The Winter King
Chapter 14: The Three Kings
Day breaks over the sky as many of the men, both from the Northern Army and the Night's Watch were getting much-needed rest.
Harry was standing near the tunnel waiting for Jon. Commander Brise was standing next to him. He watched Jon speaking to the fat Night Watch's Brother Sam.
Jon walks up to Harry as Sam said something about Jon not having any orders to do that.
Jon turns to Sam and tells him there was no one left in the Night's Watch to give orders.
"Jon," Harry said. Jon walks up to him. "You're going to Mance Rayder aren't you," Harry said.
"Aye," Jon said.
Harry nods his head.
"I've already spoken to Commander Brise. She agrees we can hold out for as long as we can if the Northern Army stays here. However, this battle could last days and we can't afford that. Not when the Bolton's could possibly attack us from the rear. Get Mance Rayder to either surrender or turn his army around… or I'll hit him with my full strength at him. He has one hour to accept my terms or I'll attack." Harry said.
Jon nods his head.
"I'll be back," Jon promised.
Harry walks with Jon inside the tunnel and sees his men resting on the ground. The smell of the dead, however, was strong in the air.
"We have to burn the bodies," Jon said.
"The moment the battle is over, we'll burn the bodies. We can't risk disposing of the bodies while the Wildling Army is near. One hour Jon, then I'll attack." Harry said as Jon nods his head. Jon reaches down and removes his belt giving it to Harry. Harry said nothing as he takes Longclaw.
Harry watched Jon leave and head to the forest. He didn't even look behind him as his many men watch Jon leave.
"Ready the men," Harry said.
Jon walks forward and heads up, ignoring the crows that were flocking around the dead. Jon continues to walk into the forest. It did not take him long to reach the Free Folk camp as many of them gathered around Jon drawing weapons. Jon said nothing as he keeps his hands up.
Jon heads to the biggest tent he could see and walks towards it. Then Mance Rayder comes out and stands before Jon as he stops short of Mance.
"You're wearing a black cloak again," Mance said as he looks at Jon carefully.
"I've been sent to negotiate with you," Jon said.
Mance said nothing but steps aside allowing Jon to enter the tent. Mance follows and sits down. Gesturing Jon to sit down as well.
"It appears my trusting nature got the better of me. It's happened before. I was hoping your loyalty was real when you pledged yourself to us, Jon Snow. Truly I was."
"The halfhand ordered me to join your army, and bring back whatever information I could to Castle Black. He made me kill him so you'd trust me. I was loyal, to him and my Night's Watch vows."
"All your vows?" Mance said with some doubt. "She wasn't enough to turn you, eh? Were you enough to turn her?"
"She put three arrows in me when I escaped," Jon said.
Mance nods his head in understanding. "Did you see her again at Castle Black?"
"Yes," Jon said.
"And?" Mance asks.
"She's prisoner. She took down many brothers before capture. The battle was against the Free Folk from the start. She fought bravely, but she couldn't match the numbers we had at Castle Black. Tormund too." Jon said.
"We'll drink to the dead," Mance said as he nods his head to one of the guards. The guard grabs two wooden cups and pours some white liquid inside before placing it on the table before them. Jon eyes it carefully as if he was cautious about drinking it. Mance sees Jon's fears. "Of all the ways I would kill you, poison would be the last," Mance said.
Jon picks up his cup and holds it up.
"To the fallen dead," Mance said.
"To the dead," Jon said as they drink. Jon sets his cup down and starts coughing as the drink was a bit strong for his liking. "That's not wine," Jon said.
"No, it's a proper northern drink, Jon Snow. You did well, you fought hard, and you won the night. Killed some of our strongest men. What happened in the tunnel?" Mance Rayder asked.
"You mean why did we open up the tunnel for the Free Folk to come in," Jon said.
"Aye, that was an interesting move. Men kept going inside but reports are vague as to what happened once they got inside." Mance Rayder said.
"You don't know much about fighting in narrow corridors do you?" Jon said.
Mance Rayder gives Jon a hard looked before he answers. "No, I do not. So what happened?" Mance asked.
"We have five hundred men guarding the tunnel. You see, once, inside the tunnel, numbers count for nothing. Whoever had the better defense, will win. We have the better defense over your men. They couldn't get past. According to our reports, we didn't lose a single man inside that tunnel while your fell in the hundreds." Jon said.
Mance leans back as he took this in. "So, you set a trap for us. Used our desire for the tunnel to beat us. I would have thought we have to destroy the gate to get inside. Well played Jon Snow." Mance said.
"It was a long night. We both could use the rest." Jon said.
"How many men did you lose?" Mance Rayder asks.
"Just fifty." Jon said.
Mance Rayder took this in carefully as he tried to compare the losses. He realized he would lose a lot of his men to beat back the Night's Watch.
"So, you're here to strike a bargain." Mance Rayder said.
"We asked for your surrender. If you do not surrender we ask you to turn your army around and go home." Jon said.
"Do not try to play me for a fool Jon Snow. I know you know I know you're low on arrows, low on oil, low on men." Mance Rayder said. "How many are left? Five hundred?"
"As I stated, we have over a thousand men in Castle Black." Jon Snow said.
"I showed you everything I had. The whole army, the Free Folk army at a hundred thousand strong, and what did you do? You fired upon us with everything you had. It wasn't much. As soon as I saw that, I sent four hundred men to climb the wall. An unmanned stretch five miles west of here. A lot of them will die climbing, but most of them will be over by the end of the end. It's me being honest with you Jon Snow, which is more than what you have done with me. My people have bled enough. We're not here to conquer, we're here to hide behind your wall. Just like you. We need your tunnel. Now we both know that winter is coming. And if my people aren't south of the Wall when it comes in earnest, we'll all end up worse than dead. You want to strike a bargain with me? Here's a bargain, here's a bargain. You go back, you open your gates to us and I promise you no one else will have to die. Refuse, and we'll kill every last man in Castle Black." Mance Rayder said.
"You want me to be honest with you. I'll be honest. Your plan to kill every man at Castle Black will not be as easy as you think. The Night's Watch has just over fifty men in Castle Black alone. However, we not low on men and supplies as you think. My brother is at Castle Black."
"Your brothers. Why can fifty brothers of the Night's Watch going to do against a hundred thousand men?" Mance Rayder asked.
"I am not referring to the Brothers of the Night's Watch. I'm talking about my brother. My real brother. He's at Castle Black. He will not let you pass so easily." Jon said.
"And why is that?" Mance Rayder said.
"Because he has a hundred thousand men at his back ready to fight for him. Unless you surrender or agree to turn your army away. He'll attack you with his full force, and he won't wait for nightfall, he'll attack soon." Jon said.
A horn bellows causing everyone in the tent to look outside. Mance pulls out a knife and holds it to Jon's throat.
"He's attacking us without hearing my response?" Mance said.
"No. He would never attack unless he would get a response. This is not him." Jon said. Mance lets Jon go as he goes outside to see what was going on.
"Riders incoming." A guard shouted.
Harry was wondering what was taking Jon so long. He prayed that they didn't kill him. He was about to launch his attack or send out scouts to see what was taking so long.
Then he felt the ground begin to rumble. It was faint at first but it was slowly getting louder.
"Earthquake?" Brise said as she felt the ground shaking getting stronger too.
"No. It's Cavalry, lots of Cavalry. We're moving out." Harry said as he takes off towards the forest.
"Move out." Brise shouted as she takes off after Harry. The Rangers all did the same and follows their leaders towards the forest.
Harry arrives at the Wildling Camp to see a yellow banner with a fire heart with a stag in the middle.
"Stannis Baratheon." Harry said as he walks up to forces.
"Hold you." One of the guardsmen shouted pointing his sword at Harry. His Rangers all were quick and point their arrows at the Baratheon men.
"Let them through." Stannis called out. The guardsman lowers his spear as the Rangers lowered their bows. However, they did not remove their arrows and kept them nock on their bowstrings.
None of his rangers were carrying flags. However, all of them had the sigil of the Direwolf on their breastplate. Though it was mostly hidden by their green tunics. Harry, however, didn't have his tunic on and Stannis Baratheon could see this clearly.
"The Northern Army of the Winter King." Stannis said.
"It is customary to kneel before a king." Ser Davos said.
"He's no king." Harry said.
"Careful how you speak. You're speaking to the one true King of the Seven Kingdoms. You will address him as your Grace or you'll lose your head." Ser Davos said.
"I want to see him try to take my head." Harry said in a bold tone of voice.
"You will kneel before me. Or I speak to the Winter King about your disobedience." Stannis said. Jon Snow and Mance Rayder listens very carefully.
"Don't try to act like you're all buddy buddy with me because you're not. The Northern Kingdom has separated from the Seven Kingdoms and the Iron Throne even if you are a rival claimant to the Iron Throne." Harry said in an aggressive tone.
Stannis looks at Harry carefully. For a few moments, he slowly takes in what was being said.
"You're the Winter King." Stannis said as the realization came to him.
"Sir, more men are pouring through the tunnel. Bearing the sigil of House Stark." A guardsman reported.
"What will it be Stannis, will there be peace, or will there be war?" Harry said.
"I have ended the Wildling threat and captured their leader." Stannis said.
"You didn't answer my question." Harry said.
"A truce for the time being." Ser Davos said. Harry nods his head.
"They'll be back. They always come back." Harry said.
"Harry," Jon said. "If you've seen the things I've seen out here. You would burn the dead before nightfall."
"I'll see to it that is it done." Harry said.
Harry turns to make preparations as Stannis men took Mance Rayder and the rest of the wildlings away.
A Week Later
"Stannis Baratheon men hasn't been giving us trouble have they?" Harry asked as he watches Jon Snow educated the new recruits into combat.
"They're mostly staying in one of the abandon castles, while Stannis and a small force of men are staying here." Brise said.
"Our men have returned to Mole Town, have they not." Harry said.
"Yes, we got supplies coming in, as well as reports."
"Tywin Lannister is dead. Killed by Tyrion Lannister. Unbelievable. The imp just helped the North win the war. Without Tywin Lannister, the Iron Throne is finished." Harry said.
"Should we begin making preparations for our battle with King's Landing?" Brise asked.
"Tell our men to start a series of killing against the Lannister guardsmen that patrol the city. Make sure they do it without getting caught. Now that Tywin Lannister is dead, Cersei Lannister will do all she can to seize power. She is not cautious about making enemies. Watch her moves. I want to know what she will do before she does. If there is one thing I know, is a lioness is dangerous when backed into a corner."
"What do you think Dorne will do?" Brise asked.
"That's a difficult question. I'm sure the Prince of Dorne will respect the treaty and alliance between the Throne and the Heir. However, there are many in Dorne who hate the Lannister's for what they did during Robert's Rebellion at the Sacking of King's Landing. Dorne could enter civil war itself." Harry said.
"Who should we support? The rebels or the Prince?" Brise asked.
"Neither. I rather not get into a confrontation with the Dornish. For now, we'll watch what happens. Let the events unfold around us at the same time. Gather as much information as we can. We'll see how things play out. Then we'll know if Dorne is an ally or enemy." Harry said as he turns to Brise. "Or if they're neutral."
"You're careful about having too many enemies right now aren't you." Brise said.
"It is wise to not be surrounded by enemies. We already have four enemies we must take care of. The Greyjoy's, The Bolton's, the Frey's and the Lannister's. Stannis Baratheon is no friend of ours. I'm sure he'll try to petition to have the North fight for him. I'm going to refuse him. As no Northern Lord wants to kneel before a southern King again. I for one, have no desire to have a southern king rule the North when he has no right to."
"You really look down upon the southerners don't you." Brise asked.
"You've grown accustomed to Northern ways and traditions these past two years. What do you think?" Harry said.
"I speak for many men. I remember what you said about the North and it's cold. What you said when many complain about it. 'The North alone is the largest in the Seven Kingdoms. The other six can easily fit inside of it. Many do not care for the harsh winds or the cold. That's how the southerners see the North. But without the cold, a man can't appreciate the fire in his hearth. Without the rain, a man can't appreciate the roof over his head. Let the south have its sun, flowers, and affections. We northerners have a home. We have much to be thankful for, by living in the North'." Brise said.
"You remember that well. There is another reason why we Northerner's is more successful than the southern kingdoms." Harry said.
"What is that?" Brise asks.
"There are few farm lands in the North. We don't get much grain like the South does. Most citizens in the North are hunters. We eat red meat. Red meat makes us stronger than eating grain ever could. It not only fills out bellies but it helps men get bigger and become stronger too. Haven't you notice, since coming to the North, you've been getting stronger too. All that red meat you've eaten. It's not like eating white meat or grain. We get more satisfaction by eating red meat then we would in the rest of the southern kingdoms."
Brise looks at him carefully.
"I have noticed. My muscles have become more tone and my stomach has been greatly satisfied." Brise said.
"The North is a harsh place to live in. But those who can survive up here can become the strongest fighters the Seven Kingdoms will ever see." Harry said.
Harry and Brise stop talking to see a woman in a red dress walking up to them.
"The King wants a word." She said.
Harry gets up as Brise did. They walked forward to follow her. Two of Harry's Rangers follow them to ensure their King was protected.
Harry climbs in the elevator with the red woman. Brise and his two guards walk in as the elevator goes up.
Harry already knew what Stannis Baratheon wanted. He wasn't going to get it. He already sent for Jon Snow. No doubt to get the Wildlings to fight for him. They did have the numbers. Now he was trying to add to his army. Now he wanted Harry to fight for him. To get his hundred thousand men to fight for him. Another factor to this was since Harry has yet to lose a battle. Both during his time with Robb and his own reign as King.
A brother of the Night's Watch opens the gate as the elevator as the red woman leads the way to her King. Harry silently follows, taking not how cold the top of the wall really was. The harsh winds alone can blow you off the wall if you weren't too careful.
They reach Stannis who was overlooking the Wild Lands. The land north of the wall.
"You wanted a word." Harry said.
Stannis turns around and looks at Harry carefully. He was much taller than Harry by at least a foot.
"I trust you've heard the news that Tywin Lannister is dead." Stannis Baratheon said.
"I know. News reaches me fast even this far north." Harry said.
"I plan to retake the North. Tywin Lannister can no longer protect Roose Bolton. Once I retake Winterfell, I'll put Roose Bolton's head on a spike for his betrayal." Stannis Baratheon declared.
"Why the sudden interest in the North Civil War? My bannermen have named me King of the North of the independent Northern Kingdom. Why are you so interested in winning the North when you're not from here?" Harry asked.
"The North was on the verge of winning the war before Robb Stark's death." Stannis said.
"King Robb, he was King of the North, and you will respect him as such." Harry said with a warning in his voice. He would not let his brother be disrespected even in death.
Stannis didn't comment on it and looked somewhat frustrated. However, he quickly regains his composure.
"That is true. He was King. However, once I am King of the Seven Kingdoms. I will legitimize you as Harry Stark, and you will be the Warden of the North if you fight for me." Stannis Baratheon said.
"I've already been legitimized. Your brother did so during my father's time in King's Landing. Did it to him as a favor. My name is Harry Stark. I may not have the Stark blood running through my veins, but I am a Stark none the less."
Stannis didn't look happy at the news. It was a severe blow to his plans, that much was clear.
"Then help me retake Winterfell. You already have the men. You've got the Bolton's at breaking point. Why do you hesitate?" Stannis asked.
Harry rolls his eyes as he turns around to leave.
"You could defeat them anytime. Why do you run?" Stannis said as he walks to keep up with Harry.
"I know you've already petition to have the Wildlings fight for you. They've refused. Do you really think the North will fight for you? I know what you want. You want my army to fight for you so you can sit on the Iron Throne. Do not forget that North is in this civil war because of you. You record also speaks volumes. You lost the battle of Blackwater Bay. Lost most of, if not many of your forces too. Now it's clear you appeal to the Iron Bank for support. You got what, forty thousand men under you right now. That's a large force to have. It's not big enough to win you the Iron Throne. You're in no position to make demands of me. You have little bargaining power here. Kill me and my men will hunt you for the rest of your life. I also have no interest in fighting in your war. I fight for the impudence and rights of the Northern Kingdom. Not for a southern cunt." Harry said as he turns to the elevator.
"So you will not fight for me." Stannis said bluntly.
Harry turns to look at him.
"When was the last time a Southern King really helped out the North. You guys love placing high taxes on us when we don't have the money. The North remembers. Your brother Robert Baratheon was a drunk and a fool. Then you killed your brother Renly despite the fact Renly was aligned for the North. This hurt our cause greatly. Which means you have done more harm to the North than helped us. Your claim might as well be forfeit due to the simple fact the Seven Kingdoms is divided and not whole. Only four kingdoms are left that support the Iron Throne. What do you think what will happen if you take over? You be a better King than the last three fools sitting on the throne? Possibly, but not likely. The North will not support you neither will the Riverlands. The Riverlands are sworn to the North. The Vale, possibly, but unlikely due to Lady Arryn has also claimed neutrality and keeps the Vale out of the war. The Westerlands will also not support you due to the simple fact you're going to be at war with them during your entire reign. The Reach is also questionable due to the simple fact that right now they're the Lannister's greatest supporters. They might through your support behind them if you do win. Then there is Dorne. There is the possibility that Dorne will enter Civil War soon and you can't get support from them either. The truth is Stannis, you have few allies you can count on." Harry said as the elevator door opens.
"So you won't help me?" Stannis said.
"You have done more harm to the North then good. Unless we see something that truly benefits the North, you will get no support from any Northerner. It would be also wise to keep Mance Rayder alive." Harry said.
Stannis says nothing as the Rangers walked inside and the elevator goes down.
The elevator ride down was quiet.
"What do you think of Stannis Baratheon?" Harry asked.
"He oversteps his bound far too much. He thinks too highly of himself. He believes as King he can do what he wants. This is what Joffrey did. He is not a good King and a fool who believes in prophecies and omens too much." Brise said.
"So I've heard. That red woman seems to be pulling his string. I'd be careful of her." Harry said.
"There is a truce between us. What do you recommend?" Brise asked.
"Honor the truce. However, have the Rangers keep their ears and eyes open." Harry said.
"What if Stannis can retake Winterfell?"
"He won't." Harry said.
"How can you be sure?" Brise asked.
"Winter cannot besiege upon. I know this because of its location. The defenders have the advantage more than the attackers. Winterfell was built and design to withstand a siege. That's why I've been cutting off the supply routes for the Bolton's. We need to starve them out before we can retake it. When winter comes, we'll get the opportunity to retake it. Stannis is a fool. He doesn't know these lands nor the terrain like I do. He's never been this far North. We'll keep our distance and watch what happens. With luck, Stannis will cut the Bolton's remaining forces down by half." Harry said as the elevator touches the ground.
Harry could see Jon heading to the prisoner location and Harry quickly moves to follow him.
"Jon." Harry called out as he runs to him. Harry joins Jon as he walked to where Mance Rayder was being kept.
The Guardsman, one of the Baratheon soldiers opens the door allowing Harry and Jon to walk inside.
Mance Rayder was sitting down looking at the sunlight from the small window that was present. He turns to see Jon and Harry walk in.
"So, here we are." Mance Rayder said.
"Here we are." Jon said.
Mance smiles a bit as he looks down. He looks up and gives Jon a strong look. "When we first met, you were my prisoner. And now, for our last meeting…"
"This doesn't have to be our last meeting." Jon said as he walks forward to sit down to face Mance.
"No, but it will be." Mance Rayder said.
"You know what Stannis wants?" Jon asked.
"Awe, he wants me to bend the knee. And he wants the Free Folk to fight for him. I'll give him this much, he's bold." Mance Rayder said.
"He's a fool." Harry said.
"Then what does that make you?" Mance Rayder said.
"Another fool." Harry said as he steps forward. "I know what Stannis wants for you and your people and I don't approve. He will kill you if you don't submit."
"I understand you're a King." Mance Rayder said.
"Aye, the King of the North. I wanted to settle this argument peacefully. Had Stannis Baratheon not come, I'm sure we could have come to an agreement." Harry said.
"Perhaps." Mance Rayder said.
"What is it that you want?" Harry asked.
"As I told your brother, my people aren't here to conquer, we're here to hide behind your Wall. Because we all know that Winter is Coming. If my people aren't south of the wall when it comes, we'll all end up worse than dead." Mance Rayder said.
"White Walkers." Harry said slowly.
"Oh aye. They've been seen. Survivors tell us stories that they're starting to wake up again. Bringing the dead with them." Mance Rayder said.
"I can allow your people safe passage through the Wall." Harry said slowly.
"How can you do that?" Mance Rayder asked.
"Bend the knee before me." Harry said.
Mance Rayder looks at Harry carefully. "You're bold. But you know I won't do that."
"Then you're a fool." Harry said. "I cannot simply allow your people south of the wall without a price. Too many people would see them as Invaders. If, however, you and your people agree to be citizens under my rule, I can allow safe passage."
Mance Rayder looks back up to towards the window.
"I like you lad, I really do. You seem like a good ruler and a good king. If I bend the knee, my people will lose all respect for me. You won't get what you want." Mance Rayder said.
"So, you'll condemn your people to death. For your pride?" Harry said.
"Pride?" Mance Rayder said. "Fuck my pride. My people followed me because they respected me. Because they believed in me. The moment I kneel before a southern king I will lose that respect."
"You have to make a choice. How many tens of thousands are out there right now. My brother is offering them a peaceful solution to bring your people south of the wall." Jon said.
Mance Rayder gets up and begins to pace back and for a while before he sits down. "How will they do it? Beheading? Hanging?"
Jon looks up and didn't want to tell him. "They'll burn you alive." Jon replies in a low voice.
Mance Rayder face harden and begins to twitch for a few moments. "Bad way to go." Mance Rayder mutters. "I'll be honest with you. I don't want to die. And burnt to death, I don't want people to remember me like that, scorched and screaming. But it's better than betraying everything I believe in."
"And what happens to your people? You preserve your dignity and die standing and they'll sing songs about you. You rather burn than kneel. The great hero. Until winter comes, and the white walkers for us all and there is no one left to sing." Jon said as he tried to reason with Mance Rayder.
Mance nods his head.
"You're a good lad, the both of you. Truly you are. I can see you've both been raised honorably and respectfully. But if neither of you can't understand why I won't enlist my people to fight in a foreigner's war, there's no point explaining." Mance Rayder said with a sad tone in his voice.
Harry and Jon nod their head in understanding. They walked to the door and Jon pounds on it to let the guard know to open it. The door opens as Jon turns around to look at Mance Rayder one last time.
"I think you're making a terrible mistake," Jon says before he turns and walks out the door.
"The freedom to make my own mistakes was all I ever wanted." Mance Rayder said.
Harry and Jon walked out, both feeling disappointed.
That night was hard. Ser Alliser and Janos Slynt both had smug looks on their faces knowing what was about to happen. Harry felt sick to his stomach knowing that Stannis Baratheon was demanding living sacrifice win his war.
Harry watched as Stannis once again attempted to get Mance Rayder to kneel but he refused. The red hair woman begins to burn the wood allow the fire to rise. Mance was clearly terrified as it showed in his face. He started to cry out, when suddenly, an arrow pierce him through his heart. Harry turns to look to see Jon had taken a bow and fired a shot to kill Mance Rayder before the fire could consume him.
Author Notes: I hope everyone enjoys. I'll be updating this story more frequently as season seven is approaching. I'll be throwing in my own twist and plots in the story.
Suggestions are welcome.