King's Landing 298 AC.

Sandor.

Arthur, Winter, and Frost had all been left to stand guard over Lady Elaena's rooms. The Brotherhood too switched their attention between making sure the lady was well protected and following him and Jon around, while at the same time looking to all as if they were very much not. They'd held a service for Jon Arryn in the Great Sept and though such things never made him feel much of anything, he did feel something for Lady Elaena's true grief. He was glad that it was over and done with though, happy now to get back to the true business of being in King's Landing.

It took a few days for them to arrange the meeting. Jon had both wished to spend his time with his wife and see she was well and not be seen as being away from her side at the same time. Sandor understood the politics little, gossip though he knew and King's Landing was ever filled with those who told tales. There would be none spoken of Jon or Elaena other than the ones that Jon wished. Tales only of a devoted husband and a grieving wife, of parents to be, and the child that was to be born who'd not get to know his grandfather. That they were true, well normally that mattered not, but in this case, Sandor found he did. Now though, he had more important things to concern himself with.

Ghost led the way and they moved easily through the tunnels, the white wolf far more able to find his way through the darkness than they. That he was so easily seen by them made him the perfect guide too and led to them arriving before Varys did. He, Jon, and Waymar stood and waited for Varys and the others to come and they waited for some time. Just as they were about to leave, Ser Jaime arrived followed by Varys himself and both explained their troubles in getting away from their duties.

"Barristan won't make it, Jon. I'll relay anything he needs to know to him." Jaime said and Jon just nodded.

"Lady Elaena is well, Jon?" Varys asked.

"As well as can be expected. She wishes to return home, Lord Varys. As I find do I. Her brother's absence worries her so and for now, she's concerned more with that than even her own grief."

"Indeed it is most concerning. I have found out little of use, Jon. The servants have shown no sudden increase in wealth and none are spending coin they'd not normally spend. So while I can't rule them all out, I'd still name it as so."

"So it was poison then?" Jon asked.

"I believe so. I took a look at the Grandmaester's notes and there are omissions."

"Pycelle is an old fool," Waymar said and Jon shook his head.

"Not as much as he makes himself out to be, Waymar."

"Indeed, he's not. Most of what he does is naught more than a mummery." Varys added, "Maester Colemon was sent back to the Vale too."

"At who's behest?"

"Though I know not for certain, I'd say, Lady Lysa's."

"Anything else."

"Ser Hugh of the Vale."

"Lord Jon's squire?" Waymar asked.

"Knighted after his death, by the king himself, Ser Waymar."

"Surely you're not suggesting…."

"It's oft done is it not, Ser Jaime, a squire knighted after his knight or lord has fallen?" Jon asked and Jaime nodded that it was so.

"True enough, Jon. Though, unlike the servants, Ser Hugh has been spending more coin than usual." Varys said and when Jon looked at him, Sandor shook his head.

Talk then turned to Lady Lysa and her behavior. Sandor listened as Varys told of how quickly she'd truly left the city and that her son was not best pleased with her for doing so. He saw how Jon smiled when he was told of the argument that had taken place between Lysa and Young Robert. An argument over him not being given the chance not only to mourn his father but to be by his sister's side when he did so. Something that endeared the young boy to him a little too, if he was being honest with himself.

Yet the more Varys spoke, the clearer it became that there were things he wasn't speaking on. So, with a cough to let Jon know, he watched and waited as the meeting was somewhat brought to an end. Nothing much had been decided and there was no true change to their plans. The war would start sooner rather than later and while Jon Arryn's loss would be heartfelt, it would not be crippling to their cause. Jon bid Waymar give him a moment with Varys and so he and Ser Jaime moved away and left them alone with the Master of Whisperers. Sandor though stood and waited until they had moved far enough away so they'd not be overheard and then listened as Varys spoke again.

"I've long suspected that something was going on between Lady Lysa and Lord Baelish, Jon. Though I could never prove such. Songs were sung to me by my Little Birds of how he bragged of taking both the Tully sister's maidenheads and his closeness to the lady was well known to one and all."

"My aunt would never…" Jon said and Varys nodded his agreement "I've seen his closeness with Lady Lysa, but truly, you believe?"

"More than that. I am now almost certain that Lord Robert is their son and not from Jon Arryn's line."

"NO ENOUGH!" Jon said angrily.

"Jon…"

"I said no, Lord Varys. My wife has lost her father, I'll not see her lose her brother too."

"But if…."

"I care not. Nor will Elaena. He is her brother as much as Robb, Brandon, and Rickon are mine own. As much as Aegon was." Jon said.

"Mayhap we should look into it more, Jon," he said only to be surprised by the glare he was given by Jon in return.

"Can you prove this? Other than a confession from either Lysa or Littlefinger, is there any proof of this?" Jon asked though it was clear he wished for no answer.

"Not that I'm aware, no."

"Then it matters not. Lord Jon believed Robert to be his son, and Elaena believes him her brother still. Neither I nor anyone else will take that from her, do I make myself clear, Lord Varys?"

"You do."

"Good. Now as for Lady Lysa and Littlefinger, I'll seek to deal with the one, I bid you keep your eyes on the other, Lord Varys."

"It'd be for the best if he fell, Jon. Sooner rather than later," he interjected.

"It would, Sandor. Yet I wish it to be by mine own hand, and I've no time to see it done now."

"I could…"

Jon smiled at him before shaking his head. Grateful mayhap for the offer and yet he rejected it anyway. He believed he was making a mistake and would talk to Arthur, later on, to see whether he agreed with him or not. Should the chance arrive, he'd see Littlefinger dead before they left this city though. He'd not risk him living for much longer.

"Robert has sent the raven, Jon. He'll travel to Winterfell once the mourning is done with and seek your uncle to take Lord Jon's place." Varys said taking him from his thoughts.

"You can get a message to him?"

"I can, but to what end? Surely your uncle would not accept the offer, not given our plans." Varys asked.

"My uncle has an odd sense of honor and duty, Lord Varys, and Lord Jon's death may cloud his mind too."

"You'll write the words?" Varys asked and Jon nodded.

"Once I put the Vale in order, we'll have no other choice but to make our move, Lord Varys. I'll seek to get word to our allies and bring more to bear. Your Little Birds can see my messages reach those they are intended for?"

"They can."

"I thank you, my lord. Now I should get back to my wife lest my absence is spoken of."

"I'll see it's not," Varys said and Jon nodded his thanks.

He, Jon, and Ghost waited until Varys was gone and he heard the loud sigh that came from the young man once he had.

"You think I'm being foolish?" Jon asked.

"About Littlefinger, mayhaps."

"And his son?" Jon asked almost in a whisper and while Sandor believed, as it was clear that Jon did, he believed too that he'd been right in what he said.

"No," he replied without hesitation.

"Thanks, Sandor."

Waymar waited for them some distance from the tunnel entrance and Jon and he spoke as they walked back to the Red Keep. When Arthur asked him later, Sandor told him that Jon was doing far better with things than he'd expected. After telling him of Littlefinger and then of Robert Arryn, he was unsurprised in how Arthur handled both pieces of information. Like he and Jon, he was of the same mind when it came to the young lad, and like Sandor himself, he too wished for Littlefinger to die before they left this city. Unfortunately, the man must have held the favor of the gods somewhat, as when the day came when he was ready to end him, no sign of him could be found. Sandor worried that it was the Vale he'd traveled to and what that would now mean for them.

The Vale of Arryn 298 AC.

Robert Arryn.

He'd never felt so angered at her before. True there had been arguments between them and mostly they had been regarding his sister and her husband but never had they turned into the full-blown one that they'd had this time. Never before had she had him locked in his room and he simply understood it not. It wasn't as if he was asking for anything out of the ordinary or making unreasonable demands. All he'd wished for was to mourn his father and to do so at his sister's side. Yet his mother's words and actions confused him still.

Was that why he'd done as he had?

Why he was now hiding behind trees while men who were sworn to him rode by?

Was it as his mother had said and he was simply overwhelmed by grief?

Or was it as he believed it to be, a need to be with Elaena so that they could share this loss together?

Robert was certain it was the last of those things. As he had been in King's Landing, on the ship back to the Vale, the ride to the Eyrie, and in the Eyrie itself. It had led him to speak first to Gretchel, the servant who brought his meals. Then to Maester Colemon when he was finally allowed into his room to check up on the feigned malaise that he'd pretended to be in. Finally, it was to one or two of his guards that he felt he could trust. Those who had never accepted the words of his mother in regards to Ser Jon or his sister and who, when he'd been free to speak to them, had always spoken well of the other side of his family.

They had snuck out late at night, Maester Colemon arranging the details of it. Ten of them and him. Maester Colemon, Cara, Gretchel, her father Gilbar, and six guards led by Ser Marwyn Belmore. The one knight amongst his mother's household that he knew Ser Jon thought somewhat highly off. After quickly making it through Sky, Snow, and Stone, they had reached the Gates of the Moon by midday the next day and Lord Royce had welcomed them somewhat. Lady Myranda, his daughter even more so.

Both had expressed their sympathies for his loss and when he'd asked to speak to the lady in private, she'd been only too happy to do so. Robert even now was still able to smile at the kiss she'd given to his cheek and the words she'd said to him.

"I can send word to Lord Royce, my lord. See that it reaches your sister and Ser Jon and have them ride to meet you here."

"I thank you for the offer, Lady Myranda, and would be most happy to write out a message for my sister and her husband, yet I fear we cannot stay here. For reasons unknown to me, I fear my mother would see me brought back to the Eyrie and while your father is no doubt good and true, I doubt he'll stand against her wishes."

"In that, I fear you are right, my lord."

The raven had been sent, Myranda had then lied to her father and told him that in truth it was the Bloody Gate that he was heading to and not a short pleasure ride as he'd told him upon his arrival. Instead, it would be Redfort that he'd travel to or at least stop at on his way to Runestone if he was able. Not that it seemed they'd be able to continue their journey unhindered, given just how many riders it seemed her mother had sent out to seek him out.

It both angered and frustrated him greatly. Hiding in trees, leaving their camps in a hurry at the sound of riders. He may as well have been a common criminal or bandit given what his last few days had felt like. The adventure of it all had somewhat worn off and try as he might, he was not enjoying the colder nights and rougher ground he was sleeping on. The reality was not quite living up to his dreams of being a squire and riding on such journeys serving his knight and by his Goodbrother's side. Or mayhap it was simply that they had miles yet to travel and no guarantee that they'd reach their destination.

"They're gone, my lord. We should ride and ride hard while we have the chance." Ser Marwyn said and Robert nodded.

He climbed up on the horse and felt the discomfort almost immediately. He'd developed saddle sores from riding so much. Robert now cursing his mother for keeping him from doing this earlier in his life and thereby getting more used to spending time ahorse. Maester Colemon had given him some ointment that helped a little, but it was somewhat embarrassing to apply it with Gretchel and Cara among their company. Not to mention that neither woman was having as much difficulty with either the riding or the nights outdoors as he.

Due to the riders that had been sent out looking for him, they'd been forced to criss-cross and double back more than once. Meaning that they'd lengthened their journey by some distance. Now as they rode quickly across the ground, he wondered if he'd ever make it to Redfort let alone Runestone. How long they'd been riding when Ser Marwyn bid them stop, he knew not. Though they had reached a river of some sort and as the horses drank and they refilled their water pouches, Robert doing his own rather than allowing anyone to do it for him, he saw Master Colemon write some notes down in a book.

"Maester?" he asked curiously.

"Forgive me, Lord Robert. I'm working out where we are and how far we have yet to travel."

"How?"

"This river, my lord. To our left, it leads to Ironoaks and to the right to Redfort. I'm certain now we're far closer to the one than the other."

"To Redfort?" he asked hopefully.

"I'm afraid not, my lord."

He sighed, almost fearful to ask the question that he knew he must, and yet he did so anyway. A week, mayhap more, and that was providing that they were actually allowed to ride without being harried. It took not into account what would happen should they hide to hide, change direction, or worse still, fight. For while they'd been lucky so far and had no encounters with the Mountain Clans, there was no certainty that their luck would hold all the way to their destination.

As the Maester looked at him and awaited him to speak, Robert found himself deep in thought. Lessons he'd had that he'd paid little or not much attention to were now coming back to him and fighting in his mind with the decisions he'd made and the reasons for them. He'd picked Redfort for two reasons. The first being that Ser Mychel was a member of the Brotherhood and rode with his Goodbrother, while the second was his fears about what he'd find at Ironoaks. He knew that Ser Jon and the Brotherhood had never got on well with his cousin, Harrold, and he too had never much liked the way he interacted with him.

Now though, as he remembered the maps of the lands he was to rule over and the lessons he'd taken with Maester Colemon, and even more happily the few with his sister, he began to see it differently. Even should they make it to Redfort within the week, he was under no illusions that would be the end of his journey. While Ser Mychel was a member of the Brotherhood and Ser Domeric may well be there too, there would still be a long journey to Runestone and many miles of hard riding to be done. Turning to look at the horses, those with him, and finally the Maester, Robert knew full well that he had to make a different decision.

"Maester, could we take a ship from Ironoaks?" he asked hopefully.

"We could, Lord Robert, but I had thought…"

"As had I, Maester, but Ser Jon once told me that a good knight knows when to stick to a plan or when to change course. I believe we need to change our course, Maester."

"Then that is was we'll do, Lord Robert." Maester Colemon said proudly.

He laid down to rest that night and was far more comfortable in doing so. Robert felt more relaxed and was certain he'd made the right choice. Harrold Hardyng may not be a friend of his or his Goodbrother's, but he was not actually the Lord of Ironoaks, for there was none. Lady Anya ruled there and it would be to her that he'd be presenting himself. It was time for him to put some faith in those who'd soon name him Lord and Warden, for he'd need them to have it in him in the future. Closing his eyes, he saw her there, his sister stood with her arms wide open to welcome him. As he drifted to sleep, he hugged himself tightly and though it was not the truth of things, it was as close enough to feel so that he was able to accept the mummery and pretend those arms belonged to Elaena.

The Great Sept 298 AC.

Elaena Arryn.

She had barely looked at his remains. The Silent Sisters had been about their work and it was simply bones that were all that was left of the father she adored. Elaena had not yet even begun to come to terms with what that loss truly meant. Each moment, hour, day, or night since she'd arrived in this godforsaken city was yet another one where every little thing reminded her that her father lived no more.

Jon had been there for her each and every step of the way and she'd needed him more than ever before. He'd spoken words to her that though she didn't truly hear, had given her some comfort. When she'd cried, he'd held her. The feel of his arms and how he softly brushed her hair or wiped her tears away was more than she could ask for. Yet for all the support he gave her, her grief was not truly something that could be shared with her husband. There was only one other person who could or would ever understand how she felt. Her brother.

Elaena had hated Lysa Tully for so many years that it had become second nature. Never had she wished her dead before now. Not even at her worst had she thought about praying for such a thing. Now she had to stop herself from rising to her feet and lighting a candle to the Stranger, begging for him to offer a hateful woman his cold touch.

She should be here.

My brother should be here.

Damn her to the Seven Hells.

Even as the High Septon spoke words about her father while the King, Queen, and the entire court looked on, it was thoughts of the Scary Fish that filled Elaena's mind. At what point she felt Jon squeeze her hand she knew not. Only that one moment he was sitting beside her and the next he was standing in front of the High Septon and speaking words she could hear not. A small voice in her head told her that she'd asked him to speak the words for her father, that she'd told him that she could not, and yet it too went almost unheard.

At some point, she found herself standing alone in the Great Sept, the wooden box that contained her father's bones and would be brought back to the Eyrie, right there right in front of her. She reached her hand out, placed it atop it, and then quickly pulled it back. Her tears came in almost a flood and she nearly jumped when she felt the hand on her shoulder and the handkerchief placed in her hand. Elaena turned to see that Jon was there and after she wiped her eyes, she sobbed against his chest.

Sometime later that night she awoke to find him holding her as she'd slept. He was awake and she offered him a smile before he rose from the bed and left her alone for a few moments. When he returned, he carried a tray with a plate of food and a glass of some juice or other. Jon spoke not, he simply sat by the bed and then began to cut up the meat and vegetables that were on the plate. They ate it together, alternating between her taking two bites to every one that Jon took. After she'd finished the glass of juice, he left and returned with another which she drank down just as thirstily. Then he put the tray away, climbed back into the bed beside her, and took her in his arms once more.

Over the next few days, she came more and more into herself. The grief was ever present but the apathy and lethargy were now a thing of the past. She ate more, both for the babe and for herself, while she spoke some to Jon, but on nothing of import. He never asked her how she was feeling, or even truly spoke about her father and his death. Instead, he allowed for her to bring it up in her own time. Something she was not yet ready to do. Jon did however speak on her brother and the things he said about Robert were things she had no idea just how much she needed to hear.

"I will train him myself, Laeny. As will you. He'll be the best Knight, Lord, and Warden we can make him. Not even Lysa can keep him from your side, I'll not allow anyone to do so. I swear it, Laeny, I swear it on all I am."

His words made her long to leave this city and yet they had one final task to do before they could. Dinner with the King, Queen, and his family. Though she wished not to go, and Jon told her she did not have to, she knew she must. Sandor and Arthur walked with them and yet it would only be her and Jon allowed into the Royal Apartments. Ser Jaime and Ser Mandon Moore stood guard and only the former looked at her with anything approaching sympathy. They entered to find the children sitting at the table alongside their parents, with only three of those present happy to see them.

Cersei and Joffrey wore almost identical looks on their faces and she almost dared them to speak hatefully to her this night. Looking to both Jon and to the King, she doubted either of them would accept them doing so and so mayhap the thought they clearly were having would not be spoken. Myrcella and Tommen, both immediately offered her their condolences and since they had, it meant that Joffrey now must too. His words sounded far less truthful to her and Jon, though the king it seemed was somewhat oblivious to the tone and timbre of them.

"I thank you, my princes, my princess. It means much to me that you would say so," she said with a practiced half smile, a more truthful one when she looked at two of the three.

The dinner was pleasant enough. Cersei scowled at her every so often and drank far too much wine and Elaena swore that at one point she caught her looking at Jon as if she wished to devour him. Joffrey made some snide remarks and then moaned a little about having to travel to the North. While both Myrcella and Tommen seemed keen on the adventure. Something even more true when Jon spoke on Winterfell and the things they'd see while there.

"There are hot springs, my prince, my princess. Be sure to ask my brothers and sisters to show you them and the Glass Gardens too."

"Glass Gardens, Ser Jon?" Myrcella asked excitedly.

"The weather in the North is not as suitable for growing things as it is here, my princess. So it's in gardens covered by glass and with hot piped water in the ground that the most delicate of things are grown. Vegetables, fruits, and flowers too."

"For true, Ser Jon, there are flowers?" Myrcella asked, her smile beaming now.

"For true, I'd not lie to a princess of the realm, now would I?" Jon said and even in her grief, she smiled at the wink he offered the young girl.

"No, you'd not," Tommen said firmly, earning himself a smile from his father.

"Ask to see the Winter Roses, my princess. You'll find them most beautiful no doubt."

"Oh, I shall, Ser Jon. Thank you."

It was strange, she knew her husband's plan and he'd made his feelings clear about Robert and even Joffrey. Yet watching him interact with the two youngest children, she could see that he thought them different than their older brother or their father. Elaena resolved to ask him if there were some plans for them that she knew not. She hoped there was, for they were as innocent of the things their family did as her brother was for the worst behavior of his mother.

The king was sorry to see them go and she swore she heard something or other about a tourney, though not what Jon's response to it was. She allowed the hug when it came from the king, tried to ignore the smell of drink on his breath, and was relieved he didn't embrace her too tightly. For all his faults and there were many, he'd loved her father and grieved as truly as she did. Even knowing what was soon to come, she could not help but feel some sympathy for him for that alone. Cersei kissed her cheek and seemed as if she was about to say something, but then held her tongue and Elaena was more than happy to be back in her room sooner than she'd expected.

When she awoke the next morning it was to find her things already packed and after a light meal to break her fast, they made their way to the Throne Room to say their goodbyes. Jon had arranged for her father's body to be brought on board the ship before they arrived and so she was spared the sight of it being loaded. Winter, Frost, and Ghost seemed even more eager than she was to leave this city behind and the Brotherhood, Ser Arthur, and Sandor, all followed them up the gangplank to do just that.

"We'll be back home in days, my love and you'll see your brother soon."

"And the Scary Fish?" she asked softly as Jon placed his hand on he locket and offered her a smile and then a kiss.

"Has no power over either you or him."

Winterfell 298 AC.

Ned Stark.

He sat in the Great Hall, around him the conversations that were going on went unheard as once again Ned was lost in his own mind. Memories of days long since passed and of a man who'd been a second father to him were all he could think of. Cat had given him as much time as he'd needed to get over Jon Arryn's death and yet here he was weeks later and he'd still not even come close to it. Had it not been for the deserter from the Night's Watch and having to deal with him, then Ned was sure he'd not even remember one single thing he'd done these past few weeks.

He'd resolved to speak to those at the Wall and yet other than a sent raven, he'd done little about even that, pressing though it was. Instead, it was his youth spent at the Vale, at the Eyrie. It was traveling with and the lessons imparted to him by Jon Arryn and it was even the agreement they'd come to all those years ago about his nephew. Ned even grieved for Robert despite the fact that he knew they were getting closer to actually being at war with a man he'd named his brother by choice once. For he knew that just like him, Robert grieved for the man who'd meant so much to them both.

All too soon, the night was at an end and he was making his way to his chambers. It had passed by almost in an instant, so lost was he in his thoughts. Taking to his bed, Cat did all she could to take his mind from where it threatened to remain locked and lost. Her touches and soft kisses had the desired effect of at least making him concentrate only on her and nothing else, briefly though it may be.

"Come to me, my love," she said softly, and looking into her bright blue eyes, he welcomed getting lost with her once more.

Waking the next day, he finally began to consider the things that he must do. The first of them was the rejection of the offer that he knew Robert would soon make him. While he'd heard little of anything that had been said to him these past few weeks, much to his dismay, some of the words Cat had spoken as they lay abed had managed to sink in. Robert was coming to both offer him the role of Hand of the King and to once again bring up the betrothal between his son and Arya. Two things he could and would not agree to.

He'd not betroth his daughter to Robert's son even was it not for his plans with his nephew. The tales he'd heard, his impression of the boy himself, no, he was not a suitable match for one of his girls. Ned quietened down the voice in his head that sounded so much like Lyanna's. A voice which said that even were he of a mind to, which he was not, Arya was much like her and would not accept such a match. It brought a smirk to his face and as he dressed he found himself wishing to spend time with both his daughters today.

By the time he'd broken his fast, his initial thoughts for his day had changed somewhat. Ned instead bid Cat join him in the Godswood so they could speak of how to handle Robert when he arrived. An arrival that was practically imminent, as the royal procession had been passed Cerwyn a week or so ago. He and Cat walked together in silence, the morning's crisp air welcome on his face. The cool breeze washed away the last vestiges of sleep and helped him think even more clearly. Ned found himself wondering if Robert would even wait but a day before making the offers and if he would then leave soon after they had been rejected.

"I want to thank you, my love. I've been so lost and you allowed me the time I needed," he said as he kissed Cat softly on the lips before bidding her take a seat beside him.

"It is good to see my husband back to himself," Cat said as she smiled back at him.

"Aye, 'tis good to be back," he replied.

"I take it you've something of import to share, Ned?"

"I do. For as lost as I've been over Jon Arryn's loss, I've had time to think too. We both know why Robert is coming, Cat. What offers he'll make and you saw the boy as did I, even were it not for Jon…"

"I'd not allow him anywhere near my daughter, no, on this we're in full agreement," Cat said, and was he not so happy to see her resolve was much like his own when it came to Arya, then he'd have noticed her wording sooner. As it was it took him a moment longer to do so.

"On this?"

"You wish to reject the offer to be Robert's Hand," Cat said and he both smiled at her for knowing him so well and for her grasp of politics, something she demonstrated even more clearly a moment later.

"I do, Aye."

"Would it not be for the best if you accepted, Ned?" she asked and before he had a chance to answer, she continued "Robert will be wroth when you turn down the offer of a betrothal and yet turning down the chance to be his Hand, that will anger him even more. For as much as he may claim to wish his House and ours to be joined, more than all of that, he wishes you by his side. That much was clear in King's Landing, was it not?"

"It was." he sighed.

"I know there is Jon to consider too, but mayhap with you serving as Hand it would help lay the ground for the war to come?"

He looked at her and bid her continue.

"As Hand, you'd have access to far more of the truth of the Realm, Ned. Be in a better position to judge the strengths and weaknesses of Robert's rule. His true allies, those who could be swayed, even where he'd be at his weakest. I know it's not in your nature to be so duplicitous."

Ned chuckled, it was not something he'd ever considered himself to be and yet he very much had been for five and ten years. Where once that would have shamed him, given the cause of that duplicity it very much did not. A promise to his dying sister and the bond of the blood he shared with his nephew trumped any bonds he'd once had regarding Robert.

"I have considered all you've said, Cat. It may not have looked as if I was doing anything but wallowing in my grief, but this I have considered and each time my mind keeps telling me that I should not accept."

"And your heart?"

"Even more so."

They spoke no more on the subject. Instead, it was more pleasant ones they turned their attention to. Jon would soon be a father, their children's days had been brightened by the gift they'd been given by their brother and the Old Gods, and Cat was happy to have him back with her and truly by her side once more. Something she was more than eager to tell him and the twinkle in her eye when she did so, made him long for the day to be at its end rather than its beginning. Yet it was not and so he spent it doing as he'd wished. Ned took the time to watch Arya at her archery lesson and as she played with Nymeria, to speak to his sons and catch up on all they'd done, and to sit with Sansa while she spoke on her own interests.

Dinner that night was a much happier affair. The promise that he'd seen in Cat's eyes after they'd spoken was one that was more than delivered upon when they eventually took to their bed. Had it not been for the knocking on the door waking them from their slumber, then it would have been an almost perfect day. When he opened it to find Luwin there, he felt his heart still and barely heard the man's words as he spoke of the letter he'd received from Cat's sister. He did however hear Cat speak clearly and the words she spoke changed all his well-thought-out plans completely.

"Lysa, Ned, Lysa says the Lannisters killed Jon Arryn," Cat said after Luwin had left them alone and as he moved to comfort his wife, he knew that one of Robert's offers would now need to be accepted.

Gulltown 298 AC.

Arthur Dayne.

He was glad to be out of the city, and to be back among people that would not turn on Jon should the truth be known. While they had the numbers he believed to beat Robert Baratheon in the war that was soon to come, in King's Landing they'd been outnumbered greatly. True, he'd put plans in place to see that Jon and Elaena would be protected and quickly able to depart the city, but all it would take was a stray arrow and all would be lost. Given what they were now starting to believe about Jon Arryn, the stakes couldn't be higher or the game more dangerous.

So walking down the gangplank and making their way to Lord Grafton's keep, was something he took great comfort in. The Vale would support Jon when he announced his truth, he, Jon Arryn, Lord Yohn, and even Jon himself believed that. More than that though, even should some not, here it was they who held the number advantage, as it would be in the North too. As they strolled through the streets, Arthur noticed how the Smallfolk looked at Elaena and bowed their heads in sympathy over her loss. Jon Arryn had been beloved by most if not all the people of the Vale, his daughter he knew certainly was, as so too was her husband. They grieved both for the lord they'd lost and the daughter of that lord and he knew that Elaena welcomed their sentiment.

They were welcomed at the Keep by Lord Grafton who offered his son a smile before turning his face more serious when he greeted first Jon and then Elaena. Arthur barely heard the words he spoke or what Elaena said back to him, but by the expression on Jon's face, both were much welcomed by him at least. However, it was clear to him by the way Jon looked to Lord Gerold, that something else had occurred while they were in King's Landing, and no sooner had they been shown to their rooms, than he, Gyles, and Jon were making their way to the Lord's solar.

"Lord Grafton is expecting us," Jon said to the two guards, one of whom knocked at the door before they were then bid to enter.

Gyles joined them inside the solar and was greeted far more fondly by his father once they'd done so. Jon allowed the two of them to get properly reacquainted before a small cough from him was enough to turn Gerold's attention to them rather than his son.

"Forgive me, Ser Jon, I find each time I see my son that I'm awed by how much he's grown," Gerold said fondly and Arthur almost chuckled at how Gyles puffed out his chest at his father's words.

"That he is, my lord."

Jon and Gyles took a seat and though Gerold offered them refreshments, neither partook. He took his place at his king's back and waited for Gerold to speak on what concerned him so. It took a moment longer than either he or Jon wished, as it was Elaena he spoke on first.

"Your wife is well, Ser Jon?"

"As well as can be expected, my lord. She looks forward to being back amongst those she knows and she longs to see her brother."

He caught the frown as did Jon and then watched as Gerold opened a drawer and took out a raven's scroll which he handed to Jon. With his eyes on the scroll in Jon's hand, he saw it the moment Jon gripped it a little more tightly, and then a moment later, he was handed it. Arthur read it quickly and sighed, knowing now that it would not be Runestone or anywhere else they'd be going to, but that he, Jon, Sandor, and mayhap the entire Brotherhood would soon be riding in search of Robert Arryn.

To all my Leal Lords and Knights.

My son has been kidnapped, stolen from his bed by disloyal men. Men I name as traitors to the Vale and do hereby call for their heads. Maester Colemon, Ser Marwyn Belmore, and the rest of those who've kidnapped my son, your liege lord, are to be offered no quarter and given no mercy, my Leal Lords and Knights. Find them kill them and bring my son back to me. The man who does so shall earn my everlasting favor and will be rewarded most handsomely.

Lysa Arryn,

Lady Regent of the Vale.

After he'd read the note one last time, he placed it back on the table and watched as Gyles looked first at his father and then Jon, before a nod from his knight allowed the young squire to read it too.

"Ser Marwyn is a good and true man, Ser Jon. Ever have you named him so." Gyles said and Jon nodded that the young man was in the right of it.

"That he is, Gyles. As is Maester Colemon."

"You have the right of it, Ser Jon, this makes little sense to me. As I'm sure it doesn't to many in the Vale." Lord Gerold added.

Arthur listened as Jon first told Lord Gerold about the events surrounding Jon Arryn's death. While he didn't bring up any of their suspicions, he did speak of Lysa Tully's actions and how she had quickly departed from King's Landing. He spoke too of how young Robert was wroth with his mother and had wished to speak to his sister, something that his sister was most keen to do as well. Then finally he took the papers out that named him Warden and Lord Protector and Arthur saw how true the smile was on Gerold's face when he read them.

"A boon, Ser Jon, and not just because of what this means for your plans going forward. But even for the now, for dealing with situations such as this."

"I'll need access to your ravens, my lord. I've many messages to send and I must ask for your hospitality for my wife to be extended for some time."

"There is no need to ask for ether, Ser Jon. Grafton stands ready for you to command it."

Parchment was sent for and Jon wrote out the messages himself. Handing one of them to him so he could look it over and give him his approval or not. After he'd read it, he was then handed another which was to be sent to Lord Yohn and this one was even more deserving of the nod of his head he'd given the other. It was more than two hours from when they'd first entered the solar that they'd left. Food and drink had been brought and while both he and Jon only drank, Gyles had been bid to eat and did so with his father.

Once the ravens had been sent, they walked back to their room and he readied to tell Sandor the news. He was in the midst of doing so when the small child moved their way, Arthur taking a moment to realize that it was one of Varys' little birds and then thanking the girl with a few coppers when she handed him the note. He knocked at the door and entered the room to find Elaena awake and laying on the bed, Jon by her side looking worried and concerned.

"From Varys, Jon," he said as he handed him the note.

He, Sandor who'd joined them inside, and Elaena, all looked to Jon as he read the note and saw the resolve come over him as he did so.

"Ironoaks." Jon said.

"You're certain, Jon?" Elaena asked and Jon turned to her and handed her the note.

With a nod, he and Sandor turned to walk from the room only to find that they'd not be leaving without orders or without their king.

"I'll find him, Laeny. I swear it, I'll find him and see him safe." Jon said as he moved to Gyles who'd come looking for him.

Arthur looked on as Gyles was told to stay behind to see that Elaena had all she needed. The young squire was then ordered to both wait for Lord Yohn's men to arrive and to spend some time with his father, Jon missing his hair as he did so. Not a single member of their guard that they'd brought with them to King's Landing would ride with them to find Robert Arryn. So it was just he, Jon Sandor, and the Brotherhood who rode out the gates of the town before they then rode much faster over the lands outside.

Winter and Frost raced on ahead of them while Ghost stayed by Elaena's side and in the sky above them, Eyas flew straight and true. There would be little stopping on this ride, little rest to be had and Arthur pitied anyone who was fool enough to get in their way. Jon had made a promise to his wife and Arthur was well aware of how true to their promises wolves could be. Just as he was when it came to dragons.

Ironoaks 298 AC.

Jon Snow.

As much as he wished to be by Elaena's side, he knew that this was what she needed from him. Hearing that her brother had snuck away from the Eyrie so as to come to her had been one of the few things that had brought a smile to her face since news of her father's death had come. Reading the words that Lysa Tully had sent out to one and all had made her fearful as did Elaena knowing much of the lands of the Vale.

Attacks by the Mountain Clans were fewer lately, but they still occurred. Only a few moons ago, he, Arthur, Sandor, and the Brotherhood had needed to ride out and deal with some Burned Men. Most of those who sought passage from keep to keep did all they could to keep away from the most dangerous of areas. Only traveling through them when they had no choice or a large enough escort. They had no true idea of how large a party Robert traveled in. No idea how many of them were guards and until Varys' message arrived, even what lands they truly rode through. Jon thanked the Old Gods that it was Ironoaks and not somewhere much more dangerous that they had headed to.

Still, until her brother was standing by her side, Elaena wouldn't rest easy. Which meant that neither would he and so he bid them ride and ride hard and behind him, not a single one of them faltered. They camped only when they needed to, rested only when they couldn't ride further, and made decent time. Yet it comforted him not and as Winter and Frost raced on ahead of them, as Eyas flew in the skies above, Jon sought to see through their eyes.

"We need to ride and ride hard," he said opening them all too quickly.

"Jon?" Waymar asked worriedly.

"Burned Men, Waymar, led by a Red Hand, and they have the scent of something. Something that's excited them," he said as he hurried to mount up.

It was rare to see such a large raiding party and rarer still to see them led by a Red Hand. Usually, they were fewer and far less organized, and only when attacking something of value did one of the chiefs send a commander with them. Jon tried not to let his worries for his Goodbrother and for what Robert being hurt would do to Elaena, overwhelm him. Instead vowing that if it was Robert the Burned men were seeking, they'd not find him. That his steel and the steel of those with him would be more than enough to see that so.

With Eyas flying far ahead of the Burned Men now and Winter and Frost closing in, Jon and those with him rode fast. They would be outnumbered by at least two to one and yet he felt the Burned Men would be no true match for them. Unlike how they liked to operate, it would be Jon and those with him who had the element of surprise, not they. Not to mention that there was not a single one of them who'd not fought against Burned Men before.

They crested a hill and he looked through Eyas' eyes once more. She'd found Robert and those with him. Still some miles from Ironoaks and looking the worst for wear, he was relieved to see that his Goodbrother and those with him looked uninjured. He had Eyas fly overhead and then some miles around the small party that rode slowly in the direction of the Waynwood keep. Happy enough to see that the Burned Men still had some miles to go to reach them. Just as he was beginning to believe that there may not actually be a need for a fight today, he saw them. The second party of Burned Men was coming from the other direction and moved towards Robert and those with him.

"FUCK" he exclaimed loudly.

"Jon?" Arthur asked.

"Another, larger party. Led by Timmet."

"How many in all, Jon?" Sandor asked.

"Thirty in one and twenty in the other. We…"

"We'll make it," Mychel said and Jon nodded.

"Your bows, we may need them," he said to Domeric and the others, all three of them grabbing them and making ready.

He sent Winter and Frost on ahead, bidding them leave the Burned Men they had begun to stalk and instead to head straight for Robert and the others. His Goodbrother would recognize the wolves and know he was close. Hopefully, it would bring him some comfort, as well as the protection they'd offer. As for him and those with him, they rode around and not towards the first group of Burned Men. Soon finding themselves no more than half a mile away from where Robert was and less than three-quarters of one from where the second group of Burned Men now were.

Winter and Frost had reached Robert, their speed unmatched by any of those who sought him out. Eyas flew closer to Ironoaks and found no search party or guard to be out looking for his Goodbrother. Something that both pleased and annoyed him in equal measure. Looking through the falcon's eyes as he had her fly back to where Robert was, he was happy to see both wolves by his side. He could feel how much it meant to Robert that he'd come looking and the relief that seeing Winter and Frost had brought him.

Still, he was not safe yet and so bidding the others ride, readying his bow, and checking that his sword and dagger were ready to be drawn, he rode to see that was so. A voice in his head tried to tell him that Robert wasn't Elaena's true brother. That he was not Jon Arryn's son and he should dally more. It spoke words that he hated hearing, words that told him that was Robert to fall then it would make things much easier for him and Elaena. Jon ignored them as best he could and tried to concentrate on the fight that was soon to come. Yet it was a hard thing to do, given the argument in his head.

His mother will use him, you know this.

Should Littlefinger actually reveal it, it'll hurt her worse.

They could use it simply to drive a wedge between Elaena and Robert.

Warden, you may be, but if Robert listens to his mother, then the Vale could be divided.

This is not where you wish your war to be fought.

Let him die, Let him die, and let that be an end of it.

Gripping the reins hard, he ignored the voices as best he could. Robert was Elaena's brother, blood was not all that made it so.

When they saw him, Robert smiled and for Jon, it was as if he was looking at his wife. He called out his name and Jon could see the relief in Maester Colemon and the other's faces. It was to be short-lived, however. Dismounting, he looked over the ground and to his and his companion's horses. There would be no swift ride from here, that time had long since passed.

"Jon," Robert said as he ran to him, his arms wrapping around him and Jon hugged his Goodbrother just as firmly.

"You are well?" he asked and received a happy nod.

"Laeny?"

"Awaits us in Gulltown."

"I…our father…"

"I know, Robert. I need you to be brave for her, can you be so?"

"I can," Robert said determinedly.

He offered him a smile and turned to those with him. There were but six men at arms and thankfully one of them, Ser Marwyn Belmore, was a fair sword and trustworthy knight.

"Burned Men, Ser Marwyn. Two groups of them, one from moves from the south of us and the other from the North. That one is the closest."

"How many, Ser Jon?"

"Thirty or so from the North, twenty or more from the south."

Closing his eyes, he looked again and saw they were almost upon them. They outnumbered them three to one and no doubt knew of the second group too, which would make it five to one if they could bog them down here for long enough. Were these proper men at arms, then they'd be fucked. Burned Men did not understand tactics though, they would attack, rather than wait until they were completely outmatched.

"Your bow, Robert, you've practiced?" he asked and his Goodbrother shook his head embarrassed "Never mind, you showed skill when last I saw you, I'll need you to do so again. You'll not let me down now will you?" he asked and Robert shook his head firmly "Good lad, I need you to stay with the ladies, Robert, to offer them a knight's protection, you understand."

"I do, Jon," Robert replied and Jon offered him his best smile before mussing his hair just a little, it was for the best if he made it a game of sorts. Though it would very much not be so.

There was little cover, which left them with only one real option and it was not one he liked. Moving to Arthur and Sandor, calling over Mychel, Domeric, and Waymar, Jon laid out his plan before then speaking of it to Ser Marwyn. Once they'd agreed, he walked to where Robert stood with the two women and told them what it was he must do. He saw how both women almost panicked and how for the briefest moment, Robert seemed to be ready to do the same.

"You stay low, Robert, fire when you believe you can hit your target, but stay low at all times."

"I will."

"Laeny will have my hide if we don't return unharmed and with a tale to tell," he said, winking at his Goodbrother who chuckled.

"You can count on me, Jon," Robert said determinedly.

"I know I can. I doubt you not, Robert, remember that should you doubt yourself," he said as they embraced once more.

A few moments later, he, Arthur, Sandor, and the Brotherhood along with Winter and Frost were cresting the hill once more. Eyas flew overhead and time seemed almost to stop as the Burned Men and Timmet came into view. He waited until they were in full charge, their loud shouts ringing out as they did so. Then with a nod to Arthur and Sandor, they rode and rode hard.

Ser Marwyn had arranged the horses around them and it proved them some cover. Robert he could see was doing exactly as he'd bid him to. He lay behind some saddles with Gretchel and Cara beside him, bow in hand, arrow readied to be loosed, it brought a smile to his face despite the danger that he and they were in. Winter and Frost for once were behind him, Jon fearing any arrows that may be aimed in their direction. Though it seemed there were few if any archers among Timmet's group.

By the time he reached them a few had fallen. Ser Marwyn and three of the guards had waded into the fight and two more stayed back with bows in hand, seeking out any Burned Man they could find. Arthur swung Dawn, Sandor his Greatsword while Mychel, Domeric, and Waymar's own blades had been bloodied too. With no archers to worry about, Winter and Frost were now fully in the fray and Jon swung his own sword down left and right as he rode through the Burned Men.

He felt the wind go out of him and thanked the Old Gods it had been the shaft of the ax and not its blade that Timmet had caught him with. The howling of the two wolves was enough to warn him that the blow was coming and he managed to dodge the downward strike that was aimed at his head. Rising to his feet, sword in hand, he glared at Timmet who looked back at him angrily.

"You killed my people, Wolf, you die."

"Not today." he retorted.

Timmet was a huge man, tall, fierce-looking, and with his burned-out eye. Its empty scarred socket was as ugly as fuck, Jon thought as he fought the man. As Jon dodged the ax or blocked it with his sword, Timmet spoke non-stop.

"Songs will be sung of me."

"Children named after me."

"Timmet son of Timmet, slayer of the Mountain Wolf."

"Are we fucking talking or fighting?" he asked as he aimed a slash that almost hit home. As replies went it would not rank high amongst some of Sandor's, though he believed if his protector had heard him, he'd have welcomed it.

Behind them, the fight was all but done. Winter and Frost had moved to Robert's side and would see him safe. Arthur had just killed the last man he would that day while Sandor now moved to join Jon and offer him aid should it be needed. Waymar, Mychel, and Domeric were unharmed as was Ser Marwyn. Though they'd lost two men and could lose a third if they didn't get him to a Maester. Yet for now all Jon really saw was Timmet and his ax.

He dodged and then danced away. Aimed a strike that almost cost Timmet his other eye and then heard the loud curse when he almost took the man's arm from him. Jon spat out blood from a blow to the head which dented his helm and then almost by accident, he ended the fight. The sound of Timmet as he gurgled and choked on his own blood and held his hand to his neck was a welcome one to him. Moving to the man, he gave him a quick and cleaner death than he mayhap deserved and then looked to see that those he cared about were truly unharmed.

"Robert?" he called out once he'd seen Arthur, Sandor, and the others, his Goodbrother coming to him along with Winter and Frost.

"Jon, you're hurt, the blood," Robert said worried after he'd removed his helm.

"A minor thing, I'm not cut. You are unharmed."

"I…I hit one, Jon, my arrow…"

"You protected the ladies, Robert, a knight's duty," he said as Robert nodded.

After looking through Eyas' eyes, he was relieved to see the second group had dallied and wouldn't be reaching them any time soon. Sending the falcon towards Ironoaks to make sure their route was unhindered, he then closed his eyes and went seeking Ghost. He found the white wolf laying by Elaena's bedside and soon had him licking her face and making her laugh. Though he couldn't truly tell her what he wished, he hoped she took comfort that Ghost worried about them not. With that done, he set about making sure that Robert and the others were truly unhurt, and then, after allowing the horses to rest a little, he bid them ride for Ironoaks.

"Ride with me, Robert," he said and his Goodbrother brought his horse alongside his own.

"Are there more, Jon? Will we…"

"We're safe, Robert. We'll both see Laeny soon enough," he said and prayed that it would be so.

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed, I'll be answering them next chapter. Up Next: Elaena is reunited with her brother while Littlefinger arrives in the Vale and makes a worrying discovery. Jon and Lord Royce meet with some of the most important Lords, Ladies, and Knights of the Vale and make their way to the Eyrie to remove Lysa from power while in Winterfell, Ned both angers and delights a king in equal measure which sends Jon scrambling back to King's Landing and leads Westeros to the precipice of a war that only some are ready for.

For those following my other fics, The Last Wolf and the Northern Dragon is up next, Followed by My name is Daemon and Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold.