Warg Maiden
Edited by xXFallenSakuraXx52
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 11: Spying on the Enemy
Imogen's POV
Wanting to be alone, I found a spot near Ygritte, who was focused on making her arrows. As we sat away from the Thenns, I turned my attention to Orell. Orell came over as he sat on a stump, looking at me. I petted Orell's neck before pulling out some dry meat and offering it to him. Orell accepted as he nipped at it.
"It's time to check on the Little Crow," I told Orell.
Orell nodded; he was suspicious of what Jon said about Castle Black. Even though Mance outnumbers the Night's Watch, we had to make sure whether or not there were a thousand crows perched on the Wall. Therefore, staring at Ygritte, assuring she would guard my body, she nodded. Thus, I turned my attention to Frigg, perched up in the trees. She nodded, understanding what was happening as I warg into her.
As my eyes rolled back, I felt the air leaving my lungs and the tension. A second later, I gazed through Frigg's eyes, seeing myself and Ygritte. The Fiery Spearwife waved her hand over my face to see if I was there. I shrieked when Ygritte looked up and nodded, accepting that I was in Frigg. With nothing else to say, Orell and I flew towards Castle Black.
So much was swirling in my head about how close we were to escape the White Walkers. All I want is for my people to be safe. I want my family to be safe. My brothers were only sixteen. Though reliable and skilled warriors, they are not ready for wights. I want them and our families to live in peace. And there was my mother, Boudica. She was a priestess in our tribe. She is spiritually connected with the gods. She sensed the dead, and our lands have been dying. It has been dying for many centuries. Something or someone has awakened the White Walkers. The Second Long Night is coming. All we can do is separate the living from the dead.
It wasn't long before we arrived at Castle Black. Orell and I sat on the roof of a building. At first glance, I stared at the courtyard to see it didn't look like much. I've seen thousands of people in a populated area. If Jon said there were a thousand, they should all be crammed up in the small castle. I began to count to get a rough estimation of how many crows were there.
The sound of swords clashing caught my attention. I stared down to see training happening in the courtyard. Jon was sparing with one of his brothers as a group of recruits watched them. I recognized one of them being the boy I spared. I flew down lower to get a better look. After a slight laugh, the two continued to spare as Jon complimented the man.
Jon turned around, facing the recruits, "A lot of wildlings fight with a weapon in each hand." He grabbed a second sword. "The first thing you want to do is disarm them to try and even the odds."
He gave the second sword to his comrade. The man twirled the blades, getting a good grip, before charging at Jon. He had a good start until Jon disarmed him with one blade. He swung again, except Jon grabbed him by the arm and aimed his sword at the Crow's neck. The man chuckled, impressed.
Jon turned his attention to the recruits, "Let's see what you can do."
The boy stepped forward.
"Olly, you just watch for now," Jon said.
"I can fight," Olly assured.
"Have you ever held a sword before?" Jon asked, handing the sword on the ground to his comrade.
"I was the best archer in our hamlet," Olly said.
The men laughed.
"I was!" Olly defended.
"I believe ya," the Crow next to Jon said, Grenn I believe his name was.. "We'll go hunting for rabbits one day. Right now, watch and learn."
Olly sighed but nodded as he stepped back with the group.
"You two," Jon said, pointing at volunteers. "Take it slow, try and disarm each other."
The two men nodded as they collected their swords. One man was tall with a white crew cut, while the other had dark hair with a scar on his face. The bigger one shouted, lunging at the scarred man. The scarred man dodged, striking his sword down, disarming one's sword. The bigger one continues to strike, only to miss. It was a mere few seconds as the scarred man maneuvered around the other and hit him down the back, tripping him. The bigger one groaned, glaring at his opponent, attacking in rage. Only the scarred man stepped aside, striking him behind the legs, causing the man to fall before punching him in the face. The bigger one fell, falling unconscious.
Jon approached the scarred-face man and said, "You know how to fight. You could have gone easier on him."
"He wouldn't have learned anything that way," the scarred man said.
"Lord Snow," another crow called out, exiting the castle. I recognized him. It was Fancy titled, Ser Alliser Thorne. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Grenn and I were helping them," Jon explained.
"Grenn's a ranger. You're a steward," Alliser reminded. "Maybe you forgot while you were off with your wildling bitch, but I didn't."
"Someone has to train them," Jon said sternly.
"And that someone isn't you," Alliser countered. "Go find a chamber pot to empty."
Jon stepped forward, glaring at the man.
"Go on. Do it," Alliser challenged. "You traitor's bastard. Give me an excuse. Mormont's not here to protect you now."
Jon adjusted his sword and left. I turned to Orell, who nodded when spotting this. Jon seems to be an outcast to Free Folk and his brothers.
Alliser faced the recruits, "Get back to work. Now! I said now!"
The crows dispersed.
A bald-headed man with white scruffs approached Alliser and said, "The bastard's well-liked. You're not."
"Ah, ya think I care if they like me? We're at war," Alliser said.
"For now," the bald man replied. "But you can't be acting commander forever. There will be a choosing. The old Maester will insist on it. You might reconsider his request to march on Craster's. Let the mutineers take care of Snow. Or you might be taking orders from him the rest of your life."
Alliser grunted, marching away.
Interesting.
.o0o.
Jon's POV
Jon was pissed off as he put the training armor and sword away. He didn't understand why Ser Alliser Thorne despised him so. The worst is that Ser Alliser keeps reminding him that he is a bastard and that his father is a traitor. Jon knew Ned Stark was no traitor. Suppose the news about Robb's attempt at a rebellion against the Lannisters says anything. In that case, their father was framed and murdered in front of the people. Ned Stark was an honorable man, not a traitor.
The recruit with the two scars across his face came over to put a sword away.
"A bastard, eh," the man noted.
Jon gave him a warning look.
"Took you for a highborn," the man corrected.
"My father was highborn. My mother wasn't," Jon explained, fastening his belt.
The man nodded, offering a hand, "Name's Locke."
Jon stared at it briefly and accepted the shake, "Jon Snow."
After a quick shake, Jon continued.
"You fight well," he said. "What brought you up here?"
"A sense of duty," Locke answered. "I wanted to do my part for the safety of the realm."
Jon gave him a look knowing that was bullshit. He knows at least nine out of ten men choose the Wall to escape and be pardoned for their crimes. In his group of twenty men, Sam and he volunteered for the Wall. Everyone else was a criminal, except for his friends, who were falsely accused of a crime to escape the executioner's ax.
Locke laughed at Jon's expression, in which Jon joined.
"I was a game warden in the Stormlands," Locke explained. "Fed a prized partridge to my hungry kids. I was stupid enough to get caught. Chose the Wall over losing my hand. Figured I wouldn't have to suck up to any highborn cunts here."
"Come on, get on with it!" Ser Alliser shouted at the men. "What are you waiting for? Summer?"
"Guess I was wrong," Locke murmured.
Jon snorted through his nose and smiled at that. That was when he spotted a white Snowy Owl perched on a wagon. At first glance, he thought it was one of the men's messaging birds. Until he stared closely at the owl's eyes. He knows from his hunting lessons that Snowy Owls have yellow eyes. Yet this one had gray eyes, almost human. An eagle came over and landed next to the owl.
Jon mentally cursed, realizing the owl was Frigg being warged by Imogen. As for the eagle, he knew that bird anywhere since he still had a slight scar on his face from the encounter. Orell, who is still inhabiting his familiar. Jon quickly looked at the weapons to see if there was anything he could use to kill them. He spotted a bow with training arrows. Not lethal to humans, if he put with enough force, could kill them or at least wound them enough that he could snap their necks.
So quickly, Jon grabbed it and aimed it at Imogen. However, dark eyes are connected with gray eyes. Imogen gave a shriek, flapping her wings to take off. Jon cursed as he fired, only to miss. He rushed out, knocking another arrow, aiming for the sky, spotting Imogen. He was about to fire again when suddenly Orell attacked him. Massive talons trying to scratch at his head. Grenn, who was nearby, rushed in, smacking the eagle away. Some men tried to grab the eagle, but it took to the sky.
Jon panted, feeling a sting on his head, knowing he had received some deep cuts. He looked up, seeing Orell and Imogen flying away. Deep down, Jon knew his secret was uncovered. Imogen was an intelligent wildling who counted their men. No doubt, she knew they had barely a hundred men and not a thousand.
"Snow!" Ser Alliser bellowed.
Jon sighed once more, having to explain everything.
.o0o.
Imogen's POV
I turned my direction to Orell, who flew beside me. He nodded, silently protecting Frigg as I returned my spirit to my body. I have to thank him; otherwise, Frigg would have died in Castle Black, and I would experience her pain…and a part of my soul gone. So, with nothing else to say, I returned to my body with a gasp. After a few moments, I caught my bearings and looked up to see Ygritte. She had just finished trimming another feather for her arrow.
"Did you see?" Ygritte asked.
"Yes," I answered.
"And?"
I took a deep breath, "He's alive."
Ygritte inhaled sharply.
I observed her. Ygritte shot three arrows at him. Three arrows that could kill any man. And yet, he was still alive. I don't know what her intentions would be. There is a crow who knows our secrets.
"Ygritte…" I started. "What are your plans?"
Ygritte took a deep breath, "He's my kill. I will take care of him. Don't tell Tormund and the others."
I stared at her. Sometimes, there are moments like these. I wish I was the Three-Eyed Raven so I could see the possible future, especially when it comes to Ygritte's impulsive behavior. No doubt, if I saw Ygritte's future, I would be overwhelmed by the many possibilities of where she would go. Other than a free spirit, a wild soul.
Therefore, I nodded; if she didn't kill Jon, Tormund or Styr would happily do so. Even I would even do so in order to protect our people.
Ygritte nodded back as she helped me up. Collecting her arrows, we made our way back to the camp. Tormund was by a fire pit with the others. He was munching on a rabbit as he looked up. Seeing I had news, he set the rabbit down.
"What did you find?" Tormund asked.
"Castle Black is not as massive as Jon Snow claimed it to be. There are probably less than a hundred men there, not a thousand," I reported. "Based on my observation, Jeor Mormont is dead and under the leadership of the Master of Arms named Ser Alliser Thorne. However, the Maester will soon have a vote for a new Lord Commander."
Tormund snorted, "So they are under no leadership."
"Not from what I've seen," I said. "They are divided."
"And our Baby Crow?" Tormund asked.
I stared at Ygritte, who silently asked not to mention him. I then turned my attention to Tormund.
"I did not see him in the courtyard," I lied.
Despite that, he tried to kill me a few hours ago.
.o0o.
Castle Black
Jon was in the library with Sam, going over the maps for Beyond the Wall. Sam told Jon that he had an encounter with Bran at the Nightfort. His younger brother, Summer, Hodor, and two other children around Bran's age were there. No Rickon or Shaggy Dog. In the end, Bran was alive from the supposed Greyjoy raid.
What bothered Jon was that Bran did not want to go to Castle Black? The Night's Watch would have protected Bran until they could find a loyal house to care for him.
However, based on what Sam said, Bran was going after a creature called the Three-Eyed Raven. That name again, Three-Eyed Raven. The wildlings were talking about it. Ygritte told him the Three-Eyed Raven is an ancient greenseer who lives among the Old Gods. One who holds the knowledge of the past and can see into the future. If he remembered correctly, Ygritte talked about Imogen having encountered this entity and almost becoming this creature. If what the wildlings say is true, Jon must find Bran before that happens.
He searched through the maps, knowing that the majority of the confirmed wildling villages are abandoned now. So, he needed to see where Bran and his friends would go. Sadly, it was hard for Jon to concentrate while Sam was moping about Gilly and Little Sam.
Jon felt somewhat sorry for him. Sending Gilly to Mole's Town where she could be safe and away from the other Night's Watchmen with criminal intent on women. Little Sam, being a boy, would be welcome with open arms. Since the Night's Watch, do accept orphan boys. However, Little Sam is not an orphan. His mother's safety would be in danger. Only Jon had wished Sam hadn't left Gilly at a brothel.
"I should never have taken her away," Sam moped.
"She wasn't safe here," Jon assured.
"She's not safe out there," Sam countered. "I should have known. You told us there were wildlings south of the Wall. If they're raiding the smaller villages, Mole's Town could be next."
"Castle Black could be next," Jon muttered.
"I should go back for Gilly," Sam whined.
"We have orders. No one's to leave the castle." Jon reminded him, still focused on the map.
"I remember when you disobeyed orders and rode south to help Robb," Sam challenged.
Jon looked up, staring at him, "And I remember who came after me and brought me home."
Sam took a deep breath, knowing Jon was right.
"I know how hard it is, Sam, believe me," Jon said, then returned to the map. "When you told me about Bran going beyond the Wall, all I could think about was getting my strength back so I could go and find him."
Sam sighed, "I wish I could have convinced him to come back with me."
Jon nodded.
"I tried. Really, I tried." Sam continued.
Jon knew that. Sam already had Gilly and Little Sam. If it was Bran and Hodor, Sam would have a better chance of convincing the two to follow back to Castle Black. But the two companions, if Sam said correctly, their names were Meera and Jojen, who had strong beliefs in going beyond the Wall. Sam would be outnumbered. Therefore, Jon doesn't hold any resentment toward Sam.
"How fast could they travel?" Jon thought aloud. "A crippled boy being pulled on a sledge by a simpleton?"
"I don't know," Sam replied, then suggested, "They'd pass wildling villages. They could try to find shelter at one of them?"
Jon shook his head, "The wildlings have joined up with Mance. Every village or shelter place will be deserted."
Sam came over to get a better look. They were so focused on their conversation that they did not hear Locke coming down and standing at the entryway. Locke has deceived the Night's Watch quite easily. He was not here as a game keeper. No, he was on a mission to collect Brandon and Rickon Stark and kill Jon Snow. He was sent by the Boltons to secure their position as Lord Wardens of the North.
If Locke secures Brandon Stark, he can become a lord and own lands of his own. Already, a House Sigil with a bloody severed hand seems appealing since Locke cut off the Kingslayer sword hand. Ah, yes, a good insult to House Lannister for Ser Jaime, lying to him about Lord Selwyn Tarth paying the ransom in his daughter's weight in sapphires.
Thus, if he could use Jon to get to Brandon Stark, he could kill two birds with one stone.
Meanwhile, Jon talked with Sam.
"Except…" Jon pointed at one location.
"Craster's?" Sam gasped. "You think Bran might have found –"
"Snow," Locke called out, disrupting their conversation.
The two men turned around, facing him.
"I don't mean to interrupt," Locke apologized. "Thorne wants to see you."
Jon glanced at Sam, wondering what stupid excuse Ser Alliser Thorne wanted him to make.
.o0o.
Ser Alliser Thorne sat at the Council table in the Mass Hall, chomping away on a chicken leg. Jon stood there for some time, wondering what the active Lord Commander wanted him to do. Let alone having to humiliate him even more in front of his brothers. Little did Jon know that Alliser had taken Lord Janos Slynt's advice by sending Jon on a mission to end the mutineer. Hopefully, Karl Tanner can finish him off and be done with Ned Stark's bastard.
"You foray to Craster's Keep, I'll sanction it," Ser Alliser said with a mouth full of chicken.
This surprised Jon as he looked at Lord Janos. He wondered if these two were jesting him. There had to be a catch. Ser Alliser Thorne doesn't easily give out assignments to his unfavorable brother.
"But I won't order anyone to go with you," Ser Alliser continued. "Volunteers only."
It's more than enough, Jon thought.
"Thank you, Ser Alliser," Jon replied, being respectful.
Ser Alliser nodded, going back to his meal. Although the scornful kept watching.
Jon turned around and saw his brothers eating and chatting. Taking a deep breath, he got down from the platform and stood center to address them. He cleared his throat. One thing he will admit was he was terrible at public speaking. No matter how many speeches he attended with Ned and Robb or tutoring growing up, speeches were an inner fear. It wasn't a staged fright. It's saying the right words. So, he cleared his throat, looking at them.
"Ahem Brothers," Jon said in a normal voice.
They did not hear him. Grenn, who had been observing Jon since he had gone onto the Council platform, grabbed his cup and pounded it on the table to get everyone's attention. Jon appreciated it until all eyes were on him.
Seven hells, Jon thought before taking a deep breath.
"I'm going beyond the Wall to Craster's Keep. I'm going to capture the mutineers holed up there or kill them. I'm asking for volunteers to come with me. There are sixty miles of wilderness between here and Craster's, and Mance Rayder has an army bearing down on us, but we have to do this. Our survival may depend on us getting these mutineers before Mance does. They know the Wall. They know our defenses. If Mance learns what they know, we're lost. But if that's not enough, then consider this. If the Night's Watch is truly brothers, then Lord Commander Mormont was our father. He lived and died for the Watch and was betrayed by his own men. Stabbed in the back by cowards. He deserved far better. All we can give him now is justice. Who will join me?"
Silence engulfed the room except for the creaking sounds of chairs pressed on. All the Crows were deep in thought, contemplating this. Lord Commander Mormont had done so much for them. He remembered their names and backgrounds, never judging them despite everything they did in their past, giving them all a second chance. However, could they risk their lives and kill their own brothers despite the fact that they betrayed the Night's Watch?
Grenn was the first to stand up, nodding to Jon. Followed by Edd, which Jon appreciated since these two were held captive and had inside knowledge. Several more stood up along with Locke.
"I can't let a recruit come north of the Wall," Jon explained.
"Then let me say my vows," Locke suggested. "If it's a fighter you're heading for, then you need men who know how."
All eyes turned to Jon, who then looked at the council. Alliser nodded, allowing it since he saw Locke fight and knew the recruit didn't need further training. With nothing else to add to the discussion, Jon finally said.
"Thank you, brothers."
They all nodded.
.o0o.
Beyond the Wall
Skadi scavenged the Haunted Forest near Craster's Keep. She was near the border to Castle Black, but she could not sense Imogen being nearby. Let alone any sightings of other Direwolves or familiars. So Skadi mainly hunted around, killed some wild game, and slept. The weather hasn't been bad, except for a nasty blizzard a few days ago, in which Skadi found an abandoned shed and slept in it.
She was a good and loyal familiar to Imogen. For twelve or so years, she stood by Imogen's side. They've only been separated for a few days in the past. However, being separated for this long was lonely despite having the magical bond that allowed each other to live according to the condition the Three-Eyed Raven put on them. It is not the same as having your human right next to you. If Skadi was human, you might as well call them sisters.
That had changed when she came across the scent of Crows. She followed it, discovering it was Craster's Keep. Something about humans born below the Wall smelled different. They didn't smell like the Free Folk, the Children, or any humanoid beings in the True North. They didn't smell like nature. Not holding the musk scent man has or the sweet blood fragrance of a fertile woman. No, they smell ripe and rotten at the same time. The men do, at least. The women, on the other hand, Skadi could smell the women being True Northerners, except something was off about them as well. They all smell the same and mingle with the same male scent. Skadi knew these women weren't adequately bred. Like a rabbit mating with its sibling, they are inbred.
Skadi was tempted to storm in and kill the Crows. She thought it was a way to please her human, presenting her prey at her mistress's feet. Bringing back memories of when Skadi brought rabbits and other animals to Imogen when they lived under the Weirwood tree. The Children fed Imogen, but Skadi knew Imogen needed meat in order to survive, not roots and berries. Unfortunately, Skadi spotted the Crows had weapons. Swords, spears, and crossbows. She may get four, maybe five, but she would be outnumbered.
As she watched from a distance, she caught the scent of a direwolf. She howled late into the night, trying to catch his or her attention. The lost direwolf howled back, following her to find him trapped in a shed. The doors were chained, impossible to see. Skadi thought about breaking the shed to free the young pup. She would bang on it several times, yet the frozen petrified wood wouldn't budge. She looked at the direwolf trapped inside, seeing it was roughly a few years old. Not a decade old like her. Male, by the scent, has white fur. As the young direwolf came close to the cracks, she noticed his unique red eyes, unlike her heterochromia of amber and blue eyes. Most wolves either have amber eyes, some have gray eyes, brown eyes, or even blue eyes. But red eyes and heterochromia were unique and rare.
Skadi felt sorry for the wolf. Therefore, she kept him company during the night. Laying by the shed, the two communicated in their secret language. She learned his name was Ghost. His master was a Man of the Night's Watch named Jon. They went North to stop the White Walkers, except his master departed on a separate hunt, and he stayed to help the leader and friends. Unfortunately, the men killed the leader, and before he could help, they attacked and forced him into this cage. Every other day, they fed him while the snow was his water source. Skadi growled, wanting to attack the Crows, except Ghost wanted to wait. Apparently, Grenn and Edd tried to rescue Ghost but ran out of time. Grenn promised Ghost they would get help before leaving. Skadi doubted it.
She tried several times to break down the shed, yet Craster had built a sturdy cage. She tried digging, yet the ground was too hard, almost like stone. She growled, waiting and thinking of another plan. She believed that the Free Folk were coming south. If she got Valko and Fenrir, maybe they could get Ghost out. When a Crow did come out, she would hide and wait for him to open the chained door. However, the Crow would toss meat through the small window and walk away.
This annoyed her. So Skadi went to the back of the shed and continued to bang on it. She thought sooner or later, the wood would give and crack. Thus, she did that at night when the Crows were not near and her limbs no longer hurting. Striking at it over and over again.
When the Crows noticed the wood of the shed was falling apart, they built a cage with spikes. Skadi thought the humans were stupid and tried to break it. When she did, she felt a spike stab her and pulled away, whimpering. Ghost whimpered, wishing he could help his new friend.
Skadi knew she had to help Ghost.
But how?
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