GAME OF THRONES
THE MASKED DRAGON
PROLOGUE
THE BASTARD
EDDARD STARK
The war was finally over and Eddard Stark Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North was finally on his way home to Winterfell. His father and brother had been avenged. But despite how things turned out, Ned as his friends called him, is not pleased with his friend the new King. For Robert to celebrate the deaths of a woman and her two children was offensive to Ned and he could only imagine what kind of King Robert would make.
At sunset Ned and his group stopped to camp. As his tent is set up Ned walks over to the cart carrying the body of his dead sister. He sighs, "We are almost home Ly." He takes a shaky breath. Then he visits the nursemaid he hired for his bastard son Jon Snow. As Ned walks through the camp his men wave at him.
"Ned!" Sounds the voice of Great Jon Umber, Lord of Last Hearth from afar. Called Great Jon, because of his height and size.
Ned waves to him and enters the Nursemaid's tent. "My Lord."
He raises his hand stopping her from standing, "How is he?"
"He's a good baby My Lord. When he looks at me. It's as if he is staring into my soul. He has very intelligent eyes."
Ned smiles at that and takes the baby. He smiles and little Jon smiles back at him. Later Ned heads to commons tent of Lords to eat with his friends. "Ned!" Great Jon yells when he enters the tent. Ned doesn't see them as his Banner Lords, he sees many of them as friends. "You find your real friends on the battlefield." Those words were spoken by Robert Baratheon, before Ned lost all respect for him.
Eddard ate, drank, and laughed with his friends. The next morning they broke camp and moved on. They crossed into the riverlands a week later. Ned sends a scout ahead to see if the bridge on the King's Road is flooded. If the bridge is flooded then Ned and his men would have to cross at the Twins. The Twins are two castles, one on the east bank and the other one the west bank of the river connected by a bridge. It is ruled by Lord Walder Frey and Ned had no desire to deal with Walder Frey.
He sits on his horse praying silently to the old gods. "Shouldn't we be heading towards the Twins?" Great Jon asks riding up to him.
"I'm praying that the bridge isn't flooded and we can cross."
Great Jon starts to laugh, "The Late Walder Frey."
Ned and others around him start to laugh as well. Two days later the scout rides back. "The bridge is clear My Lord." Before they reached the King's bridge a Frey scout rides up inviting Ned and his Lords to the Twins to feast.
"Give Your Father my regards, but I am anxious to return to my wife and meet my new born son." Ned quietly gives the command that his men quicken their pace. The ancient castle of Moat Cailin guarded the neck and the entrance to the North. It is currently under the command of Lord Manderly. He only stopped to thank Lord Manderly for his service and continued on to Winterfell.
WINTERFELL
Winterfell is the oldest Castle in the North. The seat of power for House Stark. Their words Winter Is Coming. Their sigil is that of a Grey Dire Wolf on a White and Grey field. The Starks ruled as Kings until the invasion of Aegon the Conqueror. Now Ned rules the North as Warden under the reign of Robert Baratheon, the Usurper many called him.
Ned is greeted by his brother Benjen Stark, his wife Lady Catelyn Stark, who is holding their son Robb Stark, and the Maester of Winterfell Luwin. "Ned welcome home." Ben says. The brothers hug.
"My Lord." Catelyn says. The two of them married, spent four nights together and then Ned was off to war. Cat as people call her wound up with child and was moved to Winterfell on Ned's orders.
He greets her with a big kiss, "My Lady. Call me Ned." He says whispering to her. Then for the first time he holds his son. Later after getting settled he speaks with Catelyn about his bastard Jon Snow. She is not pleased.
JON – SIX YEARS LATER
Jon Snow the bastard of Winterfell had made his Sixth name day. Bastards are named for the region they are born in. So in the North a bastard is known as Snow. In the Vale Stone, the Riverlands River, the Iron Isles Pyke, in the Westerlands Hill, the Reach Flowers, in the Stormlands Storm, Dorne they are called Sand, and in the Crownlands Waters.
It happens mainly in Dorne and the North that nobles claim their bastards; it also happens if all the Lords natural born heirs die. As a bastard Jon realized early on that he is treated differently than his half-brother Robb. As Robb is allowed to sit at the high table he is not. Jon's name days are not celebrated either. He is given presents and a cake, unlike Robb's name where a great feast is held and Lords of the North are invited to Winterfell.
A few months after his fourth name day Jon called Lady Catelyn mother. "I am not your mother boy! And don't ever call me that again…Your mother…well I don't who she was nor do I care."
Her words hurt and Jon stayed in his room all that day. Even after his Lord Father came to speak with him. Despite his bastard status Robb is a brother to Jon and the two play hide and seek. They race through the castle and take lessons together with Maester Luwin. Jon is very talented as he can draw, sing, and play the harp. He practices in secret to show his family one day.
"Jon come here lad!"
He was on his way to the library as Jon loves to read. In fact he is ahead of Robb in his studies. Something he and Maester Luwin keep secret from Lady Stark. "Yes sir."
Robb is present as well. "I was waiting until both you and Robb turned six." He hands them both practice swords of wood.
"Really!" Both boys say at the same time.
"The two you will begin training with Ser Rodrik on tomorrow, after your lessons." They both hug him at the same time. "Jon I have another surprise for you." He leads him to the stables and the stableman brings out a horse.
"For me?" Jon asks extremely excited.
"Aye." Ned replies.
"What is his name?"
"You'll have to give him one."
The horse is all black. "I'll name him Winter's Night." Jon says placing his head against the horse's head. He immediately feels a connection. When Jon turns to look at his father, there is a tear going down his left cheek. "Father are you alright?"
"I'm fine Jon."
"Can we go riding?" Robb asks.
"Of course, but stay inside the Castle walls." Robb has a brown horse named Heart. A few months later they celebrate Sansa Stark's third name day with a huge feast. Jon had been working on his gift for the past few weeks. He stands in line with a harp he had made himself.
"My Lord, My Lady…In honor of your daughter's name day I have written a song and I would like to sing it." Jon starts off by playing the harp for a few seconds shocking Lord and Lady Stark; and everyone gathered. Then he opens his mouth to sing as he plays…
A Rose…A rose…
A Winter Red Rose
Is born in the North I love
Oh see how she'll grow tall
a beauty shall she be
From far and wide
They will come
Princes and Kings
You will see
To win the hand
Of the winter red rose
Oh how you will see
Knights will come and men
Of renown. To win this beauty
You shall see…
Jon holds the last note a long time. When he is done he hands a written copy of the song to Lady Stark and walks to his seat with all eyes on him. As Jon walks across the hall, it erupts into cheers and praise for his singing. Robb walks up to him, "You didn't tell me you could sing."
Jon smiles, "Well…I kept it a secret to surprise Lord and Lady Stark. Do you think they liked it?"
"I'm sure they do…I like it."
Jon's singing earned him a few admirers especially from the young ladies at Winterfell. A few are bold enough to ask him to dance. Later as Jon is getting ready for bed there is a knock at his door. "Enter." It is his father and Lady Catelyn. "That was a beautiful song Jon…Thank you."
"You are welcome my lady." She leaves and Lord Eddard Stark closes the door.
"That was amazing Jon."
"Thank you father."
"But I have to ask a favor of you. And I need your word that you will do as I ask."
"Um…Yes father I promise."
"Jon I ask that you never sing again."
Jon starts breathing heavy and is dumbfounded by the request and giving his word before knowing what he is promising, "But why? Why? I like singing…I write songs as well."
"I'm sorry Jon…You gave me…" Jon starts crying and Eddard Stark sighs, "…You gave me your word…No more singing."
He looks at his father, "Do you want me to stop breathing as well?" He angrily asks and with a sad expression his father leaves the room. The next morning at training in a fit of anger Jon accidently injures Robb. He apologizes to Robb who brushes it off, but Lady Catelyn is upset.
"You miserable little wretch! How dare you hurt my son."
"Mother it was an accident!"
"Look at you!"
"It was an accident my lady. I am sorry I was angry."
"I don't want this bastard anywhere near my son again."
Jon get's angry again, "I'm his brother!"
"Half-brother! And don't you raise your voice at me bastard!"
He sneers, "You are just a mean old redheaded hag!"
"Jon!" Robb says.
But Robb's mother slaps Jon in the face, "Mother!" By now the men in the training yard and women passing through stop to watch.
"Got anymore smart remarks bastard?"
Jon looks at her and then her foot and quick as lightning he stomps her foot and runs off. Jon hides in the broken tower singing to himself. The tower was struck by lightning long ago, but has never been repaired. He ignores the footsteps coming up the stairs. They probably belong to his father. "So here you are." Jon ignores him and keeps singing. "Jon look at me."
"Why?"
"Jon!" He stops singing and looks, "Did you hurt Robb on purpose?"
"No it was an accident…I was angry. Angry, that you wanted me to stop singing that's all!"
"Anger has its place Jon, but that gives you no right to stomp and break my wife's foot."
"And does she have the right to call me names and order me to stay away from my brother? Its not my fault I am not her son!"
He sighs, "She is the Lady of Winterfell and my wife."
He looks away, "She hates me and so do you. I wish I was dead…"
"Don't say that…I love you Jon."
Jon looks at Lord Stark again, this time with teary eyes. "If you love me then tell me who my mother is or was."
"Jon…" He sighs, "When you are older I will tell you."
Later Jon enters the main hall and walks up to the high table, "Lady Stark I apologize for the words I said in anger and stomping on your foot…Please forgive me."
"I accept your apology Jon." He bows and goes to his room to eat in private.
SEVEN YEARS AFTER ROBERT'S REBELLION
In the seventh year of King Robert's reign the Iron Born rebelled. Lord Eddard Stark calls his banners to support the King. The Iron Born had attacked Lannisport, sinking the Lannister fleet in dock. They also lay siege to Castle Seagard, Home of House Mallister. "Father while you are away may I stay somewhere else? Perhaps Bear Island or Greywater Watch. You are close friends to Howland Reed."
He sighs, "Why?"
"Because I do not wish to be here without you and just Robb and Lady Catelyn."
He sighs, "Alright Jon I will send a Raven to Lord Reed."
Robb is not happy with Jon leaving, but he understands. While living at Greywater Jon discovers that he is warg. His mind can leave his body and take control of animals. Howland Reed teaches Jon and makes him swear to keep it a secret. He befriends an Eagle he names Orion. His Father Lord Stark returns eight months later, with a boy named Theon Greyjoy.
Upon returning to Winterfell Jon and Robb are summoned to their father's solar. "Theon is my ward and he will be living here for some time."
"How long a time?" Robb asks.
"For a long while…Maybe until his father dies…Anyway I want the two of you to befriend Theon. Make him feel welcome."
"Why Father? He is Iron Born….His people have raided our shores for generations…Raped, killed, and kidnapped our people."
He sighs, "All that is true, but Theon is a boy and he cannot be held responsible for the actions of his father or their people. Theon was taken from his home to keep Balon Greyjoy in line. Now make me proud the both of you and do as I ask."
"Yes father." They say at the same time. It takes a year to establish a friendship with Theon. The boy is arrogant, cocky, and spoiled, but lectures from Lord Stark and the friendship of Jon and Robb temper him some.
THE NINTH YEAR OF ROBERT'S RULE
A few months after Jon's ninth name day he falls asleep and dreams…
"Jaehaerys!" Upon hearing the name Jon sits up in bed. There is a light coming from the cracks of his closed door. He walks to the door and opens it. When Jon walks through he is in a throne room filled with shadowy figures and the skull heads of Dragons. The skulls range from the size of cats all the way up to skulls the size of elephants. To the left and right all the way to a throne made of melted swords.
Even though he had never seen the throne before Jon knows what it is. The Iron Throne made from the swords of Aegon the Conqueror's enemies and melted by his Dragon Balarion the Black Dread. He walks across the throne room and as he does, the glowing eyes of the Dragon Skulls follow his movements; the heads turn as he passes them. John can only see the White hair of past Targaryens in throne room as well their eyes glowing with fire as they watch him.
"Wake the Dragon!" All the gathered Targaryens say.
"I don't understand…Wake what Dragon?" Jon asks.
Then the throne room floor vibrates with someone's footsteps. Jon gasps as six, foot tall Dragon-Wolf enters the throne room from a side door. His mouth is wolflike, its eyes and head Dragonlike. It has wings and a Dragon tail with spikes along its back. The creature has both fur and Dragon scales. It looks at him before it sits on the Iron Throne. There is a woman with dark hair, her face is shadows, but she has a blue aura about her and man stands next to her holding her hand. He has white hair like a Targaryen.
Jon is about to bow to the creature, "A Dragon bows to no one. It does not beg or borrow. A Dragon does not ask permission. A Dragon brings the fire. Wake the Dragon!"
"I don't know what that means!" Jon replies.
"Fire and Blood!" The Dragon replies looking at the man and woman standing to its right. They nod and the Dragon-wolf stands up, opens its mouth and bathes Jon in a torrent of blue flames…
Jon sits up in bed drenched in sweat, his sheets are also wet. He gets up and walks to his door opening it. There is a guard patrolling the hallway. "Is everything alright Lord Snow?"
"Alright…" Jon exits his room and heads to Maester Luwin's room. He knocks waking up the elderly man.
"Jon?" He asks rubbing his eyes, "It is the hour of the bat…What has you up?"
"A dream Maester, may I come in?"
"Yes of course come in." The room is simple with a bed, a chair for reading and place to keep extra robes. There is also a book shelf, where Luwin keeps his personal books. Jon is given tea and some cookies, then he explains the dream. "Have you ever had dreams like this before?"
"No Maester." Luwin sits silently thinking. "Maester?" Jon asks after a long while.
"I'm sorry Jon I was lost in thought. Um give me some time to do some research and I will get back to you."
"Yes Maester." Two week pass before Maester Luwin wakes Jon up and takes him to the godswood. "What is the wood for?" Jon asks.
Luwin has a bucket of wood he is carrying. The people of the north worship the old gods and in the north they have the heart trees, with faces in them, faces that cry sap from the eyes. Heart trees are white and have leaves that bloom all year round in in the coldest of winters. "Never mind that." He replies, "Here read this." Luwin says handing Jon a book.
Jon opens the book, it is already marked to the page and he reads aloud, "And he shall be born of fire and ice…The Prince that was promised. He shall go forth and do what he with a flaming sword could not…He shall bring the dawn and save us all from the Long Night." He looks at Luwin, "Is this a poem?"
"No it's a prophecy. And I think its about you."
"Me?"
"Yes Jon your dream…What is the Sigil of House Stark?"
"A Dire Wolf."
Luwin nods in approval, "And what is the Sigil of House Targaryen?"
"A Dragon."
"Jon I think I know who your mother is…"
Jon drops the book and grabs Luwin, "Really who?"
He sighs, "If I am right then…No first let's do a test."
"Please tell me." Jon begs.
"First the test…I want you to think of your mother with all you are think of her."
Confused Jon does what Luwin asked him to do, while he sets up the wood and lights it. Then he hands Jon a dagger, "Have you done as I asked?"
"I have."
"Take the dagger and cut your hand, then drip the blood into the fire."
"Why?"
"Please just do it." Luwin shows him how to cut his hand without injuring himself. Then Jon drips his blood into the fire. The flames immediately turn blue to Jon's amazement and they grow higher and higher. "Jon step back!" Luwin says running from the immense heat. But Jon is not bothered by the heat.
The flames go up to five feet and nine inches and take the shape of the woman from Jon's dream. She looks at her transparent hands, then Jon and smiles. "Jaehaerys my son…You did it." She exclaims.
"Are you my mother?" Jon asks with teary eyes.
"I am your mother and my name is Lyanna Stark."
"My Lady its good to see you again." Luwin says.
She looks at him, "Maester Luwin it is good to see you."
"Did you know this would happen?" Jon asks looking at Luwin.
"I had a feeling. Though I had to do a lot of research to be sure." Luwin looks at Lyanna, "Your brother named him."
"Jon Snow…" She says interrupting Luwin, "I named you Jaehaerys Targaryen…Your real father was Prince Rhaegar Targaryen…We fell in love and married in secret."
Jon frowns remembering his lessons about the Rebellion. "But his first wife."
Lyanna smiles, "Princess Elia and Your father respected one another, they loved one another but were not in love with one another. Rhaegar married her to keep his father happy and Elia married Rhaegar out of duty…They tried to make it work but could not. They decided to part ways after your father and I met. Their marriage was annulled…Jae you are not a bastard…And I ask you to be the man you are meant to be."
Her fiery blue form began to fade, "No mother! Don't leave me." When the fire goes out Jon feints. He awakens many hours later. Both his father and Maester Luwin are at his bed side.
"He's awake." Maester Luwin says.
"Jon! Thank the gods old and new. Jon what happened to you?"
"How long was I unconscious?"
"For the entire day. It is early evening sunset."
"I'm sorry, I went out for a late, night walk. Suddenly I became dizzy and feinted. Something stung me." When he fell, unconscious Luwin whispered the excuse into his ear.
"No more, late, night walks."
"Yes father." Jon was fed, then Robb and Theon was allowed to see him. A few days later he and Luwin went back to the godswood and summoned Jon's father Rhaegar. The second time he did not have to use his blood again. He focused his mind on the flames, they turned blue and he summoned his father.
"Well done my son…You have awakened the Dragon…You are the Prince born of Fire and Ice."
"Teach me father…What must I do?"