Jon spent weeks meticulously preparing for his absence, knowing that venturing beyond the Wall would take time and patience. Half a year or longer was needed for the expedition, but Jon had no intention of letting Moat Cailin or Frostmore fall into disarray while he was gone. He appointed his most trusted advisors to rule in his stead, ensuring that the two strongholds would remain stable. Voran, his closest ally and trusted administrator, had insisted on joining Jon for the journey, but Jon knew Moat Cailin needed him more. As much as Jon valued Voran's company, someone had to oversee the fortress's administration and handle the daily affairs of the land.
Before he left, Jon held private meetings with each of his key advisors, issuing specific instructions to ensure that trade, defense, and political relations would continue smoothly. He knew that the construction of the bridge and castle near Seagard was already in capable hands under Samwell Tarly's supervision, and the builders from Moat Cailin had been dispatched to the task. In his absence, Jon trusted that everything would progress as planned.
However, Jon's true interest lay beyond the Wall, in the untamed lands of the far North. The wildlings, the long winters, and the harsh terrain had kept much of Westeros from seeing the land's true potential. But Jon had a vision—there were untapped resources there, and if he could find and secure them, he would change the fortunes of the North forever. He had a plan for acquiring building materials—wood and stone—without having to rely on other lords or pay for expensive imports. If there were iron or gold mines beyond the Wall, that would be an even greater boon.
Jon's most urgent need, however, was northern honey. Northern honey had become a valued commodity in Moat Cailin, praised for its unique flavor and consistency. Jon had built a reputation on it, and demand was growing, especially from southern lords and essosi merchants who could afford to pay high prices for such a delicacy. However, Jon could not let it be known that the northern honey came from the Wolfwood, in lands already claimed by other northern lords. Instead, he devised a plan to convince everyone that the honey came from beyond the Wall, from a secret location in the far North.
If Jon could establish a base beyond the Wall, he could control the narrative, making it seem as though the northern honey, the maple syrup and other goods came from the untamed wilderness. The truth would remain hidden—that the honey was smuggled from the Wolfswood, transported in secret through Sea Dragon Point, and delivered by ship to Moat Cailin through a complex route along the Bay of Ice, the Saltspear, and the Fever River. By anchoring the ship at Sea Dragon Point and unloading the honey under the cover of night, Jon could ensure that no one would ever know its true origin.
To make this illusion convincing, Jon needed to establish a fort beyond the Wall and gather resources to reinforce the idea that this land was bountiful. He planned to build a small but fortified base, protected from the wildlings and any other dangers lurking in the far North. From there, he could send out expeditions to gather wood, hunt game, and explore the terrain for any valuable resources. If he could discover maple trees or anything that resembled them, it would only strengthen the ruse.
Jon's journey beyond the Wall was about more than just survival—it was about creating an illusion, one that would allow him to continue building his influence in the North and beyond. He had learned from his father, Eddard Stark, that power was not just about brute strength. It was about perception, about convincing others to believe in your story. If he could successfully convince the other lords that the North beyond the Wall was rich in resources, he would secure his position as a key player in the northern economy.
As Jon finished his final preparations, he looked out from Moat Cailin's high walls, the cold wind biting at his face. His mind was set. The wild, untamed land beyond the Wall was his next frontier, and he would not return empty-handed. With Voran left behind to manage the affairs of Moat Cailin and trusted men in Frostmore, Jon knew his lands would be well-guarded. Now it was time for him to push forward, to claim what no one else had the vision—or the courage—to take.
The journey from Frostmore to the frozen lands beyond the Wall was unlike any Jon had experienced before. Frostmore itself, built on the banks of the Fever River, stood as a testament to his ambition. The Fever River was a wide, deep waterway, splitting into countless branches that snaked through the marshlands. The main river allowed for smooth passage for larger ships, but the smaller offshoots could only be navigated by smaller boats, winding through the bogs and tangled wilderness. The river was a lifeline to the north, but for Jon and his company, it was the gateway to something far greater—the untamed wilderness beyond the Wall.
Three ships, fully loaded with provisions, equipment, and men, set off from Frostmore. These were not the typical large sailing ships, but hybrid vessels, equipped with sails and oars. Jon had ensured they were versatile, capable of navigating both open waters and the more treacherous, narrow stretches of the river. His men were in high spirits. The monotony of life in the North had left many eager for adventure, and they trusted Jon's leadership completely. Among them were mountain clansmen, fierce and loyal to Jon. They had proven their loyalty time and time again, and Jon knew that with them by his side, his venture would not fail.
The first leg of the journey took them along the Fever River. As the river widened, the winds picked up, and the sails unfurled to catch the northern gusts. The ships glided effortlessly through the water, the rhythmic sound of oars cutting through the river in time with the waves. It wasn't long before they reached the confluence where the Fever River met the Saltspear, a narrow sea inlet that sliced deep between two cliffs of jagged land. The Saltspear was more like a natural bay, a cone of deep blue water surrounded by high, imposing landforms that guided them toward the greater sea.
From there, they entered the vast, frigid expanse of Blazewater Bay. The icy winds nipped at their faces, but the ships pressed on toward Bear Island, its shadowy outline barely visible on the horizon. Jon had no intention of stopping there. His course was set for the far North, beyond the Wall. Their goal was the Frostfangs, a mountainous region of jagged peaks and cold winds that whipped through the valleys. Jon had chosen the Frostfangs not only for their strategic location but also because they offered a sheltered place to establish a secure port, one that could serve as a staging ground for further ventures into the wild lands.
Two weeks passed as the ships sailed northward, navigating the icy waters with precision. The days were long, but the men kept their spirits high, talking of the adventure to come. The mountain clansmen told stories of the creatures that roamed the lands beyond the Wall—giants, ice spiders, and other beings that most in the south believed to be mere legends. Jon listened carefully, knowing that every piece of lore might one day be vital for their survival.
As they neared the Frostfangs, the landscape began to change. The seas grew more turbulent, and the cold became more biting, but there was a strange beauty in the frozen wilderness. Towering, frost-covered trees lined the shores, their branches heavy with snow and ice. The beaches, however, were a different story. They were frozen and barren, a desert of ice and snow stretching endlessly before them. The stark contrast between the desolate beach and the towering trees created an eerie yet awe-inspiring sight.
Finally, they arrived at their destination—a secure cove nestled between two towering cliffs that shielded them from the worst of the northern winds. Jon ordered the ships to drop anchor, and the men began unloading their supplies. The frozen ground crunched under their boots as they disembarked, taking stock of the landscape before them. It was a harsh, unforgiving place, but Jon saw potential in it. This land would be the foundation of his next great project—a fort beyond the Wall, a base from which they could launch expeditions deeper into the unknown.
Jon stood at the edge of the frozen beach, surveying the land with a calculating gaze. The trees could be harvested for timber, and the cliffs provided natural protection. They had enough provisions to last them for months, and the men were eager to get started. The first task was to establish a secure camp and begin building the fortifications. Once that was done, they could explore the surrounding area, searching for resources—iron, gold, and most importantly, the maple trees and honey he needed to perpetuate his story.
The harsh winds whipped through Jon's cloak, but he felt no hesitation. The journey had only just begun, and there was much work to do. As his men began setting up camp, Jon called a council of his most trusted companions. Together, they would plan the next steps. The North was vast and unforgiving, but Jon knew that with careful preparation and the right people by his side, this frozen land could be theirs.
The biting cold was relentless as Jon and his party disembarked onto the frozen, desolate land beyond the Wall. They moved with purpose, knowing that daylight in this harsh land was fleeting. Jon had warned them all about the short days and long nights beyond the Wall, and they were determined to make the most of what little light they had. Camps sprang up quickly, with men working in unison to pitch tents, secure provisions, and set up defenses against both the elements and any potential wildling attacks.
The two ships that had accompanied them returned to Moat Cailin shortly after unloading the supplies, their crews tasked with maintaining Jon's growing trade network. His ventures had expanded rapidly, with the sale of Northern Honey and coffee becoming incredibly lucrative. Instead of letting southern merchants reap the rewards by marking up the price of Northern goods, Jon had taken control of the trade himself. He had purchased five ships from Braavos at a fair price, and his own men now sailed to Essos, directly selling his wares at prices that still turned a substantial profit. The honey, in particular, had become a luxury item that the wealthy of Essos clamored for, willing to pay exorbitant prices for its rarity and quality.
One ship, however, remained anchored off the coast, hidden in the icy waters of the Bay of Ice. Jon knew that despite his careful planning and the strength of his men, they were in enemy territory. Wildlings were unpredictable, and he wasn't naïve enough to think that they would be able to hold their ground if overwhelmed. The ship served as a last resort, a means of escape should things go wrong. He had no intention of dying beyond the Wall, and this safety net allowed him to focus on the task at hand without distraction.
The crew rotated shifts on the ship, with some staying on board to maintain it while others disembarked to join the efforts on land. Small longboats ferried the men between the ship and shore, doubling as fishing vessels during the day. With everything in place, Jon could begin his work.
The next morning, the real planning began. Jon divided his people into five distinct teams, each with a specific task that would be crucial for their survival and progress. The teams were:
The Fishing Team: Tasked with venturing into the icy waters to catch what they could. Seals, whales, and larger fish like sharks were their targets. These creatures not only provided sustenance but also valuable resources like blubber and hides that would be vital in the long, cold months ahead. Seven longboats, manned by the fishing team, set out daily into the Bay of Ice, braving the dangerous waters.
The Hunting Team: This group would venture into the wilderness in search of any land animals. While the land was frozen and barren, there were still creatures that roamed the forested areas farther inland. The hunting team would bring back game for food, furs for warmth, and bones to craft tools or weapons.
The Building Team: This was Jon's primary focus. He had tasked the building team with constructing a wooden fortress, the first foothold of his fort beyond the Wall. The wood from the surrounding forest was plentiful, and they began immediately, felling trees and shaping them into the framework of the fort. The goal was to create a defensible position quickly, knowing that it would take time before they could expand into stone fortifications.
The Mining Team: The land beyond the Wall was largely untapped, and Jon believed it held hidden riches. He had heard stories of untapped iron, gold, and silver buried beneath the frozen ground and suspected that the mountains to the north might hold even more valuable ores. The mining team was tasked with exploring the frost swamps and nearby mountains, searching for any signs of precious metals. They had brought tools for mining and digging, ready to break the ground and uncover what lay beneath.
The Fighting Team: This group was the heart of their defense. While the other teams focused on their tasks, the fighting team remained vigilant. They patrolled the camp, guarded the provisions, and stood ready to defend against any threats. Whether wildlings or the mythical creatures rumored to dwell beyond the Wall, they would be the first line of defense.
The roles within each team would rotate over time, allowing every man to contribute and ensuring no one was overworked in a single area. This system also meant that everyone gained experience in multiple disciplines, which would be crucial if they faced unforeseen challenges.
As the first few days passed, the camp became more organized. The hunting team brought back bear and other game from the frozen forest, while the fishing team reported success in catching whale and shark from the cold waters. The builders, though slowed by the icy conditions, were making steady progress on the wooden fort, and the miners had begun to dig into the earth in search of riches.
Jon remained focused, overseeing the efforts and planning their next moves. His mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. The Frostfangs held many secrets, and if the stories were true, there were untapped veins of precious metals beneath the icy surface. If Jon could secure those resources, it would cement his power not just in the North, but across Westeros and beyond.
But as always, he knew the dangers. The wildlings might attack at any moment, and the cold itself could be an enemy just as deadly as any sword. For now, Jon was content with their progress, but he remained vigilant, always aware that in the North, winter was not just a season—it was a constant, creeping threat.
Author Note:
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