Chapter 48

Jon jerked awake with a start. Sweat rolling off of him, his mind trying desperately to piece together what he had seen, who these people were, what it meant. He knew of only one person who could help him sort through the vision, or was it just a dream? He was still dazed as he made his way to Maester Aemon, if anyone could give him answers, the Maester could.

In the south, Jaime's dreams were just as troubled. He felt a vague recognition of the beautiful silver haired woman. He was drawn to her, which confused him. She was a Targaryen with that silver hair and lilac eyes. Why would he dream of her? He had never met her and he knew that when he did, she would more than likely have his head. He was tired of running. He had trusted Tyrion with his life and that of Tommen and Myrcella. He knew he had agreed to go to Meereen to meet the Dragon Queen and he knew that if he was allowed to live, he would pledge his fealty to her. He just wanted to be left out of it all. He just wanted to live in peace for whatever days he had remaining. All he could do was trust his brother.

A world away, Dany was lost in her own restless dreams. Beasts followed her, not with malice, but as guardians. She watched the Golden Lion tell his tale of her father's death. Her heart didn't doubt him, she hadn't known her father, only what others had told her. Tyrion Lannister had sent her so many books about the histories of Westeros, but she knew that stories were written to satisfy the one having it written, they weren't always true. She heard Quaithe's words over and over, trust your dragons. She had regarding Tomaerys, she hadn't been let down. She knew the next few months would be a long wait, she knew she had put trust in people that she didn't know, but Ser Barristan had never lied to her. She had to believe that they
were coming to do just as they had sworn. It was odd how so many beast circled her but yet she didn't feel frightened. Her beloved dragons were a constant comfort. She had to admit that Okeo had helped her greatly in being in more control over Drogon. Such a different person Okeo was. Dragons, Hell Hounds, Direwolves, Vipers, Falcons, Stags, and Lions. Vengeance was all her brother had ever preached. She had tasted vengeance when she had sacked Meereen, it wasn't what she thought it would be. It left her feeling hallow and useless. If those coming from Westeros were able to put history and past wrongs behind them, shouldn't she be able to? She didn't feel confused about it, she felt more of a type of peace. That's what she honestly wanted, peace. She couldn't change the past, but she could help shape a new future. "I won't look back."

Maester Aemon seemed to never sleep. Jon could have sworn that the old Maester was waiting for him. Jon told him about the dream he had, the things he saw. Jon couldn't look at the old man, so he paced as he spoke. Confusion consumed him. Ghost watched him, those silent red eyes knew so much, Jon wished Ghost could talk to him. Maester Aemon sent Samwell after a leather bound tome. He asked Jon to sit, "You remember who I am, right, Lord Snow? I have waited for so long to hear these stories. There are things you need to know and now, it seems, the time has come. The Winter is most definitely coming. There
will be a darkness that falls that will end the world of men, unless it is conquered. You have already found out that the Wall wasn't built to keep the Wildlings at bay. It was created for a far more deadly foe. You have battled the White Walkers and the Others. The time is quickly approaching when it will take more than you have to destroy the Darkness. You will have to go South. The things you witnessed, most definitely did happen. I knew you had special abilities, Lord Snow, I am happy to know that they are greater than I even imagined. The dream you witnessed about The Mad King, my Brother, is true. There was always more to what happened than anyone knew. The Young Lion did not act out of malice, only out of his instinct to protect.
He chose to not reveal his full actions, for reasons of his own. He chose to allow others to judge him for his actions and for more years than you have lived, he has borne the brunt of others scorn and malice. I don't know if he even truly knows why he hasn't told anyone. The rest of the dream is a bit easier, although it may be painful to you. The young man is Rheagar Targaryen, the woman, Lyanna Stark. He never kidnapped her, she went with him because they were in love, but he was already married. Their love would have been one for the ages, but it had to remain a secret, just as you did. Yes, the baby is you. You are Jon Targaryen of Houses Stark and Targaryen. Fire and Ice. Lord Stark found his sister after the Battle on the Trident, where Rheagar was killed. She had given birth to you, on her deathbed, she bade Lord Stark to promise to keep you
safe, away from Robert Baratheon. His love for his sister and you, was the only thing that Lord Stark ever betrayed his honor for. The young woman, Lord Snow, is your Aunt. That is Daenarys Targaryen. It seems your future and hers are tied together. Take this and read it, I know you are confused. It will help you. I will be here when you're ready." With that, the Maester retired to his room with the help of Samwell.

Jon was reading one of the journals belonging to Rheagar Targaryen, his thoughts were jumbled, even if this was his true parentage, he was still a bastard. He was called from his thoughts by his steward, he was needed in the yard. Upon his arrival, he was shocked to see a caravan of wayans, as far as he could see. He knew that Tyrion Lannister, Sandor Clegane and a man named Bronn Zeneek were sending him supplies, but this was beyond his expectations. He was greeted by a tall, thin, dark haired man who introduced himself as Hector. He was the supply master sent by Lord Clegane and Lady Martell as well as from Lord Tyrion and Bronn. Not only had supplies been sent but craftsmen, artisans, smiths, so many people, some would stay,
some would just help as long as needed then return. He was handed a letter it was from Sansa,

Lord Commander Snow,

Jon, my brother. We are in hopes that this will be enough to help you begin rebuilding Castle Black as well as any of the others you chose to refit. Hector will be there for you, in any way you need. All you need do is request what you need and he will obtain it for you. There are men there now who will build a glass garden for you, like the one we had at Winterfell. I know you have so many people depending on you now, with the free folks that live on the Gift. We have tried to think of what all you would need, to help make life easier for everyone. I am so proud of you. I know I didn't treat you as I should have, there are so many things I would change. Just know how much I love you and we will see each other soon. There is a chest for you to use as you need, please, allow Hector to help. We Starks do, at times, have too much pride, don't let it keep you from using what you need. It is given freely and with love.

Always with love,
Sansa

Jon watched as all manner of livestock filtered in. Men had already started building temporary paddocks for them. Hector handed Jon a very thick ledger, it was a listing of all that had been sent. Samwell had made it to Jon and was stunned at the procession, Jon gave Sam the ledger and bid him to send ravens to each castle on the wall, to come to Castle Black for supplies and to Moletown as well as Thorin Giantsbane, on the Gift. He then had hector follow him to his solar. Jon was again surprised when two very large chests were carried in and Hector handed him the keys and another scroll. When Jon opened the chests he had to sit down, he was so shocked. Both chests were filled with gold dragons. The scroll was from Sandor, telling him to use it as needed and when he needed more, Hector would send for it. It also told him "not to be stupid and hard headed, use what was given and rebuild the North."

Jon was amazed, as the weeks passed, at the changes in Castle Black and the surrounding fortresses. All of the buildings had been rebuilt, a new, huge stable, extensive paddocks for the various livestock, a vast second barracks was also been built. Sam had proven himself very efficient in maintaining the ledgers regarding all supplies, workers and the distribution of goods. The forest tribes had even come to help out and to assure the Lord Commander of their allegiance to House Stark. They were sure that when the time came, there would be no problems ousting the traitor Boltons from Winterfell. Jon's concerns began to be drawn more and more to the winter that was upon them and the increased reports of strange events beyond the wall. He had to trust Maester Aemon when he told him that when the time came, help would be there. Through it all, his thought were never far from the new information he had been told.

Much to Sansa's surprise, Sandor had given in and sent for a Septa. When the caravan arrived, Tyrion had already talked with her about what would be required for their marriage to be annulled. She was embarrassed but agreed that it had to be done. Her only concern was what problems it would cause. He told her," Sansa, we will be leaving soon to go to Braavos and then to Meereen. You know what our plans are. I care not what anyone says. Joffery and my Father are dead. Who is there to complain?"

As much as Bronn wanted to be there for Sansa, it just wasn't appropriate. Tyrion escorted her to the private chamber that had been given to the two Septons. To validate that their marriage had truly not been consummated, they would have to examine her. There were the two Septons, the Septa, and the Holy Man, she was assured that only one would examine her but that the others had to be there as witnesses.

Sansa tried to focus on anything other than what was happening to her. Even though she and Bronn had shared kisses and touches, he hadn't been inappropriate, this was uncomfortable, she hoped that being with a man wasn't like that. Surely it couldn't be, she had heard Shalene and Sandor before, it definitely didn't sound painful between them! She remembered the day in Shalene's room, she felt herself blushing, that most definitely didn't hurt, it was over quickly, and, as she knew, they deemed her a maiden. The Septon wrote out the proper documentation and all witnesses signed it. The document would be sent to the High Septon. A copy was written for Tyrion and Sansa. Their marriage was now annulled.

That evening, a private supper was given for all the friends, to celebrate the annulment and the up coming weddings of Tyrion and Shae as well as Bronn and Sansa. Sandor was happy for them, he privately felt a twinge of jealousy, wanting it to be his wedding but he wasn't giving up on that, he loved Shalene too much. As he thought about his woman, he began to slowly realize that the reason he felt such a need to have her as his alone, was because he had never had anyone want him before and he was so afraid of losing her that he was doing exactly what he didn't want done to him, he was clinging to her. He decided then that he would show her the exact freedom and space she gave him, he wouldn't hold back how he felt, he would show her at every opportunity he had, she wouldn't have a reason to doubt him again.