The Wall 295 AC.
Jae.
After landing in Eastwatch they had left some supplies with the garrison there which very quickly made them a friend of the commander, a gruff Iron Island man named Cotter Pyke. He had thanked them graciously for the supplies, the grain and flour being especially welcomed by him though Jae felt the men themselves would appreciate the ale more. As he looked to Arthur who was watching their escort every other minute he shook his head, despite everything Lord Manderly had in the end welcomed them, though not without suspicion.
The feast he'd thrown for them was lavish and when Jae mentioned it to Arthur and Marten they had laughed telling him that he'd know lavish when he sat the throne. Jae shuddered at the thoughts of it, he far preferred a quiet meal with his mother, Dany and his companions than a large elaborate affair. Though he did have a soft spot for eating with the men and listening to their japes, with their escort however the men had needed to be wary and he was glad that Clarence had taken it upon himself to ensure they referred to him simply as Jon.
One of the men at the feast had almost given the game up only for Kalors to quickly move him from the hall, though he doubted the man appreciated the sore head he woke up with after Kalors had knocked him out. He had found he actually liked the lord of White Harbor, the man played up his weight and apparent weakness but underneath he was as sharp as any man he'd met, making Jae think that perhaps a role could be found for him later on.
"So were you born in the north lad?"
"I don't believe so my lord, my mother only says that like her I'm of the north." Jae said.
"And your mother what family name is she?" Wyman asked looking closely at him.
"My mother's a Flint my lord."
"Really? I know the Flint's, don't remember any of the daughters or granddaughters going missing, what did you say her name was?"
"Arya my lord, Arya Flint."
"Are you sure lad?" Wyman said shaking his head.
"Are you calling me a liar my lord, calling my mother a liar." Jae said raising his voice.
"No, no I wasn't lad, it's just the name, it's the same as Lord Stark's youngest daughter, she's named after her great grandmother." Wyman said with a smile.
"I don't think we're related to the Starks my lord, I'm sure my mother would have mentioned it.
"Aye, true enough." Wyman said nodding.
"Your knights look like fine fighting men."
"That they are my lord, fought with my father before he passed." Jae said looking fondly at Arthur who was sitting two seats down.
"Do they still fight?"
"Only time my lord, as my mother says it's what we all fight." Jae said and Wyman laughed loudly.
"True enough lad, true enough."
The rest of the feast had gone much better after that, Jae knew the lord was pumping him for information and he gave him just enough to let him think what he wished, the truth would be revealed eventually. He knew that once they gave the supplies to the Nights Watch and left, most of the suspicion would fade away, until then he could only grin and bare it something he enjoyed watching Arthur do too.
He nodded to Arthur and he began to ride back past the Manderly men to the second cart stopping it and jumping on while giving Arthur the reins of his horse, he had felt a tingle in his spine and knew something had spooked Syrax. Sitting back in the cart he closed his eyes and reached out to his eagle, finding her almost immediately.
She was flying over a large wooded area and as she twisted in the sky he saw them, a group of horsemen about thirty in all riding towards them. He told Syrax to fly over them and come back when they were close and opened his eyes before climbing out of the cart and jumping back on his horse.
"There are men approaching Arthur, about thirty of them, we should form up just in case, Syrax will warn us when they're close."
"I'll speak to Marten and Clarence they'll get the men ready."
"Arthur, have them do it badly, make them look like they don't really know what they're doing, for our guests here." Jae said and Arthur nodded.
He rode slowly up to the front of the column and tried to think as he did so, the men were coming from the northwest meaning they'd likely come off the Kingsroad, he searched his brain and tried to remember the houses of the north. The nearest house to them was the Umbers of Last Hearth, their sigil was? their sigil was?, yes that was it, a roaring giant holding broken chains on a red background. He wrapped the reins tight in his hand and closed his eyes again, finding Syrax as she flew over the men he brought her in closer and saw the shields the men carried.
"We'll be ready to form up in a few moments." Arthur said riding to him.
"Forget it Arthur there's no need, it seems our Lord of White Harbor sent out for some men to accompany us, the men coming are Umbers."
"How do you know?"
"I saw the shields, call Marten and Clarence and have them ride up front, Kalors too." Jae said.
"Jae, the lord of White Harbor sent his men with us, why would he send these also?" Arthur asked doubtfully.
"You're right Arthur, it wasn't him, this was my uncle." Jae said smirking.
"He knows we're here?"
"No I think Lord Manderly informed him that we were going to Castle Black, the Umbers are just extra incentive to ensure that's all we're doing." Jae said laughing.
"Jae this isn't funny, if Ned Stark knows."
"Then we're fucked." Jae said as he laughed again and this time Arthur laughed too.
"I wouldn't put it that way, but yeah."
"He doesn't know, if he did he'd have sent far more men Arthur. He's just making sure we do as we say, since that's what we're doing anyway we have nothing to worry about."
Arthur looked at him doubtfully but in the end seemed to agree, so he went off to do as Jae had asked. As for Jae he found it funny, this had been intended to be a quiet visit. Instead the Lord of White Harbor, the Lord of Last Hearth and the Lord of Winterfell all knew or would know he'd been in the North. Though none of them would know his name wasn't Jon Snow as long as they just did what they had planned to do.
After a few moments Arthur returned with Kalors and the others as they rode it didn't take too long for Syrax to come into view, turning to the others Jae nodded and within a few more moments they saw the riders themselves. The two men leading it were large enough to be giants themselves, though Kalors was probably of a height with them. As they drew closer the Manderly men began to ride up to them seemingly more confident now there countrymen had arrived. Jae looked to Arthur who smirked, it didn't take too long for the riders to reach them after that.
"Welcome friends." Arthur said in greeting.
"Who said we were friends." the younger of the two men who were clearly in charge said getting laughs from the others.
"The fact you've not attacked would suggest so would it not?" Jae said looking the other man in the eye.
"It would at that, I'm Lord Jon Umber, though people call me the Greatjon this is my son the Smalljon." the large lord said gruffly.
"I'm Jon Snow my lord, My companions Ser Daeron Sand, Ser Clarence Waters, Ser Marten Flowers and the large quiet fellow is Kalors."
"What brings you men north?" the Greatjon asked looking at the carts and the men riding in or beside them.
"We are to visit Castle Black my lord, bearing supplies for the men of the watch."
"And why would a bastard and bastard knights be supplying the watch?" the Smalljon asked.
"I think when the men of the watch see the many barrels of ale we've brought they'll care not it was a bastard who brought them to them, don't you my lord." Jae said and the Greatjon laughed loudly.
"Aye you have the truth of it, though the question still needs answering."
"My mother's of the north my lord, my father before he passed was a man who believed these men were doing the realm a great service so I was raised on tales of the honor of the men who manned the wall"
"Aye." the Greatjon said his frown leaving his face.
"I'm in a position now where I can offer those men some help, so myself and my companions have come to do so, that's the reason my lord, that's the only reason I'm here." Jae said and the Greatjon looked at him.
"Then you wouldn't mind us accompanying you to Castle Black, it's not but two days ride from here?" the Greatjon asked.
"Of course not my lord we'd welcome the company, these Manderly men ran out of tall tales a few nights past." Jae said and the Greatjon and the Umbers laughed and sniggered much to the Manderly's annoyance.
"Then I shall have to make up for it, that ale, you do have some to spare right?" the Greatjon said licking his lips.
"Of course my lord." Jae said.
Arthur.
The way Jae handled the Umber lord was nothing short of impressive, the man had arrived suspicious and questioning and now as they set up camp for the night he was laughing and japing with his king by the fire. The ale no doubt helped and he had watched as the man drained three large jugs already, when he tried to give Jae some he had taken a step forward but Jae soon had the large lord laughing as he refused.
"I cannot my lord, I promised my mother." Jae said
"Ah come on lad there's nowt to fear from some ale."
"I fear no man my lord, but my mother, well that's a different story." Jae said with a smile
"Har Har, you're right to lad, my own mother may the gods grant her rest was a fierce giant of a woman, had she caught me drinking at your age, well she'd have tanned my backside for me and I'd be lucky if she left it at that." the large lord's voice boomed out causing his men to cheer in agreement.
"To mothers my lord." Jae said raising his mug of sweetened water.
"Aye lad, to Mothers." said the Greatjon as he raised his mug.
The rest of the night passed loudly but without incident, their own men drank but did so sparingly though to anyone who looked it seemed they had joined in enthusiastically. The men were well trained and Jae had promised them a few weeks off in Lys on him when they returned, so they were eager to earn their reward. Eventually Jae and the others went to their tents, though the large lord stayed up drinking with his son and some of his men. Arthur decided to join them as they were drunk enough that perhaps he could find out why Ned Stark had sent them to spy on them.
"Sand is it? Come have a drink." the large lord slurred.
"I thank you my lord." Arthur said sitting down and taking the offered mug, he much preferred wine from his homeland when he did drink, but the ale wasn't bad.
"He seems a good lad."
"He is my lord, I knew his father well, I'm glad to say the son's an even better man," Arthur said honestly.
"Aye he told us his father passed, it's a good thing he's doing, this, the supplies, far too many don't care."
"He cares my lord."
"Aye I can see that"
They sat and drank another couple of mugs and as people fell asleep wrapped in their cloaks and others headed to their tents Arthur and the Greatjon talked of a variety of subjects, he asked him of Jon's mother and Arthur was vague but truthful and eventually the Greatjon spoke of Ned Stark's worry that they were men from the Company of the Dragon.
"I told him that they'd not set foot in the north, Sand, but he's my liege lord and I'll do as he asks." the Greatjon said.
"Lord Stark actually thought we were sell swords, being led by a boy." Arthur said laughing and the Greatjon patted him heavily on the back.
"Aye, that's the truth of it, now I'd love to chat some more but I need to take a piss before I stain my breeches." the Greatjon said laughing loudly as he walked to a nearby tree.
Had the man not already been on their side after speaking to Jae and drinking their ale then Arthur would be far more worried than he was, but Jae was right, they were here to bring supplies to the watch and once they did all doubts would cease. If anything this could work in their favor later when the man realized they'd been helping the watch far before they arrived back in Westeros. He poured the rest of his ale out and got up and walked to his tent, checking on Jae's as he did so.
Syrax stood on the large tree trunk they'd brought over for her to rest on, while Kalors sat by the fire in watching distance of the tent two more of their men with him, all three having not partaken in the ale. He nodded to the large man and went inside his own tent, making himself ready for bed, he slept soundly his dreams filled with an image of long dark hair and grey eyes and a welcoming smile as heard her say his name softly.
Arthur was up and ready to set out very early the next morning, they broke their fast on some bread and dried meat and despite the meager offering he was glad of it. They intended to make it to the wall today and there was no point having a large meal, even the men's grumbling was subdued as they too wished to be indoors. It didn't take too long to get ready to leave and as he rode to the front of the party he found Jae laughing and japing with the Greatjon and his son, his king seemingly having made friends with the two men.
"Ah Daemon sleep in did you." the large lord shouted as he came alongside them.
"Some of use need our beauty sleep, mayhap you should try some." Arthur replied getting a bellowing laugh from the man.
"Kalors is resting in the covered cart with the other guards, so I believe we're ready to set off Ser." Jae said and Arthur nodded, turning back to wave at Marten and give the signal.
On their last leg of the journey Jae pointed to the sky as Syrax circled and then he turned to speak to him and the others.
"Best tracker ever." he said smiling while the two Umbers looked on confused.
"What's he tracking lad?"
"Game Lord Umber, I sent some of our men out a few days ago to grab some fresh game for the watch." Jae said "It's the one thing we can't provide ourselves, but I'm sure the men would appreciate some fresh meat."
"Aye they would, but you'll not find much game around these parts, it's out there but it'll take weeks to track down enough." the Smalljon said shaking his head while Jae just continued smiling confidently.
His confidence was repaid in spades when the archers they'd brought with them arrived back, two Elk, three dear and almost two dozen rabbits and birds had been caught and the two Umbers looked at the bounty in awe.
"Har, you weren't lying lad, I've not seen such a fruitful hunt, wouldn't be interested in selling the bird now would you?"
"Sorry my lord but Syrax wouldn't allow herself be parted from me." Jae said and the Greatjon looked at him and nodded.
They rode for a number of hours, were just about to break off and stop for luncheon when he saw Castle Black in front of him, the place was a ruin Arthur shuddered this was where Jae would have ended up, in another life this would have been his home. As they rode up to the gates he searched Jae's expression expecting to see trepidation or concern, surprisingly though he saw neither instead Jae looked to Arthur and smiled.
Margaery.
Her grandmother had been right, the plan had been an absolute disaster, Renly had barely even got to show Robert her picture before he laughed and told him there was only one Lyanna. So he and Loras had got to work instead on her grandmother's plan. Which was the reason she was now walking through the gardens of the Red Keep beside what may very well be the most unpleasant boy she had ever met.
Joffery had nothing of his father in him, in looks and attitude he was pure Cersei, in physique he was slight were the king was broad. Martial skill was practically non existent also, she had watched in absolute boredom earlier when his sparring partners had to basically hit themselves with his sword in order to give him a victory.
He also wore an almost permanent sneer except when he attempted to be charming, though should you not laugh big enough or show him enough deference the sneer soon returned, along with a glint in his eye that she found disturbing. Margaery at ten and two was three years his senior, she was taller which he did not like, smarter which she knew he hated and more worldly which he didn't even notice. His voice was condescending and the way he gripped her arm, how tightly he held it even to the point of causing her discomfort and some pain scared her.
"It is such a wonderful day is it not your grace?"
"It is my lady." he said while looking at some servants who were trying not to be seen.
"It must be so incredible to be able to spend time in these gardens." she said her voice light.
"I rarely come here my lady, a prince is far too busy for such childish things." he said haughtily.
"Of course your grace, I thank you for taking the time to show me them." she looked at him and smiled.
Joffrey just nodded and continued to look at the servants as one of them a small boy dropped the mug he was carrying on the floor, with an almost eager impatience she felt him break free from her arm.
"You stupid fool, do you have any idea how much that cost? now pick it up, no not like that, on your knees boy." Joffrey said his smile full of malice "No don't use your hands, pick it up with your mouth."
"I'm sorry your grace." the small boy said his voice shaky.
"I care not for your apologies, do as I say you insolent fool."
Margaery shuddered as she watched the boy bend down and pick up the broken pieces of the mug with his teeth, she winced as she saw the jagged edges of it and feared for the boy's safety as he did as he was bid. Remarkably though the boy somehow managed to pick them all up without cutting himself and she felt the relief deep inside her that he had done so. This was short lived though as Joffrey wasn't pleased at all and she watched on horrified as he picked up the broken pieces from where they'd been laid down and began throwing them at the boy.
"Now get out of here you stupid fool." Joffery said laughing as one of the broken pieces caused a cut to appear on the boys head."
"Your grace maybe we should take our walk elsewhere." Margaery said and she took a step backward fearfully at the look Joffrey gave her when he turned towards her, though before he got to speak she heard the soft voice of Lord Varys.
"Your grace, the queen requests your company to discuss an important matter of state." Lord Varys said with a bow.
"Of course she does eunuch." Joffrey said stomping off with his ever faithful dog following behind.
Margaery was glad to see him go, she reached into her pocket and grabbed her handkerchief and went over to the boy. Dipping it in a small jug of water she began to pat it on the cut and tried to stem the flow of blood.
"Are you all right, what's you name?"
"Marlon milady." the boy said through sniffles.
"Are your parents nearby?"
"They died milady, it's just me and Sara my sister, she's a maid here."
"I know the girl my lady, she's a fine maid." Lord Varys said looking at her questioningly.
"Lord Varys, I. can you help me?"
"With what my lady?"
"Marlon, Sara I think they'd be better off working somewhere else, can you arrange for them to come to my rooms, I shall have them sent to Highgarden. I'll find them work in my household."
"Really?" Marlon said looking at her with a shocked expression.
"Yes little one, really, if Lord Varys can help?"
"I shall see it done Lady Margaery, now run along Marlon, go to Sara's room and wait there for me." Varys said smiling at the boy.
"Yes milord, thank you milady." Marlon said his tears forgotten as he ran off.
"Marlon, go the other way." Varys shouted and the boy turned and ran in the opposite direction than Joffrey had.
She stood there silently for a moment, she had done the right thing and her father would no doubt find something for the boy and his sister to do in Highgarden, but involving Lord Varys was something her grandmother wouldn't approve of. The eunuch was spoken of in less than glowing terms by most, though his ability to ferret out secrets was never in doubt, his allegiances and what he may do with any knowledge he had of you always was.
"That was a good thing you did for the boy my lady."
"I, the boy had made a mistake, that was all." Margaery replied not wanting to be drawn into revealing too much.
"Even had he not I fear the prince was just looking for someone to punish." Varys said and she looked at him inquisitively.
"He is the prince Lord Varys he can punish those he sees fit to."
"True my lady, though in our princes case he sees fit to punish anyone beneath him."
"If you say so my lord." she said softly keeping her expression as neutral as he could.
"May I offer you some advice my lady?"
"You may."
"I have heard tell that his grace seeks a wolf for a bride for his son, seeks to bind his friend's family and his own, perhaps given the prince's temperament it is not such a bad thing to be second choice."
"I…My lord."
"Who knows my lady, perhaps there is someone far better out there for a lady such as yourself." Varys said with a bow before leaving her alone in the garden.
Jae.
Entering the gates of Castle Black, Jae couldn't believe it looked exactly how it had in his visions, he shuddered when he looked over to the area at the side where he'd seen his body bleed out. As they dismounted they were quickly joined by some of the brothers of the watch, a large balding man with a raven on his shoulder was accompanied by two other brothers one who looked familiar to him though he couldn't place him.
"Jeor you old bear you look good." the Greatjon said in an exuberant greeting "You too Benjen."
Benjen, no it couldn't be Jae thought as he looked at the man closer now, he had a long face and dark brown hair but his eyes were blue and not the grey of his mother, but still he could see the resemblance. How though? Had he committed some crime and been sentenced to the watch? Surely his brother wouldn't have sent him here otherwise? Or had Jae being born early changed Benjen's fate too? He would need to speak to his uncle, uncle this man was his family too Jae thought and grinned before schooling his features.
"It's good to see you too Jon and the supplies are most appreciated." Jeor said.
"Corn, Corn" the raven cawed and Jae watched as the large man fed the bird some corn.
"It wasn't me Jeor, the supplies are from the young lad here, he and his knights." the Greatjon said slapping him on the back and almost knocking him over with the force of it.
"Aye, and who are you lad?"
"Jon Snow Lord Commander, my name is Jon Snow, my companions and I are here to help out if we may."
"Help the watch, why lad?" Benjen asked looking at him suspiciously.
"It's a long story my lord, if we could speak somewhere else I'd be more than happy to tell you, until then the supplies I've brought with me are for the watch." Jae said and was pleased to see a nod from the two men.
"Corn Corn." the raven cawed again.
"Shut up I've fed you once already." Jeor said annoyed as he looked at the crow.
"Very well follow us lad." Benjen said before heading towards the stairs.
He nodded to Arthur and he and Kalors followed while Clarence went to get the chest and Marten helped organize the removal of the supplies with the other black brother who'd accompanied Jeor and Benjen, a man named Marsh. He saw both the Greatjon and his son too had followed and as they arrived at the Lord Commander's quarters they were joined by a Maester. Jae gasped when he saw him, his grand uncle was old and blind and his hair had greyed but he was clearly as much of a Targaryen as the ancestors he'd met in Valyria.
His grand uncle moved as if his lack of eyesight was no problem and Jae was surprised to see when they entered the small room which served as a solar that he was able to find a seat without direction. The room itself though was cramped and the fact that both Umbers and Kalors weren't small men made it even more so, he watched as Arthur nodded to Kalors who left the room to guard the outside and when bid he took his seat. Arthur remained standing and the Greatjon suggested his son go make sure the men were settled, much to everyone but the Smalljon's relief.
"Well lad, I think it's time for introductions, I'm Lord Commander Mormont, the other man here is our first ranger Benjen Stark and this is our Maester, Aemon." the lord commander said as his raven flew to stand on the small window frame.
"It's an honor Lord Commander, Benjen, Maester." Jon said "As I said my name is Jon Snow and the man behind me is Ser Daeron Sand, my friend at the door is called Kalors and the man I sent to retrieve some items is Ser Clarence Waters."
The lord commander nodded and Benjen looked him in the eye, before doing likewise.
"Lord Commander my father believed in the watch, he believed you men did a job which was incredibly important though under appreciated, from an early age I swore that should I be able to, I would one day come and if I could help out in anyway I can."
"Your father what was his name lad?" Benjen asked.
"Daemon Sand my lord." Jon said and the Maester turned to look at him curiously.
"Not a lord lad just a brother like the rest." Benjen said and Jae nodded.
"Of course Benjen, as I said I promised to help if I had the means, which I now do. The supplies are yours Lord Commander, there shall be more each year while I'm able to see them here."
"We thank you lad, supplies are always welcome though it's men we need." Jeor said.
"Corn corn."
"Shut up you useless fucker." Jeor said and the Greatjon laughed loudly before there was a knock on the door.
Benjen got up to answer it and Clarence came in carrying the chest and laid it down on the table before leaving.
"What's in the chest?" Jeor asked.
"As I said Lord Commander I now have the means to offer help." Jae said opening the chest to gasps all around.
"What is it Lord Commander?" Aemon asked
"Coin Aemon, a lot of coin, how much is here lad?" Jeor asked picking up a handful of the gold dragons.
"Ten thousand gold dragons Lord Commander it was all I felt safe in carrying, the rest is in an account in the Iron Bank for your use however you see fit."
"The rest?" Aemon asked.
"Yes Maester, one hundred thousand gold dragons in an account under the name of the Nights Watch." Jae said.
"You're giving the watch over a hundred thousand gold dragons?" the Greatjon said his voice much quieter than usual.
"Yes my lord, as I said I have the means, is it not enough? Do you need more Lord Commander?" Jae asked.
"Enough, lad you've just given us more than anyone ever has, enough, it's more than enough." Jeor said happily.
He watched as Jeor reached into his desk and took out a bottle of some sort of wine and grabbed some mugs and filled them, all but he and the Maester taking one of the mugs.
"You not drinking Jon." Jeor said using his name for the first time.
"The lad promised his mother he wouldn't " the Greatjon said with a large laugh.
"Your mother still lives?" Benjen asked sipping his own wine.
"She does Benjen, she's in Essos with my aunt." Jae said smiling.
"You said your father was called Sand, why are you called Snow?" Benjen asked still looking at him oddly.
"My mother is of the north." Jae said and Benjen nodded.
They sat for a few minutes drinking and talking, the Greatjon speaking about wildings and Benjen talking of the last ranging he'd been on before they were interrupted once again by a knock on the door. This time it was the other black brother who'd stayed to help unload the carts, he walked in and looked them over before the Lord Commander beckoned him over.
"Here have a drink Bowen, we've received a great boon this day. "Jeor said while looking at Jae and nodding.
"How did you know my lord I've only just done the inventory?" Bowen asked confused
"What? I was talking about, wait is that the list?"
"Aye it is, it's incredible Lord Commander, the supplies, it's more than I've ever seen." Bowen said taking a mug filled with wine and handing the Lord Commander the list.
Jae watched as the man read the list and shook his head in incredulity before handing it to Benjen, he then walked over to Jae and bid him stand up.
"The blessings of the old gods upon you lad, what you've done today shall not be forgotten, The North Remembers." Jeor said loudly patting him on the back
"The North Remembers." the others including the Greatjon said loudly in return.
Later that evening.
After seeing the men quartered and having been asked to join the watchmen tonight as they celebrated with the ale and food he'd brought, Jae asked if he could speak to the Maester and discuss other ways he may be able to help. Something that Jeor, Bowen and even Benjen Stark were more than happy to see him do, so he now stood outside the Maester's rooms waiting to be allowed inside, Arthur, Kalors and Marten standing with him.
"You can go inside and speak to him now, try not to be too long Aemon is old and he needs his rest Jon." Benjen said and looked like he was about to say something else but thought better of it and walked off.
He entered the room with Arthur and had Kalors and Marten stand outside to ensure they weren't disturbed. Arthur handed him the two bottles and he walked over to Aemon who was sitting comfortably by the fire, he had only made it a few steps when his grand uncle called out.
"There's no need to creep Jon Snow I know you're here."
"I'm sorry Maester." Jae said as he took a seat and placed the two bottles on the table beside him.
"No need to apologize my boy, now how may I be of assistance?"
"Maester, the story I told to the Lord Commander, it was the truth but I left out some details and changed some others." Jae said.
"Why would you do that Jon Snow?" Aemon said and Jae could swear he was looking directly at him.
"Maester there are things about me that people aren't ready to know just yet, should they find out then not only my life or my men's would be at risk, but my families lives also."
"Very well, I like it not Jon Snow, but what you've done for the watch is all that matters."
"Maester, there is someone I'd like to tell the whole truth to."
"Who?
"You Maester, will you listen?"
"I will Jon Snow. Aemon said with a curious look on his face.
"As I said my father believed in the watch and my mother is of the north Maester those parts are true, but my father's name is not Daemon Sand, it's Rhaegar Targaryen." Jae said
The Maester gasped loudly and his hand dropped to his side, he stood up and looked at him angrily.
"You think me a fool boy, you come here claiming to be my grand nephew. I'm well aware of the outrage that was done on my family, the butchery that was done to Rhaegar's children. Aegon died at the hands of a monster, now go be gone with you before I forget I'm a Maester." Aemon said his voice rising high.
"Maester Aemon, my name is Jaehaerys Targaryen, my father was Rhaegar Targaryen my mother Lyanna Stark, the man with me is not Daeron Sand, he is Ser Arthur Dayne." Jae said pleadingly hoping his grand uncle would listen.
Aemon almost fell into his chair, he gasped and choked and Jae rushed to get him some water, when he handed it to him he grabbed his hand holding it there while he drank greedily. Once he was finished Jae took the mug and tried to get up but his grand uncle held his hand so Arthur took the mug instead. Aemon pulled him closer and let go of his hand, with his two hands now free he began to feel Jae's face.
As his fingers touched his cheekbones, nose and mouth they began to tremble, when they reached his forehead he heard the sobs begin, Aemon was crying openly in front of him, his tears flowing freely down his cheeks.
"Oh nephew, forgive me, forgive an old man his doubts."
"There is nothing to forgive Maester."
"Uncle, please call me uncle." Aemon's voice said the emotion in it clear for all to hear.
"Uncle." Jae said and the old man smiled.
"You have you my father's cheekbones, Egg's nose, oh nephew I had thought I was the last, the only one left, but there is another, you have no idea how much this pleases me" Aemon's smile large now.
"I'm not the only one uncle, my aunt Daenerys is well too, she's with my mother in Astapor."
"Daenerys, she is, I had heard such terrible things nephew, tales of a cruel brother and…"
"No uncle, Viserys is no more but Dany, Dany is well, I swear it."
"But, why have you come here nephew, you should not be here, it's not safe, if the usurper found out, you should leave, Ser Arthur protect your king." Aemon said worriedly and agitated.
"Uncle I am fine, safe, I swear it. I came here for you, to help you."
"I don't understand nephew?"
"I have dreams uncle, dreams that come true, dreams of what's to come. In those dreams I'm not alone, from early on I've had a guide, Brynden Rivers."
"Bloodraven, why?"
"It's a long story uncle"
"Very well nephew, then shall we begin?"
Jae looked at his grand uncle, he worried that what he was about to tell him would make him seem as mad as his grandfather and unlike with the other's he had no way of showing Aemon what he was saying was the truth, he would need him to simply believe him.
"This wasn't the life I was supposed to lead uncle. I was supposed to be born later, had I then I would have been raised as the bastard son of Ned Stark rather than by my mother and the Kingsguard. I'd have lived with being the only stain on my uncle's honor and to remove that stain I'd have eventually come here to join the watch."
"He'd have raised you as a bastard?" Aemon said angrily.
"I think he thought it would save me from the usurper, but the more I think on it I also believe it was to protect the usurper from my making a claim, if I came here…"
"You'd have forsworn against holding a crown or taking a family" Aemon finished for him.
"Yes uncle." Jae said "When I came here I had no idea who I truly was, over time I was named as steward to the Lord Commander."
"Steward not ranger?" Aemon asked.
"I think you may have had something to do with it uncle."
"Me, how?" Aemon asked curiously.
"I believe I made an enemy here, he wished me to languish in a role I wasn't suited for, you however and the Lord Commander saw something different, so I was named steward so I would." Jae paused.
"Attend and learn at the Lord Commander's side." Aemon said with a smile.
"Yes, uncle what do you know of the others and the long night?"
"I know the tales nephew why?"
"What if I told you they were true, that over time the purpose of the Nights Watch had been lost, that the order wasn't formed, the wall wasn't built to protect against the wildings, that it was the others the watch was supposed to fight."
"I don't understand nephew, what has this got to do with you living another life?"
"In the other life I saw them uncle, I fought them and I lost. I don't know how, but this is a second chance, I've been given the tools this time to do what last time I couldn't. I have an army, the chance to unite the country behind me, my dragons will be larger and we'll be more ready when the war comes."
"Dragons, did you say have dragons nephew?" Aemon said excitedly.
"I do uncle, Arthur has seen them, Brankardix, Rhaegon and Ellanys, they're with Dany now."
"The dragon must have three heads." Aemon said.
"Indeed." Jae said smiling "Uncle in my previous life we found some bodies beyond the wall, this happened or will happen in around three years time, the bodies were brothers of the watch and they were brought back here to find out how they died, you examined them."
"What did I find?"
"I do not know, all I know is that they rose uncle, they rose and attacked killing a number of brothers and trying to kill the Lord Commander. Somehow I stopped them, I tried to stab them but in the end the only thing which worked was fire."
"You think this may happen again nephew?"
"I do uncle, I've seen it, seen them attack."
"Then I shall ensure the bodies are burned."
"No, I need them uncle they're the proof I need to convince the rest of the realm, can they be placed somewhere, somewhere safe where they can't get out from?"
"The ice cells, I can place them in the ice cells." Aemon said smiling.
"Ice cells, why don't I, never mind there are gaps, I think." Jae said confused. "Uncle after the bodies, after the attack the Lord Commander ordered a great ranging, they, we, we were attacked and the watch lost many men, no matter what uncle it can't happen again, in fact as we get closer to my return it would be better if rangings didn't take place, we need he best men here."
"I will try nephew, I will do my best, is there more you would have me do?"
"I do not know uncle, I've seen some of it, some of it becomes known to me almost like a memory though it was not there previously, there are also gaps, I do not understand." Jae said shaking his head.
"Perhaps you're only to change certain events right now, perhaps if you had more knowledge you would try to affect more things, things which are not ready to be changed." Aemon said.
"I. don't know." Jae said softly.
"Then we will rely on what you do know." Aemon said with a chuckle.
"Uncle I have something for you, I noticed you did not drink the wine in the Lord Commander's office."
"I find despite my many years here I have not lost my taste for a good wine and have no desire to drink a bad one." Aemon said.
Jae opened one of the bottles and poured it into a mug before handing it to Aemon who took a small swallow of it, his uncle's face lit up in joy as he took a larger swallow.
"Is this from Essos nephew? I've not tasted it before." Aemon said drinking some more.
"No uncle it's from Valyria." Jae said and his uncle coughed and spluttered.
"Valyria how?"
"I've been there uncle, it's where I was given the tools I need, it's where the dragons were born, its where I met our ancestors and my family." Jae said and Arthur took a step forward not having heard this part.
"Our ancestors?"
"The conqueror, queen Rhaenys and queen Visenya, they led me to what I need, weapons, wealth, a ship, the dragon eggs, the library." Jae said.
"You have books from Valyria?" Aemon said his voice full of wonder.
"I do uncle, books, scrolls and potions, I'm still trying to figure out what they do, though one I know cures greyscale."
"That's impossible." Arthur said from behind them.
"Is it more impossible then dragons Arthur? Gared, Shalla and Sharra along with most of the others who returned with me were infected and now they are not." Jae said looking to the knight.
"You have seen this cure work nephew?"
"I have, though I've used most of the potion, but I have book with the cure written in it, that and other things I've not read through yet."
"You truly are the prince that was promised." Aemon said smiling.
"You know of the prophecy uncle?" Jae asked.
"I do nephew, your father wrote to me of it. He also told me he'd finally figured it out, that the song of ice and fire had been sung and the prince that was promised had been found."
"I, when did my father tell you this."
"You are not the only one who dreams nephew." Aemon said smiling.
A/N: Thanks as always to all who've read and reviewed this story. Up Next Jae says goodbye to the wall and his uncle.
Ashernerden: Thanks so much for reviewing, hope i answered you're question. If not well just like in canon Dany is to the Unsullied their queen, Jae will not be abdicating or marrying her, it's a Jae/Margaery pairing.
Guest: I think the Ned/Ashara theory is mainly people who dislike Cat. On Wyman, i've shown a little of it here, but Wyman was the one who found out about The Conpany of the Dragon and Gerold and Oswell being alive, so he told Ned. Jae arrived with over a hundred knights, so he naturally was cautious, but given the knowledge of the Targaryen's having a loyal company of sell swords led by two kingsguard even more so.
Guest: They were deliberately being discourteous to Jae and company to see the reaction, so in some way they were testing them, Jae turned it around and kinda shamed him for it.
Lord Villareal: He may have attempted it, only the fact that Ned is already suspicious, they'll just leave and no more will be spoken.
Biohazard: Thanks so much glad you liked it.
Princess: Really glad you enjoyed this, thank you.
Blackwidow: This story is kinda faster paced than my other so it allows for a more direct approach, really glad you like it.
Valena: Should Ned find out that exactly is what he would do, luckily they'll be gone and the report he'll get back will paint them in a good light. I agree completely on the Velaryon's, given the opportunity they'd be the first to bend the knee. As for Marge well you can see how her mind is working and now Varys is offering a hint lol.
Guest: Jon arrived with over one hundred armed men, in White Harbor, that's enough to raise Manderly's concern. Given they are knights of no known house it raises it more. Wyman was the one who told Ned about Gerold/Oswell forming the Company of the Dragon so when the knights, a ship they've not seen before arrives from Essos, immediately they'd be on alert.
The rest of the conversation was Wyman almost delibeartely provoking Jae, testing him, should Jae not understand the way things worked in the seven kingdoms that would actually show Wyman that yes this could be far more dangerous than it looked. Jae was able to turn it back on him and in some ways shame him.
As for Ned the same thing he sent Greatjon because should the need arise he'd have taken action. There's no need for permisson, but still a foreign group of Knights arrive belonging to no kingdom, no great house that raises heckles. What if they were an exploratory force from the Company of the Dragon, what if this was them checking out for a possible invasion?
Ned doesn't know of Jae or Lyanna's survival so in some ways he sees it as they would blame him as much as Robert for the fall of the Targaryens and may come seeking revenge.
Gourav: Glad you like it, it'll update every monday.
FyiGymnast: Hope the above explains what was going on with Wyman, yep she totally deserved it.
XanMerrick: Thanks so much really glad you liked it.