The Prince in the North

Chapter 4 – The ancient Maester

By Jamnaz79

Beta: OlorinTheMaiar

Note: I do not own Harry Potter, Game of Thrones (Song of Fire and Ice) or anything associated with it. I can say that I would never be able to write a masterpiece like Mr. Martin does and I hope you forgive my horrible try. I also do not own the Song of Fire and Ice, Game of Thrones or anything else associated with it. I do not own Robert Jordan's wheel of time. I also make no money off of this writing. God help the person that would pay me to write as my stories are not close to being good enough to deserve to be paid for it. Then again I hope I don't do a chapter every 5 years like Mr. Martin too. But, the books are always worth the wait!

In truth it didn't matter who his opponent was, he was only to face against the target. No matter what happens you can control only what you do not what your opponent does in archery. Harry whispered softly a trick saying that Jory used often, "I am a leaf in the wind."

While he never figured out what it meant it was something to concentrate on. Again the young man slipped his mind into the void ignoring all thoughts and concerns while he raised his bow at ready. He felt the string of the bow become taunt as he pulled back the arrow to rest against his cheek to await the signal. When it came he released watching the arrow fly straight till it was dead center of the target. A quick glance showed him that Ser Jamie was slightly off target, a smile spread over the lips of Harry as the realization set in. He had won, he had won the bet!

~~~ PitN ~~~

The Welcoming Feast for the King and Queen started a few hours after the archery event took place. This gave Harry enough time to quickly change, bathe, write a letter and get ready. While he was still a bit rambunctious as any fourteen year old would be, he did understand the importance of making an impression. So he wore a pair of black woolen slacks matched with a silk blue tunic to match the color of the winter rose he had given the princess. The tunic had been a gift from Lady Stark for his name day and was stitched with the Dire wolf of House Stark. What was unique of the tunic was that Lady Stark added a winter rose in the mouth of the wolf to remember his Lady mother. He added a pair of black boots and his long knife attached to his hip.

The youth hurried up to meet the others before they entered into the Great Hall for the feast. While he had been hopeful to speak with Princess Myrcella but before he could walk over to her he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find himself before the Kingslayer. "Do you have a moment?"

Ser Jamie Lannister, member of the Kingsguard and known throughout the Seven Kingdoms with his skill in the sword and joust. He was considered one of the most skills fighters in all of the Kingdoms and a terror on the tilt or battlefield. Still, he was most remembered because he was the man that had killed Harry's grandfather. This is the man that broke his oaths and killed the mad King.

The eyes of the young man widened in surprise for a moment at who was before him before he executed a perfect bow to the man, "It is an honor to meet and speak with you my Lord."

"Ser Jamie is enough; there is no need for my Lord. Where did you learn to shoot like that? It is rare to find someone that skilled with the bow." The man had an easy smile, it was almost endearing if one didn't take into consideration that he was a Lannister. And while a Lannister always will pay his debts, but he also always will be dangerous.

"It was nothing that special good Ser. I have been training since I was very young. I have always been able to concentrate on just the target. Whenever I set myself on something I can block out all obstacles to hit the bullseye." Harry shrugged with a slight smile and a hint of crimson on his cheeks that made him look a small bit bashful at the praise.

The Knight's eyes wandered towards where the boy had been glancing before at his niece. The comment of keeping his eye on the target came back to him as he remembered the rose. A slight eyebrow rose as he considered the boy. He had known and been friends with Prince Rhaeger. The man had been kind to him and had often used him as one of his Kingsguard. They had laughed, fought, and bled together before the war ruined things. This could be the boy that was the reason for the war in many ways. This boy's mother started much of it when Rhaeger fell for her. Damned if the boy didn't look like his mother but with Rhaeger's eyes. Two considerations went through the mind of the Knight. The first, this boy was far too dangerous to be alive and it had been a mistake of Robert to allow him to be kept by the Stark family. The second, this boy had potential to be very powerful someday and very useful. He could almost envision his father would choose the first option while his sister would lean towards the second. He let out a sigh with a smile, always the dutiful brother, "Perhaps when you get to the capital, I could give you a few lessons with that sword of yours. I am sure his Majesty will assign you to some trainers for your skills. But, I think I might be able to teach you a few tricks."

The eyes of the boy lit up at the prospect. Jamie could see his old friend in those damned eyes for a moment and decided to take Cersei's path for now. He had to stop the boy from bowing again as he heard Harry's voice speak up, "Thank you Ser Jamie. It would be an amazing honor."

The two would have talked more but it was time for the feast to begin so everyone started to line up and get ready for their entrance. Harry had expected not to be next to Myrcella but it didn't help but frustrate him a bit that he had still not gotten a chance to talk to the girl.

~~~ PitN ~~~

The welcoming feast found Harry seated down at the end of the table away from the King and Queen. Even more unfortunate he was far away from the lovely Princess who was placed next to his cousin Robb. He couldn't help but notice the looks she darted at the Stark heir from time to time as she had entered on the boy's arm. Despite the bit of boyhood jealousy Harry was fine with his seat next to his Uncle Benjen Stark and Theon Greyjoy. While it was nice to be able to sit next to his Uncle who he rarely saw, it was a disappointment that he still had not gotten a chance to speak with the Princess since the quick tournament.

"I missed your little show unfortunately Harry." His Uncle put in with a smile, "Too bad I would have loved to see you defeat the Golden Lion."

The comment was waved off by Harry as he held a goblet of wine. He still smiled at the praise from his Uncle of the Night's watch, "It was enjoyable. I do have to admit but I think the King did not pick the competition based on skill in archery as much as making an impact and personal enjoyment. Now the King gets to tease his in-law and a member of the Kingsguard for losing to his own squire."

The lips of Benjen twisted into a mysterious smirk at the idea. Then the man shrugged his shoulders. Despite being part of one of the great houses Benjen was a rather plain spoken man even for a Stark. He was a ranger of the Night's watch, a man that was a woodsman, tracker, and one of the best foragers in the North including beyond the wall. Still he was not a man of politics like his oldest brother had been or Eddard had become. Even during the war of Robert's Rebellion he had been forced to stay at Winterfell as there must always be a Stark here. He looked up at his nephew his amusement before it dimmed from his eyes for a moment, "Your friend will be heartbroken that you will not visit this year. I believe that those two weeks of inspections have become what he looked forward to each year to keep living."

Those words caused Harry to bite his bottom lip as his eyes closed for a brief moment in regret. He quickly schooled his features to hide the concern from prying eyes, as even though they were at Winterfell there was surely some watching each of them for gossip. The past four years since he had turned ten Harry had been given the duty to travel to the Wall and the Night's Watch fort of Castle Black. There he had been sent with an escort to relay reports and requirements of Lord Commander Jeor Mormont as the official representative of Lord Stark. He would often get supply requisitions for food, lumber, clothing or iron needed for the Watch and the Starks would happily supply. Even though others had forgotten the Night's Watch and their duties the North still remembered.

The trip was done under false pretense of course; instead he was meeting with a very special maester. Maester Aemon, or as he was once known Aemon Targaryen, son of King Maekar I was Harry's Great-Great Uncle. The ancient man, over one hundred years in age, was dedicated firmly to the Night's Watch, he had even given up his Targaryen surname. The old man had reached out through Lord Mormont years ago to Lord Stark about Harry. Harry first met the man when he turned eight years old on a trip with Lord Stark and Robb to the Wall. While they could not be in close communication as the last thing Lord Stark wanted was to draw interest to Harry's heritage, they still were able to meet on Harry's new duty a few weeks a year. Lord Mormont was kind enough to shelter Harry during these trips and keep things quiet, most likely for the old man's benefit then the youths.

Slowly the squire offered a warm smile to his Uncle. He carefully handed a sealed document over under the table to the ranger. He whispered softly to Benjen over the loud talk and clattering of dinner, "My concerns are addressed, if you would be so kind as to pass them along?"

The ranger seemed to cause the scroll to disappear before he gave Harry a nod, "You will be careful."

"Careful is my middle name. Just trust me." Harry flashed the man his best smile which brought out a snort from the older man.

"Your middle name should have been trouble. You are exactly like your mother in that way, always up to mischief." He reached up and ruffled the boy's hair getting a growl back at the gesture.

The food was far too much for Harry's tastes. After the fourth course he had lost count of the number of items and lost interest in more than picking at it. His Lord Uncle had seen fit to limit the wine intake for him and his cousins to a pair of watered down glasses which had become a little unappetizing.

The young man glanced down the table where Myrcella was with Robb. It seemed Robb was ignoring her but still the girl would glance in the boy or his own direction from time to time. He caught one of her glances and gave a warm smile with a wink. The girl's cheeks grew colored slightly before she broke away her gaze.

The smoke in the room started to seem too much causing the young Stark's eyes to water. Since he could not drink or eat further Harry stood up and slipped outside. He escaped the hot Great Hall into the brisk night air causing a chill to run up his spine. At his side appeared Hedwig as soon as he stepped out of the Hall. He knelt down to scratch behind the ears of the pup. A voice drew his attention, "A young wolf by himself, running way from the hall. Is it too much attention already for you young wolf?"

Harry turned with his hand on the hilt of his dagger in surprise at the voice. But, he paused as he saw the pudgy armed little man. The imp was the opposite of his older brother and sister. Where they got the elegance, grace and strength of the family, he unfortunately seemed to have been granted a short pudgy frame with a head twice the size it should be for his frame. Still, when Harry's gaze met his eyes he could detect a keen intelligence behind the man's gaze. This was a man to be careful with has he saw what was underneath the surface, "We all need time away from the food and drink. I am a little young to stuff myself till I can't walk."

"Ahh yes, the Starks are famous for their restraint for wine and women. It must be killing your Uncle to waste so much." The little man said as he sat on the stone ledge his feet dangling off while holding a half empty wine bottle.

"A drunken man is a weakness in the North. We don't have the luxury of being weak and wasteful since who knows where the next meal might come when winter breaks." Harry relaxed further and took his hand away from his knife.

"A little lordling knows what of that? Have you ever starved young wolf?" The obviously drunken imp teased the boy.

Harry decided a different tactic might be better before he started an argument with one of the in-laws of the King, "Young Wolf you say like it is a bad thing. Wolves and Lions are very alike in the wild. Ironic don't you think considering the hostility for the humans who often wear them?"

"Oh and how are they alike young wolf?" Another deep draw of the wine bottle was taken by the little man.

"Both travel together in large groups for protection and as close family. A wolf has a pack where a lion has a pride." Harry knelt down and scratched again behind the ears of the dire wolf pup at his side.

"Oh but you forgot the one major different little wolf." The little man's eyes danced with mischief.

Harry frowned to himself considering, biting his bottom lip before he asked in curiosity, "What is that difference?"

Tyrion locked his gaze with the young Stark boy meeting his lilac eyes with his own mismatched ones with a grin spreading over his lips, "The women are the hunters for the lion pride little Stark."

Before Harry could speak up Tyrion motioned off towards the shadows behind him with his wine bottle, "A little lioness appears to be wandering a bit from the hall too. Don't you think you should be polite and let her enjoy the game of stalking you a bit?"

The youth turned his gaze towards the beautiful hair of the princess disappearing into the shadows of the trunks of the godswood. He smiled at the sight and turned back towards the dwarf. "A little advice for the fun you are craving, find the red house on the far side of the village, and ask for Ros. Tell her Harry sent you."

The smallest of the Lannisters watched the boy walk off with a twist of a smile on his lips. The boy was interesting and could take a joke for once. Perhaps he was less of a Stark then he showed everyone.

~~~ PitN ~~~

The godswood was a beauty in the North. It was not cultivated like it was in the far south; it was still wild as the men that lived here. Myrcella was enraptured by the beauty of the place, the feel of her cold breath misting before her. The branches and leaves of the trees blocking out partially the starlight above, all gave a unique feeling that this place was truly different then King's Landing.

She heard him before he approached. She knew he would come as she had seen him talking to her Uncle. A lady does not interrupt the lords as they speak, she does not wait for them, she lets the men come to her. This was a lesson from her mother which seemed to be right in this instance as she could hear the boy's voice call out to her. A slight shiver came over her shoulders at the voice, it must be from the night, and not from the young squire, "Good evening Princess, do you require an escort on your walk?"

For a moment she dared not respond, all of her training and lessons forgotten. She calmed herself with a deep breath, tough to do with how tight her bodice was tied to her. Her voice betrayed her as she turned to look at the young man, "If you, my father's squire would like to escort me and show me a bit of the forest I would be thankful and feel safe."

The boy's smile was one that could melt a frosted heart. It was matched by eyes that should be illegal as she felt warmth spread over her cheeks. His voice echoed gently into the darkness as he gently took her hand and kissed it, "Of course my Princess. I promise to always keep your safety when I am at hand. Allow me to show you the secrets of Winterfell."

~~~ PitN ~~~

The ranger had set off the next morning after the feast. The weather was good and he made good time. It was only a few days till he reached the wall. While there was talk by the King and his brother of a possible visit to the wall it would be doubtful. Still it would be important to let Lord Mormont now just in case. If the Crown did come, they would need to make a favorable impression. Just as important he wanted to deliver a letter to a certain old man, even if he knew it might break the old man's heart.

So when Benjen arrived back at Castle Black after a few days of hard riding, he quickly reported to the Lord Commander of the dinner and future Hand of the King. It was a good bit of news for the Night's Watch, the Starks have always been the stalwart supporters of the Watch. His duty done, he quickly ate a meal then looked for the ancient son of the dragon.

Benjen found him in his quarters. He was seated at the window with it open allowing the cold chill to bluster against his old, pale, wrinkled flesh. The sight was strange for the ancient man dressed in all black that looked pale as a corpse. The Maester held up a hand to beckon the Ranger forward, it was strange how he always knew of anyone's coming and goings.

Sightless eyes, that had lost their lilac tint as they have grown cataract covers turned to look at the man formerly of House Stark. "You have come from Winterfell and I can feel your apprehension. I take it there is something of concern Benjen?"

The ranger, who had been on trips beyond count past the wall into dangerous situations now felt nervous at the words he, would speak. He wet his lips before speaking in a soft but deeply toned voice, "I have news of Harry. He has written a letter for you. May I read it to you?"

"Please do Benjen, the irony of the gods that they take my sight when my passion for my books as always been at the forefront in my life." The old man gave a smile missing most of his teeth.

Slowly Benjen broke the seal of the letter and started to read to the ancient Maester from House Targaryen.

Hello Uncle,

I am writing with regret to inform you that unfortunately I will not be able to visit this year. Sadly there will have to be another that will be sent to check the needed supplies and updates for the fornications for Lord Stark. Instead I have been granted a position of prestige with His Majesty as his Squire.

I know you have told me before it is in our nature to seek out the spotlight, to become embroiled in controversy with a flair for life. While often I would disagree and suggest a quiet life was best for myself. It appears you were right in your judgment of me. I guess that our common blood sings to me. Though I would have loved the chance to live a life of scholarship and solitude, living for the joy of knowledge, it seems you were correct. I am not certain where the path I now walk will take me.

But, I can say that I experienced a dream recently. It was like the dreams I told you about on my visit last year. In this dream I was afraid because I had a physical likeness to a man with a dark but powerful nature. I shared much with this man from looks to strength of power and determination to be right no matter the cost. But, a wise old man told me that it was not the similarities that are important in the man we are but the choices that we make that truly shows our character.

So Uncle, I have chosen to ride into the Lion's Den and return to the city of Kings where spirits of our ancestors must walk. I do not know when I will return or if I ever shall be given the chance to. My heart is saddened by the idea that last time we met may be our last meeting in this world. There are too few of our kin left and I am thankful for every moment that I was able to spend with you, every story of my ancestors you shared and every hint of wisdom you gave me to consider. Though I know you cannot see it I am unashamed to admit that there are tears in my eyes and on this parchment because I realize I will hear those tales no more.

Please endure like the winter Uncle. I only ask that you whisper a prayer in the godswood in my name. My journey into the game of thrones as begun.

With love and kinship

Harrison Rodrik Stark

When Benjen finished reading silence settled over the chamber. The old man didn't move a muscle, he simply stared out of the window. After a few minutes of this silence and realizing that the ancient man wouldn't speak, Benjen carefully folded up the letter and placed it in the hands of the old man. Only then did the ancient man move and that was to wrap his fingertips around the letter carefully.

It was only after the Ranger had left the room and his footsteps long faded down the stone steps that Aemon Targaryen son of Maekar I allowed tears to run down his cheeks. He whispered softly to the wind, "Please gods the North, South, Seven, whomever, protect the foolish boy. Fire and Blood…"

Author Note: I love the character Aemon Targaryen. I personally feel he is one of the most interesting characters in all of Martin's amazing work so I couldn't help but add him a bit. I mean the possibility that one of his kin is that close and he would deny seeing the boy? I have had a lot of mixed reviews some love it and some hate it. I am enjoying writing it at least. I already have two more chapters ready. This chapter is un-edited but my new beta has it and will fix it up hopefully soon. Thank you very much to all of the folks that have given me suggestions and advice in the reviews and messages. I appreciate it immensely as your thoughts help drive my stories always. Let me continue to know your thoughts. Also I added a poll for the name of Harry's wolf. It was suggested to change the name to Remus instead or a different name. Please feel free to take it and let me know your opinion and toss a review if you would like a different name.