Her head shot up as she startled awake. She had nodded off again, her chin falling to her chest. Dawn's gentle light was revealing the forest around her, and she could hardly believe they had ridden all night.

Her muscles we're cramping, and her throat was dry. Jon had been silent as a grave, remaining alert and singularly focused on putting distance between them and the band that had ambushed them.

Dreamfyre and Viserion warmed her some under her cloak, quiet and resting on her shoulders. Rhaegal had moved to Jon when her upper body became too crowded for him.

In the beginning, every hoot from an owl had her jumping in her seat but now all she wanted to do was rest. Even a short break would be a relief and she knew her horse would fail if they kept at this pace.

"Jon, " she spoke softly. "We need to stop."

When he didn't respond, she covered his hand with hers, his skin cold to the touch as he held the reins. "Jon, please."

She felt him inhale sharply behind her. "Alright, Dany."

They stopped in a quiet clearing, and she watched him look around nervously, eyes still wild from battle, before he climbed down. She hissed in pain when she threw her leg over the palfrey but was grateful to feel the ground beneath her feet again.

He tied up their horse, who was looking worse for the wear, while he continued surveying the forest around them.

Finally he approached her, and his shoulders dropped before he pulled her into a tight hug, lifting her feet off the ground. Tension eased from her weary muscles within his embrace as he swayed her from side to side. He smelled of campfire... sweat and blood... but still him. The dragons snorted and chirped from atop their shoulders.

"I thought I was going to lose you, " he choked out.

"I thought the same."

As he put her down, she felt his rough fingerstips caress her cheek. "We can't stop long, and we can't risk a fire. After we rest, we'll walk the horse and find water."

She was too tired to startle when Ghost emerged from the trees, joining them. The sight of blood on his muzzle was a sharp and painful reminder that everyone they had been traveling with for the last few weeks had been cut down.

Her breath caught in her throat and her vision blurred. "Poor Daeron. His lover back in White Harbor will never get his poems."

Jon wrapped her in his arms again. "There will be a time to mourn them, but it is not now."

"You're right, " she admitted wiping the wetness from her cheeks. "Let's find somewhere to rest."


He watched her sleeping form, allowing himself a few extra moments before waking her. Her face wasn't the peaceful calm he was used to seeing upon waking, instead, her mouth was turned down and her arms were wrapped tightly around her middle. The little dragons were snuggled into her, needy for their mother's affection.

The bright light of day was casting its rays through the trees, and the songbirds were warbling. It had been only a few hours, but already much longer than they should have stayed. Clegane's forces might still be searching for them, especially if any survived who saw Dany and her dragons. Daenerys Targaryen's identity was not going to be secret any longer.

His muscles were aching from the night's conflict, and he tried to rub the tension from his shoulders. He'd never killed anyone before then... At least not anyone who was still alive. Now he'd killed three. Or was it four? It wasn't the time to think on it yet.

He did feel more rested although he wasn't sure if what he had could be considered sleep. He'd been running through the eyes of a wolf, filling his belly with whatever game he could find and thankfully, running into a stream.

He would take Dany there straight away so they could replenish themselves and the horse. Riverrun was still another day away from what he could guess.

Brushing hair behind her ear, he spoke to her gently. "Dany. I'm sorry, but we have to keep moving."

She sat up with a start, the little dragons coming to life at her movement. There were dried leaves stuck in her hair and dirt on her pale skin. She looked around, brows furrowed, and asked with a scratchy voice, "Where's Ghost?"

"Probably hunting. Don't worry, he always knows how to find me."

"By tracking you, you mean?"

"Something like that, " he replied, pulling the dead leaves from her silver strands. He felt a twinge of guilt pull at his heart thinking of how he still hadn't told her about his wolf dreams. Skin changing wasn't something looked on too kindly in the north.

The dapple gray stood where they had left her tied for the night, looking ragged. They would have to get her to water and treat her gently if she was going to be of any use to them.


They walked on in silence, Jon leading the mare. Rhaegal was perched on his shoulder, sitting tall and alert. Dreamfyre looked much the same on Dany's shoulder while Viserion was curled on her other, resting his head against her neck.

Robb isn't going to believe this.

Neither of them had had enough rest and even he was feeling chilled having spent the night in the open without a fire. His stomach groaned at him, and he knew she must be hungry too, but if they kept going, they stood a chance of reaching Riverrun by nightfall.

Her cool fingers lacing through his took him away from his thoughts. Such a simple gesture. He didn't understand how it warmed his heart the way it did.

"Do you think the Mountain is dead?" She asked.

No, he thought, but didn't want to worry her. "If he is, it will be because of you and your dragons, and not the wound I gave him."

When he had seen the Mountain about to take her, he did the only thing he could think to do. Using his dagger, he plunged the steel into the back of his knee through a gap in his plate mail and twisted it as hard as he could.

"Hmm. I wonder if a monster like that even can be killed, " she mused.

"He can be killed. Anyone can be killed."

"It felt good. To hurt him, " she admitted shyly. "It felt like justice."

"Aye. Vengeance is a powerful feeling, but it has its price."


They walked on as the sun rose higher in the sky, the rays fighting away the chill in her bones. Finding the stream, they filled their bellies with the cool water, providing relief to their parched lips. The dapple grey seemed to step lighter though she'd still had little time to rest.

There had been no sign they were being followed, and the longer they walked in peace, the less the danger was on her mind.

Dany broke the silence. "Tell me more about Robb. I'll be making his acquaintance soon. Do you think he will like me?"

Jon blinked as though his mind had been preoccupied. "Robb, well, he's better than me at everything. Especially girls."

He chuckled at what she assumed were fond memories as he went on. "He'll be surprised when I bring you to meet him...for many reasons.

"He's a loyal brother and he has a good heart."

"You didn't answer my question. What will he think of me?"

Jon took her hand. "He's my brother, isn't he? You'll charm him too I'm sure."

He smiled at her in a way that had her feeling giddy, and she bit her bottom lip before she asked. "Have I charmed you, Jon Snow?"

"Of course you have."

She felt her body flush at his confession, though she already knew this to be true.

"What about the Northern Lords?"

She didn't like the seriousness that overtook his features as he began to answer. "I won't lie to you. Northerners are proud and stubborn, but you are coming to them in a time of need with three dragons. They'd be fools not to set the past aside."

Northern fools?

This wasn't new information for her, but as they grew ever closer, she began to feel a pit in her stomach.


Evening was on them again, and he knew they had another night in the forest ahead of them. Having managed to catch a fat rabbit, they decided to risk a fire if only to fill their bellies.

Dany had insisted that he command Rhaegal to start their fire, and he had to admit it elicited a powerful feeling within him when the little dragon instantly responded to his authority.

"I cannot wait to show Robb that trick."

Dany giggled and flashed him a true smile. "We should see him in time to break our fast on the morrow."

"Aye. At first light, we'll head for the Redfork and follow it until we find a way to cross. Riverrun is just beyond."

He allowed himself a smile as he felt Dany's head snuggled against his shoulder while she wrapped an arm around his middle. He could smell the sun in her hair as he gently kissed her brow. "I should put the fire out."

"A bit longer, " she whispered.

"Do you doubt my ability to keep you warm?"

"Well, I am feeling rather cold, " she said, pouting her lips.

Gently, he pulled her into his lap, her small form melding into his. Her bright eyes, illuminated by the light of the fire, looked at him in a tender way that made him feel soft all over. His fingers found warmth against her scalp as they tangled in her hair while he pulled her lips close to his.

A rustling in the dark had him sitting up straight, pulling Dany against his chest protectively. Understanding, she stilled within his arms as he watched and waited. Another noise, more subtle than the first, confirmed his fears.

"Dany, get on the horse."

She moved quickly, gathering the dragons, while he reached for his sword. As they were both clambering on the sleepy mare, figures on horseback and on foot, emerged through the treeline.

Jon kicked the palfrey into action, commanding her to break into a run. The forest was thick with trees and he had to duck over Dany more than once as they moved under low hanging branches.

A sudden sting in his calf had him crying out in pain, while he fought to recover his balance.

"Jon!"

Finding his seat, he urged the mare forward, dodging trees and clearing rotting trunks.

They reached the embankment of the Redfork before they could be overtaken.

The light of the moon showed them their salvation on the other side of the river. Riverrun stood tall in the distance, so close and yet impossibly far, the rushing water standing between them. The river was wide and he hoped it was deep. He knew there wasn't time to make it to a bridge or boat with Clegane's men on their heels.

Stabbing pains shot through his wounded leg and he grunted loudly as he climbed down from the horse.

Feeling blindly at the back of his calf, his fingers gripped the wooden shaft sticking outside of his angry wound.

"Jon?"

If he pulled the arrow out now, he risked bleeding to death, but if he didn't, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to do what he intended.

He inhaled deeply and breathed out heavily through his nose before gritting his teeth and pulling the shaft back hard. Groaning loudly, the pain was searing as he ripped the arrowhead from his flesh. Wetness spilled down his leg as fresh blood began pooling from the gash.

Tossing the arrow aside, he undid his cloak, letting it fall to the ground and then he began taking off his boots.

"Jon, what are you doing?"

The tremble in her voice gave him pause.

"We need to cross. Now. She can't carry both of us. I'm going to swim."

"What? No, you can't. You're hurt!"

Looking up at her, he placed a steady hand on her thigh. "Dany, I can. I will. I'll see you on the other side."

She looked like she was going to protest but then demanded, "Wait! Give me your sword."

Undoing his belt quickly he handed her Dark Sister, leather scabbord and all, and she laid it in front of her across the dapple grey.

He gave her a determined nod and stepped back. "Now go!" He shouted before smacking the horse sharply.

He watched as the horse took Dany and the dragons down into the black water. The palfrey would have to make it. When the water was up to her knees, he knew it was time to begin his own crossing.

Taking another breath to slow the rapid beating of his heart, he stepped into the dark water. He tried to ignore the cold sting as he ventured out deeper until the water was at his thighs. The pull of the current was stronger than he would have liked but there was no other way.

The cold felt like daggers all over his body as he dove forward and began to swim. His wounded leg throbbed in rebellion but he forced himself forward.

In the beginning, he felt stronger than the current, but the further he went into the icy waters, the more numb his limbs began to feel. He became dizzy as his heart rate sped up, and reaching the other side began to seem impossible.

"Jon!" He heard Dany call in the distance. "Jon please!"

The catch in her voice made his thoughts clearer, and he mustered the last of his strength to keep his limbs moving.

When his feet touched the rocky bed of the river, he stumbled forward, gasping for air as the current continued its efforts to claim him.

Splashes greeted him as Dany rushed to his side and slipped an arm behind his back. Ghost's red eyes and wet fur were also there to meet him.

"You're shivering, " he heard her say.

"I'll be fine. We need to move."

Reaching the dapple grey, he soon realized he didn't have the strength to mount her as he grew fainter.

Dany's hand led him away from the riverbank and under the cover of the trees.

He was so tired. All he wanted to do was lie down and sleep. He fought the urge for as long as he could until he was stumbling to his knees. The hatchlings screeched as Dany tried to pull him back to his feet.

"Dany... go."

"No, " she said forcefully. "I'm not leaving you."

She began to look hazy. "Go... Get help."

The world was closing in on him and her voice began to sound far away. She was too stubborn a woman to leave him. As things darkened around him, he reached out with his mind for a familiar bond and soon he saw the forest around him clearly again. He no longer felt dizzy or tired and the pain that had been plaguing him was gone.

Dany was crying out to him, but he knew he had to leave her. He made his way through the forest searching for familiar scents.


Her heart sunk as Jon's knees buckled beneath him. She could see him try to pull himself back to his feet as she tried to lift him. This time, he fell back into the brush. His words were slurring as he told her to go. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she sat at his side, patting his face and begging him to wake.

To her horror, when she looked at his face she saw his eyes were rolled back in his head.

Unable to rouse him, she turned him to his side, searching for his wound. She found fresh blood flowing from it still. Tearing cloth from her shift, her shaking hands were covered with his blood by the time she finished wrapping it.

When she turned him on his back again, her heart dropped to see the whites of his eyes staring blankly. All three little dragons began crawling about his body, nuzzling their little snouts into his face. Feeling helpless, she tucked herself into his side and held onto him.

Fresh tears rolled over the old ones dried to her cheeks. What could she do? She couldn't leave him like this.

Ghost will be back.

She felt the direwolf's presence before he gently nudged his nose against her arm. Chancing a glance back to Jon's face, she sat up in surprise to see his eyes now closed peacefully as if sleeping.

Abruptly, she heard sniffing sounds coming from near Jon's chest and she inhaled sharply when she saw the outline of a great muzzle. Dany felt her blood freeze, and she swallowed thickly before she could bring herself to meet the big yellow eyes glowing back at her in the dark.

Greywind.

She ran a shaking hand through Ghost's fur to ease her fear and to show this new beast that she was a friend. The pounding of hooves and the voices of men startled her into action, and she gathered her little hatchlings, hiding them in her cloak. Pulling her hood back up, she tucked her hair away, and taking Jon's hand, she wished his fingers would close around hers.

A small group of men on horses lighting their way with torches neared, and she clutched Jon tighter. The wolves turned to watch as a young man climbed down from his mount. He came toward them cautiously, his handsome face illuminated by his torch, as he patted his direwolf's head.

Dany saw the strangers brows furrow as he called, "Jon!"

Ignoring Dany, he was at Jon's side, looking him over for injuries and feeling for his heartbeat.

"I need some men over here!" He called over his shoulder.

"He was shot with an arrow, " she told him, her voice hoarse from crying. She gestured to the place he was wounded and added, "It was just before we crossed."

She didn't know why, but fresh tears rolled down her cheeks, and when she sniffled, it was as though he noticed her presence for the first time.

"Bring him inside! Quickly!" He commanded over his shoulder again. "Get the maester!"

He stared at her as two men came quickly and lifted Jon off the ground. Squeezing his hand once more, she reluctantly let him go and watched his arms hang limply as he was carried away.

"Are you hurt, My Lady?"

Though his words were soft, his cool blue eyes studied her intently.

"No, " she replied, steadying her voice. "Are you Robb Stark?"

"I am. And who are you?"

"I'm a friend of your brother's."

He looked pointedly at the hand she had now clutched at Ghost's neck. "I can see that, but that doesn't answer my question."

Another dark handsome youth approached out of the night, looking at her with narrowed eyes.

Unsure what to do, Dany continued with her lie. "I'm Doreah of Lys."

The new man snickered. "Are you some kind of whore?"

Dany met his eyes and turned up her nose. "You must be Theon Greyjoy."

Robb laughed and offered Dany his hand. "Aye, she's a friend of Jon's alright. Let's get you inside."

As she rose to her feet, a hatchling let out a screech. Robb dropped her hand and stepped back.

"What in seven hells was that?"

"Please, Your Grace." Holding out her hands in peace, she asked, "Might we speak privately?"

"Leave us Greyjoy, " Robb stated simply without turning to face him.

"Robb, it's not safe, " he protested.

She saw the young king roll his eyes before he turned to Theon. "If I can't handle this little girl with two direwolves by my side, I'm not long for this world anyway."

Theon glowered at her before sulking off.

He turned back to her, and she felt his mood had darkened. "Last I heard of my brother, he was at the Wall. Now he shows up, unconscious with you at his side. Forgive me, My Lady, but last I knew, Jon hadn't ever met a girl he liked more than his own hair. This makes me very curious about you."

She was suddenly aware of her sweaty palms as her heart began to thud heavily. "I cannot tell you everything, Your Grace. It isn't all mine to tell. Jon and I met in Pentos and we've traveled a long way to get to you. I trust Jon with my life and he told me I could trust you."

She saw the young man's posture soften as he nodded. "If you are truly a friend of my brother, then you have my protection."

Dany felt her shoulders relax. "That is good, Your Grace, for I may need it."

With that, she slowly lowered her hood and opened the folds of her cloak. Dreamfyre shot up to her shoulder and puffed his chest out at Robb, the other two following. Robb's mouth fell open in surprise as he stared at the spectacle in front of him.

"My name is Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen and these are my dragons."

Robb continued to gape at her and then shook his head. "Daenerys Targaryen..."

"I mean you no harm..., " Dany offered.

Robb chuckled and gave her a charming smile that had her fidgeting with her hands. "What a relief, My Lady."

Dany felt her cheeks grow hot, as she looked at her boots.

"Dragons..." She heard him mutter.

"Do they breathe fire?"

"Well, yes. But only when they are eating... or at my command."

He shook his head before looking at her again. "Come, let's get inside. We'll see to Jon and then we'll figure out what we shall do next."

He stepped toward her but stopped abruptly when Dreamfyre screeched at him. "Can you hide those things for now?"

"Yes, Your Grace, but I'd rather not carry this, " she replied, handing him Dark Sister's hilt.

Robb took the offered sword and pulled it out of its sheath enough to admire the blade. He looked at it with wide eyes. "Jon is going to have quite a tale to tell when he wakes up."

Dany felt her heart warm when he offered his arm and led her to his horse.