18 Chapter 18: Kingsroad

Jon wasn't the first person at the gate early in the morning. Most of the guards who had promised to follow him yesterday were already waiting at the door. Jory Cassel, Harwin, Alyn and 19 other men. After Robert's Rebellion and the Greyjoy Rebellion, most of the Stark family guard died, leaving behind only a few seasoned veterans. To replenish his men, Ned went around the North, recruiting any young men with sufficient talent to become a part of his new household guard.

Those boys he recruited made up the majority of Jon's new group. Ironically, Jon had taken away most of the Stark's best fighters, leaving the household guards in a further weakened state. Not only that, he was also taking away the last few veteran knights that served the Stark house. If this were to be seen by an outsider, it would seem that Jon was doing this intentionally.

"Jory! Have you made sure that all the preparations are in place?" Jon said. Already saddled on horseback as he rode up to the gate.

"Yes." Jory said. But a second later a strange sourness bit his face. "Uh. My uncle wants to speak with you. He said he wants to join you on your journey. He's waiting for you in front of the Great Hall."

Jon was a bit surprised but got off his horse nonetheless. Although he was suspicious, if Ser Rodrik had pure intentions than Jon had no problem with the old knight joining him. While the man was fat and past his prime, he knew how to use a sword. In truth, most of what Jon had learned was directly taught to him by Ser Rodrik.

Disregarding the man simply based off his current condition would be foolish. Men served more use than mere soldiers. Fodder was replaceable, commanders weren't. Ser Rodrik's expertise may have shifted from combat to teaching, but he was the master at arms for a reason. His service was still needed at Winterfell and he was deeply appreciated here.

"Very well. Make sure to review all the supplies Jory. The journey down to King's Landing will be harsh."

Jon walked to the Great Hall, only pausing briefly to say his goodbyes to Mikken and any other servants. In front of the desolate Great Hall was Ser Rodrik, clad in a grand set of armor, polished to the point that it's reflective surface blinded Jon's sensitive eyes. His impressive white muttonchops and balding head were in full display, already catching the morning snow that melted in the man's many rolls of fat.

"I didn't think you'd want to go on a journey south Ser Rodrik. Your honor is admirable but it really isn't necessary to accompany me for my safety. Your nephew is already quite capable as it is." The mention of the old knight's nephew only earned Jon a sharp scowl.

"I told that boy not to follow you. He's still a greenhorn. He'll be gutted by those barbarian mountain raiders down south. I'll have none of this knighting nonsense. Don't go seeking glory Jon, it's best to stay safe in the comforts of Winterfell."

Jon smiled. "If an old man like you dares to brave the dangers of a long voyage, why would a young man like me not dare to do so? Besides, we won't be in danger, no raiders are stupid enough to attack a party of twenty."

Ser Rodrik shook his head. "You lot don't know what you're doing. Lord Stark is making a mistake sending you to the Reach. I'm not going to let the son of my lord paramount, bastard or not, die due to his own foolishness."

Jon laughed. The old man was definitely lying to him. In his opinion, the reason Ser Rodrik wanted to go with him was to make sure his nephew didn't die, not because he was worried for Jon. But it really didn't matter. Ser Rodrik had already made up his mind and Jon wasn't going to stop him.

"That's awfully kind of you Ser Rodrik. Just make sure you can keep up with the rest of us. Jory will be embarrassed if his uncle is the reason we keep slowing down."

Ser Rodrik snorted in response. "I have half the mind to beat you across the head. I'm as strong as I've always been. My body has not failed me yet."

Jon smiled. "We'll see if your as great a man as you say you are. Do you have your things ready or should we wait a couple more hours for you?"

"Jon, don't try and be snarky with me. I was already ready since yesterday. My things are with my horse I just need to get him from the stable." Ser Rodrik ran off, his round plump body making strange noises as it moved with his armor.

Thankfully, it didn't seem like there was any alternate agendas when it came to why Ser Rodrik would want to follow him to the Reach. At first he had the passing thought that it was to monitor his actions but that was quickly dismissed with just a few minutes of talking. The old knight was just concerned for the safety of his last remaining relatives. No doubt the trauma of his family dying during multiple wars caused him to have a panic attack when he heard that Jory was to follow Jon on his journey.

It was a bit outlandish to assume that anyone in Winterfell would want to harm him. Northmen were typically honest people. Even if someone hated him in Winterfell they would directly say it to his face and look to settle the score head on, not through any treacherous means. A knight like Ser Rodrik most certainly wouldn't do such a malicious thing.

Even more, while Jon and Ser Rodrik weren't particularly close. Jon was the son of Rodrik's lord. The man could be trusted to protect him, even with his life. The man's honor ran that deep. It was refreshing to have such honest company. Hopefully the journey south wouldn't be so dull.