"Send every raven we have to inform the surrounding holds of Cersei Lannister's treachery." Jon ordered Maester Wolkan, panting from the run into the chambers from the court. "Tell them to spread the word and flee South, across the narrow sea if they can." The Maester nodding his head and rushed over to the pile of blank raven scrolls, dipping his quill in the ink to begin writing. "And once you're finished, gather all the non-combatants and flee." Jon finished, Maester Wolkan met his gaze momentarily, mouth agape and his eyes started to wander.
"Y-yes my lord." Wolkan nodded and began stroking his quill upon the scrolls, the smooth motions of his cursive writing swiftly danced across the parchment. A light knock on the wooden door made Jon glance over his shoulder as he caught his breath.
"Bring most of the food with you, too." Jon added, turning around and walking over to the door, swinging it inwards, revealing Bran sitting in his wheelchair on the other side. He spoke before Jon could even greet him.
"I'm staying." Bran stated, staring blankly up at Jon, who cocked his head in confusion.
"How did you..." Jon trailed off, shaking his head and wincing. "What do you mean you're staying?"
"The Night King intends to destroy this world." Bran muttered, blank eyes staring off into the distance. "I am this world's past, present, and future. Events have been set in motion by my hand all throughout time." He turned his empty gaze to Jon, who returned his look with that of bewilderment. "The world cannot truly die so long as I live. So I have been marked." Bran rolled up his thick sleeve, showing the dark purple mark of the Night King's grasp on his pale forearm.
"What is that!?" Jon hissed, closing in on Bran and examining the mark with concern.
"He has touched me." Stated Bran. "The Night King knows where I am at all times. Nothing can stand between him and I for very long. I have seen it."
"Don't say that." Jon replied, shaking his head and grasping Bran's hand tightly. "As long as I draw breath, I will be there to protect you!"
"You won't draw breath." The Three Eyed Raven uttered eerily. "I have seen many futures. Most of them leave this world frozen and dead. Some of them allow this world to continue on." Bran paused, curling his lips and looking deeply into Jon's eyes. "But none of them allow me to live."
"Listen. I don't quite understand whatever power you possess, but surely you must be overlooking something. I can't just let you stay here, Bran." Jon lowered himself to one knee as if proposing to a loved one, his face drooped and despaired.
"I've lived many lives, Jon Snow." He stated coldly. "In which I have accumulated more knowledge and insight than the greatest sages could ever hope to attain." Bran squeezed Jon's hand back and leaned forward, keeping his eyes locked into Jon's. "And I know that if I evacuate Winterfell, the dead will ignore your fortifications, and simply pass by the castle to pursue me, endangering the fleeing innocents." Jon lowered his head, trying to hold his ground, but the realization slipped out of his mind and formed tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry. This is the only way."