Warg Maiden
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 25: Truth and Choices
Imogen's POV
Jon has made his choice. I could not speak when I warg into Frigg. So, when my parents talked in the old tongue about it, it was a difficult decision we had to make to ensure the Free Folk were safe. However, not all have crossed since many are still kept in Hardhome. In the end, to ensure we would not attack and the same in return, I nodded, accepting the terms. I would be Jon Snow's ward…but it was a kind way of saying I was his prisoner.
They were not pleased when I returned to my body and warged into a rodent to inform Tormund and others. But they knew it was the only way to ensure our people's safety, and even that was half the battle.
I let Frigg go to take control of herself while I remained silent, accepting my fate. Maester Aemon would come and check on my condition, feeling my back and pleased that the healing process was going well. Samwell Tarly confirmed this. Once they were done, I sat in the room like a caged wounded animal.
I hear Valko and Skadi howling into the night, begging to be released. They were under my control, and I could not risk their safety. Every time I look out the window and see Alliser Thorne, he glances, giving me a challenging look. One mistake, and both direwolves would be shot dead.
I'm surprised Alliser hasn't tried to take over Castle Black with Jon's departure. Then again, Jon has put Commander Mallister in charge until he returns. Alliser seemed to hold respect towards the elder crow to not challenge him. But I wonder, when Jon and Stannis return, Alliser will plot to get rid of Jon. Maester Aemon says the Night's Watch will never betray a brother. However, I can see that Ser Alliser does not hold the same honor as the others.
My thoughts linger back to Bloodraven, who told me the Night's Watch was made mainly of volunteers, lost souls, and honor-duty men from noble houses with a few handfuls of criminals when he was Lord Commander. But now, it's all criminals, lost souls, and corrupt men from noble houses. Especially Ser Alliser and Lord Janos Slynt. Together, they make a terrible combination. And from what I heard around, if Ser Alliser makes a command, Lord Janos will back him up that the other crows are forced to follow.
These are the men who guard the Wall that my ancestors made.
How many Brandon and Bran would be disappointed in the men who protect them in the first thousand years? How would the first, Bran the Builder, feel seeing how the Night's Watch has separated his people and destroyed the connection of his family.
But alas, I do not communicate with the dead…except for one.
Days pass until Jon and the others return with Stannis and Lord Overton's men. The soldiers stayed outside while those of higher status entered through the gate. King Stannis and his party made their way through the other side of the Castle. On the other hand, Jon went to the Commander's quarters but stopped when seeing me looking out the window. He gave a sigh and went to his chambers to rest. Many of the crows watched, unsure what had transpired, but many noticed the shortage of Wildlings.
.o0o.
Jon would enter my room the next day. I sat on the bed, dressed this time as he entered the room. The boy Olly… I believe his name was—came in with a food tray and set it on the table. He stared at me, giving me a conflicted expression.
I remember him. How the other Free Folk in my party and I attacked his hamlet. As the others raided, I found Olly hiding under a wagon. I dragged him out, forcing him to see the Thenns killing his community and telling him the Thenns would eat his parents. I spared his life to send a message to Castle Black; however, I could not spare his parents. I regret saying those words but had to make him run faster.
Jon noticed the stare, "You can go, Olly."
Olly nodded and left the room.
"Why is he still here?" I asked.
"He decided to train and, when he comes of age, join the Night's Watch," Jon answered.
"He is better off in another village or somewhere," I said. "Away from all this violence."
"I agree, but it is his decision," Jon said, "And I will train him so one day he can be the next Lord Commander."
"You aim too high," I muttered.
"Aiming too high is being a King," Jon said.
I raised a brow.
He shook his head and sat on the chair by the table, still looking at me.
"You accept being my ward?" Jon asked.
"Don't you mean prisoner?" I sneered.
Jon sighed, for I got him there, "Yes. But your status as a Chieftain's daughter is the same as a Lord's daughter. And everyone from the Free Folk keeps saying you play an important part in the great war."
I scowled when he mentioned that.
"All I ask is that you cooperate and not cause any trouble?" Jon said.
"I did nothing and ended up being flogged," I countered.
Although I did kill several of the crows. But once I was captured, I did nothing.
Jon took a deep breath, "That won't happen again, not under my watch."
I doubt it, I thought.
"What about the wolves?" I asked.
"What about them?" Jon asked.
I glared at him, "Skadi and Valko have been locked up in the stables for weeks. You let your wolf roam around… let them go."
"It's not that easy," Jon tried to explain.
"Let Valko go," I tried to bargain. "He's my father's direwolf. Let him go back to his warg."
Jon sighed, "I'll think about it."
I can only nod since he had the upper hand. He was responsible for me, or better yet, in charge of me. If I make the poor decision, the Lord Commander will execute the others held prisoner. Tormund and the others are my responsibility.
"I must say, I know where you get your personality from," Jon said, changing the subject. "Your mother is one frightening woman."
"That she is," I confirmed with a small smile.
There was silence again.
Jon stared at me, yet his eyes focused more on my neck. On my wolf tattoo.
"I need you to tell me the truth," he started.
"And what is that?" I replied.
"That crest…you said it belonged to your ancestors, a way for the Dires to know whose bloodline is who. You said your ancestors forgot the family name, but the mark continues." Jon reminded me of what I told him.
"Where are you getting at?" I muttered.
"Who are your ancestors?" Jon asked.
I sighed, moving my hair out of the way so he could see it, a better view of the wolf. "My ancestor was the first King of the North, and my bloodline goes through his second son, a Sealgairean. The first Dire."
I paused, watching his expression, except he held a stone face.
"If my family was born south of the Wall, my name would have been Imogen Stark," I finished.
Jon's eyes widened when hearing this.
.o0o.
Jon's POV
Jon kept his composure until he got to his room. He ensured Olly was not there and locked the door, for he needed some privacy. As he entered his bedroom, he found Ghost lying on the ground. The white wolf stared at him with red eyes, sensing the tension as he tilted his head.
Jon removed his black cloak and sat down on the bed. His head bent forward, with arms crossed over his knees as he grasped the information that had been bothering him for weeks…maybe months. He turned his head, staring at the broken piece of the torc, and grabbed it. He traced his fingers on the silver wolf.
A Stark.
Imogen is a Stark.
Her twin brothers, Ethen and Aiden, are Starks.
And so is Fenrir.
A Stark family lived beyond the Wall, and no one knew it. Jon tried to remember Maester Luwin's tutoring. He recalls Bran the Builder had two sons. One who continued the Stark Legacy and one who became a hunter. Jon thought the hunter was of any other occupation, except the title meant Sealgairean. All these years, and probably since the Andals took over, did the Starks of Winterfell forget those who live in the True North. For thousands of years, the Wildling Starks have tried to survive, and to his knowledge, four are still alive.
And one is now his ward.
Let alone Imogen, who was his very distant cousin.
Does he even consider her his cousin?
A part of him wanted to deny it. However, the traits were there. The most prominent being the gray eyes. Those with gray eyes were a true Stark. Ned Stark had gray eyes, and so did Arya. Maybe even Bran, for his eyes were a dark shade that some might consider brown. He heard stories of his grandfather Rickard having gray eyes as well.
The Wildling Starks, all by blood, also had gray eyes.
Along with their morals to the Starks, they were a bit more aggressive since they were wildlings. Then he remembered when he was spying on Mance, and Mance ordered Tormund to take Imogen to go with him. As she was about to depart, Fenrir pulled her aside and wrapped a hand around her neck while placing his forehead against hers, just like any Stark does when saying goodbye. He thought it was a simple gesture until Fenrir and Imogen saying something that he thought he was imagining.
The lone wolf dies…
And the pack survives.
If only Ned Stark or Uncle Benjin were here to help him grasp this. If Robb was alive, he would find it amusing. Arya would be ecstatic to meet a female Stark who was no lady, much to Sansa's dismay. Bran and Rickon would enjoy it as well. Jon could imagine his father with many emotions to know there were other Starks who were not the Karstarks. Maybe pleased but also guilty, knowing wolves were struggling to survive, and he supported the Watch, unaware kin were out there.
Jon took a deep breath and groaned as he stared at Ghost, "What am I going to do?"
Ghost looked at him, giving what Jon would decipher as a shrug. Jon debated whether he should ask Sam for his advice or maybe Maester Aemon since he knew it was like discovering distant relatives were alive. Maester Aemon kept an ear out for word on Daenerys Targaryen.
Yet Jon debated since other ears were listening.
Would having the Stark name protect them? Deep down, Jon debated it. Bran was across the Wall. Rickon is somewhere northeast in hiding. Sansa is held captive by the Lannisters, and Arya is nowhere to be found. And Robb…Robb was dead. The Boltons and Lannisters would do anything to have a Stark in their hands. But how would they feel about a Wild Stark?
Jon decided to keep this a secret.
It was best to ensure Imogen and her family's secret was kept that way.
.o0o.
Castle Black
The next day a meeting was set to discuss the changes for the Night's Watch under Jon's leadership. Jon will have to tell them the arrangement that he made with Boudica. And he knows, as a matter of fact, that none of his brothers would approve of the terms. That's why, after making the agreement, he applied terms that the Wildlings must oblige or face the consequences. Stannis's help in the deal might subdue some of the fits of anger.
But will it be enough? Jon thought.
All the brothers gather in the Shield Hall, where everything will be discussed. Many thoughts lingered in Jon's head, like Stannis, Ser Davos, Sam, Maester Aemon, Ned Stark, Imogen, and Boudica's voices were spiraling around that he basically zoned out as his brothers gathered in. Not realizing he was tapping his fingers on the table.
Laughter and chatter showed they were in good nature. Jon knows he needs to use humor once they hear the news. The Council has joined Jon at the front table, with First Steward Bowen Marsh and First Builder Othell Yarwyck. Maester Aemon was absent, and Jon continued to wait, knowing having the Maester here as the voice of reason to settle things. Although one position was still open, Jon needed to fill it out for First Ranger.
Time continued, and Maester Aemon was nowhere to be found. Jon spotted Sam cuddling a cup at the table below him and called out, "Sam?"
Sam looked up.
"Maester Aemon?"
"He apologizes for not being here," Sam answered. "He's not feeling well."
"Take good care of him," Jon kindly ordered. The only supporter Jon needed, and he needed him here to stay well.
So, taking a deep breath, Jon called out, "Brothers!"
The chatter stopped as all eyes were on him.
"As you all know too well, it's long past time to dig a new latrine pit," Jon announced, starting light, which received many laughs.
A group of men glaring at him, who had done wrong to Jon, Ser Alliser, and Lord Janos, was cautious. Jon debated on setting the duty on them but knew better.
"First Builder Yarwyck and I have decided to appoint a latrine captain to oversee this crucial task," Jon continued, getting more laughs.
Jon enjoyed the mirth with a smile as he looked at Ser Alliser. As much as he was tempted to set the task on the knight, he knew better. Especially as the older man glared at him with caution.
"Brian," Jon announced as all eyes turned to the bearded redhead. "Seems like a good job for a ginger."
Everyone, well, nearly everyone, laughed. Brian raised his cup and laughed before taking a drink. Jon did the same. Ser Alliser sighed in relief, yet still on guard.
"As you are all aware, the Wildlings have infiltrated the Wall through the Shadow Tower," Jon said.
The mirth vanished, and all became serious.
"King Stannis and I talked to the new leader of the Wildlings," Jon said. "Boudica, Stannis, and I have allowed them to pass under the terms they give back the Shadow Tower and take refuge in the Nightfort. We will keep important members as hostages to ensure they do not break this truce. They do not wish to travel south, but we must keep our guard. So Edd, I appoint you to keep watch on them."
Edd nodded, keeping tabs on this. Jon knew he could trust Edd to keep an eye on the Wildlings. He saw and heard from Grenn how Edd treated Craster's daughters/wives, as the man held respect for the women. He would have appointed Sam with Gilly's help, but he needed Sam to aid Maester Aemon.
"How can you allow this," a brother demanded. "After everything we have done to prevent them crossing, and you let them cross."
Many agreed.
Jon silences them, "I know how you all feel. But for now, they are under King's Stannis's' protection."
As much as Stannis would have approved if the wildlings had served him, reclaiming the Iron Throne, Melisandre convinced King Stannis to let the Wildlings stay in the Nightfort to prepare for the Great War. Jon knows they will need all the people they can get if what Imogen says about the Night King is true.
The brothers stopped but knew not to argue with King Stannis.
Jon focuses his attention on Ser Alliser. He knows he needs to keep Ser Alliser away from the Wildlings. But still, he needs to keep him on close watch.
"Ser Alliser," Jon called out, getting the man's attention. "You have more experience than any ranger at Castle Black. You proved your valor many times over while defending the Wall from the wildling attack. I name you First Ranger."
This baffled Ser Alliser and his eyes widened. Many men cheered for Ser Alliser, while Lord Janos was surprised, not expecting that, but still patted his ally's shoulder. Aware of the rivalry between the new First Ranger and the young Lord Commander, Jon had to play his cards right and knew he needed to separate the two men, and from his reports, Lord Janos had to leave.
"Lord Janos," Jon continued. "I'm giving you command of Greyguard."
After seeing what the Wildlings were doing, Jon realized they needed to rebuild some abandoned castles to prepare for the Great War. It was to attend to restoring the abandoned castles. And sending Lord Janos, who was Commander of the City Watch, can lead thirty men, ten from Castle Black, ten from the Shadow Tower, and ten from Lord Overton, to help reconstruct it. The Castle had been abandoned for two hundred years, and from what Yarwyck states, a section of large steps that lead up along the Wall collapsed and needed to be rebuilt. It was also a sign of respect to give the former Commander and get him out of here.
There were eighteen castles. Three were active by the Night's Watch, and one was rebuilt by the Free Folk. If everything the Wildlings say is valid, they will need all the castles up and ready. Greyguard lies between Stonedoor and Sentinel Stand and near resources and masons to help reconstruct.
What was an excellent opportunity, Lord Janos snorted in disgust, "Greyguard is a ruin."
"Yes, the fort is in a sorry state. Lord Overton offered his services and will convince the nearby Lords to provide aid." Jon explained. "Restore it as best as you can. First Builder Yarwyck can spare ten of his—"
"I was charged with the defense of King's Landing when you were soiling your swaddling clothes," Lord Janos interrupted rudely. "Keep your ruin."
The men started shouting in protest at Lord Janos. Even Olly glared at the man to speak ill towards the Lord Commander.
"All right, all right!" Sam shouted to end the dispute. "Enough of that."
Jon kept his composure as he stared at Lord Janos. "You mistake me, my lord. That was a command, not an offer. Pack your arms and armor, say your farewells, and ride for Greyguard."
Lord Janos paused, staring at Jon before lunging out of his seat and banging his hand on the table, "I will not go meekly off to freeze and die. Give it to one of the fools who cast a stone for you. I will not have it. Did you hear me, boy? I will not have it!"
"Are you refusing to obey my order?" Jon asked, trying to remain calm despite being challenged.
All eyes were on Lord Janos.
"You can stick your order up your bastard arse," Lord Janos replied.
Jon took a deep breath to decide that goes against those who defy their leaders. His father, Ned Stark, his brother Robb, and probably King Stannis would have made. All eyes were on Jon to see his reaction. This was his test to show what kind of Lord Commander he would be.
"Take Lord Janos outside," Jon said, restraining his anger.
Sam's eyes widened, and his mouth dropped, knowing those words very well from his father, Lord Randyll Tarly. Many nodded in agreement with the punishment of defiance. Lord Janos thought the brothers supported him as he smiled, yet the smile dwindled by all the angry glares he received, not the Lord Commander.
"Olly, bring me my sword." Jon calmly ordered.
The boy nodded as he got up and ran to get Longclaw.
Lord Janos realized what was about to happen. At first, he thought he had won the argument. Or perhaps get flogged. But mentioning the Valyrian sword and taking him outside meant one thing. One Lord Janos knew all too well from his experience in King's Landing. And when Ser Alliser gave Lord Janos a look that said, 'You dead fool.' It did not look too well.
Edd marched his way over till Ser Alliser blocked his view. The two glares at each other. Will Ser Alliser support Lord Janos. Many thought the First Ranger would. Instead, Ser Alliser stepped aside, allowing Edd to collect the dead man. Lord Janos's eyes widened as Edd grabbed him.
"Get out," Edd growled, pushing the man with others joining in.
"You cannot do this!" Lord Janos exclaimed. "Get your hands off me!"
Jon sat there to collect his composure as the brothers left to get Lord Janos onto the platform to set up the execution. He tried to avoid one, and Lord Janos signed his own death warrant. His hands were shaking as he heard the struggle outside. It has to be done. Jon had to make an example that he is not afraid to take a life when one defies his orders as Lord Commander. Commander Mormont would have done the same. Jon even saw his father execute a deserter for breaking his vows. It had to be done.
Jon finished his ale and got up, marching outside to the platform where all the brothers had gathered, along with Lord Overton and whoever watched. Jon passed the man, who did not ask him what was happening. He glanced up, seeing Imogen's window open as the warg and Orell, who sat on the sill, watched to see the commotion.
Olly handed Jon Longclaw, which he accepted. He made his way through the aisle of black cloaks before climbing onto the platform. Along the curtain walls of the royal quarters, King Stannis and Ser Davos watched. Many left their rooms to see the execution that was about to happen.
Lord Janos was on his knees as two brothers restrained him. His chest pressed against the chopping block, fear written on his face. Jon came closer, unsheathing Longclaw as one of the brothers took the scabbard. Lord Janos's eyes widened when he saw the emotionless face of the young man he insulted.
"If you have any last words, my lord, now's the time."
Lord Janos began to cry, "I was wrong. You're the Lord Commander. We all serve you. I'm sorry."
Jon started whispering the execution prayer.
"Not only for this, for all I've done and said." Lord Janos begged. "I was wrong. "
Jon raised his sword.
"My lord, please!" Lord Janos pleaded. "Mercy! Mercy!"
Jon stopped to stare at the man before him.
"I'll go! I'll go," he sobbed. "Please. I'm afraid. I've always been afraid."
Jon, however, disagreed, and with a quick swing of Longclaw down Lord Janos's neck, he decapitated the man. Lord Janos's bald head fell to the ground while blood spurted out from what remained of his neck. Many emotions were swirling inside Jon, for he killed a man when it was not out of defense or a battle, and he executed a man for defiance.
Jon's eyes gaze across the courtyard, where King Stannis is in the inner curtain, and the Baratheon nods in approval. Then Jon's eyes linger on Imogen, who stood by the window of her quarters. Her gray eyes widened at what she had witnessed, yet her face remained neutral. For she saw a different side of him.
Sorry, this scene is repetitive from the show, but I try to keep making changes.
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