Winter's Wolf

by Retcon343

Naruto never believed in destiny, being a low born in the Northlands of Westeros left few openings for fate to ply its fickle trade. No, Naruto never believed in destiny but he never needed it. He'll carve a path to the top with the edge of his blade and the strength of his wit. Join him on his journey from lowborn orphan to ... well let's not ruin the surprise.

3. Winterfell

Finally managed to get this out. It was hands down the hardest thing I've ever written. Maybe it's the lack of action or the shear amount of dialogue but I just couldn't get into a rhythm. But I wanted to get it out and move on to the next.

So, without Further ado, I present Naruto Uzumaki in Winters Wolf.

Chapter Three; Winterfell

The Barrows rolled on around them. For miles in each direction, pale green grass stretched on under the midday sun. Fog hugged the scenery close, a tight embrace that covered the ground in a smoky glow. The air had grown a chill that hardened the floor under the hooves of his Ember. The horses' shoes clicking and clanging with every step it took towards the Northern capital.

Naruto stared on ahead, a million thoughts racing through his mind. A hand rose to wipe away a stray lock of his golden crown. He had pulled his long hair back into a loose bun, as was fashionable with the younger lords of the North, with the lower half of the back of his head spilling out in flowing golden curls. He wasn't really one for the frivolity of hair styling but had little choice in the matter when Hilda set upon him in early hours of the day he left the Finger. She came at him with an armoury's worth of brushes, combs and smelly wax made from a substance only the gods could guess at.

It made him stand out all the more against the backdrop of dark-haired Northerners that surrounded him. He shone as the sun, Hilda quipped when she was finished with him. Whatever was in that wax made his hair glossy and slippery to the touch. He hated it.

Ember snorted thin mist into air with a neigh as he shook his head. Naruto patted his stead gently to calm him as they strode on. He hushed him and whispered "We're almost there, boy" into the air in a calming voice. Ember was a willy one at the best of times and needed constant reassurance, lest he break into a gallop at the slightest provocation. It was a wonder the beast didn't desert him on the night they were attacked.

His mind ran onto Tom. He thought for sure the man had died the other night. That would have been on Naruto. Olan however, had died. They didn't find his body, but it was safe to assume he was dead. That haunted the blond. It was on his order that they lured the enemy out. He was overconfident. He should have led them back to the camp. Maybe they would have seen they were outnumbered and abandoned their ambush. Olan had family back in Old Stones, he was the son of a fisherman, his daughter visited the castle from time to time with his wife. Her face lingered in his mind, a ghostly image that stabbed at him in the quiet hours.

It fell to Lord Flint to inform the man's family when they returned home. No, Naruto would bear that burden. It was his fault. He deserved the blame. He deserved the ignominy of his decisions. Olan's family will hate him, but he'd ensure they wanted for nothing. Hollow succour to a home destroyed but he would spend the rest of his days making up for his mistake.

He had apologised profusely to poor Tom as they delivered him to the castle of House Cerwyn. It was a half days march to Winterfell from there so Lord Robin saw fit to leave the man there to begin his healing as they made the final leg of their journey at sunrise.

"You're thinking of Olan, aren't you?" He was broken from his thoughts by the question. Will hadn't left his side since he galloped back to the camp carrying the bloodied body of Tom.

Naruto sighed in response.

"You were outnumbered, Naruto. That you managed to survive at all is a wonder in and of itself" Will continued.

"So that's it?" Naruto replied, he sounded tired. "Surviving? Surviving is the goal? The achievement? For fuck's sake, Will. What chance do we have if just surviving is some great wonder?" He ranted at the redhead. Will maintained a steady eye contact and clenched his jaw as the blond continued. "Everyone else dies and I just survive." Naruto closed his eyes, and a pained look marred his features. "That's no way to live."

"Tell that to Tom" Gar added. He had flanked Naruto to the left, sandwiching the blond between his two closest friends in the formation as they marched. "He has a son you know?" He added. "Of course you know" He snorted. "Take it from a fellow orphan, bringin' that lad's father home to him is the greatest gift you could ever give him."

"Olan had a daughter. What of her? What of the gift I gave her? Her father is never coming home. If I should be proud of the gift I gave Tom's son, how should I feel about the gift I gave her?" Naruto challenged. There was wetness around his eyes and heat emanating from behind them.

"That's up to you, Naruto" Will said. "But I never took you for the pessimistic type." He added.

Will was about to continue but the sound of a horse in gallop broke their conversation. It was lord Flint riding back from the front of their formation. He towered above them on his war horse as he approached through the fog. His eyes settled on Naruto. Deep brown met sky blue.

"Ride with me" He said before turning his horse around and cantering off in the direction he came from.

Naruto looked to his friends before following in the wake of his Lord. By the time he manoeuvred through the guards, lord Robin was waiting for him well ahead of their column.

The blond settled next to him in an easy trot, well aware that they were purposefully out of earshot of everyone else. They rode on for a few minutes in uneasy silence, uneasy for the blond anyway. Lord Flint seemed un-bothered as he looked on at the sweeping lowlands ahead of them. He held a regality about him. He was usually hard to distinguish from the Men-At-Arms at The Finger. But for this trip he wore a fine black cloak of treated leather and pristine brown fur about its collar. His beard was cut short and even. Somehow not a spec of dirt found purchase on the fine quilted tunic that peaked out from under his coat. His cheeks were flushed red from the cold and he held his strong jaw at a decided angle. He looked for all to see a great lord astride his steed at the head of a mighty host.

After a few more minutes of silence a gloved hand traced against his beard and he began to speak.

"In my younger years I had a friend, Dale." He sounded almost wistful. This drew Naruto's attention instantly. "We got it into our heads that there was an Iron Born invasion happening at Salt Stain. It's a small fishing village near the Flint Cliffs. You haven't been yet, but you'd have seen it on the maps."

Naruto nodded in recollection. He'd paid close attention to the southernmost villages of his new home. The unfortunately named Salt Stain was the first sign of life one would see as they sailed up from the Westerlands. A tiny village with acres of shallow, rocky coastline, some of which was turned into salt ponds. They traded sea salt inland.

"There's no harbour at Salt Stain" Robin continued "None natural nor man made but we had heard rumour upon rumour that longships had been seen off the coast. We were sure there was something afoot. My great uncle, the Lord Flint before me, assured us that there was no great unwashed army on the horizon." Robin still stared ahead as he spoke. Naruto looked at him with keen interest. This was the first time his lord master had shared anything truly personal with him. He was scared to so much as breath, lest he break whatever enchantment had loosened the stoic man's tongue.

"But the impetuousness of youth filled my veins with a restlessness that clouded my better judgement." Robin continued on "Dale, ever the loyal friend, stole away with me in the dead of night. We had to see for ourselves. We had to save our home. Even if the stuffy old men didn't want to act. No, especially if the stuffy old men didn't want to act."

"It wasn't long before we found ourselves at Salt Stain, the first and only time I've ever been there. It's a hard place, men of the old way, more Iron Born than Northern." He spoke.

That made sense to Naruto, Salt Stain and most of the villages along the west coast of the North had at some point been held by the Iron Born. It stood to reason they would leave behind sons and daughters behind to carry their traditions once they were driven from the mainland.

"They were weary of us, though I'm sure they had no idea who I was. And why would they? My uncle and his ancestors had left them to their own devices for generations. The most they interacted with the rest of the Finger was when the traders would come and collect the salt every fortnight."

"At first we thought ourselves foolish. There were no invaders here. Just Salt and a…quiet resignation to life. They offered us guest right, as was proper. We feasted well, with the intention of riding back to the Finger on morrow. But there was something not quite right. My instincts wouldn't except being wrong. Again, we stole away in the twilight hours. What were these people hiding, I asked" He sighed heavily before continuing.

"We found what were looking for. A long ship. Dale wanted to return home, gather the men, commission a levy and send the ravens. I, reasoned it would be better to capture one of them and learn of their plans. We would be heroes. I would be a hero. My parents would hear of this and summon me back to Widow's Watch at once to shower me with praise".

"Life has a way of robbing us of our delusions in fantastic ways. As we drew close to the ship, we came upon a small group of them. We cut them down and only barely managed to escape when they the rest of them were drawn out by the commotion. They gave chase however, and when it became clear that they would catch up to us well before we made it back to Salt Stain, Dale offered to lure them away. I protested, it was madness, a death sentence but before I could stop him he was gone. He ran across their line and drew their attention." His jaw clenched and he seemed to age a lifetime in that instant. "We should have taken the horses" he sighed "I thought they would have given away our position. I made that choice".

"When I got back to the village I was furious, they knew, they had to have known that the Iron Born were there. They owned the lie. The Longship had been caught in a storm and ran aground a week prior. They had requested guest right and were granted it while they repaired their ship. The villagers follow the old way. Once you take a man in, village or home, he is yours to protect until you bid him leave. They were doing what their honour demanded. My uncle and his men arrived the next morning. He was not happy. By that time the Iron Born had rowed away into the distance. I eventually found Dale. He was a red smear in the snow. They had butchered him. They killed my friend, my brother, and it was my fault." He said the last part as a whisper.

Naruto wasn't quite sure what to do or what to say. Was lord Robin trying to show empathy? Was this his way of showing that he too had been responsible for a reckless loss of life.

"I'm sorry to hear that, my Lord." He said awkwardly.

"We are not so blessed as to be immune to cost of our actions. Had I waited but a day Dale would still be alive. If I had only stayed my sword and relied on diplomacy things would be different. You made a choice Naruto, you must live with it. In our position we often have to make the hard choices and men die. Sometimes these choices are made for us and men die. These men follow us and sometimes we fail them but we have to push on".

"I'm no Lord" The blond almost yelled. There was an edge to his words. "With respect, lord Flint. " he continued "These men don't follow me, they follow you. My failings are my own. They are not part of some bigger picture. I have no great legacy or grand destiny that can wash this all away. I am an upjump playing at being a lordling, caught up in whatever game you and the maester have going!" His face had grown red, and it was everything he could do to hold back a sob. He felt so overwhelmed. It was as if a weight was on his chest. The world around him felt smaller by the moment, the walls of his reality began closing in on him with deathly pressure.

"Is that what you think? That this is some game? And you are what, a rabble piece on some cyvasse board?" Robin asked.

"You dragged me out of the snow and I will forever be grateful, Lord Flint, but you ask too much in return. I can see no reason for my elevated station. If not some for some sick game, then why? To watch me fail?"

The older man stared at him for a long while. There was an appraising look on his face that faded to worry for the briefest of moments. He softened for a moment before reaching over and laying a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"I saw something in you that night" he began "It wasn't that you killed those men. Extraordinary but not what drew me to you. You make a fine warrior even at your tender age, but I have fine warriors and one man cannot win a war. No, it was your drive to save your family, I can relate to that. Family is everything and to see you so fiercely defend yours. That is what I want by my side. That is what I want to put my trust in."

"I…. I hadn't thought of it that way"

"No, I suppose you hadn't. Though, I am not the most forth coming with my words". He offered a small smile to the blond "You haven't been elevated to my side because I want to see how far we can push you before you break. You are where you are because I every branch I ask you to reach, no matter high above your head, you find a way to exceed my expectations. I am proud of the man you're becoming, and I look forward to what you'll achieve. "

Naruto was truly floored. The was the most they had ever really spoken. Robin usually stuck to using as few words as possible to get his point across. He had opened up in a way the blond never really expected.

"I still feel in over my head sometimes" Naruto said after a while.

"Good, I'd hate for you to grow too comfortable having the lives of my people in your hands" Robin replied with some levity. A part of Naruto was almost off put by this lighter side to his lord.

"What comes next, Naruto, will change everything, you need to be focussed, I'll not have you undoing the hard work that's gotten us this far." Robin admonished, reverting to his usual stern demeanour. Naruto was almost grateful for it.

"Gird yourself, squire, for we enter a den of wolves" Robin said as he pointed over the horizon.

Naruto's eyes followed the man's hand until they rested on the towers of Winterfell. Great grey spires that seemingly pierced into the heavens. They were flat on top and squat by design. They travelled up in layers of windows and balconies. Even its smallest tower dwarfed the tallest tower of The Finger. On top of them they were wide circular roofs that stretched on well into sky around them. They gave off the look of umbrellas from this far away. The mist seemed to swirl around their peaks before rolling over their edges in delicate swoops to the ground below.

He counted four then another and another with more fading into existences the closer his Ember trotted to the distant castle.

In the fog it was hard to tell how far the castle stretched on underneath those imposing domes, but it was obvious that he had lived all his life with his eyes closed. He could barely comprehend the sheer size of Winterfell after seeing only a shadow of the great castle. What did that say of Storm's End, Casterly Rock and all the other great castles of Westeros.

He had never seen more than a hundred people all at once, King's Landing was said to house Five Hundred thousand. He felt smaller than he ever had in that moment.

He looked to lord Robin, but the man was staring ahead, obviously impervious to the awe that had gripped Naruto.

"You will be tried, in ways you will not understand, but I trust you will not be found wanting" He said to the blond.

Naruto didn't respond. Lord Robin seemingly had some hidden knowledge about what to expect to expect at Winterfell. There was something hidden beneath the surface, this was no mere trip. All previous summons by lord Stark had been politely rejected, now Robin marched with an air of regality that was well out of place for the usually down to earth man.

He clenched his jaw when he thought of the last few days. Elric's harried message had been playing on his mind. He had no idea of the contents of said message, yet he had no doubt in his mind that it was that balled up piece of parchment that drew them here. His lord had seen fit to keep him none the wiser. There was obviously a game being a played, one he was seemingly a mere pawn in. No matter, he had been schooled in how to turn a pawn into a king.

-0-

It was another forty-five minutes before they came up to Winter Town. It was a sprawling mess of houses that ran all along the walls of Winterfell. Walls that stood stalwart against the rushing winds that kicked up this time off day when one was this far North. The houses came in all sizes and shapes. Squinted, and squatted they lay covered in layers of snow. It almost reminded him of home. But like everything else here it dwarfed the Finger by many times and more.

Dull grey were the walls. Thick and imposing. He had to arch his back to look up to their battlements. They stretched on to infinity in either direction, the only break in the great shadow they cast was the massive gate that led into the courtyard ahead of them.

"Blimey, have you ever seen anything the like?" Gar asked behind him. Excitement dripped from every word. He and Will had wormed their way up the column to be closer to him. No doubt still worried about his state of mind. His spirits lifted at the thought. What man could claim better friends than he.

"You know I haven't, breaches. Now shush before you say something even more stupid" Will bit back.

"It wasn't a question to be answered, you shit" Gar retorted in a whisper.

Naruto felt Robin's ire land on him with a look. He cleared his throat.

"Be quiet, the both of you" He threw over his shoulder. They were silent in an instant.

There was no road leading into Winterfell, not paved roads anyway. Their arrival kicked up the soft mud that flowed like a river underfoot. Naruto paid close attention. The mud was too deep and too thin to hold a horse-print but the buttery, churned nature of it spoke volumes. Horses did this, they beat the earth into a sludge. Lords and their banners had flooded into the castle, recently. It would seem many had taken up the call this time. Naruto made note of that.

The gate guard shouted their arrival and with a clunk the towering steel gates crept open. The castle courtyard had survived being trampled. A thick layer of straw and saw dust made it soft under foot and easily absorbed the fog that ran down the sides of the of the great towers in dewy, thin rivers of mist turned water.

Great hustle met them when they crossed the threshold into the castle proper. Horses, hammers, and shouts and screams crashed into his ears. His Ember started under him. Naruto gripped the reigns and clasped his heels into the beast to steady him. The column stopped suddenly behind him as the riders had to also pull in their reigns. All at once nineteen horses whinnied and snorted and stomped startling the people around them.

The noises ended abruptly. Everyone was staring now. Naruto sighed. It was never simple. To his credit, lord Robin held his head high as if nothing had happened. He led his warhorse into the waiting hands of a stable boy before dismounting in a smooth flurry. He looked on expectantly at his men-at-arms.

Naruto hurried off his horse and reluctantly handed over the leathers to what had to be the largest men he'd ever seen.

"Hodor" The man said. His bushy brown beard had slithers of stark white creeping down his temple to his chin.

"Hodor?" Naruto asked, obviously confused.

"Hodor" The man replied, nodding heartily with a small toothy grin on his face that made his mouth seem too small to contain his smile.

"Hodor" a small woman said. The way she said it, as if providing some clarity, puzzled the blond even more. She pointed at the man and said it again "Hodor".

"Ah, Hodor?" Naruto said at the man, pointing at him in acknowledgement.

"Hodor" the man replied. Now Naruto understood.

"Hodor!" A voice boomed over the courtyard. Naruto recognised this voice and straightened at the sound of it. "What is the hold up?" the voice asked as it approached "Lady Dustin's men are on the horizon; we need to clear the entrance"

A Head of dark brown appeared above the others who parted seamlessly to allow Ned Stark to approach them.

"Do not embarrass me, boy" Robin said sternly as he pulled up next to the blond.

A moment later, Ned Stark stood before them in all his glory. He wore simple leathers that were caked with mud. His gloves were worn bare, his boots old and scuffed. Dirt and grime covered him from head to toe.

"I bid you welcome, Lord Flint." He spoke to lord Robin.

Robin bowed slightly before responding. "It is always an honour to be in your company, my lord" Robin replied.

Lord Stark's eyes landed on Naruto and it felt like an anvil had smashed into him. He wasn't used to being this nervous.

"My Lord" He trembled out with a deep bow.

"Well met, Naruto, how do you fair?" Lord Stark asked.

"I fair well, Lord Stark" Naruto tried to sound composed. "Lord Robin has been most gracious."

"That's good to hear." Ned said with an appraising eye. "Please, Robin see your men to the castle." He continued "Alyn!" he then yelled. A ginger boy came running over, it was hard to make out much else under the coat of brown mud that he wore.

"m'lord" he said trying to catch his breath.

"Help our friends here to their rooms, you know the ones" Ned ordered. "And when you're back make haste with the horses will you."

"I offer some of my men, Lord Stark" Robin said, "You seem shorthanded and it's the least I can do for the hospitality you'll be providing."

"Appreciated, friend" Ned responded, "A few extra hands would be more than welcome."

"Naruto, get the men situated and see our lord Stark has a few more hands for the day".

"Yes, my lord" The blond replied before being led off into the interior of one of the large towers that dotted the maze of courtyards that made up Winterfell.

Their muddy guide brought them to the top of a tower that was built more like barracks than living quarters. Room after room lined the circular hallway, within each one was a pair of bunks for the men.

"Alright men, there's room enough for everyone, we've got the whole floor to ourselves." Naruto began "Will, Gar you've pulled the short straw. You two are with me, we're going to muck in and earn our keep."

He could hear the groan from his two friends as they entered their dorms.

-0-

"You know, there are easier ways to get a hernia" Naruto strained under the weight of a loaded case that belonged to one Lady Barbery Dustin. He was careful to speak so that only Will could hear.

"Well, next time don't try and play the hero. A case with two handles is meant to be carried by two people." Will replied as he led one of the Ladies many horses away to the stables.

"You know me, Garner, can't resist a damsel in distress." Naruto said as he took very slow and deliberate steps to avoid tipping the great red carrying trunk that rested on his shoulders.

Gods, the blond thought, what is she carrying. He half expected bricks to fall out when he placed it gently on the floor next to the entrance of another of the great towers of Winterfell. Lord Stark had gone to great lengths to separate his bannermen into more agreeable groups around the castle. Mostly, these were groups that had very little to do with each other. His own group of men shared their tower with houses Tallhart and Ironsmith.

He wiped his brow with his sleeve and squirmed a bit when he inadvertently smeared cold mud across his forehead. At least he hoped it was mud. Near a hundred horsed had been through that courtyard since his arrival.

He was about to head back out into the bustle of the courtyard when a tall woman strode past the Dustin men-at-arms who trailed after him, probably to ensure he didn't steal the contents of the trunk he had brought in for them.

"My, aren't you helpful" She said.

"It is a pleasure to be of service, my lady" Naruto replied quickly.

"Now, now" She purred "pleasure is such a meaningful word. Let's not waste it on such a meagre task".

"Well, meagre or no, service to one so lovely as yourself, Lady Dustin, is a pleasure in and if itself"

She barked out a sharp laugh and her thin features contoured into a sly smile.

"Oh, lovely, am I?" she asked, the beginnings wrinkles had settled in and around the edges of her eyes and lips. Grey streaks had formed in her long brown hair that pooled around the edges of her high orange collars. "Dear boy, is this an attempt at flattery?"

"It is." Naruto said flatly "Unless I overstep..."

"No, not at all" She interrupted and placed a long thin finger on her cheek as she spoke "in fact I'd invite you to step with more vigour. Indeed, dare to stomp" She laughed with a slight giggle "It's been far too long since I've been charmed."

"I aim to please, my lady"

"What a darling little thing you are. Lord Robin must be delighted. Able warrior and honey tongued. A man as capable with a silver tongue as he is with a steel sword would be a novelty. You could far…" She said before bending over and looking him directly in the eye "with the right support."

"Lord Robin provides all I need and more, my lady" he was almost taken back by the fact that she recognised him. He wore no discernible markings, but in all honesty, blond and blue eyed was not a trait he'd ever seen in the north. He was the anomaly.

"I'm sure he does, you're young now but soon you won't be. Soon you will be a man grown. And the man does not want for the same things as the boy" She trailed off at the end and began to walk past him.

"My Lady" He said before she was fully away from him "Levity aside, it grieves me to hear of bandits raiding your villages"

"Is this when you offer me your condolences? We've had a good chat, charming boy, let us not sour the mood" And with that she disappeared into the stark grey of the tower.

Naruto frowned as he trudged back out into the muddy yard. The sun was setting now and most on the castle staff were retiring to sup. Will and Gar were waiting patiently for him. There was no more work to be done, he thought happily. It was not very likely that anyone would arrive after dark. On top of that, dozens of Lords and Ladies had arrived over the past few days, it was doubtful there was anyone left to arrive.

He had hoped lord Robin would have resurfaced but the man had disappeared with lord Stark almost as soon as they'd arrived. Very curious.

-0-

With Lord Robin seemingly abandoning them to their own devices it was on Naruto to marshal the men. A simple enough task, they had travelled for almost a week. The beds here were a magnitude softer that the rolled furs they slept on out in the cold forest. So, the men did as they were prone to do in these circumstances, they slept.

Even he had succumbed to fatigue eventually. At first, he had tried to wait up for his lord. Robin had left without a single guard. Unofficially, his security was Naruto's primary concern. Without Elric or even Mylas, it went without saying that Naruto was now in charge.

Robin had returned in the early hours to find Naruto asleep outside his door. The boy begged forgiveness for his lapse in duty but Robin had assured him that there was nothing to worry about, he had slipped away by design and quickly dismissed the blond off to bed.

That was last night. This morning was the first day of the lands meet. He strode next to Robin as his guard when they made their approach to the main hall to break their fast. Behind them marched the other men from The Finger, in a file of two, their feet thundered on the warm tiles beneath them in a quick, precise canter. Each of them wore thin, blue dyed surcoats over grey padded wool tunics.

As they rounded into the main hall the commotion died down instantly. Hundreds of heads turned to greet them. Men from the Rills and Last Hearth and Barrowton and even Skogos froze mid chew and stared at them. Lords and their troops tended to trickle into the hall, by arriving in force Robin was making a statement. They marched with intent and Naruto could see the sly smile that tugged at his lords lips but chose to ignore it and manoeuvre his men to their designated tables.

This was easily the largest room Naruto had ever seen. It dwarfed the main hall of The Finger several times over. Even with hundreds of occupants there was plenty of room for many and more. The dark grey walls emitted a strange heat as they raced up into a high flat ceiling that was clouded in smoke from the many giant braziers burning sweet smelling wood and herbs to fill the room with the smell of a high summer morning.

Along the walls, long flowing banners of white draped down to the floor with the wolfs head heraldry of house stark emblazoned upon them. Underfoot a light dusting of sawdust, reeds and rushes with scented herbs lined the floor. Naruto peered around the space and had to squint his blue eyes, he was directly under one of the halls giant stained-glass windows, again the sheer size of it baffled him.

In no time the clattering of plates and bowls returned in earnest. Chatter rose to a deafening din and for the first time Naruto could see gravity of the situation. All the North was here. The Umbers and Manderlys drank heartily in loud conversation on tables next to the Boltons who sat quietly but the resigned rage on Roose Bolton's pale face betrayed his mood.

Servants darted around from table to table carrying platters of lamb, and chicken and pork, and tiny roasted vegetables. Great casks of wine had been pegged along the walls and poured their sticky sweet contents into many a cup to suit the ravenous appetites of the northern lords.

All around him some of the most powerful people in Westeros postured and laughed and drank as if their fields weren't burning. As if men and women weren't being put to the sword by the dozens.

A thought occurred to him in that moment. Lady Dustin's words echoed in his mind and they were true. He could go far…with the right support. He just needed to figure out what direction he wanted to go far in.

"Lords and Ladies attendant!" A voice boomed over the cattle of people assembled. "I present, Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn Stark!"

As one, the assorted nobility stood as their Lord stark and his lady wife strode purposefully towards their table that sat on a raised platform overlooking their guests. There was a clatter as they retook their seats. He had never seen Catelyn Stark before but he doubted he'd ever forget her red hair. He'd seen many a redhead, yet none so red as the Lady Stark. In a room of blacks and browns she shone radiant. Her grey dress was high collard and well fitted around her slim waist, it trailed behind her with a weightless silk plumage that wafted in the air ever so elegantly. Her eyes, pale, milky blue betrayed no emotion above her high, sharp cheek bones and rosy, red lips. It was obvious that she was not of the North. A novelty they shared.

They had barely settled into their high-backed chairs before Lord Stark began to speak.

"May the old gods watch over you all" Ned spoke.

"And you, my Lord!" his response was unanimous.

"It warms my heart to see you all here. To see you've all answered when I've called. That's what makes the north strong. Your lealty never goes unnoticed."

"To the Starks!" an Umber stood and shouted in a booming voice that almost shook Naruto's bones. He raised his horn and downed its contents in a loose gulp that sent wine pouring down his thick brown beard.

"To the Starks!" rang out across the room followed by the banging cups on the wooden tables.

Eddard nodded in appreciation before continuing "I've requested you all here for a most grave reason. It seems every other day a raven arrives with dire news. All across the north bandits and wildlings are tearing through our villages and homesteads and we seem Ill prepared to deal with it. Make no mistake my friends, the north is being bled and this will only get worse. I've asked you here because we have been spread thin and ineffectual in our approach. It's time for the many fingers of the North to form a single fist"

"Hear, hear!" A Glover shouted. The silver fist emblazoned on his red tunic named him as such. "This has gone on for too long, I can barely raise the funds to keep my towns guarded. Every time I put out one fire, three more farms are set ablaze in its place."

That hit Naruto deeply. He made note of the man's features, he had a large balding head with brown hair that was cut short. He had a greying bushy beard that ran down his neck until it was met by his straggly chest hair. Robbet Glover was his name. Naruto knew it well and so would Will, this was the man that they would owe allegiance to in their old lives. He was their fief Lord. He was supposed to protect them. Now hear he stood making excuses. Craven. Naruto almost spat out the word but kept his tongue. This was not the place.

"Your assistance last year will not soon be forgotten, lord stark." Robbett finished before sitting back down.

"Aye, this madness must end. I've never seen the like of it" This man was a Tallhart of Torren's Square. Helman Tallhart if Naruto were to guess. "Our villages are burning and our women and children slaughtered. In all my years, to see so many men of the North take up arms against their better character." he paused and shook his grey head "this must be the work of the others, or some other fell spirits."

"No need for superstition" A lord of house Ryswell countered "These are but men. Men displaced of their senses by war, but yet still men. It stands to reason that smallfolk would be ill prepared for the horrors of battle. Robert's rebellion was a particularly bloody affair. It is little wonder that returning to the fields was not an option for men with fractured minds."

"I've been in my fair share of battels Rodrik, hells, we all have now." The man from house Tallhart had turned to face his contemporary. "But I've seen nothing that would make me want to burn babies at the stake!"

"Calm, please, calm" Ned spoke out above the growing discontent. "We've come here to solve this issue not argue amongst ourselves. Lady Dustin, Barbery, condolences for what's happening in your lands. I hear they've been particularly unsparing to your people" Ned added after a beat. "Should you need anything, Winterfell is yours".

The lady stood and bowed slightly "Your words are a balm that soothes a troubled mind, my Lord. I pray words lead to actions that would sooth even further".

If Naruto didn't know any better he would think she was trying to flirt. The Lady had a way about her and he could see the slight shift in the attentions of the other Lords. Many an eye landed her exposed bosom. Naruto was no exception. Her dress was a lot less modest than it was yesterday. She wore still her high collar that reached up under her thin delicate chin, she seemed determined to show off her graceful long neck. This dress, however, was a dark blue, almost black. It was slim with aspects of padded wool and shinny orange leather on its shoulder pads. She looked imposing today. In the way only a woman could.

"Our lands have been torn apart for far too long. It's far past the time for us to pull together and trample these brigands into the snow" She continued.

There was a collective harrumph across the room as the old men around them nodded and muttered at themselves.

"With respect, my lady" Another female voice chimed in. "While your plight ways heavy on mine own heart, not all of our lands are so undefended that toothless farmers have managed to reave unabated." This woman had a familiar look to her. Naruto couldn't quite place it but there was definitely something about her that he recognised. He could almost hear the scowl on Robin's face. His thin lips pressed into a thin, flat line and his eyes narrowed on the lady with heated attention.

"I would very much like to keep it that way, if my men-at-arms go traipsing to the aid of every Lord across the North then who would keep my peace?" She argued. Her voice was light but aged. Her once brown hair was wispy and white as it shone in the light of the room. Delicately braided in the northern fashion it hung low on her shoulders. She wore a long black dress that covered every inch of her in drooping wool and sturdy leather. She tried little to none at all to hide her age. If Naruto had to guess she was in her sixties. The deep etches around her pink lips and green eyes signified her years.

It was apparent to Naruto in that moment that the North was more divided than anyone would guess.

Lords Bolton, Locke, Manderly, Hornwood and even the Karstarks had been silent as the stone walls so far but the shifts in their body language as the lady spoke signalled their agreement.

"The lady speaks truth, honoured cousin" Lord Rickard Karstark bellowed. He was tall and gaunt and grey all over. With a long thick beard with a thin, straw like mane that wafted down below his narrow face. "I've seen no such incursions" he continued "You know me, my Lord. You know my worth, I would march to the seven hells and back if youbut command it. But I have to think of my people, much like the Lady. What if we send our men off to the west only invite similar calamity into our own lands?"

Even the layout of the tables spoke to this divide. It was no secret that the eastern territories benefited greatly from trade with Essos. White Harbour was a teeming port that traded everything from furs to oils, wood and especially silver across the narrow sea. The wealth of the Manderlys that sat White Harbour had trickled down to their subservient minor houses and neighbours like the Boltons.

On the other hand, the western houses had no such intuition towards commercialism. They were farmers, fishermen and foresters. Simple people really. This created a divide in wealth. Wealth bought steel, wealth built castles, and wealth was safety. Or so it seemed.

"Our ancestors fought together, bled together and died together for thousands of years." Eddard began with an edge to his tone. "Now is not to the time to be divided".

"It seems our esteemed fellows to the east have forgotten the age-old adage, my lord" Robin spoke up for the first time "When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives" He had stood as he spoke. He addressed the room and his words boomed over the blond. "It is in our nature to band together, to survive. The longer we stay behind our own walls, the longer the North will be in turmoil. And mark my words it won't be too long before these men are bold enough to challenge your security as they challenge ours."

"By all means, dear Robin" The older lady spoken again, she gave Robin a soft look with a warm smile "band together. Survive. But do not expect us to abandon our safety on a whim"

"The lives of our people can hardly be called a whim, mother. Are we so beneath you, so undeserving?" There was venom in Lord Flints words.

Now it made sense. It was obvious from the moment he walked through the doors of The Finger that Lord Robin's family outside of his castle was not to be mentioned. He had almost broached the subject with the good maester but the man pre-empted him and warned him that he would sooner be back out on the streets before he heard a word from anyone in the castle on the matter.

"Come now, please, Robin." She almost pleaded "Spare your poor mother some modicum of understanding. See this from our perspective for a moment. And I must commend you on the relative peace in your own lands. A pity really that you, so close to the dear Lady Dustin, could not offer any aid in her time of most need. I hope she is as understanding of us as she was with your absence" The old lady still looked at Robin as any mother would look at an unruly child. She was almost pleading in her tone.

"Yes, Lord Flint" Lord Karstark spoke again "The Lady of Widow's Watch is right. You would plead for our aid but keep yours behind your own walls. The pack survives indeed".

"I will not have my honour challenged. Not by you, not by anyone" Robin spoke up. He was riled up. This was bad. Maester Karl had told him that emotions were not to be brought to court and Naruto could see now why.

"My Lords, my Lords, please" It was Wayman Manderly who spoke up. The Lamprey, they called him. A fat, pile of a man who took up nearly an entire bench to himself. He spilled over the back of it and almost down to the floor. His many chins waddled and flapped as he spoke. He was distinctly different from those around him. He wore an exquisite robe over a tunic of powdery blue and green. It had embroidery of fine mesh like fabric than shone silver in the light beaming in from the large windows. His hair was oiled and glossy and slicked back against his great fat head. "There must be an amicable solution. Let us not sully our lord's hall with this bickering. Our banners flew as friends and equals during the rebellion, so let none among us have their honour and steadfastness questioned. Instead, let us align and summon the spirit of eight years ago and march as one towards a common cause."

"Hear, hear" rang out from someone on the lord Manderley's table.

-0-

And so it went on for near another three hours before they took recess. That recess had seemingly dragged on to tomorrow. Maybe Lord Stark thought a day of drinking would cool his bannermen's tongues and tempers. It was admirable what he wanted to achieve but maybe he was a tad naïve to believe honour would win out. Naruto loved the ideals of the honour bound knight as much as anyone else but he had seen too much.

No, self-interest would always carry the day. Helping each other sounded good but Eddard needed to make it personal. He needed to figure out what his bannermen wanted. Only then could he manoeuvre them properly. He held them or mayhaps even himself in too high an esteem.

Naruto almost felt blasphemous for thinking that. Ned Stark was the pinnacle of a man in his mind. But it was becoming clear that not every man aspired to those heights. Seeing Lord Glover had soured his mood.

He had left the table when the wine began to flow. Gar had filled his skin with the pungent Northern variety and with Robin's leave they set off to explore the many courtyards of Winterfell.

Naruto found himself on one of the walkways that ran between the many towers of the castle. He leaned over the balcony and listened in to Gar and Will below him. They had found a handful of old barrels and made seats of them. The blonde had grown bored and began to wander. That was near an hour ago. Now his thoughts were on the conversation between his friends, who reliably, were on opposite sides of the issue.

"It doesn't matter, we should be able to put aside petty disputes and come together at times such as these" Will stood as he spoke. A slight sway in his steps from his over indulgence in the wine skin in his hands, Gar snatched it from him as he spoke.

"It does not matter, Garner, you're asking them to leave themselves to the same fate as you're trying to avoid to rescue you." Gar countered.

"You don't know what it's like, Gar. And I pray you never do. But if you saw what we've seen then you'd want to make sure it never happens again"

"Or I'd be smart enough to control the things I can control and trust the Lords around me to do the same".

"Those are the words of a craven."

"Craven or no, Garner, I'm no Lord nor do I have it in myself to judge others for wanting to protect what they hold dear"

"Even if others are left to die?" Will chimed in. Naruto was genuinely curious now. His exchange with Robin about the events in Barrowtown rang through his mind.

"Especially if others are dying" Gar sighed and took a swig of the wine before passing it back to Will "You boys haven't seen the world. I mean not really. Before The Finger I travelled to almost every great hold and castle in the North. My mother travelled with a trader, Bick, cunt might actually be my father now that I think about it." He laughed dryly at the thought. "After she passed, he kept me around with his family. For the odd jobs, you know, whatever needed doing. It was a solid existence. In that time, I met the people who you're expecting to ride out into that cold winter and fight bandits. I broke bread with them, shivered in the night with them, shovelled shit with them. Who do you think these Lords are going to send off to fight?" He asked "It won't be their trained men-at-arms. No, they're too valuable, maybe one or two who want something to do, but by and large it will be stable boys, farmers sons, and whoresons too desperate to say no."

Will was quiet after that. Gar had a point. The North was vast, any attempt to police it would require recruiting a force outside of the castle and town guards that were already stretched thin. Who would train them, who would feed them, who would care when they died?

Naruto sighed heartily and rubbed his gloved hands over his face. This was a lot more complex than it was in the stories.

He was about to chime in, shout an argument down from between the intricate lattice of stone that lined the walkway but before he could a figure began to approach from the shadows of the tower to his right.

Alarm bells began to ring in the back of his mind. Something told him to be on high alert with this one.

"An interesting duo, they make" The Lady Flint said looking down on the boy's conversation. He knew very little about Lyessa Flint, save for the fact she was Robin's mother. He had never spoken of her.

"My Lady" Naruto greeted with a bow and an amicable smile.

"I wonder" she continued "Is the trio as animated as the pair?"

"I consider myself a calming influence on them" He replied.

"Oh, I doubt that" she said playfully "You have that twinkle behind your eyes. Those lovely blues betray you".

"It wouldn't be the first time. I may have to find some way of concealing them. Maybe a large hood or wear mesh like the women across the narrow sea do." He japed

"And deprive the maidens the chance to swoon at such a dashing lad, I think not" She walked up next to him as she spoke. She was a short woman her white hair was tied up in a neat intricate braid at the top of her head. "I've heard enough gossip around the Watch to know what the young ladies like and believe me dear boy, you are certainly it"

"You flatter, my Lady. I welcome the compliment and am remis that I have yet to pay you one in kind."

"No need, dear boy. My days of expecting compliments have long passed. My husband showered me with more than enough during our time together. They shall last the rest of my days. "

"I've heard many good things about your late husband." Naruto lied "I am happy that his memory carries you well."

"Heard things, have you?" she half asked, "I'm sure you didn't hear them from my dear Robin." She laughed easily. This woman was the opposite of her son it seemed. She had a charm about her and effortless way with her smiles and bright green eyes that were as welcoming as a mother's embrace. "His brother was the loud the one. He would scream and shout and laugh so loud it shook the doors off their hinges. Or so his father would say. Robin, however was always quiet and severe. He spoke when he needed to, said his words and nothing else. Mind you, he was very popular with girls at court. Some women love the strong silent type."

"I suppose mystery has its charms".

"You suppose right" she replied "He is a mystery to most, not his mother of course. I've always known him best and what's best for him. Not that he listens to me. "

"I'm sure he takes your words to heart" Naruto placated.

"No, he doesn't" she said "But no matter. It leaves me with time enough to focus on other things, and other people. It grows lonely in that big castle all by myself. " She looked off to the side before speaking again "I remember my boys in their youth. They brought so much joy, so much noise to the old place. I spoiled them rotten of course." She laughed "There's so much that Widow's Watch has to offer."

"I've heard good things, the narrow sea is said to be beautiful in the summer"

"Yes, it is. Gilded blue with a sapphire sheen that stretches on to the end of the world." She said "Very unlike the cold and bleak Saltspear that you have to contend with."

"It does have it's charms".

I'm sure it does, it must be what's kept my only remaining son away from me for thirteen years. You should come visit me one of these days"

"My work for your son keeps me very busy, my Lady, but should I find myself close by I would be honoured to be your guest."

"I heard tell that you want to be a knight. Ser Naruto does have a certain ring to it"

"I've been told it sounds too foreign".

"No more foreign that Targaryen" She offered "It's a shame though. The only way to be knighted is to win favour with the Manderlys. I'm sure you know that they are the only house in the North that practices the southern faith and have been granted the rights to bestow recognised knighthood."

"It was my hope that a tourney would open up and we could distinguish ourselves before your Lord."

"A fine idea, unfortunately there won't be a tourney for a while yet and with winter falling any day now it might be another lifetime before you get your chance."

Naruto said nothing. He hadn't really thought about that. The North was in a state of uncertainty, holding a tourney now would be in bad taste and the current summer had ran on for far longer than it should have. Winter was coming and it was going to be a long one. His face must have betrayed his thoughts.

"That being said" The lady added "With the Manderlys being my direct liege lords I do have a certain sway. Tourney or no, a well placed word in the right ear and you could showcase the skills that have made you talk of the North in petition for a knighthood or maybe even elevated with lands." She gauged his reactions intently as she spoke the last part.

His eyes widened and his heart quickened at her words.

"That is, should you serve the right house of course" she said it almost as if it didn't matter. Some throw away thing to top off her not-so-subtle offer.

"And which would be the right house?" he asked.

"It grows lonely in that big castle all by myself" she repeated her words for effect and smiled when his eyes showed that he figured out her meaning. "Why don't you take the time to think about what you truly want and what is truly achievable. "

"With the right support" he muttered the words Lady Dustin had said to him earlier.

"You could go far" she finished for him "I must beg your leave, dear boy. There are many who seem to be interested in my patronage this day, but there are only so few who can receive it." she almost purred.

She began to walk away.

"My Lady" Naruto said before she was out of earshot "I have sworn my life to the service of your son and my Lord, Robin. He has been good to me. If a knighthood is not in his power to give then so be it, I will carry no regret, for what he has given me is worth so much more"

She came to stop looked back him with a questioning gaze.

"You'll find that words, sworn or not are just air and are worth naught but the wind that carried them." She strode on "I will see you again, dear boy".

Naruto sighed and shook his head. What was that, he thought. Wait until the good maester heard about this. He was sure the bald man would have found a way to get a knighthood out of that conversation. He cast the thought to the back of his mind and headed to the stairs that brought him down to join his two friends.

-0-

Robin

He had followed her when she left the hall. He had words for her after all. When she approached his young charge Robin's first instinct was to step in and stop her robbing him of yet another prize. But Karl had advised against it. He had brought the boy here for this very purpose, let him be tested. Better to know now how far loyalties ran. He had stayed in the shadows of the tower as they spoke. Naruto was quick and amicable with her. He didn't take the bait and pry for more information on Robin's early years as so many others would have. That would have been her snare. That she even tried to tempt him with knighthood was a desperate attempt. The question remained though, how did she know he wanted to be a knight, it was obvious she had spies in his walls.

When she rounded the corner he stepped out to greet her.

"Mother" he said

"Robin" she replied coldly "You have raised him well. His loyalty is commendable."

"It's a rare thing in one so young" he said to her.

"indeed. We've both felt the sting of disloyal youth" she brushed some loose hay from his broad shoulder as she spoke.

"Yet only one of us would temp children against their parents" Robin said through gritted teeth.

"Ha" she laughed easily at him "Temp, I merely suggested. Would only you had chosen a wife of proper station then her offspring would not be so easily swayed."

"You will watch your poisonous tongue" The heat was growing in his chest now.

"No, I don't think I will" she said defiantly. "You are my son, Robin. My only remaining son. I only want what is best for you, as your father would have wanted."

"Father did not know or care what was best for me. Byam was his heir, his champion. He only noticed my existence after I left to live with my uncle". He said

"Your father was a singular man, it's what made him great. Were it not for Eddard's foolhardy war for the oaf king he would be here to command you to do exactly what I've asked of you"

"Those are treasonous words" He whispered at her.

"They are true words, Northmen should never dirty their hands with southern politics." She walked to a window and stood beneath its glow.

"Are you so much better?." he sighed "Besides, if not for the war then Byam would also be here and I would be happily ruling the Finger without your interference. I would have remained a speck of dust in your eye behind the all encompassing sun that was Byam"

"I have loved you both equally since the moment you entered this world" She gave him a stern look. Her lips grew thin in same way his did when he was particularly offended.

"Not even you could believe that" was his cold reply.

"A mother's love is not a thing to take lightly" She said quickly

"is that so?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, dear Robin" again she was quick to reply.

"Then what of Dacey's love?" he grew irate "is she not a mother? You took our child from us, you hold her hostage to your ridiculous demands"

"Ridiculous?" She almost raised her voice "You dishonour the blood in your veins for some lowborn and you call me ridiculous?"

"She is of house Glenmore, as highborn as you or I" he retorted

"A laughably tenuous relation." she laughed lightly "What can she offer?"

"Everything!" he said sternly "Have you no consideration for love. Like the love you bore father?"

"Love is the death of duty, dear boy. What we had was beyond love."

"I have liaised with the Lady Dustin. Since her Lord husbands passing she has taken no lovers. You are of a similar age and if you act quickly she can guarantee us a suitable heir. Think about it, Robin, The Finger, Widow's Watch and Barrowton under the Flint Banner" She rested a hand on his shoulder. It was almost affectionate. Almost.

"Us?" he sighed and pulled away from her touch "What of my wife, have you considered her in your machinations?"

"Of course I have. Should she meet… a sudden and wholly unforeseen end. I could have you married within a fortnight".

He stared at her long and hard. His brown eyes peered at her looking for some semblance of a soul.

"Give me back my daughter" he said finally.

"I did not take her, how can I possibly give her back?" She was not taking him seriously.

"You lured her away from me, from her mother, her home" He towered over when she was this close. She was unperturbed by their height difference.

"She has a new home now. And I would hate to upset her with news of our bickering." She made deliberate eye contact with her son "She is such a delicate thing, and the world can be such a dangerous place. A misplaced word can cause such suffering".

"Do not threaten my child woman" His fists were clenched. It took everything he had not to reach out and grab her by her thin neck.

"I would not dare. You will receive a raven a week hence. I hope your response will be more aligned with your options. Now smile, beloved son. Soon this dark chapter in our relationship will be behind us." She said before turning and walking further into the tower and out of sight leaving Robin to his thoughts.

-0-

Naruto

Naruto approached his friends, thoughts of his conversation with the Lady Flint all but disappeared when he laid eyes on the two boys. Before he could call out to them his instincts kicked in and he craned his neck slightly to the right to avoid a pebble lobbed at the back of his head. Gar, a pace ahead of him wasn't so lucky. A dull thud rang out from the reddening spot on his forehead that the grey stone created. Rage was etched on Gar's face as he too spun around, his steel drawn.

"Oi!" he screamed into the midday air. A puff of mist surrounded his words as if he belched steam from an angry fire in his gut. He was certainly red enough to have one. "Who dares?"

Naruto whirred quickly on the spot and reached for the sword on his back reflexively. His fingers had only grazed the handle of Thunder when he realised the identity of his assailant. It was a small boy hidden in one of the smaller alleyways that ran between the towers of Winterfell.

He held a finger to his pursed lips and hurried a "ssshh" before beckoning the boys over with his free hand. Naruto furrowed his eyebrows at the sight. Against his better judgment he wandered over the boy and stood over him with a questioning look.

"You've assaulted my man, boy." Naruto said with his hands against hips. There was a wry smile marring his features as the indignant look on Gar's face had him on the brink of laughter. "He's not so intelligent that he can afford any strikes to head."

Gar sucked his teeth behind the blond and Will openly laughed at the jape.

Another "Ssshhh!" rang out from the boy. He wore a fine wolf skin cloak that looked almost silken in the frosted air. It rand down to his little feet revealing on his gloved hands and pale face.

He looked awfully familiar, Naruto thought, almost as if he were…

Naruto bowed quickly and averted his eyes.

"My Lord" he said at the boy and was relieved when his companions did the same "Well met, how can…"

Again "Ssshhh!" the boy said. This time he sounded almost annoyed but followed with "come, come. Quickly, quickly." With that he took off in a slow jog towards the stables near the main gates.

Naruto gave chase with Will and Gar in tow. A moment later they arrived at what Naruto guessed was an old training circle. It looked disused. Tattered training dummies were strewn about in random places, some half buried in the muddy earth.

Around the circle was a wooden fence. This was a training area. And judging by the disturbed mud it must have been used recently. Beyond the training circle were empty structures that rested against the great walls of the castle.

"This used to be one of the training grounds for the household guard" The boy said when he saw Naruto surveying the area "Now they train at tower near the greenhouse. It is larger, I suppose. Now this is all ours" He finished with a shrug.

"It's magnificent, my Lord" Naruto was unsure of what to say so he kept to platitudes.

"No it's not. Don't do that" The boy responded quickly.

The boy looked at him with beaming blue eyes, wiped the shining auburn hair from his brow and reached out a hand to the blond.

"Robb Stark, heir of Winterfell." He stated. His chest puffed underneath his fine cloak as he spoke "Well met, Naruto Uzumaki"

Naruto took the offer hand and squeezed gently. "Well met, Robb Stark, heir of Winterfell. How may I be of service?"

"I've heard many things about you, my father speaks highly of the you and.." he looked around Naruto to make sure his companions had followed "Will Garner. The night you met is oft spoken of in the walls of the castle. They say you're a warrior like no other. A beast made flesh" the excitement was building in the lads words as he spoke. He was a tad shorter than Naruto, that was to be expected, he only just saw his eighth name day. Naruto could see Ned Stark in his features. He had the Tully colouring of his mother's house but Ned was in there and maybe over time he would show.

"Fanciful stories, I assure you, my lord, I'm no beast, just a lad who had something to fight for that night. I reckon every man becomes a beast when they have nowhere to run." Naruto countered.

"Robb" was his reply "'My Lord' is my father. To you I would like to be Robb. Just Robb".

"That would be improper" Naruto said with slight hesitation.

"Only when it's just us then?" Robb asked.

"As you wish, my " he sighed "Robb"

"Brilliant. Jon!" Robb shouted into the one of the structures around them "Jon! I found them. You can come out, no one saw me."

"Are you sure?" Someone yelled back "Not even father? Or Lady Stark" Naruto could guess who that voice belonged to. He didn't need to. Out of the shadows stepped a boy, similar in height to the heir of Winterfell but he was Stark all over. The spit of Eddard. He was his bastard after all.

He had long curly brown hair that rested beneath his rosy cheeks and the haunting grey eyes of the Starks.

"Well met" he said when he was close enough. "I'm Jon. Jon Snow"

"Well met, my Lord" Naruto responded

"No" Jon Snow said "Not lord. Just Jon. Bastards aren't Lords"

This was getting awkward.

Robb intervened "Can we see it?" he asked the blond. Naruto looked at him puzzled.

"See what?" He asked

"The sword. The one that sings. Is that it on your back?" The young man was almost bouncing on his heels in excitement now.

Naruto was hesitant but he resolved to show them Thunder but under no circumstance would he allow them to touch it. Gods be good and they wouldn't even ask to, the last thing he needed was one of them lopping a finger off.

In a deft movement Thunder was in his hands. It rang as he drew it. A distinct noise that could be heard across the training yard. It's fine blade shone in the daylight.

"Amazing" Jon said

"Can I hold it" Robb said and Naruto's heart sank.

"No Robb, you mustn't" Jon said quickly " Father wouldn't be pleased"

Robb sighed. "Fine." he said before a gleam appeared in his eyes "show us how you killed those bandits. I heard there was a score of them."

Naruto laughed good naturedly and looked over to Will. "There were only five and young Will over there did most of the work" Will forced a smile at the praise.

"Don't be modest, Naruto. It was mostly you." Will said.

"Show us, show us" Robb began to chant and pointed at the dummies in the training circle.

Why not, Naruto thought, the right support eh, Lady Dustin? Well didn't get more right than the future lord paramount of the North.

He rolled his shoulders and walked over to the dummies. There were three of them and with three strokes of his gleaming blade they were each cut in half. It took less than a second. Thunder sang loudly now in his hands.

"Wow!" Robb yelled. "Did you see that, Jon? I told you, I told you!"

Jon eyed him impassively for a long moment. "Can you teach me?" He said after a few seconds.

"Teach you what?" Naruto asked

"How to fight like you do" was his answer

"I'm sure Ser Rodrick will want to instruct in his way, your fathers' way. I'd hate to overstep" Naruto said.

"Just one lesson couldn't hurt, could it. He'll never know" Robb said "here, look" He reached in to the structure Jon had been hiding in and produced two training swords.

"I doubt you lads should practicing with steel, dull or otherwise" Naruto said trying not to sound too forceful.

Gar looked on tensely with Will by his side.

"you sound like mother" Robb interjected.

"Your lady mother is wise woman" Naruto replied.

"Aye, that she is" someone said while approaching. He has long black hair that sat easily on his shoulders and eyes almost as white as milk, like two moons resting in his face. He was of medium height with a slender build. Around his black tunic was wrapped a soft pink cloak. "Fine work on those dummies. I'd heard tell from my father of the beast of the Wolfswood. It must have been a sight, for he rarely tells of anything, least of all to me."

He was standing directly in front of Naruto now. "My Lord" He said with a bow of his head to Robb. Then he turned to face Naruto. "Domeric Bolton. You've met my father"

"Lord Bolton" Naruto said "I've heard stories of you"

"Do I do the legends justice?" he japed

"I've yet to hear you on the harp or to see the fine chargers you breed"

"Ah, a man of culture. There is no greater thing than a thorough bred horse" he began "I took to them during my time as a page in Barrowton. I've commissioned a stable not too far from one of my aunts holdfasts. I aim to breed them, it's a passion of mine. What do you think?" he asked Naruto directly.

"A promising venture. The Finger is always in need of a good horse. I myself just broke in a fine charger, a gift from the Ryswells"

"Yes" Domeric responded "The orange one. I birthed him myself. If I'd known where he would have ended up I would have sent a warning. A more wilful creature doesn't exist in the seven kingdoms" They both shared a laugh at Embers expense. "How rude of me" He turned to Will " you must be Will Garner and you're…?"

"Gar" Gar said, a tad nervous "just Gar"

"Well met just Gar and you also, Will Garner"

"Well met" they both said in unison

" Naruto, I must be honest, I've actually been following you. " Domeric said to the blond " When I heard you were here I developed a curiosity to see you in action"

"It seems you share much in common with Lord Stark here" Naruto pointed at Robb as he spoke.

"Well our young lord is very astute then. It would be an opportunity missed not to test myself against the rising star of our corner of Westeros".

"My Lord I'm afraid it would not be proper"

"Bah" Domeric interrupted "Let's not play the game of bashful man-at-arms and demanding Lord. We'll leave that to the books we hide under our pillows" he laughed.

Gar choked out a hearty laugh at the dirty humour.

"I'd offer you a wager then" Domeric said and reached for the training swords that Robb had dropped when he appeared. He threw one at the blonds at feet and held the other tight in his hands. " A dozen chargers, as fine as the one you ride, should you best me."

Before Naruto could once again reject the offer Gar spoke up

"He excepts!" His friend shouted

"Gar!" Naruto rebuked

"Surely you'll not insult Lord Bolton by rejecting his generous terms" Gar replied and was sure to stress that Domeric was indeed Lord Bolton.

"Apologies, my Lord " Naruto said " I meant no offence. Simply, I do not have anything to wager in return" Naruto said hoping that Lord Bolton would get his meaning and abandon this foolishness. He would not risk wounding a lord. Their bodies or their egos. High born men's bodies healed readily, their egos could hardly suffer a bruise without crumbling. He did not want to have to deal with the fallout should he scratch this man's fair skin.

"Your charger then. A handsome beast, it would do well back in my possession. What say you, you'll not have me beg further would you?" Domeric said as smiled warmly at Naruto.

The blond sighed in defeat. He could not deny the man without insulting him further but would not lose his Ember. It was settled then.

"A bargain is struck then my Lord, with Lord Stark as a witness to our honour" Naruto said while looking at Robb. The boy swelled at the regard Naruto thrust upon him.

"Splendid" Domeric said before sliding into an orthodox ready stance with the dull straining sword. Dull or not steel is steel Naruto thought, best to pull his hits so as not to injure his opponent.

Domeric advanced slowly with both hands on his sword. He drew close and then lashed out with a loose stab. Naruto parried easily and shifted to begin circling lord Bolton. He was given chase and blocked a flurry of high and low blows with relative ease before pushing at the man. In an instant Naruto was upon him. He gave a less than adequate defence before stumbling in the mud under foot.

Naruto paused. A sharp look took Domeric's features.

"Do not take me lightly" he said "We have been amicable so far, do not dishonour me." Bolton said with venom.

Naruto was torn. His technique was sloppy, and he was slow of foot. The blond could have ended this bout before it began yet he did not want to shame the man with an easy victory, but it seemed he had dishonoured him any way by staying his hand. He had not taken him seriously and truth be told he would feel similarly if he was taken lightly in this situation. So be it then.

Naruto was blur as he closed the distance between them. His sword clanged against his opponents with force enough to throw it from his hands, then he held his own sword beneath the mans neck.

"Do you yield?" he asked

"I yield" Domeric said while nursing his wrist. He smiled " Truth be told, I've never been one for swords. I much prefer the cavalry. But bargain struck and bargain honoured. You'll have your horses delivered the moment I'm back home."

"If you knew you'd lose, then why offer such a prize?" Naruto asked.

"I tend to enjoy high stakes bets." was his reply "anything less and I don't see the point"

"Well that's a disposition we can be grateful for, eh Naruto?" Gar asked.

"We can also be humble in victory" The blond replied.

"Yes we can, I humbly offer a swig from my skin" Gar said as he retrieved the swollen wine skin they had been sipping from since they left the main hall.

"No thank you" Domeric replied "The alcohol, it upsets my humours. I'm of a more delicate constitution. But by all means, celebrate your victory" He said to Naruto.

They settled into an easy silence after that. The Stark boys nattered about the short fight, Gar and Will argued, as they tended to, about the best solution for the current blight in the North.

"What say you?" asked Naruto

"On what?" Domeric asked

Naruto nodded his head towards the arguing boys.

"Oh" he sighed "I was there you know" He grew serious " We rode out when the first homestead was burnt. Vicious stuff. The bodies, the smell. What breaks in a man that allows him to inflict such horrors? I hope to never see the like of it again. But as to a solution, I fear our independence has become isolationism. We only come together when death is at the door or vengeance is to be delivered. The North remembers, they say. I say we've forgotten what matters most, we live together or we die apart."

Before Naruto could respond the clanking of armoured boots peaked his attention. In the distance, half a dozen men approached, laughing in booming tones. Some staggered from the drink, they were well in their cups, one carried an entire wooden keg under his arm. They noticed Naruto's small retinue.

"Oi!" One of them screamed over "Domeric, is that you?"

"Cousin" Domeric responded. "Roose Ryswell" he whispered quickly into Naruto's ear before turning to greet the young man "You've found the libations to your liking it seems"

"No, not really" Roger replied "Good thing we brough our own, eh boys!" He said to his men who responded with loud cheers.

"What's tickled your fancy so far away from the old men. You've not seen your Lord father for near on three years, I figured you'd be glued to his arse." Roose laughed as he spoke.

"Father's never been one to suffer my company for too long. Bedside's we'll have time enough for pleasantries before soon enough." Domeric replied.

Roose looked every bit like his father, a trend among northern lords it seemed. Brown hair and brown eyes hidden among the thick furs of his high collar. Around him were his guard, each wore a brown cloak with a horse head badge pinned to their breast.

"It seems we've stumbled into some excitement lads" Roose said. He looked over to the young Starks and offered a short bow. "What do you have going that's got the lordlings, that I have on good authority should be in their little beds, so intrigued?" He said to Domeric. "Run along now boys before you are discovered. If you know your father then you will not tarry"

Both boys whined sharply at being dismissed. "I'll seek you out again before you leave" Rob whispered to Naruto before they ran off into the castle.

"Well?" Roose pressed Domeric.

"A simple conversation I fear, cousin." Domeric said "I merely wanted to meet the boys we've all heard so much about"

"Yeah? And who's that then?"

"Naruto Uzumaki, along with Will Garner of course. " He pointed to the Naruto then Will. Both boys showed deference with a bow of their heads.

"Ah, yes. The lowborns" Roose replied "I've heard your tale. I take it you're showing this mummer where the pointy end of the sword is?"

A gleam appeared in Domeric's pale eyes "Actually cousin, we had wager on the outcome of a short duel. I was outmatched but I'm sure you would fare better. What say you Naruto, double or nothing?"

"If my Lord insists" Naruto said.

"Wait, wait, I'm not so drunk as to enter a fools bargain. What is this prize that I'd be doubling?"

Domeric was quick to respond "A mere dozen horses. You stable hundreds, I didn't think you'd bat an eye at the sum. If it's too many…"

"You're not half as crafty as you think Bolton" Roose said "But, I'm eager to see what has won you such renown, boy."

With that he picked up one of the dull training swords and waited for Naruto to do the same. They entered the circle and Naruto waited. This man wasn't as amicable as Domeric. How much consideration should be given to his ego?

Ultimately, the choice was taken out of Naruto's hands. Roose came charging in and the blonds reflexes kicked in. In a fluid motion, he deflected the blade and struck lightly at the man's abdomen. Roose parried and slashed at the blonds head. Naruto ducked under the blow and took the opportunity to lash out with his own sword. Their blades met in a dull clang, they traded a few more blows before Naruto decided it was his turn to press. His opponent was decidedly taller than him so he stayed low, two heavy blows to Roose's legs were readily blocked but the man was not so ready when Naruto went high. The flat end of his blade slapped against the other man's shoulder and then his back as Naruto expertly maneuvered around his guard.

"Ah, you shit!" Roose howled in pain. His men laughed and jeered in the background as their lord reeled away from the small boy who had caused him such pain.

"Apologies, did I strike you too hard?" Naruto said

"Don't be stupid." Ryswell said. "Be quiet, the lot of you." he barked at his guard "Again" he said to Naruto "Double or nothing"

"As you wish" Naruto replied.

This time their bout was over in moments. Roose was predictable and slow. He had talent but he lacked technique. Naruto struck him four times before the young lord surrendered.

"It seems the rumors are true. You are indeed more beast than man. I for one am happy to have you on our side. Mayhaps one day we'll take to the field together". He reached out a hand and Naruto shook it.

A loud cheer almost made him jolt. When he turned, he saw their small gathering had become into a full crowd. Men from all over the North were trickling into their little space. Lord's led their half-drunken guards into the old training area and watched intently at what was unfolding.

Roose grabbed his hand and hoisted it as high as it would go. There was another cheer.

"The stories are true, brothers!" he yelled at the crowd "And I'm out a herd of war horses to prove it. Who else would test themselves against the great grumpkin?" he laughed.

Naruto was put off by the comparison. Grumpkins were small leathery beasts of myth. Half man, half creature they were said to grant wishes to those who pleased them. Tales of them went back to the time of the first men. His old Nan had told him more than a few.

There was a loud clammer as many of the spectators vied to be next in the ring with the blond.

"Easy now, my lords" Gar interjected. Calming the crowd somewhat. "What you just witnessed was a contest in the truest fashion. Both men wagered a great deal. It's only fair that anyone brave enough to enter would also provide an adequate wager"

"Hear, hear" Roose shouted.

It was Halys Hornwood who stepped forward first. He was a tall man with brown hair tied into a loose ponytail. He wore a light brown padded tunic with great antlers stitched into it.

"You wagered two dozen horses, yes?" He said to Roose.

"Aye. I did" Roose replied.

"Then I wager enough grain to feed twice that number. The Hornwood is fertile but we do lack for good cavalry. It's time I rectified that. What say you boy, do you except my wager?"

"I do" Naruto replied quickly.

And just as quickly Halys Hornwood was defeated. The blond rained blows down upon him in rapid succession. He could almost see the growing purple bruises forming under the man's tunic. He yielded with a cry that caused the other men around them to burst into laughter.

Again, they clambered for a go at the blond. Glovers, Tallharts, Lockes and Karstarks all pushed at each other for a chance to best an eleven-year-old boy in combat. Maybe it was the alcohol or maybe they saw him as an equal combatant. He hoped it was the latter.

One by one they came and one by one they fell. They offered up grain, wood, steel, leathers, furs and coin enough to make measter Karl blush. The more they drank the sloppier they became and the easier it was for Naruto to claim prize after prize.

But even he had his limits. He grew tired. His muscles ached and his hands had blistered. He was sure they were bleeding under his worn gloves. Sweat matted his oily hair to his head and he was breathing harshly into the evening air. The sun had begun to set and darkness was quickly approaching. There was a distinct chill in the air now.

When he looked up and scanned the crowd for any more challengers he was relieved to see only one. Smalljon Umber. A towering young man who was the spitting image of his father, big bushy brown beard and all.

He was four times as wide as the blonde and stood well over a head taller than all those around him.

He too fell quickly under the blonds blade.

The cheers had grown raucous. They chanted his name now. Or something close to his name any way.

"Not a single blow landed on him!" Roose Ryswell shouted "Naruto The Dancing Blade!"

"Naruto, Naruto!" They chanted.

"What a show, what a sublime show" Wayman Manderly said once the noise had died down some. "Surely, such a splendid display deserves a prize."

"He speaks the truth" The Greatjon shouted from his position next to his son. "If it please you my Lord Stark, the boy should be granted a boon."

"I'll drink to that!" Halys Hornwood shouted.

Naruto wasn't even aware that Lord Stark was in the crowd. He spotted him eventually, standing next to Robin. He locked eyes with his liege and the man nodded at him curtly. Hopefully he hadn't overstepped with his involvement in this whole event.

Ned was quiet for a time as his bannermen shouted their agreement to the Greatjon's proposition. With a raise of his hand he quieted the noise. They all waited on baited breath for his response.

"It seems we can find common ground after all" he half joked. "In appreciation of you doing the impossible and giving these men something to agree on. You may ask a boon of me, Naruto. And if it is reasonable and within my power I will be honoured to grant it."

All eyes turned to Naruto and his throat promptly closed. He felt the world on his shoulders. What could he ask for? He had to be smart. What did he truly want. He wanted to help. He wanted to put out the fire.

"Well! What will it be?" Someone shouted, he wasn't sure who.

"Yeah, ask boy. Hurry up!"

"I am most grateful, my lords" he began "It is an honour to be held in any amount of regard by such venerable.."

"Stop talking out of your ass boy" The Greatjon yelled "Ask it before you ruin the mood!"

"Fine" he said "My Lord Stark, I ask your permission." The assorted lords grew quiet and listened in.

"Permission to what?" Ned asked sternly

"I have watched first-hand what is happening to our people across the North. Many of you have heard my story. I want to ensure that any hand raised against innocents is removed before it may cause offense. The bandits destroying our towns know a large army would never be mobile enough to root them out. I would suggest a small, specialised force, trained and equipped to operate in small groups. They could burrow into the rabbit holes that these men disappear into. And with your leave, my lord I would lead them in putting down these aggressors where ever they would arise."

"That is a daring prospect." Ned began "It's too great a task for shoulders of one so young."

"Young indeed" Robin said "Yet he has bested almost all of your Lords in single combat"

"I concur" Lady Dustin interjected "So long as he can fund himself, I see no reason to deny him"

"Thank you, Lady Dustin, the ancestor of your late husband, Roderick Dustin took up arms to do what he felt was fair and right. I would do the same. The Winter Wolves they called themselves. It's time the wolves took back the North. I would revive the name with a new purpose, a new lasting mission."

"You would reform the Winter Wolves?" Lady Dustin asked

"Yes, my Lady" Naruto said. He was almost put out by the collective laughter that rang out.

"It seems you've romanticised their history some" Lord Ryswell said "The Winter Wolves were a bunch of old men who marched to their deaths to spare their families the burden of feeding them."

"I view that as noble. They did the hard thing for the North. I would offer to do the same."

"Yes, boy, you will protect us all from every bandit and snark around every dark corner, would you? Are you not sworn to Robin Flint? How can we trust your priorities? I'll not have you galivanting through my lands under the banner of another lord." A member of house Locke shouted.

"hear, hear" Lord Karstark added "What happens when you become the very thing you want to destroy. What about when you run out of food. Do you think you will be demanding that from my people as a reward for some semblance of protection? What about when he is a man grown and decides to extract first right from our women? I will not have it Lord stark."

"I will" Lady Dustin chimed in "He will have access to my lands. You lords refuse to help but are so quick to dissuade anyone else form coming to our aide. No, no more. House Dustin supports Naruto Uzumaki and his Winter Wolves".

"House Glover also. My fields are burning, the Winter Wolves it is."

"House Ryswell stands with you, Naruto".

"House Bolton rejects this madness."

"As do the Karstarks"

"And the Umbers, I respect you lad, but we have no need for you".

"House Manderly and it's vassals also must sadly decline."

"It seems we are evenly split then. So be it." Ned said.

"I would offer that we legitimize this in some way." Lord Manderly said to the crowd "A commission. Would Lord Stark be willing to sign a commission giving the boy the right to lead his Winter Wolves without hindrance"?

"I would not presume to speak for the Lords who hold the lands he would presumably be operating in" Ned replied.

"Then we would sign also" Lady Dustin said.

"It's settled then" Eddard Stark boomed above those around him. "From this moment henceforth let it be known that Naruto Uzumaki commands the Winter Wolves".

A/N

It still doesn't read as well as I'd like it to, and I feel like I rushed the ending here, but it was already fifteen thousand words. Might go back and flesh this one out some more when I have time. I hope it comes across, but I wanted this chapter to do some world-building. I wanted to introduce some antagonists and potential allies to set up future conflicts.

The plan was to create the interactions that will ripple out and change the direction of the larger events when we get to the start of GOT.

On that note, yes, the story so far is set a few years before the start of the show. It's to set Naruto up as a credible player in the game. I've read too many stories where he just kind of shows up and is immediately held in as high a regard as the gilded gentry. Little Finger is a great example of the lifetime of work that goes into getting near the throne and even he's not taken that seriously by the more established houses.

There was a short piece planned for the end of this chapter to introduce a few more Naruto universe elements into the story but I've decided to move that to the next chapter for the sake of getting this out.

R&R