The deserter was a lad not much older than Jon himself. His name was will and he went on a ranging with two other rangers both of whom died. Will decided to run and swore until his last breath that it was white walkers that killed his brothers. He must have gone mad white walkers were only a fantasy though Jon had seen things recently that had changed his view of the world and it was now impossible for him to deny the existence of some kind of magic.
But none of that mattered much now because will was dead. His head chopped off by lord stark in one fell swoop. Now the party was returning to Winterfell. Jon was riding in the front along with Robb followed by lord stark Bran and Theon along with a couple dozen guards.
"Race you to that bridge Jon." He heard Robb say from beside him.
"your on." Jon said as they both took off. The bridge wasn't far but Jon managed to pull ahead and reached the bridge first.
Once across Jon began to turn around when something caught his eye. A mound of brown hair tainted red. Jon urged his horse forward to discover a dead stag. Brutally malled and left for dead just off the path.
"Robb come here." Jon shouted at Robb as he approached. As Robb's horse trotted forward he opened his mouth to make some kind of excuse Jon was sure. But whatever he was going to say vanished into a look of confusion upon swing the corpse.
"what in the bloody hell did that." Robb asked looking it over. Jon hopped off his horse and walked over to the body. It was missing an antler no doubt in whatever killed it. It's organs were hanging out of its stomach rotting. The smell was the worst part death smelled bad but a rotting corpse was unmatched.
"Father, come here." Robb called as the rest of the group approached. As they came over Jon noticed a faint trail of blood. It led down the hill to a small stream whatever had killed it was injured badly.
Jon began to follow the trail as it grew larger and clearer. The trail began to wind around a corner and as Jon peaked his head around it he was met with a sight he never thought he would see. A direwolf lay bleeding and covered in maggots with pups sucking at its belly. The symbol of house stark not seen south of the wall in hundreds of years now lay bloody and rotting.
Jon heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Robb, Theon, Bran, and his Father coming down the path.
"What is that freak." Theon asked mouth agape in shock.
"It's a direwolf." Lord stark answered as he bent down to examine it. As he did Jon reached down and picked up one of the pups. It was so small and frail, hard to imagine it was going to grow up to be a legendary killer.
"But direwoves haven't been seen south of the wall in forever." Robb exclaimed as he too picked up one of the pups.
"Here want to hold it." Jon asked as he handed the pup to Bran who took it excitedly. The guards who had recently joined them all looked nervous. Even when dead the beast had a intimidating air about it.
"what are we to do about the pups." Rodrick Cassel spoke up bringing father out of his trance.
"It will be better if we kill them and save them from a worse death." Lord stark said and immediately Theon went to follow his order as he snatched the wolf out of Bran's arms and pulled out his knife. Bran tried to hold on but could not compete with Theon's strength.
"Put that blade away now." Robb snapped as Bran continued to protest. "I take orders from your father not from you." Theon snapped back and before it could escalate any further Jon decided to step in.
"My lord there are five pups and five children of house stark, they were destined to have them." Lord stark seemed to think on this for a moment before coming to a conclusion. "Fine but you will watch over them yourselves."
Smiling Jon picked up two more pups and handed one to Bran and carried the other for himself. As they continued back to their horses Jon felt the sudden urge to stop as if something was calling to him. He looked around and saw a small ball of white curled into a bush. Jon reached down and pulled it up and saw a tiny white direwolf with piercing blood red eyes.
"The runt of the litter, that one's perfect for you snow." Theon japed from in front of him. Jon just shrugged the comment more focused on the pup in front of him which seemed to stare right back at Jon.
It had been a month since they had found the direwolves. Jon had decided to name his ghost because the little wolf was completely silent it never barked or whined and made no sound when growling even his steps were silent. The wolves had grown at an alarming rate they were as big as some
For now Jon was just focusing on his training he was improving rapidly thanks to the ring and had leveled up three more times. He decided to upgrade one handed twice and block once more. Jon was now the one of the best swordsman in Winterfell even managing beating Ser Rodrick and his nephew Jory in spars even though he lost a few as well. Jon had also noticed he was better at speaking to people. He had improved his japes, something he had been severely lacking for a long time, and was all around better at talking. He even noticed more girls were looking at him with desire than before, though that didn't matter as Jon would never father a bastard.
Jon had figured out other abilities as well. He found out how to store things in the ring and how much he could store. He found out he can't activate the ring while in combat, nothing would happen and the first, and only time he tried it he received a hard knock on the head. It can also show if people can see him if he's trying to sneak somewhere, which he discovered late one night while trying to smuggle some food to his room for a late dinner.
But now the king was on his way. Something Jon was not particularly excited about. Anytime a noble is around Jon is forced to make himself scarce but with the king lady catelyn had already made it clear he was not even so much as to be seen by a noble aside from the introductions. Which would be only momentarily as the king was at the gates of Winterfell and everyone was lined up and waiting with the Starks in front. Jon however was in the second row along with Theon and some important members of staff.
Before Jon could think on it anymore the gates swung open revealing the king, or not. The man with the crown on his head was a old fat drunk he couldn't be the man from fathers stories, the man who defeated Rhaegar Targaryen at the trident.
As he strode towards them everyone kneeled. Once the king reached them he attempted to get off his horse which he managed to achieve after some great difficulty and assistance. Once he reached lord stark the king bid everyone rise and wasting no time he enveloped Jon's father in a hug. After that they went through the normal greetings that Jon paid no attention to, though two men caught Jon's eye. They were easily the most deadly men in the yard Jamie Lannister and Sandor Clegane.
The kingslayer was held as the best swordsman in the seven kingdoms. The hound wasn't as famous but tales of his strength and ferocity had reached even the north.
But they both quickly disappeared from Jon's sight as the introductions were finished and the king and lord stark went off to the crypts. The yard was quickly cleared leaving only a few servants and Jon who had no idea what to do now. His lessons had been put on hold for the kings visit so he had his days free now.
Thinking it over Jon decided to go to wintertown. There wasn't much there a few taverns, shops, and brothels but it was better than sitting around and doing nothing. So without wasting any time he set off.
Wintertown was a small town mainly used during winter so farmers could take refuge from the cold. But for the rest of the time it was scarcely populated and rundown.
It had been a long time since Jon had spent time here. He knew that Theon routinely visits the brothels as he always talks about Ross and her amazing tits. But this was his first time really looking around he spent a few hours just looking around and shopping though not buying anything.
Jon eventually got hungry and decided on a nearby tavern. When he walked in there were few people inside a couple of Lannister guardsmen and some small folk who likely lived in the town.
Jon took a seat at the bar and ordered a meal and some ale. It was getting late and the feast was fast approaching though Jon would be forced to sit as far away from the high table as possible and he would rather just avoid the thing altogether.
His meal arrived quickly and Jon ate in silence it was a simple dish venison with black bread and a mug of ale to wash it down. Around halfway through his meal Jon hears a commotion outside when suddenly the door burst open and a tall dark skinned man with a battle axe on his back stepped inside. Following him was an older man with leather armor with a sword by his side and a flute in his hand. They both walked over to the bar and plopped down right next to Jon.
They both ordered their food and started a conversation between themselves. Jon turned back to his meal and minded his own business when he heard one of the guards pipe up.
"Hey aren't you Starks bastard." The guard who was clearly drunk said stumbling over to Jon.
"Yeah." Jon said through gritted teeth annoyed at being called a bastard even out of the castle.
"Haha the one stain on Eddard Starks honor." The guard said almost falling when he reached the bar. Jon was fine being insulted himself but would not let his family be slandered.
"If you speak ill about my father again then your friend will have to carry you out of this tavern." Jon tried his best to intimidate the man but failed seeing as how he was half the man's age and a head shorter.
"What was that bastard." The man yelled as he drew his sword. Jon quickly backed up to put some distance between them and reached for his sword only to meet air. He had left his sword back at the castle and had forgotten to put it in his inventory. The only thing there was a training sword which would be useless.
The man quickly swung at Jon and although he was drunk he was still fast. But not as fast as Jon who quickly dodged and did the only thing that came to mind and slammed his shoulder into the guards chest sending him sprawling onto the ground. Jon was about to take his sword when the other guard reached him and unsheathed his weapon. The new guard was not as drunk and much more of a threat. And for the first time Jon began to fear for his life all of the small folk had fled leaving only Jon the guards and the strange men who sat there unfazed.
The new guard quickly stepped towards Jon who made to go for the door only to find the first guard steadying himself and blocking the exit. The new guard started first with a thrust at Jon who sidestepped right into a swing from the old guard which Jon ducked only barely. The two continued forward and Jon only survived because of his instincts doge duck roll back up they kept flying through his head. Until Jon jumped back and felt solid wall he had reached the end there was nowhere left to run.
"Out of room to run bastard, no one will miss you anyway." The guard said as he raised his sword for one final swing. Jon was panicking was this really the end it couldn't be he was only six and ten name days he had never been anywhere but Winterfell his life couldn't be over he still had so much he wanted to do.
Jon stood there paralyzed as the sword reached its peak and started its descent. As he watched the blade fall something lit inside of him he wouldn't die today not by some drunk guards. In a last effort Jon dived to the side narrowly missing the blade. He then grabbed a bar stool and swung it with all his might smashing it on the drunk guard sending him sprawling onto the floor knocked out cold. The second guard looked more pissed than ever and started swinging wildly. This time Jon had a plan he threw what was left of the stool at the guard causing him to block it with that split second gap Jon charged tackling the guard into the counter causing his sword to clatter on the ground sliding out of reach.
Jon then started to punch the guard while he was dazed. He managed to land a few good hits before the guard recovered and pushed Jon away. They began to circle each other while Jon made sure the guard was never too close to his sword but once Jon's back was to the counter the guard charged likely trying the same move Jon had pulled, but he never got the chance as Jon had sidestepped him and the man crashed into the counter and before he could recover Jon grabbed the back of his head and slammed it into the wood as hard as he could causing blood to spray from the man's now broken nose. Jon prepared the do it again but there was no need as the guard fell limp in Jon's grasp he wasn't dead but certainly won't be waking up soon.
After all that Jon needed another ale so he retook his seat and gestured to the terrified bartender to come over.
"Here for the damage and commotion." He handed the man a couple gold dragons which would be more than enough to repair the place but Jon felt sorry for the trouble he had caused. "And can I get another ale."
"Yes right away m'lord." The man said rushing off to get the ale. Normally Jon would correct the man but was in no mood to deal with that now.
"That was impressive." The old man said from beside him catching Jon off guard. Jon had honestly forgotten they were here.
"Thanks." Was all Jon said a little pissed that they didn't lift a finger to help. Though Jon can't really blame them most people wouldn't risk their necks for a bastard especially if it risked pissing off the wardens of the west.
"So where did someone as young as you learn to fight like that." The man asked now seemingly interested in Jon when only moments before he couldn't care less about him.
"I was trained by Winterfell's master at arms." Jon answered as the bartender walked over with a mug of ale.
"So Winterfell, is that what that castle is called." Which surprised Jon anyone living around here would know what Winterfell was and any travelers would have heard of it before.
"Yeah I'm surprised you've never heard of it before." Jon said as he drank half of his ale in one quick gulp.
"Well we're not exactly from around here." He said asking for another ale for himself.
"Where then, Essos?" Jon asked now confused.
"No we're from a land called Skyrim." He said smiling. Skyrim Jon's never heard of that not that he learns much about places outside of Westeros.
"Skyrim, Where's that?" Jon asked interested.
"To the west in a land called Tamriel." The other man spoke up for the first time.
"The west that's impossible there's nothing west of Westeros." Jon said reviving laughs from both men.
"There's plenty to the west, you just have to be brave enough to get there." The man said "By the way we haven't introduced ourselves yet, I'm Ogmund and this is Ahtar."
"Jon snow." Jon answered both men seemed to be good company so Jon decided to stick around for a while. The next couple hours were spent telling stories between the three of them. They talked of their adventures and battles and Jon told them of the history of Westeros and various legends he had heard from old nan. After a while one of the guards woke up barley able to comprehend where he was without saying anything to Jon he picked up his friend and stumbled out of the bar.
Eventually Jon decided it was time to return to the castle as it was getting late. As he began to say his farewells the duo said something that surprised Jon.
"If you want to leave that boring castle life behind come find us, we won't stay here long a few days at most but if you wish to join us we'll gladly accept you." Jon was surprised they actually wanted him to join them.
"I'll think about it." Jon said still shocked about the proposal. It would mean leaving Winterfell his home he would be leaving the north entirely he remembered them saying something about going east. Jon would have to think it over but first he had to get back to the castle which and he hoped the feast was over by now.
Once he reached the familiar ground he discovered that luck was not on his side as the feast was still in full swing. Jon didn't even bother going into the hall and instead opted for the training ground.
This time luck was on his side as the training ground was empty. Jon equipped his training sword and began hacking away at a dummy.
"Is he dead yet." Said a voice Jon hadn't heard in a long time. Jon instantly spun around to greet him.
"Uncle Benjen." Jon said as his uncle embraced him.
"What are you doing out here, there's a feast going on." Benjen japed.
"Lady Stark felt it was improper for a bastard to be seen by the royal family." Jon replied. "So why are you here."
"I'm looking for recruits for the watch, and if you ever need a place to go the watch is always free." Benjen said before saying his farewells and going into the feast.
Jon had used to dream of joining the watch. But somewhere that dream had died. Jon now had greater ambitions even though his whole life he had been told to never reach high now it seemed he couldn't help it.
"Ah the bastard of Winterfell." It seemed even out here he couldn't escape scrutiny. Jon turned and saw a man the height of a child sipping on a glass of wine.
"My lord." Jon said coldly recognizing the man as Tyrion Lannister or the imp as many called him.
"Did I offend you, sorry but you are a bastard are you not." Tyrion replied taking another sip.
"I am." Was all Jon said.
"Well then bastard let me give you some advice. Never forget who you are, wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you." Tyrion said as he turned away.
"The hell do you know about being a bastard." Jon said immediately regretting his words as Tyrion turned back around.
"All dwarves are bastards in their fathers eyes." Thats all he said before walking away back into the feast. It was sound advice some that Jon would certainly need to take to heart. Needing to clear his head Jon picked up his sword and started hacking away.
That night Jon lay wide awake thinking his day over. He had a big choice ahead of him. If he turned down the travelers offer then what was he to do with his life. Join the watch become a guard work for Robb when he becomes lord. All of them seemed good lives but they were so unfulfilling. Jon would never own lands he would never have children but he could find his own life. One thing being a bastard had over being true born was freedom. Jon had a choice and it wasn't an easy one.
If he left he would leave behind everything he has ever known he would leave his home. But was Winterfell really his home? Sure he was raised here he learned to fight here learned to read played with his siblings. But it would never really be his home Robb would inherit the castle. Sansa and Arya would be married off to other lords and Bran and Rickon would be giving important jobs at the castle while Jon would just fade into the background his existence forgotten.
Obviously Jon wasn't going to come to a decision tonight so he decided to sleep on it. It took a while for sleep to come to Jon but eventually he drifted off to a dreamless sleep.
The next morning Jon awoke early and headed down for a quick breakfast. A simple healthy northern meal once finished he headed down to the training yard.
When he reached the yard it was almost empty there was only one man hacking away at a straw dummy. The man was much taller and bigger than Jon and had a burn scar on his face. The man was undoubtedly Sandor Clegane. Jon hadn't heard much about the hound only that he was an incredible swordsman with a short temper.
Not wanting to upset that temper Jon picked up a sword and went to the opposite side of the yard. Jon practiced in silence for hours as the yard steadily filled up the hound was long gone and the dummy he had been using was destroyed.
With the yard getting too crowded for Jon's liking he decided to take a walk. He returned his sword and began walking aimlessly through the corridors. As he was approaching the room that Sansa and Arya took their lessons in he heard yelling. Sansa's voice was unmistakable she was likely yelling at Arya again. Before long Arya came running out of the room at the brink of tears.
"Arya what's wrong." Jon asked not telling her that he could hear the fight.
"Sansa's being dumb again." Arya said trying her best not to cry.
"What's she doing." Jon asked trying to calm her down.
"She keeps talking about how she's going to marry the prince and become queen and she's telling me no one will ever want to marry me, not that I care I'm never going to be sold off to some old man." She all but yelled that last part. She was definitely adamant about not being married off as she complained to Jon about it multiple times.
"I'm sure you won't." Jon said seeming to cheer her up a little she smiled up at Jon.
"So what are you doing." She asked.
"Nothing right now." Jon answered as they began walking again.
"So your free right now." Arya asked as a grin tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"What do you want to do." Jon already new she was making some kind of plan.
"Can you take me out to shoot." Her eyes pleading with him so it would be hard to say no.
"Sorry Arya but the castle is to crowded right now, and besides I'm supposed to have as little presence as I can right now." Jon already regretted saying no as Arya's face immediately fell.
"Please." She begged trying to look as sad as possible.
"Jon your father has asked for you in his solar." A guard said from behind him.
"Did he say what it's about." Jon asked turning around to face him.
"No, but he said it was important." The guard replied.
"Sorry Arya but it looks like I'm needed somewhere else." Jon said turning back to her. She had a pout on her face. "Fine I'll see you later." She said walking off to no doubt cause trouble.
Jon then turned and followed the guard. The walk was short and Jon soon found himself standing outside his fathers solar for the first time since he had found the ring it felt like so long ago now.
The doors opened as soon as the guard announced his presence. Jon stepped into the solar to find it empty aside from his father sitting behind his desk pen in hand looking through papers.
"Ah Jon please have a seat." He said upon noticing Jon. As Jon sat down his father dismissed Jory and told him to wait outside.
"Jon, I have accepted the kings offer to become the hand." Lord stark said plainly. The news was a shock to Jon and at the same time not his father and the king go way back but it's strange that lord stark would ever leave Winterfell. "And there's no easy way to say this but." He paused leaving Jon to wait for the news not knowing weather to by exited or worried.
"I will have to leave Winterfell, and in my absence catelyn will be taking over the castle." The words made Jon's stomach drop he could already predict the next words that lord stark will say. "And she has made it clear that you will not be welcome in Winterfell."
Jon couldn't decide whether to feel angry or sad no matter what now he had to leave Winterfell. But he couldn't really blame lady stark after all he was a living reminder that her husband was unfaithful.
"I have made arrangements for you to go to the wall."
"No." Jon cut him off and surprising his father.
"You can't stay here and you would never be welcome in the capital the wall is the best choice for you." Lord stark said looking at Jon with sympathy.
"Last night I met to men at a tavern." Jon's words clearly confused his father given the look on his face.
"What does that have to do with this Jon." Lord stark said with the same sympathy.
"They were adventurers and they asked me to join them, and I will." Jon said and his father looked worried and surprised at the same time.
"you can't adventuring is much to dangerous for a boy of your age."
"And the wall isn't, I would be constantly surrounded by criminals when I'm not fighting wildlings and that's if I'm not killed by the cold first." Jon's words left his father speechless.
"I'm leaving tomorrow." With that Jon left his fathers solar and returned to his room to pack.