289 AC

Fire. I could feel the heat of the flames even from up here. Looking over the side of the She-Wolf as I dropped another jug filled with a flammable mix upon the ship below. The screams of her crew echo across the sea. Even as I watch that accursed ship sink to the depths, I spy her Captain making his way to another vessel and clamber aboard.

As Pyke finally comes into view I see ships belonging to Robert and his forces. No doubt Lord Stark is among them. There's no escaping whatever punishment I'll receive. My only hope is that I can make a big enough impact to get into the King's good graces and that should hopefully lessen my punishment, even if just by a bit. I get ready to toss another jug up and over the side. Bullseye as it lands on another ship.

After the first major offence I watch as Robert's forces breach though many ships of the Ironborn with little help from me as more and more fire bombs are tossed over and two more ships are sent to a watery grave. Finally I begin to set the She-Wolf down on a large empty space near the beach. As King Robert and several others including Lord Stark make their way towards me, "Jon" I hear Lord Stark call out to me, disappointment evident in his tone, "Lord Stark" I responded, "What are you doing here? War is no place for a boy, least of all a boy as young as you. I told you to remain at Winterfell" He spoke with clear disappointment in his tone, "They took our people, the women of Bear Island. Is it not our duty to right this injustice?" I spoke aloud, "The King has judged these men guilty, so should I not help in their sentencing?" I continued as I walked towards the King's party and bowed to Robert. He wasn't as fat as I knew he would become, but he clearly had been putting on weight and his cheeks were already red, most likely from drinking, "Well spoken lad" Laughed Robert, "Hell, for how many krakens you sent to the drowned god I should Knight you for your efforts" He continued, "That won't be necessary Your Grace" Lord Stark tried to half heartedly reason with his old friend, knowing that what Robert wanted he usually got. The man was as stubborn as an ox when he wanted something, "Nonsense Ned, this is your son, the least I can do is reward him for thinning out their numbers. As a reward, Knighthood and however much treasure can fit on that sky boat of yours. Now kneel, boy" His tone told me there was no refusing this, not that I would after all the gold I'd receive would certainly help my future endeavors.

"You know, when Robert said however much treasure the She-Wolf could carry, I don't think he meant *this*" Lord Stark spoke, looking at my impressive haul of used equipment and the chests I had filled with gold. Overall, I had collected at least 1000 gold dragons in coin and had a much better haul in used armour and weapons, only slightly burnt from fire bombing, "Well, he should've been more specific then. After all, the extra equipment will help Winterfell's guards" I spoke with a little more confidence and walked with a slight spring in my step, "I'll see you back at Winterfell, Lord Stark" I said while climbing aboard the She-Wolf. As I took off I could only hope that my actions here had helped in the long run.

Arriving back I knew that I was in for a world of trouble from Caitlyn. The woman has had it out for me for as long as I could remember...

Wait a minute, in the show Caitlyn tells Robb's wife that she prayed for Jon to go away and he got sick and nearly died, then she prayed to the Gods to spare his life... Does that mean this time she didn't pray for Jon to live? Damn heartless bitch, she killed me, I mean Jon, I mean me, Gods why is this so confusing? "And so the bastard returns" I could hear the Septa mutter to me as I passed her, "That's Ser Bastard. I killed a lot of people to get this title and I deserve to be called as such" I say channeling as much of Abridged Alucard as I could, "Jon!" I could hear Robb cry out as he moved to hug me at speeds that would put Olympic runners to shame, "Brother, got a gift for you" I say reaching to pull a small pouch with 25 gold dragons out of my bag, "Try not to spend it all in one place, there's even some for Sansa and Arya" I say handing over the money to him. I easily secured my place as his favorite sibling, not that it was hard. Looking at how effective my skyship was I think it's time for me to begin phase two of my development plan.

Thankfully, the King has generously given me the funds to secure materials needed for my newest inventions. After Lord Stark returned, my punishment was decided. I would be banned from the library and from flying the She-Wolf for 3 moons. Honestly, not too bad a punishment as it gave me time to practice the more martial skills. Something I had put off in favor of reading and inventing. Really, I could improve my combat skills. In Canon, Jon was regarded as a great swordsman and I have no idea if I inherited any of his talents during our merge. It also meant that I could avoid our new guest as much as possible. When Lord Stark returned he brought Theon Greyjoy with him, a boy who at this age is an ass but he's not too bad... Then I remember how he betrayed Robb and the Starks. How he killed Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik... Even though he hasn't committed those crimes yet I know I don't want to give him the chance.

3 Moons Later

"Keep swinging that sword, boy" I could hear Ser Rodrik bark at me as I kept hitting the training dummy in a constant pattern despite my muscles aching from the constant practice. With my progress after three moons of practice I've finally gotten somewhat proficient with a sword. I know the basics at least of 'stick'em with the pointy end'. I ended up taking inspiration from some of my favorite characters like Mordred from Fate or 'Guts' from 'Berserk'. This led to my style being wild and unpredictable, every part of it was meant to maximize my offensive output. Even if it cost me my defensive capabilities, I would have to train my pain resistance and stamina as this style left me drained. My skills with a bow were a little better. I was able to at least hit the target near enough to the bullseye two thirds of the time, "Stop and get some rest" Ser Rodrik called out.

Heading out I went to bathe in the hot springs, thinking about it, weren't there some local legends about them?