!" Jon exclaimed, hoping his uncle understood his words because he couldn't stop laughing.
"Then you better get ready. Because you are not leaving your arses from that chair till you tell me everything."
This day was turning out to be a day full of great revelation, because today he found out from where Arya Stark had gotten her mischievous eye.
After Jon could control his laughing fit, he prepared himself to tell his uncle all he could from the past five years of his life.
When Jon left his solar in was already time for supper. Ned stark tiredly sighed after learning everything from his nephew about his time outside Winterfell.
Jon had answered every question Ned asked, sometimes in detail when he was pressed. Though there were times where Jon was reluctant to divulge much, and those were the times Ned stark wanted or needed to know everything. But Ned knew not to push the lad further at those moments.
Ned was relieved that he had made sure Jory would guard his solar from any interruption or any attempt to spy on them. Because the words that had passed in this room between him and Jon, could not only endanger his family, but the entire realm of men.
His thoughts were broken when he heard knock with Jory asking for his permission to enter. After he gave consented Jory entered with an annoyed expression, and told him his rather displeased wife was asking for an audience with him.
With a cold greeting his wife entered his solar.
"If I may ask, my lord, What was the important discussion you were having with the boy that caused you to command Jory to not even allow my interruption?" she asked, plainly showing her displeasure at not being allowed an direct audience with him.
"Nothing that you should concern yourself with, my lady." He answered as politely as he could to his wife, trying his best not to show his ire against her recent interfering tendencies. After Catelyn has returned from King's landing, she wanted to know everything that was happening in Winterfell. Her intrusive and overbearing approach was noted by his Northern lords and servants. Something was going with her, and Ned knew he would have to talk with his wife sooner or later about it.
She scoffed, "anything related to that boy is my concern."
He ignored her prying attempt. "What was the matter that you wish to discuss, my lady?"
She schooled her face when Ned didn't relent to her. "Lord Hand met with his second son, resulting in him announcing a feast for welcoming the sellsword company in winterfell. Lord Tyrion was generous enough to provide some meat and barrels of wine for the feast. As my lord was busy with the boy, the Queen was kind enough to arrange the feast with me. I came to inform you as I already told the children to be ready. The king would attend the feast shortly."
Ned frowned at the sudden declaration of the gathering by Tywin. What went between him and his son that caused his to act this way? And that in honor of a sellswords company. It was unprecedented. Not to forget that another feast was being held. At the rate at which they were throwing feasts, Ned hoped winterfell larder could survive. At least the Lannister boy was sensible enough to provide some supply for it. Ned was sure Jon had something to do with it. The Lad was as dutiful as he was before.
But why was the Queen helping Catelyn? That conniving women wouldn't move a finger for Jon. What were they planning?
Gods, not even a day has passed of their arrival, and Jon's company had caused the Queen to start plotting.
He was too tired to think about it, he had other far more important and urgent things to handle. So, Ned assured his wife that he would arrive at the great hall on time. After she went Ned internally groaned at the prospect of the letters he would have to write to his bannerman after the King's visit. Some of them were already present, causing him some respite.
Ned had never been more proud of his son after learning about his time away from him. His heroic deeds would make Sansa see Jon in different light. Yet, his time had not been free of pain and sacrifices. His son had learned Life's hard and unfair truth by fighting and losing his loved ones. Ned had always wanted to shelter his children from the tough world outside the castle's walls, knowing all the time they would have to face is sooner or later, and on their own.
While Jon's spilled his doubts and apprehensions regarding his conduct in certain parts of his tale, Ned not once judged him. In such an early age, his son had seen and fought brutal men, trying his best to save himself and others from their vindictive clutches. Ned may have not been able to see his scars and wounds on his body, yet Ned could see the pain and the feeling of helplessness he had felt in experiences the inhuman trade of human slavery. The despair had marked his body and soul. Throughout his journey, Jon had gained countless allies and friends, while destroying and making enough enemies. Still, what mattered was that Jon had not lost his kind and honorable nature. He had somehow prevailed.
He was alive, and that counted the most for Ned. Always.
Although, the most appalling was his knowledge regarding the circumstances north of the Wall. Ned stark had spoken with Jon at length about the disbelieving situation beyond the wall. It was the only thing that caused Ned to doubt Jon's words, as they were so disbelieving. Jon's somewhat alliance with the Free folks would help Ned a lot if he could somehow get his bannerman to work with the people they hated for generation. But as Jon mentioned, drastic situations required drastic measures. He would have to do everything in his power to find some solution to it.
But first he would have to make them believe that it is indeed a drastic situation. He would have to arrange a ranging consists of northern lords and the men from the Night's watch, as they would play a key in securing the wall.
While the happenings north were disturbing so were the circumstances in south. Jon proved his belief of Tywin and Olenna Tyrell's hand in the upcoming war in Stormland. They both wanted Northerners to fight and die in a war created to fulfill their endless ambitions. He approved of Jon's plan which would make sure that no northern men would have to take part in it. Ned would have to play his part in the upcoming days to make sure a contract is made between the crown and Jon's company. A contract favorable to Jon and to the North. The ploy was not honorable but if done properly; its success depends upon Tywin and Olenna's extent of arrogance and ambitions.
Though he feared how Jon will defeat the Golden Company and the Stormlords on his own. The accomplishment and success of Jon's company were remarkable but he feared this almost impossible task that Jon had taken in his hands. While his reason for vengeance against the golden company were right, even if Jon had mentioned them vaguely, he still couldn't approve of him fighting such a large and capable foe on his own. He would have forced to accept some support from the northerners but what Jon spoke next made him unwillingly accept Jon's decision.
Ned recalled their conversation and his thoughts.
"I have to do this on my own, father. The north is in fragile position, with inhumanly forces on the north, the Ironborn to the west and the Targaryen and the Lannister in the south. We cannot give them any chance. I know that you still do not completely believe what I have said about the dire circumstances in the lands beyond the wall, but I am sure you would do find about it yourself once you feel the colds and sinister winds of that lands. Even if that foe is not an apparent threat, then the Lannister, Targaryen and the Ironborn are. They want the northern men to fight and die in Stormland, so as to make the north weak. After the rebellion, they still consider the north as a threat, especially the stark. They know nobody has ever conquered north, but a north without able men to protect it or till its land in winter is as good as gone. And I don't have to make you understand the threat the Ironborn present. That is why I want you to start building our own northern fleets and rebuilding moat Cailin."
Before Ned could balk at Jon for suggesting such costly expenses on the barely surviving northern coffers, which were hurt badly by the unfair increase in royal tax, Jon snow leaned forward and spoke.
"I know the current state of your bannermAn vaults is not enough to accomplish this, but you have done some outstanding work in uplifting the Northern trade. I have seen the increased trade and population in white harbor and Wintertown, as I am sure it is similar in other towns throughout the north. The northern steel from your mines in the lands belonging to the Mountains tribes is one of the strongest, and is in high demand in Essos. Not to forget the ironwood, timber and northern wool. I believe the growth in their production was your doing."
Yes, it was true the north had managed to survive and somehow flourish through these tough times after that unsuccessful rebellion, but they were still in no state to build a fleet and moat Cailin. They had the commodities but they didn't have the trade deals other kingdoms had due to their brides. The northern lords detested giving out brides including him. Besides, how did Jon know this much about the north when he had lived his past five years in Essos?
As if he could read his mind, Jon spoke knowingly
"But you don't have the trade deals, because most of them are made by giving or taking brides, and also because the southern kingdoms monopolizes it. But as I told you before, the Ironbank likes to do trade with lords that dislike doing that. And due to my Sellsword Company holding in their bank and out ongoing contract and good relations, they have agreed to directly trade with the north. They would buy northern material in terms of Gold or food grains or spices from Essos. As they are no middlemen between you two, for the north in would be quite lucrative. In addition to that they have agreed to lend their famous purple-sale trading ships to the north. The north can use those ships to procure their own trade route, such as the one to the Dothraki Sea. The Dothraki burn and pillage any ships that belong to anyone that is not known to them. But from my time in Dokhraki deserts my company had befriended the Khal which now rules most of the Dothraki. So any ship flying the banner of the white wolf is considered friendly to the Dothraki. And the Dothrakis are the best for lucrative trading, especially if you have strong steel. They would trade you shiploads of food grains, or spices, or chests of gold for some chests of steel. Even more, Tyrion trades all over the Essos, even in Yeti. He could arrange much gold worthy trades for the northern lords and Winterfell. Furthermore, the money-lender lord Manderly mentioned was sent out by the iron bank to negotiate with you regarding the trade and the lending of the ships. As the north holds a good reputation in the Ironbankers eyes they agreed to provide you good rates for loans, if you required it."
Jon had spoken plainly, without a hint of accomplishment or pride as he tried to lend his hand and his reach in making north and its subjects Strong for the coming winter. And more, if Ned read the expression on Jon's face correctly he could even sense hesitation from him.
Jon was afraid that Ned would reject his offers to fill northern coffers and theirs larders.
It was not surprising when the only question that Ned had to ask Jon, was a simple why.
"Why? Why Jon would you go through such lengths, providing alliances for making North Strong, when we haven't done much to save you from the southerners' atrocities towards you. Why son?"
Jon was taken aback by such an unexpected question from Ned. He answered with a graceful smile on his face.
"It is simple father, because the north is my home and its people my family. They may have not been able to save me from the royal family, but they fought for my mother, uncle and Grandfather and died from them. For the past eight and ten years they have struggled with the consequences of that war, never showing their anger or resentment towards me, which would have been understandable and deserved. When the royal court stayed in winterfell, the servants and the guards tried their best to make me feel at home, sometimes earning the ire of the Southern lords. Not even the northern lords ever tried to make me feel unwanted. And most of all because of the Starks. Because of you, Robb, bran, Rickon and, even Sansa and Lady Stark. Because of Arya."
Ned could sense his son wanted to tell more after mentioning Arya but not being able to voice it. Her younger daughter could always bring something more out of Jon, even now when she was not present. Both of them had such a strong connection between them, from such young age, that not one could forget the other over the past years.
They both have felt such pain of being away from each other.
After Jon composed himself, his eyes had conviction in them.
"The north had suffered enough, if not directly because of me then indirectly. And I would not have it suffer more. I made my way in Essos knowing and counting my time to return here, with resources and strength, to make my home better. To somehow pay my dues for making her suffer. I know I am not a selfless man, to sacrifice everything, of what I love to her. I do it because I want to protect my love ones too. I want to protect the Starks and the north with it, even if is from monsters from the north, or my own blood from the south. I will fight in the Stormland alone because I will not be able to see another drop of northern blood spilled when I am alive. I will return victorious or I will not return. For it is my duty. And believe me father, when I tell you I have no plan to die there, away from you and my family. Away from Arya. I have seen her after so long, not to lose her again. My time with her hasn't even started. Summer is reigning the world, thought it is not for long as the times of Wolves approaches. For wolves reigns free in winter."
Ned stared hard at his son's eyes, glowing with the steel similar to his own, eyes that defile and embraces the fury of nature. For,
"Winter is coming."
