Warg Maiden
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 37: Sacrifice
Jon's POV
The following week, Jon spent time getting the numbers and writing letters to the other Noble Houses with Sansa and Ser Davos's help. Even receiving a message from House Overton. Jon was nervous as Melisandre had no knowledge of what happened to Lord Overton and his men. Did they die in battle while fighting with Stannis or escape?
From Lord Overton's son, Halbort, the man and his men had abandoned the cause. Jon was confused, as Lord Overton could not abandon a battle. Not from all the stories his father shared. What could be the cause for an honorable man to abandon his oath? Something must have happened. The letter didn't say much, as it stated that during their search for Rickon, he managed to find the boy, trying to rescue him from the Umbers when he found out that The Umbers were taking him to the Boltons. They try to intercede, except Smalljon Umber stabbed Lord Overton.
Halbort stated that Lord Overton is in recovery but has sent his support to House Stark. However, due to the dwindling numbers, he could only offer two hundred men. Jon can only find solace in the fact that House Overton, under short notice, supported the Starks. Two hundred men may not seem enough, but it was a start.
Therefore, the Starks have two hundred men in their army. Hopefully, they can get the Wildings that could even beat the odds. But Jon knew they needed more men. They can't just fight with Wildlings. And from what he heard, the Boltons were basically the most Military House in the North, just like the Lannisters in the Westerlands and the Tarlys in the Reach.
Jon went to the council room to discuss further plans, then stopped to see Imogen coming in after riding Skadi. She seemed exhausted, yet he couldn't tell with the charcoal around her eyes. He hardly had a chance to talk with her this past week. She was busy communicating with her parents through warging and scouting the area of Winterfell through birds. As she muttered something about, "I hate warging ravens and crows."
She, along with Wun Wun, had departed needing space and to gather more birds to use. Tormund had to explain once more that Imogen was not a typical Warg. As she can control more than one animal, she can use an animal to warg into a person to communicate. And have a little bit of greensight. Jon knew from what he had witnessed that greensight held consequences. Remembering the time Imogen accidentally got a vision, which resulted in a seizure. Fortunately, it had not happened as of late. However, he recalled her touching a Weirwood tree and had a vision of where her spear was.
Still, seeing that she had always come back and supported him was reassuring. Then again, they have a common enemy with the Night King. In order to defeat the Night King, they need to handle Ramsay first.
Jon made his way over to her in the courtyard as she got off of Skadi. Ghost followed, and he looked up at Skadi curiously. Another thing Jon noticed was that the white direwolf was spending time with the black one. Practically following her by the tail.
"Anything," Jon asked.
"My numbers are not good, but I counted over four thousand," Imogen said grimly.
"What is it?" he asked.
"They had the fallen… skinned and hung upside down on crossed pillars all over the fields," she answered. "Crows and ravens picking at their flesh."
Jon scowled at this. All those who served Stannis were never given a proper burial, even if it was by cremation.
"I'm sorry you had to see that," he apologized.
Imogen sighed, shaking her head, "I have seen worse."
"Like what?" he asked, curious.
"Well, the Three-Eyed Raven had shown me things of the past," she explained. "I have seen many wars and deaths. I have seen Kings being betrayed by their own men. Siblings fighting against their own siblings."
Jon sometimes wonders if she was making this up.
"I saw an uncle chase his nephew with a dragon in the sky. A massive creature called Vhagar consumed a boy and his dragon." She listed. "Or one of the kings named Aegon giving the command to have his dragon Sunfyre execute his sister by dragonfire."
Jon's eyes widened, realizing she was referring to the Dance of Dragons.
"I have seen a massive castle called Harrenhall be melted to the ground by a black dragon." She continued.
Jon shook his head in disbelief. A wildling should hardly have knowledge of Westerosi's history. And yet Imogen was pointing out major events of the Targaryens. If Sam was here, the man would constantly question her for the truth.
"Can you still look into the past?" he asked.
Imogen shook her head, "Only through the weirwood…mainly a heart tree. But I would rather not unless it was necessary."
Jon nodded. From what he has seen and experienced with magic, there is a price to pay. For Imogen, she loses a lot of energy or falls victim to seizures. This would have easily destroyed the Night's Watch, yet she is more humble than anyone else. Well, until you put a weapon in her hand.
He learned the hard way when she stabbed him in the hip.
Thank the gods, he was still alive.
Even when she tried to kill him, he trusted her more than the Night's Watch, with the exception of Edd and Sam.
Jon gestured her to the meeting. She complied as they left the direwolves in the courtyard. Tormund soon joined them in the Council room. Sansa, Lady Brienne, Edd, and Ser Davos were there as well. The most surprising thing was that Melisandre attended, sitting at the end of the table. Jon hardly saw the Red Woman as she hid in her chambers. Yet from what Ser Davos said, she now served him. Jon didn't know how he felt about it. Especially that one encounter he had with her when he became Lord Commander. He mentally shuddered from that. Not one of his proudest moments.
The largest Map of the North was set with stones painted with rough designs of the noble houses. The meeting was tedious as they reviewed the numbers.
"We can't defend the North from the Walkers and the South from the Boltons, "Jon stated, pointing at the map. "If we want to survive, we need Winterfell, and to take Winterfell, we need more men."
Everyone was quiet as they tried to figure out a solution.
Ser Davos was the first to speak, "Aside from the Starks and the Boltons, the most powerful houses in the North are the Umbers, the Karstarks, and the Manderlys." He adjusted the totems. "The Umbers and the Karstarks have already declared for the Boltons, so we're not doing so well there."
"The Umbers gave Rickon to our enemies. They can hang," Sansa said. "But the Karstarks declared for Ramsay without knowing they had another choice."
"I beg your pardon, my lady, but they know that a Stark beheaded their father." Ser Davos reminded courteously. "I don't think we can count on them either. "
Sansa held her frustration, "How well do you know the North, Ser Davos?"
Jon could sense Sansa was getting irritated. It reminded him of Lady Catelyn when staff members tried to belittle her. Or when Ned Stark wanted to set her in her place. Sansa, being Lady Catelyn's daughter and having that tone, sent a shiver down his spine in memory. He glanced at Tormund and Imogen, who seemed amused by this.
The knight sat down, "Precious little, my lady."
"My father always said Northerners are different," Sansa explained. "More loyal. More suspicious of outsiders."
Ser Davos nodded, "They may well be loyal, but how many rose up against the Boltons when they betrayed your family?"
Sansa paused, taking the comment into consideration.
"I may not know the North, but I know men." The knight continued. "They're more or less the same in any corner of the world, and even the bravest of them don't want to see their wives and children skinned for a lost cause. If Jon's going to convince them to fight alongside him, they need to believe it's a fight they can win."
Jon thought about the lesser houses. As Lord Overton gave his support. They may not have thousands of men, but if they can get more houses to join their cause, they can outnumber the Boltons.
"There are more than three other houses in the North – Glover, Mormont, Cerwyn, Mazin, Hornwood," Jon said, pointing at each location on the map. "Two dozen more. Together, they equal all the others. We can start small and build."
Ser Davos nodded.
"The North Remembers," Sansa quoted, then added. "They remember the Stark name. People will still risk everything for it, from White Harbor to Ramsay's own door."
"I don't doubt it," Ser Davos said. "But Jon doesn't have the Stark name."
"No, but I do," Sansa corrected.
This caught everyone's attention.
Sansa glanced at Jon, "Jon is every bit as much Ned Stark's son as Ramsay is Roose Bolton's." She then looked at everyone. "And there are also the Tullys."
"Tullys?" Imogen asked.
Sansa nodded to Imogen, "They're not Northern, but they will back us against the Boltons without question."
Jon frowned at this. From what he heard, the Tullys were practically extinct. All died at the Red Wedding except for Lord Edmure, who's held in a dungeon. All thanks to Frey. Over a marriage dispute. Why would Sansa bring up a House that is no more?
"I didn't know the Tullys still had an army," Ser Davos said.
"My uncle the Blackfish has reformed it and retaken Riverrun," Sansa said proudly.
Jon stared at her since she had not mentioned it since her stay in Castle Black. Knowledge they could have used to send a Raven there to recruit the Blackfish. Why does she bring it up now?
"How do you know that?" Jon asked, with suspicions.
"Ramsay received a raven before I escaped Winterfell," Sansa answered.
Everyone looked at Ser Davos since he had more military experience.
"That's good," Ser Davos approved. "The Blackfish is a legend. His support would mean a great deal."
He stood up, pointing at each location in his empty finger hand. "Stark, Tully, a few more houses almost start to look like a winning side."
Everyone nodded. Jon looked at everyone, who seemed to approve until Imogen made a shadow of an expression as she grabbed her left wrist, squeezing it tightly. Tormund seemed to notice this as well. Sansa also suggested that Lady Brienne and Podrick head to the Riverlands to recruit the Blackfish.
Once the meeting was dismissed, Imogen shot up and left in a hurry. Tormund got up and followed her as well. Jon was about to chase after them but was stopped by Ser Davos to discuss further plans.
He turned around, seeing the two Wildlings gone.
.o0o.
Imogen's POV
An icy sharp pain had returned. At first, I thought it was an injury that was throbbing a few days ago when I was with Wun Wun. I used too much energy in warging with many crows and ravens to spy on the Boltons. Now, it worsened as I went straight to my room. Tormund followed as he closed the door behind him.
Removing the glove, I glance at the scar I made long ago with Bran, seeing it inflamed when the wound has already healed. The last encounter I had with the boy was at Craster's keep. I was bound to the boy to protect him from the Three-Eyed Raven. He is undoubtedly waiting for the right moment to plague the boy's mind with visions that will lower his guard down.
Yet this was different. As my left hand throbbed in a numbing pain.
"What's going on?" Tormund asked.
"I don't know," I answered, still rubbing my hand. "Something is happening. Something is happening with the Boy and the Three-Eyed Raven."
Tormund scowled at this.
I shuddered violently as I felt a coldness fill me. I hadn't felt this cold since…since Hardhome. Since the Night King made his presence known. Then I remembered what the Three-Eyed told me when I had vision dreams about the Night King. To never let him touch you. Did Bran have one of these vision dreams and was touched by the Night King? Is that why I sense this?
I cursed in the Old Tongue. This was not good. If what I am guessing is true, Bran unintentionally invited the Night King to the Children of the Forest home. To the Weirwood Tree, where the Three-Eyed Raven resigns. A part of me wanted to get on Skadi and go there to help them. However, even the location is hidden from me.
I can only pray that everyone leaves.
Except for Bloodraven…his body was one with the weirwood tree. Trapped inside the mind while the Three-Eyed Raven took control. Does that mean…I shook my head. The Children of the Forest will find a way. It is too early for the Raven to transfer to Bran.
"Tormund," I started, turning around to face him.
"What is it?" he asked.
I took a deep breath. "I think I might have a vision soon—one more powerful, if not deadly."
His eyes widened.
"If I sense it early, I must be hidden from the others. I need you to restrain me to the best of your ability. If something happens…"
Tormund rested his hand on my shoulder. "You are strong. Remember that."
I took a deep breath, "I need to get to Boudica."
Tormund nodded, "We leave tomorrow."
I nodded.
.o0o.
Jon's POV
Jon and the others were getting ready to head to the Nightfort the following day. They need to get the Wildling Council's support. Tormund may get his Clan, but all the others might resist. Especially if Boudica refuses to lend aid. Even if Imogen gives her support, her mother will say no.
Jon glanced at Imogen, who was getting Skadi ready. He noticed she had been distant even at mealtime. Tormund warned him to leave her be but also told him to keep an eye on her. He wasn't sure what was happening, but Tormund clarified that they needed to get to the Nightfort immediately.
He was making his way over when he spotted Sansa walking his way. He stopped to look at her, noticing her change in appearance. Her hair was up in braids, wearing a heavy velvet dress and the Stark Cloak. He noticed on her chest that there was embroidery of the Stark Crest with branches of a weirwood tree. Followed by another fur cloak in her arms.
"New dress," he noted.
Sansa smiled, glancing at her attire, "I made it myself. Do you like it?"
"Yeah, it's – I like the wolf bit," Jon said, gesturing to the embroidery. He was not practical when it came to women's fashion.
"Good, because I made this for you," Sansa said as she handed the fur cloak to him.
Jon accepted the fur cloak, which he noted was made with a wolf pelt on the shoulders and heavy wool for the rest. There was a leather cross belt that had an embossed design of the stark crest. It was something their father would have worn. What the Lord of Winterfell would have worn.
"I made it like the one Father used to wear," Sansa said. "As near as I can remember."
Jon looked at her in gratitude, "Thank you, Sansa."
Sansa smiled, "You're welcome."
She made her way to her horse. Jon turned around only to find Tormund staring at Lady Brienne, much to the woman's dismay. Jon chuckled slightly, for he was seeing a different side to the Wildling.
He made his way over to Imogen as she got on Skadi. Once more, she was rubbing her hand through the leather glove.
"We can see if there is a maester in the town near the Nightfort," Jon offered.
Imogen sighed, "It's nothing."
Jon frowns, "Are you sure."
Imogen nodded, "You wouldn't understand."
Before Jon could ask what was happening, Ser Davos called out, suggesting they make a move. Jon sighed as he made his way to his horse, switching his cloaks. Edd made his way over. Jon gave him a smile as he stared at Castle Black one last time.
"Don't knock it down while I'm gone," Jon teased.
"I'll do my best," Edd promised.
The two looked at each other before giving a hug.
They pulled back as Edd Said, "Good luck."
Jon nodded as he got on his horse with Ghost by his side.
Jon led his company out of Castle Black with nothing else to say.
Leaving Edd as the 999th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.
.o0o.
The snow prolonged their journey as they made it to a town near dusk. Although the Wildlings tribes that came to aid Jon prefer camping out. However, Jon didn't want Sansa to be out of the cold. Ser Davos told him he would take the ladies to town to find a tavern or inn.
Jon nodded as he remained with the Wildlings, ensuring they were settled. Also, to check on Imogen. She seemed to be in a daze, lost in thought. Even the Red Woman tried to help the Warg, only to be snapped at. Whatever Melisandre said had upset her. It's probably something to do with religion once more. Sometimes, Jon wishes that Melisandre not mention the Lord of Light in front of the Wildlings as they remember it was her God and actions that burned Mance Rayder.
Fires and tents were set as food was being passed around.
Imogen curled up to Skadi, her cloak wrapped around her. She shivered once more. Jon frowned, took his old cloak, and made his way over to her. She had her own, yet even with her layers, it was not enough.
"Here," he offered.
She stared at him momentarily before accepting his offer, wrapping the badger fur cloak to her front. Jon sat down next to her.
"I can take you to the tavern," he offered. "There, you can be warm."
"I'm fine," she assured, through ground teeth.
Jon arched a brow, "You don't sound fine."
"I just need to get to Boudica," she gritted.
Wun Wun came over and sat down next to them. The giant didn't say anything, yet it seemed he knew something Jon didn't know. Jon sighed as he sat beside her, staring at the fire. Something was going on, but he didn't know what.
Time seemed to pass as the Wildlings were telling stories. Stories he had never heard or something similar to Old Nan once told. He sat there, listening, though he kept an eye on Imogen. She was still shivering, though she had fallen asleep.
Jon watched her for a moment, then faced the fire. As he noticed, Tormund and Wun Wun were seriously watching the Warg, waiting for something to happen. Jon was about to ask what was going on when Imogen tensed, her body rigid.
The giant said something in Old Tongue as he picked up Imogen and carried her away. Skadi whimpered as she followed the giant.
Tormund got up as he came over to collect her things.
"What is going on?" Jon asked.
Tormund sighed as he gestured for him to follow along.
They headed into the woods, where Imogen was held on the giant's lap. Jon realized Imogen was having another seizure. However, she was not thrashing. Instead, she was in her warging state. They rushed over as Tormund pulled out the leather strap and put it in her mouth. Meanwhile, Wun Wun had his hand across her body, restraining her.
"What is happening?" Jon asked.
"A greensight," Tormund said. "She was sensing one coming. "Damn it, we were hoping she made it to Boudica before it happened."
Jon was consumed as he remembered Ygritte holding Imogen, whispering soft words. Quickly, he removed hers and his gloves, taking her hand and entwining their fingers. Once the vision was over, she would have a seizure.
"I'm here," Jon said, loud enough so she could hear. "I'm here."
Tormund nodded as he took her other hand.
All they can do is wait.
.o0o.
Imogen's POV
I was back on the hill in front of the cave where the Weirwood stood. It was dark out, and I saw the Children of the Forest standing at the entrance with Leaf in front of everyone. Up ahead across the frozen lake stood the Night King with his army.
My theory was true. The Night King had gotten hold of Bran in a vision. Now he knows where the Three-Eyed Raven is. I never truly understand why the Night King has been after the Three-Eyed Raven. Yet he was here, and no one was safe.
Leaf stood in the lead with Ash, Black Knife, Coals, Scales, and Snowylocks. All standing guard, staring at their own creation. What was meant to protect their kind and those of Westeros turned against them. They had been hiding from the Night King for eight thousand years. And now he has come back.
The Girl, Meera, rushed out, seeing the Army of the Dead.
We all stared as the Night King made his way to the edge of the frozen lake. He knelt down, placing his hand on the ice. The ground rumble then shattered, slithering towards the entrance, destroying the barrier and reaching the entrance, almost collapsing it.
Leaf turned to face the Night King, "Get Bran and run!"
Meera nodded as she rushed inside. Meanwhile, the Children grabbed their orbs, taking their positions. The Night King stood, pulling out his falx as he led his children and the wights closer. The Children of the forest cast their spells, activating the orbs and throwing them at their enemies. The moment the orbs made contact, they exploded, bursting in waves of fire. Over and over, they threw the orbs, yet they did not hit the White Walkers.
Finding they weren't doing much damage; Leaf threw an orb of a gathering of wood that had fallen branches from the Weirwood. She set it ablaze, telling the others to go inside. The others did so, as Leaf followed. However, the Night King and the White Walkers were immune to fire as they crossed through with ease. Yet once the flames had risen, the wights stepped away in fear before swarming all over the hill onto the weirwood tree, trying to find an entrance.
The vision became flashes, seeing Bran locked in with The Three-Eyed Raven lost in a vision. Meera tried to wake him up. The half-giant, Hodor, was shaken in fear. The wights charged in as the direwolf Summer tackled, trying to keep the dead away from them.
"Bran! Bran, wake up!" Meera pleaded.
Leaf and the others rushed in with weapons in hand. A wight fell, only to be tangled in the roots. Leaf took her dragonglass dagger, stabbing the dead in the face and killing it.
"You have to wake up!" Meera called out, shaking Bran harder. "We need Hodor!"
She continues to plead, trying to wake the boy up while the Children and the direwolf continue to fight the wights off. Except they kept swarming in as I watched Coals and Ash be tackled to the ground, being torn apart. Meera nearly screamed as she panicked to Bran.
"Bran, we're all going to die! Bran, wake up! We're all going to die! Bran! Bran! Bran, you have to wake up. We need Hodor. Warg into Hodor now! Bran, wake up. We need Hodor."
Why hasn't the Three-Eyed Raven broken the connection? He should know they were in grave danger. I couldn't do anything but watch my second family being torn apart.
Somehow, even when stuck in a vision, Bran managed to Warg into Hodor, as the half-giant got up just as a White Walker entered the chamber. He looked around, then stopped when he saw the Three-Eyed Raven entangled in the roots. Black Knife charged with his spear, stabbing the White Walker, except the armor deflected it. The White Walker tossed the spear aside, taking Black Knife by the throat, and stabbed him with his sword.
Hodor removed Bran from the bottom roots, setting him on a makeshift stretcher and dragging him away. Meera took hold of the dragonglass tip spear, throwing it at the White Walker, getting him in the neck, and causing the creature to shatter.
Summer growled at the wights,
Snowylocks took her spear and an orb, casting a spell to create a barrier.
"Summer, go," Snowylocks said as her white hair came alive, and her magic filled the room.
"Summer," Meera called out.
"Go!" Leaf demanded.
Summer whimpered as he followed the others.
Scales took her orb and tossed it at the tunnel from which Leaf and the others escaped. Closing it. The wights pounded on Snowylock's barrier until more crawled in from the ceiling. Scales fired her arrows to protect the Raven and Snowylocks until a wight tackled her on the ground, stabbing her repeatedly. More wights came in as they huddled around Snowylocks, giving her the same fate.
The barrier faltered as the wights circled around the Three-Eyed Raven, who was still in a vision of the past. It wasn't long before the Night King entered with the White Walkers. He stared at the vessel of Bloodraven. As if both were looking at each other. Something glints in those starburst blue eyes that glowed. I stared, wondering what the Night King would do.
Until he narrowed his eyes, raising his falx.
The time has come, Bloodraven's voice echoed. Leave me.
The Night King slashed across, from his shoulders down to his waist, as blood splattered everywhere. I screamed, trapped in the vision. Unable to break free until it is done.
The vision changes in seeing the others making their escape. Yet the swarm of wights had found their way through the tunnels. They rushed, trying to make it to the door. Leaf glanced over her shoulder, then stood.
Meera noticed this, "What are you doing?"
"Go!" Leaf exclaimed.
She turned around, facing the swarm of wights. She drew her orbs, tossing them at the ceiling, trying to cause the tunnels to collapse. Over and over, she did this as the tunnel fell apart in front of her. She panted, seeing the roots and rocks fill the area. Except, there was a hole at the top. The wights crawled through, pushing the debris away. Leaf took her spear, spinning it around, stabbing and slicing those who managed to escape.
However, the swarm managed to break through. Realizing this, Leaf took an orb, cast a spell, and held onto it while she fought with her other hand. Until the swarm consumed her, stabbing and mangling her body. Her amber eyes looked up as if she was staring at me as she mouthed in her language.
"Goodbye."
The orb exploded, consuming the tunnel.
Meera, Hodor, Summer, and Bran reached the door, only for it to be sealed shut. Hodor banged his shoulder repeatedly, trying to get it to open. Meera held her spear with Summer by her side, watching the fire grow while hearing the snarling of the wights.
"Hodor, hurry!" Meera cried. "Hodor!"
He managed to get it open and took hold of the stretch, getting Bran outside. Meanwhile, Meera tried to close the door. Once out, he helped Meera in closing the door. They looked for anything to keep the door shut as the flames had receded to nothing. The Wights rushed in, chasing after them.
Meera glanced between Hodor and Bran. Her eyes water, knowing she would have to make a difficult decision. Not having a choice, she left Hodor and rushed over to Bran, picking up the stretcher and dragging the boy away.
"Hold the door!"
Hold the door.
Hold the door.
As Hodor turned around, pressing his back against the door to keep the wights out.
A sacrifice.
The wights slowly broke through the door, grasping and biting his limbs.
And I could do nothing but watch.
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