"A rescue attempt? Are you mad?"

Jon frowned in frustration as he stared his mentor down. He had brought up the idea of going back to King's Landing and retrieving the lord, but Ser Barristan had immediately disapproved of the idea, and was trying to convince him not to. "If Lord Stark dies, the kingdom falls into war. I can't let that happen," he argued, face growing hot from anger.

"And I can't let you go," Barristan shot back. "I'm sorry Jon, but you're still recovering, and you're still but a boy. I can't let you do this."

"I'm not asking permission!" He cried. "I'll go anyway. I just need some men to go with me."

Normally the glower Ser Barristan was giving him would have him tucking his figurative tail, intimidated more than he'd care to admit. But right now, the only thing in Jon's mind was convincing the knight of his plan, and he cared little for his opinion.

"I mean to protect you and your sisters," Barristan said forcefully. "I won't fail my duty because you sacrificed yourself on a suicide mission."

"It won't need to be one," Jon pressed. "Please, Ser Barristan."

Something in his voice must have done something, because the knights expression suddenly softened. His shoulders slumped ever so much, and an almost defeated look passed over his face.

"No matter what I say, you'll do it anyway, won't you?" He asked. Jon didn't need to respond, his hard expression enough for the knight.

Ser Barristan sighed, running a tired hand down his face.

"Fine," he sighed. "I know I can't convince you. But at least ask Lord Stannis for aid. If you're going to risk your life you better be smart about it."

The sense of accomplishment Jon felt was almost enough to make him smile. Almost.

"Thank you, Ser Barristan, for agreeing to this," he said.

"Don't thank me yet," the knight said. "Your father's still in King's Landing."

Yes, Jon thought. But he won't be for long.

The conversation with Lord Stannis had gone about as smooth as Jon had expected it to. He had explained the plan to the lord of Dragonstone and explained that they would need men if their attempt of rescuing Lord Stark could even dream of being accomplished. Stannis had the same stony, thoughtful look on his face the entire time Jon talked.

At last, Jon had finished and looked to him expectantly, waiting for his response.

"I will lend you a ship to rescue your father, that is all. And if any of men wish to aid you, that is fine as well." Stannis announced, letting relief flood through Jon. "But I will not order any to do so. I would not risk their lives like that."

It wasn't preferable, but it was enough for Jon. "I understand my Lord," he said, nodding. "Anything you can give us is more than enough."

"I will give you a ship, and any men who are willing to volunteer," the stone faced Lord said. "Aside from that, I wish you the best of luck."

Jon gave his thanks profusely and watched as the lord of Dragonstone took his leave.

"If I may, my lord," Ser Davos cut in, stopping him from leaving. "I would like to volunteer my services to this cause."

Stannis turned around and gave the onion knight a strange look of something between surprise and disbelief. But he didn't look angry. "Alright," he said. "Of that is your wish."

Ser Davos offered a short nod.

"Then you have until tomorrow to collect as many men that wish to help before you leave," the lord said. "Again, I wish you well in the battle to come." And with that, he departed the room.

Jon turned to Ser Davos with confusion.

"Why did you offer us your help?" He asked bluntly. "Not that I'm not grateful," he added. "But I don't understand."

The onion knight shrugged. "Lord Stark is a good man. And a good leader. People look up to him and respect him. A world without Eddard Stark is world that's a little bit darker and untrustworthy."

Jon wanted to believe that was the truth, he really did. But he suspected it had more to do with he'd said to him in private.

"Alright," Ser Barristan said, giving the man a thoughtful look. "The more hands, the better. We can use all the help we can get."

"Well, can't say I'll be much good against those gold cloaks or Lannister men," he said. "But I can get as close to the black cells as you could ask for."

"And how's that?" Jon asked, intrigued.

"Simple," he said, a hint of pride about him. "I'll smuggle you in."

"You promise you'll come back?" Arya asked, following Jon down the gangway towards the ship. Over one shoulder he had packed a bag of what he would need for the trip. Just some armor and clothing, nothing much. On his waist hung Frostfang, cranking against his leg as he walked, offering a comforting weight.

"Ser Barristan and I have got ten men willing to help us free father, nine if you don't count Ser Davos," he said. "I can't say what the outcome will be, but I'm optimistic." It was a lie, and Arya knew it. He had no idea how this rescue attempt would go. They didn't have the numbers they hoped for, nor a decent plan of action, though they hoped to make one on the trip there.

"That's not what I asked," Arya said, voice wavering slightly in worry. "I asked if you'll come back."

Jon sighed and stopped walking, closing his eyes for a moment to collect himself before turning around. He saw Arya standing there, tears pricking at her eyes. She looked so scared, so uncertain. It was heartbreaking, and an exact mirror to what Jon felt inside him.

"Oh Arya," he sighed, kneeling down to her height. He hated seeing her like this. He put one hand on her shoulder and wrapped his other around her hand. So small and skinny, just like the rest of her. His large callused hand engulfed it completely, and he was reminded again just how young she was. Only nine years and having to go through this. It wasn't fair. Not to her, or anyone.

"I can't make a promise I don't know I can keep," he said. "But I will try my damndest to free father. You know that, don't you?"

She gave a shaky nod, lip quivering as tears started to slide down her face.

"I'm just so scared," she whispered. "For you and for father." She sniffed. "I don't want to lose you. You're my favorite brother."

A hard lump wormed it's way up Jon's throat, and Jon found he couldn't say anything to that, the pain in his throat not letting him. So instead, he pulled her into a hug. She wrapped her thin arms around his neck and squeezed, like she never wanted to let go. If given the chance, she might have done just that.

But the world had different plans, and eventually he pulled himself away.

"Maybe I'll even bring back Nymeria and Needle," he tried, hoping to lighten the mood. Arya smiled softly, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Promise me you'll be safe," she said. "Please."

Jon offered a small nod in response. "I promise," he said.

"Jon."

Jon looked up at the newcomer, surprised to see Sansa standing behind Arya, clutching something in her hands. She must have walked up to them while they were talking.

"Sansa," he said. "I thought you were staying back in the castle."

"So did I," she admitted, somewhat ashamed. "But I wanted to wish you luck. Here." She held out her hand and showed him what she'd been holding. It was a token, like the kind ladies gave to knights at tourneys. It was a handkerchief with the Stark direwolf sown into it. But instead of the stitching being grey, it was a white wolf, with red eyes. It was Ghost.

"Thank you, Sansa," he said softly, taking it from her outstretched hands. "It's lovely."

She mumbled a bashful thank you in response, blushing softly. Then she did something unexpected. She hugged him.

For a moment, Jon didn't know what to do. But eventually he remembered himself and hugged her back.

"Please be careful," she whispered into his ear. "I don't want to lose my father and my brother."

It was the first time in a long time she'd called him brother, Jon realized. Emotion griped his thrust and he fought to swallow the unwelcome lump.

"And Jon," she said, pulling away. "Make the Lannisters pay for what they've done."

A wolfish grin slid across Jon's face before he said, "Aye, I think I can manage that."

The salty spray of the sea buffeted Jon's face as they sailed towards King's Landing. Davis promised the journey to be quite quick, as they had the wind on their side. It had hardly been a day, yet the knight's words held true. Although there were no landmarks or anything of the sort to mark their distance from the capital, Jon knew they were getting close.

"Thought you'd be below deck."

The sudden voice brought Jon out of his musings and he turned face Ser Davis, who was standing behind him.

"I like the fresh air," Jon said. "It's cool, like the north."

"Aye, I guess that would do it," the knight conceded. It's always cool on the sea. The wind kicks up the ocean spray, making it feel damp and cold. I suppose I would want to be outside in it too if I were from the north."

Jon smiled lightly at the man. Davos was nice to be around. He always knew what to say in any occasion. Weather it be trying to convince someone of something or cooling down the tension between two parties. He was also funny, in a serious sort of way. Able to lighten the mood without really trying. He also brought good council, which Jon appreciated very much.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Jon asked politely, wondering why the man had joined him.

"Yes, there is," he said. "The other men are coming to meet below deck to try to work out our plan to rescue Lord Stark. Would you care to join us?"

Jon nodded and followed the man below deck. It took a bit for his eyes to adjust to the darkness, but he ignored it and followed Davos to the galley, where the rest of the men were gathered around a table, a map of the red keep spread out in front of them.

"Finally, we can start," one man said. Jon was tempted to roll his eyes, but eventually decided against it. Aided also by a quick look from Ser Barristan, who'd seen the thought flash across Jon's face.

"Now we can begin," another said. "Are there any plans on how to get into the keep? Preferably one without guards?" Jon assumed this to be the leader of the group.

"There's a secret entrance that leads directly into Maegor's holdfast," Jon said, stepping forward. "It's supposed to let out by the shore. We used it as our escape route when we fled the capital."

"I can show the captain where it is so he knows where to dock the boat," Barristan added.

"I think I know where you're talking about," Davos cut in, nodding thoughtfully. "And if I'm right, I can get us there easily. It'll be a quick in and out if we pull this off right."

"But what about the guards?" The second man said. "And I highly doubt the black cells are left devoid of any men, regardless of how well built they are."

"You are right about that," Ser Barristan agreed. "Unfortunately I don't know much about the station of the guards, but I know if we plan it right, we can make it around them easily."

"But what about finding Lord Stark?" The man continued. "It's practically a maze down there."

"I think I have a way of helping with that as well," Jon said. "There are two Stark direwolves still in the keep. If I can get to them, we can send them ahead of us and hopefully they'll be able to find Lord Stark by scent."

"That's a big gamble there, boy," one man said. "You don't even know if they alive, or where they'd be."

"They're alive," Jon said firmly, remembering his dream of being inside Ghost.

"If you say so," he huffed, unconvinced. Jon scowled, but chose to remain silent. Nothing good would come if arguing.

"Alright, let's say we get past the guards and get to Lord Stark. Do we have a plan of getting out?" The other man asked, looking around at them.

"Just like when we go in," Jon offered. "Send the wolves ahead to take care of any men before we get to them, so they're easier to deal with, before going back to the boat. Simple."

"We have to assume the worst things that could happen and plan for those, as well," Barristan cut in, giving Jon a measured look. "Best case scenario is that is how it goes down. But there are a lot of unknown factors involved, so we have to plan for those as well."

Jon nodded stiffly in agreement, wishing it could actually be as simple as a best case scenario. Logically he knew that would never be the case. But it was the only plan that was coming to mind.

"Alright, this is what we'll do," the man said eventually, and they started their plan to rescue Lord Stark from the clutches of the Lannisters.