Island Hopping Pt. 2

The next day came way too soon in Jon's opinion. He hadn't fully recovered from events of the previous day, especially after encountering the memories of his parents…and then, he had a dragon egg left for him by his father. A real fucking dragon egg and it felt alive to him. He was yet to come to terms with that fact alone. He got ready for the day, the sun was yet to show its face, but his uncle ordered him to be at the Godswood. He stumbled his way towards there.

Ned was already there at the Godswood, he was kneeling before the Hearts Tree praying. Jon went and kneeled beside him, offering his prayers to the Gods. He prayed to them to watch over the lost souls that were his parents- all three of them, and his sister, Rhaenys.

Ned had brought the training swords with him. He ordered Jon to show his stances to him first. Afterwards, he got him through a series of moves that Jon hadn't seen before. Northern Blizzard indeed. If this was the way the Starks fight, no wonder they had become the Kings of Winter. Jon saw numerous men to practice and fight with swords, but none came closer with what his uncle was showing him. The moves demanded far more strength as well as a tremendous amount of agility than he was used to. Both uncle and nephew just went through the motions of swordplay, neither of them brought up the conversation they had last evening. Ned had Jon practising for a couple of hours before calling it a halt, reminding Jon to meet him at his solar for the planning of countering the invasion.

Instead of going inside and wash, Jon just cleaned his hands and face at the hot spring and went towards the back courtyard, where Arya was to begin her training soon. He hoped that Sansa kept her words and came for the practice.

He found them in the yard, Cley was directing Arya through her warm-ups, seeing Jon, she smiled brightly. He looked around to see Sansa peering at them from behind a pile of crates. Jon smiled and waved to her to join them. She gave him a nervous smile which was more of a grimace. Tentatively, she came out to the yard and stood beside Jon. Arya stopped in her tracks seeing her sister there and scowled.

"What is she doing here?"

"Arya," Jon said in a warning tone.

"No, Jon. She will tell mother everything. She will ruin it all." She vehemently shook her head.

Sansa was already on the verge of tears. Jon put a hand on her shoulder.

"Stop it, Arya, she will do no such thing. I called her here."

"Why?"

"I want to train in arms…" Sansa answered timidly.

Arya looked dumbfounded between Jon and Sansa, suddenly peals of laughter erupted from her lips and she crashed on the ground clutching her belly. Whenever it seemed that she would stop, she took another glance at Sansa and again started with her crazed laughter. Jon and Cley found it hard to keep their faces straight. Sansa had forgotten all about her nervousness and was fuming with her hands on her hips.

"And what, pray tell, is so funny about my wish to be trained in arms?"

Arya replied in between laughter, "Be-because…you are Sansa! Oh, my aching tummy…"

Sansa stomped her foot in anger and was about to rush back to the keep, but Jon stopped her.

"Enough, Arya. It was I who invited her here to train. Stop acting like that and get on with your training."

At hearing that, Arya stopped her laughter. She glared furiously at the both of them, stood up, grabbed her wooden sword and went to hack furiously at the straw dummy. Jon sighed, he knew he was in for a hard time calming his little sister. She didn't take it well with Gale's bonding with Sansa, and then Jon went and invited her to something that was just for Arya alone. Cley gave them a helpless smile and went to watch over Arya.

Jon turned to Sansa and gave her an encouraging smile.

"Are you ready for your first lesson?"

"Aye, what do you want me to do first? Shall I do what Arya was doing earlier?"

Jon shook his head, "No. Arya was warming up and now practising with melee combat. You are not dressed for that." He indicated at her clothing. Indeed, Arya was wearing a tunic and breeches, probably she pilfered them from Bran. Sansa was standing there in her flowing gown.

"But I don't own any of those kinds of clothing."

"That's where your sewing skill should help you, don't you think?" Jon winked at her conspiratorially.

"What will I do today then? Sansa asked with a frown. She didn't want the day to be a waste.

Jon smiled at her. "Since we can't test where your melee strength lies, we will practice a little bit of archery today."

He handed her a small practice bow, one he had borrowed from Bran, and went through the finer points of archery with her. He had her practice for about an hour before calling it quits for the day. Not used to physical workouts, Sansa was drenched in sweat and so very exhausted, that she was about to collapse where she stood. Jon helped her get to the keep with a tip about how to lessen the pains of her aching arms. Arya stormed past them without uttering a word.

"Don't worry about it, I will talk to her."

He smiled at her and bid her goodbye at her doors. It was time for him to wash up and break his fast.

*Line Break*

Breakfast at the Great Hall was a different affair than the Stark family was accustomed to. Nobody knew what to say or do with a sullen Arya or a tired but genuinely happy Sansa.

Jon went to Ned's solar after breakfast. He was allowed entrance after knocking, finding the Lord and Lady of Winterfell going over their usual morning discussion about household stuff. Both of them gave him a welcoming smile, a new thing to receive from Lady Catelyn.

"My Lord, My Lady." Jon bowed to them.

"Hello, Jon."

"Come in and have a seat, son."

Ned narrowed his eyes at Jon and asked, "Would you mind telling me why my daughters were acting so differently this morning?"

Jon took a glance at Lady Stark and said, "I gave Sansa her first lesson in arms today…and Arya was mad about that, thinking Sansa trying to intrude at something that was only for her."

"What?! You gave Sansa lessons in…? I knew about Arya's rolling in mud but now Sansa too? Ned, what is this all about?"

Jon turned towards her with a serious face and said, "My Lady…Aunt Cat, Did Uncle tell you about what I encountered on my way home?"

Cat looked between the two and shook her head no.

Jon sighed and explained to her about the incident at Weeping Waters. She had gone white in fear hearing Jon's experience.

"I really cannot express enough how disturbing everything was. While I hope that neither Sansa nor Arya has to face anything like that in their lives, I know it will be foolish to not prepare them for the world outside. While their father, brothers and I will lay our lives down for them, we cannot promise to always be there to protect them. They need to know how to protect themselves. I need my cousins to be safe, Aunt. Please, don't ask me to stop the training of either of them, this I beg of you."

Catelyn reluctantly gave her approval for her daughters to practice in arms. She knew what Jon was talking about, the world was full of vicious and distasteful individuals, she wanted her daughters to be protected from them. But that didn't mean that she had to like it. She said so to Jon sternly and had them know that she would talk with Cley about it too. While her voice was stern, she wasn't as scornful with Jon as before, something that Ned pointed out to them, fearing others would take note of it too.

Jon gave him a smirk, "They say absence begets fondness. Lady Stark could have started to appreciate my existence more once I was gone from Winterfell, and that fondness continued enough for her to tolerate me with kindness now."

Ned barked a laugh at that. "That is indeed possible."

Jon was happy to see his generally brooding uncle act and laugh so freely. The secret was taking a toll on his soul it seemed. He was now free of that burden, above all, his wife had truly become his partner to share his burdens.

Lady Catelyn bade them goodbye and went to her duties. Soon, Ser Rodrick, his nephew and captain of the guards- Jory Cassel, Maester Luwin, Asher and Torrhen came to the solar. It was time to plan on how to counter the invasion.

First and foremost, Ned had rejected the initial idea of Jon and his party going to White Harbour and from there to Bear Island by boat. If they went that way, they would need to go around a long way coasting almost all of the kingdoms to reach the Island, also it would take an insane amount of time to travel. Instead, he ordered them to travel to Moat Cailin where a delegation from White Harbour would await them. Ned knew it would be futile to try and make Jon stay behind, as he was also sure that his son, Robb would never let the chance of going to battle by, so instead of wasting his breath arguing with Jon, and later with Robb, he had decided to let them join and taste the burden of leading men in battle. That way, he or his trusted men could keep an eye on them, lest they sneak off on their own. With Jon's current reputation and prowess on the battlefield, He was sure that none of his Lords will object to the idea of him leading a company. He would send words to Lord Manderly to send either of his sons to help Robb with his command, he would need to prove his mettle as the future Lord of Winterfell.

Jon's company will meet with Robb's at the Moat and from there, they would board boats and travel through Fever River, Saltspear and Blazewater Bay to Sunset Sea, it would prove the rouse of two of Lord Stark's sons were out enjoying a leisure cruise while visiting a vassal house for nameday celebration of an heir of that house. Meanwhile, Ned and the other lords would keep a trickle of men travelling to the Stony Shore and made camp there. They would move from there to Sea Dragon Point at the end of the eighth month and meet the rest of the army there.

Jon had pointed out that if they alert the Mountain Clans and sent men to both Stony Shore and the Northern Mountains, they could gather at the foothills of the mountains and along the shore of Bay of Ice as well as Sea Dragon Point and could provide a pincer attack. Ned, Ser Rodrick, Maester Luwin – all had proud looks on their faces at Jon's strategical mind. Nobody had ever thought of including the Mountain Clans as they tended to keep them to themselves. Ned had met only once with the clans, after he became the Lord of Winterfell, the Clan Leaders had come down to take a measure of their new liege lord. They seemed happy with his skills in battle during Robert's Rebellion and wholeheartedly accepted 'The Ned' but they were not asked to participate during the Ironborn Rebellion. He decided to send ravens to the Leaders because no one could infiltrate the reclusive clans.

They had decided that the men would navigate around the Wolfswood and made the long way towards Stony Shore through Barrowlands and The Rills. The Ryswells and the Flints would provide ships for Jon and Robb. While the rest of the men from White Harbour, The Rills and Widows' Watch would rendezvous with the Cerwyn men and go to Sea Dragon Point by Torrhen's Square. The Tallharts were to maintain guard at the borders of the Wolfswood so that any remnants of the invaders chased by the army could not get past them. Hornwood and Bolton Men would meet at Winterfell and would make their way north towards Deepwood Motte to bolster their defence. Half of them would remain at the Motte to help Lord Glover while Lords Bolton and Hornwood would take the rest at Sea Dragon Point where Lord Bolton would take command of the force. The Karstark men would join with the Umber men and they would directly reach for the Northern Mountains. Ned would go with his men to the mountains and take command of the men there. Riders would be sent to the lords with the instructions so they could take actions as discreetly as possible. The Skagosi had infiltrated the Smallfolk as per the information. So, calling for levies would not be attempted, they would have to do with their men-at-arms. The rider to the Motte would carry an extra instruction for Lord Glover to secure the fishing boats of the fishing villages along the shore for the later part of the year. They need to be protected as transportation, and also to prevent the Skagosi to commandeer them for their invasion.

All the while, Jon, Robb and their men would entrench themselves at Bear Island and bolster its defence. They would hold off the attacks as much as they could while the main force rammed the attackers from both sides.

Under the current circumstances, these were the best defensive and offensive plans they could form. But they knew that no plan survives contact with the enemy. Jon was sure that veteran war commanders like his Uncle Ned and Lord Bolton would do well, but it would be a trial by fire for both himself and Robb, for they would take part in actual battle. Jon took a glance at Asher and Torrhen, he could see by their nervous yet determined faces that they had reached the same conclusions. Soon, they all would become men, toughened by war.

Ned had estimated the time of a month and a half for the riders to go and return from various Northern houses. After that, Jon and company would leave for Moat Cailin. He would send words for Howland Reed, he hoped that the reclusive lord would come out of his self-isolation and provide help to his sons. Everybody left the meeting grim-faced. War was at the horizon.

*Line Break*

Jon thought to go to Godswood to get out of the sombre mood. His clearing and the obstacle course that he had created there, had always helped him to calm his mind. Besides, he needed to get as much practice as he could manage to get done with his sword lessons within the constricting period. He would need the advantage at Bear Island.

Jon was glad to find that his endurance had improved much than the last time he had used the course. He went through it five times before he completely ran out of breath. After catching his breath, he picked up the tourney sword he brought and started going through the moves his uncle taught him that morning, in his usual way of practising with swords, first with the right hand, then with the left.

Tired to the bone, Jon was making his way towards the keep when he found Arya alone at the Godswood, whacking away at a tree with a stick.

"What are you doing, little wolf?"

She ignored him and continued with what she was doing.

"Come on, little sister, talk to me."

"So now I am your little sister?"

"What that supposed to mean?"

"You let Sansa carry around your bird, but not me. You spend all your time with her yesterday, don't try to deny it, I saw you. You even invited her to train. That was supposed to be my training time. Not hers."

Jon sighed resignedly, his cousins would be the death of him. He sat, or crashed down, under a tree and relaxed his aching limbs.

"Come on, sit down with me."

Arya stomped over and sat down with a huff, arms crossed over her chest and head turned away from Jon.

"As I have told you before, who Gale lets near her is completely upon herself. She is a fussy creature, she doesn't allow everyone to go near her. Why she allowed Sansa, I would never know, but I think with time, she would come to accept you too. Alright?"

She let out another huff but nodded her head.

"And as for training Sansa, tell me, do you want to see her hurt, or Gods forbid, dead?"

Arya snapped her head towards Jon with bulging eyes.

"No!"

"Do you know, that on my way here I found a girl getting attacked by a few bad men? She was in a very bad state because she couldn't defend herself. Do you want to see Sansa having the same fate as that girl?"

Horrified, Arya shook her head no.

"I want both of you to remain safe, little sister. I know you love Sansa, but you don't need to fight with her all the time. Talk to her, and you will find that you are more alike. You are pack members, Arya, sisters…family. Will you do that for me?"

Arya nodded her head grumpily.

"Am I forgiven then?"

Arya glomped at Jon and held him tight, her face buried in his neck.

"You are my favourite brother, Jon. Even when you are stupid."

Jon chuckled and ruffled her hair.

"Now, would you mind terribly if you sneak me some food out of the kitchen? I am hungry but so tired that I can hardly move."

Arya gave him an impish smile and ran off. Jon sighed, handling Arya was easy enough. If only every other problem in his life could be handled this easily. Soon Arya came back with an armload of food and a skin of water. The two helped themselves with the food and chatted about everything under the sun, just like in the old days.

*Line Break*

Time went on much quicker, it was already nearing a month since Jon had returned to Winterfell. Most of the riders that his Uncle Ned had sent to the other houses, had already returned with the lords' replies. A few who went to the far situated houses were yet to return. Time was nearing for Jon's departure to Moat Cailin. He was almost near to master the Starks' Way of Swords or as he was starting to call it in his mind, the Northern Blizzard, due to his constant practising with or without his uncle. He also kept on giving arms lessons to both Sansa and Arya. Sansa could never become an expert with swords like her sister. But she proved that she could be an adept fighter with a spear or twin daggers. Jon and Cley had taken halves of her training, Cley with spear and Jon with daggers. She also progressed with her archery skill at a phenomenal rate. Arya was so envious of that feat of her sister. She had to practice hard to reach where she was, but Sansa was natural with bows.

The Lord and Lady of Winterfell had an ugly row with Septa Mordane. It all started when the Septa found Sansa at the lessons with Lady Ella, it reached the peak after she found Sansa stitching some tunics and breeches for her own. She had berated her badly. Jon was yet again had to console a crying Sansa. This time, he took the matter to his uncle.

*Flashback*

Jon peeked into his uncle's solar that morning to find both the Lord and Lady having their morning meeting as usual. He knocked on the door.

"May I come in, My Lord?"

"Of course, son, do come in."

"My lady." He bowed to Cat to her smile.

"What do you need?"

"I want to talk about Sansa, uncle, and to you too, aunt," Jon said seriously.

"Oh?"

"Aye, I found her crying again in the Glass Garden. This time, it was not because of Arya, but the Septa had been very rude to her."

Lord Stark's face had taken a stony look, Lady Catelyn too had narrowed eyes and flared nostrils. Nobody should dare to upset their daughter.

"She apparently had found Sansa at the lessons with Lady Ella. She had berated her later for taking part in what she called 'foolish savagery'. And then, during their next sewing lessons, when she found that Sansa stitching tunic and breeches for herself to use during her training, she tore into her. She yelled at her so much that even Arya was ready to beat the Septa to death with her wooden sword. That was the first time I saw the sisters this close, though I hoped that the circumstance could have been a different one. I truly wish that either Lady Stark or you have a word with her."

"This would be taken care of, Jon. You may leave now." Ned's voice was cold as ice.

Both of them had taken to discreetly listening in to the Septa's lessons for a week. The next week, they arrived together just as the Septa started to berate Arya in her usual ways. She was staggered seeing the Lord and Lady present at the room. Hurriedly she got up from her seat and welcomed them. Ned looked at his daughters and gave them an encouraging nod. Lady Stark went to stand behind her daughters. She whispered for Lady Wynafryd and the other girls to leave the room.

"Tell me, Septa, how goes your lesson with my daughters?"

"Oh, they are going absolutely marvellous, My Lord. My Lady Sansa is a delight to teach, although Lady Arya could use a little talking from either of you." She gushed.

"Oh? What are you teaching them?"

She went on about how she was teaching them to teachings in the books of the Seven Pointed Star, singing, dancing, sewing, courtly behaviour and marital duties.

"What about house politics? Economics? Household management? Treaties between different realms? Anything that a lady of a functioning household should know? What about Northern Culture?"

"Oh, I don't worry about those foolish savageries…" She stopped talking as she suddenly realized what she was talking about, and to whom.

"Foolish savagery, are they?" Ned thundered out. The Septa took several steps back in fear. "Have you forgotten, woman, that you are standing at the heart of the 'Savage North'? Standing before its Lord? Is this the rubbish you are teaching my daughters?" He took a threatening step towards the Septa's cowering form.

"Ned!" Lady Stark's voice stopped him from advancing further. The Septa gave her a grateful look. But Catelyn Stark appeared as thunderous as her husband.

"As I understand, you hail from a little town of the Reach, are you not?" Lady Stark asked.

The Septa nodded her head fearfully.

"Do you realize that the words you have just spoken could incite war between these two realms?"

A horrified look spread on her face. She tried to stammer out something but Ned stopped her from speaking.

"Tell me, aren't Septas celibate?" She nodded her head again, "Then how come, a maiden like you, who have forgone her own marital duties, deems herself an expert enough to teach my daughters how to be good wives?" Ned asked her in a mocking tone. He was never sarcastic on a principal, he favoured speaking straight and true, but this time it was his daughters. He wouldn't let this fool of a woman try and ruin their lives.

"Pack your things, you are leaving the North the first thing on the morrow."

Paled with fear, the Septa gave Lady Stark a pleading look.

"Do not look for me, woman. You have brought this on your head yourself. I will talk with the Septon, I will teach my daughters about the Seven if they are interested. Their lessons in sewing, singing, dancing, courtly decorum - all will be handled by myself and Lady Ella. The rest of the lessons, they will take from Maester Luwin along with the boys. Your services are not needed here anymore."

The next time the Stark sisters saw Jon, they both had a running jump and tackled him to the ground, laughing heartily. They knew it was Jon who had gone to their parents and told them about the Septa. Jon received an extra tight hug from Arya and a peck on the cheek from Sansa for his deed.

When the Septa was leaving through the gates of Winterfell, an egg sailed over everybody and struck her on her head, Arya would vehemently deny doing that.

Ping!

Quest Completed!

Removing the Seven Pointed Pain!

Reward: +100 Subterfuge

+100 Conversation

+100 Old Tongue

+50 Exp

Jon chuckled at the alert. The System had a very weird sense of humour.

*Flashback End*

Since then, both sisters became much closer than before. It seemed that it was the Septa that was driving the sisters apart. Now they were as loving as possible with their usual sisterly bouts, but nothing to the extremes like before.

*Line Break*

The final riders had come back to Winterfell, in a week, Jon would lead a company of a hundred men towards Moat Cailin. There, they would be received by another hundred men from White Harbour, led by Robb Stark.

Jon had increased his time of practising, he needed to master the style before time runs out. He had even stopped giving lessons to Arya and Sansa, much to their complaints. But he cited about his own preparation for the coming war and the much-needed practice to them, the sister reluctantly left him alone after that. Cley Cerwyn was diligent in his duties, though he was upset that he wasn't going to Bear Island with Jon and the rest. Lord Stark told him that an able hand was needed here at Winterfell to help Ser Rodrick, who would also be staying behind to guard the residents of the keep, as the Lord would be taking Theon along with him.

It was three days before Jon's departure, he was once again present at the Godswood at the crack of dawn with his uncle. They had progressed to spar with each other by then, though Jon was yet to find any breach to his uncle's defence. This morning found them getting ready to have another round of practice after praying to the Hearts Tree. Ned with his broadsword and Jon with a longsword began to circle each other. It was Jon who attacked first, Ned sidestepped to dodge a charging Jon and brought his sword down on his passing back. Jon proved his agility by turning his body and the blade missed him completely, he swung his own blade to Ned's midsection. Ned jumped back to avoid the blade, Jon followed through with a thrust which Ned parried. They again began to circle each other. This time they both charged at each other, trying to match strike for strike. Though Jon's strength was impressive for his age, to his uncle, it mattered none, but he proved to be more agile than the older man. He kept dodging and weaving between each of Ned's attacks, the ones that he couldn't avoid, he used his sword to glide the attacks away from him.

Even with all his endurance and agility, Jon could feel that his strength was failing, the strikes that he let his sword bore, had jarred him to his bones, a few more strikes, and his uncle won't even need to use his sword, Jon would drop his blade all on his own. Desperate enough for a win, Jon took out Freedom from his belt, which he had taken to carry all the time with him, he now faced his uncle with a sword in his right hand and Freedom the axe in his left. Ned's next strike he caught by Freedom and used the axe's blade to lock the sword and wrenched it downward and away from his body while swinging his sword towards his uncle's neck, stopping the blade just an inch from touching him.

"Yield?" Jon was panting.

"Aye, I yield!" Ned too was breathing hard.

"So you have taken to cheating?"

Jon looked to the ground, "Er…not cheating, I wanted a win desperately, so I thought to use the axe…"

Ned chuckled, "Don't look so disheartened, son. I was just japing with you. You didn't cheat. You couldn't match with my strength so you took what other option was available to you. You have already mastered what I was trying to teach you, else, you couldn't have lasted this long. You only lack in strength and experience to fight with a fully grown man, but you certainly outclass anyone your age. I am proud of you, Jon, you have managed to learn the Starks' Way of Swords far faster than any Starks before you."

Jon was beaming with happiness.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I need to unwind and rest my old bones." He ruffled Jon's hair and strode out of the Godswood.

Ping!

Quest Completed!

The Northern Blizzard – Part 1

Master the Starks Sword style from your uncle within the duration of your stay

Reward: +200 Sword

Bonus Reward: +20 Reputation with all men-of-war

*Every man familiar with any kind of arms will have respect for your skill

+50 exp

Jon let out an excited yell. He had done it. He had overcome the first obstacle of the Northern Blizzard.

*Line Break*

The day of their departure had finally arrived. The men were already in the yard performing a final check of their gears and provisions. Jory Cassel, nephew of Ser Rodrick and captain of the guards was going with the company as Jon's second-in-command, he was giving directions to the men. Asher and Torrhen were also stood ready by their horses. Jon went to say his goodbyes to his family. He clasped hands with Cley, the boy was still somewhat feeling down to be left behind. Ladies Ella and Wynafryd gave their curtsies. Though Jon had cut short his speech with Wynafryd, her stares scared him. Rickon, once again crying his eyes out that Jon was leaving once more. He tried to calm him with the promises of new stories when he came back. Bran, though apprehensive, was also excited that his brothers were going to battle, secretly wishing that he could join them. Jon had gotten a promise from him that he would seriously take his lessons to make both him and Robb proud. Arya was trying very hard to not cry, she was not a little girl anymore, thank you very much. But when Jon hugged her and mussed her hair, she bit on her lips hard to stop her tears from spilling. She hugged him back tightly.

"Take care of yourself, stupid."

Jon chuckled, "I will, little wolf, you too take care of yourself, and no more fighting with Sansa."

Arya scowled at him and Jon laughed, "Alright, mayhaps a little fighting won't hurt anybody."

Sansa had red-rimmed eyes from crying, she shyly reached and brought out something for Jon. He took it in his hand to find a newly embroidered kerchief, this one had the white wolf motif as well as the words "White Wolf" stitched on it.

"I couldn't let my brave knight go without my favour, could I?" She gave him a shy smile.

"I am forever thankful to you for this, My Lady." Jon bowed and placed a kiss on her hand. But suddenly Sansa forgot all her decorum and hugged Jon tightly.

"Please be careful, Jon, and come back to us, both you and Robb!"

"I will, Sansa, you have my word!"

She gave a peck on his cheek and let him go.

Jon now stood before the Lady Stark, she too bore the signs of crying. He bowed to her and whispered,

"I will take care of Robb, Aunt, I give you my word."

Catelyn gave him a watery smile and kissed him on his forehead, "You be careful too, Jon."

When it was the turn to say goodbye to his uncle, Jon had a feeling as if his parents were standing behind Ned Stark, encouraging their son on his first venture as a commander of an army. He stood before him with his back straight, his uncle assessed him from head to toe, pride showing plainly in his eyes.

"I wished for you to keep a hold on to your carefree days for a little longer, but you have already begun your journey in becoming a man. I wish you good fortunes in the days to come. Make your blood proud."

He handed him a sword in a newly made scabbard, the pommel showing a white wolf's head, with ruby red eyes. Jon took the sword out and the Dark sister, hiding as Frost sang in the open air in all its glory. Everyone in the yard gasped at seeing the Valyrian blade. He re-sheathed it and grasped his uncle's forearm.

"I promise you that I will become worthy of this blade, Father. Frost will always protect the North and its people."

The men rode out of Winterfell, Jon turned on his horse to look back at the castle. Almost two years ago he left his home for the first time as a young boy. Now, he is leaving it again as a young warrior on his way to protect his homeland. He had indeed come a long way. He bowed his head and sent a prayer to the Old Gods.

Asher took his horse beside Jon's.

"That was a Valyrian sword."

"Good for you, Forrester, you can see with your eyes."

"How could a sap like you entrusted with such a sword, I would never know."

"The things that you don't know, Asher, could feel a few thousand tomes. Don't you worry your tiny, little head about stuff beyond your grasp."

"Oh, wise Maester Jon, please allow me to bask in your brilliance."

"Stop it, both of you, you are starting to sound like a married couple." Torrhen said exasperatedly.

They laughed at that. Jory chuckled at their bantering.

"That's right, lads, keep your spirits up. We are in for a very interesting next few months."

*Line Break*

The Moat came into view after three weeks of hard riding. They didn't tarry on the road as they were told that the party from White Harbour was already on their way when they were departing themselves from Winterfell. Jon could see the old bastion of the First Men standing proud. Only three of the twenty fabled towers remaining, the rest withered away in the bite of time, but the Moat Cailin remained a stronghold of the North guarding the passage to the south. For centuries, it protected the Northern Realms from the attacks of Andals or other conquering forces. The passages from Maester Yandel's recollections of Aegon's Conquest that he had read from Maester Luwin's library, came forth to Jon's mind. He could almost understand why King Torrhen ventured south to meet the Dragon Army at the Trident. He had hoped to turn back the conquering force at Riverlands with the full Northern might, and if he failed to do that, he could fall back to the Moat and form a strong defensive position there. But the stories of Field of Fire and rumours of the devastation one dragon could bring, let alone three, must have changed his mind and he couldn't risk the lives of his men in favour of a wooden castle that is susceptible to fire. Jon was sure that King Torrhen knelt to the dragons, not the Targaryens or their army.

They could see a welcoming party coming towards them from the Moat. Banners with dire wolves, mermen and lizard-lions could be seen fluttering over their head.

"Lord Reed finally came out of his keep then." Jory said seeing the lizard-lion banner of House Reed. Jon urged his horse on to go faster, he wanted to meet with his brother that he hadn't seen in two years.

Jon almost jumped off from his still running horse when Robb and his host finally reached them. Both brothers were walking fast towards each other.

"You are late, Snow."

"A true Northman is never late, nor is he early. He arrives when he desires so, don't you know that, Stark?"

They broke into laughter and hugged each other tightly. For too long the brothers were separated, they wanted to tell each other of their experiences, ask about the other's – so many things they wanted to speak of. But now, they needed to be the commanders of men their father had trusted them to be. Robb started with the introductions.

"May I present Ser Wendel Manderly, the second son and an heir to Lord Wyman Manderly of White Harbour. He is to act as my mentor and also my second-in-command of our combined host."

Ser Wendel was a big man. Jon had heard how people call his father, Lord Wyman as the Lord-too-fat-to-ride. But his son wasn't big because of fat, solid muscles underneath his armour proved that he spends a considerable amount of time in the yard honing his skills at arms. Robb continued with the introductions.

"…and to my right, is Lord Howland of House Reed, Lord of Greywater Watch. My Lord Reed had answered to our Lord Father's request and came down to the Moat with a host of his own to help us in our venture."

Lord Howland Reed was a small man, almost to the same height as Robb and Jon. But Jon knew that the small statures of the Crannogmen shouldn't be taken lightly, they may not be renowned warriors of open warfare, but the Crannogmen was well known through the North for their impeccable talents with bows, blow darts, tridents and spears. They each were excellent scouts, their small statures also helped them quite greatly to hide and ambush unsuspecting enemies. If one knew how to properly place them, the Crannogmen could change the tides of war. The Greywater Watch and its lords, of the old Marsh Kings, were leal men of the Starks of Winterfell. They had kept watch over the Neck and its swamplands and guarded the North against invading forces by leading them and trapping them in the dangerous swamplands filled with quagmire, lizard lions and other horrible denizens of the land.

Lord Reed was peering closely at Jon as if he was trying to find something on his face. Jon suddenly remembered that he was there with his uncle when they went to the Tower of Joy. He knows about my true identity – thought Jon.

"My Lords, allow me to introduce to you Jon Snow, my brother, and also the co-commander of our joint forces for this excursion."

Ser Wendel gave Jon an appraising stare. "Of course, the White Wolf. News of your exploits has reached us at the New Castle, lad. You are becoming quite famous in this lands."

"You honour me, My Lord." He bowed his head to him and then turned towards Lord Reed. "My Lord Reed, father had said how much he trusted in your friendship. I was wondering if I could have a private word with you at some point."

Howland gave him a calculating gaze, "Of course, Jon. I will wait eagerly to know what My Lord Stark has been telling about me."

Jon introduced Torrhen, Asher and Jory to them. They continued onwards to the Moat after all introductions have been made. Robb was riding beside Jon.

"So, is that the bear pelt that you wear as a cloak?"

"No, that is quite big for me still, drags on the ground. Is that the Bravosi dagger you wrote to me about?"

"Aye, it's a beauty, isn't it?"

The inconsequential conversation carried on the whole way to the keep. There they made camp at the Gatehouse Tower, the largest of the remaining three, for the night. Lord Reed had provided them fishing boats and river rafts to reach Saltspear. They would board the ships from there. Robb and Ser Wendel had brought a host of hundred and fifty men. Along with the hundred men from Winterfell and the twenty-five men from Karhold and the Crannogmen Lord Reed said would accompany them, their combined forces accounted for three hundred men.

They were all sitting around the campfire in a circle. Even though Jon had not seen Robb for two years, that night his attention was towards Howland Reed. He wanted to have a conversation with him about the Tower of Joy. Soon he got a chance as Ser Wendel started to tell them all about their latest trip to Essos. Robb, even though he had been there a few times for a short while, still was fascinated enough about the free cities. Lord Reed excused himself and went out of the tower, giving Jon a look to follow him outside. After a few minutes, Jon followed him out. Lord Reed was standing a few paces from the tower, watching the trees standing under the moonlight as if the sentient guards of the lands. Jon went to stand beside him.

"Lord Stark told me in his letter about showing you a trunk?"

"Aye, My Lord, he did."

Howland nodded. "She was one of the most remarkable people that I had the privilege to know in my life."

"So you've met her before the Tower then?"

"What do you know about the tourney of Harrenhal?"

"Just what everybody else knows. That and a few things I had come to learn from the letters."

"You know about the crowning and the winter roses, but not anything further than that, is that what you mean?"

"Aye, the crowning was planned between two of them as a surprise for the third. It was hinted to her in one of the letters."

Howland nodded again. "You don't know about the mysterious Knight of the Laughing Tree?"

"I read about him, aye, but there wasn't much about him."

"It was not a 'he', but a 'she'."

Jon looked incredulously at him.

"Aye, I went on a pilgrimage to the Isle of Faces. After spending two months there, I was coming back to my home when I heard about the tourney. Naturally curious, I went to see the tourney. There some squires accosted me. It was her who came to my rescue. I often think about that day – there she was, standing over me, guarding a man she didn't even know and beating his attackers black and blue. I feel no shame to admit to you now that I fell in love with her. I can certainly understand what he saw in her, for she was that magnificent."

Jon had a smile on his face, thinking about the person that his mother was.

"She couldn't do much at that moment, but she didn't forget the slight they had shown to her countryman. She chased them away and took me to her tents. She patched me up and brought me to her brothers. Your uncles, well, Brandon always appeared to be larger than life. He could laugh as freely as he could become enraged at a moment's notice. Your 'father' called it the Wolfblood to me in our conversations. But it was her that had all my attention at that time. She put me up for the night, and the next day, she said to me, 'I will teach them a lesson, Howland. You leave that to me.'" He chuckled ruefully. He turned towards Jon with a smirk on his face.

"That day, when they were announcing the list for the tilts, everybody was wondering who the mysterious knight was. 'He' rode fast and true, and knocked all three knights of those misbehaving squires on their arses. 'He' said that he doesn't want their armours neither their horses, just wanted that the knights teach their squires humility befitting the grace of a true knight. No greater slap anybody had landed in any noble's face in my opinion." He let out a saddened sigh.

"But things didn't turn well, his father was paranoid, and ordered him and everyone else to find and bring the knight to be punished. I was there with her trying to hide the very distinctive armour and the shield when he found us. I could see the amazement and the love for her in his eyes. We three brought our heads together and left the armour parts abandoned and scattered in a false trail. Afterwards, the stag came strutting with the shield and boasted how the knight had abandoned his effects and ran for his life once he saw him coming and how it was only by chance that he couldn't see his face properly. You can understand how puzzled we were about his claims. Everybody was praising his cunning in almost capturing the rogue knight. There, egged on by all that praising, that pompous prick then bellowed at the top of his lungs about how his friend, his brother had brought him a proposal of betrothal and he accepted that."

"He did what?" Jon was incensed.

"Aye, both of them had horrified looks on their faces, but neither of us could say anything. For if we opened our mouths, she could have been beheaded. His father was beyond any reasoning by that time. The next day, she made me leave, telling me not to say anything to anybody and that both of them will come up with some plan. I bade her farewell and came back to my home, with the memories of the most beautiful, passionate and wonderful woman. The next I heard about her was when the entire seven kingdoms were at war. How she was abducted by him from her lawful betrothed."

Jon was pacing along the ruined yard. He was too agitated to sit still. Did his uncle know about what his friend had done?

"Did my u…Father know about any of these?"

"No, only three of us knew about the knight's identity and what the stag had done, and now only you know. I tried to tell your father, but it was never a good time. We were either planning for the wars, were at war or tending our wounds. I was injured and had to stay away from the front and from your father's company for a long time. When I got better, the war was over and we were riding for the Tower. I tried to tell him the truth. But both of us were worried about her, and after we found her, nothing mattered anymore. She was gone forever. All of the seven kingdoms had bled dry and that fool and braggart had become the most powerful man in all of Westeros." Tears were leaking from Howland's eyes by then.

Blood was roaring in Jon's ears. The red haze had covered his vision fully, he was having a very hard time keeping control of his emotions even with the Champion's Mind. That fucking bastard Robert Baratheon, that whoring piece of shit, his bragging and measuring of cocks had led to the deaths of his parents. To the death of his sister. He wanted to hit something.

"If you will forgive me, My Lord, I want to remain alone for some times." He said to Howland in a chocked voice. Lord Reed nodded his head and turned to go back to the camp. Jon had turned in the opposite direction and ran out of the yard.

He didn't know for how long or how far he ran. He came to a stop near a swamp and brought Frost out from the scabbard slung on his back. He started to whack at the trees around him. The Valyrian steel left deep gashes in the trunks of some century-old trees, some of the younger and thinner trees were sliced almost through and tittered and fell into the swamp. Jon crashed down on his knees and let out a yell of rage, frustration and sadness. The woods around him came to life with the howling of wolves – as if the entire world was sharing in his pain. Gale landed sometimes later on his shoulder and rubbed her head to his cheek, his familiar felt his pain and came to him for any help she could provide.

Jon sat there breathing hard when the hair on the back of his neck stood in alarm. Something was coming for him, Gale launched herself off from his shoulder with a screech. Jon saw through the side of his eyes that a lizard lion was coming fast towards him. For such a big reptile, it could move very fast. Jon leapt to the right and avoided its sharp teeth by a hairbreadth. He got up to his feet and grabbed Frost with both hands. The creature charged at him again, Jon sidestepped it and brought his sword down in a hack but missed, its agility surprised him and in that moment's distraction, he failed to avoid its tail that the creature swatted him with. It felt like being hit by a horse's kick. Jon crashed into a fallen tree, his sported a gash on his forehead from where his head collided with the tree. He wiped the blood off from his eye and jumped over as the critter snapped its jaw full of pointed teeth at his legs. Jon landed on his feet and looked around for anything to help kill this beast. He didn't have long for his respite though, it turned around and ran fast on its four legs towards him. Jon turned around and ran, trying put distance between them. He saw a hanging branch within his reach, he put one foot on a gnarled tree trunk and jumped upwards. He grabbed the branch with his left hand and swung himself up the tree. He sat on the branch watching as the lizard lion clawed away at the trunk trying to get to him.

Jon sat on the tree as the creature roamed beneath it. Sometimes it tried to get up on the tree, sometimes, it sniffed around it as if trying to find another way to get its prey. After about thirty minutes, Jon had had enough of that. He assessed his situation, he couldn't get down from the tree, neither he could cross over to another in the dark, he might miss the branch he was aiming for and crash down to the ground. He looked upwards and found another branch a little thicker than his arm. The wolfish smile was back on his face, he took out Freedom and started to hack that branch off. Gale was sitting on a branch above and watching over Jon with keen eyes.

Painstakingly, Jon had made the piece of the log as smooth as he could. He had sharpened one end of it to a point. It was a pretty thick and heavy spear. Jon looked down and found the lizard lion still moving around the tree, more agitated for being hit by the falling woodchips Jon had dropped while making the spear. Jon positioned himself by placing his feet on a V made by the branches. Seeing its prey relatively closer than before, the creature once again tried to claw its way up the tree. Jon lowered the spear a little and the beast snapped at it. It opened its jaw staring at Jon, a sound that came from it was somewhat between a growl and a hiss. Jon didn't waste the opportunity, he jumped down from the tree aiming the log-spear at the creature's open maw. If it was a normal spear, the beast could have snapped it in half with its powerful jaw, but the thick log down its gullet made it very hard to break the spear, the pointy end also had done some damage to its innards, Jon was sure of it. He looked on as the lizard lion thrashed about, trying to dislodge the spear. Didn't want to make the creature suffer for long, Jon took out Frost and drove it through its head, killing it instantly. Tired in both body and mind, Jon decided to call it a night, but he couldn't find his way back to the Moat. He climbed back up on the tree and lodged himself securely between branches, he would sleep the night on the tree and would find his way back come dawn. He wrapped his cloak around his body to protect himself from the mosquitos and other insects of the marshland and fell asleep. He could feel Gale fluttered down on a nearby branch, trying to get some sleep herself.

*Line Break*

The men at the Moat were in a pandemonium – Jon Snow hadn't come back the night before. Lord Reed said that he went out alone in the night and now it was morning, yet not a hair or hide could be seen of him. Ser Wendel had a scowl on his face, probably thinking about the irresponsible youth that had put their entire plan in danger even before they had a chance to begin. Robb had a pinched look about him, he was sure that Jon must have had a reason for disappearing this way. But where could he be? They were trying to form a plan to send out a party in search of him when the very man they were worried about came stumbling into view through the forest. His bloody and dishevelled state made them all stare at him dumbfounded.

"Where the fuck did you go?" Robb roared at him.

"Just went for a stroll."

Robb went more furious about his casual attitude. "Oh? And what happened to you?" He waved his hand indicating the dried blood on his body and the scab that was forming on his forehead.

"Oh, this? Just tripped over a lizard lion." He shrugged his shoulder nonchalantly.

"What?!" Robb couldn't believe his ears, he wondered if either he or Jon was drunk.

"Aye. Don't worry though, I killed it." He continued towards the camp, he needed a wash and a change of clothes. He didn't look back to the stunned audience he had left behind.

A chuckle from Asher broke the silence. "That is the White Wolf for you. Oftentimes, he takes a stroll through the woods and slays a beast or two. Sometimes, its bears, if not, then its lizard lions."

Torrhen let out a snort. Soon both of them were laughing their heads off leaning on to each other about the whole situation and the looks from the men Jon was getting.

*Line Break*

It took them about three days to reach Saltspear and to the docked ships there by the fishing boats and rafts. Robb had hounded Jon at every step trying to find out what made him leave the camp that night. He promised to tell him later when they were alone and away from prying ears.

Lord Reed too wanted to have a chat with him, but that was also impossible due to the close quarters they were in. Jon was fascinated by the way the Crannogmen used blowpipes. Seeing his eagerness, Lord Reed had promised him to give him lessons in it, they would soon have plenty of times at their hands on the way to Bear Island.

Robb was jealous when he saw Frost in Jon's hand. He had said to him that this was another discussion they would have when they could find some time to be alone.

The Flints and the Ryswells had sent two ships each for them. They divided the men and had them board the ships. Jory boarded one ship as the commander while Ser Wendel boarded another. He wanted to put some distance between himself and Jon. He was still miffed about the whole disappearance thing. The third ship was commanded by a Ryswell captain of guards who had joined them with fifty men. Lord Howland stayed with the lads to act as a chaperon on the last ship. Though he had doubts about how much control he could have over a bunch of rambunctious boys.

It would take them about a month and a half to sail around almost all of the western coast of the North and reach Bear Island, longer if the weather became treacherous. The four youth had a merry time on board the ships, once they got over the seasickness. Robb had a smug look on his face the first time Jon and the others were hanging off the railings hurling out their guts. Jon gave his cousin a venomous glare that promised retribution, but the sick look on his face only made Robb laugh harder. He would regale at them about his trips to Bravos by ship, and how he was not at all bothered about seasickness. He only stopped when the other three threatened him to throw overboard if he didn't shut his mouth.

They had started to having spars on the deck once they had found their sea feet. Jon was easily the best of them. He had started teaching Robb the Starks Way of Swords. They had decided that if Robb had the basics down, then Lord Stark would have an easier time giving him the full lessons. Jon didn't rest from badgering Howland till he wore him down and received lessons on how to use blowpipes. The others too wanted to join in the lessons seeing the usefulness of the weapon. A man could render his enemies incapacitated silently from a short distance. It could be very useful in covert attacks, infiltrations or ambushes. The Crannogmen used to coat the darts with two kinds of concoctions made from fruits and herbs indigenous to the swampy region of the Neck, one could put a man to sleep for hours, the other can render someone groggy and confused, but enraged enough to attack their fellow men in confusion. Lord Reed had promised them a supply of each concoction and also a supply of the fruits and herbs along with the recipes so they could make the pastes themselves. Jon had very soon become adept at using the blowpipes, he believed that his training with the bow for so many hours had bled through and helped him in handling this new weapon.

Their fates had shined on them as they had relatively pleasant weather throughout their journey. The month and a half were soon over as they anchored in a small gulf just around the bend of Sea Dragon Point for the night, deciding to reach for the Island in the morning. Jon was asleep in the cabin assigned for the four of them when a mental nudge from Gale woke him up. She had preferred to perch atop the masts and flying around during their journey, rather than being cooped up in the small cabin. Jon got up to the deck and took in the sight of the night sea. He wrapped his cloak around him tightly, the sea air was sending a chill to his bones. He tried to understand what made Gale so agitated. But he couldn't find any disturbance in their vicinity. He decided to take a flight with the bird. He went to wake Lord Reed, the man had been helping him with his warging abilities, being a warg himself, though not as powerful as Jon. He doubted Jon being a warg seeing how close he was to the bird. Jon had admitted to him about his powers and how he always had a link with Gale's mind. Howland made him practice discreetly under his watch and strict instruction.

He knocked on Lord Reed's cabin door. "My Lord Reed, please get up."

Howland answered from the inside, a few moments later, he opened the door.

"Jon? What is the matter, lad?"

"Gale woke me up, My Lord. She seems very agitated about something. I went up the deck but couldn't find anything of import. I want to take a flight with her."

Howland was instantly alert, he knew how the familiars could make their humans aware if there were dangers about. Also, he had heard from Jon that it was Gale who alerted him of the attack at Karhold. He grabbed his cloak and went up to the deck with Jon. They found a secluded place where Jon sat down comfortably and reached out for Gale. After about five minutes, he opened his eyes, fury etched on his face.

"Ironborns!" He spat.

*Line Break*

They had quietly alerted all four ships. The men were ready within a few minutes. Nobody wanted to let the reaping scums go. The ships quietly came out of the gulf and proceeded towards Bear Island. Jon was standing by the prow of the ship and watching through Gale's eyes with Lord Reed keeping him steady. They came to a stack of rocks jutting from the seawater when he signalled them to stop. Lord Reed told the captain of the ship to take cover behind the rocks and to drop anchor. The order relayed to the other ships.

"There are two longships. Only a skeleton crew remained on board, the rest of them are at the island."

Howland was thinking hard, "Even with the skeleton crew, they would manage to evade us and escape. And if they see us coming, they would signal their raiding party onshore and would be gone before we are in a position to attack. Their ships are much swifter than ours."

Jon was gripping the railings tightly. He wanted to send the iron-scums to their drowned god the hard way. He turned around and faced the men with blazing fury in his eyes.

"I want four volunteers who wouldn't mind getting a little wet in freezing water."

Howland was instantly alarmed, "What are you planning, lad?"

Jon divested his cloak on the deck and made sure that his weapons were secured about him. "Something foolish, My Lord. But don't worry, the men will be safe if a little cold." He turned to Robb, "You have the command, brother. Wait for my signal and then come to the shore ready for battle." He looked at Asher and Torrhen, "Help him with the men, would you?" He then motioned for the men who had raised their hands to volunteer in Jon's mad scheme and all five of them jumped down to the freezing, cold water, swimming towards the longships.

"Wait, what signal?" Robb asked confusedly.

Asher shrugged, "Fuck if I know." He looked at the others and said, "I trust you have everything under your controls, lads, now if you will excuse me…" He too stripped his cloak off and jumped down to the water.

"Wait, Asher!" Torrhen and Robb rushed to the railings to see him swimming after Jon and his party.

"Now what?"

"Now we wait for whatever Jon is planning." Howland said resignedly and went to the ship's captain to signal the other ships to be ready for attack.

*Line Break*

They reached the ships in silence, the chattering sound of their teeth was drowned by the noise of water lapping at the ship's hull. Jon was about to give orders to the men when he saw Asher swam beside them.

"What the fuck you are doing here, Asher?" Jon whisper shouted.

"I love your scrawny arse so much that I followed it through the freezing water. What do you think I am doing?" Came Asher's snarky reply.

"My Lords, please, the water is not getting any warmer." One of the men pleaded with them, they knew how these two loved their bantering.

"Now that we are six in counting," Jon threw Asher a reproachful look, "we will divide and go to each ship. Asher, you take two men and board that ship. Kill any man you find onboard, but don't engage in an open fight. Be as quiet as you can. Don't let them raise the alarm. Then cut the ropes of the anchor and try to get the ships as close to the shore as possible. After that, send the signal to the others."

"And, what, pray tell, is the signal?"

"Why, lighting the ships on fire, of course. We will be warming our cold limbs soon, thanks to the Iron-scums' generosity." Jon's feral smile was returned from all of them.

Jon and his party scaled the side of the ship and climbed onto the deck quietly. They found only three men on the deck, one at the ship's wheel and the two others stood fore and aft sides by the railings, keeping watch for their crew members that went ashore. Jon motioned for his men to take care of the sentries by the railings. He went for the man at the wheel. He crouched low and made his way towards the wheel by the covers of the shadows. He reached behind the man and covered his mouth with his left hand, preventing him from making any sound and slit his throat with his dagger, blood spurted all over the wheel. Jon gently lowered the body on the deck, without making any sound. He looked about and found his men had finished off with their targets. He waved them towards the wheel and the sails and himself went below deck. There was no cabin in the ship, only hammocks strung about for the crew to rest. Jon found three Ironborns sleeping in the hammocks. He quietly went and killed one after another, not letting them utter a single word. He did a thorough search but found nobody else. Suddenly the ship lurched and from the motion of the ship, Jon understood that the seafaring men from House Flint had managed to make the ship move according to the plan.