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Chapter 3

Humility

Samwell Tarly was fretting nervously when he received the summons to visit Jon's new tent. His former friend and idol had taken up a separate residence instead of living in Robb's tent as the Young Wolf had suggested. But where others would have called that action childish, Sam thought otherwise.

Still, it didn't change the fact that it was he who had attacked Jon and with the help of their other Black brothers forcefully dragged him back to Castle Black when all Jon wanted was to help his family. If the Lord Commander had not spared Jon's life...

Sam hated to think of what might have happened to his friend had he faced the true punishment. The guilt would have made Sam miserable for the rest of his life...

So when he entered Jon's tent he did the first thing that came to his mind.

He looked at anywhere but at his friend who was sitting in a corner.

"Sam..."

An awkward silence settled between them as Sam refused to look at him. Even during their journey from the Wall to the Northern army camp, only Grenn had exchanged words with Jon and even those had been few and more awkward.

"I don't fault you for doing your duty. What's done is done, but I need your help now" confessed Jon, as he came forward and grabbed his bulky friend's shoulders in a firm grip which finally made the boy glance at him hesitantly.

"Truly?" asked Sam in a trembling but hopeful voice,

Jon nodded and was a little surprised when Sam hugged him fiercely. That resulted into quite an awkward moment for him, but he still tried his best to make the best out of the situation by gently patting his friend on the back.

When Sam finally seemed calm enough to talk, Jon forced him to sit down and regained his seat.

"What help do you need from me?" asked Sam curiously, and saw for the first time the frustration on his friend's face.

"Robb has given me command of this army but I have no authority. All those lords and bannerman followed my brother to this war because he is the rightful heir and a better leader than me. They may have agreed to accept my temporary command but I cannot force them to accept anything lest it affect their loyalty to Robb. And I will not do anything to harm my brother" explained Jon sincerely,

"It's because of your birth status, isn't it?" questioned Sam, earning a tight smile from Jon for he was atleast thankful that his friend had made an effort to omit his bastard status by covering it in proper words.

He doubted the great Northern lords would be so kind if he tried to interact with them. It had been five days since Robb left the camp in order to go to the Vale and gather support, and all Jon could manage to do was arrange himself a different tent to live in.

Robb had insisted for him to stay in the Commander's tent but Jon knew his place better than anyone else in this world. Robb might have given him command but no one was going to follow him willingly for despite his blood, in the eyes of his people he would always be a Bastard.

That was why he had decided to take the counsel of Sam who himself had once been an heir to the Great House of Tarly until his own father forced him to relinquish his claim due to his craven nature. But despite that, Sam had a knack for knowledge and could provide sensible advice when asked.

Most of all, he was the only friend Jon really had in this entire camp right now.

His brother's bannermen, lords and friends had maintained their distance from him. Even the common soldiers stared at him with skepticism and even disdain in their eyes and while none had done anything offending yet, Jon knew nobody wanted him to be their leader.

Yet it was his job to lead this army for as long as his brother wanted.

Sam saw all the conflicting emotions and worries pass through his friend's face quite clearly.

"They'll never follow you willingly. Not yet atleast" remarked Sam, earning a mild glare from his friend but it lacked any heat.

"I know that" admitted Jon begrudgingly, and frowned when he saw Sam smile.

"I have been here only for a few days but even I can see that the Northern lords and soldiers are quite loyal to your brother. Even they have their doubts about him, but they still follow him. If you can appeal to that emotion and not try to force them to follow you, then I think a few of them will atleast give you one chance" explained Sam honestly, and was quite proud when he saw the relief wash across Jon's tense face.

"I could give it a try" proposed Jon with a newly found enthusiasm in his voice,

Sam got up from his seat when he saw Jon hastily do the same. He was quite surprised when Jon hugged him and thanked him, but before he could leave Sam advised him to approach those lords first who would atleast be willing to listen to reason.

Jon again thanked him for the advice and walked away to fulfill his new mission.

Sam just stood there alone in the tent and while he was glad that the hatchet had been buried between him and Jon, and he could help his friend, it also proved the fact that both Jon and Robb were young boys at war.

They might be good warriors but they were just as inexperienced. Sam himself had no experience at war or even battles, but he was just glad that he could atleast help his friend in this way which was more than what he could do for his own family.

He could only hope that someday he could see his own family just like Jon had.

Jon nervously sat in his chair looking at the three older lords and ladies who were one of his brother's most loyal supporters. Robb had asked them to support him, but Jon could see it in their eyes that the order was hard for them to follow.

He had contemplated to start giving out orders using his authority forcefully if need be, for the Northern army could not stay without action for long. Robb's connection to Lysa and the enthusiasm of the Vale lords to join the war were good signs but even the Vale leadership would need something credible to support him.

And Jon knew what could help his brother in this dire hour.

"My lords and My lady" began Jon respectfully, looking Lord Galbart Glover, Lady Maege Mormont and Lord Jon Umber squarely in the eyes for doing otherwise could be taken as an insult or sign of being a craven.

"Finally decided to do something eh, boy?" asked Lord Umber mockingly with a hearty laugh, but the other two remained silent.

Jon particularly stared at Lord Glover who while silent was atleast staring at him without any disdain in his eyes. If he remembered correctly this man was fostering a bastard like him by the name of Larence Snow, a prospective heir for the leaderless House Hornwood. So at the very least this man was not unfamiliar or unkind with Jon's status and was the reason as to why he seemed the most open to Jon's ideas.

Maege Mormont on the other hand seemed quite skeptical of him, if the heavy frown on her face was any indication of her thoughts.

"Yes. But I cannot do it without your help" confessed Jon honestly, earning a scoff from Lady Maege.

"Your brother made you Commander. What kind of leader are you if you have to beg your own people for help?" questioned Maege disappointedly, but was surprised when the bastard stared at her without losing his cool.

"The kind who knows his place in this world. Eddard Stark was my father, his blood runs through my veins and yet I shall never be a Stark. Even in your eyes I see the disdain and I have accepted my fate. I can try to forcefully make you follow my orders, but you are my brother's bannerman and loyal people who have served my family for generations. I will not dishonor you by abusing my authority" explained Jon sincerely,

The three leaders blinked at the young boy's honesty and it was Galbart Glover who spoke for the first time.

"You look like your Father..."

Even Maege Mormont and Jon Umber now saw the Stark features ever present in this boy's face. That solemn but firm gaze, that long face full of grim determination, and that honesty with which he had accepted his bastard status.

"Yes. I want to avenge him, I want to help my brother and get my sisters back for they never let me feel alone or unwanted. I want to fight for them and the North, but I cannot do it alone" proposed Jon,

"What do you need, boy?" asked Lord Umber curiously,

They patiently watched as Jon beckoned them towards the map that was hanging on the nearly wall. The boy then went forward to place his finger on the position where Castle Darry stood in the Riverlands.

"I heard a rumor today across the camp that the Mountain, Gregor Clegane attacked this Castle. Ever since my brother defeated Jaime Lannister, it is Gregor who is still ravaging the Riverlands. He evades our forces everytime wrecking havoc and destruction on innocent people. I want him dead"

The lords and lady blinked in surprise not only on the suggestion but also on seeing the steely glint that was present in Jon's eyes.

"The Mountain rides with a three hundred strong cavalry, Jon Snow. Many have tried to defeat him only to die at his hands..." warned Lord Glover, eyeing the young boy suspiciously.

"I want him dead"

The GreatJon chuckled boisterously on hearing that making even Lady Maege do the same. But they both then looked at Jon with something close to pity.

"If you want him dead, then why don't you do it yourself?" questioned Lady Maege, sarcasm ever present in her sharp tone.

Galbart Glover knew something had snapped within the boy when he stared back at the two with a steely gaze.

"I will because I cannot wait anymore. I asked for your support not for myself but for my brother and my family's sake. If we kill the Mountain or capture him, it will be a great victory for us because that would mark the fall of the last Lannister force in the Riverlands. If we kill that monster, it can show the Vale lords that the North is a strong ally and they can benefit by siding with us. And if you're not ready to support me, then I shall fight him myself" declared Jon,

He knew he was being foolish, even childish to an extent but he had tried to explain his point but these people were not ready to listen. Ordering them would simply create discontent among Robb's army and that was something Jon didn't want.

Ghost who had been sleeping off in a corner must have sensed his agitation as the Direwolf got up and approached by his side and growled at the startled lords and lady.

Without waiting for another moment Jon marched towards the exit, fury and disappointment flooding him for despite all that had happened he was still useless and unwanted.

"You love your brother, don't you?"

He froze when those words reached him. Turning back hesitantly, he saw Lord Glover staring at him with a small smile playing on his lips.

"Yes"

Lord Glover nodded as he came forward to stand before Jon, the man was old but still looked strong. His eyes lacked any disdain but instead brimmed with confidence.

"Lord Robb asked me to support you and I can see despite your status you want to fight for our side. House Glover has always been loyal to your family, I shall lend you my aid" promised Lord Glover, no doubt or hesitation visible on his face which made Jon smile in relief.

"The boy's got balls for sure. And that bastard Mountain deserves to be put down like the mad dog he is. I'm in, boy" roared the GreatJon, earning a thankful nod from Jon.

He finally turned to Lady Maege who sighed...

"If these two are willing to follow you, then I could atleast give you one chance. Your brother never failed us even once till now, we hope the same from you...Jon Snow" admitted Lady Maege frankly,

"I won't" promised Jon,

He glanced at the assembled army before him made up of Glover Archers and Spearmen, Mormont Heavy Swordsman and Umber Cavalry units. Together they were a strong force of 700 Northmen warriors ready to take on one of the most fiercest and dangerous warriors of Westeros.

Looking to his side, he saw Byrnden Tully staring at him with a calculative gaze. Lady Stark's uncle had not shown any open hostility towards him but at the same time his silence unnerved Jon. Regardless, these were his lands and his assistance was much needed for their mission to succeed.

Lord Glover and Lord Umber were also accompanying him, while Lady Maege would be holding temporary command over the Northern army while her daughter Dacey would be leading the Mormont fighters; and Wendel Manderly, Harrion Karstark and Robin Flint would be acting as Jon's personal guards for despite his status of a bastard, he was still the Northern Army Commander and Robb Stark had asked them to protect his brother. And protect him they shall.

"You're not ready to face the Mountain, Jon Snow" warned Byrnden Tully, but without any scorn in his voice. The older man with eyes of steel was simply stating the truth.

"Alone, definitely not. That is why I asked for your assistance, my lord" stated Jon without any disrespect,

"It is my lands that the monster ravages, my people he slaughters. It is my duty to put him down and I am glad you have taken your duties seriously. But still despite your status, you are Robb's brother and he loves you. That is why I asked you to led me lead" explained Lord Byrnden without mincing words,

"If I cannot fight for my own people, why should they fight for me?"

His declaration earned a thin but actual smile from Lord Brynden who finally understood that this was Jon's chance to display his ability and loyalty to his people. If he succeeded then they would be more open to follow him in future battles, but if he failed...

Surprisingly, Jon read through the older man's thoughts reflecting back a determined nod.

"If I fall, don't bring me back"

Lord Umber and Lord Glover had heard the conversation between the bastard and Lord Tully from nearby. If not anything else, they were assured of the fact that atleast the boy was no craven for if their plan worked then his life would be in the most danger. He was also aware that he was no match against the Mountain in combat which showed his rationalism and ability to understand what needed to be done.

And just like his Father, his brother, Jon Snow always lead from the front.

The fact was proved when Jon gave the order and lead the march with his dangerous Direwolf galloping by his side.

They all saw his fears, his anxiety, his nervousness before he stepped into his first battle, but he kept those feelings in check behind a solemn but determined gaze.

He was young and passionate, inexperienced even but he had a loyal heart which was enough for the 700 Northerners to rally behind him and entrust their lives to this boy.

(Dorne)

Prince Doran Martell somberly sat in his wheelchair glancing over at the group of children playing in the fresh pool of the Water Gardens. Their innocent laughter and joy managed to bring a smile to his face despite the presence of his agitated younger brother pacing restlessly in the chamber.

It was not as if he could not sympathize with his brother's anger. They had waited for years to avenge their murdered sister, hiding back their claws from the Baratheons and Lannisters under false obedience. They had bid their time and rested their hopes upon Viserys Targaryen and his return to Westeros with an army behind his back. And then Dorne would have its justice for its fallen princess and her butchered children.

But now all their hopes and plans were burned to a crisp with the arrival of this letter.

Doran again went over the short but cryptic message sent by their most secret but staunch supporter.

The Dragon has faded away into the sea, slain fighting its own kin.

The Stags and Lions clash with the Wolves as the Flowers bide their time to blossom.

The Craken remains hidden and waiting for its moment to strike. So does the Falcon.

Yet another fire arrives, one thought lost, the memory of a dead man's dream,

The last puzzle behind a bloody history.

But the fire won't last long in the cold winds,

History watches as it always has, waiting for the Viper to make a choice.

Doran couldn't help but shake his head at Varys's antics, but even so in those few words the eunuch had revealed a lot. Viserys was dead at the hands of his own sister, Daenerys was lost in the Dothraki sea with her future uncertain, the Baratheon brothers were about to clash against each other in hopes of overthrowing the Lannister inbred bastard who sat on the Iron Throne.

The Wolves of the North were also fighting as the flames of war spread across all of Westeros.

But what made the message more mysterious for Doran was the small picture Varys had sent alongwith the letter.

The image of a dragon mounted atop a direwolf.

"What does the eunuch mean by this?" asked Oberyn restlessly, earning a calm gaze from his older brother.

"I am not certain but this is an invitation. He is proposing us to make a choice and depending on what we choose he shall make his move as well. The Spider will not reveal any more than necessary..." cautioned Doran, aware of Varys and his deceptive ways.

"I can think of many ways to make him talk..." proposed Oberyn with a cold smile which was borderline mischievous, but deadly nonetheless. He was not known as the Red Viper for nothing.

"Patience, Oberyn" chastised Doran, and didn't finch when his brother slammed his fist on the table furiously.

"17 years, brother. I have waited long enough and this is our chance to have justice for our dear sister" proclaimed Oberyn passionately, but flinched on receiving a harsh stare from his sibling.

"Never assume I have forgotten what they did to our dear sister. They shall pay in time but we must be cautious. The last time Dorne went to war, we were defeated and thousands of our people died for the madness of one man and the foolishness of another. Is your revenge more important than the people who consider you their Prince?" scolded Doran in his calm but sharp tone,

The Prince of Dorne was relieved when some of his brother's anger was subdued at that remark. Contrary to popular belief, Oberyn did care for his people despite his thirst for revenge. It was that duty and Doran's influence that had prevented the Red Viper from warring against the Lannisters and Baratheons when they murdered his sister alongwith her small children.

"It is too early to make any move, Oberyn. We must wait and see what happens for the war is just starting, and never trust Varys blindly for the Spider is also playing his own game. Nobody knows with whom his allegiance lies with and that makes him more dangerous than entire armies because of the position he holds alongwith the secrets of entire Westeros that he hides in his fat belly" warned Doran, and shivered when he saw Oberyn smile icily.

"We could just take King's Landing, brother. The Lannister Army is away, so are the Baratheons. If need be we can ally with the Starks and trap them from two fronts" suggested Oberyn, but frowned when his brother shook his head.

"The North is being led by the green boy Robb Stark. While he has scored few good victories, winning a war is entirely different. Never shall we side with either Baratheons or Lannister nor the Reach for they have always been our enemies. We are separated from the rest of the Kingdoms and if we join the war without any sound plan, then I can assure you war will come to Dorne and I will not allow my lands and my people to burn" declared Doran calmly but with a hint of steel in his voice that left no room for argument.

Oberyn gave out a tired sigh and was just about to march out disappointedly when Doran's next words stopped him...

"Ready our men"

"What?" asked Oberyn in shock, didn't his brother just say they were not joining this war?

It was then he saw Doran give him a faint calculative smile, if any man considered this Prince to be weak because of his gout that rendered him disabled then they would be violently shocked when he showed his true power. Oberyn had always respected his elder brother for his intelligence which had saved Dorne many times. And despite their opposite natures, he trusted his brother.

"Begin the preparations slowly by sending ravens to our bannermen. I'll pass it off as a cautious exercise in these times of war, our enemies might think we are making a move but we shall not cross our borders. Atleast not yet, but I wonder what they would think of 10,000 Dornishmen manning their borders. It should give them a few sleepless nights..." explained Doran with a smirk,

If he could not kill his enemies openly, then at the very least he would make them bleed from the shadows like the Viper he was. The presence of the Dornish army near their borders would surely make Tywin Lannister and the Baratheons wary. And should any one of those factions even win, then Doran would simply pass off that move under the objective of protecting his lands from any who wished to harm them.

He had already received a rather commanding summons from King's Landing to lend his aid in putting down the Starks and Baratheon brothers. However, Doran would rather die than aid those who killed his sister and her children.

"Have I ever told you I love you so much?" asked Oberyn with a grin, making his brother roll his eyes.

"More times than I would have liked..." commented Doran, sarcasm ever present in his voice for he was aware of his brother's unique tastes that never differentiated between women or men.

"Doran..."

He looked up at his brother and saw quite a serious expression visible on the Red Viper's face.

"I trust you, brother. But promise me that if there is a chance to have justice for our sister, you will act on it without waiting for 17 more years" pleaded Oberyn,

Doran should have known his brother was like a dog running after a bone, yet even so there was some truth behind Oberyn's words so he nodded which made Oberyn smile as he kissed him on his cheeks before exiting the chambers.

The Prince of Dorne stared at the letter from Varys, more specifically at the image of the Dragon mounted atop the Direwolf.

He had no idea what that meant but had a feeling that somehow the Starks were tied to the Targaryens even today.

Whatever the case, his curiosity had been peaked and the seed of temptation had been successfully planted in his heart by that sneaky Spider, Varys.

But Oberyn didn't need to know that for his brother would again pester him to act on this curiosity. But unlike his free and willful younger brother, Doran would measure all benefits and risks before making his move.

But when he did make his move...

Westeros shall again fear the Viper.

Author's Notes: End of chapter.

Hope you guys liked it.

Reviews would be much appreciated.

Until Next Time,

Blackwolf501