Author's Note: Sorry for the wait. I just finally summoned the inspiration to write. Please leave a comment in the reviews, critics and praise are welcome. No TROLLS.

WINTERFELL

It was morning, Ned could not sleep the night before, so he had slept in. Current events had plagued his thoughts yesterday. Jon Arryn's death, King Robert riding North in a month's time, Whiter Walkers. It was a lot to take in, Winter was coming.

Suddenly there was a hard knock at the door. Ned and Catelyn nearly fell out of bed naked.

"Who is it!?" Ned yelled.

"Maester Luwin, my lord, it's urgent."

"Come in." Catelyn said getting dressed.

Maester entered the chamber a bit out of breath.

"My Lord, My Lady, a procession is arriving at out gates from the north."

"Is it one of the liege lord houses?" Ned asked.

"No, my lord, none of them. Their banners have a black dragon on a red field."

Ned and Catelyn looked at each other with shock.

"It must be him, but what does he want with us?" Catelyn said.

"We're about to find out. Are the children up?" Ned asked. The master nodded.

"Yes, my lord." Luwin replied.

"Good. Open the gates, we'll be down shortly." Ned said getting dressed. Luwin bowed and left the room.

HALDON

Haldon and his procession were some meters away from Winterfell's Northern gate when he saw guards opening them. Eragon and Raegys were riding by his sides.

"Looks like they finally saw us." Eragon stated. Haldon only nodded his head. Raegys looked at him curiously.

"Are you nervous Hal?" Raegys asked. Haldon nodded.

"This will be the first time seeing my aunt and her family. I have been all over Westeros, studied the culture and everything. I got to meet Jon Arryn once, but not for long. Gods I still have a grandfather I haven't seen." Haldon realized. Raegys patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'm sure they'll love you, you're their family, plus you're a prince." Raegys replied.

"I hope you're right." Haldon said nervously.

Soon they entered through the gates and made their way to the castle courtyard. A line of soldiers on both sides of the road with spears standing at their sides. They finally made it to the courtyard where the entire Stark family and their servants stood. Haldon rode his horse a bit forward while Fredrick cleared his throat.

"Introducing, Haldon Haddock, the Third of his name, Son of Stoic the Vast and Valerie Tully, Prince of the Barbaric Archipelago, Keeper of Peace, The Unscorched, and The Dragon in the North." Fred announced. As Haldon dismounted from his horse everyone in the courtyard knelt to the ground and bowed.

Haldon stepped forward and raised his hand for everyone to rise, and they did so. Haldon had met eyes with Catelyn and his heart stopped, it was as if time stopped. Her red hair, her blue eyes, it was just like his mother's.

Catelyn had stepped forward slowly making her way over to meet him. She too felt the same way. It had been so long since she had seen her dear sister, she had received letters of pregnancy and some years later letters about her death. She had never seen the son she bore until now. Here he was standing before her. She even noticed he had a loc of white hair and he was tall, like his father, she could see him in his face, but at the same time the blue in his eyes, the red in his hair, and the structure of his face, it was all Valerie's.

A tear had come to her eye and fell down her cheek, suddenly a hand had touched her face and gently wiped the tear away. His hand was calloused but soft in a way. She looked him in the eye, and he smiled. She quickly wrapped her arms around him in a hug and everyone in the courtyard clapped their hands in applause at the reunion.

"It's good to see you aunt Catelyn." Haldon whispered. They ended their hug and she wiped more tears from her eyes.

"I can't believe…after all this time. Shame on your father for not bringing you sooner." She laughed. Haldon smiled.

"I'm sure he had his reasons."

"Well enough of that now, come meet your family." She said pulling him over to the Starks.

"This my husband, your uncle Ned." She said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Haldon." Ned said putting out his hand.

"The pleasure is mine uncle." Haldon said pulling him into a hug, this surprised Ned, but he just smiled and returned the hug. Once he let go, he turned and saw Catelyn with the children.

"These are your cousins. Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon."

"This wonderful, it's wonderful to meet you all." He went and hugged every single one of them. Despite his slim stature, his hugs were bear crushing.

Once he was done, he felt someone watching and turned to see Jon standing off to the side. He turned to his aunt.

"And who is this?" he asked. When he asked, he could see some happiness disappear from his aunt's face, a hint of rage and disgust was apparent. It was then that Ned stepped in.

"This is my son, Jon Snow." Ned said introducing Jon.

"Snow?" Haldon said taken aback. He looked at Jon again and stepped forward. Jon was a bit embarrassed and wanted to leave but this Prince stood before him, so he stayed. Haldon looked Jon up and down and then smiled and gave him a hug.

"We may not be bound by blood, Jon, but you're still my family."

Jon was surprised by this, as was Catelyn, but she held her tongue. Jon smiled and returned the hug. Once they let go, Catelyn quickly pulled Haldon aside.

"Come Haldon, let me show you to your chambers."

"Hold on aunt, let me introduce you to my wife and my friends." He smiled. A look of shock was on Catelyn's face.

"Your wife? Well, where is she?"

Haldon walked over to the carriage and opened the door. Zuri had stepped out in a beautiful dress, Haldon held her hand and helped her down and brought her before his family.

"This is my wife Zuri of Naath."

"It's a pleasure to meet you all." Zuri smiled

They all bowed. "The pleasure is ours." Ned replied by kissing her hand. Haldon turned to the others.

"These are my friends, Eragon, Raegys, Fredrick and his wife Roulette."

As Catelyn looked at all of them she noticed they all had white in their hair, maybe it was a Viking ritual she was unaware of

"Welcome all of you to Winterfell. We will have chambers ready for you and tonight we will have a feast in your honor." Catelyn replied.

"Thank you, Aunt Catelyn. We have brought some excess food and supplies with us and would love to give you some while we stay here.

"That's wonderful Haldon, we'll have some men bring them into storage, but in the meantime let me lead you and your wife to your chambers." She said. Haldon obliged and took his wife's hand and followed his aunt, the people in the courtyard disassembled and went back to work.

CHAMBERS

Catelyn, Haldon and Zuri entered a sizeable chamber in one of the towers. The bed was big with a canopy over top and animal fur covers.

"I hope it is to your liking." Catelyn said a bit anxious.

"It's wonderful aunt, thank you." Haldon says giving her a hug.

"Oh, I'm just so happy you're here. Tell me, how is your father? And what brings you here so far from home?"

"My father is well still as strong as a yak; aging hasn't taken his strength at all. He sends his regards and love."

"Wonderful."

"And as for why we are here…I'm sure you've received word of Jon Arryn's passing, yes?"

Catelyn was shocked to say the least how could he have possibly known?

"Yes, we received a raven, just yesterday, how did you know?"

"Uncle Jon had a letter delivered to us two weeks before he actually died. He knew too much, information that could topple the monarchy and my father and I believe there was foul play and we plan to go to Kings Landing and find the evidence Jon left for me to find."

"This is too much Haldon. The King is riding for Winterfell as we speak and will be here in a month. I must tell Ned."

"No. We can't sway his mind right now."

"This is my husband we're talking about!"

"I know this Aunt Catelyn. That is why I am here. Should anyone try to harm him or this family they will feel my wrath, but right now, let us enjoy ourselves. We have one month, and I am already prepared to deal with what is to come. I know you haven't known me long, but please aunt…Trust me." Haldon explained while holding her hands.

"We will not let any harm to befall your husband." Zuri added. Catelyn looked up and smiled.

"Alright I won't say anything to Ned, but please be careful." Catelyn warned with love.

Haldon and Zuri nodded and Catelyn left them in the chamber alone.

Let the games begin.

Later that night the Vikings and the people of Winterfell partied joyfully. Haldon was having a drinking contest with one Winterfell guard and won. Everyone had taken a liking to him; he was just like them. Even though Zuri had gotten some wary looks from the locals they soon warmed up to her, especially Arya, that night before the feast she had spotted Zuri practicing knife throwing in the courtyard. The thought of a warrior princess excited her, and she tried to mimic Zuri's moves, though she was far from a master she had potential and followed Zuri everywhere.

Jon liked Haldon, he is the only person to not treat him like a bastard, it gave him a feeling he was not used to, a feeling he liked.

"Oi tell us why you're called the 'Unscorched'?" a guard said to Haldon.

"It's better I show you. Raegys get a torch." Haldon said getting up. The men formed a big circle around him as he took off his shirt. Raegys retrieved the torch and poured some wine in his mouth.

"Now watch carefully. Raegys you ready?" Haldon asked Raegys nodded his head and held the torch before his mouth. Haldon nodded his head for Raegys to continue.

Suddenly Raegys spit the wine out into a mist over the flame, the mist caught fire and sprayed on Haldon's bare skin. Everyone gasped in shock, thinking surely, he would be burned alive. Once the giant flame died down, they saw Haldon unharmed although his hair was a bit singed. Everyone erupted with cheer and praise that he was not burned, although this caused some concern from Lord Stark, he then turned to his wife.

"Isn't the boy descended from Valerians?" He asked. Catelyn nodded her head.

"Curious. Did he say why he came to Westeros?"

"He said he wanted to meet his mother's family and explore Westeros. I told him you might be going to King's Land in a month and he said would come along."

"Hmm." Ned replied. He did not suspect anything, Haldon did not seem sneaky, he was a genuine person based on what he has seen so far, maybe his mind was playing tricks on him.

"Everything alright dear?" She asked.

"It's nothing." Ned waved off.

"Are you sure?"

"It's alright, the boy's fine and the children like their new cousin." Ned smiled. Catelyn smiled back and look back at the celebration. She hoped Haldon was true to his word.

NEXT DAY

Haldon, Zuri and company were in the courtyard with the Stark boys and Arya. Zuri and Arya were competing with the boys in archery. So far, they were evenly matched. Until it was Bran's turn, with Arya as his opponent. Though Bran was getting better, thanks to teaching from Haldon, Arya had gotten even better under Zuri's tutelage. They had to shoot two targets that were atop the courtyard wall from 45 feet away.

"Come on you two, you can do it!" Ned cheered for his children. Although it was not custom for girls to participate in such activities Ned had relented to Arya's begging to let Zuri teach her the ways of a female warrior. Arya was just like his dead sister Lyanna, she always wanted to do what the boys did, because it was fun, Gods he missed his sister.

Bran pulled back on the bowstring until he felt the most tension, he stood sideways like his cousin taught him and took a deep breath. After a few moments he released the arrow and it zoomed up and hit the target. Although he missed the center, it was close. Now it was Arya's turn, followed Bran's example to the letter and released the arrow without hesitation and hit the target dead center. Zuri cheered and hugged Arya, while the boys groaned.

"Alright you lot, time to pay up." Zuri said putting out her hand. Bran and Arya were confused.

"Pay?" Bran asked. Robb, Jon, Theon, Eragon, and Raegys handed their money over the Zuri.

"I can't believe it believe it! My own brothers bet against me!" Arya exclaimed.

"Don't take it the wrong way Arya, Brans been at it longer." Robb explained.

"And yet I still beat him."

"Shut up!" Bran said shoving Arya. She then shoved him back. They were about to come to blows when Haldon broke them up.

"Alright that's enough you two. Arya won fair and square."

"Did you bet against me cousin?" Arya asked hoping someone besides Zuri had faith in her.

"Of course not. How could I? You've got talent." He smiled. She graciously hugged him tightly.

"Did you bet against me then?" Bran asked. Haldon shook his head.

"Now why would I bet against my own pupil?" Haldon said. This brought a smile to Bran's face.

"But if you did have to choose, who would you say is better?" Eragon asked.

"What?" Haldon asked.

"You heard him." Jon laughed.

"Bran or Arya?" Raegys asked. Bran and Arya looked to their cousin to give an answer, even Lord Stark and Lady Catelyn wanted to hear.

"Hmm, let's see." He said pacing between the two. Suddenly he pointed to the sky. "Look! It's a raven!" he exclaimed. Everyone looked up to the sky and saw nothing, when they looked back, they saw Haldon running off. Arya and Bran quickly gave chase.

"Get back here you!" Bran said. Everyone laughed as Haldon jumped on a fence and ran on it. He then jumped a climbed up to the balcony where Lady Stark and Ned were. He looked down to Bran and Arya.

"Catch me if you can slow pokes!" he laughed. "Good morning Aunt and uncle, how are we this fine morning?" He said kissing Catelyn on the cheek.

"We're fine Haldon. What are your plans for today?"

"I'm supposed to train Bran in the way of the sword later today, but by noon I was hoping to go on a boar hunt with the lads. Would you like to join us uncle?" Haldon.

"Maybe another time." Ned dismissed with a light smile.

"Aw come on uncle. The Alpha wolf of Winterfell backing down from the hunt?" Haldon said aloud for the boys to here.

"Come on father!"

"Join us!"

Haldon turned to Ned and patted his shoulder "Come on uncle, it'll be fun to get out of the castle get the blood pumping."

"Alright, alright, I'll join you." Ned relented. Haldon excitedly pumped his fist.

"YES! You hear that boys! The hunt is on!" Haldon shouted from the balcony. The others cheered down below.

While they were rejoicing Bran had reached the balcony and grabbed Haldon. "Got you!"

"No fair I wasn't looking." Haldon pouted.

"Can I come with you on the hunt?" Bran asked excitedly. Cat quickly interjected.

"Absolutely not Brandon. It's too dangerous and you only just learned riding a horse." Catelyn said sternly.

"But mother please."

"No."

"Aunty Cat let him ride with one of the others while we hunt, that way he'll be safe." Haldon suggested. Bran looked to his mother with pleading eyes.

"He has to stay with one of the others or else no more archery, riding, or hunting, just studying with old Nan." She said ultimately. Haldon and Bran both nodded their heads, the latter hugged Catelyn tightly before running off to play. Haldon turned to Cat and Ned.

"I'll see you at the stables uncle." Haldon smiled as he went after Bran.

HUNT

The hunting party in the Wolfswood consisted of Haldon, Raegys, Eragon, Theon, Robb, Jon, Bran and Ned, all on horseback. Bran road with Raegys and together they rode up ahead to find some boar to chase back to the others. Ned and Haldon were a bit farther away from the others, where Ned spoke out of earshot.

"Your presence in Winterfell has been very pleasant these past two days. You Aunt Catelyn is very happy, in fact this is the happiest I have seen her."

"Thank you. I'm glad I could help."

"When do you plan on leaving?"

Haldon was taken aback by the question, but he kindly answered.

"I had heard King Robert was coming up North in a months' time, Aunt Cat said you might be return with him to King's Landing, so I thought I'd follow you both."

"May I ask why? Does it have anything to do with Jon Arryn?"

Haldon stopped his horse in its tracks as did Lord Stark, Haldon wasn't sure if he should say anything more, it was for his uncle's own good to not know his mission, but wouldn't it be better to tell him now, so he can prepare? Or will this news cause him grief before the king arrives?

"It does, but Uncle it's best if I tell you everything when we're on our way to King's Landing.

"Does your father suspect foul play?" Ned interjected. Haldon's eyes widened a bit, but then he berated himself internally for forgetting that Lord Stark was once Jon Arryn's ward before the Rebellion.

"Yes, he does. Have you heard from my aunt Lysa?"

"No, but we are aware she has her health along with her son, Robin. Haldon, tell me what you know, what am I getting myself into?"

"Someone must've killed Jon Arryn, we don't know who, but before his death he left information for me to find in his chambers. He tasked me with finding the truth."

"Information? Truth? What does this mean?"

"The information he left could affect the Seven Kingdoms, but we won't know until we get there. Once King Robert arrives, he will ask you to be his new Hand and you must accept."

"This is madness."

"Uncle you are an honorable man, people like you are the best of us, but honorable men are predictable and easily tricked. There is no honor in King's Landing, Lord Stark, that is why I am going with you, I will be your shadow and help you uncover to truth to protect the realm."

"Why you?"

"Destiny I suppose." Haldon shrugged.

Lord Stark reflected on the words of his nephew, there was a lot to take in. Robert would have him be Hand? For most of his own life he was taught to follow, not lead, but then his brother and father were murdered by Aerys, and he was forced to lead armies and lead his house at a young age. now he would be responsible for the entire realm of Westeros.

"Is there no way around it?"

"There are certainly other people more qualified to be Hand of the King, but it's evident King Robert doesn't trust anyone in this world but you and that invites unknown enemies to conspire."

Ned looked down in dismay, something was wrong in King's Landing and Robert was in trouble. He had to protect his friend; death be damned.

"When you play the game of thrones, uncle, you win or die. There is no middle ground."

Suddenly a giant boar came charging out from the woods with Robb in tow chasing it their way.

"Father! Hal! Get the beast!"

Haldon quickly dismounted from his horse with his spear. Ned looked with shock.

"Hal get back on your horse, it's coming this way!"

"Don't worry I've got the beast." Haldon said with a smile.

He held up his spear to throw and carefully angled it in his arm. The boar was coming fast and closing in. Haldon slowly drew his arm back and gripped the spear, then with a powerful thrust he launched the spear at the boar so fast and so hard, it went through the skull and body of the beast, it stopped in its tracks. Ned was shocked at the powerful throw, though Haldon was slim in stature, his strength was a bit supernatural, it was as if a giant threw it.

The others were shocked by what they saw, it was amazing, they gathered around the boar, it was the size of Hodor if he were on all fours Bran thought.

"By the gods, good arm Hal!" Robb said impressed.

"I've never seen a throw like in my entire life." Theon said with astonishment. Haldon only chuckled.

"With a bit of practice anyone can do it. Now let us get this beast back home. Tonight, we feast!"

The others cheered and they strapped ropes to the boar and dragged it off. Lord Stark looked at his nephew curiously as the rode home. There was something about him, a strange presence, it did not feel malicious, just odd, yet familiar. He shook his head and continued home back to Winterfell.

LATER THAT NIGHT

The Stark family, as well as Haldon and Zuri, were having dinner together, with the boar as the main course. Arya and Rickon were laughing at the funny faces Haldon would make. Zuri shook her head and smiled at her husband's antics, he could be such a fool at times. Everyone laughed and told jokes as they ate, even the grim Ned Stark, it was a pleasant night, with just the family.

"I can't wait until the king and queen get here." Sansa said. "I hope the prince comes as well."

"Oh looking to become princess Sansa?" Haldon joked. Sansa blushed a bit.

"Only if father allows us to be married." Sansa replied. Ned seemed to shift uncomfortably as he took a sip of mead.

Robb seemed to frown at this. Sansa was his siter, it was only natural for him to feel protective, but this prince Joffrey was not from the north, he did not know their way.

"Ehh, some princes aren't all they're cut out to be." Zuri sad taking a sip from her cup. Everyone hooted as they saw Haldon's wide eyed reaction.

"Is that bit supposed to be about me?" Zuri only laughed and nudged him. "I'm only joking with you dear." Zuri then turned to Sansa.

"Sansa, a man's title means nothing if he doesn't have a good heart, always remember that."

"I'm sure that Prince Joffrey has a good heart, I can't wait to meet him."

"You'll meet him after I test his battle skills, a man who can't defend himself is not worthy of my dear cousin." Haldon added.

"Hear, hear!" Robb said raising his mug, all the boys hooted with laughter and clinked their drinks together.

"Why is the king coming North anyway?" Arya asked. At this Ned, Cat, and Haldon stiffened. Arya sometimes could be too smart for her own good, but as is the curiosity of babes. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but a wolf never misses a scent.

"Your father and the king were best friends growing up. They fought wars together, He probably just wants to visit." Catelyn explained.

"Then why not ask father to ride to King's Landing?" Arya asked. Cat did not seem to have an answer, Ned too. That is when Haldon cleared his throat to speak up.

"Because King's Landing is rat's nest, who want's to be cooped up in a fancy castle for the rest of their lives and listen to advisors all day. It's nice to get away from it all and travel a bit. Why do you think I'm here? I'm sure King Robert is just doing the same thing." Haldon explained. Arya seemed satisfied with the answer. Catelyn and Ned both nodded their heads to thank Haldon, he gave them a wink, and everyone continued their dinner.

Later that night Haldon and Zuri crawled into bed a bit drunk after dinner, Zuri held onto Haldon and laid her head on his hairy chest, fiddling with the hairs in her fingers.

"This was fun to come here. I'm glad we came."

"Same, although that's part of the reason why we came."

"I know but, it's so peaceful compared to back home.

"That's because they don't have dragons." Haldon laughed, Zuri giggled and smiled.

"That's true. I do miss Makucha though." Zuri said sadly. Haldon pulled her in close and kissed her forehead.

"Ah he's fine, they're probably out flying right now for a bit of exercise with the others."

"I can't believe we're waiting a month for the king to get here and that it will take us another month to get to King's Landing."

"Aye but try not to think on it much. Time moves faster that way."

"Are afraid of what's going to happen?"

"I'd be a fool if I weren't. The king is married to Cersei Lannister, her family is one of the richest in Westeros. Money is not just power with them; they have the steel to back it up. Her father Tywin is formidable on the field, based on history. The only way to beat him for sure, is to be smarter, not just on the field, but with politics, and lots of fire power." Haldon explained.

"Then I guess we have nothing to worry about." Zuri assured. She kissed Haldon goodnight and closed her eyes.

Haldon looked up at the ceiling and slowly drifted off the sleep. Thoughts of war and fire crossed his mind, but as he thought of his family, he soon found peace.