Notes:

Warning for course language.

(See the end of the chapter formore notes.)

Chapter Text

(North – Day of Robert's arrival)

Jon was relieved when the impromptu court session had finally ended, and the Great Hall cleared to give the servants time to prepare for the welcoming feast being held that evening.He'd had to stand next to Robb after bringing a chair so that their father could sit next to the King and hold court in his own hall.Jon had tried to make himself unnoticeable, even though his father had wanted him to assess for people paying undue attention to him, people who might know his real origins.

He'd not seen anyone that paid him much mind, save for Sansa who kept motioning him to stand up straight and not slouch his shoulders.He'd much preferred to have been sent to watch over his younger brothers and sisters but would not insult Jory by suggesting he was not skilled enough to handle that task.

Lost in thought, he'd not heard the voices as he approached his ing around the corner he found his Uncle Benjen speaking with the two Dornish girls who'd arrived with Robb's potential betrothed.From the ire of his uncle and the two Night's Watch members standing guard, he could guess who was residing within that cell, "What's this here now?"

Everyone turned to him, the girls glaring for a moment before realizing his identity, the older of the pair spoke, "Pardon us, we only wished a word with Sir Clegane before he is shipped to the Wall."She moved towards him, "His goalers will not let us in though, perhaps you would show your sisters kindness and help us reason with these men."

Jon's brows furrowed, "I have no sisters other than Lady Sansa and Lady Arya Stark," His frown deepened, "What business do you have with Ser Clegane."

The darker-skinned Sand Snake whose mother was most likely from the Summer Isles smirked, "All bastards are brothers and sisters, or at the least cousins, we have more in common than any true-born sibling could ever understand."The girl buffed her nails as she narrowed her gaze on him, "Ser Clegane may think he has absolved himself of his most heinous crimes, but Dorne will never forgive nor forget.We only wish to ask him to tell the truth, we know he knows who sent the orders he followed.All we want is for him to admit it to everyone," she paused before waving her hand absently, "that and to die a slow and painful death while begging for mercy."

Benjen huffed, "The Mountain belongs to the Wall, I'm sorry but I cannot let you speak with him.He is undertaking quiet reflection before taking his vows and being sent to Castle Black.In the eyes of the land, he has faced justice and his sentence will be carried out.What you want is vengeance, I would not see my ancestral home tainted by such."

"Ancestral home?" the younger Sand Snake paled, "That means you're a Stark?"

"I take it in your quest to get through the door you did not pause to ask," Jon stepped around the two girls to stand next to his uncle, making the similarities between them even more evident, "May I introduce my uncle, First Ranger of the Night's Watch, Benjen Stark the third son of the late Lord Rickard Stark.I know, the beard makes it hard to tell, but he and my father look more alike when they're both clean-shaven."

Benjen scoffed, "Haven't been clean-shaven since you were five name days and I left for the Wall."

The elder Sand Snake gave a curtsey, "Nymeria Sand, daughter of Prince Oberyn of House Nymeros Martell," she motioned to the younger girl, "this is my sister Sarella"

Jon nodded, "Jon Snow, as you seem to be aware," he didn't recognize the two members of the Night's Watch guarding the door but knew there were at least a dozen more lurking about, "My ladies, I will see you to another part of the castle, when there are members of the Watch present, not even my sisters are permitted to come down this hall."

Benjen coughed, "Speaking of that, Rodrick was by with a couple of servants.You'll be rooming with Rickon until we depart.You know the drill, not all of this lot are volunteers, Ned never leaves you down here when I got more than wandering crows with me."

"Right, wasn't sure," Jon motioned the way behind the two girls, "We shouldn't linger here."Once they had rounded the corner and were down the hall Sarella stopped him, "Yes?"

Sarella frowned, "You seemed tense about getting us out of that hallway, why?"

"My father does not forbid us from speaking with the Night's Watch members, as long as it is in public areas of the castle.When I was younger, shortly after I was moved to a room down here by Lady Stark, I was woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of my door opening.A man entered my room and stood over my bed; Uncle Benjen uses the room next to mine.He came running in with his sword drawn and escorted the man out.The next day father had me go back to sharing Robb's room until the Watch members departed."

It was Nymeria who realized the implications, "The man was not a volunteer member, but a man sentenced to take the black."

Jon nodded, "Father explained it to me and Robb later, the man had been well behaved and gained the trust of the Lord Commander.He allowed him to join the wandering crows to recruit, Benjen didn't trust the man and had come with him on the pretense of making another request of Lord Stark for supplies."

Nymeria fumed, "Your uncle should have gutted the man."

While it hadn't been Uncle Benjen who executed the man, it still technically was his uncle.Robb and Jon were too young to attend executions at the time, but they knew what was happening when Lady Stark had called them both to the sept though neither of them followed the Seven, especially considering the way Septon Chayle made him kneel without a cushion on the rough-hewn stones while Lady Stark and her children had cushions to kneel on.

"That man is no longer a threat to anyone," Jon frowned, "I believe Lord Stark has had Lady Tyrell and her brother placed in a room down that hall and up the stairs.I'd take you the rest of the way but need to check on my father's ward."

Sarella grinned mischievously, "That's right, the squid hasn't been seen since we arrived.I've always wondered what happens to an Iron Bron when they are so far away from salt water."

Jon huffed, "Apparently, they get drunk and insult people who are only trying to help the ungrateful shit." Jon reddened at his slip, "pardon, please forget I said that."

(Riverlands – Near the Neck, around the same time)

Oberyn looked to his small company.He'd ridden from Highgarden alone but was soon joined by the eldest son of Lord Tarly, a rather large boy named Samwell.Sam was riding north at the behest of his father to ply his talents at scholarly endeavors.From what the boy explained, he was to aid the engineers of the Night's Watch with repairs and preparations for winter and prepare a report on how best the Reach could further support the Wall.

Among his other additional companions was Thoros of Myr, a Red Priest who claimed to have a vision within his fire that had directed him to head north.After Thoros had come, a man and girl who had done well to keep their identities hidden were accompanied by a peculiar group, but Oberyn had swiftly recognized the girl.Daenerys Targaryen, though her hair was tightly wrapped in a dark purple cloth, along with a hooded cloak to shield her eyes.The man with Daenerys was most definitely not Viserys and was somewhat familiar to Oberyn.

The men accompanying the fugitive princess and her guard were another matter.Daenerys never spoke to them, only her protector, who was obviously Westerosi but could understand and speak Dothraki.Oberyn had been shocked when the group with Dothraki protectors rode up to him, Samwell and Thoros.The man had named the three of them, which had further confused Oberyn and caught his companions off guard as well.

It was when the Neck came into sight and the tension that seemed to be Daenerys constant state of being, and the sole reason Oberyn did not confront her, seemed to melt away, that he finally approached the Westerosi man, "Who are you really?You come here with a group of Dothraki, and Daenerys Targaryen.She has been jumpier than a fat cat in flea bottom.Yet the moment we are in sight of the Neck she relaxes."

The man chuckled lightly, "I have promised her we'd find safety with my liege lord.With any luck, the rest of our party has reached Winterfell and prepared things so I can keep my promises.You might be pleased to see them as well My Prince.Your good sister and paramour were kind enough to take us as far as King's Landing.We'd have accompanied them to Sunspear, but I thought it better if the Spider does not know exactly where the princess is headed or by what means."

"Elaria is on her way to White Harbor?" Oberyn frowned, "two of my daughters should be in Winterfell by now.You have not yet named yourself."

"Jorah Mormont," the Northman said flatly, "exiled lord of Bear Island, and currently the sworn shield to Princess Daenerys.We celebrated the defeat of the Greyjoy's Rebellion together in Lannisport.Surprised you hadn't remembered, Thoros figured that was how I knew his name, Robert honored him for his sheer reckless madness.We entered the breach together, but your Dornish forces showed up late, just in time for the after party."

Oberyn grimaced, it had been the plan to let the Stag's forces bleed themselves against the squids, only showing up late as a perfunctory sign of loyalty.They had not planned for the sheer speed at which Robert moved to crush Greyjoy and his people.Bold battle strategies resulted in a swift victory, and Dorne was regarded with suspicion for showing up only after the fighting was over.

Jorah frowned, "I am surprised to find you here, actually all three of you."

This comment made Oberyn suspicious, "Lord Mormont, were you perhaps stricken with a peculiar fever some weeks ago?"

"Were you?" Jorah countered.

Oberyn shrugged, "I will not lie and say yes, but I have met others, including young Tarly's father who has experienced the same.I believe it is the lack of First Men blood in my veins or at the very least the quantity of it being so minuscule that it barely registers enough to tie those of my House to whatever connects those of that blood to one another."

"I see," Jorah sighed, "the fever isn't a cause, it's a symptom.At least that is what they tell us.I have seen what I would have done, what I would become.I did not like the man or the fate that awaited me.To succumb to the pale mare or greyscale had been horrible ends to witness.Neither Raven seemed sure, telling me only that Essos would be my grave long before Westeros became a frozen hell of death and undeath."

"Ravens?" Oberyn mused, Mace and his banners had not been open to telling him much more than vague warnings of the looming winter and return of the Long Night.Those men had become near fanatical over preparing for what was to come, they had yet to even trust those outside their circle with what the true reason was for their preparations for winter.Most Reach men believed Leyton Hightower had received early notice of the seasons changing and had informed Mace.

"It may sound crazy," Jorah looked to where Daenerys was listening to Samwell talk about the various houses that called the Neck home, "I was visited by two people I had never met, and they showed me the life I was doomed to live if I did not choose to change the path I walked.My time is limited, if I'm to save my father from betrayal, I must reach the North swiftly."

Oberyn frowned, "Is there a threat coming to your home?"

"So many threats, I would not even know where to begin," Jorah laughed humorlessly, "but the Old Bear doesn't die there.He is currently the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch; he chose to join when he thought me ready to lead Bear Island.In a few months, some occurrences will lead him to make a Great Ranging into the north in an attempt to confront an army of wildlings.The ranging never actually fight the wildlings because they find something far worse.The true threat that was driving the wildlings down to the wall, the Others had returned.After a confrontation with the Other's wights, my father's group of survivors takes shelter at a wildling man's home.Members of the watch betray and murder my father and any Watch member loyal to him, Samwell was the only loyal member to survive, though he never got to pass along my father's final message to me."

"Samwell is only going to the Wall as an envoy for his liege lord," Oberyn frowned, "why would he have accompanied a Great Ranging?"

This surprised Jorah, "I'm not sure, the vision clearly showed your young companion at my father's side in his final moments, wearing the raiment of the Night's Watch.I only know his name through my father's calling him by name.It appears Lord Tarly has chosen to follow another path, one that does not see his son become a member of the Night's Watch."

(North – Castle Black day of Robert's arrival)

Jeor Mormont stood behind the two young recruits who'd come out of a peculiar fever raving of horrible things.He'd almost opted to dismiss the young men for madness, but Todder and Halder began telling him things they'd have no way of knowing.Todder had spoken of Craster and the man's predilection of marrying his daughters and having no living sons, even naming one of Craster's daughter-wives Gilly.While he might have overheard this from one of the rangers, the boy had only been at Castle Black a few hours before becoming ill.Similarly, Halder noted several aspects of the Wall that only seasoned and experienced builders would know.

Each young man was from somewhere south of the Neck.Todder was from the Reach, where many with First Men's blood still lived thanks to their nobles converting to the Seven during the Andal invasions.Halder though was from the Riverlands, his family lived on lands under the purview of House Blackwood, but he'd been raised following the Seven.These facts were why Jeor personally came to observe them taking their vows, they had been insistent that they join immediately and requested to say their vows before the heart tree.

It had been a shock to the Old Bear when their group approached the tree, both recruits pulled their swords and dropped to a knee before the tree.Without prompting they recited the vows as though from memory, which further confused the Lord Commander, who'd been in a dazed state since both had practically leaped from their sickbeds to assail the steward Chett who'd been helping Maester Aemon.They called the other young man an oath breaker and deserter, much to poor Chett's confusion.

Once their vows had been made, Jeor ordered the rest of their party to return to Castle Black as he turned to the two new brothers, "All right lads, what in all that is good is going on with you?This is an order, so spill it."

Halder was not the brightest mind on the Wall, or the most eloquent speaker so looked to Todder to answer for the both of them, "He told us to tell you his name was Bloodraven, he said you would know we spoke the truth after saying his name."

Jeor paled at the mention of one of his most noteworthy and infamous predecessors as Lord Commander.He looked the two boys over and saw they were both serious about whom they had seen during their fever dreams.Swallowing hard Jeor commanded, "What did he have to tell me?"

Halder spoke up, "The time has come, we must remember our true purpose to protect the living from the Others, they come upon the cold winds from their frozen realm of Always Winter."He looked to Todder who gave a nod, "I know where the ancient armory of the First Men is located, the storehouse where the kings of old left their sacred weapons."

"That is an old myth," Jeor frowned, "didn't know anyone outside the North had ever even heard it.Brandon the Builder never recorded its exact location.It was a secret passed from one Lord Commander to the next, not even our stewards are allowed to know of it."

Todder shook his head, "You left a letter with Alliser Thorne, but he refused to give it to Jon when he was elected to replace you.We were transferred to Shadow Tower by Jon, and he was betrayed by Thorne and others not long after.King Stannis Baratheon found it and read it; he sent word to Shadow Tower to send men to the Night Fort to search for the armory.We were still searching when the Wall came down on us."

"You experienced all this?" Jeor asked.

"Not exactly," Halder frowned, "We watched it happen.With that Bloodraven fellow and a boy, he called the Three-Eyed Raven.They let us see what was to come.It was nice at first, I had friends, but then things started going wrong.Jon's father got arrested and we had to stop him from deserting, he wanted to help save his father and sisters.We stopped him before he could break his vows."

"Yeah, for being in a celibate order surrounded by rapists and murders, can't complain," Todder chuckled, "you know except for the whole monsters from old stories coming to life and raising the dead and wanting to kill everyone.Life was great the first couple of years, at least for the two of us.Halder was a builder, and I wasn't selected for your Great Ranging."

Jeor nodded, "I'll have you both returned to those rolls again.Though, as you have revealed Thorne and Chett have proven untrustworthy, we will have men you now to be loyal keep eyes on them, but please do not condemn your brothers who have yet to break their vows."

Todder nodded, "Right Lord Commander, it was just seeing Chett again, after knowing everything he did.He's craven as they come.At least Edd and Grenn stood their ground against the Others and wights."He shared a look with Halder before continuing, "Also, don't get me wrong.I'm not happy with Thorne for stabbing Jon, but I can kind of see where he was coming from.He thought he was doing it for the Watch, he knew the Others were coming, I mean the guy had to take the hand of a wight to King's Landing.He just didn't agree with the logic of bringing the wildlings to this side of the Wall.Him and his conspirators just didn't get it, if we didn't bring them south, we'd end up fighting their corpses once the Others had finished slaughtering them."

Later that evening Jeor met with Maester Aemon, "How much have these recruits told you?"

"As much as I could stomach for a day," Jeor grumbled as he fed his greedy crow his allotment of corn, "what worries me is that even with proof of the Others return.Why had I not sent out the message to Lord Stark?Whomever this Jon is they kept mentioning, must be quite the leader."

Aemon hummed a moment before responding, "Is not Lord Stark's bastard son named Jon Snow?Could this be the one they speak of?Benjen is currently at Winterfell to discuss reestablishing the old holdfasts within the Gift and New Gift.He has mentioned in the past his desire to recruit his nephew to allow the boy a way to escape the callousness of Lord Stark's wife."

Jeor nodded, "Aye, Benjen has never been fond of his good sister, once told me she was the reason for his joining the Watch.He'd promised his brother to wait until he at least had a second legitimate son, but barely made it five years under the same roof as the woman before begging his brother's forgiveness and fleeing here."

A snort came from Aemon, "I am sure she is not that bad, but I would have to cede to your knowledge as I have never had the pleasure of meeting this charming woman."

"Be grateful for that fact," Jeor sighed, "I am planning to take a company and head for the armory of the Night Fort.If what they say is true, the runes there should be glowing.I was hoping if you felt up to it, you'd accompany us."

"I think I can manage," Aemon grimaced, "I have felt stronger as of late, an unusual feeling.My vision is beyond repair, but the ache in my joints is fading and my muscles do not betray me as they had of recent.My dreams have also been of a surprisingly vivid nature.They are of my first years here, when Uncle Brynden and I would stand atop the Wall together and talk as kin and sworn brothers.Yet the conversations are not ones from my memories, they are new."

Jeor blinked, "Lord Bloodraven is speaking to you from beyond the grave?"

Aemon shook his head, "No, I believe he is alive, somewhere beyond the Wall.Where, I cannot say, but I believe he has tied us together in ways only those of most ancient blood could understand."

(North – White Harbor the day Robert arrives at Winterfell)

Wendel Manderly watched the Essosi ship pull into the dock.It was not scheduled to arrive here and no message from its port of origin had preceded its arrival.The captain had signaled he had passengers who'd paid him an exorbitant number of dragons to bring them to White Harbor as swiftly as the winds would bring them.The harbor master had merely shrugged and left the matter in Wendel's hands.How he wished his brother was here to handle this but had been summoned by their liege lord.When the Wolf called the Merman would swim against the current to reach his side as swiftly as possible.

The ship's gangway was lowered to the dock, and a small accompaniment of people calmly departed the ship.The group kept themselves bundled within their cloaks, not that Wendel begrudged them that fact, the breeze of the harbor was cool and crisp to him, but to some used to the warmer climes of Essos, it could be unforgiving.The group calmly approached him, only taking notice of the numerous guards he'd prepared before letting them dock.

It was a woman who led the group, she kept her hood pulled low, but her dark tresses were still visible.Wendel halted her a few steps from himself, "We have no record of your ship at this harbor, nor record of your port of origin.Name yourselves and declare your intentions, or you will find yourselves guests of the Wolf's Den for your remaining days."

The woman reached into her cloak as she began speaking, "Lord Wendel Manderly it has been far too many moons since last we met."She extended her hand, fist closed over some objects, "I would rather we continue this conversation in the presence of your lord father and after receiving guest rights."The woman's hand opened to reveal two pins, the first Wendel immediately recognized as the Direwolf of House Stark.It was the second that shocked him, the falling star of House Dayne.He had seen these two pins before, at Harrenhal when Lord Eddard had given Lady Ashara a pin as a token of his promise to seek her hand, she had in turn given her pin to him.

"My lady," Wendel turned to the guards, "I want the street between here and the New Castle cleared, no one sees them before father."He watched the guards rush to follow his orders, only two remaining to protect him.Turning back to the group he offered his arm to the woman, "I am shocked, as will many others.Father never believed you would do such a cowardly thing as take your own life."

The woman gave a humored chuckle, "Even the Spider is wary of the Merman.My companions, you are not curious about their identities?"

"If they mean harm, I will warn them here and now," Wendel mused, "my crossbowmen have had them within their sights since your foot touched the dock.There have been far too many guests of peculiar station and origins for us to take chances."

The woman nodded, "You were quick to accept my identity, how do you know these are not forgeries?"She indicated the two pins.

Wendel snorted, "As you remember I was present along with Great Jon and little Dacey Mormont when he gave you his and you gave him yours.We were greatly honored to bear witness for Lord Eddard and reported as such to Lord Rickard upon our return North.If those were forgeries, then I would have to applaud the forger.The wolf pin was the one Lord Rickard was given by his lady wife, who was his cousin.It has a scratch where it was damaged during the battle against the Ninepenny Kings.As for your pin, Lord Stark had it on his person during the melee at the tourney.It was nicked by Lord Robert's hammer when he eliminated Lord Eddard from the competition damaging one point of the star."

"Facts only someone who considers themselves a close friend of Lord Stark would know," one of the woman's companions, a young man by the sound of his voice stated.The young man moved to stand at the woman's other side, "Lemore, are we truly safe here?"

"Lemore?" Wendel chuckled, "Of all the names in the world, you choose that to hide yourself with?"

The young man grumbled, "What is wrong with that name?"

Wendel snorted, "It's the name of the wench Lord Brandon Stark bedded thinking he was bedding Lady Ashara Dayne.It was how Lady Dayne was shamed at the tourney.Lord Brandon began claiming he bedded Lady Dayne, much to her horror, though he only started the rumors in an attempt to shield his sister from the backlash caused by the Crown Prince crowning her as queen of love and beauty.Safe to say Lord Rickard was less than pleased with half of his children following Harrenhal.Only Lord Eddard and Lord Benjen left the tourney without some sordid gossip biting at their heels."

As they walked towards the New Castle the woman asked, "How quickly can transport to Winterfell be arranged?"

"It might be a few days," Wendel shook his head, "We had a party from Highgarden the other days, they requested use of the one wheelhouse we had ready.We do not usually have so much traffic through here."

The young man shook his head, "We don't need a wheelhouse, we just need horses and directions."

Wendel snorted, "It is a six-day ride from here to Winterfell boy, you are not acclimated to the cold yet.We let you ride off to Winterfell your frozen corpses will be the only thing arriving there."Wendel looked to the woman, "He yours?"

The woman shook her head, "No, he is the son of dear friends though.I am in a hurry to reach Winterfell, something I learned while hiding in Essos must be relayed to Ned as soon as possible."

"It must be grave for you to come back from the dead for," Wendel mused, "I am sure he will be pleased to see you once more, and I am sure Jon will be ecstatic to finally meet you."

As Wendel looked away he noticed the woman and young man share a look.

(North – Winterfell day of Robert's arrival)

Gendry was never happier than when the Queen appeared in the garden and dismissed him.He'd spent the better part of an hour at least fielding questions from three Starks and two Baratheons.He didn't know being a squire meant watching the children of kings and high lords.Entering the main yard of Winterfell, he noticed the stable boys having trouble arranging the various horses, so walked over to help, "Need a hand?"

"Thanks," the lad handed the reins of one of the larger horses to him, "We're trying to find space for all these beasts.Your southern stock aren't liking the smell of wolf.The Winterfell horses got used to them after a bit."

He remembered seeing the wolves when they first arrived.Six of the beasts only looked like large dogs, but the one following Lord Stark around was something out of a nightmare.Even Sandor had frozen in place as the Direwolf stared them down.Shaking himself Gendry pulled the reins on the horse and followed the stable hand inside.The other hands were busy tending to the horses already housed within, with the stable master shouting orders, "Geth get that Vale roan down here closer to the door, they're not as skittish as them Crownlands prancers."The man turned to see him, "Eh, a southerner not afraid of a bit of work.Take that Stormlander mare down by the Westerlands paints, it's warmer down there."

Gendry did as asked and then came back to the man, "Know if the blacksmith needs a hand shoeing?I was a smith's apprentice in King's Landing before squiring."

"Old Mikken, not one to snub a willing hand," the man held out a hand, "Names Hullen, master of horses, what's an upstanding lad such as you doing squiring for a Lannister dog?"

Shrugging Gendry frowned, "The Hound needed a squire.I got a strong arm, and I kind of dreamed of being a wandering smith.Going from town to town, fixing things for people.At least I'd get to see the world."

Hullen nodded, "Good dream that," he looked to where one of his hands was pulling the saddle from the horse Gendry had tied up, "Not much time to stand around and gab with all the horses needed to be tended to before the fete.I'll let Mikken know of your offer, he's already quieted the bellows for the day, Lady Stark didn't want the royals to ride into the smell of smelting metal."

Hearing the dismissal Gendry exited the stables to find a young woman staring at him, "Can I help you?"

"You survived a month riding up the King's Road with her?"The young woman shook her head in disbelief, "You are either the luckiest git that ever drew breath, or one of the gods actually decided to cut one of us some fucking slack."

Gendry's brows furrowed, "Who are you?"

The woman smiled before holding out her hand, "Mya Stone, I was told you reminded people of father, but thought just maybe you'd inherit your brains from your mum as I did from mine."Confusion spread across his face, and the woman rolled her eyes, "Come on, please don't tell me that helm you carry around isn't as telling as I think."

Swallowing hard Gendry took the young woman's hand, "Your one of his too?"

"Afraid so," Mya smirked, "though I have the benefit of being born before he got married, so wasn't quite as big of a deal."

Gendry blinked, "How'd you know I was here, or that we were siblings?"

"Uncle Renly," Mya shrugged, "Bronze Yohn received a letter from him shortly after I left Runestone.He responded that I would be coming to Winterfell, a letter was awaiting me at Castle Cerwyn.He was concerned when Mott reported the Hound took you on as a squire, wanted to check that you at least made it this far alive."

Sitting down heavily he looked up at her, "I didn't think anyone knew about me, the King didn't act like he knew who I was at first, not that I knew he was my father, but then he gave me one of his old war hammers."Gendry motioned to the weapon strapped to his back, "He told me he was sorry about my mum, that the Spider could only get me out before the Queen's man came."

Mya smiled sadly moving a stool over to sit next to him, "She's not too fond of us.Bronze Yohn used to make a game out of it when I was little.Tell me to hide and listen to him count, I was to multiply that number by my age at the time, then count to that number before coming out of hiding.Was ten name days old when he only counted to one, didn't give him enough time to have the body removed before I climbed out of the cupboard, I was hiding in."

Gendry grimaced, "Master Mott would get letters, and he'd get this wild look in his eyes.He'd either send me down the road to fetch something or have me call it an early day.Realized it was always when Westerlanders were visiting the shop.The Hound was the first man from there Mott didn't receive a warning about."

"There you two are," they turned to see Robert approaching with Barristan on his heel, "good you two got to meet."They rushed to stand, but the King waved them to sit, "Bah, none of that foolishness," he motioned to another stool and Barristan grabbed it for him, "Worse places for you two to cross paths.That piece of work of a wife won't do anything foolish with Lord Lannister lurking about.He gave her quite the tongue lashing after the whole incident with the twins."

Mya grimaced, but Gendry was confused, "What twins?"

His sister spoke up, "Father bedded a servant at Casterly Rock.The Queen found out and their bodies were found at the base of the Rock the next day."Mya shook her head, "They were not even two.I doubt Lord Lannister was concerned about their deaths, more that it was blatantly obvious the Queen arranged it."

The King nodded, "It was after that I had Varys move you, and had Renly take custody of your younger brother Edric from his mother's family.Been a bit more careful about things since then.I only knew of the three of you for sure," he looked to Barristan, "has the Spider reported on any others?"

"Not to my knowledge your grace," Selmy made a face that none of them could read but looked like he was making plans.

Robert nodded, "Well, keep be informed."He turned back to Mya and Gendry, "Mychel said you have a letter from Lord Royce for me?"

"Right," Mya pulled the leather pouch from her belt and handed it to Robert, "I don't understand everything, but he said it was urgent you got it before reaching Winterfell.We got delayed and never seemed able to catch up with you."

"Thank your brother," Robert snorted, "the lad is a miracle worker with a hammer and not just the war kind.Kept that blasted monstrosity of a wheelhouse on the road day in and day out."Robert pulled the letter from the pouch and after inspecting the seal broke it, "So, what does old Bronze Yohn have to say that was so important it needed to be hand delivered."Robert went silent as he began reading the letter, his son and daughter shared looks as his face began changing colors, first a light pink before deepening to a red that rivaled the Lannister colors.

Barristan stepped closer, "Your grace?"

The words broke whatever spell had fallen over Robert, "Those fucking degenerate cunts.How dare they think that can get away with this?Reins of Castamere my ass, they'll be I don't pull that fucking rock down stone by stone and drown them in their thrice damned gold."

"Your grace?" Barristan froze as Robert stood and slammed the letter into Selmy's chest plate.

As Barristan read the missive, Robert continued his tirade, "It's treason, the bitch thought she could get away with it.She and that cuckolding vow-breaking brother of hers.Think they can get away with this?I'll have their heads, I'll have all their heads.Incestuous fucking lions."

Gendry and Mya had both stood by now and were watching their father with concern, eyeing the various people around the yard who were playing witness to this.Gendry grimaced, "Your Grace?What did the missive say?"

Robert snorted and motioned to Barristan, "Tell the lad, tell him how that abomination he saved isn't worth the effort.Tell them how my unfaithful whore of a wife spread her legs wide for that unfaithful cur.How she's been playing me for a fool, passing off those things as my children."

Barristan grimaced, "The letter informs that Lord Jon Arryn sent word to Lord Royce, that in the event he died under suspicious circumstances, that, this information be passed to his grace.Lord Arryn had discovered evidence that the royal children are in reality not of the King's seed.It says the proof of this is evident in any of his grace's other children.All one has to do is look at two of you standing side by side."

"Gendry," Robert rounded on his son, "your mum, you remember the color of her tresses?"

"Blond, the color of corn silk," Gendry supplied, "Master Mott knew her, told me about her whenever I had trouble remembering."

Robert nodded, "Aye, you were a wee lad when she died.I remember clearly, a beauty she was, had to keep focused on the blue of her eyes, otherwise, I thought of my shrew of a wife."He took a step towards the boy, "If your mother's hair was like that wife of mine, yet you bare the black hair and blue eyes of my house?Why the fuck are those three shits the color of damn Lions?"

(North – Winterfell day of Robert's arrival)

Tywin sat in Lord Stark's solar, the five guards at the door all wearing the yellow and black of House Baratheon.Tyrion sat in the other chair that wasn't behind the desk, calmly drinking.Behind the desk, Eddard Stark was busy writing missives to his various banners.Joffrey was still in the maester's tower, though Stark guards and Lord Umber were now guarding him.Tommen and Myrcella had been confined to quarters, a mix of Baratheon and Stark men guarding them.Cersei was under guard in the chamber that serves as a sept in Winterfell.Jaime though was on the run, the moment Robert began yelling in the yard, Tyrion had convinced his brother to flee, it had surprised Tywin that Jaime did so without more of a fight.

"I am surprised you were able to convince your brother to flee," Tywin asked his alleged son, "it is not in his character to flee from a fight."

Tyrion looked to Lord Stark, "I merely told him it would be easier for Lord Stark to keep Cersei and the children alive if he wasn't here to cause trouble.I do hope I'm not a liar my lord."

Ned glared at the dwarf, he'd always appreciated the man showing kindness and protecting Sansa, but he would not trust the imp."Your sister is beyond my abilities to save, she broke the laws of the land, and she attempted to conspire to place illegitimate children on the throne.I will try to reason with Robert to see she is not executed, but her crimes occurred in the Crownlands, I have no jurisdiction over this."

"Unless" Tywin mused, "you were to take the position of Hand.Then you can act as a judge in the trial and show her mercy.Cersei is unwell, House Lannister will see that she is made comfortable and kept where she can do no further harm."

Ned nodded, "Aye, but that still leaves the children.What shall be done with them?"

"Joffrey is no longer suitable for taking the black, and we know not how his mind may be affected by the venom.I would wait to see when he awakes.The younger two, I'd beg the crown to legitimize them as Lannisters.I will take Tommen as my heir." Neither lord paid mind to Tyrion's irritated look, "Myrcella I will find her a suitable marriage in the Westerlands."

Tyrion set down his goblet, "If I did not know better, I would think this were a play for my benefit."He glared at his father, "Was this what you were truly doing here the past weeks?Planning my siblings' downfall and how best to recover whatever dignity we can from this shitstorm."

"Of course," Tywin mused, "I have had my suspicions ever since reading your mother's journal after her death.She recorded her discovery of them fornicating when they were teenagers before I even tried marrying your sister to Rhaegar.I have been wary of them continuing, it was one of the reasons I wanted Jaime to be released from his vows and returned to the Rock."

"Yet you came here before Jon Arryn even died," Tyrion looked to Lord Stark, "did Lord Arryn send you a warning as he did to Lord Royce?"

Ned shook his head, "No, the only notices we received were of Jon and Lysa having died, and their son being safely recovered.We had only just received the news of Lord Balish's involvement before your arrival."

Tyrion sighed, "Well, I guess we can assume the welcoming feast is not going to happen."

"What are you saying?" Robert entered the room and the three men stood and bowed, "This, calls for a celebration, I'm free of the shrew, and thanks to this I have ample means to bully Neddy boy here into being my Hand."He nodded to Tywin, "I apologize for the course language earlier, my temper got a little hot.Couple rounds with Gendry and Ned's boys, in the sparring ring, and I can think clearly again."He moved to the table with the wine and goblets, "Now some fortification."

Ned frowned, "How'd the boys come through the spar?"

"No lasting damage," Robert chuckled, "your bastard might be breathing hard for a couple of days, took the mallet of my practice hammer to his chest."He snorted, "Boy was smarter than most I've hammered in the chest, went with the blow instead of resisting it.Got a smart lad there, want to see him knighted I know Barristan wouldn't mind a new squire."He looked to his guard who stood at the center of the formation of Baratheon guards, "Isn't that right Selmy?"

Barristan nodded, "It's been a few years since I had a squire, but not ready to retire yet your grace."

"Hah," Robert turned to Ned, "think it over, Ned."He clapped his hands, "Now, down to business."He pulled the Hand of the King Pin from his pocket and tossed it on the desk, "Ned, you take that and hand ruling this blasted Kingdom of mine."He then turned to Tywin, "Lannister, I'll imagine you weren't aware of your degenerate children before recent events.In compensation for the loss of your grandchild being on the throne, I name you to the position of Master of Coin, you can oversee the repayment of the crown's debt to your house and deal with the Iron Bank."

Tywin nodded, "I would accept this honor but feel you are trying to appease me.I would instead suggest that you name my son Tyrion Lannister to the position.With any luck, he can scrape up the coin to manage to restructure the sewers of King's Landing to alleviate the stench."

"Hmm," Robert turned to Tyrion, "what say you Imp?Willing to deal with the books of the Kingdom?"

Tyrion snorted, "I doubt there is any way I could do worse than the last poor sap to hold the position."

(North – Night Fort several days after Robert arrived)

Jeor watched as Halder and a couple of senior builders worked at opening the ancient doors.The locks had long ago been iced over and would have to be broken to allow admittance into the lower sections of the first castle.Todder stood nearby holding a torch as Maester Aemon stood using the young man as only a guide.Aemon mused, "When was the last time anyone looked in the armory?"

"Three centuries ago," Jeor frowned, "after the conquest.Aegon requested access along with Torrhen Stark.The Lord Commander at the time was not pleased with being ordered around, especially by the man who burned his brother and nephews at Harrenhal."

"Wasn't Harren the Black an Iron Born?" Todder asked.

"Aye, but Iron Born are still First Men, just by another name," Aemon supplied, "The Drowned God may in truth be one of the multitudes of gods the First Men worship.The Faith of the First Men is a ponderous system of belief, with few if any of their gods being called by name."

Jeor saw Halder throw his weight into the prybar being used to break the locks.With a loud snap followed by the clattering of aged iron on the stone floor, the first lock was removed.With a nod, he led the way beyond the door.

Notes:

Next chapter we will get to the feast, I had a couple false starts with it while working on this chapter.

Two things about Robert's interactions in this chapter

1. Yes, he basically referencing his intimacy with Gendry's mom without going into graphic detail. Robert might not have much tact, but he isn't without any sense.

2. Yes, the fact he his Jon in the chest with a practice war hammer is an important point. Which you'll see in the next chapter.

Clarification on Dornish movements: Oberyn and his party (including Jorah and Daenerys) are moving in the Neck. Doran and the Daynes and Beric are at Starfall and should be departing soon. Mellario and Ellaria and Doran's sons have been to Sunspear by now and have split, with Ellaria collected the Sand Snakes from Highgarden and is now headed for White Harbor. Mellario is staying at Sunspear allowing her children to go with Oberyn's paramour and daughters. Note on their ships, Arianne her siblings and cousins are on a larger galleon style ship which is slower, Doran will be taking a faster corsair style ship, they'll arrive in White Harbor within a couple days allowing the Manderlys to unite the waiting groups so they travel together.