Echoes

Disclaimer- Game of Thrones and Campione do not belong to me. I am just borrowing them. English is not my first or second language so please be gentle with me.

"Normal Talk"

'Thoughts/internal monologue'

"Gods/Goddesses Talking"

"Shouting"

'Chant'

Enjoy

Kingsroad

Eddard Stark was riding atop his horse on a fast pace with his bannermen. He had just reached Seagard to find a rider waiting for him with a message from Winterfell. He read the news about the attack on his wife and his home. The note was quick to assure him that his family was alright and the details will be shared when he will reach the castle.

Robert had wanted him to attend the tourney of Casterly Rock. He had declined the invitation on grounds of being away from his home for far too long. Howland had already warned him about queer happenings in the north. Though he could not foresee the events, he insisted that something had happened while they were away and they should return as soon as possible. He left Theon Greyjoy behind and Jon Arryn promised to send the boy north as soon as the tourney ends. Many of his bannermen wanted to attend the tourney and show the lords of south how the north fights but changed their tune when they heard the news about the attack on Winterfell. They feared that some other castle may have also been attacked. They rode the same day along with cavalry, leaving behind Wayman Manderly and Helman Tallhart at the head of infantry. They were tasked with the duty to make sure the infantry return to their liege lord's castle while He along with his other bannermen rode ahead to Winterfell.

They were received by Jayna Reed, wife of Howland, at the Moat Cailin. There she told them about the fantastical tale about the siege of Winterfell and the wrath of old gods. They had captured few ironborns who had fled from Winterfell and they had some interesting tales to tell about the siege to say in the least. Of how a single boy had slaughtered the army of thousand, of the invincible boy who had gained notoriety as the 'Demon of Winterfell'. Ned was not sure what to believe, but thanked her all the same. She assured them no other castle was attacked. They rested long enough to resupply but before they left Jayna warned Howland about the mysterious movement of someone or something in the Neck. They never caught anyone but Greywater Watch was alert.

It was sundown of the seventh day when they reached castle Cerwyn. Medger Cerwyn insisted that they spend the night in his castle. Ned would have already rode ahead if Greatjon of all people had not made him see reason. The siege was already over and his family was alright, he could not do anything more than exhaust and kill his steed. Despite not having a heart he was forced to accept the hospitality of house Cerwyn.

There Meera Cerwyn, wife of lord Cerwyn regaled them tale about the siege of Winterfell or 'Massacre of Iron' as the commonfolk were calling it. She regaled them the accounts of commonfolk who were held hostage by reavers. About how Lord Stark's baseborn son alone had slaughtered the ironborns and ended the siege, the lad now being hailed as the champion of old gods. Most of his bannermen were expressing disbelief of her tale but then she called for one of the kitchen maids who was held hostage by reavers when she was visiting Wintertown.

The maid repeated the tale but it was even more farfetched than the one recounted by Lady Cerwyn.

"Our guards caught almost a score of reavers that fled in the aftermath. They repeat the same tale my lord." As much as Ned wanted to interrogate those prisoners, he decided not to say anything for the time being. They left early in the next morning along with Medger and various carts of grains and other food stuff.

They had just emerged from wolfswood where they stumbled upon the scene of destruction. The edge of the forest was destroyed and land itself was torn, it looked like a giant had clubbed the area. Soon they were within the sight of sentry towers and a horn announced his return.

Casterly Rock

Robert was upset that Ned had declined his invitation for the tourney. They had met after years and the dour lord was quick to return to his frozen hell hole. He wanted to rage but he could not force his brother.

When they reached Casterly rock, he received the news about the attack on Winterfell. He wanted to return to Pyke and end the Greyjoy line but Jon stopped him. The Greyjoys were already punished and the Theon Greyjoy was now the heir of Iron Islands. They had already decided to sentence the current heir Maron Greyjoy to the wall when they find him.

Robert along with Jon, Tywin and his brother Kevan were in the solar of Casterly Rock. It was Kevan who had broken the news to them.

"How fares the north after the attack?" Jon asked.

"Their armoury and food storage was burned down as well as the garrison was poisoned. Despite the odds, the invading army lost." Robert guffawed at that.

"It seems that lord Stark had left a significant portion of his garrison behind." Tywin commented casually but the unspoken message was not lost on the audience. Before Robert could say anything, Kevan answered his brother.

"On the contrary brother the Winterfell garrison numbered only a hundred and half of them were poisoned."

"They repelled the attack after being outnumber twenty to one?" Jon and Tywin were surprised while Robert only guffawed.

"What did I tell you Jon, if we had let Ned continue on his way we never would have got to fight any Ironborns. Gods, they really make them different in the north. Maybe I should look for northern kingsguard. One should be enough to protect the whole royal family." Nobody else was amused by his tone but no one commented.

"Do we know who led the attack?" Tywin asked his brother.

"Yes, it was led by Euron and Maron Greyjoy."

"Did they manage to capture them?" If they had captured them then it would save them a lot of trouble.

"They were both killed." Robert was amused at that.

"Postpone the tourney. I want Ned and his bannermen to attend. Send a letter to him. Tell him to bring all the guards that survived the battle. I want to meet them. Tell him it is his King's order." Jon sighed at that. It was difficult to dissuade him once Robert has made up his mind about something.

Tywin was clearly displeased by him but held his tongue. Once Robert had left the chamber along with Jon, he turned towards Kevan.

Kevan saw the look on his face and answered the unasked question.

"We have not yet confirmed how but the defence was led by Stark's baseborn son Jon Snow."

"They let a boy lead them?" Tywin asked in a hard tone but Kevan knew his brother was in disbelief. He shook his head and prepared to deliver the rest of the report.

"There was no one to lead. Jon Snow destroyed the army on his own. Our spies are clear on that. There was no battle, it was a slaughter. The boy massacred them with a glowing sword, alone."

"Maybe we need to replace those spies if they are sending tales instead of actual report." Kevan shook his head again.

"I thought so too, but our other spies in different holdfasts are sending the same message. Some of the reavers were able to escape the slaughter but were captured by other houses. They are all repeating about the Demon of Winterfell. One of our merchants made his way to Winterfell in the aftermath. After some subtle inquiries he was able to confirm all the rumours. He had visited the spot where the battle took place. It looked like a dragon had attacked the area, the only thing missing was the dragon fire. In fact the tale becomes more bizarre.

"The boy went missing one day and returned with a sword. Whatever happened to him, changed him, the boy became master swordsman overnight. After the battle the smallfolks are hailing him as the avatar of old gods." Tywin was silent for a long time and tried to decipher what it meant. Kevan stood near him waiting for him to respond.

"And the sword? What have you uncovered about this 'glowing' sword?"

"Nothing much. The sword was seen in public only on three occasions. The first time in great hall of Winterfell where Snow presented it after returning, second time at local forge where the maester of Winterfell and their head of household guard asked their blacksmith to identify the metal of the blade and third time at the battle. Eyewitnesses say that the blade was able to cut down anything on its path. It is seven feet long and one and a half hand wide, it is said to be golden in colour and that it also glows, the guard is a seven pointed star and it is adorned in runes. Nothing else is known by the blade except that it is not Valyrian Steel but still light enough to be wielded by a child." His eyebrows raised at the description. He was envious of House Stark, not only they had the largest Valyrian Steel blade but now they had also gained a mysterious sword too.

"Send one our men to look at the blade. See if they can identify it or even the metal."

"Not possible. Only Jon Snow has access to the sword." Tywin looked at his brother.

"What does that mean? Does the bastard sleep with the sword?" Kevan sighed. He knew his brother was already doubting his tales but this next part, even he had trouble believing.

"No one knows where the blade rests, it is always seen in the hands of the boy. There are rumors that the boy conjures the sword out of thin air." Tywin looked at his brother as if he had lost his mind.

"Please brother, I know that it sounds like a jape. Those are only rumours, maids of the castle claimed to have seen it with their own eyes. Our agent has not yet confirmed it. There are some other wild tales. But even if we disregard everything, the fact remains that Jon Snow defeated an army of thousand with just a sword."

Tywin closed his eyes to look for a way forward. The boy, if all reports are true, had a magical sword and had used the same sword to kill an army. The boy was a bastard and not set to inherit anything. On the other hand, the boy had proven himself capable at quite a young age. Stark would be forced to look for a suitable position for the boy unless he wanted his bannermen to rebel. He could try to deal with the boy for the sword but his legacy will be tarnished. Even after years, he was called a child killer. That his legacy was built on the skeletons of dead children. Hypocrites all of them. But he did not care for them, after all a lion doesn't concern himself with the opinions of the sheep. But the boy was not some street born, he was the only bastard child of Eddard Stark, Robert Baratheon's sworn brother. The oaf was still the king and his grandson was not ready for the throne.

It looked like the boy and the blade were a package deal. He would have to get the boy to Westerland.

"How old is the bastard?" Kevan faltered at the question.

"Around eight namedays." Tywin got up from his chair and took out a bottle of arbour gold from the cabinet. He then poured two glasses and handed one to Kevan. He took a sip while looking out of the window.

"Did you find anything about boy's mother?" Kevan shook his head. Tywin expected as much.

"No one knows. Stark refused to name the boy's mother. Some speculated that Ashara Dayne was the hidden paramour but no one had any proof." Here he paused to take another sip. "Send some of our people to Starfall to investigate but make sure they be discreet about it. In the meantime make sure that the rumours about the boy reach Robert's ears. I want him to invite Snow to the tourney. The boy will prove to be formidable in the future. He has decimated an army alone at such a young age, imagine what he could do when he grows. I want to make sure that he will grow under us.

"You will look at the preparations. Robert has postponed the tournament, it gives us time. I want to know everything about him, what he eats, where he sleeps. In the meantime send rations to Winterfell in King's name. Their food storages were burnt and this rebellion has already put enough pressure on their limited stocks. Who knows, maybe it will help to get into the boys good grace." Kevan nodded his head. He drained his glass and with a bow stepped out to complete the tasks set out for him.

Tywin meanwhile was still lost in thought. Planning for the best way to get his hands on the boy. He was not foolish to think that others will not be planning to do the same. He just had to make sure that he was ahead of them.

He was not wrong as similar conversations were taking place all over Westeros. The players of the game did not like unknown. A certain spider began to weave his web to snatch this new juicy fly while the whoremonger saw a power in the hand of enemy. Other were not sure how to proceed with this power imbalance. Plans were made and discarded, cutthroats hired and killed by other parties. A whole new game was being played in the shadows. The boy had already become a part of the game before knowing about it. It remained to be seen if he was to become a piece or a player.

Winterfell

Catelyn Stark looked down from rampart where her son and Snow were practicing in the yard. While Robb was practicing his footwork Snow was hitting the training dummy with wooden sword. Already a large amount of destroyed dummies were stacked outside the edge of yard. The night had changed something in them and she saw it.

Robb had his first taste of cruelties of the world, he had asked why were they attacked and why were those commonfolk killed when they did not hurt anyone. She had tried to explain it to him that they were only attacked because his father was not there to defend them. He had cried that night but next morning he had a fire in his eyes. He was determined to never let this happen again. If he were strong then no one would dare to attack Winterfell again. Jon might have defended them but he was to be the lord one day and he could not hide behind his brother. Next time they will fight together.

Then there was Snow, she was not sure what to think. Where there was hate, now there only remained deep apprehension. She did not talk to him again after their revelations that night. She thought that the boy had become mad, talking about killing gods and usurping their power but the results were contradictory. She still remembers the siege and its aftermath. She had not seen the battle but the commonfolk did not shy away from repeating their account. All she remembers of the night was Snow charging into the dark, screams that followed and the thunder before everything became silent. Snow returned shortly after with the hostages, covered in blood and guts.

She along with Ser Rodrik and Maester Luwin went to see the field next morning in the aftermath and they were stunned by the devastation. She had wisely kept Snow out of public eyes for the most part. She knew that the stories will spread and she needed to take control of the situation. She tried not to think about his words spoken that night in her chamber, searching for more rational explanation. She could not, would not believe his tale no matter what. Because if what he said was truth then…..

She could not think about it further without breaking down. She was a devout follower of Seven and continued to prayed to them in her chambers for guidance, for any sign.

Something had changed inside the boy that night. He hardly spoke and had shut himself in his chamber. On the third day Robb had forced him out. She learned that evening that Snow had cried, having taken so many lives. That much death would leave a mark on a person much less a boy.

Then next day the boy entered the yard and asked Rodrik to help him control his strength and Rodrik had directed him to training dummy. His goal was to swing at it without breaking it in one hit. So far he had limited success but only because Rodrik asked him to use a wooden sword.

But while she was observing the yard, she was anxiously waiting for the arrival of her husband. They had received raven when he had left castle Cerwyn. He would be reaching today. Just then a guard came running informing her of what the sentries saw. With a hammering heart she went to collect her children to welcome her husband home.

-Time-skip-

As much as the lords present wanted to know the details of what happened, Catelyn placated them by answering few of their questions vaguely. They clearly wanted to know more and meet Jon but she asked them to wait in the great hall as she discussed the matter with her husband first. They had various questions and were grumbling, not satisfied with the vague answers.

As much as Ned wanted to have his questions answered, he knew it would be better to talk about it in private first. He allowed her to lead him to his solar. They were followed by Ser Rodrik, Robb and Maester Luwin. Sansa was sent back to play with Jeyne, Bran and Arya were with maids. He looked for Jon but could not see him anywhere, as much as he respected his wife his bannermen expected to meet him.

"Where is Jon?" He asked not hiding the hard edge or worry in his voice.

"He is waiting for us in the solar." She did not meet his eyes. Either she was nervous or she was hiding something. He looked at Rodrik and Luwin but they too kept their silence. Robb looked like he wanted to say something but then clenched his jaw and ducked his head down increasing his walking speed. Ned humourlessly thought that the situation looked like they were taking him away from public eye to kill him. Tension was thick in the air, between him and the group.

Before the situation could worsen they reached the doors of his solar. They stepped inside and Ned saw Jon looking outside the window. He turned to face them when he saw them enter. Various emotions flashed across his face when he saw his father. He ran to hug him not minding the presence of others. Ned was shocked to see the difference in his attitude. Before he went to war, Jon rarely showed his emotions in front of Catelyn. He had become reserved following his revelation of bastard status.

Ned hugged him back and after few moments knelt down to look at him. His face has lost some innocence and gained a tired look in his eyes. A look that had no place on a boy's face. He knew that the boy was looking for comfort which he could not find in other adults in his life. He was reminded of his promise to his sister.

He looked around for anyone to explain the situation to him. Catelyn sighed and stepped forward.

"A fortnight ago some ironborns infiltrated Winterfell and sabotaged our defence. They came at hour of bat and attacked wintertown. The smallfolk were held hostages, old and sick were killed while the young men were used as bait to force us to use our already dwindled supply of arrows. Fortunately Snow saw through their trick and stopped the soldiers.

"We had limited garrison with most of them being sick from poisoned ale. I was already attacked in my chambers. Our options were limited and we planned to wait out the siege as long as possible, though it would have been difficult with our food storages burned down. Luwin had sent ravens at the first sign of trouble but we later learned that they were shot down. Enemy archers were hiding in the woods of North and Hunter's gate.

"We were contemplating our next course of action when Snow jumped down from the battlements and ran towards the enemy. We did not know what to do. There were not enough men to send after him, not without leaving the castle defenceless and sending them to their death." Her voice was beginning to crack. She knew in her heart that if something would have happened to Snow then Ned would have never forgiven any of them. She wanted him to understand their situation that night. Rodrik was the one who had to make the difficult decision, go after their lord's child or defend the castle and all of its occupants. No amount of justification could absolve him in his lord's eyes and he knew it. It was fortunate for him, for them all that Jon returned unscathed.

Catelyn paused, waiting for his response but he was looking stone faced at her. She took a deep breath before continuing the story.

"After sometime Snow returned along with the hostages. He was unharmed but some of the smallfolk needed healer's attention. Every one of them was telling the same wild tale, of how he attacked the ironborns and killed their leader. The whole battle was over before the smallfolk knew what was happening. We were suspicious of another bait by the reavers, so we sent one of the guards to investigate the claims. After their confirmation Rodrik went there to take the stock of the situation." She nodded her head towards Rodrik. He shifted nervously but came forward to continue the tale.

"My lord, I took some guards with me to the site in the morning. With the help of commonfolk, we were able to dig up the bodies. By the last count, there were eight hundred nine and twenty reavers killed. Four and forty residents of wintertown were killed by ironborns. We have ravens from other castles that they had managed to capture eight and fifty revears that fled from here. We have asked them to increase patrol and be on the lookout for more." Rodrik explained and waited for his lord response.

Ned looked at everyone present waiting for further explanation. He was becoming irritated when no one explained further.

"That is it?" He asked.

"My Lord?"

"You have yet to explain it to me why you let a boy, not even a man, to go alone. Why nobody tried to stop him? He could have died."The last words came out as a shout.

"We could not my lord." Luwin answered.

"What do you mean you could not? Is it difficult to stop boys from doing something now?"

"It is when it comes to young Snow. He defeated over eight hundred ironborns, including the one who had burned Lannisport, alone. What could we do to stop him?" Luwin asked. He knew his lord was upset but he wanted him to think rationally.

Ned took a deep breath. He looked down at Jon and looked for any visible signs of injuries.

"How much was he injured?" he asked.

"He was uninjured my lord."

"What?" There was a very big part that was missing here. Nobody could fight large number of opponents before they get overwhelmed. That only happens in tales and songs. A knife in the back could kill greatest swordsmen, he would know.

Luwin sighed, they should have explained it from the very beginning.

"A moon ago, Jon went to collect roots from Wolfwoods but did not return till the very next day. There was a snow-storm that night so we could not send anyone to look for him. He returned hale and healthy with the most peculiar story. He told us that he was attacked by a knight. He defeated him but was injured in the process. Ser Rodrik sent some guards to investigate and they confirmed that indeed a fight had occurred but no body could be found. Moreover Jon did not sustain any wounds to corroborate with his story but he insisted that it was the truth. He was also able to conjure a blade of unknown origins. Whatever happened in the woods that day changed him."

Ned sighed and went to take a seat. He could not imagine what happened to make Jon confidant to rush to battle. He looked towards Jon and Robb who were standing close to each other and Robb looked like he was shielding Jon. He should be upset but he could only thank the old gods that he was alright.

"Jon could you tell me what happened?" he asked him gently.

"A fortnight ago I went to wolfwoods to collect roots for old Nan, when I was returning after collecting the roots, my path was blocked by a knight. He said he came there to kill me." Catelyn had a distressed look on her face. She wondered if the boy would reveal her part.

"He cut had my sword hand, legs and had pinned me to a tree. I was about to die but I felt so much anger, angry that I was about to die and will never learn about my mother. I stabbed my hunting knife into his eye. He did not die, rather he disappeared into motes of light.

When I opened my eyes again, I was in white plain. There were two ladies there, Meleys and Shyrkos. They explained that the knight that I had killed was a god and since I had killed him, I usurped his authority. They said that I was beyond mortals, a king among men." Ned became still at that. It was a wild tale and he wondered if the Targareyn madness has manifested inside him. He was already imagining himself as a king.

"They had another name for me, Campione. I cannot be killed or harmed by mortals, I had the power of divine in my hands and no mortal could match me. That is why I fought the ironborns because I knew they could not harm me."

It was becoming too much for him, he looked towards the others for explanation. Luwin and Rodrik were surprised as well, they had not known about his experience with gods. Catelyn and Robb knew about it since he had revealed it to them but Catelyn was still in denial. She was devout follower of Seven and blasphemous tale was already heavy on her mind and heart.

"Someone must have tricked you Jon. Gods are…- They are beyond us. They have power over us and they rarely answer us. They are cruel most of the time but they do not come down to kill innocent boys. Your mind must have been playing tricks on you or the women that you encountered lied to you. You should not trust strangers." Someone was filling his head with lies and he will find out who. There must be a reason why they tried to trick him.

Jon held out his hand and chanted

'I am victory,

I am might.

Gaze upon this blade and know

Nothing shall stand in my sight.'

Before his disbelieving eyes a sword materialised in Jon's hand. It was of Andal design. He was mesmerised by the appearance and wanted to touch it. His experienced mind warned him as deep within his soul he knew that the blade was dangerous. He tried to formulate his thoughts but no words came to mind. Jon placed the sword on the table in front of him, the blade looked gigantic in his hands and he wondered how much the sword weighed for Jon to wield it so effortlessly. His sword Ice was lighter than any other blade but was still heavy enough. The metal was golden and had patterns on the surface. He moved to touch the patterns but Luwin stopped him.

"I suggest that you do not touch the blade my lord. The metal is exotic and burns anyone other than Jon who touches it. Moreover no one is able to lift the sword." He pulled back his hand and grabbed the grip to try to lift the blade. Luwin was right, no matter how much he forced the sword would not budge.

"What can you tell me about this sword?" he asked Luwin. Jon frowned when he did not ask him about it but kept his mouth shut out of respect.

"Nothing my lord. Whatever I know about the sword is mere observation. I cannot say anything about the metal used to craft the blade neither its origin. I can only say that the blade is magical in nature and it has bonded with young Jon. I believe that he stumbled upon the sword in the forest." Ned nodded his head, this seemed more plausible than a young boy besting a knight in one on one combat.

Jon could not stand it anymore. He wanted his father to believe him but he was acting dismissive. He knew in his heart that what happened to him was not delusion.

"Please father, I know what I saw and I know what I experienced was true."

"Jon this has gone long enough. What you have is a magical sword. You were not attacked by a god and certainly did not have your arms and leg cut off. You did not kill a god and you are not what those…."

"I know what I saw. They told me about my mother." This was getting out of hand. Ned heart was beating fast.

"Whatever they said was not true."

"They called me a dragonling." Ned felt his chest tighten.

"Everyone out!" he had not shouted but the hard edge was not missed by anyone. Robb did not want to go but his mother pulled him out. As much as she wanted to know about the woman that Ned broke his vows for, she knew not to push it. Before they were out Ned ordered Rodrik to stop anyone from listening in and for them to stay wait just outside the door.

Eddard turned towards Jon. Someone had revealed his heritage. That means that there are more people that know. It could not have been Howland, he had made him promise.

"Who told you that?"

"Meleys and Shyrkos, I looked them up. They are valyrian goddesses. I am half Targaryen that is why you never mentioned mother and hid me. I just want to know about her."

Ned felt the world crumbling around him. The truth was out, someone knew. Someone was manipulating Jon. He never wanted to deal with south again. He will not be part of war again, it cost him his family. He grabbed Jon's shoulders.

"Promise me you would not go for Iron throne." Jon was confused. What was his father talking about? He was a bastard, he could never inherit anything certainly not the Iron throne.

"Father what….?"

"Promise me Jon." His hands became tighter. Eyes wild and body tense.

"Father you are scaring me." But Ned ignored his plea. He was remembering the dead bodies of Elia, Rhayneys, Aegon and Lyanna. He remembered hearing about the death of his father and brother. Fear was gripping his heart tightly, it took effort to breath.

"Promise me!"

Jon did not say anything but his heart was breaking. He was happy when he learned that he had the powers of the warrior, his goal to become the greatest swordsman was no longer a dream. He was also closer to the identity of his mother. He was ecstatic, things were finally looking up.

But the day of the battle, he had killed. Killed enough that the field turned red. When the rage subsided and clarity resumed, he was horrified. There were body parts everywhere he looked, the stench assaulted his nose. He knew what he did was just but he still could not stomach the fact that he had done it so casually. It was the reason why he asked Ser Rodrik to help him control his strength.

He tried to keep those emotions in check, only Robb had seen him cry. He wanted his father to console him, to tell him that everything was alright, that what he did was not wrong and he did it to protect Winterfell.

Jon bit back his sob that was attempting to escape his throat.

"I promise, I just want to know about my mother."

"There will be no talks about your mother. What happened in the rebellion is set on stone. There is nothing gained from knowing what happened. Know that you are my son and your place is in the north. You know about the identity of your mother and that should be enough." He did not want to talk about Lyanna. If Jon finds out that Lyanna was not kidnapped but ran away from Robert, if he knew about the truth then he would do something rash like he had done by attacking the ironborns head-on. Like Brandon had done when he forced his way into Red-keep. Ned knew that he was not acting rationally but he needed Jon to understand. He had promised his sister that he would protect her son but he could not if Jon acted rashly. Let him think that Rhaegar raped his mother, that the Targaryens were mad bunch. He would maintain the lie if it meant Jon was safe.

Jon was under a lot of stress. He wanted the comfort that only his father could provide.

So when instead of comfort, his father insisted on the promise something broke inside him. They did not know it but it was the moment that put cracks in the bond of father and son. Jon pushed Ned back to free himself from his grip and ran out of the room, the sword disappeared with him in motes of light.

The people standing outside the door where startled when it opened with a loud bang and Jon ran out. Robb wanted to follow him but his father stopped him.

"Jon has a lot to think about and he is upset. Give him time." Robb wanted to ignore him but stopped when he saw the look on his father's face. He looked tired. He decided that he would talk to Jon the first chance he gets.

They all agreed that they had left the bannermen alone long enough. The story of Jon's charge against Ironborns was already widespread so there was no point of denying it. The main question on everyone's mind would be how. How a young boy had managed it. They decided to go along with Luwin's version because Jon's version was too mad to even contemplate. Ned even made Robb promise to not repeat Jon's version in front of anyone. Nobody tried to question him about what he and Jon talked and why Jon called himself a 'dargonling'.

Eddard's bannermen were not idle when he left them to talk with his family. They had sent their own guards to inquire around in the village. While many doubted the story, it was hard to ignore the facts when everyone kept repeating the same tale. They were waiting for Lord Stark in the Great Hall but they really wanted to meet the hero of battle, Jon Snow.

After a period that felt too long, Lord Stark entered the hall with his family. He saw that the lords were sitting in the great hall waiting for him. But he also saw them expecting someone else. He sat on his chair at the high table and looked upon the lords present. He took a deep breath before beginning.

"A fortnight ago Ironborns laid a siege on Winterfell. They sabotaged the defence and had held commonfolk of Wintertown hostage and used them as bait. My baseborn son, Jon clashed with the reavers and defeated them. The rumors that had been circulating are true."

The lords stood up and began shouting, demanding answers. Lord Stark had confirmed the news but in all their investigation they did not find how he had done it. How Jon Snow had defeated the Ironborns. Because no matter how anyone sees it, it sounded more like the tall tales of the age of heroes.

"My Lords, please one at a time." The lords quieted down but remained several remained standing. Ned looked at GreatJon Umber to begin.

"My lord, how did he do it? Because it frankly sounds like tall tale."

"A moon ago he stumbled upon a magical sword." The lords had a disbelieving look on their faces. A magical sword? It sounded like a jape. Before Umber could ask him, he raised his hand.

"I know it sounds like a jape but that is the truth. My son found a sword of unknown origin in the wolfwoods. It affected him physically, granting him immense strength."

"Where is this sword my lord? We would like to see the blade." Lord Manderly's request was mirrored by everyone.

"The sword is currently in possession of my son Jon."

"Why? Should a sword of such power be not in the hands of the lord or the heir?" Roose Bolton asked and Eddard was reminded why his father always instructed them to be wary of Boltons.

"Would you really rob a child of their possession Lord Bolton?" the question was asked by Ethan Glover and Ned mentally thanked him for it.

"The artefact in question is not a simple possession my lord. By now the news would have travelled to south. We should assume that all of the lords will know about this sword, if they already not have, and will do anything to get their hands on it. The sword of such power should reside in the hands of Lord or their heir lest we want to lose it to one of the other lords of south.

"Valyrian steel is a sign of prestige and Starks are the only lord paramount to have a Valyrian Sword. The lion lord has already offered a king's ransom for Longclaw. Imagine what kind of trouble this sword will attract in the hands of a baseborn. Being in your or young Robb's possession will ensure that it stays here in the north." The Bolton lord definitely had way with words. With few words he had agitated the crowd. Fortunately he already had perfect answer for his question.

"You are of course right my lord but it not that simple. Even if I could, the sword has bonded with Jon. Only he can wield it. Any attempts to lift the blade proved unsuccessful much less wielding it."

"Where is Jon Snow my lord?" Lord Glover asked again.

"My son is not well at the moment and is currently resting, the weight of battle is still on his mind. We must not ignore that despite his strength he is still a boy of eight." There were many disappointed faces. They wanted to meet the hero of the siege, wanting to take his measure.

While there were other questions, the faith of bannermen was strong as ever. A strong fighter was already making his name known for the next generation. They were at least content in the knowledge that the north was stronger than ever with the presence of Jon Snow. It prompted many lords to increase their bonds with the Winterfell. There were subtle inquiries of fostering of Stark children especially Robb and Jon, which Eddard deflected. They proposed to send a governess for Sansa and Arya in the absence of septa. Catelyn wanted to protest and ask Eddard to send for a new septa but knew she should not in front of all the lords.

They also discussed the fostering of Theon Greyjoy. Robert had asked him to take Theon as a hostage but now that he had seen the effect of Ironborn attack, he was not sure of the decision. He would not blame the crimes of a man on his child but he was not sure if the residents of Wintertown will accept this decision. They all had suffered in the hands of Ironborns and Theon would be the recipient of the anger. He would have to decline Robert's order as no lord of the north was eager to take a Greyjoy into their household. It would be Sundown by the time his bannermen retired.

While Lord Stark was entertaining his bannermen, Jon wanted to be away from everything. He ran towards the wolfswood, the guards did not try to stop him. He did not look where he was going and after sometime found himself deep within the wolfswood. He only stopped because he felt something, something which he could not describe. The closest it came to was the feeling he got from his sword but not quite potent. It was more like an aftertaste. The woods were silent, too silent. He was tense and ready to attack at a moment's notice.

"Greetings Jon Snow." A voice came from his left. He turned towards the voice and found himself staring at a tall cloaked figure. Before he could respond, he felt another presence manifest on the branch of the tree next to him. He craned his neck while keeping the cloaked figure in his line of sight. There crouching on the branch was a child like figure in fur.

He could tell there were others too but not in his immediate vicinity. He was surrounded but could still run. The thought of running away was quickly discarded. Though the thought of killing filled him unease, he would still not run away. He did not want to use his sword so he quickly snapped a sturdy looking tree branch.

He may not want to kill them but beating the hell out of them was still an option.

To be continued.

Yay! My first ever cliff-hanger of the fic. Most of you have guessed correctly about the second figure.

*Almost all of you wanted me to continue the word Campione so it will not be changed.

*Jon had not become a master swordsman, he is just good at avoiding hit. The smallfolk confuse it with being master swordsman.

*Eddard Stark acted rashly and stupidly. He feared if he revealed the truth then Jon will want revenge so he vehemently denied to talk about it.

In the show Eddard Stark wilfully closed his eyes. He supported his friend Robert and even when he knew the truth, he hides it to avoid war. He did not stop Jon's decision to join Night's Watch or even tried to find a place for him in the north. He would have placed him in a cell if it meant keeping him alive. Jon's happiness did not factor in keeping him alive.

Some are Stark fans and suggest Eddard did so to protect Jon as by taking Black he would be absolved of all sins.

Some are Eddard Stark haters and say he did it out of hate for Targareyn and love of his sworn brother Robert Baratheon.

I personally think he was a noble idiot who saw the world as black and white. He saw war and was terrified of it. Case in point his blunder at Red Keep. I read somewhere that he once said "Baratheons won the right to rule after winning the war."

I would love to see a scenario where he barely escapes Red Keep and Lannisters were sure he would die from wounds. He reunites with his remaining family after Red Wedding and with Boltons ruling north. What do you think he would do?

Accept Bolton rule because they won the seat of lord paramount?

Or

Ask the houses of north to take back Winterfell?

(Not a bad idea, maybe I will write something along this line for my next project. What do you guys think?)

Please tell me how you liked the chapter.

PS- My system is acting strange and I feared this week's update would not be posted. Fortunately my pc worked just enough to make minor changes and post it. Hopefully next week's update will be on time too.

See you