Note: So this story really starts when Jon arrives at the Wall for the first time, up to that point everything is more or less the same, with the exception of Ned telling Aemon about Jon two years following Robert's Rebellion. But I'll be altering the timeline a bit. I'll let you guys know about the changes as we go further through the story.
The Flames Of Winter
Benjen watched as Jon sparred with the other new recruits from the balcony and couldn't help but notice that Jon had Lyanna's fierceness when he fought. Whenever Jon reminded Benjen of Lyanna, Benjen couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in his chest. It had been over a decade since Lyanna died but the pain caused by her dismiss never left.
Benjen was about to leave when he noticed Maester Aemon make his way to join him, escorted by his steward, Chett.
"Leave us, Chett." Maester Aemon ordered once he was beside Benjen.
Chett nodded and made his way back, while Maester Aemon searched for the railings with his hands. When he was sure that Chett was out of earshot Aemon clutched Benjen's cloak and pulled him closer.
"So Jon Snow has decided to take the black."
Benjen furtively glanced around him to make sure no one was listening and nodded,
"Yes, he was quite determined, I believe he wants to escape his status as a bastard. I did tell him to wait a few more years to decide though."
Aemon hummed in reply.
"You don't approve, Maester Aemon?" Benjen asked quietly.
"He does not belong at the Wall, he has a much larger role to play."
"Ned does not intend for Jon to ever sit on the iron throne, I've already told you that . And the Watch needs good men, especially with winter so close." Benjen said sternly.
"Do you know what holds the Seven Kingdoms together, Stark? Robert Baratheon. He keeps the realm together with a fine, delicate thread that is sure to snap with his death, which I believe will be sooner rather than later, considering the road he is going down." Aemon paused and glanced back at Jon, who was now watching the other recruits as they sparred.
"I am the shield that guards the realms of men. With the realm on the brink of war and winter so close, something or someone must keep it together. And only a Targaryen has been able to that."
Benjen looked around himself again to make sure no one had heard that Aemon mention the Targaryens.
"I believe you maybe a little biased, Maester. A Targaryen almost tore the realm apart as well." Benjen reminded him humorlessly.
A sad smile graced Aemon's face as looked on to the courtyard unseeing.
"Yes. Yes, but Jon Snow has not been afflicted by the madness that possessed his grandfather, is he? Am I?"
Benjen shook his head, Jon was not mad. He was a good and understanding boy and being raised by Ned, also had a true sense of honor and a clear moral compass. Aemon too was an honorable and wise man, a man who kept his vows even when his family was being slaughtered, men and children alike.
"What do you suggest then? Send him back to Winterfell? He will not take that very kindly."
"Jon Snow can not be allowed to take his vows. But it is crucial that he sees what lies beyond the Wall before he leaves."
"He will not be allowed to stay here without taking his vows." Benjen stared incredulously.
"I shall speak with Lord Commander Mormont and convince him ,without revealing too much, to let the boy travel beyond the Wall without taking the Black."
"I am the go on a mission beyond the Wall tomorrow, should I take him with me?" Benjen suggested.
"I doubt Lord Commander Mormont will agree with me so soon."
Benjen nodded in agreement, and took a step back from Maester Aemon. He knew that though it was common knowledge that Aemon and he were close, which did puzzle many considering the bad blood between their families, Benjen did not want to arouse suspicion with their secrecy.
"I must inform my nephew of my journey I am to make tomorrow then. Farewell, Maester Aemon." Benjen wished as he clasped Aemon's arm.
"Goodbye, Stark. Take caution as you ride north of the Wall, terrible things lurk there."
Benjen smiled and Aemon reached for Benjen's hand and clasped it between his in reassurance. Reassuring him Jon was in safe hands, Aemon was old and blind and had already failed his family once, but this time would be different, he would preserve his family without breaking his vows. Without having to make a choice between family and duty.
The Flames Of Winter
Jon made his way to the Lord Commander's office, wondering why he had been summoned and tried to reassure himself that it had nothing to do with his Uncle Benjen's excursion beyond the Wall or that he was not in trouble for defending Sam during training. He had tried to be on his best behavior as the recruits would be taking their vows the next day and Jon did not want to anger Ser Alliser more than he'd already had, so close to it.
When Jon opened the door to the office, he found Lord Commander Mormont and Maester Aemon waiting for him. Mormont nodded at him and pointed at the chair beside to Aemon.
"Snow, have a seat."
Jon obeyed as he tried to suppress the uneasiness he felt as Mormont studied him as he did.
"Tell me Jon Snow, why did you decide to join the Night's Watch?"
Jon stared at Mormont and glanced at Aemon through the corner of his eye and noticed that the old man was also keenly waiting for his answer.
"Anyone can rise through the ranks at the Wall, even a bastard. I always admired the Night's Watch."
Mormont nodded and glanced at Aemon, who angled himself towards Jon and asked,
"Recite the vows a man of the Night's Watch takes, Jon Snow. I'm sure you have learned them quite well considering what tomorrow is."
Jon hesitated, confused as to why they were having this conversation but obliged when Mormont looked at him expectantly.
"Of course, Maester Aemon. Hear my words and bear witness to my vows. Night gathers and now my watch begins—"
"Skip to the end." Maester Aemon urged.
"I am the watcher of Walls. I am the shield that guards the realms of men-"
"Yes. Guards the realms of men. You have seen the dismissal condition that Watch has been reduced to and how do you think the Watch will be able to guard the realms when, if our reports are correct, Mance Rayder and much worse, march on the Wall?"
Jon considered that and couldn't help but agree, the Night's Watch was not what Jon had expected after hearing his father and his uncle speak so highly of the Watch.
"However the Watch is the only thing that stands between the Wildlings and the Dead and us, but desperate times call for some to serve it in a different manner."
Jon was about to interrupt Maester Aemon when Mormont beat him to it.
"And that is why we summoned you here Snow. You will serve the Watch, you will do your part for the realm, but not here at the Wall and not as a man of the Night's Watch."
Jon opened his mouth and closed it. He wasn't sure if he had heard them right. Leave the Wall, when he just got here. Leave and go back to Winterfell, he imagined the looks on Robb's and his father's faces when they saw him return. All of them would think him as a coward, an oathbreaker though he would never have taken the vow. He imagined Ser Alliser's smug face and Sam's disappointment, he couldn't leave not after he had already made his mind to stay.
"What do you mean?" He managed to sputter out.
"You will do your part for the realm, you will be instrumental to our survival during Winter, just with no vows. You are the bastard of Winterfell, though you may not be a Stark, you have the best chance to rally your father and brother to our cause. Your duty is not here." Mormont told him gruffly.
Jon pursed his lips and had to stop himself from bursting,
"My uncle is a Stark, he can do that better than I. I will not return to Winterfell." He declared desperately.
"You're Uncle can only do so much, his abilities limited because of the vows he has taken. And I did not say anything about you returning immediately. No, you will take a trip across the Wall before you go back. You must see what lies beyond it with your own eyes. And you will leave, only when I saw you leave."
"I'm joining the Night's Watch." Jon said through his teeth.
"You are not, boy. You will tell no one of this arrangement. Tomorrow, you will go to the godswood under the guise of taking your vows, escorted by a trusted few. You will be my personal steward and you will do as I say, you will act as a man of the Night's Watch though you will not truly be one." Mormont said, brokering no argument.
"You're place is not at the Wall, Jon Snow, you will understand in due time." Maester Aemon added gently.
Jon wanted to shout and argue with them, but he saw that Mormont's and Aemon's mind would remain unchanged, he stood up abruptly and looked at Mormont and muttered angrily,
"It seems I don't have a place anywhere."
He continued to hold Mormont's gaze for a moment before he turned and stalked out of the room.
The Flames Of Winter
Author's Note: First I'd like to thank you all for the encouragement and all your reviews, follows and favorites. It means the world to me. Tell me in the reviews what you guys thought about this chapter and feel free to give me some feedback.
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