UPDATE: Upon taking some constructive criticism into consideration, I have updated the fanfic, so some of the plot has been altered. I hope it creates a better story. Thank you for all the feedback, and enjoy :)


Chapter 12 - Sightings


Mormont ordered Jon to accompany him to his private quarters.

"You summoned me Lord Commander," he said respectfully.

"Aye, I did. You look exhausted," he said to his steward. Jon sighed.

"And you look … well," he said remembering how the foreign Stark blasted his chest and sent him flying. He was honestly surprised the old bear could still walk. Mormont laughed but still remained serious.

"He's lucky I haven't locked him in a cell," said the Lord Commander.

"And why haven't you?" Jon dared to ask. Mormont looked cross at him.

"You really think a cell will hold him?" he asked. Jon shook his head. "But if he does act up, I might have to. Gods know the men want to have a go at him, but that's not why I have summoned you here," he continued. Jon listened.

"Beyond the wall, more rangers are reporting more sightings of white walkers. Whole villages abandoned. At night, more wildings are blazing fires in the mountains from dusk until dawn. Do you think this foreigner is more important?" said Jeor Mormont. Sadly, Jon agreed and shook his head. "Do you think your brother's war is more important than ours?" Lord Commander continued. Again, Jon shook his head.

"When dead men and worse come hunting for us in the night, do you think it matters who sits on the Iron Throne?" he asked his steward.

"No" said Jon Snow.

"Good," said Lord Commander reaching for his sword lying on the table, sheathed with a belt attached. He picked it up and handed it to his steward.

"You'll be ready for this, then." he said. Jon's lips parted gazing at the brilliant weapon. Something about it was different. Jon held it in his hands.

"I thought a wolf was more appropriate for you than a bear… so I had a new pommel made. It's called Longclaw. Works as well for a wolf as a bear, I think." The old bear continued. Jon gripped the handle and pulled a bit of the sword out of its sheath to admire the metal.

"This is Valyrian steel." he said shocked. Mormont watched him proudly.

"It was my father's sword, his father before him. The Mormonts have carried it for five centuries. It was meant for my son Jorah, but he brought dishonor to our House, but he had the grace to leave the sword before he fled from Westeros. Jon put the sword back in its container and looked up at the Lord Commander.

"My lord, you honor me, but I can't… "

"Oh, you can. And you will. I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for you and your beast." said Mormont. Jon remembered the first white walker he ever encountered. He didn't want to believe the tales, but when a cold, blue eyed man rises from the dead and attacks in the night, it's hard not to believe. And when a man of red and gold metal falls from the sky, it is also hard not to believe that some other forces beyond their control might be at play.

"Two bloody dead men tried to kill me, and one is not so dead anymore," Mormont joked, "So you'll take it. I'll hear no more about it. Is that understood?"

"Yes, my lord." said Jon Snow without question.

"Good, because I want you and your wolf with us when we ride out beyond the Wall tomorrow," said Mormont.

"And what about Thorne?" Jon dared to ask. Mormont chuckled.

"No need to worry about him. I sent him to King's Landing yesterday. The hand that your wolf tore off that thing's wrist… I've, uh, ordered Thorne to lay it at the feet of this… boy king. That should get young Joffrey's attention. And it, uh, puts a thousand leagues between you and Thorne," he added kindly. Jon smiled thankfully. The Lord Commander knew how much Thorne hated him. It took a weight off his shoulders and he would not have anything to say about this new stranger for the time being. Suddenly, Edd burst unexpectedly into the room.

"Lord Commander … Jon," he said with as much politeness would allow.

"What is it?" asked Mormont.


Tony looked like he was unarmed … to them at least. He had a few more tricks up his sleeve.

"Is this usually how you greet people?" Tony defused. The man lunged forward swiping with the sword. Tony side stepped out of the way as quickly as he could in the stiff and heavy clothes. The man brought his sword down again, but he wasn't expecting Tony to lunge forward and stop his arm from swinging the sword. He then struck him in the throat with his fist. The man stepped back and choked. Another ruffian tried to stab him in the back when Tony whipped out a small metal device that shot out a bright light, blinding him. With the man distracted, Tony kicked him in the chest and slammed both hands against the man's ears, disorienting him. The man fell to the ground. Tony held his wounded side, but tried not to show his pain. Mormont, Jon, and Edd exited Castle Black and entered the court yard. Ghost caught the attention of the fight and followed.

"Seven hells," cursed the bastard.

"Traitor!" yelled the original man, still holding his neck.

"You don't fight with honor," declared the man. Tony looked offended.

"What?! You attacked me! With two other guys and swords! Who has honor now?!"

"That's enough!" yelled Mormont with Edd and Jon by his side. Mormont ordered his men to take the two remaining scoundrels to the cells. Jon Snow stepped up to Tony. Ghost growled at him. The Iron man froze again at the sight of the large, snarling wolf with red eyes, baring its teeth.

"I told you to lay low," said Jon.

"And I did. I don't know what kind of establishment you run here, but you keep some odd company," he said carefully eying the wolf suspiciously.

"I can confirm that Jon," said Edd, "He didn't instigate the fight." The bastard sighed.

"He might as well have," he said to his friend.

"Can't argue with that," Edd responded. Tony shook his head. This man was more trouble than he was worth, and if it wasn't for him falling from the sky with magical armor, he would have been locked away.

"I can't keep sticking my neck out for you," said Jon almost to himself.

"Then why are you?" demanded Tony angrily. Jon Snow glared at him with intense dark eyes, searching the man's face, but backed away sadly instead.

"It doesn't matter," he said finally in a low gritty voice. The bastard walked over to his Lord Commander. Ghost filled the gap between Tony and Jon, guarding his Winterfell companion.

"So Jon Snow … what should we do with him?" he asked, training his steward. Jon thought for a moment.

"Have him stay with Maester Aemon and Sam when we go beyond the wall," he said.

"Ha! Leave him with an old man and … well Sam," said Edd reluctantly. Jon glared at him. "He's not exactly our best fighter," Edd added shyly.

"The lad does have a point," said Mormont honestly.

"How many of these men do you trust with him? Did you see what just happened?" said Jon pointing behind him. Edd sighed. "I don't think we can hold him, and these men will kill him … but maybe Sam can convince him to stay low and keep quiet. If he gives us any trouble … take away his armor, and lock him in a cell," he said finally. The fallen Stark gave Jon a look of pure suspicion and offense.