A/N: A lot to cover in this chapter, and every detail adds up. So bear with me please.

Benjen sat in the main chamber of the Northwest Army's headquarters, where Lord Joon convened his brigade commanders, the commanders of the infantry and cavalry, and the administration officers. Quartermaster Shin and Adjutant Dae sat closest to their Captain-General, with the other administrators and senior commanders close by. Benjen sat in the middle amongst the other brigade commanders while he left Lieutenant Lim in charge of preparing the "flying column" to march at a moment's notice.

But the commanders and administrators all sat opposite of each other, with one half facing the other, while Lord Joon occupied the prominent position at the top, front, and center. That way, all could hear their captain-general and look at each other as they discussed their options regarding the emperor's commands, or more accurately, those of the prime minister's. Who really rules here? Not even the Hand of the King could have so much authority.

"Thank you all for coming at such short notice," Joon began in nihongo. "I trust all of you are aware of why we're gathered here." Benjen and the officers presented nodded their heads. "In the last few days, I was able to obtain an accurate appraisal of the current situation. His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince," all of them dipped their heads in respect at the mention of his name, which Benjen quickly did but still perplexing him at such a gesture. "Was placed in command of one hundred thousand men, all of them drawn from the southern provinces and from the capital garrison, with the task of subjugating a confederation of Jogos Nhai that have begun to strike at our Goi allies at alarming rates while making incursions into the Northeast Province. Quartermaster Shin," he turned to him. "Enlighten us all on what exactly is happening."

"Yes, general," Shin affirmed before turning his head to the rest of those assembled. "My sources have indicated that there we are not dealing with a united people in the Jogos Nhai. The actions of the ones we face are in fact the work of a renegade group of jhats that have grown dissatisfied with the terms of the treaty between the other tribes and our empire. But there is a clear geographical origin in regards to these jhats."

"Explain," Joon urged him.

"From what I was able to obtain, these jhats are concentrated on land near the Northeast Province. The reports that I got from my counterpart there all said that there had been increased disturbances between imperial patrols and tribesmen affiliated with these jhats, the latter of whom say that they need to move south since their moonsingers have warned of a winter that would last for generations, which would freeze the plains and kill off their herds. However, the Northeast governor denied their request to settle past the border, since that would encourage more tribes to do so and thus strain the supply lines for the Five Forts," Shin elaborated.

"And we cannot allow the Five Forts to wither, since that would expose our northern frontier to the dangers from the Grey Waste. We can reason with the Jogos Nhai, but the same cannot be said of the raiders and other threats from that desert," Adjutant Dae added. "So far, most of the messages from the jhats that I have received all deny being involved in their people violating the truce, which lend credence to the idea that we're facing renegades. However, those jhats have managed to crush one of our armies and capture the Crown Prince. We can only guess what their price will be before they return him to the empire."

"Which is why the prime minister said that we will not negotiate," Joon asserted before turning to Feng Jo, Lieutenant-General of the Horse in the Northwest. "General Jo, will our cavalry be able to contend with those assembled by those jhats?"

"We might not be as fast as they could, given that they sleep on their horses," Jo quipped, prompting chuckles from the officers but were quieted at Joon's stern face. "However, we can last longer in a sustained battle given our weapons, armor, and training."

"Take care not to be so overconfident in our abilities," Joon warned him. "These men have experience in how we conduct ourselves in the field and once we're in the steppes, there is no guarantee that our supply lines will be maintained over the distances. We must also be as fast as our enemy, so make sure that the cavalrymen only take their weapons and light armor. Anything else could be kept back here."

"Yes, general," Feng Jo affirmed.

Joon then turned to Sone Taruhito, Lieutenant-General of the Foot in the Northwest. "The same goes for you, General Taruhito, We must move quickly in the steppes and our infantry must be able to react at a moment's notice to ambushes, quick maneuvers, and the like. Do not bring any heavy weapons."

"Understood, general," he said.

Joon looked to Captain Akhito Han, the commander of the missile troops and the newest arrival to the Northwest Army from the capital garrison itself. "Captain Han, I know that it's only been three moons since you've arrived here. Have you any battle experience?"

"No, general," Captain Han admitted. Benjen could feel Joon's frustration when he rubbed his forehead. There's nothing worse for a commander than dealing with one who doesn't know how to handle combat. It was even more worrisome since Captain Han was in charge of the missile troops, the ones who had the most education of the troops and handled the black power weapons among others.

"Captain, we're about to embark on an expedition that will determine the course of our empire, and I need every one of my men to perform to the best of his abilities. You haven't seen battle, but I must know if you can do the rigors of combat. If not, then resign from your post and let someone else take command," Joon gave his ultimatum.

Captain Han gulped. "I… shall do my duties as best as possible," he stammered slightly.

"I hope so," Joon narrowed an eye at him before looking at the imperial commissioner for the Northwest Army. "Commissioner, the prime minister ordered that all former soldiers were recalled to active duty. How many were we able to obtain?"

"Fifteen thousand, general." Even though the commissioner was appointed as the emperor's representative, he still was subordinate to Joon.

"And have all of our auxiliaries been assembled?"

"Yes, general."

"How many?"

"Thirty thousand."

Benjen had studied on the purposes of the auxiliaries. Drawn from all able-bodied men in the province who did not serve in the army or had completed their enlistments, their main purpose was not to participate in active combat. Their main responsibilities included wall and road repair, river dike building, bridge construction, and transportation of supplies by boat or mule. That way, the active soldiers could focus on fighting the enemy without having to worry about the other affairs.

As for the former soldiers, they too would not participate in combat. Despite their experience, much can happen when they set aside the uniform and engage in pursuits unrelated to soldiery, all of which can deteriorate a man's physical condition. It was especially true for those that had served twenty years, since they were not young men anymore. So the army decided that they would be better utilized in the rearguard or in local communities where they could maintain security while the troops were engaged elsewhere. Only in dire circumstances would the auxiliaries or the former soldiers be put in battle.

Benjen saw that arrangement as very efficient, as that meant that the province and the empire could maximize the amount of power under their control in times of crisis. Moreover, he became more impressed at how quickly they were able to mobilize, as the process took only days. When a lord paramount called the banners in Westeros, the process would take weeks, a moon at the most. The latter certainly applied for the north. How did they manage to do that?

"All right," Joon clapped his knees. "So, we have sixty thousand soldiers under our command plus forty-five thousand more. Quartermaster, how many can the Northeast Province bring forth?"

"Roughly the same number, general," Shin replied.

"Adjutant, just how many men are the Five Forts providing for this expedition?"

"Ten thousand," Adjutant Dae answered. "Two thousand from each. They'll likely be the vanguard, considering their experience with austere conditions."

"Good," Joon nodded. "General Jo and General Taruhito, get your troops ready. Do not take any unnecessary equipment and ensure that they can travel light."

"Yes, general," they both nodded.

"Quartermaster, make sure that there is enough food, water, and hay to last us for at least three moons on the steppes. We don't want to compete with Jogos Nhai for pastures. Also, make sure that your sources and scouts are up to date with the latest movements of these renegade jhats."

"Understood, general."

"Adjutant, ensure that all papers and maps are accounted for. We must make sure that we have the right forms to communicate with the Northeast Governor and whoever commands the contingent from the Five Forts. Burn any maps that are out of date and work with the quartermaster to ensure that we have the correct ones."

Adjutant Dae shifted uncomfortably at the notion of working with him, but sucked it up. "It will be done, general."

"Brigade commanders, await your orders from your respective generals and prepare your brigade to march when we receive word. Captain Stark," Joon finally addressed Benjen. "I trust these last six moons have been productive for you."

Benjen felt the other brigade commanders, senior officers, and administrators all turn their eyes on him. Breathing in and out to control his anxiousness, he found the words to say. "General Kitara, over these six moons, I have developed a working relationship with the officers and soldiers under my command. They can march in proper formation, maintain their weapons and armor, and have been trained to react to any instance in battle, including ambushes."

"You've been ambushed many times at your Wall?"

"Yes, general. The wildlings are a fearsome foe and I have learned much from my engagements with them. I passed on as much as I could with them."

"I hope they perform well, for your sake," Joon had to maintain distance between themselves in front of the other officers, as how they interacted with each other here and at Kushiro had to be separated. However, given that the "flying column" would be part of the advance guard of the army, it was important for Joon to know that Benjen brought them back to full battle condition.

"As your men will march ahead of us, Captain Stark, you will work with Quartermaster Shin to procure any knew intelligence that you come across. Also, your duties will be to conduct denial of the land."

Benjen's eyes widened. "Denial of the land" meant that they would be responsible for burning vast swaths of the enemy's pastures in order to starve them out. "Will that work with people who move on fast mounts?"

"Burn whatever grasses their zorses can feed on, they'll start making mistakes and we'll slowly smoke them out," Joon explained. "Our orders from the prime minister are clear, so we must execute them. Understood, Captain Stark?"

Despite his reservations, Benjen knew that he couldn't openly disagree with their host. "Yes, general."

"Good," Joon stood up, as did the other officers. "The final orders will come in the morning, so prepare the troops and get some rest. Dismissed."

The officers poured out of the main chamber, while some didn't bother to be courteous to Benjen as they shoved past him.

"Captain Stark, a word please," Benjen turned around and saw Quartermaster Shin standing near the entrance of the chamber.

"Yes, quartermaster?" Benjen walked up to him.

"It appears that we'll be working together in this expedition," Shin noted.

"So it would seem."

"The general might have allowed you to stay in his home and given you a command, but remember this: I outrank you and you will follow my commands," Shin got right to the point. "I highly doubt you got the troops back in shape, considering how addicted they were to the yapian."

"Well, paying them their due coin did much to improve my position to them," Benjen said.

"Yes, but will that be enough?" Shin asked pointedly. "A white devil like yourself leading those wretches into battle. For all the efforts that you say you put into them, I doubt it will be enough."

"I'm confused as to why you have a low opinion of them, quartermaster. After all, many of them were farmers, just like you were," Benjen indicated.

"If you think that fact should make me have some kind of affinity for them, you are mistaken. Even in the same category, there are differences and I just happened to be above many of them."

Benjen scoffed. "It seems you are just as capable of acting like the highborns that you disdain so much. I know what you said to Lord Tarly and let me tell you. Just because of a few bad examples doesn't give you the right to look down all highborns as schemers."

"And you would know? You're a highborn yourself, so do you think that you have an understanding of how other people live?"

"I know what it is like to struggle, especially in winter. I know what it is to be hungry, so don't tell me that me being born to a lord makes me blind to what goes on in the world."

"Now that you mention it, I made some inquiries and read some books on your house. 'Winter is coming?' I never heard bigger horseshit in my life."

That got Benjen's attention. "What did you say?"

"So your house only prepares for one season of hardship? That just proves that you truly don't understand how those without titles and lands have to endure hardship everyday."

"You misunderstand those words," Benjen felt the wolf in him emerge at this man daring to affront his house. "Our sigil is the direwolf. The Starks have had to endure the cold of the north for thousands of years, and our struggles became worse whenever winter came. 'When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.' When winter comes, the Starks band together to survive. That's what you failed to comprehend when you did your inquiring."

"But you live in a keep, and have lands. I might have been above the other farmers, but I had to struggle in the real world, where the hardships don't increase with the seasons. Be it summer or winter, I had to endure hunger and bad harvests. But through sheer determination, I was able to pass the examinations and become a high-ranking officer of the army. I doubt you would be able to accomplish that if our places were switched," Shin spat back.

Benjen shook his head. "Don't assume that our lives are easy just because we have those things. Each station has their own dangers and the Starks had to fight for their right to live for thousands of years. If you read your books properly, you would know that the Starks had fought off threats for their whole existence. So believe me, I understand struggle."

Shin still remained unconvinced, causing Benjen headaches for when they do have to work together as Lord Joon commanded. "To assuage any more doubts you have, let me say this. If our positions were switched, I would have surpassed what you accomplished."

Shin blinked. "What?"

"A man gets what he earns, something you should understand. I don't know how much you know of the Night's Watch, but I didn't have to be there. My eldest brother was dead, my remaining brother taking up our family's lordship, and I could have stayed at Winterfell while finding a proper highborn lady to marry and further secure the Starks. But I chose to be at the Wall and I worked my way up to become the First Ranger. Despite my family's standing, I chose to endure the cold and I got what I earned. So, how about you spare me your self-righteous bullshit for someone? From what I can tell, you thinking yourself better than your farming brethren makes you just as bad as the worst highborn," Benjen laid it for him.

There was a pause as Shin narrowed his eyes in indignation at Benjen. If he was affected by Benjen's words, he hid it well. After all, he was the quartermaster for the Northwest Army, so he had to have learned how to control his emotions. Well, he didn't control his emotions just moments ago.

Not willing to let Benjen have the last word, Shin chuckled in amusement. "What's so funny, quartermaster?"

"I noticed that you didn't say why you went to your ice wall in the first place. You have to either be crazy to do that, or something else influenced your decision," Shin said.

"And what would that be?"

"Guilt." Benjen felt his heart stop at what Shin just uttered. But before he could have him explain further, the quartermaster turned to his area of headquarters to conduct his duties.

The only two people who knew the true reason as to why Benjen went to the Wall in the first place were Ned and Howland Reed, both of whom were at the Tower of Joy. He never believed for a moment that Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna, considering that he knew that his sister was the Knight of the Laughing Tree and saw how she acted around Rhaegar at Harrenhal. But the guilt part came after Benjen had covered for Lyanna when she decided to secretly meet the Prince of Dragonstone.

"Lyanna, I don't know if you should do this. I want to support you, but there might be consequences of you meeting Prince Rhaegar."

Lyanna put her hand on his cheek and smiled. "Don't worry, Benjen. I will send letters in case anyone is asking, and Elia will also send her letters. But please, don't tell Brandon and father what I'm doing. It'll cause more complications."

Benjen sighed, knowing that he couldn't stop her. "Just came back to us safe, okay?"

Lyanna mounted her mare as she grinned at her young brother. "Hey, it's me." And that was the last time Benjen saw her alive.

He couldn't face Ned after that and seeing her body at Winterfell. But fortunately for him, his older brother had his own burden to bear, mainly his promise to their sister. Pat of the reason why Ned took Jon in despite the damage that it would cause and the promise was because he too felt guilty for not seeing things clearly. So, both had their own guilt to bear.

But with the changed circumstances, Benjen began to see a new purpose for himself in Yi-Ti. He saw his nephew become surer of himself and he was leading actual soldiers into battle. It was as if the gods wanted to wipe his guilt away, knowing the negative effects it had on one's mind. If only you could see him now, Lyanna, Benjen thought wistfully. However, it was too soon for him to celebrate, as Jon still had a long way to go.

He then returned to his camp, where all of the troops stood at the ready. Following his instructions, they all wore only light armor and carried only what was necessary. The footmen held their pikes tightly, the cavalrymen were currently dismounted but were all armed with their daos and daggers, and the missile troops had prepared enough black powder and their weapons to be carried on carriages.

Benjen then found Lieutenant Lim, who was directing the other officers in his stead. "Captain Stark. Are we to march?"

"We'll get further orders in the morning, lieutenant," Benjen dismounted his horse. "How are they doing?"

"The men are just eager to see battle," Lim said. "Nothing more effective to raise men's spirits than for them to kill the enemy.

"Indeed," Benjen agreed. For the rangers at the Wall, their morale lifted whenever they fought and triumphed against bands of wildlings. "I just hope that the last moons retraining them have paid off."

"We'll see, captain," Lim answered. Benjen saw that the officers were being active in seeing their soldiers in good condition, quite the progression given what they couldn't care less only three moons ago. Seeing their brigade commander share in their training hardships certainly helped, as the troops heeded his every word and action.

And now, his methods would be put to the test, as they would enter battle for the first time in a while.

Benjen waited with Lieutenant Lim in the main tent, unable to sleep as they anticipated the command. He had killed men before, but he had never been this nervous in years. Maybe it's because these troops have been under my care. While he couldn't say that there was a sense of brotherhood in the brigade, there was a closer bond between the leaders and the followers than before Benjen arrived. And now, I will have to see some of them die. I cannot avoid that, but that's an outcome I wish to avoid regardless.

As morning came and Benjen remained awake, a messenger came. "Captain Stark," he addressed him. "From headquarters."

Benjen took the letter, which had Lord Joon's seal, and opened it. Reading the contents, he prepared himself and turned to Lieutenant Lim. "It's time."

"Yes, captain," Lieutenant Lim ran out of the tent as he relayed the orders to the troops to assemble into formation. A servant put on his armor and tied his sword to his waist before Benjen emerged from the tent. Looking upon the neat formations his troops were arranged in, he eyed each soldier and officer as he passed them by before he mounted his horse, with Lieutenant Lim joining him.

"Brigade, fall in!" Lieutenant Lim shouted. The cavalry formed up directly behind Benjen and the lieutenant, with the infantry not far behind them. Getting the nod from his commander, the lieutenant tightened his grip on his horse's reins. "Forward, march!"

Benjen and his horse led the brigade in the front as they advanced to the main force of the Northwest Army. Briefly, he looked at Lord Joon and smiled at Jon, who with Chanhee and Ghost was directly their host and his direct subordinates. But as they were the flying column, they had to go ahead of the main army. Sparing one last look at Jon, Benjen and the brigade quickened their pace and were soon in the middle of the empty plains to the far north.

Give this place snow and more trees and you have the lands beyond the Wall, Benjen silently remarked as they became alert in the new environment around them.


Jon rode alongside Ghost and Chanhee as they trailed behind Lord Joon and his entourage. He had strapped Longclaw to his back while Dark Sister was tied to his waist. Chanhee didn't carry any weapons, mostly because Joon didn't want to further complicate matters with General Jo, the commander of the cavalry, and the Goi cavalrymen who had accompanied them on this expedition by arming a Chogo woman. I will make sure that she doesn't get hurt, Jon promised himself.

He began to realize that he was entering battle for the first time in his life, but he wasn't feeling anything glorious from it already. He still had much to learn from Lord Joon and he felt that he was not ready to fight on his own with Hoon Ti to guide him. However, he couldn't protest Joon's orders to have him accompany the army and obeyed them. He also didn't look forward to when he would have to kill, as he already felt that this experience would be scarring for him.

He looked to Chanhee, who started to become more comfortable as they journeyed further into the steppes. "You forget, this is my home," she said after noticing his looks. "I've been riding around these plains my entire life, but I couldn't fully enjoy it as our people had to fight the Goi and the Jogos Nhai at the same time."

"Will your people be around this area?" Jon asked.

"Hopefully," Chanhee answered. "It's been half a year since I've seen them, and they must think I am lost."

"Then why didn't you try to return to them?"

Chanhee hesitated. "You think that it's simple. I can't just show up to my tribe and say, 'Hello. I've been alive this whole time.' Plus, I struck an imperial officer, even though he was a Goi bastard. To do that is a death sentence, which is what I would have gone through if it weren't for you."

"It must be hard, being separated from those you associate with home," Jon could certainly understand.

Chanhee sighed. "It is. But I guess my time in Kushiro has taught me much. So, I cannot really complain."

Now that they were talking about Kushiro, Jon had to ask. "Chanhee, about the last time we talked in the wheat fields—"

"What about it?"

"I know that there are difficulties between us, mainly because I am a white devil and you are a woman of the steppes. I don't know much about women myself, but I won't force you to do anything. If you want to have some space for yourself, all right. But I only ask that you don't push me away. I like what we have and I don't want for it to end," Jon said his piece.

Chanhee looked at him, but her gaze softened. "I appreciate you saying that. But remember this. I haven't learned to settle down anywhere because that's not how I was raised. Because of that, I don't know how to develop companionships. If that's a problem for you, just let me know. I won't judge you for it."

Jon shook his head. "I just told you. I like what we have. We can just take it one step at a time and see where it goes from there. No need to make rash decisions."

Chanhee smiled at that, causing Jon to also smile. "So… tell me about how you met Ghost."

Jon eagerly took the opportunity to make more conversation with Chanhee and told him of how he, Robb, Bran, Ned, the Cassels, and Theon found the direwolf litter. Theon had called Ghost "the runt of the litter" in reference to his supposed bastard status. If I could see his face of when he realizes how wrong he was, Jon mused. He also told Chanhee of why Ghost was named "Ghost."

"And what of your dragon, Meleys? Why did you name her that?" Chanhee became curious.

"That's a long story, Chanhee," Jon said.

"Not like we have anything better to do than just watch more grass growing from horseback," Chanhee gestured to the endless plains around them.

Jon told her first about Alyssa Targaryen, sister-wife of Baelon Targaryen, and then Rhaenys the Queen Who Never Was, the two main riders of Meleys the Red Queen. As he was slowly coming to terms with his Targaryen heritage, many of the events that occurred during their reign in power began to affect him, including the Dance of the Dragons. He couldn't imagine himself killing his own sister or nephew, as had Aegon did with Rhaenyra and Daemon with Aemond, since he imagined Arya or any of his Stark cousins in that position.

"You don't have to continue if it's too hard," Chanhee said after sensing his growing hesitation as he spoke further on the Dance.

"No," Jon wanted to push on. "It's important, no matter how much it affects me." Taking a breath, he talked about what had happened at Rook's Rest, where Rhaenys and Meleys were able to inflict severe wounds on Aegon and Sunfyre but were killed themselves by Aemond and Vhagar.

"That doesn't seem like a very good story behind the first Meleys," she spoke after Jon finished his explanation.

"It's not," Jon concurred. "But that's why I decided to name my dragon that. I want to believe that Meleys, and whoever rode her, were meant for great things, which would have come to pass if it weren't for the Dance. This is me having Meleys a second chance at greatness, but I will make sure that she lives for centuries, as it should have been."

"It hasn't been long since you discovered where you truly come from and you already have a connection to a family you don't know very well. That's remarkable," Chanhee observed.

"Maybe because the stain of being a bastard is slowly being swept away from me," he answered. "I am not as stifled as I once felt."

"However, you shouldn't let it get to your head," she said quickly. "The last thing I want is to see you become another arrogant ass. You might have a big wolf and a dragon, but you're still nothing in these lands. Remember that."

"You're the second person to tell me that," Jon gave a light laugh. "I had to understand that I had to go thousands of miles before nobody truly cares about me. But I think there is some comfort in being among those that don't care. No expectations, no one having any notions of who I am supposed to be, and all that."

"Now you know what it's like to live our lives," Chanhee cracked another smile. "We're free and there's nobody to make us live any differently."

Jon let out a breath in pensiveness. "I sometimes wish that."

"Well, you can starting right now," she lightly punched his arm. "Before you have to go back."

Jon looked at her with appreciation. "Thank you, Chanhee."

That night, the army made camp and Jon was allowed to pitch his tent near Joon's, since he was acting as his personal bodyguard. The same couldn't be said for Chanhee, since she was considered "army baggage" despite Joon allowing her to come due to her knowledge of the terrain. Jon had Ghost watch over her in case anyone tried to act foolishly with her, knowing that his direwolf's size would be enough to deter those.

Unlike the first meeting, Jon was allowed in the commanders' meeting in Joon's tent, which included all of the brigade commanders save for Benjen, who was far ahead of the main army and had to conduct scouting with his flying column. However, he had to stand behind Joon instead of sitting, not that he cared in the slightest.

"Captain Stark's cavalry has reported signs of the enemy east of the Shrinking Sea," Quartermaster Shin pointed on the map. "I have also been in contact with a few of the fort captains who are posted between here and the Five Forts. Their small garrisons will not be enough to withstand any onslaught by the renegade jhats."

"How many are we facing?" Joon asked.

"If Captain Stark's men and the forts are correct, we are facing thirty thousand renegades on zorseback."

"Thirty thousand? And they defeated an army of one hundred thousand?" exclaimed one of the foot brigade commanders.

"We are dealing with men who know the land well and can utilize their zorses to their full potential," Joon said. "It's possible that they were able to lure the crown prince into favorable positions where their fast cavalry can overwhelm ours. Therefore, we must be careful not to underestimate them. Any new from Trader Town?"

"So far, the garrison commander reports that all is quiet there," Shin answered. "The problem is with the jhats in the southeast of the plains, who are all involved in the annihilation of our army. They can skirt past our forts in the northeast frontier and thus use our roads against us."

"And if that happens, chaos will erupt in all of the northern provinces," General Taruhito said. "If I may, general, it's best that we march to the forts with all possible haste. Once we buttress their defenses, we can more effectively defend against their advance."

"But they can get through the gaps, which there certainly will be," General Jo pointed out on the map. "We must adopt a more mobile approach to the threat. We send out cavalry patrols and keep our infantry in reserve so they can be deployed wherever needed."

"For that to be employed successfully, we would need to have information on where they actually are," Adjutant Dae said. "Sending scouts out is a risk in itself, since they could overwhelmed by the faster Jogos Nhai. We cannot afford to make the same mistake as the crown prince did."

As they debated their options, Jon looked at the map and looked at all of the roads outlined, the forts, and the plains east of the Shivering Sea. It was certainly a wide area in which the enemy could maneuver, making the task of exactly locating them all the more difficult since that area of the plains had no roads.

But then, Jon noticed one of the forts on the map. "My lord," he addressed Joon in nihongo. "May I say something?"

The officers all eyed the white devil in the tent. "What is it you want to say, Daeron?" Joon asked.

"What is the fort called?" Jon put his finger one of them drawn on the map.

"That's called Daeya Fort, boy," General Jo said.

Jon ignored his rudeness. "Do you see how close Daeya Fort is to this crossroad here?" He pointed to another place on the map.

"That's only fifty miles from that crossroads," Joon said, and then it hit him. "You think it's possible that the jhats would attack that fort in order to get to the crossroads?"

"From what I know, my lord," Jon started. "This crossroad leads to different paths that connect to the entire Northeast Province. This town seems to have no fortifications or a strong garrison, meaning that they rely on that fort for most of its protection."

"General, why is this white devil allowed to speak?" one of the brigade commanders asked incredulously.

"Quiet," Joon cut him off. "Continue."

Although their sessions were cut short, Jon was using what he remembered from Joon's sessions in tactics to this particular moment. "These jhats probably need the quickest way southwards and this fort is all too tempting of a target. It is possible that they might concentrate their forces to either take the fort, or bypass it and take the town. If the town falls, they can move in any direction before other troops can respond."

Joon looked closely at the town and Daeya Fort. "And do you have any evidence to support your supposition?" Even though he might have approved of Jon's reasoning, he needed more.

"As you said, the Jogos Nhai believe in the moonsingers, and they predict a long winter. Do you think that they will risk more time trying to take the other forts or finding other ways southwards?" Jon asked. "Time is not on their side."

"That is all conjecture, boy," another brigade commander spat. "And what do you know about tactics and strategy? Have you served in the army? Have you ever been in battle?"

"No," Jon shook his head.

"Then why should we listen to you?" General Jo scoffed. "You're just a white devil lost in these lands. But more importantly, you're a boy. You know shit about how to run an army."

"'The skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting, he captures their cities without laying siege to them, he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field,'" Jon recited, surprising most of the officers who did not expect that white devil to know the text that they all had to study. "I might not have much experience with battle, but I do know some basic principles thanks to your book. While the enemy is pressed for time, so are we. We cannot stay in the field without straining our supplies."

"Ours?" another brigade commander stood up. "There is no 'ours' or 'us' if you're included, gwailo! What gives you the right to speak to us?"

"Nothing," Jon admitted. "But this army cannot just allow these jhats to come towards them using a simple approach. It's very likely that the enemy knows how we operate given your many centuries of fighting them. They can try to take the fort or go for the town, but the latter is more likely given that they would never risk their soldiers assaulting strong fortifications. If I were them, I'd use this other principle: 'Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.' That town is an opportunity that they would least expect soldiers to be present, so we have to protect against that."

"Oh, so you think that if you studied our book, you are suddenly a specialist in warfare?" Adjutant Dae sneered at him before turning to Joon. "General, must we endure this boy's ramblings any longer? His inexperience is starting to cause me a great headache. He should let the older men talk."

Joon stared hard at his adjutant. "I might be tempted to do that," Jon looked at him with shock. "If you give me another alternative to what this boy is suggesting."

Adjutant Dae blinked in confusion. "General?"

"All of you keep talking about this boy being a white devil, but I haven't heard any of you offer other plans that we may have. We're officers, and our first priority is to crush the enemy. Therefore, I am open to all suggestions, even from foreigners in this matter, especially given the circumstances we now face." None of the commanders did so. "Well?"

More than Lord Joon defending Jon, it was more that they didn't have any other suggestion to offer without another pointing out the flaws. The discussion would have lasted more than a few hours, time that they could have spent actually carrying a good tactical plan.

"If none of you have any other plans to put forward, then here is my strategy," Joon stood up. "General Jo, take half of your cavalry and conduct a screen along the forts in the northeast frontier. If you see any jhats come to you, don't engage. Let them through the forts so we can cut them off from their plains."

"Yes, general."

"General Taruhito, have the infantry brigades divide into several formations to allow for quicker reaction to the enemy."

"General," he nodded.

"Quartermaster, tell Captain Stark to begin denying the land to the enemy. I'll send part of the other half of the cavalry to assist him."

"It will be done."

"Adjutant Dae, get messages sent to the Northeast Governor. Tell them that we need his army to come as quickly as possible. There must be no delay."

"It shall be done."

"The rest of the cavalry will thus be deployed to the crossroads," Joon ordered. "We can't fortify the town, as that would make the jhats avoid it altogether. Therefore, I shall split the cavalry into two wings and keep them at a distance so that the Jogos Nhai will not spot them immediately. Any questions?"

Jon became surprised that Joon would incorporate his strategy. The other officers looked ready to protest, but all didn't have anything to offer as rebuttals, so they kept silent.

"You have your orders. Dismissed." The officer all left the tent while Jon kept standing. "Good plan you came up with. You applied the principles well."

"Thank you, my lord," Jon smiled.

"With that said, will you take responsibility if this plan fails to accomplish its objective?"

Jon didn't expect him to answer that question. "What do you mean?"

"It is your plan after all, and therefore, you take the credit if it succeeds or fails. A leader must do that, or no one will follow him. So I ask again. Will you accept responsibility for whatever happens from here on out?"

Jon thought it over, but already knew what he had to answer with. "Yes, my lord. I will take responsibility."

"Good. And one other thing. I've heard Starks have the ability to warg. Is that true?"

"Yes, it has happened."

"Can you?"

Jon was stumped. "I haven't tried, my lord."

"From what I've read, wargs can be useful in scouting. I need you to be our lookout for this. See what your wolf can see. And if possible, lure them into the town."

"How could I accomplish that?"

"Kind of difficult to not notice a white direwolf in day or night," Joon remarked. "Also, it's time you got blood on your swords. There might be more training on the way and you might have killed, but you learn through actual experiences. You ready?"

"Yes."

"I hope so. And take that Chogo woman with you. She knows the land, so use her."


Jon and Chanhee moved through the plains with Ghost by their side. They had to remain low in the tall grasses in case they were spotted by the Jogos Nhai, as Chanhee recommended. She carried a dagger with her, which she said was enough for the time being.

Remembering why he was moving alone with Chanhee and Ghost, Jon stopped his direwolf and put his forehead on his own. "I know that we haven't used it before, but a lot of people are relying on us to know where the enemy is coming. And you can see better than I can. Can you help me boy?"

Ghost licked his cheek and smiled, which meant that he was willing to do it. Smiling back, Jon was now at a loss on how to actually warg. Why didn't the books say anything about how wargs actually… warg?

Before the frustrations began to overwhelm him, Jon willed himself to calm down and sat down on the ground. Remembering Hoon's teachings and how Joon got his various bouts of "enlightenment," he crisscrossed his legs, put his hands on his knees, and closed his eyes as he slowed his breathing. He had to empty his mind of all distractions and focus on the task at hand. Come on. I'm ready.

After several minutes, he felt a jerk as he felt himself fall through the ground and into the darkness. But just as quickly as he fell down, he saw the grasslands again, but now looking at his own body as it lay still.

Seeing Chanhee shaking him to wake him, Jon had Ghost nudge his nose on Chanhee's soft cheek. Looking straight into his red eyes, he could hear her ask, "Is that you?" Getting Ghost to nod his head, she put her hand on his nose. "Go, I'll take care of your body while you're gone." With that, Jon in Ghost ran off into the plains.

Wolves had the ability to see vast distances, which was enhanced in direwolves since they could see further than their wolf brethren ever could, which combined with their sharpened sense of smell made them ideal to search for threats on the openness of the plain. But Jon had to be careful, since Ghost could be spotted easily with his white fur.

Jon moved around in Ghost for what seemed like hours, looking upon the town at the crossroads and small Daeya Fort. But unlike in his real body, Ghost did not get exhausted easily nor was he about to feel boredom after only a few moments of stagnation. That meant that he could continue to scout out the enemy without stopping.

Hearing galloping in the distance, Ghost turned to see… a massive horde of horses that had black and white stripes and swarthy riders. Squinting his eyes, they had the elongated heads characteristic of the Jogos Nhai. They're coming!

But knowing that that Ghost couldn't go back to his body and bring him and Chanhee back to the town in time, Jon asked his direwolf, "Boy, I need you to howl." Sensing his hesitation, he pressed him. "I know you're usually quiet, but just this one time, please."

It was the only way to warn them in time, as Jon hoped that Joon could recognize a direwolf's, much less a wolf's howl. Mustering up what he could, Ghost looked to the sky and let out a sound that strained his throat. "Again," Jon said to Ghost. The direwolf did so, but louder that time.

Running to the town, Ghost could see the cavalry rushing into their positions as General Jo ordered them about. Lord Joon heard it. Thank the gods.

Ghost ran back to Jon's body as fast as he could. But before he could reenter Jon's body, he saw a group of imperial cavalry moving through the grass. Who are these men?

Laying low, Ghost listened to the cavalrymen talking amongst themselves in nihongo.

"So, we're to enter battle because of a fucking wolf?"

"That's not the main problem. Why is the general following the words of a white devil?"

"It's all strange, but what really pisses me off is that Chogo bitch that devil has with him. I'm not going let her striking me slide by."

"So, after the battle, we kill her?"

"Not before we have some fun with her," one of them chuckled darkly.

"And don't forget. That white devil has made an enemy in the Tiqui magistrate. He offered a large reward to anyone who would kill him, more alive, since this expedition essentially ensured that whatever investigation he wants to happen will not for many moons."

"A magistrate offering rewards? That white boy must've really pissed him off."

"Hey, that boy is just business. The Chogo bitch, she's just a bonus."

"And why are we talking in the southern language? We're Goi. We should speak in our tongue now."

Jon through Ghost couldn't understand the Goi tongue, but what they just discussed alarmed him. I've got a bounty on my head?

Acting quickly, Ghost dashed through the grass and reunited with Jon, allowing him to come to. Breathing hard and feeling Chanhee rubbing his chest and back to calm him, Jon told her what he had heard.

"Goi…" Chanhee shook her head. "Of course they would do this."

"We have to go back to the town. Warn Lord Joon."

"No," Chanhee answered.

"Why not?"

"That town is full of imperial cavalry, many of whom are Goi. You really think that they don't have the same ideas as those bastards coming for us?"

"No. We have to find Lord Joon. He'll protect us."

"Right now, Lord Joon has bigger issues than protecting us. Also, he's not going to concern himself with dealing with his own horsemen."

"That's not true," Jon shook his head.

Chanhee exhaled in frustration. "Well, we can't go back to the town either way."

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

"We fight those that are coming."

"Can't we just hide?"

"They're cavalry. They're almost as good as my people and the Jogos Nhai on the plains. They'll find us eventually. Besides, what's the point of all of that training if you're not going to use it?"

Not denying her logic, Jon nodded his head and pulled out Longclaw from his back. "Ghost, hide somewhere close. Attack them when I give the signal."

As his direwolf obeyed, Jon and Chanhee readied themselves for the coming onslaught. Then, the Goi entered their line of sight, causing Jon and Chanhee to tight their hold on their weapons.

Seeing them, the Goi galloped faster and then circled around them before dismounting. There were eight in total. "Well, well. The white devil and his Chogo whore," one of them said in guanhua so that they'll both understand.

"What do you want?" Jon didn't take his insult her well at all.

"Justice," he said. "That bitch struck me," he lifted his helmet and revealed the scar from Chanhee bleeding his cheek. "It's time I get what I am owed, in blood."

Jon put himself in front of Chanhee. "You'll have to go through me, you son of a bitch."

The man, as well as the others, drew their daos. "With pleasure. The magistrate is offering a handsome price for your head. Two thousand taels dead, four thousand alive. The way we see it, you're more useful still breathing."

"Well, you're not going to see a single tael, cause I will rather die than let you harm me or her."

"Make this easy for yourself, boy. Step aside and we won't beat you."

"Fuck you."

The Goi man sighed. "As you wish. Shame, I could have used four thousand taels." As he raised his dao and swung, Jon parried with Longclaw.

"Ghost, now!"

The white direwolf jumped over the horses and surprised the Goi men, who were unable to react quickly to a strange creature attacking them. While Ghost took care of two, Chanhee grabbed a dao and started slashing at the Goi, who were shock at a woman being able to fight.

As for Jon, he pushed the man back with Longclaw before reengaging. He attempted a thrust with his dao before Jon blocked it and swung it away. Valyrian steel clanged on regular steel, and while the dao was easier to handle, Longclaw had the reach and thus allowing its wielder to keep his opponent at a distance.

Ghost finished crushed two of the Goi's skulls with his jaws before seeing Chanhee swinging away to keep three others from approaching her. The direwolf jumped on two of them, leaving the last one for her to handle. She expertly twirled the dao with her wrist before using the momentum to force her adversary's sword from his hand, allowing him to slash across his throat, decapitating him. Ghost was surprised at how she handled the sword, but was going to let Jon do the asking as they both moved on the rest.

Jon eventually cut the Goi's shoulder, distracting him long enough to bring Longclaw's hilt to his face, stunning him. Finally, Jon stabbed him through the heart, but in a last act, his enemy grabbed at his face and gritted his teeth to try to scratch him. But it was too no avail, as the light left his eyes and he collapsed.

Before Jon could readjust himself, he felt himself thrown to the ground as another and bigger Goi got the jump on him. As he dropped Longclaw, Jon acted quickly and unsheathed Dark Sister. Remembering how Hoon Ti drew his sword, he drew quickly enough to cut across his adversary's belly before he got any closer.

But that was not enough, as he ignored his wound and went for Jon's neck. Seeing a craze in his eyes, Jon discarded Dark Sister and grabbed at the Goi's face while he went for his throat. Even as he stuck his thumbs in his eyes, the Goi kept choking him. Feeling the air blocked in his throat, he felt his face turn blue before the Goi's head came clean off.

Taking in a few breaths, Jon looked to see Chanhee holding Dark Sister. Offering her hand, he took it and saw the corpses lying around him.

"My gods," Jon took note of the bodies. "We killed them."

"It was either us or them," Chanhee gave Dark Sister back to Jon while he picked up Longclaw and sheathed them both. "We need to get out of here."

"Chanhee," Jon's mind cleared. "Where did you learn how to use a sword?"

"Long story, which I will tell once we get out of here," she tucked her dao on her waist with her dagger.

"We have to go to Lord Joon."

Chanhee clapped in front of Jon's face and it was loud that he could rings in his hears. "Are you fucking stupid? We just killed imperial cavalry. Lord Joon can't help us."

"They were Goi. They tried to kill you and get a bounty on my head," Jon tried to reason with her.

"And you think the empire will listen to us? We killed people who took the emperor's silver. Whether or not he likes us, he has to punish us. And he'll give us a death sentence. We need to go," Chanhee shook him.

"But where will we go?"

"Anywhere but here," Chanhee took his hand and dragged from the pile of corpses as she forced him on a horse.

"Maybe we could find my uncle," Jon said. "He can help us."

"But we don't know where he is," Chanhee mounted her own horse. "Right now, we have to get to the Shrinking Sea for starters. When we get there, we can plan our next move."

Jon was feeling so many things at the moment. Shock at what had just happened, anger at the Goi for trying to harm them, fear if what Chanhee said was true, worry that Lord Joon would have to hunt them and where Benjen was. How did this happen?

But before he could think further, Chanhee nudged her horse next to Jon's, where she brought him into a deep kiss to get him out of his stupor. "Trust me. I know these lands better than imperial cavalry. At least this way, we have a chance."

Jon and Ghost followed close behind Chanhee as they went further into the plains. Fleeing deeper in the wilderness, Jon could only think, Careless. We got much too careless, referring to himself, Benjen, and Sam with sorrow. They were so safe at Kushiro that they began to forget how much in danger they were truly in. And now, the magistrate wanted him dead and the Goi nearly killed him and Chanhee, forcing them to spill blood.

They rode all day and into the next, made fugitives due to old hatreds.

A/N: Didn't expect that twist? I actually didn't consider including that until much later in the process, but I felt that it adds to the uncertainty that defines GoT among other things. Also, it's important because Jon was getting too comfortable where he was, so he needs to be alert again. Same with Benjen and Sam.

The whole prince was crisis is based on the Temu Crisis, which was just a political and military mess caused by an incompetent Ming emperor and a Mongol warlord who didn't know how to leverage his prize. That's what this is, since the YiTi crown prince made a colossal error and now, our protagonists have ended up here.

And this is also important since Jon and Chanhee can now explore the steppes, with Jon discovering more things about himself. But will Lord Joon come through and protect him if he shows up again? We'll have to see.