The Rise Of A Dynasty
Winterfell – 303 A.C
Three days later…
Margaery sighed as she looked around the courtyard as everyone rushed to get into line for the arrival of the royal party who were fast approaching the outer gates.
She was stood holding the hands of her two young children.
Her Son Torrhen was nearly 3 and a half years old with short light brown blonde blend hair like Margaery.
Her Daughter Ellara was just over 2 years old with long dark brown hair and was sucking on the thumb of her free hand as she tried to remain standing.
After several seconds Jon made his way out of the main keep into the courtyard causing Margaery to breath a sigh of relief.
"What took you so long?" said Margaery.
Jon picked Ellara up in his arms and stood next to Margaery.
"Business with Maester Lewin" said Jon giving her a quick kiss as he readjusted his hold on Ellara.
Margaery sighed and turned around to carry on ushering the Household staff into position.
Fortunately she managed to get them all into lines moments before Barristan Selmy and Robar Royce rode through the inner gates into the courtyard followed by Edric and Gendry Baratheon.
Jon and the others knelt down as Edric Baratheon stopped his horse in the middle of the courtyard and dismounted it.
He made his way over to Jon who looked up at him.
"Rise" said Edric Baratheon.
Jon stood up along with everyone else in the courtyard as the wagons and wheelhouses came to a halt near the gates.
He straightened up and handed Ellara to Margaery.
"Winterfell is yours Your Grace" said Jon dutifully.
Edric Baratheon nodded.
"Thank you for your hospitality My Lord" said Edric Baratheon.
Jon turned to Ellara.
"My Daughter Ellara… and my Son and Heir Torrhen" said Jon.
Edric Baratheon nodded and turned to face Visenya who was holding onto their Son Prince Orys Baratheon who was now 8 moons old.
"My Son… Prince Orys of the House Baratheon, first of his name" said Edric Baratheon proudly.
Jon gave Visenya a kiss on the cheek as he traced his gloved finger over the Prince's cheek while Edric Baratheon greeted Margaery by her title of Lady Stark along with a kiss on the cheek.
After a few seconds he straightened up and bowed his head to his Cousin and her Husband.
"Chambers have been prepared for you Your Grace… I will have someone show you to them" said Jon motioning for his new Steward Hallis to come over with his hand.
Edric Baratheon bowed his head before stepping back from Jon and Margaery.
Hallis stood at around 5'11 in his late thirties with shoulder length brown light hair dressed in a grey seal and bear pelt floor length tunic and breeches similar to what the Karstark men wear.
"This way Your Grace" said Hallis.
Edric Baratheon nodded.
"Thank you, and could you have a bath drawn, it has been a long ride" said Edric Baratheon.
"At once Your Grace" said Hallis.
Edric and Visenya Baratheon followed the Steward towards the main keep.
Once Jon had greeted his parents along with Robb, Lyra, Arya, Rhaenys and Daenerys he was a little surprised to see who approached him.
Minisa Baratheon.
She was looking at him with a nervous look on her face as she kept nervously squeezing her hands together.
Jon straightened up.
"My Lady" said Jon warily.
Minisa took a step towards him.
"May I visit your crypts My Lord?" said Minisa warily.
Jon paused for several moments before his Father came to his rescue.
"I will take you down My Lady" said Ned solemnly.
Minisa turned to him and bowed her head.
"Thank you My Lord Hand" said Minisa passively.
Jon nodded his thanks to his Father before allowing his Mother to take his arm and guide him towards the main keep.
Later that afternoon…
Jon was sat in his new private lounge area with Robb, Beric and Bran sharing drinks as they caught up with each other.
Or the three eldest Brothers caught up with their younger Brother whom they had not seen in some time due to him spending all of his time in Kings Landing.
"Have you heard from Theon?" said Bran.
"He will be arriving in the morning" said Jon as he sipped his ale.
Not long after arriving at Flints Finger with his Wife and Son Maron Greyjoy, Theon had renamed the castle Kraken Point in honour of the kraken that decorated his banners and the location of the castle near Cape Kraken on the shores of Blazewater Bay.
Surprisingly he had not opted to change his sigil from the gold kraken on a dark blue sea despite the fact that he had been effectively disowned by his birth family for staying in the North.
Though instead of using the traditional words of House Greyjoy "We do not sow" as his House words he had opted to use the more common phrase of "What is dead may never die" for his House words instead.
Together with House Spearstark of The Saltspear Tower, House Glover of the Stony Shore and House Mormont, House Greyjoy of Kraken Point were charged with defending the western shore of the North from raiders and pirates.
A duty which was only enhanced by the four Houses combining their resources and manpower to start constructing a Northern fleet to help defend their western shore in addition to the small fleet protecting their eastern shore.
"What does he think of his new castle then?" said Bran.
Beric snorted.
"Said it feels strange knowing that he rules a castle that his Father once climbed during a raid in his youth… especially since it is so tall one can just about see Moat Cailin in the distance" said Beric amusedly.
Jon, Robb and Bran chuckled.
"Its a wonder he has not attempted to scale it himself" said Jon amusedly.
The others chuckled before Robb took a large swig of his ale.
"What did she want to go down to the crypts for by the way?" said Robb.
Jon sighed.
"Father said she wanted to see Uncle Brandon's statue" said Jon passively.
"What for… so she can tell the statue how she turned traitor against his house" said Beric bitterly.
"I guess that is living proof then" said Jon flatly.
Robb and Beric nodded in agreement.
"Living proof of what?" said Bran.
"That power corrupts Little Brother… especially when you have too much power" said Jon flatly.
"Only most people do not realise that until it is too late" said Beric solemnly.
Jon nodded and took a swig of his ale.
"Come on… surely there are better things to talk about than that" said Jon.
Beric nodded.
"Well… we were going to wait until tonight to announce it but I guess there is no harm in saying something now" said Beric with a sigh.
Robb raised his eyebrow and smirked slightly.
"You got her pregnant again?" said Robb with a hint of amusement.
Beric turned red and looked down at the floor before nodding.
"Yes" said Beric nervously.
Jon chuckled.
"Are you going to act that nervous every time that stunning wife of yours gets pregnant?" said Jon teasingly.
Beric scowled.
"So how far along is she?" said Robb.
"Three moons… the Maester says she might be carrying twins" said Beric.
Jon clapped his hand on Beric's shoulder.
"Congratulations Little Brother… though you will have to keep Mother at bay when she finds out the news" said Jon amusedly.
The four boys carried on laughing and drinking for the next two hours before Ashara came into the room telling them to go and get ready for the feast.
Later that night…
Daenerys walked past the other standing guests in the hall as she clutched her goblet of wine in one hand.
She made her way towards the high table where Jon and Margaery were stood talking with Karl and Melessa Cerwyn.
Daenerys stopped next to them and straightened up.
"My Lords, My Ladies" said Daenerys confidently.
Jon and the others turned to face her.
"Princess" said Jon nodding his head to her.
"Princess" said Margaery in a warmer voice while Karl and Melessa Cerwyn nodded their heads to her without a word.
"May we speak Lord Stark?" said Daenerys.
Jon turned to the others for a brief moment before turning back to her and nodding.
"Okay" said Jon.
He stepped away from the others and walked side by side with Daenerys until they reached the corner of the hall by one of the lit hearths.
"How can I help you Princess?" said Jon.
Daenerys sipped her wine and straightened up.
"As I have been told by the Queen… I have a great Uncle at Castle Black" said Daenerys flatly.
Jon slowly nodded.
"You mean Maester Aemon?" said Jon warily.
"If that is his name then yes… he is one of the last Targaryans in this world, and I would like to meet him" said Daenerys as she sipped her wine.
Jon sighed.
"I am not sure if you are aware or not… of what type of men are at Castle Black now" said Jon flatly.
Daenerys nodded.
"Most of them are murderers and rapists I know" said Daenerys.
"Then you understand why I do not think it would be a good idea for you to go to Castle Black" said Jon.
Daenerys straightened up.
"I understand why you think that… but it is my choice to go to Castle Black. and that is why I am asking you if you would provide me with an escort to Castle Black after your Sisters wedding, of course I will have a member of the Kingsguard with me at all times, but I would feel safer if you would provide me with some extra Guards" said Daenerys.
Jon sighed.
"Come with me" said Jon.
He walked back into the crowd of Guests followed by Daenerys.
After a few moments the two came to a halt at one of the tables where Smalljon Umber was sat drinking with Harrion Karstark, a sombre looking Rodrik Forrester and Walt Manderly.
"Lord Umber" said Jon.
The three men looked up at him before Smalljon Umber stood up.
Jon straightened up.
"Lord Umber, I would ask a favour of you, if you would allow me" said Jon.
Smalljon Umber nodded.
"Anything Lord Stark" said Smalljon Umber dutifully.
Jon glanced at Daenerys before turning back to Smalljon Umber.
"Princess Daenerys wishes to visit her Great Uncle at Castle Black after my Sister's wedding… I would ask that you escort her to Castle Black and then back to Winterfell" said Jon.
Smalljon Umber glanced at Daenerys who looked slightly nervous under his piercing gaze before turning back to Jon with a stiff nod.
"Very well" said Smalljon Umber stiffly.
Jon nodded and thanked him before leading Daenerys away from the table.
"He does not look so happy at your favour?" said Daenerys warily.
"Your a southerner who he knows nothing about, and his Father remembers your Father's reign very well… of course he does not like the thought of being your escort, but he will follow the order without question or hesitation" said Jon flatly.
"Why?" said Daenerys warily.
Jon glanced back at Smalljon Umber and the others.
"House Umber is loyal to House Stark Princess, and he is one of my closest friends, I would trust him with my life, just as he would trust me with his" said Jon.
"And you would trust him with my life?" said Daenerys testily.
Jon looked at her and nodded.
"I would" said Jon confidently.
Daenerys sighed and remained silent for a few moments as they came to a halt in front of the high table.
"The man who is marrying your Sister… he is an Umber is he not?" said Daenerys flatly.
Jon nodded.
"His younger Brother" said Jon.
Daenerys nodded and sipped her wine.
"I should let you get back to your Wife, I have taken up more of your time than needed" said Daenerys.
Jon sighed and nodded.
"Very well" said Jon.
Daenerys turned and walked away from him back into the crowd.
Jon refilled his ale before walking into the crowd in search of someone to talk to.
Two days later…
Jon was sat in his solar writing on a scroll of parchment when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in" said Jon not looking up from his work.
The door opened and the sound of Margaery's voice in the doorway made him look up from his work.
Margaery was stood in the doorway with another young woman stood behind her though it was difficult to see who it was.
"She is here Jon" said Margaery.
Jon nodded.
"Bring her in" said Jon.
Margaery stepped inside allowing the young woman behind her to enter the Solar.
Gwyn Whitehill.
Margaery closed the door and walked around the desk to where a smaller chair had been placed next to Jon for her.
Gwyn Whitehill remained by the door looking at them with a wary look on her face.
"Please sit down Lady Whitehill" said Margaery nodding her head to the empty chair on the other side of the desk.
Gwyn Whitehill slowly moved towards the chair and sat down with her legs together and her hands on her knees.
Jon finished writing on the scroll in silence before rolling it up and sealing it with his sigil.
"How are you today Lady Whitehill?" said Jon politely.
Gwyn Whitehill straightened up.
"I have been better" said Gwyn Whitehill flatly.
Jon sighed and nodded.
"And how is your Daughter?" said Jon softly.
Gwyn Whitehill looked at him and Margaery curiously.
"She is well My Lord" said Gwyn Whitehill.
"Her name is Lenora?" said Margaery.
Gwyn Whitehill nodded.
"Yes" said Gwyn Whitehill warily.
Jon sighed and opened one of the drawers on his desk.
"I spoke to my Father yesterday… and he in turn spoke to the King" said Jon as he pulled a rolled up scroll out of the drawer and held it out towards her.
Gwyn Whitehill slowly took the scroll from him and unrolled it.
"About your Daughter" said Margaery as Gwyn Whitehill started to read the scroll.
She and Jon watched as Gwyn Whitehill shed tears at the contents of the scroll.
Not the tears of sadness which had been filling her eyes for many moons now. But tears of joy.
"Is this true… will my Daughter be?" said Gwyn Whitehill in shock.
Jon nodded.
"She is now officially recognised and named as Lenora Whitehill, and your Heir unless you marry and have a Son" said Jon.
Gwyn Whitehill wiped the tears from her eyes.
"You honour me greatly Lord Stark, I am forever in your debt" said Gwyn Whitehill.
Jon managed a small smile.
"Yes well… her Father was a good friend, an annoying shit at times… but a good and loyal friend above all else" said Jon solemnly.
Gwyn Whitehill frowned.
Margaery sighed.
"May I ask you an honest question Lady Whitehill?" said Margaery testily.
Gwyn Whitehill locked eyes with her.
"Forresters do not marry Whitehills… even when they get them pregnant, our families have hated each other for generations… the two of us falling in love was not going to erase the generations of bad blood between our families" said Gwyn Whitehill flatly knowing exactly what question Margaery wanted to ask her.
Jon sighed.
"Had either of us admitted that Asher was the Father of my Daughter… he would have been exiled to avoid bloodshed, or killed" said Gwyn Whitehill sadly.
"I am very sorry My Lady" said Jon regretfully.
Gwyn Whitehill nodded.
"Father was furious with me… and in his fury he gave me something that helped me rather than hurt me" said Gwyn Whitehill sadly.
"What did he do?" said Margaery curiously.
Gwyn Whitehill straightened up.
"Two years before the war started, he finally gave into his anger and sent me away from Highpoint… put me up in a tiny castle on the edge of our lands, with servants to keep an eye on me, but they felt sorry for me, and hated what my Father had done to me… so they never said a word to my Family when Asher would visit me" said Gwyn Whitehill sadly.
Jon frowned.
"We spent our last night together the night before he travelled to Moat Cailin… he told me that when the war was over things would be different, that our Daughter would have a better life, a life she deserved" said Gwyn Whitehill sadly.
Jon and Margaery sighed in realisation as Gwyn Whitehill looked down at her lap.
Eight miles from Highpoint – 301 A.C
Two years and three moons earlier…
Gwyn Whitehill was sat up in her bed clutching the sheets around her naked chest as her lover traced his hand on her lower back from his position next to her.
Asher Forrester was laid next to her looking at her bare back as he stroked her skin with his hand.
"You always look beautiful… even when you are locked up in this castle with nowhere else to go" said Asher Forrester softly.
Gwyn Whitehill let out a small smile.
"I have everything I need in this castle, my peace and quiet, and my Daughter" said Gwyn Whitehill.
Asher Forrester sighed and raised himself up to her side.
"And me of course" said Asher Forrester cheekily as he pressed a kiss to her shoulder and grasped the sheets in front of her chest.
Gwyn Whitehill smirked.
"Having you here does have its benefits" said Gwyn Whitehill cheekily.
Asher Forrester sighed.
"I should be here more often… with you and my Daughter" said Asher Forrester regretfully.
Gwyn Whitehill sighed.
"You know that is not possible" said Gwyn Whitehill flatly.
Asher Forrester frowned and slipped out of bed onto his knees on the floor.
"Gwyn, come here" said Asher Forrester softly.
Gwyn Whitehill shifted around the bed until she was facing him.
He grasped her hands in his.
"Marry me?" said Asher Forrester.
Gwyn Whitehill looked down at him in amusement.
"Are you serious?" said Gwyn Whitehill amusedly.
Asher Forrester nodded.
"Very… our Daughter needs both her Mother and her Father in her life, in the same castle, and I love you, so marry me" said Asher Forrester pulling her hands into his chest.
"And what about our parents, given that it was them who stopped us from seeing each other, that is the reason why you can only come here every few moons, and why I cannot leave this castle" said Gwyn Whitehill flatly.
"I will speak to my Father after we win the war, when he knows how serious I am about this he will say yes" said Asher Forrester determinedly.
Gwyn Whitehill sighed.
"My Father will never agree to this" said Gwyn Whitehill regretfully.
Asher Forrester scoffed.
"He banished you to this castle because you fell in love with a Forrester… why should he get any say in who you spend the rest of your life with?" said Asher Forrester.
Gwyn Whitehill sighed causing Asher to pull her hands to his mouth and kiss her knuckles.
"Gwyn… you know I love you, and I know you love me, marry me, lets give Lenora a life she deserves, with both her parents in it" said Asher Forrester.
Gwyn Whitehill smiled and nodded after several moments.
Asher Forrester moved closer to her.
"Yes?" said Asher Forrester.
"Yes" said Gwyn Whitehill happily.
Asher Forrester smiled and kissed her deeply.
Gwyn Whitehill broke the kiss and locked eyes with him.
"Now come back to bed" said Gwyn Whitehill.
Asher Forrester smirked and stood up before climbing into bed with her.
Gwyn Whitehill cuddled up to him and kissed him as he traced his hands on her cheek and in her hair.
"I had thought you would have wanted to avoid sleep for now, given that we will not see each other again for some time" said Asher Forrester as he pressed her down into the bed with him on top of her.
Gwyn Whitehill smirked.
"Who said anything about sleep?" said Gwyn Whitehill as she traced her hands on his chest.
Asher Forrester gripped her hips and kissed her.
"Only he never got the chance to speak to his Father… and now I am left alone with my Daughter" said Gwyn Whitehill sadly.
Jon frowned.
"You can ask House Stark for anything My Lady, and we will do our best to help you" said Jon solemnly.
Gwyn Whitehill nodded and stood up.
"Thank you My Lord, but I can manage on my own" said Gwyn Whitehill.
Jon nodded.
"You can go now My Lady" said Jon.
Gwyn Whitehill bowed her head and left the Solar.
Jon sighed and turned to Margaery before pulling her into his lap.
He kissed her and placed his hand on her stomach.
"From now on… I am not leaving without telling you and our children how much I love you" said Jon softly.
Margaery smiled and held his head into her chest.
"You better not" said Margaery softly before kissing him again.
The next night…
Ned had to compose himself as he took his position besides the Heart Tree in the Godswood.
He had given Arya to her soon to be Husband Mors Umber who took her hands in his.
Ned held his tears back as he looked at his eldest Daughter. The Daughter who had rebelled and protested against marriage for so long. Finally getting married.
"You will marry a fine Lord… one who is worthy of you, and you will rule his keep" said Ned softly as he kissed the forehead of the then ten year old Arya.
The two were sat on her bed in her chambers.
Arya looked up at him.
"No… that's not me" said Arya softly.
Ned sighed and pulled her into his side once again.
He felt someone take his hand as he watched Arya swear her marriage vows in the presence of Maege Mormont who was officiating the wedding.
He glanced to his left to see Ashara leaning into his side.
He pressed his head into hers as the two watched their eldest Daughter finally get married.
Once the wedding ceremony was over Arya walked over to them only to be tightly wrapped in a hug.
Ned pressed a kiss to her forehead.
One hour later…
Visenya sat down next to Arya who to no complete surprise had removed the Winter Roses and the jewellery from her attire which her Mother and her Aunt Lyanna had insisted she wear.
"I believe congratulations are in order" said Visenya softly as she poured a glass of water for herself.
Arya turned to her and took the wine having a large swig of it.
"Thanks" said Arya.
Visenya chuckled.
"Getting drunk will not help you cope with what is going to happen after the feast" said Visenya amusedly as she pulled the goblet away from Arya.
Arya scowled and took the goblet back from her Cousin.
"Yes it will" scowled Arya before refilling the goblet.
Visenya sighed.
"Even though it can be slightly unpleasant and messy the first time… after that it gets better, and more enjoyable" said Visenya softly.
Arya sighed and took a swig of the wine.
She was about to reply before Mors Umber made his way over to the table.
He held his hand out towards her causing Arya to stand up.
"Will you dance with me My Lady?" said Mors Umber.
Arya nodded and took his hand allowing him to walk her around the table onto the small dance floor in front of it.
She looked up at him as he started to lead her in a slow dance around the small floor.
"You look very beautiful My Lady" said Mors Umber humbly.
Arya managed a small smile.
"Thank you" said Arya nervously.
No more words were exchanged between the two as they continued to dance.
Meanwhile…
Ned was stood talking with Greatjon Umber offering his congratulations when a familiar face approached him.
"It has been some time Lord Stark" said a familiar male voice from behind him.
Ned turned around before cracking a smile at the sight of the man behind him.
Howland Reed.
"That it has Lord Reed" said Ned humbly.
The two stood there in silence for a few moments before Ned wrapped him in a one armed hug.
"Its good to see you again Howland" said Ned fondly.
"And you Ned… but there was something I wished to discuss with you" said Howland Reed humbly.
Ned nodded and led Howland Reed over to one of the empty tables in the top right corner of the hall.
The two sat down where Howland Reed poured two mugs of ale for both of them.
"What do you wish to talk about?" said Ned as he took one of the mugs of ale.
Howland Reed took a sip from the other mug of ale and straightened up.
"You might not be aware… but my Daughter Meera is of age where she would be married, but I am yet to find a potential suitor for her" said Howland Reed.
Ned nodded.
"Are you asking for a betrothal between her and my Son Brandon?" said Ned testily.
Howland Reed slowly nodded.
"I know there is a slight age gap between the two, and that it would be a few years before they can be married… but I would be indebted to you if you were to accept this" said Howland Reed humbly.
Ned managed a small smile.
"You have been a good and loyal friend since we first met, I would be honoured to join our houses Lord Reed" said Ned humbly.
The two chinked their mugs and took a swig each.
"I will discuss it with Lady Stark… and we can finalise the arrangements tomorrow morning" said Ned fondly.
Howland Reed bowed his head.
"Thank you" said Howland Reed humbly.
"Come to my Solar after we break our fast… and bring your Daughter, my Son will also be there" said Ned.
The two remained seated at the table drinking and catching up for the next few minutes.
Two hours later…
Margaery moved through the hall engaging in quick conversations with her guests while she sipped from her goblet of water.
"Wine My Lady?" said a voice from her left.
She turned in the direction of the voice to see Ramsey Snow looking at her with a pitcher of wine and an empty goblet in his hands.
Margaery covered the top of her goblet with her free hand.
"Not tonight My Lord… wine does not do well for my child" said Margaery politely.
She started to feel slightly uneasy when she saw Ramsey Snow's gaze lock itself onto her.
"I am no Lord My Lady, merely a bastard… but you have my congratulations" said Ramsey Snow in a slightly weird voice.
"Thank you" said Margaery warily feeling more uneasy with each passing moment.
Ramsey Snow refilled his goblet of wine.
"What are you hoping for this time… another boy, or perhaps a girl?" said Ramsey Snow with a strange smile on his face.
"Either" said Margaery warily seeking a way out of this conversation.
Fortunately a third person joined the conversation causing Margaery to relax just a little bit.
Roose Bolton.
Margaery straightened up and turned to him.
"I hear your Wife is weeks from giving birth now Lord Bolton, congratulations" said Margaery politely.
Roose Bolton gave her a curt nod.
"You are correct Lady Stark… its about time I produced a worthy Heir" said Roose Bolton flatly as he glanced at Ramsey Snow who suddenly looked slightly uneasy.
Margaery offered Roose Bolton a polite smile.
"I hope the Gods bless you with a Son then Lord Bolton" said Margaery politely as she sipped her water.
Roose Bolton stiffly nodded.
"The Maester is confident she is carrying a boy… lets hope he is right" said Roose Bolton.
He stepped away from her beckoning for Ramsey Snow to follow him.
Margaery turned and quickly walked away from the Bolton Lord and his Bastard eager to get away from them.
As she was leaving she bumped into Rhaenys.
"Easy there Lady Margaery" said Rhaenys.
Margaery sighed.
"I am sorry… I should have been looking where I was going, even if I was in a little hurry to get away" said Margaery.
Rhaenys glanced to where Roose Bolton and Ramsey Snow were walking in the opposite direction.
"I remember meeting Lord Bolton when I was staying here as a child… frightening man, never smiled, and those eyes of his, its like looking into the eyes of death" said Rhaenys shivering slightly.
Margaery nodded.
"Lady Stark always told me to be wary of him… and his bastard" said Margaery flatly.
"And so you should be… given the bad blood between the Bolton's and the Starks" said Rhaenys reassuringly.
Margaery sighed.
"Maybe I should watch my back more carefully while he is here" said Margaery warily.
Rhaenys managed a small smile.
"You need not worry so much about it… I doubt he would do anything stupid while he is here… and hopefully he is able to control his bastard, given the strange rumours about him" said Rhaenys softly.
Margaery sighed before taking another sip of her water.
After a few moments she moved towards the back exit of the hall intent on checking on her children who were too young to attend the feast.
Castle Black – 303 A.C
Five days later…
Daenerys took a deep breath as she approached the gates of Castle Black.
She was riding on a Northern Stallion loaned to her by the Starks.
Behind her rode Smalljon Umber, Brienne Of Tarth and several House Stark and Umber Guards.
As she reached the gates the young Nights Watch Brother on duty looked down at her in shock.
"Who goes there?" said the young man who could not have been any older than 20 years of age.
Daenerys straightened up.
"Princess Daenerys Targaryan of Dragonstone… I demand entry into this castle" said Daenerys confidently.
The young man looked visibly shocked for several seconds before shouting for the gates to be opened.
Once they were open Daenerys rode through into the courtyard where several men of the Nights Watch were training under the watchful eyes of two men.
One of whom Daenerys was not so happy to see.
Jorah Mormont and Aliser Thorne.
She had only heard a few stories about Aliser Thorne about how he used to serve as the Master At Arms at Dragonstone and that he was sent to the Wall for refusing to bend the knee to Robert Baratheon when Dragonstone was taken by Stannis Baratheon.
Jorah Mormont caught sight of her from across the courtyard with a hopeful look on his face causing Daenerys to look away from him.
She took a step towards Aliser Thorne who was looking at her in shock while she was shadowed by Brienne Of Tarth.
"I would like to see Maester Aemon Ser" said Daenerys flatly.
Aliser Thorne slowly nodded before sharply turning to Jorah Mormont who was looking at Daenerys with a hopeful and pleading look on his face.
"Keep on training them until I get back Mormont" barked Aliser Thorne.
He turned back to Daenerys who refused to look at Jorah Mormont.
"I will take you to him Princess" said Aliser Thorne flatly.
Daenerys nodded and followed him towards the steps leading up to the second floor of the castle.
She and Brienne Of Tarth followed Aliser Thorne through the castle in silence for a few moments before the man turned to Daenerys.
"Maester Aemon was thrilled to hear about your return to Westeros Princess… as was I" said Aliser Thorne flatly.
Daenerys glanced at Brienne who looked slightly uneasy.
"Why?" said Daenerys warily.
"I swore a vow to serve your family… which is why I ended up here, because I would not bow to the Usurper" said Aliser Thorne flatly.
"Mind your tongue Ser… the man you are speaking of is the Kings late Father" said Brienne icily.
Daenerys sighed.
"Ser Brienne is right Ser Aliser… you should be careful with your words about our beloved Kings late father" said Daenerys flatly.
She glanced at Aliser Thorne and saw that he looked slightly bitter about her response.
They carried on walking in silence before coming to a halt outside a dark wooden door leading to what she presumed were Maester Aemon's chambers.
Aliser Thorne turned to her.
"Maester Aemon is very old… and blind, perhaps you should bear that in mind when talking to him" said Aliser Thorne flatly.
He knocked on the door.
"Maester Aemon… a visitor" said Aliser Thorne.
"Show them in" said a kind feeble male voice from the other side of the door.
Aliser Thorne opened the door and stepped inside followed by Daenerys and Brienne.
It was then that Daenerys first caught sight of her oldest surviving family member.
He was sat very close to the lit hearth staring into the flames.
Daenerys took a step towards him causing him to slowly turn around to look at them.
Maester Aemon was in his mid 90's with short balding white hair and he was dressed in a thick dark grey coloured Maester's style robe.
Aliser Thorne took a step towards the elderly Maester.
"Princess Daenerys Targaryan is here to see you Maester Aemon" said Aliser Thorne.
Maester Aemon turned back to face the hearth with a look of surprise on his face.
"Come closer child… you can go now Ser Aliser" said Maester Aemon feebly.
Aliser Thorne paused for a few seconds before walking out of the room.
Daenerys slowly made her way towards Maester Aemon who did not turn away from the fire.
As she came to a halt besides him she saw that he was looking directly into the flames.
"Are you not too warm sat that close to the fire?" said Daenerys tentatively as she knelt down beside him placing her hands on the armrest.
"One must keep warm at my age" said Maester Aemon softly.
Daenerys slowly nodded unsure of what to say.
"I heard you have had quite the journey on your return to Westeros" said Maester Aemon.
"It was quite a journey yes" said Daenerys warily.
"Khaleesi to the late Khal Drogo, birthed three dragons from your Husband's funeral pyre… Qarth, Astapor… and then onto Westeros with the rest of your family" said Maester Aemon.
Daenerys felt shocked before Maester Aemon let out a small chuckle as if he could read her mind.
"Whispers of your travels reach us at the Wall Princess… and your former friend told me so much about you" said Maester Aemon.
"He is no friend of mine… only another traitor who betrayed me" said Daenerys quickly and bitterly.
Maester Aemon let out a small smile.
"Perhaps he speaks so fondly of you because he loves you" said Maester Aemon softly.
Daenerys felt slightly stunned.
"Jorah Mormont is not in love with me" said Daenerys.
Maester Aemon smiled and turned to her.
He slowly reached up to stroke her cheek causing Daenerys to smile at the warm contact.
"Sweet child… I do not think I have ever met a man so in love with someone than Jorah Mormont, and yet so hurt by that love" said Maester Aemon.
Daenerys frowned.
"He sold my secrets to Robert Baratheon… who sent assassins after me since the time I was a babe, the information he sent to Robert Baratheon almost resulted in me being poisoned by a wine merchant, I want nothing to do with him" said Daenerys flatly.
Maester Aemon remained silent for a few moments.
"What he has done haunts you still does it not?" said Maester Aemon.
Daenerys frowned.
"Yes" said Daenerys sadly.
"Then you must speak to him, only then you will be able to move on from what has happened between the two of you" said Maester Aemon.
Daenerys remained silent and still for several moments.
"I cannot" said Daenerys sadly.
She remained besides him in silence for some time before finally standing up when Maester Aemon's steward entered the chambers with his supper.
The Dreadfort – 303 A.C
Three weeks later…
The ancestral castle of House Bolton which had stood since the time of the Red Kings of House Bolton was located on top of a small hill on the shores of the Weeping Water.
Thick woodland, high dark stone walls and equally dark watchtowers surrounded the main keep on all sides. At the bottom of the hill on the banks of the river were several small docks harbouring small fishing boats.
Deep inside the castle two men were sat at a large table in the main hall eating their evening meal.
Roose Bolton and Ramsey Snow.
The two sat there eating their food in complete silence for several minutes before an elderly Maester made his way into the hall with two young men dressed in tunics, breeches and furs behind him with their hands on the pommels of their sheathed swords.
"My Lord" said the Maester.
Roose Bolton sharply turned to face the Maester.
"What is it?" said Roose Bolton coldly.
The Maester straightened up.
"Lady Walda has given birth My Lord" said the Maester.
Roose Bolton stood up.
"A boy… red cheeked and healthy" said the Maester with a proud smile on his face.
Ramsey Snow slowly got to his feet and walked around the table to his Father.
He stopped in front of him for several moments.
"Congratulations Father… I look forward to meeting my new Brother" said Ramsey Snow wrapping his Father in a hug.
Roose Bolton gripped Ramsey Snow's shoulders and locked eyes with him.
"You will always be my first born" said Roose Bolton with a small degree of fondness.
Ramsey Snow straightened up.
"Thank you, for saying that… it means a great deal to me" said Ramsey Snow.
The two men looked at each other in silence for several seconds before Ramsey Snow pulled something from behind his back and swiftly moved forwards.
Roose Bolton gasped in pain as he started to go limp.
Ramsey Snow turned away from him slightly as he held onto his Father with one hand and a small dagger which had been buried into his Father's stomach in the other hand.
After a few seconds Roose Bolton started to fall backwards to the floor looking up at his bastard Son with a shocked look.
Ramsey Snow let go of his Father causing him to fall to the floor and die from his wound before he shakily walked over to the table and cleaned the dagger with a cloth.
After a few moments he turned to the Maester who looked shocked while the two young men behind the Maester had flat looks on their faces.
"Send word to Winterfell Maester… tell Lord Stark that Roose Bolton is dead… poisoned by his Wife and her Sister's" said Ramsey Snow as he stopped shaking.
"But" said the Maester as he looked down at Roose Bolton's body.
"How did he die?" said Ramsey Snow looking at the Maester with a warning look.
The Maester swallowed before straightening up.
"Poison" said the Maester nervously.
Ramsey Snow nodded before straightening up.
"Send for Lady Walda and the baby… and her Sister's" said Ramsey Snow flatly.
"She is resting" said the Maester in shock.
Ramsey Snow looked at him with a piercing gaze.
"I gave you an order" said Ramsey Snow sternly.
The Maester refused to move or answer.
Ramsey Snow looked past him to the two young men and nodded.
Before he knew it the Maester let out a cry of pain as he felt a sword enter his back.
He dropped dead to the floor while the young man who stabbed him wiped his sword on the Maester's robe.
"Find Lady Walda, her baby and her Sister's… tell them Lord Bolton wants to meet them in the kennels" said Ramsey Snow.
The two young men bowed their heads and left the hall.
Half an hour later…
Walda "Fair Walda" Bolton nee Frey was a short fair haired woman of 21 years of age with a slim figure. She was dressed in a thick dress lined with various furs and was holding onto a bundle of blankets containing her newborn Son.
She along with her two Sister's the 16 year old Durwa Frey and the 19 year old Wylla Frey were following the two young men from the hall through the courtyard towards the kennels.
"Where is Lord Bolton" said Fair Walda nervously.
"In here My Lady" said one of the Young Men in a flat voice.
The other young man opened the door to the kennels and stepped aside.
"It would be best not to keep Lord Bolton waiting" said one of the Young Men.
"You know how he is when he is kept waiting" said the other Young Man.
The Young Man by the kennel door gestured for them to walk inside.
Fair Walda and her Sister's slowly nodded and walked through the door.
Upon entering the kennels to their horror they found all of the cage doors open while the black fur hounds were just sat their looking at them with strange looks in their eyes.
In between the two rows of cages stood Ramsey Snow who was looking at them with a neutral look on his face.
"What is going on Ramsey?" said Durwa Frey sounding frightened as the two young men who escorted them to the kennels slowly shut the door.
Ramsey Snow remained silent and glanced at each one of his hounds.
The three Girls huddled together in fear knowing that there was no way out of what was about to happen.
"Where is Lord Bolton Ramsey?" said Fair Walda in fear.
Ramsey Snow looked straight at her with an emotionless expression.
"I am Lord Bolton" said Ramsey Snow coldly.
"But you are a bastard" said Wylla Frey in fear.
"For now… but as the last male with Bolton blood in his veins I will be given the Bolton name to prevent my House from going extinct" said Ramsey Snow flatly.
Fair Walda frowned and looked down at her Son.
"He is your brother Ramsey… your baby brother" said Fair Walda in a pleading voice as she looked back at Ramsey Snow.
Her Sister's moved closer to her with looks of utter terror on their faces.
"I preferred being an only child" said Ramsey Snow sadistically.
He let out a shrill whistle which caused the hounds to run out of their cages and charge the girls in a swift savage attack.
Pretty soon people were gathering in the courtyard with looks of fear and shock on their faces as they listened to the screams and growling noises coming from the kennels.
Winterfell – 303 A.C
Two days later…
Jon and Margaery were sat in the hall with their children as they enjoyed their supper with small pieces of conversation.
As Jon helped Torrhen cut some of his meat Maester Lewin slowly made his way into the hall.
Jon saw him and stood up.
"Maester" said Jon respectfully.
Maester Lewin slowly approached the table and Jon saw that he had a scroll in his hand.
Jon walked around the table to Maester Lewin and took the scroll from him.
He saw the stony look on Maester Lewin's face and nodded.
"Lets talk in my Solar" said Jon flatly.
He turned back to where Margaery was looking at him with a pointed look on her face.
"I will be back soon" said Jon flatly.
Margaery sighed and moved over to Torrhen to help him with his food.
Jon turned around and walked out of the hall followed closely by Maester Lewin.
They walked through the castle in silence before entering Jon's Solar.
Once inside Jon unrolled the raven scroll as Maester Lewin shut the door.
Lord Stark
It is my great regret to inform you that my Father Lord Roose Bolton of The Dreadfort is dead. He was poisoned by his Lady Wife Fair Walda Frey and her Sister's Durwa and Wylla Frey who also smothered my Fathers newborn Son and Heir.
Rest assured that these traitors have since been executed for their heinous crimes. As the last male with Bolton blood I ask that you name me as Lord Ramsey Bolton of The Dreadfort so my house does not join the numerous others that have been wiped out in the last war.
Ramsey Snow
Acting Lord Of The Dreadfort
Jon rolled the scroll up and placed it on the desk.
He remained silent for a few minutes before looking at Maester Lewin with a serious look on his face.
"Send ravens to The Hornwood, Karhold and The Last Hearth… command them to send as many men as they can spare and take The Dreadfort by force if necessary" said Jon in a serious voice.
Maester Lewin bowed his head and turned to leave the Solar.
"And tell them I want Ramsey Snow brought to me alive, kill anyone else who helped him murder his Father and the others" said Jon flatly.
"Yes My Lord" said Maester Lewin.
He walked out of the door a few seconds later.