Dragons of Wolf and Sun
Toxicfireball
Chapter 12: A new child
Summary:
Life goes on in Dragon's watch.
Notes:
Here's the next chapter! Would love feedback and comments hope you enjoy it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rhaenys
Rhaenys screamed in pain, as Jon gripped her hand tightly. Nobody has said childbirth was easy, but this felt like something else. It felt like something was ripping through her.
"Lady Whitefyre, you have to push harder!" Maester Nendary said calmly. "I can see the babe's head."
That means the ordeal is soon over. Rhaenys pushed so hard she felt she was about to explode. The pain was intense but she felt Jon's hand gripping her gave her strength. Everyone had told Jon to stay out of the birthing chamber for it was no place for a man except a Maester. Jon had initially agreed but when Rhaenys started screaming in pain, he barged straight in. When told he should leave Jon said stubbornly "How are you going to keep me out?" And so Jon stayed next to her much to her comfort.
Rhaenys screamed loudly as she pushed the babe out, she squeezed Jon's hands tightly. The pain was immense. "Rhaenys come on!" Jon encouraged.
"That's it!" Maester Nendary exclaimed as he took her child in his arms. The pain subsided and she suddenly felt her strength go out of her.
"Congratulations Lord and Lady Whitefyre, you have a newborn girl. I must offer my congratulations" Maester Nendary said as he placed a babe in her arms.
"I guess her name is Visenya," Rhaenys said weakly as she looked at her child. The babe was beautiful with violet eyes and the silvery-white hair of the Targaryens.
"Will she be alright?" Jon asked, his voice filled with concern.
Maester Nendary examined her and nodded his head "Lady Whitefyre will be alright." Maester Nendary grabbed some hot towels while she examined her child. Visenya looked more Targaryen than Stark or Martell, with silver hair and violet eyes, her face resembled neither Jon's nor hers. She could tell some Martell elements in Visenya's look and her skin colour was rather Northern.
"She has your eyes," Jon remarked as he looked at her child. Despite feeling more exhausted than she has ever been in her life, Rhaenys smiled. "She's a jewel," Rhaenys whispered
"She's beautiful," Jon said softly, caressing their child's face.
"You named her Visenya?" Ser Jaime asked when he came to visit a day later. His eyes widening in alarm.
Jon nodded and Ser Jaime's eyes widened. "She looks like a Targaryen and you named her after a Targaryen? My sister and my father would whisper in Robert's year that you are plotting treason,"
"Shouldn't Robert trust my father?" Jon asked "Would he not brush it off? We are deep in Stark lands, we can't and will not commit treason."
Ser Jaime grimaced "He trusts Ned Stark I suppose though relations between both of them have not been great."
"Ser Jaime, don't worry we won't name our next child after a Targaryen." Rhaenys said, "A name does not impact that much, though the fact she looks so Targaryen…"
"Robert will not be able to know." Jon said "Unless he travels across half of Westeros. I suppose the Targaryen seed in you is very strong…"
"I look more Martell than Targaryen, yet our child looks like a complete Targaryen," Rhaenys said.
Ser Jaime's face turned extremely grim. "She looks a little like Rhaella Targaryen, your grandmother. I guess the Targaryen seed is strong."
"Surely Robert wouldn't call for a child's head because she has silver hair and purple eyes. If he did that the Velaryons would be toast." Jon said.
"He called for my head, even though I looked like a Martell," Rhaenys said hotly.
"That was almost seventeen years ago." Ser Jaime said, "We are too far away from King's Landing to be of much attention."
"I hope so" Jon muttered under his breath. "We are no threat to his rule."
Ser Jaime's face darkened "They will always feel you are a threat to their rule."
Jon nodded as Maester Nendary entered "Ser Jaime, I have received a raven directed to you."
Ser Jaime shook his head "Is it from the Red Keep? If it is, burn it."
Why? Rhaenys did not understand why Ser Jaime refused to take any of his sister's ravens. When she spoke to Ser Jaime about his childhood, he would always speak fondly about his sister, Cersei Lannister.
"No Ser, it's from Casterly Rock." Maestern Nendary said and Ser Jaime raised his eyebrows. "From Tyrion?"
Rhaenys knew that Ser Jaime loved his younger brother, a dwarf, who he spoke highly of. "No, from your father." Maester Nendary said.
Ser Jaime gritted his teeth. "Read it aloud here," He commanded. "I don't want you to misunderstand me," He told Rhaenys and Jon.
"We would never suspect you Ser," Jon said as Maester Nendary began reading the letter out.
"To Jaime Lannister, I am writing to inform you that your father, Tywin Lannister has made an ultimatum. He has decided that you are not fit to be the heir of Casterly Rock and Lord paramount of the Westerlands. He has given you a final opportunity to redeem yourself." Maester Nendary paused while Rhaenys looked at Ser Jaime, his expression going hard.
"If you wish to continue being heir, you must return to Casterly Rock immediately. Where your father will judge you worthy. If you do not arrive within two moons turn and we hear nothing from you, I am truly saddened to say that your father will remove you from the line of succession and place me in its place. Signed by Kevan Lannister, your dearest uncle." The room was quiet with all the eyes of Ser Jaime.
Then, Ser Jaime gave a small chuckle "He finally removes me from the damn line of succession. Casterly Rock should be Tyrion's,"
"Ser Jaime, if you wish to return to Casterly Rock, I will release you from your vows…" Rhaenys said, "I don't want you to give up your inheritance for me."
Ser Jaime's face turned serious: "I never wanted Casterly Rock and I am glad I am no longer heir."
"Why?" Jon asked "You can be one of the most powerful lords in the seven kingdoms. You can marry and have children, why give it up for us, a small house in the North ruled by a bastard?"
Rhaenys shot Jon an angry look at mentioning he was a bastard. Ser Jaime's face turned solemn "I swore to be a Kingsguard of House Targaryen. During the sack, when I killed the mad king, I remember the looks the different Knights and Lords under my father gave me. Yet, when I fought off Gregor Clegane and was saved by Ned Stark, Ned Stark and your mother gave me a different look. Ned Stark told me " do not let people judge you, those men will never understand and you should not pay attention to their views." I must continue my oaths, I swore to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen to guard his family, I failed your brother I cannot fail you," Ser Jaime said in a serious voice rarely heard"I chose to swear my sword to you, for the two of you a worthy of it and that I made promised that I must keep."
Ser Jaime than went to one knee, drawing his sword "If you have any doubts, I Ser Jaime of House Lannister, once Kingsguard to House Targaryen, swear my sword to House Whitefyre."
"Ser Jaime, please rise," Rhaenys said, touched by such loyalty "We never doubted you."
Jon was completely stunned "How about Ser Arthur? He swore to us because of Rhaenys?"
Ser Jaime smiled "Not really, he has his reasons. He owes a debt to the Starks among other reasons."
"Such as—" Rhaenys was about to ask when Maester Nendary interjected.
"I am terribly sorry but Lady Whitefyre needs to rest.." Ser Jaime nodded and left the room with Maester Nendary leaving Jon alone with her.
"It's strange, two of the deadliest knights in the world are sworn to us…" Jon said "I cannot believe Ser Jaime would do that! Lord of Casterly Rock…"
"You think he is disloyal?" Rhaenys asked sharply and Jon recoiled.
"No, I just feel guilty. Perhaps we should make him a landed knight, it just doesn't feel right." Jon said softly.
"We should…" Rhaenys said, "How is our child?"
"She is in the nursery with Maester Nendary tending to her every second he is not tending to you." Jon said with a smile "Visenya...maybe I should have picked another name. I did not think of what Robert Baratheon would think."
Rhaenys smiled "It's okay, I love the name Visenya. Robert Baratheon can go fuck himself for all I care."
Jon laughed softly "I am sure he could," than Jon's face became his normally serious face "but I fear if he decides he wants your head or Visenya's"
"Your father will fight against him if that happens," Rhaenys replied, "He did that during the sack and will do so again especially considering I am married to you."
"I am a bastard," Jon said and Rhaenys would have slapped him if not the fact she had given birth a day ago.
"I told you not to call yourself that!" Rhaenys said angrily. "He loves you, that is plain to see. He will fight not to mention Dorne will stand with us. Targaryen loyalists might flock to our banners."
Jon shuddered "Open rebellion? No, I don't want that. You would make a great queen Rhaenys but I cannot be king."
"I don't want the throne! It will be a curse. Like Robert and his descendants rot on it." Rhaenys replied, "I was just saying if Robert Baratheon wants our head."
Jon nodded and sighed "I dislike these schemes, Ser Jaime warned me once Westeros knows we have a silver-haired, purple-eyed child they will start plotting."
"Let them plot," Rhaenys said confidently "We will persevere."
Eddard
To: Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North.
Dear father,
I am pleased to announce you are now a grandfather. My wife, Rhaenys Whitefyre has given birth. It is with the greatest pleasure that I announce the birth of Visenya Whitefyre. However, despite my happiness, I must inform you that our daughter is born with silver hair and purple eyes. We fear Robert Baratheon's reaction.
Yours sincerely
Your son, Jon Whitefyre, Lord of Dragons Watch and Sea Dragon Point.
Ned smiled, he was now a granduncle! Lyanna would be so proud of her son. The fact that the child was born with purple eyes and silver hair, however, began to make dread fill Ned's heart.
How could it be possible? Jon looked very much like a Stark and Rhaenys looked very much like a Martell. Yet their child was born completely like a Targaryen? Ned feared people might begin whispering. Ned gritted his teeth, Tywin Lannister could begin whispering in Robert's ear of a potential Targaryen restoration. Not to mention they named her Visenya after the conqueror's sister wife.
Yet the news that he was now a Grand Uncle or grandfather in the eyes of everyone else made him smile. His wife noticed his smile and asked.
"Ned? What's the matter? Why are you grinning?" Catelyn asked and Ned grimaced, Catelyn would not like the news.
"I am a grandfather," Ned said quietly, Catelyn's eyes registered confusion for a while before it changed to realisation and anger.
"The bastard has managed to impregnate the Targaryen girl?" Catelyn said somewhat bitterly, her eyes averting his.
"Catelyn…" Ned said softly "Could you not say it like that?"
Catelyn looked away "He's not my son, I am surprised she got with a child so fast, bastards are as lustful as the seven say."
Ned flinched, Jon and Rhaenys did care deeply for each other and Rhaenys had written to him a few moons turn ago saying Jon had been injured trying to save her life when they encountered wildlings. Ned could tell the letter was filled with worry and guilt as Rhaenys seemed determined to blame herself for it.
"They care deeply for each other," Ned responded. "Can we not talk about something else?"
"A deposed princess loving a bastard she was forced to marry?" Catelyn scoffed and then sighed "Fine, let's talk about something else. What do you make of the proposal between a Manderly and a Stark?"
Wyman Manderly had written to Ned a moon's turn ago, proposing a marriage between a Stark and a Manderly. "I don't know, I was thinking about either betrothing Sansa or Robb, but that is too soon, could we wait for another year?"
"Not Sansa or Robb! They can't marry your vessels! I was thinking of Robb with Margaery Tyrell or your best friend's daughter! A princess! Sansa can be married to the crown prince, they are about the same age!" Catelyn said "These are more worthy suitors! The manderlys are only a vassal, we can betroth Arya. Sansa would love the south."
"Robb with a Tyrell?" Ned asked, his eyebrows raised "The Northerners will never stand for it, after our marriage, they will demand Robb be married to a Northerner."
Catelyn pursed her lips "How about Sansa?"
"We can wait for her to grow up," Ned said. Their children were still so young, marriage seemed so distant and far.
"How about Arya? She needs to be groomed for court, and she will be married off eventually. Arya is too wild." Catelyn said. Catelyn's frustration amused Ned.
"Arya's like my sister, Lyanna. She won't just be the lady." Ned shook his head, Arya had grown even wilder with Jon gone. The two had been extremely close, not to mention that Rhaenys also spent lots of time with her. "We eventually need to find a husband that would be good for her, that he would understand her.
Catelyn sighed as she brushed her hair "Could we ask a knight to take Bran as a squire? Bran wants to be a knight."
"Knights" Ned shook his head, Knights were too southron for his liking "Knights are rare in the North."
"We could ask him to squire for a Manderly!" Catelyn said as they prepared to leave for dinner.
Ned felt his head hurt "Catelyn, could we discuss this when the children are older? I would rather all of them stay in Winterfell." Catelyn sighed and they went down for dinner.
At dinner, the first thing that came out of Arya's mouth was "I am an Aunt!" Everyone on the table looked confused. Jon also wrote to her along with us. Catelyn's face grew hard at seeing Arya like this which made Ned's heart hurt. I could tell her the truth. Yet I fear what she might do. I could tell Rhaenys and Jon the truth. Jon's old enough to know but how will he handle it? How will his relationship with Rhaenys change after he remembers he has been bedding his sister the whole time?
Ned always felt uneasy when he saw Jon and Rhaenys show affection to each other. They were siblings and none of them knew it. Ned sighed, the burdens of truths.
"Jon is a father now?" Robb asked with a smile on his face. The two of them had always been close with each other. "That means I am an uncle!" Robb laughed "A boy or a girl."
Before Ned could respond Arya said loudly "A girl! He named her Visenya! After the conqueror's sister-wife!s Jon said she even looks like a Targaryen."
"What?" Catelyn said urgently and softly, with some alarm. "Robert Baratheon will not like that!"
Ned sighed "He will not, though he should know that they are no threat to him."
Catelyn muttered under her breath something which Ned could not make out. Their children seemed happy at the news. Robb and Arya were grinning, even Sansa looked curious.
Jon
Jon held Visenya in his arms, cradling her as he sat on a balcony outside his chambers as the sun began to set. The cold Northern wind blew and he hugged Visenya tighter. He loved the wind as it blew amid the golden coloured sky.
"The sunset here is beautiful," Rhaenys said as she walked onto the balcony and sat next to Jon.
"Rhaenys are you okay? You shouldn't be.." Jon said with concern but Rhaenys shot her an angry look.
"Stop fussing over me! It's been more than two weeks! I am fine!" Rhaenys said in frustration.
"I know, but the winds can be a bit too cold here," Jon said, as he caressed Visenya's forehead.
"Don't worry, Maester Nendary says I can resume normal activities soon," Rhaenys said. Her birth of Visenya had been rather smooth much to Maester Nendary's surprise as Rhaenys mother, Elia did not have such an easy time.
"I hated how much pain you were in…" Jon said softly, Rhaenys screams had been intolerable, to say the least. "And I could do nothing."
Rhaenys smiled softly and placed a kiss on Visenya's forehead. "It was worth it,"
"She's a fierce little thing," Jon said as Rhaenys sat next to Jon, pulling her cloak close to her. "She will grow to be a beautiful woman,"
They sat together on the balcony as the sunset over the sea, as in Ice dragon square, the lanterns were lit and the city's night markets were open. These markets had been Rhaenys idea and they were extremely successful so far.
Finally, they placed Visenya back in her cradle as they retreated back to their chambers. The nursery was next to their room, it was originally Jon's private chambers but since they. Jon was about to head to his study to send a letter to Bear Island when Rhaenys pushed Jon aside and kissed him fiercely.
Jon immediately responded and returned the kiss, Rhaenys mouth tasted sweet, like oranges. She must have been eating the oranges the Martells sent over a week ago. Their mouths met for a long time. Jon felt his own lust overcome him as his hands went to Rhaenys' dress laces and began to untie it.
Rhaenys broke the kiss and she gave a small laugh as she steered both of them onto the couch. "Take off your clothes too," Rhaenys whispered into his ear as her dress slipped free from her body.
Jon gave Rhaenys a lustful smile as he began to unlace his breeches."As you wish my lady." It was only a few seconds before their lips met once more as the undressed each other on the couch.
A few weeks later, Ashara had returned from Dorne with apologies; she could not be in time for Visenya's birth. Ashara Dayne was of great help to them, telling them how to take care of Visenya. She had always acted like a mother to both Rhaenys and Jon when they were in Winterfell.
Visenya grew to become a rather curious, intelligent and quick child. Rhaenys refused to get a wet nurse and fed Visenya with her own breast. Life in Dragon's Watch began to settle back to normal, Jon continued to spar with Ser Arthur and Ser Jaime. Jon also frequently sparred with the knights under him.
Dragon's Watch began to prosper, the Ironborn never touched any of their merchant ships which allowed them to maximise trading. Ironwood from the Forresters of Ironath was sold to the Mallisters of Seaguard and the Reachman on the shield isles. Ships from Dorne would occasionally arrive,carrying goods that Jon could sell for a large sum. Even wine from the Arbor came.
Jon was surprised and happy at the amount of gold that they were receiving. The Whitefyre fleet was also being built with half a dozen war galleys almost ready and another four more being built. Within a year, they would have a fleet that would rival the Manderly's though they did not admittedly have the shipbuilding capacity the Manderly's had.
Jon missed Arya and Robb the most in Dragon's Watch and wanted to see them but he knew Lady Stark would not like his presence there. Yet, when the glovers invited him to deepwood motte, he sensed an opportunity.
Over dinner he asked Rhaenys "Rhaenys, you know the Glovers invitation?"
Rhaenys chewed on her fish and relied "What about it? You are accepting, are you not?"
Jon nodded his head "I intend to, though I was thinking to visit Winterfell after that. I miss my father and siblings,"
"Will you be going alone?" Rhaenys asked
"You could join me at Winterfell," Jon said, "If you wanted to."
Rhaenys took another bite of her fish and was quiet for a moment, thinking about Jon's proposal. "I suppose I could bring Visenya also. Your father would like to meet her granddaughter."
In the end they decided for Jon to leave for deepwood motte to discuss trading with the Glovers. Rhaenys would depart a few weeks later for Winterfell. The moment Jon was done with the Glovers he would then head to Winterfell. Jon even thought of the possibility of getting a trade deal with the Starks.
Jon left for Deepwood motte a few days later, taking Ser Arthur and half a dozen Whitefyre men. They travelled through the Wolfwood towards deepwood motte.
Deepwood Motte was an old castle but not particularly impressive. Its longhall sat on a hill with a flattened top alongside a tall watchtower. It lacked stone walls and instead uses wooden palisades, a ditch and earthen dike to defend the castle's paddock, smithy and sheepfold. Surrounding the castle are fields of oak and barley.
Jon and his men rode through the Castle's walls, flying the two-headed ice dragon of House Whitefyre. They rode through the gates of the log palisades.
There they were met by a deeply-lined face man with brown-grey hair. Jon got off his horse as the man greeted him.
"Lord Whitefyre, we have been expecting you." The man said as Jon got off his horse. "I am Robett Glover, heir to Deepwood Motte. Welcome to deepwood motte. My brother is expecting you."
"Thank you my Lord," Jon responded as he handed his horse off to a stableboy. "I have been looking forward to meeting you and your brother."
Jon asked Ser Arthur to stay with his men. Ser Arthur Dayne was disliked among the Northmen for his part in kidnapping Lyanna Stark. Jon entered Deepwood motte's main hall, where a man wearing a surcoat with the sigil of House glover alongside a woman. That must be Galbart Glover. Jon wore a blue coat on top of his black clothing.
"Lord Glover, it is a pleasure to meet you again after we last saw each other at Winterfell a year ago," Jon said as he entered the room with Robett Glover behind him. Jon's impression on the Lord of Deepwood motte was he was a good, steady man. Jon rather liked the man compared to the other Northern lords. He was not as ambitious as Rickard Karstark and Wyman Manderly and was not cold and calculating as Roose Bolton was.
"Likewise Lord Whitefyre, congratulations on the birth of your new child," Galbert Glover said as he gestured for a servant to bring refreshment.
"Thank you, Lord Glover," Jon responded as a servant brought a jug of ale and a few cups.
"Do you prefer to start negotiations on the trade deals now? Or would you prefer to take a rest? You must have been exhausted after the journey here." Sybelle Glover, Robett Glover's wife asked.
"I would prefer to start negotiations now," Jon replied and Galbert Glover nodded and gestured for Jok to sit down.
"I know that you have had trade deals with one of my bannerman, the Forrester of Ironath if I am not mistaken?" Galbert Glover inquired as Jon accepted a cup of ale placed in front of him.
"We have, the Foresters have agreed to us acting as a middleman to sell their prized ironwood," Jon replied.
"Has it been beneficial to both of your houses?" Galbert Glover asked.
Jon nodded his head "The Shield Isles and Mallisters pay very well for the Ironwood. I believe selling the ironwood on this side of the continent is more profitable. The cost of transporting the wood from Ironath to Dragon's Watch is cheaper compared to Ironath to White Harbour. The wood is more valued here due to its natural strength, it is ideal for making warships. The Shield Isles and Mallister need warships due to their rocky history with the Ironborn."
Galbert Glover nodded "The ironborn have not attacked any of your ships?"
"No, they have not." Jon replied and the Glovers looked surprised.
"I would think the Ironborn would jump at a chance to pillage those ships." Robett Glover said "It's strange they did not, perhaps Ned Stark taking Theon Greyjoy was a good thing."
"You rode to House Glover regarding your interest in trading wood?" Galbert Glover asked, "Most of our wood is not the prized ironwood."
"I know," Jon replied, "Nevertheless you still have many large quantities of ironwood under you. I would request you to trade those with me, I can offer you gold and grain from the Reach and Riverlands. You can also help to oversee trading in your vassals with us."
The Glovers were silent for a moment before Robett opened his mouth "That is ambitious Lord Whitefyre,"
Jon shrugged "It will benefit all of us, the Wolfwood holds untapped resources, Dragon's Watch is a port you can use to sell. Your vassals would also be happy that they will be able to gain money."
Sybelle Glover whispered something into Robett's ear while Galbert leaned over to say something to Robett Glover "Lord Whitefyre, it certainly would benefit us. But that would be the first time House Glover would do business in such large amounts." Galbert Glover said
Sybelle Glover continued "Lord Whitefyre, you and your wife are Northmen and follow the old gods do you not?" When Jon responded with a "yes" she continued "You must understand that the North holds to its own values, we can survive without such southron businesses."
Jon smiled slightly, he had discussed it with Rhaenys about the prospect of trading. Rhaenys had been enthusiastic about it while Jon had been more cautious as he knew the North did not respond well to change.
"You can survive sure," Jon said "But with such trade, you will be able to gain gold and grain. How many of your smallfolk have to go on a "last hunt" during winter? If you trade, they do not have to do that anymore as you will have sufficient grain. I am not asking you to change your values My lady, My lord. The North is different from the southern kingdoms, we do not participate in their petty political squabbles,we are not ambitious fools who desire gold. We have always traded with others, just increasing the volume of trade will not compromise our values. Instead, we will help our smallfolk and increase our capabilities to improve and defend ourselves"
Sybelle Glover was about to respond when Galbert Glover opened his mouth, he said thoughtfully "You make some good points Lord Whitefyre. We will discuss this privately."
Jon then retired to the small guest chambers inside Deepwood motte. He missed Rhaenys presence next to him at night, he felt so comfortable at night with both of them wrapped up together. Rhaenys likely would leave Dragon's Watch within a week, headed for Winterfell. He had written to his father who had replied he was happy that he would return to Winterfell.
The next morning, Jon was told to head to the main hall where breakfast was being served, where a man with dark red-brown hair sat next to Jon as he ate.
"Are you Jon Whitefyre are you not?" The man asked him, Jon nodded in response. Jon was sitting at the Lord's table which meant this man was a lord.
"You are…?"
"Ethan Glover, Lord Whitefyre. I haven't seen you since you were a babe." Ethan Glover responded with a small smile. He knew me when I was a babe?
"You knew when I was a babe?" Jon asked, surprised.
"I did, I was there when Ned Stark brought you back to Winterfell," Ethan Glover responded.
"You fought in the rebellion with my father?" Jon asked curiously if he did, he might know who Jon's mother was.
Ethan Glover's eyes darkened, "Not exactly, I was captured when I followed your uncle, Brandon Stark when he rode into the Red Keep, screaming for Rhaegar to come out and die. I was later freed during the sack and followed Ned Stark for the rest of the war."
Jon realised this man had spent time in the mad king's care, he cursed himself. That's a great way to make friends with the Glovers, invoke bad memories. "I am so sorry! I didn't mean to…"
Ethan Glover shook his head "It's alright Lord Whitefyre, I suppose your father never told you. He probably wouldn't, to many bad memories."
Jon decided to ask Ethan Glover who his mother was. If he followed his father after the sack, he probably knew who Jon's mother was.
"I am sorry to ask you this, Lord Glover, do you know my mother?" Jon asked quietly.
Ethan Glover jerked slightly, his eyes filled with sadness and anguish. He was completely silent for an unbearably long time. He knows.
"Please, I need to know," Jon almost half begged.
Ethan Glover's response was slow and his voice was filled with sadness "I do know who she was. I am sorry Lord Whitefyre, but I cannot tell you. That would be Lord Stark's duty, please do not ask me anymore."
Jon did not ask anything more about his mother, Ethan Glover cheered up and spent the time talking to Jon and even offered to spar with him. Yet, Jon could not understand why so many people refused to talk about his mother. Ser Arthur and Ethan knew and it seemed to be a tragic story based on their reaction. They all refused to tell him as if it was some secret that could spark a war.
In the afternoon, Galbert Glover finally asked to meet Jon. Jon dressed in black, he always liked the colour though he wore a blue cloak as he did not want to come out looking like a man of the night's watch.
He entered the same room once more, to find Ethan Glover once more there with Galbert, Robett and Sybele Glover. Galbert Glover gestured for him to sit down.
"Lord Glover, Lady Glover," Jon said as he sat down on his chair.
"Lord Whitefyre," Galbert Glover replied. "We have seen and discussed your proposal. We have decided to…" Jon held his breath. "...accept it, though we would like to negotiate certain parts."
Jon grinned inwardly but kept a calm face "Thank you, Lord Glover, as for the negotiations, we can start."
Jon spent the next few days negotiating with the Glovers every part of the agreement, from how to wood was to be transported, the quantity of wood and even the talk of a marriage between both houses and an alliance.
Jon told them the talk of marriage could be discussed later for he did not want to immediately betroth his daughter. The Glovers accepted his reply. In the end, after almost a week of discussion, Jon and the Glover finally concluded negotiations.
They signed an agreement laying down the terms of the deal in front of a weirwood tree. Galbert Glover bade Jon farewell before he left. Ethan Glover also wished Jon farewell.
Jon then left Deepwood Motte for Winterfell, heading towards Winterfell. It took him close to a week, before Winterfell's grey double wall came into sight. It was a familiar sight though now he was no longer riding in as a bastard but as a Lord.
The grey and white banners of House Stark could be seen as he approached the walls. He ordered one of his men, named Jorge, to carry the blue and white two-headed ice dragon of House Whitefyre. The gates were wide opened and a few Stark guardsmen rode out to greet them. Among them was Jory Cassel.
"Lord Whitefyre," Jory said politely "Welcome back to Winterfell,"
Jon smiled, he missed the Captain of Winterfell's household guard. "Please call me Jon, you have known me for a long time."
Jory smiled at that "Of course Jon, please follow me. Your father is waiting for you." Jory then let Jon through the familiar open gates of Winterfell. It felt so strange to ride through Winterfell's gates despite having done it countless times before. Perhaps it was because he had a dozen men following him or something else. Nevertheless, Jon was nervous yet happy at the same time going back to Winterfell after more than a year.
He was nervous about what his father would say about his trade deals, was it too southron? Or would he be proud of him? He looked forward to seeing Robb and Arya. He missed them greatly.
"Is my wife here already?" Jon asked as he passed through the first wall's gate.
Jory smiled "She came here last night, with your child. She's a fierce little thing."
Jon entered through the main castle gate to see his father standing there, a small smile on his face. Beside him, Rhaenys was there, holding Visenya. Robb and Arya stood side by side.
Before Jon could fully dismount his horse, Arya ran straight into his arms. Nearly knocking Jon into the dirt, Jon heard Rhaenys and Robb laugh.
"You're back!" Arya said, in a voice filled with happiness. "Rhaenys said you are even better with a sword now! Could you teach me?"
Jon returned the hug and gave Arya a warm smile "Of course,"
Jon then moved to hug Robb who had a huge grin on his face. "Welcome back to Winterfell! I look forward to seeing your new sword skills!"
Jon smiled "I have missed you, Robb,"
Next, his father came to greet him. "Welcome back to Winterfell Jon," He said with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Lord Stark," Jon said, "I have missed Winterfell."
Ned Stark smiled "Of course you have."
Jon went over to his daughter who was in Rhaenys arms, "How has she been? Little one, has everything been good?" Jon said softly.
Visenya squealed when Jon tickled her. "She misses her father," Rhaenys said as Jon planted a kiss on Visenya's head. "I also missed you," Rhaenys added in with a smile.
Jon smiled back "So have I" He replied as Visenya fondled with Jon's hand. Rhaenys then pulled Jon in for a kiss. Jon missed Rhaenys and wanted to kiss her as long as he could but in front of his father and his siblings, he did not one to show too much affection.
"Ew!" Arya said with a disgusted look on her face "Can you not do that?" Jon felt himself blush but Rhaenys seemed to ignore it.
Robb snickered and his father smiled softly "Come, we have much to discuss." His father was about to lead them to the great keep when Ser Rodrik Cassel came over.
"My Lord, we have received word from our outriders." Ser Rodrik said grimly. "We have captured a deserter from the Night's Watch outside a small holdfast in the hills,"
His father and Robb grimaced, a deserter of the Night's Watch was marked for death. In the North, beheading was done by the man who passed the sentence. His father sighed "Very well, you know what to do. Tell Bran to come along."
Ser Rodrik nodded and left. "Jon, could you follow us?" His father asked and Jon nodded. Robb gave a smirk towards Jon which he wanted to wipe off his face before he ran off to inform Bran. Leaving Rhaenys and Jon alone.
"I suppose I will stay in Winterfell with Visenya," Rhaenys said before they kissed for a short while.
"I will be back soon," Jon said before following Robb. Rhaenys headed towards the main keep, to her chambers. Ser Arthur followed her with a small smile on his face. Damn Rhaenys for kissing him, Jon thought to himself.
The weather was cold and clear, with a crispness that hinted summer was ending. For nine years, Westeros has enjoyed summer. Winter is coming. The ancient words of the Starks were coming true once more. Jon knew the House Whitefyre had some stocks for the Winter but it was not enough for the towns and villages under him. Theon Greyjoy followed them, talking with Robb for most of the trip. Jon did not speak with Theon, preferring to ignore the Ironborn.
They found the man's hands bound foot and hand. The holdfast he was being held was old and scrawny. The man had lost his ears and fingers to frostbite and was all in black. The banner of House Stark flew as they reached the holdfast and dismounted.
The man had a closely trimmed beard, with white hair. Making him look older than he was. The man's grey eyes were filled with grimness, uneasiness but most prominently, fear. His father had a grim look to his face, there was no pleasure in killing a deserter.
"Lord Stark, may I ask him some questions?" Jon asked "I had experience with wildlings,"
His father nodded as both of them dismounted and walked towards the men. The man did not look at them with fear, however. Jon had the sense the man did not fear them, but rather something else. What could he fear more than death?
"Lord Stark," The man said softly. "I know I should not have deserted, I should have warned them! But… I couldn't! I was too scared."
"Wildlings?" Jon asked.
The man's eyes filled with even more fear, "Wildlings? No… worse. These creatures, armoured and armed with ice. They took Waymar's Royce head clean off, his sword shattered when it touched…"
Jon remembered what the wildling Tormund told him, fear clear in his voice. White Walkers. He shuddered in fear "Creatures of ice?" Jon asked slowly" White Walkers?"
His father gave him a surprised look "The others are gone," He said quietly.
"Please My lord, I know I was wrong. Please let my family know I died bravely, not as a coward less I bring shame onto them." The Night's Watchmen said. Jon nodded to his father and his father's look of surprise changed back to his grim look. Jon retreated beside Bran and Robb.
A few words were exchanged between the both of them before his father nodded to the guardsmen who forced the man down onto a stump of ironwood. The man did not resist, his eyes held courage and fear at the same time. A man can only be brave if he's afraid. His father had once said.
Theon came over and presented Lord Eddard Stark with the ancestral greatsword of House Stark, Ice. Made of Valyrian steel, it had an edge to it like Dark Sister.
"In the name of Robert Baratheon, King of the Andals, The First Men and The Rhoynar, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, by the word of I, Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden or the North, sentence you to die," Lord Stark raised the greatsword over his head.
In one fluid motion, Lord Stark brought the greatsword down and relieved the Night's Watchman of his head. Blood flew onto the snow, red as wine from the Arbor. The head bounced off a thick root and rolled right under Theon.
It came as no surprise as Theon kicked the man's head with a laugh on his face. "Ass," Jon muttered under his breath.
It felt far colder on the ride back to Winterfell, his father came and rode beside him. "You seemed to know he was talking about the White Walkers, how? They have been gone for thousands of years," His father asked as he pulled up beside Jon.
"The wildling I captured, he said the wildlings were following Mance Rayder because they were afraid of something stirring beyond the wall. He said every clan stood no chance against them. He mentioned some wildlings called them White Walkers," Jon said.
His father was quiet for a while. "The others are gone, but the man was not lying. Perhaps he was mad with fear?" His father suggested
"The wildling also had the same story," Jon replied. "His eyes were also filled with fear when he told me."
His father was silent and then went to ride alone, no doubt to ponder over Jon's words. Jon rode beside Robb. "Race you to the bridge?" Robb asked with a grin.
"Done," Jon said and kicked his horse forward, Robb cursed and followed him behind, laughing and hooting. As expected, Robb was the better horse rider and overtook Jon just before they reached the bridge. Yet when Robb reached the bridge that was a loud curse from Robb.
"You beat me again," Jon said with a smile.
Robb lost interest in the horse race and was looking at something along the riverbanks. Half-buried in bloodstained snow, a huge creature lay. The smell of death was everywhere. Maggots crawled through its eyes.
"What in the world is that?" Robb muttered, the creature was twice the size of the largest hounds or wolves he has ever seen.
"A direwolf..." Jon muttered under his breath. "They have not been seen south of the wall in two hundred years,"
Robb closely inspected the dead direwolf before his eyes lit up. "Jon! Look!" He said as he cradled a pup.
Jon ran over, looking closely at the pups. "There is five of them,"
"I will ride back to tell father," Jon said as he went back to his horse and mounted it.
When the Northern party reached the bridge, Theon Greyjoy cursed loudly. "What the hell is this..freak?"
"A direwolf greyjoy," Jon responded.
"For two hundred years direwolves has not been spotted south of the wall," Hullen, the master of horse said "Direwolves are loose again, I like it not."
"It's a sign," Jory said.
"It's only a dead animal," His father said, though his voice was troubled. "What killed her?"
His father dismounted and knelt, and groped the direwolf's breasts before yanking out something. He held it up and Jon's heart stopped. A shattered antler, wet with blood. There was no mistaking which animal it came from a stag.
The stag was the sign of House Baratheon and the direwolf was the sign of House Stark. Everyone in the party must have realised it as there was uneasy silent. No one said anything, dread-filled Jon heart. Could it be that House Baratheon will destroy House Stark? But why? Then Jon realised Father threatened to go to war when Rhaenys and her mother were threatened. Could Robert demand Rhaenys head? Perhaps I am just overreacting, we are far away from King's Landing.
"I am surprised she lived long enough to give birth," His father said, breaking the silence as he cleaned his hand in the snow.
"Perhaps not, I heard the tales…" Jory said.
"Born with the dead, a worse omen." Someone said.
"No matter," Hullen said, "They will be gone soon enough."
"Better sooner than later," Theon said with a grin on his face, drawing his sword. Jon did not have time to respond before Bran yelled.
"No!"
"Bran, it would be a mercy, they will not live long enough." His father said."Better to kill them then let them die of starvation."
"Ser Rodrik's bitch gave birth two days ago," Robb said, with a little desperation in his voice.
"The direwolf will tear her to shreds within a day,"
Jon studied the pups closely, there were five of them. Three males, two females. The same number of Stark siblings he had.
"Lord Stark," Jon said formally and loudly. Everyone stared at him. "There are five pups, three male, two female."
"What's of it?" His father asked, giving him a confused look.
"You have five trueborn children, three sons, two daughters. The direwolf represents House Stark, these pups. House Stark is meant to have them."
There was silence once more as men glanced at each other. Jon noticed his father's face change. "Five…, you want no pup?"
"I am not your trueborn son," Jon replied simply as he saw something cross his father's face, sadness? Guilt? "I am no Stark, perhaps if we find an Ice dragon I can claim it," Jon said half a jest. Theon laughed but than he saw something else cross his father's face. He then remembered his father had given him two dragon eggs. I should not have said that.
Taking advantage of the silence Robb interjected "Father, I will nurse him myself. Feed him with a towel soaked in milk."
"Me too!" Bran echoed.
Eddard Stark was silent for a long while, deep in thought before he continued. "Easy to say, but far harder to do. Very well, if you want the pup, you will take care of them yourself." Robb and Bran nodded excitedly.
"You must train them well, yourself. These are not dogs, these are direwolves and can kill a man more easily as a cat kills a rat." He said seriously "You are certain?"
"Yes father," Bran said
"Yes father," Robb agreed.
Just as Jon was mounting his horse when he heard something. He couldn't tell what sound it was but he could hear it all the same. Jon looked around, trying to figure out where it came from.
"What's the matter Jon?" Robb asked.
"Can you not hear it?" Jon replied.
Everyone in the group seemed to look confused but then Jon pinpointed the location. It's like a ghost. He got off his horse, followed the sound, which led him back to the dead direwolf. There he found another pup, its eyes red as blood, its fur as white as snow.
Theon Greyjoy laughed, "An albino, a weakling. This one will die first."
It's mine , Jon realised with a jolt. "I think not, Greyjoy." Jon said coldly, giving him a cold look, "This one is mine,"
Notes:
And we reach the start of a game of thrones.