Chapter 21 1 страница

Sitting around the small fire that was burning lowly to not burn the pieces of meat that were skewered above it, Jon Snow—no, Jon Stark—watched as the fire danced across the wood. The flames were almost…mesmerizing. The way they danced across the wood, feeding on it. The way it flowed with the wind. It was almost…beautiful in a way.

" Ah, hells! Everywhere I turn there is another fucking root trying to work its way up my ass! Why can't we sleep in the wagon? Or better yet just leave the blasted thing behind and make for Riverrun. We can't be more than a day's ride at best from the blasted place. "

Breaking his gaze away from the flames and the cooking meat, Jon spared a glance towards Theon, Robb, Samwell and their newest addition Gendry, the blacksmith's apprentice that Master Nox had collected as a potential acolyte back in King's Landing. The smith was quiet, even more so than Jon if that was possible. And he was clearly uncertain about his place amongst them. But that had changed quickly into their journey as Robb, showing just how capable of a Lord he would be, was able to invite the timid blacksmith's apprentice and helped him get over his nerves about sharing space with nobles.

" Because, with the size of your head, Theon, you're liable to break the wagon again, " Robb joked, earning a few chuckles out of Sam and Jon and a cross look from Theon.

" Very funny, Stark, " Theon growled as he sat back down on the ground, trying to find a place to get comfortable. " I still don't understand why she or the other one gets to ride in the wagon, while we lords and heirs don't. "

" Because she is a woman, Lord Greyjoy, and a mother of an infant daughter, " Gendry answered quietly. " It is the honorable action to take. Letting her ride in the wagon over yourself. And she is watching over Lady Shireen as well as the other young girl under Lord Nox's protection. If you want to be known as the one that forced the daughter of Lord Stannis Baratheon to ride a horse just so he could sit in comfort…That is up to you. "

" Not her, " Theon scowled. " I'm talking about the other ones. The whore and the girl. "

" That girl has a name, Anna. She has been through hell worse than any you can imagine. And Mhaegen? She's not a whore, Greyjoy, " Jon shot back, staring hard at Theon. " Not anymore. And admit it, the real reason you're so upset is simply because you've finally met a woman who won't take your coin so you can get between her legs. "

Scoffing, Theon waved him off. " At least I can get between a woman's legs, Sno – Stark. "

" Gods, let's not rehash this discussion, " Robb sighed, rubbing at his head. In a rather blatant attempt to change the conversation to something more pleasant, he turned to their as-yet-silent companion. " Sam, any further ideas about the moving wagons and the tracks to carry them for the North? The King and my father are both watching this project with interest. And I want as much planned out as possible before we reach Winterfell. "

The plan his brother was talking about was one that Robb, Sam, and Lord Nox had devised during the Inventors Fair and just before Lord Nox's wedding. The idea was to use self-moving wagons that would travel along tracks to cross great distances at a rate of travel that could outpace even the fastest of horses. The idea was…ambitious. And one that the North could not do on its own even with its newly acquired wealth from Valyria. Well, not unless they wanted to sell off every Valyrian blade to any noble that was willing to buy them of course. So, before they'd left King's Landing, Samwell had laid out the plan before the King with Robb, their father, and Lord Nox by his. The Hand of the King, Lord Jon Arryn, had seemed intrigued by the idea as had a few other members of the Small Council, but the King…well…it was difficult for Jon to get a read on the man. He seemed interested, but purely because it was something new and interesting. Other than that, King Robert honestly didn't seem to care. But, in the end, the King had declared that the crown would help to support this project in the North, provided that if it worked out as well as intended, then the plans would be sent throughout the rest of the Seven Kingdoms.

The Master of Coin Lord Baelish, a man that had set Jon's teeth on edge though for the life of him he couldn't figure out why, had stated that it would be difficult for the crown to find the appropriate funds for such a project. King Robert though had simply brushed aside the concern and declared that effective immediately that a third of the funds that were designated to the Citadel from the crown would hereby be redirected to the Winterfell College to help fund not only the College, but also the Railway Project, as Lord Nox had taken to calling it.

And every night since they'd acquired the King's blessing, Robb and Sam had been hard at work hammering out as many details surrounding the project as they could. Jon offered his own insights on occasions when asked, as did Theon though his was fewer and farther between than Jon's. Surprisingly, or perhaps not when one looked at it, the greatest contributions came from Gendry, who's time in the forge had given him a rather unique perspective that none of them had. And now Gendry was a regular part of their discussions about the railway.

Cracking his neck, Jon got to his feet and quietly shuffled away from his brother and friends and made his way a short distance away from the camp towards the nearby forest so that he could have some quiet. Entering the tree line just enough so that he was out of earshot but still within sight of the camp, Jon sank to his knees and pulled out the talisman from Valyria that aided him in controlling not only dragonfire, but also wildfire as well. Closing his eyes, he sank into a light meditation as he allowed the Force to fill him before guiding it towards the talisman in his hands. He was close, so very close to figuring out the secret behind the talisman. So close to taking that last crucial step towards the completion of the task his Master had assigned to him that he could almost taste it. The…Force matrix he believed Master Nox called it, within the talisman was incredibly complex. But after watching his father, Lord Nox, and Lord Stannis using the large map of King's Landing to mark out wildfire caches he was struck with an epiphany. The matrix was just like the map of the city. He just needed to memorize the map and replicate it. Though that was proving exceedingly difficult as the map was not something one could see and existed only in the Force. But the revelation still aided him in revealing the secret behind replicating the talisman.

Feeling a familiar presence approaching him, Jon's concentration fled as he opened his eyes and stood just as his father, for Lord Stark would always be his father, entered the tree line with him. " Son, " Lord Stark called out as Jon turned around.

" I'm fine, father, " he answered. " Just needed some quiet for a little while. "

His father nodded in understanding as his eyes fell upon the gold talisman in Jon's hands. " Have you made any progress on your task? "

Lord Stark knew of the task that'd been assigned to him by Master Nox. But with his father's limited Force capabilities, he understood very little of just what the task entailed outside of the fact that he was trying to create a duplicate of the relic from Valyria. " Some, I believe that I'm close to figuring it out. I just…It's so close I feel like I can reach out and touch it. Yet it escapes me whenever I try and do so. "

" You'll figure it out, Jon. You're a smarter man than most. " his father said, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Jon felt his confidence and mood lift at hearing the rare praise from his father. It wasn't that he didn't praise any of his children or Jon. But he did so sparingly, making receiving said praises more meaningful. " Thank you, father. But the relic isn't what you wanted to speak to me about, is it? "

" No, " his father responded, shaking his head as a spike of regret rolled off him. " Tomorrow, we will be arriving in Riverrun and see to my Lady wife's final resting amongst her family. And –"

" You don't have to ask, father, " Jon said, cutting his father off, " Lady Stark…I knew her feelings well when she thought I was…Even if at the end those feelings faded, I – I won't cause more problems with my presence in her childhood home. Especially tomorrow while she is being laid to rest in the Trident. "

His father lowered his head, unable or unwilling to meet his eyes. " You're a better man than most, Jon. And one that I am proud to call my son. Now come, you've been gone far longer than you perhaps realize, and your absence has been a cause for concern for your brother. "

Following his father back to the makeshift camp, Jon was surprised to find that his father had been speaking the truth about how long he'd been gone as just about everyone, including Robb, had already long since found a bedroll for the night save for the few that were on watch.

" I'll aid in the first watch, " he volunteered as he and his father reached one of the few tents that'd been set up.

Lord Stark stopped just before the tent flap and gave him a once over and nodded. " Aye, you look like you still have a few hours left in you. Very well, wake Gendry as your replacement when you need rest. "

" I will, father, " Jon nodded as his father gave him one last look before ducking into his tent and letting the flap close behind him.

Alone once more, Jon walked across the camp to another low burning fire where his Master was kneeling and sitting perfectly still. Knowing that his Master was more than likely in a meditative trance, Jon stopped a few paces behind Lord Nox and knelt in a similar fashion and waited for his Master to acknowledge his presence. When Jon had first started his tutelage under Master Nox, he'd made the mistake of interrupting his Master's meditation only once. In response his Master had proceeded to…teach him a lesson that Jon would not wish upon even his enemies. And since that day, Jon had always made sure never to interrupt his Master when he was meditating.

For a time, the two just sat in silence with the only noise coming from the burning branches before them and the wilderness surrounding them. " What is it, Apprentice? "

" Master, " Jon replied immediately, slightly startled as his Master hadn't shifted even a single muscle before calling out to him. " I've been meaning to speak with you regarding the…dreams I had during our return from Valyria. "

That got his Master's attention as he motioned for Jon to join him beside the fire and turned so that the two would be face to face. " I take it that the dreams have returned? "

" Yes, Master, " he nodded, settling in next to his Master. " When we were sailing to Oldtown from the North I had another dream of her. So, I did as you suggested and…talked to the young woman in my dreams. And she, she responded. Her name is Dany, though I do not believe that is her full name. We didn't have a chance to say much to one another before I was awakened. But I've seen her in my dreams twice on our way from Oldtown to King's Landing and once more since. Each time we talk, nothing important but, it's so real. And the last dream I had we – we reached out for one another and – and I swear I could feel the heat of her hand. But before we could touch, I was awoken once more. "

Master Nox's face betrayed nothing as his Master scratched at his short cut beard. " Interesting. Lean forward. "

Knowing better than to question his Master, Jon leaned forward slightly, giving his Master a better angle as he placed the tips of his fingers on either side of Jon's head. Jon could feel his Master do something through the Force, but whatever he was doing was far beyond Jon's understanding. The sensation lasted only a moment, and when it passed his Master rocked back and lowered his hands, a grin spread across his face. " Well…isn't that interesting. "

Blinking, Jon stared up at his Master, hoping that he had some answers for him. " What is, Master? "

" This bond you share with this young, this 'Dany', it is a unique and incredibly rare type of bond. It's so rare that it's almost to the point of being mythological even amongst my people. You two are a dyad in the Force, " his Master stated before turning his attention towards the fire and speaking his thoughts out loud. " Such a rare phenomenon. And to occur in two so young. And without ever being in contact with one another. No. There was contact. Brief as it might've you two did have contact. Was that enough for the dyad to form? It must've been…Could this have occurred if you had not? Possibly. But then…no, perhaps not… Curious, very curious. "

Biting his lip, Jon waited as his Master continued giving voice to his thoughts, most of which went completely over his head. " Um, Master? " Jon asked hesitantly. " What is a – a 'dyad in the Force'? "

" A very rare form of Force bond, " Master Nox answered, turning his attention back to Jon. " Most Force bonds, like those between and Master and their Apprentice, give the two a connection but they remain separate. When a Force dyad bond occurs though, the bonded pair share a single presence, making the two one in the Force. And as such, the power of both involved is increased drastically. It is said that the power of a dyad is as strong as life itself. And more than that, your minds are now linked across space and time. No matter the distance that separates the two of you, you two will always be able to speak with one another. It's a mutualistic symbiotic relationship. The true abilities of a Force dyad have never fully been explored, but it is has been theorized that the connection between the two could be potent enough that the two could pass physical items to one another through the aether of the Force. "

Jon could hardly form a proper response as his Master laid what was happening between himself and this 'Dany' woman…whoever she was. But as the full implication of what was happening settled in on him, he had a flash of dark hair and sun-kissed skin. " Does, does this mean that she's my…intended or – or soul mate? "

Despite not having eyes to convey the message, Jon could feel his Master gaze at him with a look that made him feel like an idiot for even asking the question. " No. This isn't some second-rate romance story that your sister loves to hear about. There is a chance that such a relationship could occur, but it is not an absolute. Despite being one in the Force, you are still two separate individuals with your own minds, hearts and desires. It's far more likely that this dyad between you two formed on the will of the Force. Which means that the Force has intentions for both of you…intentions that may require you two to work in tandem even if you never again meet face to face. Interesting…"

Trailing off, Master Nox turned his attention away from Jon and off into the darkness of the night. " You've given me much to ponder, Apprentice, " Master Nox stated, rising to his feet. " Though I'm sure you're just as confused as I, perhaps more so. Take this time and meditate on what you've learned. And I will do the same. A dyad is something that I have only ever read and theorized about, Apprentice. It will take the both of us to navigate through this. Well, three now. "

Watching Master Nox retreat from the fire, Jon found himself filled with far more questions now than he had before. He was bonded to this 'Dany' woman. A woman he'd only met once before on pure accident. They shared a deep connection in the Force that made them as 'one' in the Force, yet they remained separate. Separate bodies, hearts and minds. Which honestly made next to no sense to him. How could they be 'one' yet 'not one' at the same time? And worse yet, Master Nox, his primary source of knowledge, was just as baffled.

" No sense in waking Gendry up, " Jon huffed, rising to his feet and brushing the dirt off his leggings. " I doubt that I'll be able to get any sleep for the foreseeable future. Not with all of this going on. "

Standing beside his son, his good father Hoster Tully, his brother by marriage Edmure Tully and Ser Brynden Tully on one of the docks jutting off from the south side of Riverrun that overlooked the Red Fork, Ned Stark calmly and quietly took a large bag containing half the ashes belonging to his son Rickon and his wife Catelyn from the Blackfish and approached the end of the dock. After the funeral in Winterfell, the ashes of his late son and wife were split in half. One of which was placed in the catacombs beneath Winterfell. And the other half was brought back to Riverrun by Ser Brynden so that at least part of his wife and son could rest in the rivers of the Trident like their ancestors before them.

Reaching the water's edge, Ned knelt and slowly let the ashes fall from the bag and into the rushing waters of the Red Fork. 'Goodbye, my son. Goodbye, my love, ' he thought as the last of the ashes fell from the bag and he rose back to his feet. 'May you both find peace with the gods until the day we are reunited. '

Turning around, he found himself looking at those who had gathered on the dock with him. His son was holding himself up well, but Ned could see and feel the sadness that was threatening to break free from within him. Edmure was trying to put on a strong face, but it was cracking as tears formed in the corners of his eyes and fell freely down his face. Brynden was as stone-faced as normal. And Hoster, well, the Lord of Riverrun was an enigma to Ned. He was completely void. No emotion. No tears. Nothing. It was the same look and feel the man had had when Ned and the Northern contingent arrived the day prior. And it was the same feeling he'd had throughout the day today. 'The man's daughter and grandson are dead. And he feels nothing. ' Ned frowned as he placed a comforting hand on his son's shoulder.

" Lord Stark, we need to talk in my solar. Now. "

The words were surprising, not just because it was perhaps the longest string of words Hoster had spoken to him since arriving. But because of the, well, urgency in them. Nodding to the request, Ned motioned for Robb to follow them. A curtesy that Hoster did not extend to his own son and heir he noted as the Lord of Riverrun led them back into the ancestral home of House Tully. Not a single word was spoken between the three of them. And even after they entered Hoster's solar and sealed themselves within, the three stayed quiet until Hoster sat down. " Your boy does not need to be present for this talk, Lord Stark. "

Ned, whose emotions were already on edge, teetered on the brink of losing control. " Robb is my son and heir, the future Lord of Winterfell and your grandson, Lord Tully, " Ned replied evenly, already knowing that whatever was about to be discussed would not be pleasant. " Whatever words you have for me, you can say before Robb. "

Hoster's eyes passed over Robb quickly before settling back in on Ned. " Very well. I would know when you plan on sending your bastard boy to the Night's Watch or exiling him across the Narrow Sea. "

Ned was sent reeling by the direct question. So much so that the only response he could come up with was a distorted. " What? "

" You heard me Eddard, " Hoster said, his eyes narrowing. " My daughter allowed that…stain to live in Winterfell as he grew because you asked it of her. But she was far from pleased with your insistence on raising him in her home. The only reason I did not press the issue was because he was a bastard and had no right to Winterfell over my daughter's children. But now he is legitimized by the King, something you should not have allowed let alone encouraged. How long until he seeks to take that which is not his? "

Ned's shock wore off quickly, replaced by a burning anger he had not felt since before the start of the Rebellion. " Jon is my son, " Ned growled lowly. " He has my blood and my name. If he chooses the Wall or to travel to Essos, I will not stop him from leaving. But I will not force the decision upon him. "

Hoster was clearly not pleased with the answer. " And how long until his true nature shows itself? Legitimized or no, the boy is still a bastard. And bastards are all the same. "

" Jon is not a bastard! " Robb shouted, taking a step forward towards Hoster before seemingly catching himself. " He – Jon is not a bastard, grandfather. He is a true Stark. He is my brother. Perhaps not by way of my lady mother, but he is still my brother by blood and choice. I trust him above all others. If you had even a moment to learn about him, the first thing you would learn would be that he would rather kill himself than bring any harm to myself or our siblings. And as for my mother…I loved her. But I was not blind to her faults, particularly when it came to Jon. But in the end, she changed grandfather. I was there with her at the end. Do you know what some of her last words were? With her life fading, she begged Jon's forgiveness for her not being able to love a motherless boy. Jon could've thrown it back in her face, but he didn't. He told her that he understood and forgave her. So, if Jon wishes to remain in Winterfell, I will do everything in my power and future power to make sure he has a place by my hearth and home. "

Ned released the breath he didn't even realize he was holding. His son had just come dangerously close to letting loose a secret that could spell doom for all of them. But, thankfully, he managed to recover himself and fix his near slip. Fortunately, Hoster didn't seem to realize the near slip either as the old Lord of Riverrun just stared hard at Robb.

" Bastards do not change, boy. They only grow bolder when you give them a taste of what they could have. I pray you learn this lesson before more tragedy strikes, " Hoster responded harshly before turning back to Ned. " I'm also having my daughter's old chambers prepared. I will have a Septa sent back to the North with you to take over the education of my granddaughters until they arrive. "

Ned was again sent onto the back foot as Hoster near blindsided him. 'Did Sansa make these arrangements while I was away…? No, she wouldn't have done so. Not now, at least. ' " I was unaware that my daughters would be coming to foster here at Riverrun. Nor have I requested a replacement for Septa Mordane. "

" I preempted the decision Eddard, " Hoster said coldly, his eyes narrowing at Ned. " Their mother, my daughter, is dead. As is the one sent to teach them how to become future ladies of the realm worthy of their station. I will foster both here in Riverrun and when the time comes arrange for good matches for you to consider for their hands. "

Furious didn't even come close to explaining Ned's current state of mind as he stared dazedly at his good father. " You mean to take my daughters away from me?! "

" I mean to see them raised right! " Hoster shouted, slamming his hand on his desk and rising to his feet in anger. " The history of the Starks does not bode well on the raising of daughters! Or lest you forget your own sister? From the letters I received from my daughter, you've done a shit job of raising proper daughters. Well, Sansa sounds like a true lady, even if what Brynden has told me is true of her sudden interest in learning that foul magic of your accursed pet sorcerer. But Arya? She is far from a lady and a true reflection of your inability to raise a woman properly! You will send them both to me! And I will ensure that those girls are raised right and know their proper place as future Ladies of the Realm. And, unlike you, Stark, I am not afraid to use the back of my hand to make sure that the girls learn thei—"

Ned's anger boiled over at hearing Hoster tell him—not ask—tell him that he was going to take his daughters away from him and raise them. Feeling a rushing sensation flowing through him, Ned threw out his hand, palm out, and pointed towards Hoster. The Lord of Riverrun had only a moment to widen his eyes in surprise as he was thrown off his feet and back into the bookshelves behind him. The shelves broke under the force of the impact, sending all the books and other trinkets that were placed on the shelves crashing down to the floor along with Hoster Tully.

The guards stationed outside the door immediately burst into the room, their swords halfway out of their sheaths as they did. But as fast as they were, Ned was proud to see that his son was faster. Before anyone could even move beyond opening the door, Robb reached out with his hand and made a pulling motion. All the guards lurched forward, hands desperately grasping for the swords that were suddenly flying out of their reach and flying across the room. His son immediately flowed the motion up by using his off hand and making a pushing motion and pushed the guards with the Force clear out of the room and out into the hall.

Ned turned to stand with his son, but before either could move or before the guards could recover, a loud hard voice brought everyone to a halt. " What in the name of all Seven hells is going on here! "

Ned saw Robb and the guards on the floor stiffen and refuse to move as the Blackfish stormed down the hall towards them. The veteran of House Tully took one look at the guards laid out on the ground and one look into the room at the destruction which started the commotion and shook his head. " Alright, Lord Stark, what did my brother do to bring about this? "

" Lord Tully informed me that he would be taking my daughters and fostering them here at Riverrun without my consent, " Ned informed the Blackfish calmly, far more calmly than he truly felt. " He then insinuated that he would turn my daughters into 'true ladies of the realm. ' By force, if need be. "

Ned could hear the Blackfish mutter something, but Ned didn't care what it was as the man made no move to call for more guards nor had his hands move towards the sword at his waist. Walking carefully around the destruction within the room, Ned squatted down next to the still recovering Lord Tully. The man's eyes and face were both red with rage as he glared up at Ned. A look that would have at one time had Ned cowering, but now did absolutely nothing.

" There was a time when you frightened me, Lord Tully. But no longer. You are not a man to be feared, but a sniveling coward who thinks he knows what is best for everyone and damns anyone else's opinion. " Ned informed Lord Tully calmly. " I married your daughter to honor the agreement between our Houses and to gain the allegiance of the Riverlands against the Mad King. An allegiance you held hostage pending on not only my own marriage, but on the marriage of your second daughter to Jon Arryn as well. Even if I did not know or even love Cat when I married her, love eventually did come between us despite our disagreements. And it is only because of the love that I hold for your daughter and the fact that my children share blood with you that I shall take this no further unless you press the issue. "

Hoster sneered up at him, " those girls are of House Tully! And in the name of the Seven I will see them raise as is proper just like what their mother would have want-"

" You have no idea what Cat would want for her girls, Hoster, " Ned said. The lack of the old man's title being a deliberate slight on Ned's part. Just as Hoster's lack of title for Ned. " Sansa and Arya may be of House Tully. But they are firstly of House Stark. They are wolves of the North. And when the cold winds blow and the snows rise, the pack weathers what storms may come and survives. You'd best remember that Hoster. For winter is coming. And only a fool makes enemies of family when it arrives. "

Rising, Ned purposefully turned his back on the downed Lord of the Riverlands and motioned for Robb to follow him. " We're leaving. Now. "

Robb nodded, his eyes holding much the same anger as Ned, but also no small amount of surprise at what had just transpired. The Blackfish didn't look surprised, neither by the attack nor by Ned's decision to leave Riverrun immediately.

" Might be for the best, Lord Stark, " the Blackfish nodded sadly as he cast a glance at his still downed brother and Lord. " I'll send some boys to ready the rest of your men and those with you. "

" Thank you, " Ned responded, leaving the Blackfish to deal with Hoster as he and Robb made their way away from the Lord of the Riverlands.

Once they were well beyond hearing, Robb stepped in close to him and talked lowly so only the two of them could hear his words. " Father…was that…wise? "

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