Of Wolves and Northern Dragons

Chapter 8

Olenna Tyrell

Olenna sat in the gardens with her granddaughter, awaiting the arrival of Varys. The man Had promised to meet with her once he had gathered more information. She was still skeptical however, so she agreed for the sake of increasing her own knowledge. Picking up a piece of cheese, she again looked over at Margaery. Her sweet rose stood looking over the terrace to the Blackwater.

"Grandmother, how did your meeting with Lord Lannister go?" Margaery asked her. Olenna took another piece of soft cheese eating it slowly.

"There was no meeting my sweet." Olenna said earning a confused look from her granddaughter. "It seems the old lion took off for his son's wedding before I could talk to him." She said with a huff before she took another bite of her cheese. Margaery turned to look at her for a moment before turning back to the bay. "Have you been able to talk to the King since his incident with Loras?" Olenna asked before popping the last of the cheese into her mouth. She watched as Margaery came and joined her at the table.

"No grandmother, I have been unable to get close to him since then." Margaery answered looking down at her hands in her lap. "It seems he and the Queen are most unwilling to let me get close to him, I'm sorry grandmother."

"You have nothing to apologize for my sweet. If the King is unwilling to meet with you, we will find other means." Olenna explained. Despite her own irritation at the situation, she knew her sweet Margaery would do her part. The Lannisters however seemed content to string them along, and she knew that more drastic measures might soon need to be taken. It was at that moment that a servant came in with Varys following behind.

"My lady I hope you've not been waiting long?" The eunuch asked as he bowed before taking a seat at the table.

"No Varys me and Margaery we simply enjoying an early lunch." Olenna said as she took her wine taking a sip. "Margaery perhaps you could take a walk my sweet?" She said watching as her rose stood and curtsied, before seeing herself from the gardens. They both watched her leave before Olenna turned her attention back to the master of whispers. "Now Varys what new nonsense is this?" She asked causing him to smirk.

"My lady it seems we have all been had by the late Eddard Stark, however I must ask would the Tyrells still support the dragon if they were found to be alive?" Varys asked, looking at her. Olenna was surprised by this, but she wouldn't let Varys know that.

"Lord Varys you are familiar enough with the history of Westeros. It was the Targaryen's who raised house Tyrell to our current position. Our family is forever indebted to them." Olenna explained. She did her best to remember Viserys, although she had only ever met the lad once. She had always tried to avoid going to Aerys' court towards the end. She hoped the boy would take more after his brother or grandfather though.

"Indeed my lady I am well aware of this." Varys said looking around them. It was then she noticed a small child who ran up and handed him a piece of parchment. Varys handed the boy a couple of coins before sending him away.

"So what is this about Ned Stark fooling us?" Olenna asked her patience beginning to wear as Varys read the parchment before handing it to her. She read it once, and then again before looking to Varys. "What game are you playing at Varys, surely this is a jest and a poor one might I add." She declared as she threw the parchment on the table. Varys merely smirked again as he retrieved it.

"I assure you my lady it is most true. I have heard the same song from several of my little birds." Varys replied as he reached to fill a glass of water.

"So you mean to tell me Eddard Stark lied about his bastard?" Olenna asked still not believing what she was hearing.

"It would seem so my lady. Then again if Eddard Stark admitted to something with his honor why would anyone have reason to question it?" Varys asked, smiling to himself. "I do remember his distaste at what happened to Princess Elia, and her children. Dragonspawn I believe Robert called them when Ned had protested that they were mere children. His own sister's babe, surely he felt drastic steps must have been taken." Olenna considered what she was hearing. She still had a hard time believing it, although perhaps if she could meet the lad and get the measure of him. "It would seem that he plans to journey to Essos to meet his aunt." Varys finally said after the moment of silence from the queen of thorns.

"His aunt? The queen was able to give birth?" She continued to be surprised by what Varys was saying. That not one but two Targaryens survived the stag's takeover. Yes this could potentially work. "Is there any way to meet with them Varys?" She asked earning a small chuckle from the spider.

"Perhaps something could be arranged my lady, but I must speak with some of mine in Essos to find out if it would be safe." Varys said as he stood from his seat. "If you desire it I'll be in contact with you once I have more information." He bowed to her before he made his way out of the room. She was left with much to think on. The North was weak, that was true. Even with the strength of the Reach it would be a tough fight. The Riverlands, Vale, and Crownlands would be split as they were during Robert's rebellion. The Vale was a wildcard, same as Dorne. In her mind this could very easily become a losing fight, so she would have to think on this.

Margaery Tyrell

Walking around the gardens after her grandmother had sent her away left her bored. All her life she was raised to do her duty and help her family advance themselves. It was how she now found herself in the situation of trying to win the affections of a bitter little brat of a king. Recalling her latest attempt to get close to him after Loras had humbled him nearly made her blood boil. Weeds he had called her family, as he said he couldn't be bothered by her. She had not missed the smile on the queen's face either as she walked away from them. While they had been here she had heard stories of the loveless marriage the queen shared with her husband. She had no desire for a marriage like that, although she feared if she did marry the king it was what she would be doomed to endure.

"Sister how finds you today?" Loras asked as he approached her. She turned and smiled at him.

"I'm well Loras, how about you?" She asked as they began to walk together.

"I'm fine sister, just enjoying our most welcoming hosts." Loras joked, earning a small laugh from her. "I have apparently been banned from the sparring yard whenever his grace may use them." He said angrily as they turned a corner in the garden.

"But his grace could choose to use them any time couldn't he?" She looked at the annoyed expression on his face. "Oh Loras I'm sorry." She truly was, even if she felt he had brought this on himself.

"It's fine sister. I still train with our guards." Loras said as they approached the apartments where their family was staying. "Besides it's not like any of those Lannister men were a challenge." He declared, causing her to laugh.

"Well I'm glad you can still have your fun brother. Now come we must get ready for dinner tonight." Margaery said moving to leave Loras. She needed to get changed, before meeting with her grandmother again. They still needed to find out how they were going to fix their current situation with King Joffrey. Soon enough she found herself back in her rooms. Thinking back to her marriage to Renly. That too had been a loveless affair. A true farce of a thing, seeing as he had been unable to perform his duties with her. Although now that was proving to be a blessing for her. She still dreamed however of a simpler life where she could simply find a good man whom she loved, and marry him instead of this plotting done by her family. A knock on the door caused her to rise from where she was seated combing her hair. She walked to the door and was surprised to see her grandmother's guard standing on the other side.

"Lady Margaery your grandmother wishes to speak with you before supper is served." The large man said before turning on his heels and walking down the hall. She made to follow after him, curious as to what her grandmother could want now. Once she arrived, the guard let her into her grandmother's solar.

"Hello sweetling." Her grandmother greeted her from her seat at the desk.

"Grandmother what can I do for you?" She asked taking a seat in the chair her grandmother motioned to.

"My dear how would you feel about a trip to Essos?" To say Margaery was surprised by the question would be an understatement. It must have showed on her face because her grandmother just smiled at her before continuing. "You will of course be accompanied by your brothers Loras and Willas."

"But grandmother what of the King?" She asked. She knew something was off about this whole arrangement. Her family wanted her to be queen, so why would they send her away when the goal was so close?

"There is no use in it while Tywin is gone. So instead of wasting our time I want you to go and enjoy yourself. Perhaps some time away will allow clearer heads to prevail with his grace." Margaery still didn't believe what she was hearing, but she would do as she was told. Plus, she had always wanted to go to Essos. So she put on her best smile and nodded her head.

"Yes grandmother, that sounds like a wonderful idea."

Jon Snow

He continued his ride. They had been gone for a week now and they had heard tales of a woman with two boys fleeing to the east. They had ridden hard, he could only hope that it was enough. "Lord Snow we see people up ahead." One of Robb's men said. Sure enough, when he squinted he could see several forms in the distance, and a small cart moving away. Without a word he kicked his horse into motion. Riding harder than he had before he saw that he was closing the distance with them.

"Bran! Rickon!" He yelled as he drew closer to the group. "Bran Rickon it's me Jon." He yelled again closing the distance. Once he was nearly on them he saw a woman grab a spear, while another younger girl drew her bow. Before he knew it two large wolves came around from the front of the cart. Both wolves had their hackles raised as they approached him, but Jon wasn't afraid. He jumped from his horse and knelt down in front of the wolves. As they drew closer Ghost came from behind him, his own fangs bared. Once the two saw Ghost however, they immediately calmed. "Where are they? Where are my brothers?" He asked standing up and looking at the two women.

"Jon is it truly you?" Rickon asked peeking his head up from the cart, before jumping down and running to him. He dropped to his knees and caught his brother in his arms. Rickon cried into his shoulder, as Jon lifted him into his arms.

"Yes Rickon it's me. I've come to take you both home now." He said as he stroked Rickons hair. "Where is your brother?" He asked as Rickon pointed to the cart. He carried his brother around to the front of the cart, finally seeing Bran sitting there. Another boy sat on the cart with him. He tried to set Rickon down so that he could hug Bran, but the smaller boy merely tightened his grip making it impossible. "Bran you are okay." He said earning a nod from Bran. The other boy looked at him with a curious expression on his face. Jon was almost surprised when he spoke.

"You know now don't you?" The boy asked him. "My father told you and now everything has changed." He said before he stood up from the cart. "My name is Jojen Reed." Jojen said bowing to Jon before motioning to the girl who still held her bow. "This is my sister Meera, we are at your command." Jon was shocked by what he heard. He looked between the two siblings. Before he heard another voice from behind him.

"If you's the little lord's brother, does that mean it's safe for them to go home?" The other woman asked as she came around. She had lowered her spear, but still looked at him suspiciously.

"Yes, I was sent by our brother Robb to bring them home. We have driven off the Ironborn. Winterfell is ours once again." Jon declared, finally able to set Rickon down on the cart. The rest of the Stark guards began to arrive as Jon was talking to his brothers. By the end of the conversation he told his men to set up camp for the night. They would leave in the morning to return to Winterfell. While he was walking the camp later that night, he came upon Jojen sitting on the outskirts looking at the sky.

"My king." The boy said, turning to look at him.

"I'm not the king, my brother Robb is." Jon said trying to ignore the uneasy feeling in his gut.

"Aye the second king in the north to kneel to a Targaryen." Jojen said standing up. "You know it to be true, Jaehaerys Targaryen third of his name. Everything has changed now, but if it is for better or for worse remains to be seen." Jojen explained cryptically. "Before I saw my death north of the wall, and yet now I see myself an old man. My family has always been loyal to the Stark's, and my father loved your mother dearly. So it is as I said my king, I am yours to command." Jojen then knelt down in front of Jon.

"Please stand Jojen, I welcome your service but I am not sure what I would have you do." Jon said looking up to the stars.

"You are afraid. Tis a fair way to feel. Living your whole life as a lie, I don't blame you for your hesitance. However you cannot escape your destiny. You were always meant to sit on the Iron throne, now however the path has changed. It has been changing since you decided to stay in Winterfell instead of going to the Night's Watch."
"I know the throne is mine by right. It was supposed to be my father's but the rebellion happened. I think at times of what I could do, but I know not how to get there." Jon said, looking at Jojen. He knew that he needed to go to the east to meet his aunt.

"Go to your aunt." Jojen said causing Jon to look at him. "She can help you hatch the eggs, since she already has three dragons of her own. Just don't expect a warm welcome on your arrival. Your claim is greater than her own, but it is you who must sit on the throne. You are the union of ice and fire Jaehaerys. You are the one.." Jon cut him off and shoved Jojen to the ground. He saw the silhouettes in the distance and drew his sword before ducking behind a cart. Several arrows embedded themselves in the wood next to where he and Jojen had just been.

"To arms." Jon yelled as more arrows rained down on them. It took a moment before the horns blew alerting the men in the camp, causing Jon to sigh in relief. A wildling ran past him causing Jon to jump from his cover and swing at the man. The wildling was able to block the first swing, but Jon feinted high before swinging low and removing the man's leg at the knee. Soon the whole camp was covered in the sounds of combat. Jon moved to another wildling blocking a swing meant for Jojen. He swept his blade around slicing the larger man's hand off. Stepping back he thrust his sword into the man's gut. Pulling it out he spun around catching another in the face. He continued to fight until he was tackled to the ground by a large man with a mask of bones on his face. The masked wildling punched him in the face, making him see stars for a moment. Another punch connected with his face, before the man let out a pained yell and fell off of him. Scrambling to his feet, he saw Jojen on the man's back with a dagger buried between his shoulders. Jon nodded at the boy as he made his way to a wildling holding a bow. Jon swung his sword, connecting with the bow and slicing it cleanly in two. The wildling holding it yelled in surprise, as Jon dove at them throwing them to the ground. He put his sword to their neck, only to be surprised at the feminine voice that yelled at him.

"Go on do it pretty boy." The red headed girl shouted at him. It was then that a Stark guard approached him.

"My lord we've pushed them back, captured a couple of them as well." The guard reported. Looking down at the girl beneath Jon's blade. "What should we do with this one?" He asked, Jon turned to see a lecherous smile on the man's face.

"They are to be bound and taken to my tent." Jon ordered as he reached down to lift the girl up.

"Get your hands off me." She said struggling against his grasp. He merely tightened his grip and began to lead her away.

"Stop resisting, and this will go much better for you." Jon said, as she tried again to break free. "You'll be safe I promise now please stop." He almost begged her. She stopped for a moment, before turning to glare at him.

"You know nothing." She spat at him as he led her back to his tent. Once they arrived he saw Bran and Rickon safe inside. Jojen joined Meera, and Osha the woman they had travelled with,

"Hodor." The friendly giant of Winterfell said smiling to Jon from his place across the tent. Jon looked at the other three gathered in his tent. A large red headed man, and a smaller one with long dirty brown hair. He forced the red haired girl he brought in to her knees by a blonde girl.

"What are wildlings doing this far south of the wall?" Jon asked looking between them and waiting for a response. The smaller man suddenly lunged forward, a small knife in his hand. Jon threw him to the side before drawing his sword, and stabbing it into the man sticking him to the ground. Hearing the commotion several guards came in with their bows drawn. The other three who had risen to their feet slowly lowered back down to their knees. "I'll ask again, why are wildlings so far south of the wall?" Jon asked as he removed his sword from the man's corpse. He spun and pointed it at the others in the tent. "I've granted you safety for now, however anymore stunts like that and I'll have all of you put to the sword for attacking the family of the king in the north." He declared as he wiped the blood from his sword.

"King in the north. Surely you jest boy." The large red haired man said in a gravelly voice. "The king beyond the wall sent us to see how strong you are." He said looking around the tent. "So far I'm not impressed."

"Say's the man bound at the feet of his captor." Jon replied, earning a laugh. "Perhaps another approach is needed. My name is Jon Snow, My brother is Robb Stark lord of Winterfell and the king of the north. Who am I speaking to?" Jon asked looking at the three remaining wildlings.

"My name is Val." The blonde woman said before turning to the other two. "This is Tormund Giantsbane, and she is called Ygritte." The woman now known as Val said earning a scoff from the girl named Ygritte. "We were sent by our king to find a way through the wall." She said looking Jon in the eyes. He could see her determination, and he almost admired her for it. She would be considered a beauty in most courts once she was cleaned up. He then looked to the younger red haired girl Ygritte. She too was a pretty thing, no doubt in his mind that if she were dressed like a lady she'd attract much attention.

"Why are you looking to get south of the wall?" Jon asked remembering hearing stories of villages being put to the sword by wildling raids. He felt a surge of anger looking at these three. They had the audacity to lead an attack against him and his men. Had either of his brothers been hurt, Jon had no doubt this conversation would not be happening.

"We want to survive." Val said earning a surprised look from Jon. "Legend says that Bran Stark built the wall thousands of years ago after the end of the long night. When he did my people were trapped on the other side of it. Since then we have tried to make a life for ourselves there, but winter is coming Jon Snow. And this winter brings the dead with it." Val said earning a scoff from one of the guards.

"Who sent you here? Who is this king beyond the wall you speak of?" Jon asked them again. He sheathed his sword, and then removed his sword belt placing it on the table. He motioned to the guards who exited the tent, although somewhat slowly. "It's just us now, I promised you safety, and Starks hold true to their word." He said walking forward and releasing Val from her restraints. He turned to see Ygritte and Tormund looking at him expectantly. "If you can show me you'll behave yourselves then I'll remove your restraints also." He said to them, smirking somewhat at Ygritte as she glowered at him in return.

"Mance Rayder, my sister's husband sent us. He wishes for us to pass south of the wall so we might survive." Val said rubbing her wrists where the rope had been.

"This Mance Rayder, would he be willing to meet with us?" Jon asked, getting a shocked look from Val. "I may not be king, but Robb is still my brother. Perhaps we could meet and discuss this." Jon said looking at Val. "You will all stay with me tonight, and tomorrow we will make our way to Winterfell. There we can discuss this with my brother." He said as he reached down to untie Tormund's hands.

"You're a brave little thing." Tormund said raising himself to his full height and stepping towards Jon. He only managed one step before three masses of fur surrounded him. Val and Ygritte gasped as the direwolves closed in. Summer on Tormund's right, Shaggydog on his left, and Ghost between him and Jon. They could all see the blood on all three wolves' mouths as they snarled at the giant of a man.

"Tormund enough." Val ordered him as she rose to her feet.

"Are those truly Direwolves?" Ygritte asked, looking at the three beasts. Tormund stood raising his hands slowly. He was easily more than a head taller than Jon and yet the direwolves rose and stared him down, all three coming nearly to his shoulders.

"Aye they are. Ghost is my companion." Jon said placing his hand on the wolfs head and scratching his ears. "Summer is Bran's." He said pointing to the grey wolf. Then pointing at the black one he continued. "Shaggydog is Rickon's. We found them south of the wall and raised them." Ghost sat down still growling at Tormund who backed away slowly.

"We accept your hospitality Jon Snow." Val said. She reached into her belt and pulled out a bone dagger, which she walked over and placed down on the table beside his sword. Jon watched as Turmund did the same, before turning to look at Ygritte. She raised her hands which were still bound, causing him to smirk again. He knelt down and undid the rope around her wrists. She then also slowly stood and removed a dagger, and then another and another.

"I expect those back." She said looking at Jon. He merely bowed to her. "And you owe me a new bow Snow." She added causing him to laugh. He watched as Tormund found a spot on the floor and curled up. He himself walked to one of the chairs and sat down. Val looked at him slightly confused making him smirk again.

"My ladies can take the bed tonight, and until we reach Winterfell." He said earning a small smile from Val, while Ygritte merely huffed at him before she climbed into the bed. He lost track of how long he sat in the chair looking around the tent. Tormund seemed to fall asleep fast, if his snoring was anything to go by. It wasn't until he saw movement from the bed that he forced himself to pay attention. The fire had dimmed some, but he could still make out the red hair of Ygritte as she walked towards the table. Slowly he rose and approached behind her. Just as her hand closed around one of the daggers, he reached forward and grabbed her wrist again.

"Let go of me." She whispered harshly at him.

"You know I cannot do that." He said back trying to keep his own voice down. She struggled for a moment before he wrapped another hand around her waist and lifted her up, carrying her from the table. "I am trying to keep you safe, but if you leave this tent I know I won't be able to help you." He said to her as he returned to the chair.

"You know nothing Jon Snow." She angrily said as he sat down holding her in his arms. She struggled for another moment before Ghost came and stood in front of her. Seeing the large wolf had the desired effect on her, as she ceased her fighting against him. He tightened his grip around her waist making sure she couldn't get out.

"I recommend you get some rest. Tomorrow we set out for Winterfell, and I'll need you to play nice if you wish to make it there alive." He said into her ear, causing her to squirm once more. After several minutes she finally stilled, and he later heard her breathing soften. It seemed that she had fallen asleep finally. He loosened his grip slightly, waiting to see if she would make another move to escape. Thankfully she did not, and so he allowed his own eyes to close.

End

Woohoo another chapter done. This one took some time, and frankly when I got to writing Jon and the free folk I just kinda got carried away with it. I'm not sorry though, and I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Next one will cover more characters I promise. So hopefully if you feel like it you'll leave a review, I love seeing what you guys think of the story. Until next week, y'all stay safe.

Guest: That was my own argument when it came to Daenerys when it came to the finally. She was always showing signs of madness, but I disagree with how the show just kinda shotgun blasted us with it seemingly out of nowhere. I do agree with you though, the signs were definitely there, and we'll see some of that in the coming chapters.

Guest: Jon would have gone to look for the boys whether Robb asked him to or not. In terms of Robb ordering him around, while Jon is the rightful king they're still adjusting to this. Plus Jon isn't on the throne yet, since as of now the only ones who know are the northern lords (as far as they're aware). Even still though that is what they have known for their entire lives up till recently. Jon was a bastard and Robb was the trueborn heir. There would be an adjustment period for something like that, and it'd take longer given how they're still trying to keep this information hidden. Appearances must be maintained because they are far from being in a position to act on this. I'm sorry you don't like the pairing. I think it is interesting since it's not something we see often, if ever. I like that it allows us to see new sides of both Sansa and Jaime. I do hope you'll continue to read the story though.

Paloma: Yeah we'll see more of Daenerys and Arya next chapter. They'll absolutely have some adventures together, and I think that given the right circumstances they could become trusted allies for each other. As for Ramsay, he still has his own plans. But I see him sort of like a neglected child, first taste of being treated remotely well and he'll jump to see that continue. We'll just have to wait and see.

Pfcvillanueva: It will be explained in the next chapter. I thought about translating it, but I like the added suspense. If it is more necessary in the future, I will do like I did in the first chapter and have the basics translated between characters.

Kmhappybunny240: Ramsay is still Ramsay, but at least for now he is loyal to Robb. As you can see Jon was able to find Bran, and Rickon, plus a few others.

Jean d'arc: I'm glad you are continuing to enjoy the story. Yes Ramsay is twisted, nut in his own twisted way he is loyal to Robb. I love writing Arya and Dany together, and we'll see what their conversation meant in the next chapter. I wanted to leave it, to build suspense. But in the future it will be more like the previous discussion between Dany and Grey worm where it is translated for the others in the room (and for the readers). I hope you'll continue enjoying the story.

Infinity Mask: Yup, basically in Ramsay's eyes Robb has already done infinitely more for him than Roose ever did.

Guest: I think Sansa was a young girl who made mistakes. She suffered in King's Landing because of Joffrey, but now has a chance to escape that. We'll see more of how she continues to use it to her advantage in the future.

Guest: I think the only time Roose may have told Ramsay about the Red wedding plans was when he sent for him to retake Winterfell. But at that point we don't know if this was in motion yet or not. So I honestly think Ramsay knew nothing until Roose returned to the north, which he did as a corpse in this story. Joffrey literally just slipped on wet ground. It honestly seems about right, since we never actually saw him wielding a sword. I doubt he has any talent for it.

Guest: Robb and Jon are both learning. Robb will marry a northern lady but Jon has much more in store for him.

Guest: Ramsay as of now has given them no reason to mistrust him. That's not to say this won't change in the future, but for now he is loyal to Robb. Catelyn isn't quite there yet, but Sansa does realize that she can use her new position to help her family. Although she knows it would have to be done subtly. All I can say is that Jon will have his dragons before he goes to Essos.

Cell: Sorry Wildlings are here. This will be addressed though in future chapters.

ATP: I agree about Ramsay. He did what his father did hoping to be rewarded. And now in comes Robb, and he's earned Ramsay's trust. He's already received more from Robb than he ever did from Roose.

Guest: Yes Jon is coming to terms with who he is, but he will need a few more nudges in the right direction. He'll get them though, so we will see him still not coveting the throne like others (Dany/Cersei) but knowing it is what he must do. I'm glad you like the story, and hope that it will continue to live up to your expectations.