Chapter 24: The Dragons of Sand and Snow
Aegon was on his way back to Winterfell after guiding the troops to the nearby keeps. He and Rhaegal had been fighting the strong winds and the cold, when he noticed bursts of flame going North of where he stood. 'A dragon,' he thought and pulled Rheagal to catch up to his brother.
It was Viserion, white and silver. Had it not been for the flames, Aegon would not have seen the other dragon. Riding him was a man clad in black- 'Jon', Aegon thought. Aegon looked around as they approached and saw Drogon was nowhere near, nor was there an army below him. Jon was alone, and was heading for the Wall.
Rhaegal shot a strong burst to get the other dragon's attention, stopping Viserion in mid air. "Jon!" Aegon shouted as he sped angrily towards his younger brother, "What are you doing?!"
"I'm on my way to the wall," Jon shouted back. It was hard to converse in the blizzard.
"I could see that! But why are you doing this?"
"I need to rescue my people."
"Are you out of you damn mind?" Aegon replied, furious at his brother's recklessness.
"No I am not! I am their King, I cannot leave them for dead!"
"You'll do more good by coming back to Winterfel with me! Jon, listen to me now! If you die with Viserion, that's already one dragon less to our advantage."
"It is better that I die trying, than I wait around in Winterfel for this blizzard to subside!"
"You're no good dead!"
"Winter cannot kill me Aegon!"
"But stupidity will, Jon! Don't be reckless, come back with me!"
"No Aegon, I belong in the wall, not behind it. I'd rather risk this than arrive only to see a wall filled with Whites! This blizzard will only keep on getting worse. It means only one thing Aegon! The White Walkers are on the move. The Wall is in danger. I must go!" Jon was adamant and held his ground, in spite of his brother protestations. He was about to command Viserion to fly on when Aegon's face changed from cross to pleading.
"Stay alive until we get there, brother," Aegon said, reaching out his hand.
Jon remembered the bond he had with Robb, then with his brothers of the Night's Watch, and now with Aegon. He nodded at his true blooded brother grabbed his arm. "I'll wait for all of you, brother." Aegon then released him and watched him fly away.
"You are a true King, little brother," Aegon said to Jon's fleeting image before he turned Rhaegal back towards Winterfel. Much was needed to be prepared there, and he had to reach the castle by nightfall. Aegon was not built for Winter, that much he knew. He was a child of summer and the Sun was in his blood as Ice ran through his brother's.