Ned Stark Lives! Part 3

by cbstevp

The war against the Others continues as new factions from Dorne and the Vale join the fight. But a formidable new player joins the field as Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons return to Westeros. Meanwhile Jon Snow continues his mission to seek out and defeat the Great Other. Only the gods know who will win and who will lose, and who will sit the Iron Throne.

36. Chapter 36 Jon

Ned Stark Lives! Part 3 Chapter 36 Jon

Author's note: I am on vacation now so updates will be slower. Thanks for your patience.

"You see the organization is the hardest part of any book," Tyrion Lannister explained to Prince Jon Stark as they sat across from each other at a table in the Red Keep's large library. "Oh, the details are important, of course, but if the story doesn't flow properly it will be a disaster. Now take our wars with each other and the Others. Getting the time line straight is near impossible, so it can't be told in a strict chronological way. So I have decided to do it by region, three to be exact. The Queen in the east, the wars here in the south, and of course what happened to you in the North."

Jon was hardly listening to him, almost dozing off. He had had little sleep again last night and he just wanted to lay his head on the table and rest. The table they were sitting at was between two high long shelves of books and scrolls. A cup of wine was in front of Tyrion as usual and a flagon half full was nearby. Tyrion also had dozens more books stacked around the table and on the floor by the chair he sat on with cushions to raise him up. The books were about dragons and the history of Westeros mainly, at least that's what Jon could tell by the titles on the spines and covers. Despite Lady Stark's attempts to push him aside at Winterfell, Jon had gotten an education as good as any of the Stark children, and maybe even better. When they were doing the things the children of lords usually do, he was off by himself, and in the library of Winterfell and Maester Luwin's quarters he often found himself, reading and asking about things.

But never about dragons, except for a casual passing interest and a few pictures he had seen in books like the rest of the children had seen. There were no dragons in the world, not then anyway, and Jon had no reason to read much on them. Now he had reasons, many reasons, to learn about them, and Tyrion had made a deal with him to teach him all he knew, but first Jon had to tell him all that went on during his adventures. In Tyrion's little ink stained right hand was a quill and before him was a parchment with a heading already written "The North - Part 2 – Jon Snow and the Great Other". Part 1 would be about what happened at the Wall, the retreat to Winterfell, and the battles that happened there. Part 2 would be all about Jon and his companions' trip north of the Wall.

Jon wondered why Tyrion was throwing himself into trying to write about the war and dragons at the same time, but if he had lost his brother only two days ago maybe Jon would be seeking distractions as well. Jon had missed that fight, but had heard all the details later, mainly from Arya. She was glad Jaime Lannister was dead, like many others, but how he had died seemed less than honorable to many. A small cut from a poisoned spear had done in one of the greatest swordsman in the kingdoms. The Kingslayer deserved death many said, but not like that, and even now only two days after the event Jon had heard it said Jaime Lannister had at least fought with honor and redeemed himself at the end. The legacy of Jaime Lannister would undergo change once more, Jon knew, and maybe this time he would be remembered more fondly by some, but as far as his family was concerned he would always be an evil monster who had destroyed Bran's life and helped start a ruinous war.

"Boring, ain't he?" said Bronn from where he leaned against a shelf of books at the far end of the table. His words brought Jon out of his thinking. Bronn looked at Tyrion. "You're putting him to sleep."

"Me as well," said Shae from where she sat by Tyrion's side, stifling a yawn. Only the Hound did not complain, absorbed in reading a book at the opposite end of the table from Bronn. Jon could see the title on the book's cover, A History of the North, and wondered if the Hound was reading that because of Sansa. That he could even read surprised Jon, and Bronn as well, who had make a joke of it earlier.

"There's a sight, a dog with his snout in a book."

"I grew up in a proper holdfast, not some piss poor farm like you," the Hound had snapped back. "My father saw that I could read and write. My sister as well…" But then his voice trailed off. "Gregor…he never liked learning." The Hound grew quiet after that and said no more as he read.

"As I was saying," Tyrion said to Jon. "I would like to hear everything, from the moment you and Bran and the rest left Winterfell."

"Sam was there as well. And Hodor, and Meera and Jojen Reed, and Val," Jon said, suddenly angry for some reason. "Not 'the rest'. Don't call them 'the rest'. And don't forget Angus Norrey either, or Hastram, or Hella, or the Squirrel, or any of them!"

All were looking at him now, his outburst loud. "I won't," said Tyrion quietly.

"Sorry," Jon said, his hands shaking a bit. Tyrion slid his cup of wine across and Jon shook his head. "No…just, not sleeping well."

"Ah," Tyrion replied. "I know all about that. The wine helps."

"So you think," Shae said with a glare to her husband.

"My Lady of Lannister does try to keep me in line," Tyrion quipped.

"As if I could," Shae replied. She stood. "I am going to bed. It is late and this library is too cold."

It was late and it was cold. It was two days after Jaime Lannister's trial by combat and his funeral and Oberyn Martell's as well. The great snowstorm had stopped but the cold had gotten worse. All over the city people were suffering and it had to be worse out in the Riverlands and up North. Despite many men's desires to move, to have the war done with, it would be folly to go out there now. More men would die from the cold and sickness than from any wight attacks. And the roads were blocked, by huge snowdrifts. No one was going anywhere, except maybe by sea…or dragon.

"Yes, it is late," Tyrion agreed. "Tomorrow then?" he asked Jon. "You can tell me all about you and your companions and what happened to the Wall and beyond."

"Aye," Jon replied. "Tomorrow."

He got up and left them without another word. But he hadn't gone far when a messenger appeared, looking for him and Tyrion. "The Queen requests Lord Tyrion Lannister and Prince Jon Stark attend her in her quarters."

Tyrion did not look happy. "And what does Her Grace want?"

The messenger was flustered. "I have no idea, my lord."

"She summons me this time of night as if we were old chums," Tyrion complained. "As if her decisions did not send my brother to his death. I have a mind just to head straight for my bed and see her royalness when I feel like it."

"Come with me," Jon said, and realized his voice sounded like a plea. He didn't want to be with Dany alone, but he didn't want to explain that to Tyrion.

Tyrion looked at him shrewdly and seemed to understand something was up, but he said nothing to Jon as he turned to his men. "Clegane, see my lady wife to our quarters. Bronn come with us," Tyrion commanded and after a kiss goodbye from his wife they separated.

"Wonder what she wants now," Bronn mused as they walked to the upper level where Dany had her quarters.

"I am sure it has to do with dragons," Tyrion said, wearily. "Or why ask for both of us?"

"Have you learned any more about your family?" Jon asked him and then Bronn gave a laugh. "What's so funny?" Jon wondered.

"Varys, that's who's funny," Tyrion said darkly. "He's been telling me stories of how the Mad King fancied my mother. Bronn finds it highly amusing. He thinks I may be the spawn of Aerys."

Bronn laughed again. "Then that would make the Queen your half sister, and the Prince here your nephew."

"Oh, do be quiet about all this nonsense," Tyrion said to his man. "It's ridiculous to the most extreme."

"Why does Varys tell you these things if it is not true?" Jon asked.

"Because he is the Spider and is always spinning his evil webs. He also believes he knows everything, or at least he thinks he does."

"Is there any truth to it?"

"A slim chance," Tyrion replied, as they rounded a corner near the Queen's quarters. "I have learned that my mother was a lady in waiting to Aerys' wife, Queen Rhaella, at the court here for a time, so Aerys had chance to lay eyes on her. There is even some story about my parent's wedding night, held here in the capital, when Aerys became very enthusiastic about ripping off my mother's clothing during the bedding ceremony, and may even have laid more than his eyes on her."

"Could be just a story," Jon said.

"Maybe," Tyrion replied. "But soon after my mother was dismissed by the Queen from her service."

"There you have it," said Bronn. "The mad bugger was in love with your mother."

"Smitten, maybe, in lust, certainly," Tyrion conceded. "But not in love. From what Varys says Aerys never loved anyone or anything. He only wanted what he wanted. And Varys believes he wanted my mother. Yet my mother left King's Landing soon after, never to return, and so how could I be Aerys' spawn?"

They were in the hallway to where the entrance to the Queen's chambers was by then and four guards in Targaryen colors were outside her door. "I always hated coming to these rooms," Tyrion said as they neared. "My sister lived here, you know."

"And Robert as well?"

"No, hardly ever. He slept wherever the mood took him, usually in some woman's bed and arms. And after the first while Cersei never wanted him here anyway." He then looked up at Bronn. "Wait here, Bronn."

Bronn grunted. "As always. Make it quick, will you? Sleep I need as well."

"Yes, yes," Tyrion said impatiently. Suddenly the guards closed ranks in front of the door.

"Your sword, my Prince," one said.

"What of it?" Jon asked. He had Lightbringer by his side as always.

The guard gulped and was spared an explanation when the doors opened and Ser Rolly came out. He immediately sized up the situation. "No one can wear a weapon in the presence of the Queen except the Queensguard," he said.

"Yes, and that worked out wonderfully for her father," Tyrion quipped.

"Tell her I will be in my quarters," Jon replied, about to turn on his heel. Then came a shout. "Let them in!" from the Queen herself.

Ser Rolly stepped aside and Tyrion and Jon entered. Dany was sitting at a table, attired in a lavender dressing gown, as if she was getting ready for bed. The table was covered in parchments and ink bottles and she had a quill in hand and was writing a letter by candle light. She was not alone. Beside Ser Rolly there were Ser Barristan Selmy and the man who was not a maester named Haldon, plus the healer Qyburn, who had been treating Robb and many other wounded. The room was lavishly furnished with a large bed with a four poster canopy, plus many dressers and cabinets, and another table with fruit and meat and cheese and bread laid out on it. Two large windows looked out over the city and a set of double doors led to a balcony.

Dany looked up. "A moment my lord, my Prince. I have to finish this letter."

They stopped in their tracks, and Jon looked about, feeling uncomfortable in this place. Tyrion, on the other hand, made himself at home. He went to the large table and without even asking he poured himself a cup of wine. "Jon?" he asked, holding up the flagon and Jon shook his head no. Tyrion sipped, raised his eyebrows as if it was not to his taste and then drank deeply anyway. He wandered over to where Ser Barristan was, the old knight glaring at him, no doubt for his presumptuous attitude.

"Late night?" Tyrion said to the Hand. "Things to do, a kingdom to run, all that? I should know, I did it for a while."

"While drunk?" Ser Barristan asked, his tone testy.

"Oh, always," Tyrion said with a grin. "The only way to deal with the tedium."

Dany finished her letter and passed it to Haldon. "Send it first thing in the morning," she commanded and he dipped his head and assured her it would be done and soon left the room.

"That is done," Dany said and she seemed relieved. Then her eyes fell on Jon and she smiled and then on Tyrion and the smile left her face. "Lord Tyrion, Prince…

"Jon, Your Grace. Please, just call me Jon."

"As you wish…Jon. I have called you here to discuss our dragons."

"Ha! I told you," Tyrion said to Jon, a slight slur in his speech.

"He's drunk," Ser Barristan said in disgust. "Perhaps this should wait."

"If you wait for me to be totally sober, you will wait forever," Tyrion told him.

"He's sober enough to hear this," Dany said, displeased at Tyrion. "I only need one thing from you Lord Tyrion. I know you are somewhat of an expert on dragons."

"I am."

"Good. I have also been told you helped design a special horse saddle for yourself and one for Bran Stark after his fall. I would like the same for my dragons."

"Saddles?" Tyrion said in surprise. "Strange you should ask for I have thought on this myself."

"Good. Saddles we need, two saddles for each dragon, so six in total" she said. "One for the rider and one for a passenger. The front saddle should also have a harness of some type. And both should have some kind of straps or belts to hold the rider in place."

"This will take a lot of work, Your Grace," Tyrion told her, now seemingly more alert. "I will require the appropriate craftsmen, plus the coin to pay them."

"You shall have them and it."

"Also I will need accurate measurements of the dragons."

"You can do that tomorrow."

He was taken aback. "I…I can do that? Surely you mean you can do that, or Jon here. Yes, I have ridden on a dragon, but I dare not approach them on my own."

"Lord Tyrion, you have dreamed of dragons," Dany said. "You have thought of them all your life. I had a vision, when in the east, of my brother…"

"Jon has told me this tale."

"Oh. I see. Then you understand. The dragon must have three heads. I am one, Jon another, but who is the third? Tomorrow we will find out if you are the third head. You will approach Rhaegal and see if he will accept you."

Tyrion made a small nervous sound. "And if he does not? I will become dragon food."

"It must be you. There is no other."

"What about Gendry, Your Grace?" Jon suggested.

"Yes!" Tyrion said. "He definitely has your blood."

"Rhaegal hates him and his wife," Ser Barristan said. "She used her…what's it called?"

"Warg powers," Qyburn said from where he stood nearby.

"Yes," Ser Barristan said. "She used this power to control the dragon and now it is displeased with her and him."

Jon knew this already, but he knew Tyrion's fears and had to say something. "Your Grace, I think it not wise to put Lord Tyrion in danger when there is no evidence that he has our blood."

"Oh, but I think there is," Dany said. "Ser Barristan, tell them."

Ser Barristan looked uncomfortable with this. "It is naught but rumors, Your Grace."

"Tell him anyway," she commanded.

Ser Barristan sighed. "It seems the Queen's father took a fancy to…"

"My mother?" Tyrion asked. "Yes, Varys has been whispering this in my ear with some measure of glee. But it is nonsense that your father is my father, Your Grace. My inquires have led me to understand that my mother was dismissed from your mother's service and never set foot here again long before I was born and never met Aerys again."

"Not quite true," Ser Barristan said. "King Aerys and the whole court spent nearly a year at Casterly Rock, though this was some time before your birth. And your family came to King's Landing on the tenth anniversary of King Aerys' reign…which was in the year before your birth."

Tyrion waved a hand dismissively. "Still not proof he bedded her nor any proof I am his seed. It's all nonsense."

"Why are you so eager to dismiss this, my lord?" Dany asked. "You think we try to sully your mother's honor?"

"Yes!" he shouted back. "My mother was not a whore who spread her legs for every man in the kingdoms! And do you think my father would have stood by and done nothing if this…were…true?" As he spoke this last his anger subsided and his voice trailed off at the end, and he went pale. "I…I am drunk. Please forgive me. I must retire to my quarters."

"As you wish. I expect you at the Dragonpit after breakfast," Dany said in a commanding tone.

Tyrion was turning away and he hesitated, then gave a short nod. "I'll be there, Your Grace."

When he was gone, Ser Barristan shook his head. "Something is not quite right, Your Grace. When he mentioned his father suddenly some thought came over him."

"Possibly," she replied. "Well, we will know in the morning."

Jon was mad now. "You can't let Rhaegal kill him!"

"Of course not," she said in a calm tone. "I will control him."

Jon did not like it but said nothing more. "If that is all, Your Grace, my bed awaits me as well."

"No…please…wait." It was almost like a plea. Jon said nothing and then Ser Barristan spoke. "Ser Rolly, please leave us, if you would."

The knight did not even reply but left the chambers as ordered. "He is getting better," Ser Barristan said when he was gone. "Still, he has not the experience or pedigree to be Lord Commander."

"Who does?" Dany asked in frustration as if this question had been asked before.

"I would suggest Loras Tyrell but he is dead. His brother Garlan also, but he is married. Ser Balon is a possible choice, but he has been known to spend time with one of the Sand Snakes according to Varys. I thought of Ser Gendry as well, at least as a Queensguard man, but he is also married so that is out of the question."

"You have to make a choice soon," she said. "And find five more to fill the ranks."

"It will be done, Your Grace."

Jon waited patiently while they discussed this and then Dany's eyes fell on him again and she smiled. "Jon…please sit with us. We have something…delicate…to discuss."

They moved to the table with the food, and all four sat, Jon opposite the Queen, and Ser Barristan to her right and Qyburn to her left. Jon thought it odd the healer was here but he soon learned why.

"Help yourself, please," Dany said but no one moved to touch the food or drink and all were tense. "Well, then let's get on with it," she said. "Qyburn. Tell him."

Qyburn nodded. "Yes, Your Grace." He turned to Jon. "Her Grace suspected she was with child as she explained to you at Winterfell. I have examined her and have concluded she is correct."

Jon took this in and looked at each in turn. Dany looked embarrassed, Ser Barristan looked deeply troubled, and Qyburn looked…calm. "Ah…I see," Jon said, feeling at a loss for words. "I don't know what to say. Normally, I would think congratulations would be in order, but…"

"Yes, but," said Ser Barristan, his mood now darker. "This presents us with a great dilemma. I have tried to persuade Her Grace to rid herself of this unwanted child but…"

"Never," Dany said with a harsh look to her Hand. "Do not bring that up ever again, ser."

"Yes, Your Grace," he said, but he did not seem abashed. He looked to Jon like he felt he was right.

"Though it is still early in the pregnancy, I think such a procedure would do the Queen much harm," Qyburn said. "Certainly she would run the risk of never having children again."

Ser Barristan grunted. "Not a good thing for the future of the dynasty. But having a bastard…"

"Do not say that word!" Dany said in almost a shrill voice.

"Men will think it and say it, Your Grace," Ser Barristan continued. "When the child is born and you are still unwed there will be endless complications." He looked at Jon. "Surely at least you understand this."

"Why? Because I'm a bastard?" Jon asked, an edge of anger to his tone again.

"No," Ser Barristan said. "Because Lord Stark had to hide the truth about you for all your life. He had to lie to Robert, his wife, his children, to the whole realm. Especially to you." He turned back to Dany. "How many lies will we have to tell if this child is born? Will the child ever know who the father is? Will the realm? Will he or she want the throne and fight any legitimate children you have afterwards?"

"Not if I get married now," Dany retorted.

Ser Barristan sighed. "As you have already suggested, Your Grace."

Jon was puzzled. "You told me the father is dead."

"He is," Dany said. "So we have to find another husband."

She was staring at him and Jon felt suddenly hot and flustered. "Who?" he asked, his voice weak for some reason.

They were all staring at him now. "Her Grace believes you would be the best choice," Qyburn finally said.

"I still disagree," Ser Barristan said to Qyburn before Jon could reply. "He has hardly known her a week. No one would believe her child came from him. Many also know Daario was her lover while in Meereen and when we traveled home. They will think the child is his."

"All true," Dany said. "Unless they believe the child was conceived after the battles."

"Possibly," Qyburn said. "But Ser Barristan is correct. Tongues will wag, Your Grace."

"How many know besides the Prince?" Ser Barristan asked.

Qyburn answered. "Besides us four, you mean. Hard to say. Varys most likely knows by now."

"Missandei suspects," Dany said. "My blood riders as well, but they will never speak on it."

"So, less than ten people," Qyburn said. "It is possible to keep the child's parentage secret. We can say it was an early birth. That has been known to happen." Now they were all looking at Jon again and he knew what they wanted. They wanted him to marry Dany and claim the child as his.

"No," he said right away and then felt bad when he saw her expectant smile fall. "Sorry. I would be honored Your Grace, but I am a man of the Night's Watch. I swore an oath. I…"

"You have had lovers, Jon, this I know," she replied. "I know you have broken your vows in the past, with Val. But this thing I ask of you, if not for me, please do it for the realm."

He shook his head. "I will not lie to the child and say I am it's father. I will not claim it as mine, when it is not. I have suffered because of such lies. I will not do it to another."

Dany sighed, a sad sigh, and her face was also sad. She nodded once, as if she accepted his decision. But Ser Barristan was staring at Jon, and his words were unexpected since Jon thought the old knight was on his side. "And if your Queen demands this?"

Jon stood. "Find yourself another," he said in anger. "I will not be part of your games."

He started for the door when Dany suddenly rose from her seat and came to his side. "I'm sorry. I should have known how you would react. But…I had to ask. I will not give up this child. But Ser Barristan's objections are all too real. The complications will be endless. Please forgive me."

He felt bad for her. She did not make this situation but she had to deal with it. "I'm sorry, Your Grace. I will keep your secrets, but you must find someone else to be your child's father."

She said nothing, only nodded once, and he saw the hurt in her beautiful eyes, and felt a twinge of guilt, but then remembered who he was, and all the hurt he had gone through, and turned from her and started for the door. Then he stopped and turned back and had to say something more. He took a step toward her, and leaned in close, and spoke so only she could hear. "All my life I suffered because of lies. Do not do the same to your child…Dany. Tell him or her the truth. Tell the realm the truth. Raise the child right and live with what comes, but don't lie."

She smiled slightly. "If only it were possible. And if I do this, what man will ever want me? Who will love me, a woman with a child already, born out of wedlock?"

He gulped unwittingly, her womanly scent and her beauty assaulting his senses, but he fought down the feelings coming over him. "If some man truly loves you he will not care if you already have a child."

"In a perfect world, you would be right. But our world is not perfect."

He had no answer to that and so he just dipped his head, said good evening, turned and finally left the room before he found himself agreeing with all she wanted. The guards stepped aside and he went, seeking his way back to his chambers. As he walked his mind was a whirl with all that was said and asked of him and he felt many emotions, and more than that he realized he had some feelings for her. As he walked he did not pay attention to where he was going and soon he realized he was lost.

"Damn. Where am I?"

He was in a corridor he did not recognize. Suddenly he felt a chill, and had a feeling someone was behind him, but as he turned no one was there. Assassins were after him, and his sleep was troubled by this, and he was seeing people in shadows where none were. He shook his head and walked on and as he turned a corner he almost bumped into a servant, a man carrying a tied up bundle of wood in his arms.

"Forgive me, my lord," the man said as he struggled to balance his load. Jon helped him and the man thanked him.

Jon was about to move on when the man suddenly stooped and lay his bundle of wood on the floor. He stood and spoke again and now his voice changed and so did his posture, no longer the fawning servant but a man standing tall and full of confidence. "You are not so careful, my Prince. This man could have easily killed you."

Jon's hand went to his sword but he did not draw it. "Who are you?"

"A friend of your sister Arya."

Jon knew who he was now, but he looked nothing like the man Arya described. "Jaqen H'ghar?"

"Yes. Arya has told you of this man?"

"She told me you wanted to kill me."

"Not 'want', those of my order do not 'want'. We are given tasks. But this man failed in his duty…for reasons she knows. Others will not fail. They will find you."

"Are they in the city?"

"Hard to know. No ships have come from Braavos, but such men may already be here. Best if a man leaves while he can. Go where they cannot easily follow."

"The Wall you mean."

"Just so. But always be watchful, even those who you think you know. Faces these men can change, even to look like friends and family."

"Will I ever know peace?" Jon asked, a hint of desperation in his tone.

"Never. The Great Other seeks your death and he cannot die."

Jon expected this but still to hear it was not easy to take. He hid his fears and questioned the man further. "How do you know that he cannot die?"

"This man listens, and hears. Not all words are safe when spoken. Words are wind and the wind carries them to many ears. Be wary of what you say and who you say it to."

He turned to leave but Jon stopped him. He knew he owed his life to this man, and Arya's as well. "Where will you go? What will you do?"

"Nowhere, nothing. A man is no one. A man does not exist, so how can a man go and do?" Jaqen walked away with his load of wood and was soon lost in the shadows.

By the time he reached his room Jon could not control his fears he had tried to hide and he was shuddering and his nerves were shattered, seeing enemies everywhere, giving wide berths to the guards and servants he saw, his hand never straying from his sword hilt. As he saw the two guards on his room door he wondered if they might not be assassins as well.

"Go away," he said to them in a harsh tone.

"Beg pardons, my lord, but Lord Stark said…" one began but Jon cut him off.

"Leave, now!"

The door to the room opened and Lord Stark came out. He looked at Jon and then at the guards, a worried look on his face. "You are relieved," he said to the guards and they dipped their heads and left. Jon was sweating and shaking and leaning against a wall. His father came to him and helped him in the room and put him in a chair and shoved a cup of wine in his hands which Jon gulped. As the wine hit him he started to relax a bit. His father sat across from him and said nothing and finally Jon spoke.

"I have to get out of the city."

"What happened?"

"I'm seeing assassins everywhere."

"Jon, you are safe."

He shook his head. "I just ran into Jaqen H'ghar, dressed as a servant carrying wood."

Ned Stark stood, anger now on his face. "Did he threaten you?"

"No, no. Please sit. He just warned me to be careful and that he had no idea if there were any assassin in the city or not. He said it was best I was away and back on the Wall, the sooner the better."

"Aye," his father said as he seemed to think on all this. "Then we had best make plans. Ser Davos...sorry, Lord Davos...will leave tomorrow for Duskendale he told me. Perhaps you should be on that ship."

"I'm needed to fly with Viserion to the Riverlands."

"When will you go?"

"Soon. Tomorrow Tyrion will try to fly Rhaegal."

"What?" he asked in surprise and Jon explained about meeting the Queen and what happened, but not about her being with child. That had to stay secret, much as he hated keeping secrets.

"Tyrion is no Targaryen," his father said when Jon was done.

"He doesn't think so either, but who knows? I never knew I was until recently."

"But Aerys and Joanna Lannister? It just makes no sense. Lord Tywin would have gone to war if there had been any hint of that."

"Maybe he never knew. Or he knew, and weighed the risks and thought better of it," Jon said.

"No. His wife died when Tyrion was born. I never knew him well, but men said that Tywin Lannister only smiled when with his wife, and never smiled after she died. He would have torn the kingdoms apart if he thought Aerys was Tyrion's father."

"Varys would know."

"Maybe. But I wonder if he was even here when Tyrion was born. Varys was only with Aerys the last few years of his rule so I don't think so."

"We'll know one way or another tomorrow."

"She can't let him near that dragon," his father said in worry.

"The Queen will be there. I am sure it will be fine…I hope."

"She knows Tyrion always wanted to fly a dragon," he replied. "Fly one, not get eaten by one."

Jon found himself calmer now and sleepy for once. "If he does fly the dragon, then it will be time to head to the Riverlands."

"The army can't follow, not yet."

"Then three dragons will have to do. I think I can sleep now."

"Aye? Then let's do so, and worry on tomorrow when it comes."

But sleep did not come easy after all, and only a few hours rest he got and when Jon awoke his head was fuzzy. Breakfast they had with Arya and Gendry and then they looked in on Robb. He was much better, though still in some pain, which Qyburn had said should abate soon. No new corruption had set in and his fever was gone and his color returned. Grey Wind was with him in the room, healing as well, and that made Robb much happier.

"Soon you will be up and about," Arya said and then she blanched, realizing what she had said wrong. "Sorry."

"Don't be," Robb said. "I can't stand to be in this bed much longer. I will have to try to walk again soon."

"Crutches at first, Qyburn said," Ned told him. "Then we will have a wooden leg designed for you."

"What about riding?" Robb asked.

"Tyrion!" Arya exclaimed. "He made a saddle for Bran and he can for you too!"

"A new horse as well," Robb said. "When Bran learned to ride he had a new horse who was unused to any rider. Better, Tyrion had said, so the horse had no notion of what a rider was like."

"We'll ask him," Ned promised. "But no one is going anywhere by horse yet. The weather is too bad."

"I have to go now," Jon said, moving to the door. "The dragons await me."

"Go with him, Gendry," Ned commanded.

Arya looked worried. "The dragons don't like him. I think they know he killed one of their kind."

"She's right," said Gendry. "During the battle I thought Rhaegal would kill us."

"Just to the Dragonpit entrance," Ned told him. "You don't have to go inside."

"I don't need a bodyguard," Jon said, harsher than he intended. "Sorry."

"For my peace of mind at least," his father said and Jon merely nodded.

"I'll come too," Arya said and soon they were walking through the city. The cold was greater than Jon thought, and all three bundled up in their furs and hats and scarves and gloves. All were armed as usual, and Jon kept looking about for dangers. But the streets were mostly empty and thankfully for once no one was shouting out his name or calling him "Prince".

He hadn't wanted that title. Dany had done all that, said he deserved something, and so he had reluctantly accepted the title. He did want the Stark name, and when she said she was going to legitimize him as her brother's son, he suddenly felt awkward.

"Your Grace, begging your pardon but I cannot be called a Targaryen."

It was the day of the coronation ceremony and they were in the small council chamber, alone except for her guards and the young girl who was usually with her. "Oh…I…oh, yes," she had replied as if realizing something. "You would prefer Stark, would you not?"

He hadn't even thought of that. He had wanted to be just Jon Snow. He had been Jon Snow all his life, and to be called Jon Targaryen was just too strange. But what about Stark? He had always wanted to be called Stark, and now here was a Queen willing to grant him that request. Yet it was not her name to give. It was someone else's.

"I must talk to my father first," he had said

That had taken her aback. "Your…father?"

"Lord Stark, I mean. Sorry, not to say your brother is not my father, but I have thought of Lord Stark as my father all my life and he did raise me, so…to me he is my father."

"I understand. Yes, please talk to him. I will have the writ drawn up and leave the place for your new name blank until you get back to me."

Lord Stark, of course, had wholeheartedly agreed with Jon's decision to take his family name.

As they walked up the hill to the Dragonpit Arya was going on about her friend Hot Pie, who was married now and he and his wife were going to open their own bakery soon, and they had to go and try his pies and cakes, which she said were the best.

"The best bread, too," Gendry said.

"He'd better open it soon," Jon said. "We won't be here all winter."

"No, we won't," Arya said. "Back to White Harbor I suppose?"

"At first, aye," said Jon. "Then Winterfell. It's still there, damaged but still ready for you to come home."

"But you will go to the Wall, won't you?" Arya asked.

"I must. It's where I belong."

She looked away and said something he didn't quite hear, but he was sure he heard the word 'Queen' in there.

"What was that?" he asked. They were almost at the Dragonpit now, on a steep side street.

"Nothing," Arya said in a huffy manner, not looking at him. "If you're so stupid I'm not going to tell you."

"What are you talking about?" Gendry asked his wife.

"You're stupid too!" Arya said, angry at the two of them now. "Can't you see how she looks at Jon?"

"Who…the Queen?" Gendry asked.

Gods, not them too. "Enough," Jon told them. "She's my aunt, for gods sake, and I am a man of the Watch who has…"

"Taken an oath, a vow, aye, I know," Arya said. "And I know all about Ygritte and Val, too. Some oath. Some vow."

"Arya, why are you saying all this?" Jon asked in exasperation.

"Cause! Don't you want to be happy!? Fall in love, have children?"

He was flush in the face now, and just turned away from them and walked on with long strides. "Don't follow me. You can go back now," was all he said to them.

"Jon!" Arya shouted after him. "I'm sorry!"

He did not reply and he half expected her to chase after him but she did not and he was glad. He wished everyone would stop pushing him to do this or do that. Yes, he wanted to find love, and be happy, and maybe have children. But he was not meant for that, no matter that he had changed his name and helped save the realm. He had a duty to perform, and he could not let down his brothers…not again…not after he had caused the Wall to fall…not after he had let the Others overrun the realm…not after what he had done to Sam.

He stopped outside the entrance to the Dragonpit and looked out over the city. He hated it, every bit of it, and he wanted to get away. He wanted to be in Winterfell or at the Wall, where things made sense, where he understood who he was and what he had to do. Marry the Queen? Were they all mad? He would drown here, under the stench and the lies and the corruption of the people. He felt like running now, just fleeing, to go, and never come back. As he looked at the Dragonpit he knew how he could do it. Soon, soon, but not yet. He owed too many people too much to just flee.

As Jon walked into the Dragonpit he felt warmer and he stopped for a moment to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. When he could see better he saw many people already here. Ser Barristan, Ser Jorah, Dany, her Queensguard, her blood riders, Tyrion, and Bronn. The dragons were awake and alert, staring at everyone. When Viserion saw Jon his head shot up and turned toward him. All noticed this and turned and saw him.

"Ah, the Prince has arrived," Tyrion said. He seemed less nervous than the night before. And he also looked sober.

"Good morning," Jon said. "Have I missed anything?"

"Not yet," Dany said. "We were just discussing how to measure the dragons for the saddles."

"With a very long stick," Bronn suggested. "Anyone got one?"

"Seems we are a bit short of long sticks," Ser Jorah said. "I suggest we measure them as we measure horses. By hands."

"An excellent idea," said Tyrion. "After all we are making saddles. Well, shall we get on with it?" He was looking at Dany.

"Not yet," she said. "First we must know if you are the third head of the dragon."

"Why not?" Tyrion said to Jon's surprise. "Let's get it over with."

He had a resigned look on his face as he started to walk toward Rhaegal. Bronn was mad but said nothing, and Jon could see his hand go to his sword hilt, as if he could protect his lord from a dragon's wrath. Jon also found his hand going to his sword hilt and he noticed many others doing the same, all tense.

Only Dany seemed calm as she walked ahead of Tyrion. She approached Rhaegal and the great beast raised his head from some bones he was sniffing. A small puff of smoke came from his huge nostrils and then Dany was by his side and she was touching his head and neck as the dragon bent and leaned forward. She spoke to it, in High Valyrian and Jon only understood a few words.

Now she turned to Tyrion. "Come closer," she said and he did so without hesitating, as if he knew he was a Targaryen and had no fear.

And then the dragon's head shot forward.

As if one man all drew their swords. Bronn was about to shout when Dany spoke in a loud voice.

"Be still!"

No one moved as Rhaegal sniffed Tyrion and Jon could see the little man trembling. The dragon's head was much bigger than he was and Rhaegal could have eaten him whole with one bite. Yet he did no such thing. He sniffed some more and then he pulled his head back a bit.

"Touch him," Dany said quietly, her voice breathless, her eyes aglow.

Slowly Tyrion reached up his small right hand and then it was on Rhaegal's snout…and Tyrion still lived. Jon could now see tears streaming down the right side of his face but he could not tell if it was from joy or something else.

Everyone was holding their breath and then finally Bronn spoke. "Fuck me."

"I think that is enough for now," Dany said and Tyrion seemed to be breathing again as he slowly backed up. The dragon's eyes never left him the whole time.

Dany couldn't have been prouder. She looked at Tyrion and Jon in turn and then came and stood beside them. And then something odd happened. Ser Jorah got down on one knee, and Ser Barristan immediately followed, and soon everyone was doing so, with Bronn the last still standing. He finally gave a shrug and got down on one knee as well.

Ser Jorah spoke, his voice full of reference. "On the far side of the world three dragons emerged from the fires with their mother. Now the three dragons have grown and have found their riders. The journey is finally complete, khalessi."

"At last," she said with satisfaction. "Rise, my good men." As they did so she turned to Tyrion. "Tomorrow you will fly him. Can the saddles be ready?"

Tyrion was standing there with a stunned look on his face and hardly heard her. "Ah…maybe…some. Not sure."

"Well, try to have least one ready, for yourself." She then spoke to her advisers and guards. "What is my schedule?"

"We have much to do, Your Grace," Ser Barristan said. "Time for court and then a small council meeting. And Lord Davos will be leaving tomorrow so we must give him your letters for Selyse Baratheon."

"Yes, to court first," she said with a sigh and after she spent a few moments with Drogon soon she was gone with her party leaving only Tyrion, Jon, and Bronn in the Dragonpit.

"Fuck me," Bronn said again. "Does this mean…?"

"Yes," Tyrion said. "I have Targaryen blood."

"But how?" Jon asked. "You said no one in your family is a Targaryen."

"Perhaps someone is, though the truth of it I will never know for certain," Tyrion replied.

"Speak sense for once," Bronn said in irritation.

"Who is my father?" Tyrion asked. "Is that sense enough for you?"

"No," Bronn and Jon said as one.

"I don't know, that is the answer. Lord Tywin claimed me as his, but he never loved me, never wanted me. I long thought it was because I killed the woman he loved. But maybe there was something else. He once said to me in a fit of anger 'I cannot prove you are not mine and so I must allow you to wear the proud lion of my forefathers.' That was a bad day. I wonder if by those words he suspected what Varys is hinting at, that I was sired by another man…perhaps even Aerys."

As he spoke his face was full of anguish and Jon felt bad for him. "This proves nothing," Jon said. "You could have a distant relative with dragon blood."

"Perhaps," he answered. "There are tales of people on Dragonstone who had diluted dragon blood but became dragon riders during the Dance."

"It don't mean shit," Bronn said in what Jon was learning was his usual crude way. "Quit worrying about why the dragon likes you and remember that you're to be a dragon rider. Ain't that what you dreamed of?"

"Quite so," Tyrion said, his face brightening a bit. He took a deep breath. "Well, if we are to ride tomorrow, there is plenty of work to do."

They made a rough estimate of Rhaegal's height and width, counting by hands like horses were measured. Tyrion added ten percent to their estimate so he could adjust if they were wrong. Then all three of them trooped off to a saddle maker in the city. He had already been warned of what they wanted and had hired extra workers to help him. Through the day they worked and by late afternoon they had a rough saddle and harness ready for at least one dragon, Rhaegal. It was sized for Tyrion's body and had special straps to hold him in the saddle. Getting the thing on Rhaegal would have to wait to morning as neither Jon or Tyrion wanted to try such a thing without Dany present.

Afterwards Jon went off to visit Robb and came in on him while Qyburn was examining him. The stump of his leg was exposed and for the first time Jon saw Robb as he would be forever more. The sight unnerved him as Qyburn was changing the bandage. Lord Stark was there, as well as Arya and Gendry. Arya wouldn't look at him and Jon guessed she was embarrassed by what had happened earlier.

"How is he?" Jon asked about Robb.

"Recovering well," Qyburn said as he finished wrapping the new bandage.

"Well enough to travel by ship?" Ned Stark asked the healer.

"What's this?" Robb asked from his sickbed.

"We are leaving soon," Ned told them. "Lord Davos will sail to Duskendale tomorrow. I have been talking to the Queen. I think it is time we moved as well, the Northmen I mean. Duskendale has plenty of supplies, while there are many mouths to feed here. And we must make plans for moving back home."

"Finally," said Arya with a sigh.

Qyburn pursed his lips. "A trip by ship could be rough on his leg, my lord. You would have to make sure he is well protected from injury, padding around the stump especially, and tied to his bunk so he does not fall out."

"It will be so," Ned told him. "Robb, are you up for it?"

"Yes, Father. It is time to go home."

"I guess I will join you later," Jon said. "The Queen wants us to fly to the Riverlands tomorrow."

His father shook his head. "Plans have changed. You and Viserion will be coming with us. The Queen and Tyrion will take care of the Riverlands. From Duskendale we can prepare and clear the countryside up to Harrenhal of the Others. The Queen and Lord Tyrion will cover from Harrenhal to the Golden Tooth. When that is clear they will join us in the North at White Harbor."

"Sounds like a good plan," Jon said. At least he would be away from this city and her for a time and could think better.

"Can Tyrion really fly a dragon?" Gendry asked.

"Don't know yet," Jon said. "At least it didn't eat him."

They left Robb's room when a craftsman came to fit him for a wooden leg. It was near supper time and so they set off for the mess hall but out in the corridor Arya told their father and Gendry she wanted to talk to Jon and so they stayed back.

"Sorry," Arya said right away. "About what I said before."

"It's okay. Let's go eat."

"Jon…what I said…it is true, you know."

"Yes," he replied. "She has…eyes…for me, I know that. But nothing can come of it so leave it be."

"But you could be the king!"

"No, I couldn't. She is Queen. Her husband would be a royal something or another with no power. Besides I am a man of the Watch and…"

"Yes, yes. You and your oath!"

"Arya, I know it is hard to understand but that oath means a lot to me, even though I have broken my vows from time to time. It's like a promise I made."

"I guess I understand," she said, but it didn't sound like she did. There was no more to say on it so they went to supper, and as they walked Arya wanted to know all that had happened in the Dragonpit when Tyrion had approached Rhaegal. She then went on about what it was like when she warged into the dragon's mind. Jon had wondered if he should try to do the same to Viserion but after what Arya said he had no wish to make his dragon mad at him.

That night for the first time in a long while Jon slept well and awoke refreshed, knowing today he would leave the city at last. As he washed his face and hands in a basin he looked at a mirror and saw his hair and beard were starting to grow in fine and he was glad of it.

There was much hustle and bustle in the Northern barracks as everyone got ready to move to the docks. The men were excited, ready to go home soon, but all worried on what they would find in the North and how they would survive the winter.

Jon helped where he could and then realized he was late to come to the Dragonpit. When he finally arrived the saddle was already on Rhaegal and Dany and Tyrion were in deep discussion nearby, with her usual entourage here plus Bronn and Shae as well this time.

"Any last minute pointers?" Tyrion asked Jon.

"Hold on?"

"Wisdom of the highest order," Tyrion replied. "And what if he doesn't want to follow my orders?"

"Be insistent," Dany told him. "You are the one in command. If there is any hint of weakness he will take over and do as he pleases. This goes for both of you. If you don't want to find yourselves on top of a mountain with no way down, you must be firm and strict at all times when flying."

"You always seem to baby them," Tyrion said.

"Yes, to show I love them, but in the air you must be firm."

"Firm, yes, be firm," said Tyrion, his voice quavering, and then he gave a shudder. "Gods…I can't do this. Can I go back to my bed?"

"No," said Shae, a cross look on her face. "You wanted this, my lord, and here it is. I begged you to stay away and you refused and so here we are. So, you do it now or you never come back or you can start forgetting about me now!"

All had heard her outburst and were looking at Tyrion, with more than one person with an amused smile on their face. "Well, there you have it my Queen, my lords," Tyrion said. "My lady wife has thrown down the gauntlet. Now or never is it? Well, then it had best be now."

He turned to Rhaegal and walked on unsteady legs towards the green dragon. As yesterday the great beast snaked out its head and sniffed Tyrion and now seemed to purr a bit. Tyrion moved to the back and with some difficulty he pulled himself up into the saddle. Jon almost moved to help him but Dany shook her head. "He must learn to do it by himself. You won't always be there."

In a few moments Tyrion had the straps tied tight and was holding the harness that went around Rhaegal's neck. The dragon was straining to break free of its bonds and Dany moved forward with the key in hand, and in a few moments the heavy padlocks holding the legs in place were opened and the chains were off.

Rhaegal burst forth from its pen and everyone scattered as it ran and leaped into the air, with Tyrion screaming in fear and delight at the same time. The great wings flapped and then he was airborne, making circles of the Dragonpit, getting higher and higher and soon he was gone out the massive hold at the top.

"I best follow him," Dany said as she moved to Drogon. "We will fly a bit so he gets used to it and then we will come back, and prepare to leave for the Riverlands. But we need to do something first. Jon, we need your sword again at the river to break the ice. We will come down as well with fire."

And so it was done. As Dany and Tyrion flew up in the sky over the city Jon went to the docks by the Mud Gate and once more used Lightbringer to break open the ice, with Dany and even Tyrion's help as they flew low over the ice and their dragons let loose fire.

At the docks many had come to see the Northerners off and he joined them as they said goodbye to his father and Robb and Arya and Gendry and many more of the North, including Lord Umber and his son and Mance Rayder and his people as they boarded the ships.

"Two days it will take to get to Duskendale, maybe less," Lord Davos told him. "I'd be grateful if you would fly near if you can to break any ice if need be."

"I can't stay in the air for two days," Jon said.

"You can land on one of my ships, that big cog over there, a Redwyne ship. It has a wide enough deck for the dragon. I'll let them know and make sure they have food for the dragon and a berth for you."

An hour later and the ice was broken again and the ships were moving fast out of the river mouth and into the bay. The day was sunny but very cold. There was a slight breeze to the east and as the ships entered the ice free bay they unfurled sails and began to move steadily up the coast towards Duskendale.

A while later Jon gave his goodbyes to Tyrion and Dany at the Dragonpit as he made to mount Viserion. Tyrion was talking non-stop about his flight and all that went on and he was like a small boy who has a new toy. Jon knew that feeling well for he had the same experience when on Viserion that first time. Excitement and fear mixed together to get the blood rushing and to make you feel as if the whole world lay before your feet.

"How was he, really?" Jon asked Dany off to the side as Tyrion went on to Bronn and Shae about his flight.

"Better than you," she said with a half grin on her face. "Just teasing. He was good though, and Rhaegal responded well. It will take time to get better, but we have to go so he will learn on the way."

"I have to go now also. The ships await me."

The smile left her face and she gave a little nod and then grew serious. "Jon…about what we talked about the other night, I…I…"

"I won't tell anyone."

"No…I…I," but she could not say it and her face was flushed. "Sorry."

"Just tell me," he said.

She took a deep breath. "I want you," she said in a bare whisper and then spoke in a rush. "Not just because of the baby, not just because I need a man at my side, just because…I want you."

He gulped and felt dizzy and she was so close to him again. He knew only one thing he could say to her. "I want you, too…but I can never be your husband."

She sighed. "No…I understand that much. Perhaps when we meet again we could…you know…if you want."

"I want," he answered and he could not help himself despite all his misgivings about this.

She blushed again. "Good. Then I hope it is sooner than later. Fair you well…my Prince."

"And you, Your Grace."

He dipped his head and turned and mounted Viserion, who was eager to fly after seeing his brothers take off earlier. People shouted out goodbyes and good lucks to him as Dany unlocked Viserion's bonds and in a short time Jon was leaving the ground and was out in the open air high above the city he hated so much. Thankfully his rider's saddle was ready in time and he was more comfortable than the last time he rode a dragon.

Out over the ships he flew and he counted twelve ships moving up the coast. Out in front of them he went and as far as Jon could see the water was clear of ice and ships. Further he went, keeping the maps he had seen in the Red Keep in mind and there he saw certain villages and points of land and knew where he was. He circled back to the ships and flew low by Lord Davos' flagship which had his large onion banner flying from the main mast.

"No ice ahead!" he shouted and Davos waved to let him know he understood.

As Jon climbed higher he saw Arya on deck waving to him and Jon waved back. Now as he climbed higher he let his mind go back to his conversation with Dany. He knew it was wrong for so many reasons but he did want her and she him and so it would be, at least for once. The only fear he had is that if he had her once he would never want to leave her side.

Two days later they were in Duskendale. It had rained a bit the second day and was cloudy but otherwise a fine trip. Jon flew ahead of the ships and came to the harbor just ahead of them. Down below were many people waving and shouting up at him and he landed by the docks just as Lord Davos' flagship was sliding into a berth and lines were thrown out.

As Jon climbed off Viserion many people came near but not too near, their eyes wide with surprise and mouths agape. Finally one old toothless wizened man dared to speak to him.

"Your dragon is it, my lord?"

"Yes," Jon answered. "Viserion is its name. It's one of Queen Daenerys Targaryen's dragons and I am its rider Jon Stark."

"There is only one queen in Westeros," said a tall dark-featured man with Stannis Baratheon's fiery heart sigil on his chest. "Queen Shireen Baratheon, the First of her Name."

"You have not heard the news perhaps," Jon replied. "Stannis is dead, the Others defeated, and the rightful queen of Westeros has returned."

The man's face darkened. "If you did not have that dragon I would slay you where you stand for such blasphemy."

Jon reached for Lightbringer. "I did not get your name, ser."

"Ser Godry Farring, commander of the garrison. And you must be Ned Stark's bastard, Jon Snow."

"Jon Stark now. Lord Stark was never my father. Rhaegar Targaryen was, and with his blood I command this dragon."

"Stark, Snow, Targaryen, it matters not what you call yourself. There is only one ruler of Westeros and only one god, the Lord of Light. He will see you all in your graves."

Jon knew not what would have happened next for they were interrupted by Lord Davos, Lord Stark, and many more coming near. "Ser Godry," Lord Davos shouted. "The war is over. This man saved us all."

"I see you have finally turned your cloak, traitor," Ser Godry said with disgust. "The Queen will deal with you as well as the rest."

"If it is blood you want, you'll have it!" Lord Umber shouted at him.

"Stop this!" yelled Lord Davos and all stood still. "I have come to settle terms, Ser Godry. King Stannis is dead, Daenerys Targaryen has been crowned queen. She offers generous terms. Allow me to bring my letters to Stannis' wife and daughter."

Ser Godry seemed about to refuse when another man approached and spoke. He was older, greyer of hair and beard, and had the sigil of House Rykker, lords of Duskendale on his surcoat. Behind him stood twenty more men with his sigil. "There will be no bloodshed in my streets, Ser Godry. You haven't the men anyway. Half the garrison is mine and most of the rest are Ser Davos' sailors. These men come in good faith. Stannis is dead and it is time to make the peace."

Ser Godry scowled. "Bring your letters, Ser Davos. But know this. The Lord of Light will see you all in hell someday."

"Maybe," Davos replied wearily. "Oh, and would you please inform Lady Selyse I am now titled Lord Davos Seaworth of the Rainwood as decreed by Queen Daenerys."

"Bloody traitor twice over!" Ser Godry seethed and he turned on his heel and walked back into the town. The older man approached. "Forgive me for such a poor greeting, my lords."

"Not to worry, Lord Rykker," Jon's father said. "I expected such from Ser Godry."

"He has been out of sorts since we learned of Stannis' death."

"How are Selyse and Shireen, my lord?" Davos asked.

Lord Rykker's face clouded over. "Not well. There is more to this tale. Better if you come to the fort and see what I mean."

"Lord Stark come with me if you please," Davos said. "You as well, Prince Jon. Let them see you and know the power of your sword and that you are the true Prince."

Lord Rykker gave commands to see the new ships and men were welcome in the town and then they departed for the castle which Jon learned was called the Dun Fort. He spoke a few words to Viserion to calm him down and suggested to Lord Umber to find a sheep or goat for the dragon. Arya and Gendry stayed on board ship for they had run away from here last time and despite the way things had turned out they took no chances on coming ashore.

As they walked Lord Rykker asked about the battles around King's Landing and they explained as well as they could. "A near run thing it was," Lord Davos said. "If the Prince and Queen had not shown up when they did we may not have won."

"A tale for the ages," Lord Rykker replied. Soon they were at the fort and entered. Guards dipped their heads to them as they enter a large keep. After some stairs were climbed they entered a room which had two guards outside that had Stannis' sigil.

Inside was a long room with a long table and a large hearth at one end. Near the hearth Ser Godry stood and nearby him was a tall woman who Jon could honestly say was not that beautiful. At the table sat a small girl who had severe scarring on one side of her face. Jon had heard of this affliction the Princess Shireen suffered, caused by greyscale, and so was not surprised. What did surprise him was the fat man sitting with her, whose face was covered in motley tattooing. He also wore a pail with deer alters attached for a hat. Patchface, Arya had called him when recounting her adventures on Dragonstone. She had described him well enough but seeing him was unsettling. Hearing him even more so, because as soon as Jon entered the room the fool began to speak.

"Wolf boy, dragon boy, boy with a sword," Patchface said in a singsong voice. "A wolf was his love but no more. Now he loves a dragon."

As Jon was trying to take this in the girl spoke. "Are you Arya's brother?" she asked Jon.

"No, my lady. I am her cousin. My name is Jon Stark."

"Jon Snow, I thought you were named," said the tall woman. "Well, it matters not. I am Queen Regent Selyse Baratheon and this is my daughter Queen Shireen."

Jon dipped his head but said nothing and she kept on talking. "Lord Stark, you have survived I see. And you as well...Lord Davos. Yet Ser Godry tells me you have all turned your backs on your rightful Queen."

Lord Davos spoke. "My lady, much as it grieves me, King Stannis is dead. We have…"

"No, he's not," said the girl. "Daddy is in the dungeons."

Davos looked at her and gave a sad shake of his head. "No, my lady, I fear not. Many men saw him slain by an Other and rise as a wight."

"This is the matter I spoke of," Lord Rykker said, his tone and face disquiet. "Stannis…he…his wight I mean…he is here."

"What does that mean?" Davos asked.

Ser Godry gave the answer. "We found him outside the gates three days past. We almost killed him before we realized who he was. So…we captured him."

"Good gods," Lord Stark said. "You don't mean Stannis' wight is in the dungeons here? Now?"

"He is," Selyse answered, her face fearful. "And I know not what to do with him."

No one spoke and so Jon finally said what no one wanted to. "He is dead, my lady. Better to destroy his wight and give him some peace."

"He is our King!" Ser Godry said, his eyes glaring.

"Prince Jon is right," Davos replied. "He is dead. Let him go in peace."

"Is there no way he can come back to being…a man…again?" Selyse asked, her tone hopeful.

"None we know of," Lord Stark told her. "He died, my lady. He rose again with blue eyes. There is no way he can come back."

"Very well," she said. Then she looked at Davos and changed the subject. "Ser Godry tells me you have letters for me."

Davos took them out and handed them to her with a dip of his head. She sat at the table and opened the letters and read. When done she sighed. "She is very generous this dragon queen. I would not be so if I were her."

"What does she say, Mother?" the girl asked.

"You must renounce the throne, my dear. If not…"

"We will fight, my Queen!" Ser Godry said with fervour in his voice. "The Lord of Light will see us to victory."

"Has he ever?" she replied and Jon could see Ser Godry was shaken by this admission of his queen. "No. We will not fight. There has been too much fighting…and we cannot win. She sends Lord Davos and Lord Stark as ambassadors to make terms." Then her eyes fell on Jon. "But she sends this boy to threaten us at the same time. Him and his sword and his dragon."

"Dragons can be killed," Ser Godry said with a growl. "So can this boy."

"No," Shireen said. "No more killing!"

"My daughter speaks wise words," Selyse said, her whole demeanour one of a person who knows they are beaten. "Ser Godry, you will tell the men we are going to Storm's End. Its lands and incomes are still ours by rights. This queen agrees that Shireen is heir and it is hers by royal decree...though Lord Connington will be our representative in the capital."

"If that is your command I will obey," Ser Godry said. "But what of our faith, my Queen? If they try to banish our god, we…"

Selyse raised a hand and he stopped speaking. "Fear not. She explicitly states we shall have the freedom to worship as we please."

Godry seemed to calm down a bit. "The men will be pleased." Then he looked up at Davos. "How many of our King's army are still living?"

"A few thousands, many of them wounded," Davos told him. He looked at Selyse. "What shall you have us do with them?"

"Send them home if they wish," she said, then seemed to change her mind. "No. Tell this queen they will fight for her against the Others but under my husband's banner, which shall be the new banner of the Stormlands and House Baratheon."

Davos did not look pleased at this but nodded. "As you wish, my lady. May I suggest Ser Godry as their commander?"

"If he is willing, yes."

"I will gladly accept the task, my Queen, if you so command." Ser Godry said. "Much as it will gall me to serve under an usurper."

"Then go. See to getting the men ready to leave. We will go when ships are available."

Ser Godry dipped his head and then with dark looks to Davos and Jon he left the room. Jon wondered if it was wise to send this man south to take command of men when he still thought of this woman as his queen and Dany as an usurper, but as no one else said anything he kept his fears to himself.

"My lady," Lord Rykker began as soon as Godry was gone. "I am sorry but I must bring up a point of protocol. If you and the Lady Shireen renounce the throne then your titles will be only as Lady Baratheon. You should discourage your men from continuing to call you 'queen' and 'princess'."

"Yes, I know this," she replied, seemingly irriated at this. "But it will take time for them to accept this turn of events. Now, Lord Davos, what about ships to take us to our new home?"

"I can provide the ships, my lady," Davos said. "But I don't know how the weather will turn out so it may be dangerous. It may be better to sail to King's Landing first and then go overland to Storm's End."

"We will see," she replied. "Now if there is nothing more my lords, I think it is time we dealt with my late husband."

"How so, my lady?" Lord Rykker asked.

"We destroy his wight, of course," Selyse said as she stood and looked at Jon. "Are you truly the Prince That Was Promised?"

"I am."

"Do you have Lightbringer? The real Lightbringer?"

"I do."

"Show me."

Jon took out the sword and held it low. Its light and heat still made the room brighter and warmer. "If I lift it any higher I may set things on fire."

Selyse looked at it in awe. "What god fills your heart, Jon Stark?" Selyse asked him as she stared at the sword.

"The old gods of the North, my lady."

"Pity," she answered. "Come. Let us see our King one more time." Shireen got up to join them but her mother shook her head. "No, my dear. I do not want you to see this."

"But I must say goodbye," she said with a look of sorrow on her face. Her mother sniffed. "He is already dead, my dear. That thing in the dungeons is not your father. Patchface, keep her here."

No more was said on the matter and they left the room. Lord Rykker went off to send a message to King's Landing to tell Ser Barristan they had arrived and that the terms had been agreed to, while the rest proceeded to the dungeons.

Jon had never met King Stannis, and had long feared what he would do to Jon if he found out he was the true Prince. But seeing this once great king as a wight was more frightful than Jon had imagined meeting the real Stannis would have been like.

He was in a cell with bars on it so they could see him well enough. Chains were on his hands but it did not matter for he was going nowhere. He still wore his armor and the fiery heart sigil was etched into the breastplate. His stomach region had a great rent in the armor and blood stains were evident as a sign of the killing blow. He was a tall man in life, with a balding head and stern eyes, which were now the startling blue of the wights. His skin was deathly pale as well.

He had been sitting on the floor when they arrived and now he stood and came to the bars. His eyes looked at each in turn and they lingered briefly on his wife but held for a long time on Davos.

"My King," Davos said, his voice choked with emotion. "I am sorry I failed you."

Stannis said not a word but his eyes still held on Davos. "Does he speak?" Jon asked.

"Not a word," Selyse told them, her voice quavering. "Nor sleeps or eats or...anything human. He just stares at us."

They were all quiet for a long moment and Jon knew not what the others felt but he knew this must be hard for them. "My lady," Lord Stark finally said. "Let us deal with him. You don't have to see this."

"No," she replied. "I will stay."

"As you wish," Jon's father said and then he looked at Jon. "Take out the sword."

"A moment," he said and he looked at Selyse. "I want to ask you about Arya and Gendry."

She frowned. "What of them?"

"I want you to swear to never seek to punish them again for the death of Ser Axell Florent."

"Your queen has already made that a condition of our agreement."

"Oh? Then I apologize for raising the point."

"Let us get on with this," she said in reply, seemingly irritated again.

"You had all better step back a bit," Jon told them and they did so. He took out Lightbringer and held it low and Stannis' eyes fixed on the sword, and Jon swore he saw some emotion in those eyes that showed he recognized what the sword was and who Jon was.

"May you find peace," Jon said and then he raised up Lightbringer and in a instant Stannis' wight flashed into ash and was no more. His wife let out a cry and Davos held her for a few moments until she composed herself. They left the dungeon and the former queen went to find her daughter while they went outside.

"It had to be done," Jon's father said.

"Aye," said Davos. "But better he had died on the battlefields."

"What purpose did they have in capturing him?" Jon asked.

"I guess they just couldn't bear to kill him," Davos said.

"He was already dead," Lord Stark said. "Come. Let us see to our men and then we must make our plans to move out and seek and destroy what Others and wights remain nearby."

But as they walked to the ships a runner came and said Lord Rykker wanted to see them in the castle rookery. A short time later they were there, in a maester's chamber below where the birds were kept. Lord Rykker was red in the face and it was obvious he was angry about something, or at someone, for a grey haired maester was cowering where he sat in a chair.

"What has happened?" Lord Davos asked right away.

Lord Rykker held out an open raven scroll and handed it to Lord Stark. "From your lady wife, my lord. This one had already opened it. Luckily I had come in and found him reading it."

"By orders of the Queen, my lord," the maester tried to explain. "She ordered me to open all messages."

"Gods," Jon's father said as he read the message and his face went pale. He looked at Jon. "Sansa has been arrested in the Vale."

"Arrested? For what?" Jon asked in surprise.

"For murdering Lord Baelish and Ser Lyn Corbray," the maester said.

Lord Stark shoved the message at Jon and then rounded on the maester, grabbed him by the robes, and picked him up. "Start talking! What do you know?"

"The Queen," he stammered. "She wrote a letter to Lady Arryn in the Vale. They know it was your daughter's dagger found in the fire where Baelish's body was found. Ser Godry commanded me to send the letter, my lord. I only obeyed!" Lord Stark let him go and the man fell in his chair again.

Meanwhile Jon quickly read the letter from Lady Catelyn. The ship Sansa was supposed to be on had arrived at White Harbor but she wasn't on board. They had stopped at Gulltown to drop off some wounded men of the Vale and she was arrested by a large party of armed men who had seized her at the docks. The ship's crew was outnumbered and could do nothing. The commander of Gulltown had a written order from Lord Robert Arryn to arrest Sansa for murder. The ship's captain heard them tell Sansa she was to be taken to the Eyrie to be tried for the murders of Lord Petyr Baelish and Ser Lyn Corbray.

The problem was Jon knew it was partially true. His father had explained to him and Arya and Gendry that Sansa had killed Baelish because he had tried to rape her and that the Hound had killed Corbray when Corbray had tried to kill Sansa. But that was self-defense, not murder.

"What should we do?" Lord Rykker asked. "We can't very well arrest the former queen and Godry if there is any truth to this. Lord Stark…is there any truth to it?"

"Aye," he finally said, his tone grim. "It was self-defense. Baelish tried to rape her and she stabbed him. But she didn't kill Corbray."

"Who did?" Davos asked.

"It's not important," Lord Stark said. "He saved Sansa from Corbray is all you need know."

Jon was sick with worry for her. "What will they do to her?"

"Nothing," said Davos. "They would have to be mad to try her on such flimsy evidence as a dagger found in a fire."

"The problem is that the Lady Arryn is mad," Jon's father said. "My wife's sister she is and she has always been unstable. She tried to have Lord Tyrion executed for murdering Jon Arryn without a shred of evidence against him. And in the Eyrie there is only one punishment for murder."

"What's that?" Jon asked.

"Out the moon door," his father said, and Jon saw fear on his face.

Jon had heard of this door, which opened out over a six hundred foot drop to the rocks below. He turned and started to leave and his father shouted after him. "Where are you going?"

"To the Eyrie," he replied.

"How?"

"By dragon, how else? It's the only way I can get there in time to rescue my little sister."