Disclaimer – It has come to my attention recently that I unfortunately do not own any part of the Game of Thrones universe or the characters mentioned below. Who knew.

Jon laughed as he returned to his seat, "That and more. I promise that I will make the most of this opportunity. I will use this opportunity to make the most of myself so I can make a difference for Westeros. I will not let you down, I hope one day people will be glad to acknowledge me for what I achieve, and my actions will reflect well on my family."

Ned Stark smiled and let Jon know that he would need to be prepared for tomorrow, for he would be under greater scrutiny starting tomorrow on the journey south as the King is likely to start spreading the word, before it is officially announced once they reach the Red Keep.

"Am I able to share the news?" Jon asked.

Ned nodded and with a laugh replied, "Aye, I imagine I would be unable to stop you even if I had wanted to. Although perhaps do not feel the need to share with everyone and anyone within earshot though. I would get your conversations done quickly though, I am sure the feast shall be soon to start, and I am sure you will want to celebrate this decision."

Jon smiled, eager to talk to Robb and proceeded to head to the door. As he was leaving, he overheard Ned whispering under his breath, "Your family is proud of you … and your mother would have been as well."

Red Keep

Varys starred at the letter in front of him a sense of foreboding filling him…a sense he had not felt since he had uncovered the plot of the Mad King to completely destroy the city of King's Landing with the aid of wildfire.

Varys had always prided himself as an individual who was in the know about everything and as such was able to make decision or try to subtly nudge the course of events to benefit the realm. However, by the time he had learned of King Aerys' plan to destroy the city it had been too late as he realized there was nothing he could do and was filled with a sense of hopelessness that was so complete and debilitating that he had frozen and been unable to even begin to act. Indeed, those in King's Landing owed their lives to Ser Jaime and his actions on that day. That is why Varys had been keeping Ser Jaime's illicit relationship with his own sister, The Queen, a secret from the King. This included Lord Varys' suspicion about the authenticity of the King's offspring, a suspicion that seemed to be shared by many, including the late Hand of the King.

Often times, Varys had wondered that if perhaps the King had been a better ruler, he may have felt guilt, but while Varys did not feel King Robert was a bad man, there was no doubt in his mind that King Robert was a bad King. While perhaps not as bad as his predecessor, King Robert cared nothing for the plights or fates of the common folk, preferring to drink and whore his days away. Throwing extravagant tournaments and feasts for the smallest of occasions. Perhaps, if he had a better wife or council beside him to curb these tendencies King Robert would have made a better ruler, but Varys knew that the realm was in store for great suffering if King Robert was allowed to continue, which is why he had hatched the plan with Magister Illyrio in order to nurture and protect the Targaryen offspring, until they could be of use.

Originally, Varys had no concrete plans on how or when to use them, however it seemed everything had started falling into place at once and the idea of using a Dothraki horde under the leadership of Khal Drogo had been too tempting an opportunity to pass up.

From the reports he had received, Khal Drogo would no doubt be interested in the beauty that Daenerys Targaryen was becoming and the marriage of these two would allow an alliance to be borne which would give Viserys an army to help him fight those loyal to King Robert and would result in a Targaryen once again sitting atop the Iron Throne. Varys had been willing to bet on the fact that once Khal Drogo had fulfilled his end of the bargain, he and his khalasar would have no desire to stay in Westeros and would travel back over the sea for home in the Dothraki Sea, and all it would cost would be Daenerys.

Starring at the letter in front of him, addressed by this enigmatic individual who had somehow managed to identify and get a letter to one of his Little Birds unobserved within Winterfell, a fact which impressed and still slightly irritated him; Varys could not help but realize that he may have made a grave mistake in his effort sit idly by again, while the King destroyed the realm.

Varys had received several reports over the years which made note of Viserys temper and treatment of those around him who could offer him no benefit. However, Varys often chose to overlook these reports as merely Viserys being young and suffering from the lack of a stable environment, convincing himself that once Viserys had arrived in King's Landing he would not share the temperament of his late father and with the support and guidance of a capable council, prosperity would once again grace the Kingdom of Westeros under Targaryen leadership. However, reading this letter Varys was worried that perhaps he had slightly miscalculated and should have paid more attention to these reports. The last thing he wanted was to be responsible for crowning the next Mad King.

While Varys felt slight unease at that prospect, the comments in the letter about the Dothraki and the damage they could and would inflict to the land, left Varys with chills running down his spine. Varys knew he had absolutely miscalculated, and he knew without a doubt that words written in this letter were true. When the Dothraki horde made their way to Westeros, they would kill many, rape more, and take countless others as slaves. Between the loss of the people and treasures that the Dothraki would no doubt demand as reward for their services, Varys realized that he may very well have been the architect behind the destruction of the Seven Kingdoms.

Varys sat frozen once again rereading the letter, hoping that he had missed something or he was overreacting, but the sense of dread which had settled over him as he initially read the letter, refused to lift and he knew things were bleak and if action was not taken, the very future of the Seven Kingdoms would be at risk. However, Varys knew that unlike last time there was no Ser Jaime to save the realm and this time it would be up to him to undo the horrors which were in store for Westeros…the horrors that he had a part in setting up.

With that, Varys jumped to his feet and with haste ran to his private rookery knowing he needed to get a message to Magister Illyrio, hoping that deep down he would be able to get word to him in time to enact a plan which could hopefully prevent the actions he had set in motion.

He knew there was only a faint hope, although deep down he feared that he might already be too late…

Castle Black

"What is this rubbish?" Jeor Mormont exclaimed, waving around the letter he just finished reading in the security of his solar with Maester Aemon.

Maester Aemon took a second to collect his thoughts after hearing what the letter contained before replying, "It appears to be a warning."

Jeor shook his head, "I can tell that, but surely this … this has to be some jest. This individual certainly can't seriously be implying what I think he is implying…" He trailed off before picking up the letter again, as if further investigation would yield something more.

Maester Aemon shook his head before replying, "You know as well as I do that there is more beyond the wall than simply wildlings... You know as well as I do that the Wall, we stand guard on, was not built to keep wildlings from stealing women, it was built to guard the realms of men … and certainly not against other men. We have both heard the rumors from the fisherfolk near Eastwatch about sightings of white walkers, perhaps there is more truth to these rumors than we have given credence to. This might be the reason that wildlings and the mountain people are fleeing south near the Shadow Tower."

"Aye and it might be nothing more than a wildling ruse."

"To what end Lord Commander, to what end?"

Jeor Mormont's head shot up quickly and looked sharply starred at the Maester seated across from him, "Maester Aemon certainly you do not believe this drivel. This individual claims to have been to the Craster's Keep and the Fist of the First men, while also having visited the Red Keep and Dragonstone? Surely, if there was an individual south of the Wall that was important enough to be granted access to the throne room and had visited Dragonstone they would have passed through Castle Black on their way north of the Wall. However, I have not heard of anyone in my lifetime who would meet that criteria."

"I …believe …that this individual would have had an interesting journey and an even more interesting story to tell, if indeed they had visited those places. But truly if this is a wildling deception, I once again ask to what end? How would this benefit the wildlings? We have heard reports that there may be wildlings gathering into larger and larger groups and working with tribes that they have not historically interacted with, something to not be taken lightly, I agree, but all the wildlings north of the Wall could decide to band together and they would still have no more of an effect at crossing the Wall in any meaningful numbers than they have had in the past. But what if they are not banding together as preparation of an attack but what if indeed the white walkers have returned, and they are banding together as a means of protection?"

Jeor Mormont's gut reaction was to laugh at the absurdity of the wildlings cooperating, however hearing Maester Aemon name what had been alluded to in the letter forced him to halt his response.

"You believe there might be truth to this warning? You believe the white walkers have returned and mankind is once again at risk? You believe that the Long Night might once again be upon us?"

"I believe a great many things but one thing that I firmly believe is that one should not totally discount something just because it seems unlikely. However, I believe that no significant changes need to be made to our current preparations. After hearing news of the wildlings gathering, we have started reaching out primarily to nearby Lords asking for supplies and men, but perhaps we try to reach out farther asking for both men and supplies. I believe that while the farther south we ask there will be less generosity, but it would not hurt to ask for help … focusing on the gathering of the wildlings. At the very least given the nature of the long summer, there is sure to be plenty of castles in the south who will have surplus food they would be able to spare. We can hope for more men, but food and supplies are never unwelcome."

Maester Aemon paused giving the Lord Commander a chance to process what was being said. "The only change in plans I would recommend would be concerning Benjen Stark. The last we spoke I believe you were planning to send him north of the Wall to find Yohn Royce's son."

"Aye that is the plan."

"Certainly, we should send some men north to see if they can find evidence of what occurred, although with the news of Ned Stark finding one of Ser Waymar's companions south of the wall there is not a lot of hope that we can find out what has happened … the North is large. It is likely that either one of his companions or the cold got him … or … or something else took him. I would advise that perhaps Benjen Stark could serve a more significant role. I know that as soon as Yoren returns from Winterfell you were planning on sending him down to King's Landing to bring back recruits, however I would suggest that perhaps you send Benjen Stark south as well. I am sure as the First Ranger he would not greatly appreciate this; however I believe it will send a message to the Lords and common folk he visits. Before joining the Night's Watch he was a member of the family of the Warden of the North and even before his older brother was killed in King's Landing, he was in store to inherit land and live in comfort and … warmth."

He said this last bit with a smile causing both Jeor Mormont and him to laugh.

Maester Aemon continued. "Even with a life of comfort in store for him, the young Stark chose the Wall, something I am sure most houses, even those in the far South, are aware of simply as for the fact that Benjen was the son of the Warden of the North. Benjen Stark heading south and having the conversation for recruits sends a different message. Rather than the Night's Watch existing as an escape for prisoners, Benjen represents the Wall as a choice for honor. Additionally, while Yoren is a good man and does bring back recruits, many who have indeed gone on to serve honorably, Benjen grew up in the house of the Starks and he will have training dealing with nobility that Yoren just does not have. His name alone will open doors that would remain locked to Yoren and will start conversations that would not happen otherwise."

Maester Aemon could hear Jeor humming agreeably.

"Aye, that is a fair argument, Maester, I am hesitant to lose Benjen Stark on what is little more than a recruitment run. However, if indeed the letters that we have received of the King heading North after Jon Arryn died are true, it can only be to ask Ned Stark to be the new Hand of the King. Perhaps Benjen may have a word with his brother regarding your … our concerns with what might be happening North of the Wall. Ned Stark is of the North and if anyone would be able to convince those in King's Landing that the Others have returned it would be Ned Stark … although I do not envy him in this task. Certainly, not without evidence."

Maester Aemon nodded in agreement, he himself had not come to that conclusion but could not help but agree with the logic behind the reasoning. Benjen would be able to convey the message to Ned Stark and Ned Stark might have a chance, however small, to help prepare those in the South for the return of the Others if indeed that ended up being the case. Although Ned would require more than the word of his brother to convince the King and the court, he would need evidence … This caused Maester Aemon to sigh audibly as he realized that he would need to bring up the final point he had been thinking of, knowing that deep down it was not likely to be received well by the man sitting across from him and should he be able to convince Jeor to act, it would be received even worse by the men outside this room.

Noting the sigh, Jeor Mormont realized Maester Aemon had something more to contribute … something he was unsure of how to phrase, he steeled himself knowing if the Maester was having trouble putting it to words there was a significant chance he would not like the words about to be spoken.

Eventually Maester Aemon took a deep breath and began, "There is one other thing Lord Commander."

Jeor Mormont smiled, "Aye I sensed there was one more thing … what is it? What is on your mind?"

Maester Aemon took another breath before continuing, "The end of the letter deals with reaching out …"

He was interrupted by the expected outcry as Jeor Mormont shouted, "I will in no way reach out to the traitor Mance Rayder. The man betrayed our brotherhood. He betrayed everything we stand for; he betrayed his brothers…his family … and turned traitor and joined the wildlings."

Maester Aemon nodded his head not arguing against what had been said, "Aye he joined the wildlings, but he was found as a babe and brought here. The wildings were his family, he had merely gone home after growing up here without a choice. I am not asking you to forgive him or to invite him to re-join the Watch but if what we fear is happening north of the Wall is indeed happening, we will need help and Ned Stark will need evidence. I believe that Mance may be in a position to provide us with evidence we need or at least confirm the truth behind what we fear."

Maester Aemon could hear the anger in the Lord Commanders voice as her responded, "It does not matter what his story was, he turned his back on his brothers after saying the words. He will not help us."

Maester Aemon calmly responded, "I understand that, and I am not suggesting we forgive him, but rather make use of him. Craster's sins are surely worse than those of Mance and yet, perhaps unwisely, we have maintained a relationship with him for years as it was beneficial for us. However, this discussion is not about Craster, it is about Mance, I believe that Mance would need to help for if there is no action taken by those south of the Wall, the wildlings will be by themselves to deal with the approaching winter."

Lord Commander stood angrily gazing at the blind Maester in front of him wanting nothing more than to continue his argument, before finally conceding that he may have a point, "Good riddance, may the Others take them all. What do you expect me to do? Most of the brothers would like nothing more than to slip a knife between his ribs, that is, if they were able to find or even get near enough to Mance."

"I believe the letter contains wise advice, if you are sending Benjen to the south, it would appear Qhorin Halfhand would be the most logical man for this job. Not only would he have the skills to be able to find Mance and evade wildlings until he was able to make contact with the man. Even though Qhorin certainly has no love for Mance, at least Qhorin would be able to demonstrate restraint and start communication with the wildlings to get the information we need."

Jeor Mormont sat contemplating the words of the Maester, appreciating the wisdom even as he was extremely conflicted inside…finally after several minutes of quiet, he responded, "Ah may the Gods be good and help us with what is to come … Fine, so be it, I'll write the letter myself and we will have it sent by raven to the Shadow Tower before the morning is upon us."

Maester Aemon nodded, "That is all we can do, we need information before we are to act … perhaps this is all for naught but history has a way of repeating itself. Those believed dead, could be about ready to make the world remember their name. No matter the case I would rather be prepared."

"So be it, I trust you can find your way back to your room Maester or shall I call on a brother to help."

Maester Aemon let out a snort, "I can manage, I have been walking these halls since before you joined the Watch, I know my way to my room."

"Fine. I will come find you when I am ready to send this letter to the Shadow Tower explaining to Qhorin what we need him to do. Until then my friend."

Sensing he was dismissed Maester Aemon got up slowly and felt his way to the door and headed in the direction of his room. With every step he took, he felt the weight of the contents of the letter upon him. However, it was not the threat of the Others that filled his thoughts at this moment. He had advised the Lord Commander, to the best of his ability, as to what actions he felt in best interest of the Wall and indeed of all men. Reflecting back, honestly Maester Aemon felt that conversation had yielded better results than he feared would come out of it when the Lord Commander first read the letter.

Arriving at his room, Maester Aemon realized that indeed it was not the threat of the Others that filled his thoughts for action had been taken and there was nothing more they could do at the moment. No the thing that occupied his thoughts was the last line of the letter…

As for you specifically Maester Aemon, just know that you are not as alone as you once thought.

While neither Maester Aemon nor the Lord Commander mentioned the line during their discussions after reading the letter. Maester Aemon knew there had to be more to that comment than simply letting him know that the Watch had an ally out there, after all the line was directly a call out to himself.

In the centre of his being Maester Aemon felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps he was indeed not as alone as he once thought.

Reaching under the edge of his bed he slowly removed a wooden panel on the floor revealing a small hole in the floor that he had found back when he first arrived at the wall before he had lost his vision. Although it had been several years since he had reached into this hole he expertly reached down and grabbed a small bundle and carefully extracted it. Letting the weight of the bundle settle on his lap, providing him comfort.

The weight of the bundle brought him back to the first years he had spent on the Wall, the days before he had been presented with this bundle, from someone he trusted. Someone who had been lost to time. He had been told to keep it safe and that one day he would be able to give it to the one who would find use of it…

As for you specifically Maester Aemon, just know that you are not as alone as you once thought.

Perhaps, as Maester Aemon reflected on the last line of the note, perhaps he was not as alone as he once thought and the Targaryen line would not end with him, all alone and forgotten at the edge of the world…

Meanwhile Nearby

At the edge of the haunted forest just north of the wall a solitary figure stood and looked south towards the gate leading to Castle Black before turning around to rejoin his companions knowing they would have to spend the night without a fire, this close to the wall.

Making his way into the forest, the man was greeted by his companions who were huddled together for warmth awaiting the first rays of sunlight in the morning.

As he sat down he was greeted and asked what their plans were.

Looking solemnly at his companions the man replied that they were heading home to continue preparations for what was coming. After a moment of silence, he looked back in the direction of the Wall but focused beyond it, remembering a letter he had received south of the Wall.

Mance smiled, "But first I believe we stop and visit a friend's Keep. I believe it is time we start taking action…"

Kind Regards,

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explodingbunnies52 - Thanks!

ATP - Don't want to make big changes, but want to be careful

Zhorvak - I did consider having Bran fall, but I just couldn't get around how Jon would have to admit to the starks that he knew he would fall. And I am sympathetic to Robert as the King, might not be a good king but underneath I do think he is a good guy

kingmanaena - I hope this chapter was enjoyable!

cliffwest - Thanks ... hmmm dragonglass ... seems like that is something that might reasonably come up ...

Guest - Haha glad you are enjoying it, have a bunch of chapters finished that I am editting, so more will come!

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