Dragons of Wolf and Sun
Toxicfireball
Chapter 16: Catspaw,dwarf and a forgotten dragon
Summary:
Jon and Tyrion head for the wall while in Winterfell, Catelyn grieves.
Notes:
Yes, I know chapter uploads will be 3 weeks but today is an exception. I'm in a very good mood so here is an extra chapter.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Tyrion
The way to the wall was cold and desolate. The north seemed to go on forever. Tyrion had read the maps of the north, studied it even. But the trip had taught him the map and the land were two very different entities.
Tyrion had left the same time the fat oaf, Robert Baratheon and his new hand Eddard Stark left. Tyrion's party was small, consisting of a small number of Night's Watch men led by a man named Yoren. They had come to Winterfell during the feast. Two men rode with him as befitting his status as a Lannister. Then there was the bastard, Jon Whitefyre, the one married to the last remaining Targaryen. Jaime had spoken rather highly of the boy, calling him as honourable as Ned Stark, intelligent and with skills with a sword that Jaime claimed was almost as good as his. His brother had come along with Jon, riding with them.When Tyrion saw the both of then spar, he had no doubts Jaime was still as good as ever.
A group of ten men, a direwolf , thirty horses and a cage of ravens were given by the Maester of Winterfell. Lord Tywin had ordered Tyrion to keep a close eye on the bastard.
"I mislike having a bastard marry the Targaryen girl, while Eddard Stark is an honourable idiot and will not rebel against Robert, I cannot say the same once Joffrey takes the throne or if Eddard Stark passes. Watch the bastard, I need to know how much of a threat he is."
"Why not ask my sweet sister?"
"Your sister," Tywin had snorted, "She is a poorer judge of character than you are. I know she will send me a raven telling me how much of a threat the Targaryen girl is. Watch the bastard and the Targaryen girl. If they show any sign of wanting the throne I will make sure they are seen too,"
Tyrion shivered, he did not want to know what his father had in store. Tyrion was somewhat surprised when Jon had gone with him to see the wall. When Tyrion asked him, he had simply replied that he had things to discuss with the Lord Commander of the watch regarding wildlings.
Tyrion did not buy it, why would Jon Whitefyre, a lord travel across half the bloody North to talk to the Lord Commander of an ancient order? Tyrion could not think of a single reason that involved treason that would involve him going to the wall.
The further they headed up North,there were fewer and fewer holdfast and farms. Soon they were forced to make camp and were unable to take shelter under a solid roof. Jon Whitefyre had rode with his brother though Jaime had spent most of his time with Tyrion. The two spent the ride talking and catching up. Tyrion missed his older brother dearly. Jaime had visited Casterly Rock four times in seventeen years each time he had spent the most amount of time with him. Since birth, Jaime was the only person that took care off Tyrion and loved him. Cersei hated him and his father despised him with every breath.
Tyrion read through the book Eddard Stark had allowed him to borrow. It was about dragons. Tyrion always loved dragons, it was a point of fascination for him.
Jon Whitefyre had been silent the whole trio, occasionally talking to Jaime or Yoren but otherwise was quiet and observed. Tyrion found it slightly unsettling how much the boy was observing and seemed to be focusing on him. Though he could not blame him for it,after all his fool if a nephew had challenged his wife for a spar and lost. To make it worse Joffrey had called for her head and blood was nearly drawn.
Perhaps he thinks I am a threat to his family? To be fair, Tyrion's father was a threat. Tyrion turned another page of his book when suddenly Jon spoke up. The two of them were alone as Yoren and the Night's watch men were off looking for something to eat. Jaime had went to help them. Jon had offered to join them but Jaime told him to guard Tyrion..
"You read a lot,"
Tyrion looked up "I do,"
"Why?" Jon asked
"Look at me and tell me what do you see?" Tyrion replied.
Jon gave him a suspicious look, "Is this a trick? You are Tyrion Lannister."
"Oh you are rather polite for a bastard married to a Targaryen." Tyrion replied and he saw anger flash in Jon's eyes. "I am a dwarf. If I was born a smallfolk, I would have been left to die, or sold off to some slaver. Instead, I was born a Lannister of Casterly Rock and things are expected off me. My father was hand of the king, my brother kingsguard to the king who he killed. My sister married the king after that king. My nephew is in line to be king. I need something, I cannot fight for I am a dwarf. So while my brother has his sword skills, my sister has her title as queen and I have my mind. A mind needs a book like a sword needs a whetstone."
"Why do you love dragon's so much? Your brother told me you had a fascination for them." Jon asked.
"Because they feel so powerful and so out of the world." Tyrion replied.
"They are dead," Jon replied, though that was some uneasiness in his voice. I wonder why?
"When I was a child, I used to dream of having a dragon, it was some of the best dream's I had." Tyrion gave the Whitefyre a grin "I would imagine my sister or my father burning."
Jon gave a grimace and had a slightly shocked look and Tyrion laughed "My brother told you how much my sweet sister and father love me,"
"He did," Jon replied "It is not right they treat you—"
"Thank you for seeing it like that Jon," Tyrion replied with a smile, he rather liked the bastard. "What do you think of my nephew? The crown prince."
Jon Whitefyre hesitated and replied "The crown prince is rather hot tempered but has great potential in leadership."
Tyrion burst out laughing "You are as shit at lying as your father. You know Joffrey is a little shit, I know it you know it."
Jon narrowed his eyes "Is this some sort of trick to make me talk treason? Why would you put down your nephew who is to be king?"
Tyrion laughed even louder "I don't give two shits about my nephew. He is a little shit . As for getting you to talk treason, I haven't seen you try and start a war to claim the throne in you wife's name…"
Jon got up eyes blazing, there was something strange about his eyes. It looked black but seemed to have a hidden colour inside. "I would never rebel,"
"Would you not? You are a bastard, your brother gets Winterfell and the whole bloody North while you get a castle on some forgotten shore . Though admittedly your wife is rather beautiful and she gives you a chance to claim the throne," Tyrion mocked. "You can rebel and half the realm might support you, like all bastards do. The Blackfyres were bastards that rebelled. It would be amusing if the Whitefyres rebel."
Tyrion expected Jon Whitefyre to respond angrily but instead he was silent, though his eyes blazed with anger.Finally, the bastard spoke. "Let me make myself clear Lannister, I don't want the throne, Rhaenys doesn't want the throne. Your brother spoke highly of you but you seem cut from the same cloth as your nephew and sister."
Tyrion strangely felt guilt wash over him. He had been too harsh and now he was called being like Joffrey and Cersei. Tyrion sighed and answered sincey "I apologise for my words Lord Whitefyre. Please forgive me for my attitude."
Jon smiled , "See Lannister, its not that hard to be nice."
"It is hard when your family is filled with people such as Tywin Lannister, my sister and her son." Tyrion replied as Jon to Tyrion's surprise, smiled.
"Perhaps you should have been born a Stark," Jon said "Though your family also has your brother." There was clear respect in his voice.
"A Stark? So I can freeze my balls up here?" Tyrion japed. "There isn't much whores in the north,"
Jon seemed to flinch a bit when the word "Whore" was mentioned "Have you ever bedded a whore before?" Tyrion asked, his voice filled with amusement.
"I would not father a bastard," Jon replied coolly.
"Ahh," Tyrion gave him a grin "Was your wife as chaste as you, was she a maiden on your wedding night?"
Jon rolled his eyes "She was."
"A pity," Tyrion said, "You miss out on the pleasure's of life. Many women would want to get inside your breechers, you are far comelier than your brother. Think about the pleasure you can get,"
Jon' face grew slightly hard "I have a wife, I keep to her bed and she keeps to my bed. That is the vows of our marriage."
Tyrion suddenly remembered about Tysha, his face was clouded slightly. Jon must have noticed for his face softened ever so slightly. Tyrion shook his head "Your marriage is happy?"
"It is," That Tyrion did not doubt, he did not see much of the two Whitefyre's but from what Jaime told him the both of them were close.
"Better than mine the ." Tyrion mused
"I was unaware you were married my Lord,"
Tyrion sighed "Call me Tyrion, I was married to a whore. Did my brother ever tell you that?"
Jon shook his head , looking both curious and shocked. "I am sure he didn't. I married a whore, not knowing she was a whore. When my father found out, he was wroth and dissolved our marriage."
"I am sorry," Jon said silently.
Tyrion decided to lighten the mood a bit. "Don't have to be sorry. It's good you have a happy marriage, I expected a Princess would be less than happy with such a marriage. You must be a great husband or you are far better in bed than I expect from a green boy."
Tyrion nearly laughed when the normally quiet Jon turned bright red "That's none of your business,"
"What are you talking about?" Jaime's voice came as he walked next to them.
Tyrion replied immediately "We were talking about Lord Whitefyre's skills in bed."
"Could you not talk about that?" Jon replied, his face red.
Jaime laughed "Oh, I have plenty to say about that."
Jon shot Jaime with a look of both pleading and anger. Tyrion joined in with his brother's laughter. "Oh dear, you know how sometimes both of them would look at each other as if they are the tastiest meal of a feast?" Jaime japed.
Jon Whitefyre buried his head into hands, his face was rather red. "What me and my wife do is none of your business,"
"How did you end up at this conversation?" Jaime asked "I thought you two would be talking about history."
Tyrion raised his eyebrows, Jon Whitefyre enjoyed history? Tyrion decided to test it out "What? About how Aegon the fifth was a fool"
"Aegon the fifth was only second to Jaehaerys the first!" Jon replied "He helped the smallfolk!"
"And killed most of the Targaryens by accident," Tyrion snorted.
"That's better than Viserys the first who let the realm collapse into war following his death." Jon responded. Jaime groaned.
"I should not have suggested that…"
A week later, they had reached the wall. It was beautiful, tall and massive. Tyrion finally understood why Lomas Longstrider called in one of the world's wonders. Over the journey, Tyrion had taken a liking to Jon Whitefyre. He was intelligent, had wits and was far kinder than Tyrion expected.
Rhaenys
"What is it, love?" Rhaenys asked as she met Visenya's hand. Visenya whined softly and pointed towards her mouth.
"You are hungry is it?" Rhaenys said with a smile on her face. Visenya nodded her head and Rhaenys grinned.
"Alright little one," Rhaenys had refused to let anyone feed Visenya and did it herself. Rhaenys loosened her dress. Rhaenys had decided that wearing small clothes was too troublesome as Visenya needed to be fed. Rhaenys put Visenya to her breast and led her suckle.
It had been eight since Jon's departure. Bran had still not woken up. The castle was at a standstill, Catelyn Stark was still inside his room often not leaving. Robb had taken most of the responsibility of the castle, trying to manage everything. With the castle steward , the Captain of the Household guard and the master of horse all gone with Ned Stark, Rhaenys could tell Robb was under massive pressure. He was trying his hardest but with him juggling so much responsibility, Robb had to ask Rhaenys for help which she gladly gave.
Rhaenys helped Robb Stark settle disputes in Wintertown, and helped him with the clean up efforts following Robert Baratheon's departure. Robb Stark seemed to grow from the experience though it was clear he was under massive stress. Lady Stark was forever inside Bran's rooms, her grief was massive. Rhaenys had not forgotten or forgiven her statements on Jon and Visenya. Remembering it made her clench her fist in anger. How could she wish Jon or Visenya dead?
She looked down at Visenya, Rhaenys brushed away her silver hair and smiled. Visenya was so perfect to her, she was undoubtedly beautiful and was rather aware of her surroundings. Rhaenys sometimes wondered how the Targaryen seed managed to pass down so strongly to her.
When, Visenya finished suckling at her teats. Rhaenys put Visenya back in her crib, she seemed tired. She was wiping her breast with a cloth when someone knocked on her door.
"Yes?" Rhaenys called out.
"It's me,Robb. Lady Whitefyre,could I ask for your help," A voce came.
"Give me a moment," Rhaenys replied as she cleaned herself up and laced up her dress. Rhaenys went to open the door and found Robb Stark outside, his face filled with exhaustion. While Robb Stark looked completely Tully, Rhaenys could see now there was a hardness in his face that undoubtedly belonged to the Starks.
"What is it Robb?" Rhaenys asked.
"Could you help me with organising maintenance of the barracks? I am sorry to ask this of you…" Robb asked, slightly abashed.
"Sure," Rhaenys replied "Though you can call me Rhaenys since I call you Robb,"
"Thank you Rhaenys, I have to take care of Rickon. He has been a bit wild and keeps calling for mother or father. I don't know what to do…" Robb replied, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "I need to talk to my mother."
"The barracks maintenance? Isn't Maester Luwin on that?" Rhaenys asked, suddenly remembering it.
"He was, but he has been trying to fill up the list of people to be considered for appointments as Master of Horse and captain of the guard." Robb replied, shaking his head.
"I see," Rhaenys replied "Though weren't the workers due to arrive tomorrow? How about the funds?"
Robb grimaced slightly "We have not been able to keep track of the amount of gold we have in the castle. My mother should be in charge of bookkeeping but with her grief…"
Rhaenys sighed "If I have no idea on the gold how are we going to pay the workers?"
"I will have to talk to her…" Robb sighed "Maester Luwin just went to see her regarding the castle's bookkeeping matters. Come with me, I can help you ask my mother,"
Rhaenys grimaced internally, the notion of seeing Lady Stark did not appeal to her. "Alright, though I will not enter Bran's room.
Robb raised his eyebrows "My mother...what did she do?"
Rhaenys shook her head "Nothing," Jon had told her to not cause conflict, she supposed she would listen to him.
Robb did not look convinced but nevertheless did not inquire further. Rhaenys checked on Visenya to see she was fast asleep before following Robb as he led her towards Bran's chambers. As they approached, Rhaenys heard Lady Stark scream.
"Others take the appointments! My son is dying and you ask for appointments? My son is dying! Bran is dying!" A shriek filled with despair and grief echoed through the hallway. Rhaenys saw through the corner of her eyes Robb's face turning grim.
"I will wait outside," Was all Rhaenys said as they walked towards Bran chambers.
Robb nodded and entered the chambers. Rhaenys could clearly hear everything said.
"I'll make the appointments," Robb said
"I have prepared a list of those that we might consider suitable for the vacant office," Maester Luwin said.
"Good men," Robb said "We will talk about them tomorrow, leave us now.
"Very well my lord," Maester Luwin said before he walked out. He nodded at Rhaenys as he walked out.
"Mother, what are you doing?" Robb asked,his voice hard with exhaustion and some grief inside.
"What am I doing? How can you ask that? I am taking care of your brother!" Lady Stark replied her voice sounding deranged, grief and exhaustion clear in her voice.
"That's what you call it? You have been here for more than a week!"
"I can't leave here, I have to be with Bran. He needs me I can't leave him alone to die…"
"Bran is not going to die! Maester Luwin said—,"
"What if he is wrong? What if he needs me and I am not there?"
"Rickon needs you!" Robb said sharply "He is only six and barely understands what is going on! I don't know what to do! I can't do everything by myself, I have to manage the castle ,take care of Rickon. I can't, Rhaenys is helping me but I can't…"
"The bastard wife is helping you?" Catelyn nearly screamed and Rhaenys flinched outwardly, anger filled her. "She could be trying to plot to get herself as Lady of Winterfell!"
"Mother, she is trying to help. She is right outside the door! She is a lady of a noble house. She won't have to help me if you weren't here for the past eight days!" Robb replied sharply. Then, a wolf howl could be heard through the castle.
Robb must have opened the windows as the howl's grew louder. The direwolves continued howling, more and more joined in. Soon, all three were howling.
"Make it stop! Please I can't stand it! Stop! Please!" Lady Stark screamed.
"Mother please, you need to rest." Robb said "You are going to collapse!"
Suddenly, all the dogs started howling. That was strange for they never barked together.
"Help me with Bran! Robb, Bran! Help me with him!" Catelyn said urgently. Rhaenys was suddenly confused and was about to rush in when Robb spoke again.
"Fire, the library tower is on fire." Robb said"Mother stay here, I will deal with it."
Robb ran out looking at her with an apologetic look before running out. Rhaenys heard him shouting at guards as he ran down the steps.
Calls of "Fire!" could be heard outside. The sound of frightened horses, the barks of dogs could be heard. I should head back to Visenya. Rhaenys thought and began heading towards her chambers.
That was when she noticed a small,dirty man in filthy brown clothing heading towards Bran's chambers. The man did not notice Rhaenys. The man looked around furtively and Rhaenys hid herself behind a pillar. What is this man doing? Though it was obvious he was up to no good.
When the man entered Bran's chambers, Rhaenys ran straight towards it. As she got closer, sounds of scuffling. She walked in through the open door, to find the man and Catelyn Stark fighting. Her auburn hair was messy, her hands red with blood clutching a dagger. There was a stench of horse from the man.
Rhaenys jumped into action, knocking the man off Lady Stark and forcing him onto the ground. Rhaenys was in her dress and wore no sword. Oberyn, Ser Jaime and Ser Arthur had taught her how to use her hands and legs in combat though the amount they taught her was far less. Rhaenys punched the man's jaw and his dagger fell onto the ground. Lady Stark screamed for help while the man got up.
"You weren't supposed to be here," The man said stupidly as he charged. The man grabbed her hair and yanked it, Rhaenys gritted her teeth in pain and sent a punch into the man's stomach sending him reeling backwards.
Then, Rhaenys saw a blur of grey. She heard a low rumble and the next thing she knew the man was on the ground. Bran's direwolf, summer was over him, the man's throat had been torn out. The man had shrieked though it had not lasted for more than half a second
Blood was sprayed across the room, some landed on the wall while some landed on Rhaenys dress though she could not care. Rhaenys massaged her scalp and found it to be fine.
"Lady Stark, are you alright?" Rhaenys asked with concern to her own surprise.
Catelyn stared at the corpse for a while as summer licked her bloodied hands. She responded shakily.
"Lady Whitefyre… Thank you. Thank you Rhaenys."
Soon, half the castle guard burst in with Ser Rodrik, Maester Luwin and Robb Stark. Rhaenys was relatively unharmed though Lady Stark's hand was bleeding badly and she had to tended too. Rhaenys just went back to her chambers. Exhausted and slightly shaken, the attack had reminded her of the wildling attack.
Rhaenys spent most of her time the next few days helping Robb to find out who the attacker was. They found no evidence of proof or any kind. No one seemed to know who he even was. They only found his hiding spot which had a leather bag with large amounts of silver stags.
Four days later, Catelyn Stark woke up and requested to see her. When she reached Lady Stark's chambers, she found Robb Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Hallis Mollen, the new captain of the guard and Rodrik Cassel were all there waiting for her.
"Rhaenys ," Lady Stark said softly when she entered "I must apologise for my...words when you and your husband came to visit Bran the other day." Her voice was remorseful.
"What did you say mother?" Robb Stark asked worriedly looking at his mother. There was silence before Rhaenys decided to talk.
"She wished either Jon or Visenya had fallen instead of Bran." Rhaenys said icly.
"Mother how could you?" Robb responded hoy.
"I was deep in grief…"
"I will forgive you Lady Stark." But I will not forget. Rhaenys replied.
"Thank you," She replied softly.
"What do we know of him?"
"No one knew who he was," Hallis said. "No one in the castle saw him before, however a few said they saw him during the King's visit."
"He was a king's men than," Catelyn Stark said "or a Lannister men,"
"He was hiding in the stables," Theon said "You could smell that on him,"
"How could he be unnoticed?" Catelyn Stark asked sharply.
"The stables were half empty after Lord Eddard took so many horses south or to the Night's Watch. It would be easy to hide from the stableboys. It would be possible that Hodor saw him, the boy has been rather interested in seeking attention recently but with him being so simple…" Hallis shook his head
"We found his sleeping space," Rhaenys interjected "and ninety silver stags inside a leather bag,"
"It's good to know my son's life was not sold cheaply." Catelyn replied bitterly.
"Why would anyone want to kill Bran?" Robb asked softly "By the old gods he is only a boy, helping,sleeping..."
Catelyn gave Robb a challenging look"You are to rule the North,answer your own question. Why would anyone want to kill a helping,sleeping boy?"
Rhaenys was silent and eyed Robb waiting for him to answer his mother's question.Before Robb could answer,Maester Luwin came in carrying a try with toast, wildberry jam and bacon with a pot of Tea.
"Maester Luwin, my son…?" Catelyn asked in a voice filled with concern.
"Unchanged My lady," Maester Luwin lowered his eyes.
Robb finally answered, "They don't want him to wake."
"Good," Catelyn said proudly "Is Bran under guard?"
"He is," Robb said "Only a single man, I will put a man in the sickroom, another two outside the door and double the amount of guards around the tower."
Catelyn's face beamed with pride "Good, also let the wolf stay in his room,"
"It will be done," Hallis bowed and left.
"Lady Stark, did you notice the dagger the attacker used?" Ser Rodrik asked.
"No, I had no chance. Though it has an edge," Catelyn replied.
"The blade we found was made of Valyrian steel," Ser Rodirk said. Rhaenys remembered the blade steel looked extremely similar to the one on Dark Sister. "It had an dragonbone hilt, the blade is far too valuable for a man like this"
Catelyn nodded, "Could you close the door?"
Robb nodded and shut the room's door. Catelyn Stark looked thoughtful for a moment. "What I am to tell you must not leave the room. Ned or my daughters could be in danger, my words falling into the wrong ears could put them in great peril."
This is interesting Rhaenys thought to herself. What could Lady Stark know?
"Lord Eddard Stark is like a second father to me," Theon Greyjoy said with an uncharacteristic solemnity. "I do swear,"
"You have my oath," Maester Luwin said.
"Mine as well My Lady." Ser Rodrik added on.
"You have my word Mother," Robb said.
"You have House Whitefyre's oath," Rhaenys stated. House Whitefyre, which meant her and Jon. I will keep no secrets from Jon and he will keep no secrets from me.
Catelyn Stark must have noticed that and her face grew hard. Yet, she started talking.
"I do not think Bran fell, I believe he was thrown from the tower. I have suspicion the Lannisters are involved somehow."
There was shock all over and Rhaenys suppressed a gasp. Who would do that? It would make sense after someone tried to kill Bran but why? Why not target me or Visenya if they wanted to get rid of the Targaryens, Robb or Sansa are the two most oldest Stark and have the two most potential powers in the future.
See Rodrik Cassel was the first to talk "My lady, that is a monstrous suggestion. I do not believe any Lannister's would do such an act."
"Oh would they?" Theon Greyjoy asked "The Kingslayer might,"
Rhaenys felt her temper flare "Ser Jaime Lannister is a better man than you ironborn scum!" Shs retorted.
"Please, Rhaenys, Theon." Robb pacified. "I am sure Theon did not mean to imply it was Ser Jaime."
"There is no limit to a Lannister's pride ,arrogance or ambition." Catelyn said.
"Why would they try and kill Bran?" Rhaenys asked "What did he do? No offence My lady, My lord but wouldn't Sansa or Robb be the target if the Lannisters were aiming to harm House Stark."
"I have no idea what the Lannister scheme could be," Catelyn replied.
"Bran has always been an excellent climber. He knew every stone in Winterfell and no guard could catch him." Maester Luwin added thoughtfully.
"God's!" Robb swore,"If any of the Lannisters tried to kill Bran, I would kill him myself!"
"My lady, if we accuse the Lannisters of it , war could follow." Maester Luwin said.
Rhaenys shivered slightly, war over something no one knew the truth of. With Jon being Robb's bannerman now, Rhaenys did not want to see him riding off to war. Perhaps I will ride with him. "War? We must have proof in the first place!" Rhaenys interjected.
"The proof is the dagger, Valyrian steel blades are very rare." Maester Luwin said.
"Where to go to find such proof?" Rhaenys asked "The only place where you can find such find blades being sold is perhaps King's Landing and that is straight into Lannister territory."
"Someone has to go to King's Landing," Catelyn Stark said.
"I can go," Robb said.
"No," Catelyn said "There must always be a Stark in Winterfell. I will go,"
Jon
Castle Black was not a castle. To call it a castle could be a mockery of the word "castle". Castle Black was big to be sure but it had no walls, not even wooden palisades or basic trenches or moats. No archer towers, lookout post or any kind of defences faced south. The castle was practically naked facing west, east south. Jon remembered the stories of the Night King who took a pale skinned woman of ice as his wife. Reigned as king until the Starks of Winterfell and the Wildlings made common cause and smashed the wildlings or when Faith Militants banished to the wall by King Jaeharerys the First rebelled and set up their own castle forcing once again the Staks to wage a war to bring them down. Castle Black has a few stone keeps and about a dozen wooden keps and huts. Jon felt the castle resembled more of a small village than any castle.
The wall was beautiful, it sparkled and shined blue when the sun was bright and glimmered palely in the moonlight.
When Jon, Jaime and Tyrion Lannister first arrived they were greeted by Lord Commander Mormont. His own men had nicknamed him the "Old Bear". The Mormont was a stern man but nevertheless greeted them warmly.
Jon's first priority was to meet the Maester of the Castle, Aemon Targaryen, brother of King Aegon V and great granduncle to his wife. Jon was horribly nervous at meeting the Targaryen Maester who Jon feared would greet him with coldness and hostility. Why would he not, you are a bastard meant to sully the line of House Targaryen.
Nevertheless, Jon gathered up his courage and requested to see Maester Aemon alone immediately after he had finished greeting Lord Commander Mormont.
"I will check on Maester Aemon," Lord Commander Mormont said after Jon made the request.
"If he is busy, I can wait," Jon quickly said, he didn't want to make a bad impression on the Targaryen Maester.
However, soon Maester Aemon asked to see him. Ser Jaime simply waited outside the door of the Maesters quarter which was under the room.
A red face steward called Chety led Jon into the Maester's chambers. There, Maester Aemon Targaryen waited for him. The Maester had a bald head, wrinkled and shrunken. His eyes are clouded milky white indicating he was blind. What might have once been a handsome Targaryen Prince was now old. Yet, the Maester projected a sense of wisdom around him as he waited for Jon. The moment Jon stepped in the Maester said softly.
"Chett, leave us."
The stewards walked out and it left both Jon and the Maester alone. Jon hesitated and took a step towards the Maester.
"Jon Snow," The Maester said slowly with unexpected warmth "Or Jon Whitefyre? What should I address you as?"
"Just Jon Maester," Jon replied hesitantly.
"Ah, please sit close to me." Maester Aemon said.
Jon walked and sat down on a wooden chair directly in front of the Maester. The Maester gave him a small smile when he sat and started talking.
"Jon, allow me to touch your face. I wish to see you but I am blind."
"Of course Maester," Maester Aemon's hand then traced Jon's face, feeling every feature of Jon's face.
"You look like a Stark certaintly, you do have some of your father in you." The Maester mused, slightly confusing Jon. My father is where the Stark blood comes from is it not?
"How is my grand niece?" The Maester asked.
"Rhaenys is one of the best people I know of Maester, she is intelligent, kind,and beautiful. You would be proud of her." Jon responded, still slightly cautious. "She asked me to pass on a letter to you." Jon said, putting the letter on the table.
"Alas I am blind and cannot read. Never mind, I will get my steward to read it to me later." Maester Aemon said "I am glad my niece is fine, from the tone of your voice I can tell you hold her dear…"
"I certainly do Maester Aemon," Jon replied."Thank you for passing House Whitefyre Dark Sister, it is an honour to receive such a famous Targaryen blade."
"By rights it would have passed down to your house, your House is the last remnants of House Targaryen and it is to be yours to protect the last Targaryen bloodline." Maester Aemon said "I can tell that you are nervous and embarrassed around me. I understand, you think you are a bastard. The seven call you filled with lust and envy." The Maester gave a small chuckle and Jon felt his heart clench "I don't care if that you are a bastard or not, only what kind of person you are. You are fond of her and I am sure you treat her kindly. I have heard things down south about you. You saved Elia Martell from attackers in Sunspear, you saved my great-grand niece from wildlings. As a great granduncle, you are all that I ask for as a husband to Rhaenys."
"You don't dislike me because I am forced to sully your blood?" Jon asked.
"Sully?" The Maester chuckled "That might have been the usurpers intentions but House Targaryen blood lives on. You have a daughter don't you?"
"Visenya, she has silver hair and purple eyes."
"House Targaryen will continue one form or another Jon." Maester Aemon replied "I feared that I might outlive the last of my blood but it seems that is not to be, I am glad of you Jon."
"Thank you Maester."
"A Targaryen alone is a terrible thing," Maester Aemon paused. "Rhaenys is not alone is she?" Maester Aemon gave him a smile "She has you."
The next few days Jon spent the majority of his time with the Targaryen Maester. The Maester was far more kind than Jon expected. He talked to Jon about his experience, gave advice and Jon helped Aemon write a letter to Rhaenys.
Jon also needed to discuss things with the Lord Commander regarding wildlings. Jon requested to see Lord Commander Mormont the day after arriving. The sun was setting over the wall when Jon entered the Lord Commander's study.
"Lord Whitefyre,"
"Lord Commander Mormont,"
"Please take a seat," The old bear said as he pointed to a chair in front of his desk. Jon sat down on it.
"I understand you wish to discuss wildling incursions Lord Whitefyre." Lord Commander Mormont said.
"I do," Jon responded, "I am sorry to be so blunt but how is it that sixty wildlings sneaked past the Night's Watch?"
"The wall is not what it used to be, we don't have enough men to guard every part of the wall. The wildlings can easily sneak past any of our defences." The old bear responded. "If I am being equally blunt Lord Whitefyre, you are not the first to complain about wildling incursion. This is not a big deal."
"I know, the big deal was that they were trying to steal my galleys. They wanted to use it to sneak past the wall. The wildlings are not raiding but are well organised and armed attackers. The wildings could be attacking the wall soon. The wilding told me of a King beyond the wall they followed." Jon responded.
"We know of the King beyond the wall, Mance Rayder. A former black brother, now turncloak and King of the wildlings." The old bear sighed "I fear things stirring my lord, you might not believe me—"
"Whita walkers is what you are to tell me? The wildling told me the same." The old bear face changed in surprise.
There was a moment of silence while the Old bear studied Jon for a while before replying.
"Yes, something is stirring in the lands beyond the Wall. The longest summer in known memory is ending which means a longer winter is coming. My bones have never felt a chill like that." Jeor Mormont said. "Regarding Mance Rayder, we have found many wildling villages deserted, it seems he is gathering an army somewhere to take the wall. The wall is almost invincible when attacked from the North but from the south…"
"It will fall easily," Jon said "Which explains why the wildlings wanted a galley or two. It allows them to bypass the wall defences with hundreds of men."
"They already can bypass the wall though usually a few dozen at most," Jeor Mormont said, "A few dozen can be easily put down, a few hundred can smash through our defences easily."
"Don't you have patrols?" Jon asked.
"We do. Though we have insufficient manpower for it to be often. Usually we have a group patrol it. They ride at sunrise to patrol the wall."Jeor replied
"A suggestion Lord Commander?" Jon asked "Perhaps have your patrols randomised so the wildlings cannot predict your patrols."
The old bear stroked his chin "That could work, I will discuss it with the other commanders."
"The wildlings are stronger united, but they rarely unite. I don't understand how a night's watch deserter managed to rally them all…" Jon said aloud.
The old bear said. "The wildlings combined are a massive threat to the wall."
"I understand, House Whitefyre will try and assist the watch as we can." Jon said
"Thank you, Lord Whitefyre." The old bear said.
They spent an hour or so discussing ways for House Whitefyre to get some food, weapons and wood shipped to the wall. Jon could not promise anything but did say that he would try and get some weapons and food.
Most of the time Jon spent with Maester Aemon, the Maester seemed to want his company and Jon gave it. Ser Jaime hated the wall however, he kept complaining it was awfully cold. Jon did spend the mornings in the sparring yard with Jaime who went easier on Jon due to how unused to the cold he was. Jon helped the Night's Watch recruits when he was free, teaching them the basics of swordsmanship. The recruits were taught by an ill-tempered man Ser Alliser Thorne who seemed to hate everyone around him.
Within seven days, Jon decided it was time to leave. He wanted to go back to Dragon's Watch, see Visenya and Rhaenys. He missed both of them greatly and he needed to go back to managing Sea Dragon Point. When Jon told Jaime, the man was only too glad to leave the wall. Tyrion Lannister had apparently also decided to leave with Jon. Over the moments Jon had spoken with the dwarf, he came to grow fond of him. The dwarf was witty, clever and had a certain kindness in him that Jon did not see in his sister or nephew.
"Are you certain two of you must leave so soon?" Lord Commander Mormont asked them over supper the night before they would leave.
"Past time Lord Commander, If I stay here my father would think that I would have taken the black." Tyrion Lannister said.
"I have a wife and a daughter," Jon added on "And I have been away from my lands for too long."
"A pity," Jeor Mormont said "We could use both of you on the wall. You are a cunning man Tyrion, we need man like you. And Jon, you are someone who can lead, man like you can rise high in the wall."
Jon lowered his head at the praise while the Tyrion beside him grinned. "I shall scour the seven kingdoms for dwarfs and ship them to you Lord Mormont." Laughter followed the statement while Tyrion sucked out crab meat from a crab leg.
Ser Alliser Thorne didn't even crack a smile "Lannister mock us."
Tyrion laughed "Only you, Ser Alliser."
The man narrowed his eyes angrily "You have a bold tongue for an imp. Perhaps we should pay a visit to the yard together."
"Why? The crabbs are here. If you want to visit the yard you could ask my brother or Lord Whitefyre. They don't seem to be eating as much as me."Tyrion replied.
Ser Alliser stood up, his mouth turning into a thin line. "You should make japes with steel in hand dwarf, instead of hiding behind your kingslayer brother or a bastard." Jon thanked that Rhaenys was not here.
"I have steel in hand Ser Alliser, although it appears to be a fork." Tyrion japed, "Shall we duel?" Tyrion Lannister proceeded to poke the knight's chest with his fork. Jon and the entire table burst out laughing.
Ser Alliser walked out so stiffly he must as well have been made out of ice. The laughter slowly died down as Tyrion made another jape "I claim Ser Alliser's crabs as my reward as victor."
"Pardon my brother," Jaime said "He japes more often than our father shits gold."
"You are a wicked man to provoke our Ser Allieser," Joer Mormont said.
"That man is not fit your master at arms," Jaime said "No one learns a single thing under him, I reckon your recruits learnt more under Jon here in a day than him in a year."
"Ser Alliser is one of the few knights here Ser Jaime," Bowen Marsh said.
"The title of knight means nothing," Jon said "Look at Gregor Clegane."
"Ser Alliser fought bravely in King's Landing." Ser Jeremy Rykker said "Abit on the wrong side, Tywin Lannister gave us a choice, wall or head on spike. No offence Tyrion, Ser Jaime."
"None taken, my father is rather fond of heads on spike." Tyrion mused.
"Our father is rather fond of killing people." Jaime said with a sense of bitterness "Particularly those who he feels will not help his goal of Lannister supremacy."
"You seem to dislike your father," Ser Jaremy Rykker said.
"Why would I not?" Jaime responded "He has practically disowned me for not doing everything he told me."
When they had finished their food and most of the men had left. Lord Commander Mormont offered them chairs beside the wine and mulled cider.
"I will send men to escort you back to Winterfell Lord Lannister and Lord Whitefyre."
"I will head back to Dragon's Watch Lord Commander." Jon said.
"I have two men with me," Tyrion said.
"Two men may not be enough and even with both of your skills with a blade Ser Jaime and Jon, the King's road can be perilous. Yoren will take a few man down south to recruit men, I will order him to follow you Lord Lannister." The old bear said as Jon took a sip of the mulled cider.
"Thank you Lord Mormont." Tyrion said. "I hope I can repay your kindness."
"You can," The Lord Commander said bluntly, "You are brother to the queen. You have more influence than we can even dream off."
Jaime snorted "Cersei hates Tyrion and probably me too."
"You must try, Lord Whitefyre, I appreciate your help though I fear it might not be enough. Your father rules the North and your brother after him. We need every help we can get." Joer Mormont said.
"I will do my best," Jon said.
"So will I," Tyrion said.
That night, Tyrion wanted to go to the top of the wall. The three of them rode up the cage that brought them to the wall. It was awfully cold and Jaime was once again complaining about the cold. The black brother watched them as they walked through the trench and onto one of the battlements
"It really makes you wonder what's out there." Tyrion Lannister mused. "I can almost believe the white walkers by looking out from here."
Jon shook his head, both he and the Lord Commander could not convince Tyrion of the possible threat of the White Walkers. Jon himself was unsure if it was true. He rather not thought about ice demons coming to kill him, Rhaenys and Visenya.
"Perhaps you should ought to ride out and find out brother," Jaime japed and Tyrion laughed.
"I am freezing my balls off here." Tyrion japed back "Further north my head might freeze off."
"I rather you not," Jon said "Lord Commander Mormont said that dozens of rangers including some of the Night's Watch's best have disappeared."
"Wildlings no doubt, under the king beyond the wall." Tyrion said.
"Still," Jon said, "What if he's right? The wildling I talked to said the same, White Walker."
Jaime snorted "Don't believe everything you hear."
"I know," Jon mumbled "But I feel he is right."
The next day, before they were to leave the castle, Jon went to talk to Maester Aemon.
"Goodbye Maester Aemon, I will pass the letter to Rhaenys." Jon told the Maester.
"Goodbye Jon, thank you for coming to visit me. Perhaps when you visit you could have Rhaenys with you? Nothing will give me greater joy." The Maester said.
"I will Maester Aemon." Jon said
"A final word of advice Jon," the Maester said, his pale, milky eyes seemed to be searching Jon. "When I left King's Landing all those years ago I told my brother, Egg or as Westeros knows him as Aegon V. Kill the boy and let the man be born. You are a target for the usurper everytime he feels insecure. If you are to protect yourself and Rhaenys, you must know. For as House Stark's words say, Winter is coming. Time is short, the boy must be killed and the man born."
Jon was silent, pondering over the Maester's words "I will keep that in mind."
Maester Aemon smiled "I know you will, take care of Rhaenys Jon."
"I will."
Then, Jon set off for Sea Dragon Point and so did Jaime. Tyrion headed for Winterfell and then King's Landing. When they seperated, Jon told Tyrion.
"Tell Bran,if he is awake I…" Jon hesitated, unsure what to tell Bran. "Help me Tyrion, I don't know what to tell Bran."
"What help could I give him?" Tyrion responded, his eyes filled with sympathy."
"Help him with words," Jon said.
"I will try my best," Tyrion said.
"One more thing Lannister, I might have been cold to you but I hope you can forgive me for that." Jon told him. "You have been far kinder than your sister or nephew, Jaime was right about you."
"Thank you Jon," The dwarf replied and they parted ways.
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, I would really appreciate comments and feedback!