Chapter Two – Journey Beyond
Daenerys was unexpectedly awakened by a knock at the door. "Lady Daenerys!" It was Ser Brienne. "My lady, the carriage is ready and the king demands your presence." Daenerys rolled her eyes at the sound of 'demands'. She would play his game for a little while longer though it was quite sickening. Daenerys checked the state of her hair in the reflection of the window before heading over to open the door. Ser Brienne was patiently waiting on the other side to escort her to the carriage.
The sun had started to set in the west throwing a mirage of colors into the sky. As she walked into the court yard a single carriage was waiting with about twenty riders divided between the front and rear. The carriage seemed newly made with the smell of pine and fresh polish radiating from it. Ser Brienne stood at the carriages side, holding the door open for her.
Prior to loading into the carriage, Daenerys made her way over to Drogon who was sitting off to the side. She scratched in between his nostrils, "This journey is for me alone. Stay and watch over yourself." She gave him one final stroke before walking over to Ser Brienne who was growing more freful.
"My lady." Ser Brienne spoke causing Daenerys to pause briefly at the remark. When she stepped into the carriage, Bran was already inside with Ser Podrick to his left. It seemed they modified a carriage, tailoring it around his wheelchair. An area in the middle of the seat was cut out so that his wheelchair would fit while still allowing enough room for a kings guard to sit on either side of him. Daenerys took her seat across from him.
Ser Brienne yelled something at the driver as she climbed into the carriage, closing the door and taking her place next to Bran. The carriage jerked into motion and was finally headed in a steady pace north.
The change in temperature was noticeable as the carriage moved further north. Daenerys could see why men would grumble about wearing iron armor in colder regions. It did nothing to keep the warmth in and the cold out. If anything the metal exacerbated the cold, urging her to shiver underneath. Daenerys attempted to put on a face in front of Bran and especially Ser Brienne, who she felt the most scrutinized by.
"My lady, do you have any fur between your armor and undercoat?" Ser Brienne asked.
"No, but I should be fine. The temperature is bearable." Daenerys could feel her shoulders raise as she tensed up from the dropping frigid temperatures.
Ser Brienne looked over at Ser Podrick, who gave her a wide grin in return. "It is only going to get colder the further north we go my lady. I packed extras incase the weather fluctuated. At our next stop I will see to that you are properly outfitted with the necessary gear."
"That is very kind of you. Thank you." Replied Daenerys, the corners of her mouth pulling into a smile. Daenerys eyes wandered to Bran who happened to be watching her intently through the entirety of the interaction. 'As you can see your grace, I can be quite civil' she thought to herself.
The carriage was less comfortable compared to riding a horse or dragon for the fact that every divot or bump was exponentially felt. They had attempted to increase the comfort by incorporating padding to the seats and backs. Daenerys shifted from one end of the seat to another, trying to find the areas with the most cushion.
Her eyes wandered up to the clouds above, "I could have rode Drogon north you know." Daenerys would have much preferred that versus being stuck inside this wooden box with the combined feeling of being mocked by the man who had the very one thing she strove for.
"I know, but the north would not take too kindly to see Drogon flying above. Besides I heard dragons are not too keen of the cold." Bran was not wrong with either of those statements and she internally shook her head for it.
They arrived at Castle Black around midday, five days following their departure from Kings Landing. Snow lightly fell, covering any open surface and dampening the ground below. Daenerys stepped out of the carriage to meet the remaining members of the Nights Watch. She could count the men on both hands. Looking at them, all she could see were broken, lifeless men sentenced here for their crimes. Jon seemed so full of life and love compared to this lot. She examined the bearings of Castle Black and Jons descriptions were quite accurate. The stone to the wood supports were dark brown to black in color leading to the name. The castle itself had seen many years and battles in its past, and it showed. As Bran was wheeled out of the carriage, a large ginger pushed past a few of the crows to greet him. Once word was sent that Bran would be visiting Castle Black, Tormund had agreed to meet them.
"Ah little wolf. How are you?" Tormund squeezed Brans shoulder giving him a giant smile. Tormund considered Jons family an extension of his own. Without Jon, there would have been no more wildings left as they would have been conscripted into the Night Kings army of the dead. He respected the man more than anything.
"I am well Tormund but we need discuss the events leading up to Jons disappearance." Bran stated. Straight to the point. Daenerys appreciated the urgency to find Jon but was not blind to the sort of concern in Brans voice. If Brans visions were concerning to him, she needed to be aware of that.
The Nights Watch showed them to the meeting hall where they could talk with the warmth of the fire and ale. Bran and Daenerys sat on one side of the table while Tormund sat across from them. Ser Brienne and Ser Podrick resided near the entrance giving them their space. Tormund did not hesitate to pour himself a mug of ale, offering a drink to Bran and Daenerys, who both declined.
Bran nodded at Tormund, signaling for him to begin. Tormund cleared his throat and seemed to collect his thoughts before beginning. "Well Jon had been helping the free folk establish a settlement north of the wall. One day he decided to take Ghost for a hunting trip, we were getting low on supplies. I was…busy with…other things to go with him."
"Is it common for a single man to go on a hunting trip alone?" Daenerys interpolated. Dothraki would send out whole hunting parties consisting of multiple men, let alone a single man. The amount of ground travelled and man power needed for those trips was substantial for just one man.
Tormund stumbled in his words. "Well, no but after the Night King our numbers have been few. We are even lucky to have five good men at a one camp. Besides Jon has more north in him then most north men do, a simple hunting trip should not be an issue for him." With the Night King gone and Ghost at his side, there was very little that posed a danger for Jon. Bran directed Tormund back on track and prompted him to continue his story.
"Anyways it is not unusual for hunting trips to take days if not weeks, plus he had Ghost with him so there was little concern. Then weeks turned into a month and Jon still had not returned nor had anyone seen or heard anything from him." Tormund took a swig from his mug.
"Did you not go out to look for him?" Daenerys said to Tormund.
Tormund gawked at her than back at Bran. "Of course we did, but any trail we found went cold. We did not even find a campsite where he could have possibly stayed the night. It is like he just vanished." Tormund was thrown back by her question.
"And you expect me to believe that Jon Snow just vanished. And no one seems to know where he is?" Daenerys stared at the burly man. "These lands believe in Jon, supported Jon, made him King in the North. You want me to believe that I return and no one just so happens to know where he is." She could feel her temper start to bubble up again. Ser Brienne and Ser Podrick became more attentive to the swelling tension in the room. Tormund was at a loss of words. His mouth hung open as he was unsure how to respond to her statements.
Becoming more and more frustrated, Daenerys leaned in towards Tormund. "I will find Jon Snow and he will answer for the crimes he committed against me. And you will take me to him."
Tormunds eyebrows pressed down in confusion. "But we do not even know where Jon is."
"Then I will help you find him." Daenerys spoke through her teeth
Tormund glanced at Bran, hoping for his input on the matter. "If Daenerys wishes to go north then take her north. Given my current state, I am not fit to join you. I will return to Kings Landing where I will be waiting for the both of you. You and Jon." Bran spoke, looking at Daenerys. Suggesting she is not to kill him till Bran has laid eyes on him.
Tormund proceeded to prepare two horses for both Daenerys and himself. He was shoving rations into the saddle bags and rolling blankets for easier traveling. She took note of the ale canister he snuck out of the meeting hall and now tying it to the back of his saddle. Daenerys stood off to the side, listening to his expert advice on the north like she had never been north of the wall before. She rolled her eyes but admired his concern for her safety. She humored him with questions regarding potential problems that could arise and how to deal with them. Tormund was in the midst of recommending Daenerys be equipped with a weapon when suddenly there was an ear piercing roar originating from above as a dragon flew over Castle Black, heading north of the wall. All eyes turned towards Daenerys.
"I thought I said to leave Drogon at Kings Landing." Bran was miffed that Daenerys would neglect his request like this but was no further surprised.
"It is not Drogon. I left him at Kings Landing. That is a different dragon entirely." Daenerys eyes never left the sky.
Tormund paused while strapping in the saddle, "So you have more dragons now?"
"No, I have never seen that dragon before." Daenerys glanced at Tormund before turning towards Bran. "The only dragons I have seen are my own children." Everyone was shocked at the dragon flying over head, especially Daenerys. She was told by many that her dragons were miracles. The only ones to survive the doom of Valeryia and the downfall of the Targaryens.
Bran contemplated this news. "I will find the meaning behind all of this. Until then safe travels, Tormund. Daenerys Targaryen." He gave them a curt nod before loading into the carriage headed back to Kings Landing.
Tormund handed Daenerys the reins to her horse. The steeds this side of the sea were incomparable to those of the great plains but for this journey they would suffice. Tormund and Daenerys exited the tunnel underneath the wall that emptied into the undomesticated north. The giant gate dropped to the ground behind them, giving Daenerys a sense there was no turning back. They both rode towards a wildling village located about five miles out where Jon was last seen.
When they arrived people were moving about, performing daily chores. Daenerys was reminded of her time with the Dothraki and the daily lives they lead which were eerily similar to the wildings. Outside of the climate change. She thought how interesting that a regal family such as the Targaryens, would find their home among the lives of people like the Dothraki or wildlings. They stopped just outside the largest hut in the village. Before entering, Tormund halted Daenerys.
"I think it would be best if I do most of the talking." He waited for a sign of understanding or willingness to oblige. She returned his request with a dip of her chin. The last thing he needed was a strong willed Targaryen girl getting in the face of wildling men.
Upon entering they found several wildlings huddled around a campfire centered in the hut. Daenerys crinkled her nose at the smell inside. It was a mixture of body odor, smoked meat, and damp wood.
"We need to speak with Rogor about Jon. Do you know where we can find him?" Tormunds questions were not directed at one person in particular but to the group as a whole. Their talking diminished but no one made an attempt to direct them to the person they wanted. Tormund was about to ask again just as someone decided to speak up.
"He is right here." A shorter man with blonde hair and a beard that descended down to the middle of his abdomen made himself visible in the fire light. Daenerys could not tell if the man was frankly larger in circumference or if it was due to the amount of clothing he was wearing that gave him that appearance. "What is it you need to know about the boy? Did he tinkle on a bear again?" Rogor and the others burst into laughter at the comment. Daenerys let a brief smile flash across her face. She remembered Jons awkward moments, one of the many reasons she fell for him so hard.
"He has not returned from his hunting trip and no one has been able to find him. You were the last person to see him." Tormund approached Rogor who only went up to the bottom of Tormunds ribs.
"Well I did not kill him if that is what you are thinking." Cleary offended by Tormunds choice of words.
"We just need to know if you are aware of what direction he headed or specific hunting region he went to." Tormund said trying to get the conversation redirected.
Rogor searched Tormunds face. "Wait, are you serious? Jon has not returned… It has been weeks since he left." Daenerys noted the worry that wiped across his face as he exchanged glances with the others in the hut. "He uh was headed up to Wolfs Crest." Rogor nervously licked his lips. "Tormund, Jon only took enough rations for a couple days." He bent closer to Tormund, whispering into his ear. Daenerys was not close enough to hear what he had to say.
"I know, that is why we need to find him. There is also some matters down south he is needed for." Tormund ended his sentence in a low mumble. Daenerys could see they were trying keep the severity of the situation between them.
Another wildling stood and walked over to Rogor, giving him a tap in the back. "I would like to assist in the search. I owe Jon for Magnus." The wildling behind Rogor turned towards Daenerys and Tormund before stating his name, Varnvir.
Daenerys and Tormund waited while Rogor and Varnvir prepared their horses for the half a days ride to Wolfs Crest. It was nearly dark when they arrived at their intended destination and decided to make camp for the night before continuing the search the following morning. Tormund established a fire while Rodor and Varnvir gathered branches so they were not left sleeping on the wet snowy ground.
"Jon should have made a camp being so far from the village." Varnvir commented as he scanned the surrounding wooded area.
Tormund was stuffing his face with dried vension. "Hopefully that will give us some clues as to where or what happened."
Rogor added, "You do not think something happened to the lad?... The ladies would be sadden to know the pretty one is not coming back." Rogor elbowed Varnvir who chuckled at his statement.
"The ladies?" Daenerys finally spoke.
Initially, it stopped Rogor and Varnvir in their tracks but they continued to snicker. "Jon is the pretty one, at least compared to the rest of us and the ladies are typically distracted when he is around. But to their discontent, I believe he has not taken any of them to his tent. I mean he could have the whole village if he wanted."
Daenerys was as satisfied as she could be with that answer. Knowing Jon had not just moved on after her death gave her some peace of mind.
"I mean there was only one wildling that could capture that boys attention." Rogor shook his head. "I would be a bears cub if the ladies were not envious of her."
"Rogor." Tormund interrupted while giving him a scowl.
"You jealous Tormund? That Jon Snow was able to lay with Ygritte. She was a fine lass and a wild one at that. Good with a bow as well. I watched her knock a buck clean off his feet with a single arrow fifty meters away." Rogor added "The day your group drug that captured crow through camp they had been smiting ever since. Shame really."
"Shame?" Daenerys wanted to know more about this girl named Ygritte.
"When the wildlings made it south of the wall, they attacked Castle Black and she took an arrow to the chest. Some say she took her final breath in his arms." Rogor fought to keep his composure. "At least he did her right and took her body north to burn."
Daenerys pushed her eyebrows together, "I thought Jon let the wildlings south of the wall?"
"This was before he was made Lord Commander. He was voted Lord Commander shortly after the battle. The first thing he did was offer us sanctuary south of the wall and those bastards stabbed him to death." The muscles in Rogors jaw flexed showing his true feelings about it all. "He is a good man Jon is. Good kid." Daenerys proceeded to nibble on her dried vision when she noticed Tormund watching her.
Later that night when both Rogor and Varnvir had fallen asleep, Tormund turned to Daenerys. "I understand your anger towards Jon. I would feel the same if someone drove a knife into my heart after we have been… you know. But I have known that little crow for a long time. I have known him as an enemy and as a friend. He is a good man and every one of his actions have good intentions. Just listen to his side of the story before you send him up in flames." Tormund did not wait for her response before lying down next to the fire with his back to her.
Their search started early the next morning and was coming up empty. No camp set up. No tracks. Not even a trail of blood. That is when they found it.
"What. Is. That?" Varnvir gaped at the single tree that seemed to be iced over. They all surrounded it, jaws dropped at the sight before them. It was the only one in the forest literally covered in a thick layer of ice from its roots up.
"Hold on there…" Tormund bent over, eyes squinting as he reached down, pulling something from the tree. White fur. "I do not know about you but I do not know many white wolves, let alone dire wolves other than Ghost." Still holding the fur he glanced around the group.
"Great. We still have no lead on where Jon is though." Daenerys threw her arms into the air. On the outside she was frustrated with the slow progress they were making but alighted at the fact they found some evidence outside of a body related to Jons presence.
"But we do know what direction he went." Tormund stood upright, focusing further into the forest. He raised an arm pointing towards another tree north of their current location. When they inspected the second tree further up, the other wildings started to become unsettled. An iced hand print slid across and around the side of the tree.
Rogor swallow, nervously looking at Varnvir. "We need to continue north. My bets on whatever did this, Jon found it and followed it or…" Tormund stated.
"Or what?" Daenerys exacerbated.
"Or whoever did this, got to Jon first." Tormund kept his sights pointing north.