I let my last arrow soar dead center, hitting my other arrows.
"Well, you are nothing if not consistent."
I turned around to find Jon leaning against the back wall, arms folded over his chest.
"How did you know I would be here?" I demanded.
Jon pushed himself off the frame. "I saw Robb in the courtyard going through sword fighting exercises. I could only assume if he was not in bed with you, then something must be wrong, and you would practice archery."
"You know where I practice?"
"Clearly," Jon returned.
"You decided not to speak with Robb then."
"He's not ready to talk to me now. I should have better luck tomorrow. You're amazing at that."
"Yes, I suppose I should be the one practicing sword fighting, not this."
"Robb is outside."
I looked back at him, my eyebrows raised with a straight lipped stare.
Chuckling, Jon added, "I thought as much."
He turned his back for a moment, walking into the hallway. He returned with two wooden swords, tossing one to me.
"You could use a bit of practice, and I would be the best to teach you other than my father and Ser Rodrik, of course."
"Yes, of course."
Jon and I started to circle each other. After a moment, he asked, "Would you like to make a move?"
"Would you?"
"No, I'm not striking a girl first."
I laughed, and after a moment, I faked a lunge. Jon moved forward, and I struck while he was off-balance. Jon caught my sword before it reached his body, though. He found his footing and struck. I dodged and parried is shot, but now Jon had me off balance. He attacked again. I fell back, attempting to avoid his onslaught. I sensed I was coming close to the wall as Jon continued to move towards me, hitting hard.
I parried him once more, spinning quickly to the side to open up my escape options. I extended my sword again, now on the attack. My strikes were swift and relatively hard although not nearly as strong as Jon's. I was gaining ground, though.
With a quick feint to the right, a strong hit to the left, he had me off balance and stopped his sword at my neck. I stared daggers at Jon, which only made him grin.
"It's your footwork."
"What?" I asked.
"Footwork, Ana. Your strokes are clean with enough force although that could be strengthened, and you hide the attack well. Your footwork is what holds you back."
"So, what do you suggest? Less horseback riding and more jumping?"
Jon raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a wry smile. He looked so like his brother in that moment.
"Jumping?" he asked.
"Shut up."
"We'll train for the next several days, and I will leave you with some exercises. You can also ask Robb."
I shook my head, "I don't think Robb will want to help me."
"He'll need someone to replace me at his side." I suppose my doubtful look encouraged his next statement. "Well, if you'd rather it be Theon."
"Oh gods, no, I don't want Robb to die."
Jon laughed but after a moment, he great more serious, "Nor do I. You will help him lead your people."
"Our people," I replied quickly. Jon was as much a Stark as the rest of any of us.
He smiled softly, "Our people. You know what to say, Ana. Words can be much more effective than swords, but it doesn't hurt to learn the swords."
"It might hurt," I returned.
"Have it your way," he grinned. "Now, for the footwork."
I worked with Jon for another hour to the point that my anger had finally just given way to exhaustion. My footwork had not seen any improvement, but it would come in time. It was still dark outside. Dawn would not come for another few hours. As Jon and I walked outside, I could see the faint glow of a lantern in the courtyard.
I waivered for a moment, wondering whether I should go or not. We had fought so little in the time we'd spent together that I didn't know yet how to handle him like this.
"Not yet," Jon stated, reading my thoughts, "Tomorrow."
"I don't like feeling like this." My stomach was in knots even though I still felt I was right.
"I know, but you need to trust me."
"I do. That's why I wish you would stay."
Jon's expression fell. He avoided my gaze as his brown eyes began to swim.
"I understand, Jon. I do. You are trying to be a man. It doesn't mean I want you to leave, but I understand, and it's okay."
He hugged me tightly, and for a moment, I flashed to the last time I saw my elder brother, Will. He held me fiercely then too. Will was trying to act like a man grown as well, to behave with honor and strength. It didn't mean I missed him any less.
I returned to my room with a pail of water to rinse away the sweat and tears. The freezing temperature sent goosebumps through my warm skin, turning me numb. I got ready for bed, excited to get under the blankets, when Robb opened the door.
His blue eyes widened in surprise. We both stared in silence. Robb's curly hair had beads of sweat throughout while his ruddy face showed signs of physical and mental exhaustion. Grey Wind stood next to him.
"Where were you?" I asked softly, knowing the answer.
"Sword exercises," he answered and walked towards the water pail. He cupped his hands and splashed the water into his face.
"Archery and sword for me…" I added softly.
Robb didn't answer.
I heard Jon's voice in the back of my mind, warning me to leave him alone until tomorrow, but I couldn't help myself.
"It is good that we work out some of the anger, but we still have to communicate, Robb."
He walked towards the window, putting both hands on the windowsill, breathing deeply.
"Silent. Wonderful. What would you prefer I do when I disagree with you? Keep it to myself? We are going to fight, Robb. This won't be the one and only time!"
"It will if I don't talk to you again," Robb answered.
I would have thought it a jest if his tone weren't so snide. For a moment, he almost sounded like Theon. Grey Wind sensed the anger pulsing through me again and stood between Robb and I. Robb looked at his direwolf in surprise. I shook my head at the both of them.
"Have it your way, Robb." With that, I was out the door, slamming it behind me. Robb could speak to me when he wanted to, and I didn't give a damn if it were in a day or a year.