ROBB
When Jon tells him that he is leaving Robb does not take it well. He grows angry and starts snapping at people. He gets into a fight with Theon and even causes Sansa to cry, "What has gotten into you son?" Ned asks him in his room.
"Are you sending Jon away because of Mother?" He tearfully asks.
His Father sighs and sits on the bed. "I am going to tell you something and I want you to promise me that you will keep it to yourself."
"I promise."
"Jon is my nephew and you are his cousin…Not his brother."
Robb frowns, "Who is his mother?"
"Your Aunt Lyanna. His father was Prince Rhaegar…The man who came here is his other Uncle. Jon has a destiny that I do not completely understand. We have to love him enough to let him go."
"What if he forgets us?"
Ned hugs his son, "He won't."
After talking to his father Robb goes to see Jon. "I wish you weren't going."
"Me too."
"Promise you won't forget me."
"Only if you promise me the same." They hug, "I will write every chance I get brother."
All the Starks are present to see Jon off. While Jon has a friendship with Theon, Theon is not blood. Over the next few days he pours himself into his duties and chores. Two weeks pass by before a letter arrives from Jon. It was sent from White Harbor before he boarded a ship. After receiving the message Robb packs his things to accompany his father to Castle Black. Theon will be coming as well.
Three days after Jon left they leave for Castle Black, with prisoners, guards, and fresh supplies for the Watch. As they travel hunters go to get fresh meat to add to the supplies for Castle Black, and meat for Winterfell. This is Robb's first, time leaving Winterfell with his father on a long journey. As they travel he and Theon race on their horses through the countryside. After two weeks of traveling they reach Castle Black. "Wow!" Robb says sitting on his horse beside Theon staring at the wall.
"Hearing stories about the wall is one thing. Actually seeing it is another." Theon says.
They ride into the courtyard and are greeted by the Lord Commander Jeor Mormont. After they are welcomed Robb goes with his father to the Old Bear's solar. "Blood magic…The Old legends return." Jeor says.
"Aye." Robb and Theon are given watered down ale, "Drink it slowly and don't tell your mother I gave you that."
"I think I shall like ale." Theon says.
"So my friend. What is the state of the Watch?"
"We have four hundred strong fighting men here. A hundred stewards and fifty carpenters. Beyond the wall they say the Free Folk clans are gathering."
"They have a new King?"
"Mance Rayder."
"Wasn't he a member of the Watch?"
"Turned on us after he learned he was born a wildling. Calls himself the King Beyond the Wall."
"What do you know of him?"
"A natural leader…Skilled in our ways of fighting and how the Watch operates."
"We need to make peace with the Free Folk. Next time a prisoner is captured set them free to deliver a message to Mance Rayder. I want to speak with him and the Free Folk Elders."
"How long are you staying?"
"A few days. I am to head South, I need to speak with Robert on this and other things. I need Benjen."
"Father." Robb says later as he is getting ready for bed.
"Yes son?"
"Why do you want make peace with the Wildlings?"
"Free Folk son…We make peace because sometimes your enemies become your friends."
"Can I come with you South?"
"No you will stay at Winterfell." The next morning after breaking their fast Robb leaves with his father and Theon. When they return Ravens are sent to all the Houses of Westeros with instructions about prisoners and the Free Folk if captured on their lands. Robb's Lord Father stays a week before leaving for King's Landing with a hundred men. With his father gone Robb is acting Lord of Winterfell with his Uncle Benjen and Maester Luwin advising him.
BENJEN
A few weeks after Eddard leaves a Raven arrives from the Dreadfort. "Both Lord Bolton and his bastard Ramsey Snow have fallen ill. Maester Wallen does not think they will recover." Maester Luwin says to Robb, Ben, and Lady Catelyn.
"Doesn't he have another son?" Cat asks.
"He does Domeric by name My Lady."
Ben looks at Robb, "So acting Lord. How shall we handle this?"
Robb lowers his head and after a good while he speaks, "Domeric is too young to rule the Dreadfort…He should be bought here to Ward until he comes of age…"
"Very good and the Dreadfort?"
"Someone strong should rule it until then…But this person will need men of his own to keep the Bolton men in line…."
"We will have to chose someone from our other Banners." Maester Aemon says.
"The Small Jon…Send a raven to Last Hearth, tell the Great Jon of the situation and to send his son with two thousand men as well. I will ride to the Dreadfort with another two thousand men." Three days later Benjen leaves with his men. The Head Steward reluctantly allows Benjen into the castle. "Domeric Bolton…I am Benjen Stark…You will come with me to Winterfell and Ward there until you come of age to inherit your titles and lands."
"Yes My Lord."
"And who shall rule in our Lord's name while the young Lord is away?" The Steward asks.
"The Small Jon arrives tomorrow…Obey his word as if it came from Lord Eddard Stark." The Small Jon arrives the next day with his men. After everything is settled Benjen leaves with Domeric and an escort of fifty men.
For Benjen being at Winterfell was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing to spend time with his nieces and nephews. A curse of memories about his father, brother, and sister. On top of everything Benjen had to deal with the news that Jon was Lyanna's son by Rhaegar. He too never believed that she was kidnapped and raped. Lyanna was not a woman to allow any man to do such her. She reminded him of the Free Folk women beyond the wall.
