Chapter 72: Chapter 71
Jon dressed immediately. He turned to look at Daenerys, "How did he get past the children?" She asked shakily.
Jon kissed her gently and cupped her chin. "It matters not. So what if he knows. I am yours and you are mine." She smiled softly.
"Go see to your father." Daenerys kissed him once more and this time she held him long. His Daenerys hugged him tight. "I will not see you until the battle is done. Take good care Jon."
Jon felt a pang on his stomach that had nothing to do with his father. "You take care too Daenerys. Remember to have Viserion and Rhaegal by your sides. You attack as three not only you and Drogon." He kissed her once more and put on the rest of his leather.
He kissed her forehead and left the tent. There weren't any men surrounding the place. Jon made his way to the main camp. He saw the sky, Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal played in the sky. Jon did not feel nervous or scared like he had when father discovered Ygritte among his ranks. He would not let Daenerys go. He would hold onto her like his life depended on it. Jon would not live without her.
Father waited for him inside the tent. "Have you gone completely insane?" Jon knew his father was upset. It was unusual for father to be upset with him. Robb had been the rebellious son. Jon was the dutiful son until a few years ago. Jon the heir respected his father but he no longer idolized him. Father was a good role model. He was a good, honorable man but a man. Father was flawed. Jon would not follow him in this matter. Not even his mother could convince him to give Daenerys up.
Jon frowned, "I have not."
Father rose and thundered, "She is forbidden to you. She is to be the wife of another."
Jon shook his head, "That match has not been struck yet. Daenerys will not marry Aegon. I will not allow it."
Father laughed humorlessly, "You will not allow it! She is to bed and marry a Targaryen. What will you do when she leaves the North and goes to King's Landing?"
"We have not discussed any details as of yet." Jon replied simply. There was not a trace of doubt in his voice.
"You will end this affair at once." Father said once more. Jon thought for a second about his reply.
Jon stood up and faced his father, "I shall not. We love each other. I have dreamed of her for years before she came to Winterfell. She is mine."
Father looked despondent, "Think of your family. Think of the consequences. Aegon will not meekly stand aside while you bed his rightful bride." Father seemed to gain some fury of his own.
Jon raised his voice as well, "Daenerys is not his bride. She is our queen and who is to say that she has to take a husband?"
"You will give up Winterfell and be her mistress then." Father looked shocked. Jon did not reply. Father continued his scolding, "She will wed her nephew. It is their custom to do so. The Targaryens have married their own blood since before the ruin of Valyria. They are mad; the whole lot of them." Father dragged the point on.
Jon was angry now, "She is not mad and will not wed or bed anyone that is not me. Daenerys Stormborn is mine."
Father looked at him once more. "So you will kill him and start another war. How do you think the Martells and the other Southern lords that we defeated will react when they learn that Prince Aegon is not to be King?" Father tried to reason with him.
"I care little what they think." Jon replied honestly, "You have never spoken truer words. I will start a war to be with Daenerys. I will war and win or die whilst trying. Daenerys is mine and she shall bed no one but me." Jon said with uncanny foresight. Father paled and sank to his chair.
Jon left the tent to see to the Free Folk. Tormund japed and drank with his men. "Prepare to ride. We set forth in an hour."
"Aye Stark" The redheaded man yelled.
Jon was agitated. He marched past the Free Folk. Many of his men greeted him, "the Fearless Wolf." They called and chanted. Jon nodded and walked faster. He was never one to bask. Jon went into the tent he shared with Robb and Tommen. They both looked grim until they saw him.
"Where have you been?" Tommen asked immediately.
Robb frowned, "We searched every bit of the camp because of you. Father almost called the alarm to find you."
Jon frowned back, "I walked for a few hours is all."
"You did not come to sleep last night." Tommen continued.
Jon faced his brother and tried to keep a steady voice, "I walked for a few hours. Time must have escaped me. I am here, it is all that matters."
Tommen did not look convinced, "had you turned out an hour later Father would have branded you a deserter."
Jon frowned once again. "What was so urgent that you had to send and look for me?"
Robb shook his head, "Father wanted to meet with us to go over the attack once more. He worried when he could not find you."
"I will tell father that you are back from your walk." Tommen made for the door.
"No need, I met father earlier. There will be no changes to the strategies. Get ready to march in an hour. Gather your armies and spread the word." Jon said and left the tent. He did not need his brothers asking more questions than necessary.
Jon readied his horse and talked to a number of his men as to how to march and attack. It was needless. They were all ready for battle. Father had discussed tactics, attacks, and all sorts of army maneuvers for over a year. Jon walked around camp until it was inevitable to see father once more. They all gathered inside the tent, the armies marched. The direwolves were near him. It was time for the last meeting before the commanders left for their post and started the attacks.
Jon entered the tent and made brief eye contact with Daenerys. She wore a leather dress type of thing. She looked more beautiful than ever. She braided her hair in the Northerner fashion, like she had since the first time he took her.
Aegon, Jorah, Tollett, Umber, Robb, Tommen, Uncle Tyrion and Father were present as well. "Good, you are here." Father looked at him like they had not just discussed another war an hour ago.
Father pointed to the table with all the maps. "We set forth as expected. Our queen will wait for the signals with Tyrion. They will be right here." Father pointed to a high point overlooking what would be the battlefield.
The lords asked their last minute questions and set to wear their colors and armors. Jon looked at Daenerys and nodded. He hoped that gesture would ease her mind somewhat. Jon wished he could stay behind and speak to her. He hoped he could get a few minutes alone with her but it was impossible. There were men all around them. They would not get a minute of peace until after the battle.
The lords asked the queen for her favor. Jorah was the most ardent lord and kissed her hands. Aegon smiled and kissed her cheeks. "I will see you after the battle dearest aunt."
"May you find victory Aegon." Daenerys said sweetly and tiptoed to kiss him once more.
Jon glared; he did not like that much affection between the Targaryens. The only thing father had accomplished this morning was to make him more aware of the Targaryen prince. Aegon left with Umber.
"My queen. We must ride to our spots immediately." Uncle Tyrion stated.
"Very well." She said with a smile.
"May your sons and you be victorious and protected Lord Stark." Her sweet voice resonated with him.
He could have kissed Robb at that moment. Her younger brother stepped forward and kissed the queen's hands. Tommen followed suit. Jon bowed and kissed her hands as well. Daenerys trembled. He hoped he was the only one to notice it.
Father bowed and kissed her hand too. "Remember the signal your grace."
Uncle Tyrion said his goodbyes as well. Robb and Tommen hugged him. Jon followed suit, "Do not play hero. You have yet to see the Westerlands. We will get warm once this damned war is over. Do not be the Fearless Wolf." Uncle Tyrion hugged him and clapped his back.
Father shook uncle Tyrion's hand, "If we fail…" Father began.
"I will take care of Cersei and Rickon." Tyrion replied. "It will be fine Eddard. We have the men, we have the wildfire and we have dragons. This will be over soon. It will all come to pass. Besides, Cersei would never forgive you if you did not come back to her.
Father smiled, "stay safe Tyrion." Uncle Tyrion nodded and left with Daenerys.
It was only them and the direwolves then. Father spoke once more, "Robb and Tommen will march ahead. Jon and I will meet you later." His brothers left the tent.
"Father, this is completely unnecessary." Jon knew his father wanted to speak to him, dissuade him from his relationship with Daenerys once more.
"Reconsider. This is not about you. It is about our family, your mother, your brothers and their families. We cannot have more war just because you are infatuated with a woman. A woman who is not for you."
Jon did not want to argue anymore. "I love her. Nothing we discuss here will make me change my mind."
Father did not let up, "think of Winterfell. Think of your position…"
Jon looked at his father clearly and repeated, "all means nothing without her. You love mother, would you give her up?"
Father frowned deeply and raised his voice, "your mother and I have built a life together. Do not presume to compare whatever lust you feel for this girl to what your mother and I share."
Jon remained calm, "I am not in lust with Daenerys. I love her and she loves me. This is not a passing fancy father. I will not give her up." It was done and father would have to understand.
"Dragons and wolves were never a good match." Father said. Jon realized how old his father was then. By all means father should be dead. Warriors never lived too long and Eddard Stark had been at war all his life. Jon remained quiet. He had no intention of furthering any discussion with him.
"I beg you to not do anything stupid in the battlefield." Father continued. Jon understood that father was afraid he would kill Aegon to free Daenerys from marriage.
Jon nodded, "Will you let matters rest now?" he would give him that. Jon would never murder Aegon like that. There was no honor in killing the prince without a fair fight for Daenerys' love.
"It would have been easier if it was Robb." Father stated.
Jon was caught off guard. "I don't understand."
Father's face creased once more, "your mother thought the queen had taken one of you as lovers. She thought it was Robb. Your mother was excited with the prospect of the illicit affair."
Jon was curious then. "Why would it have been easier?"
"Robb is not the heir to Winterfell. Robb would have entered that affair because of the power play or because the girl is beautiful. It would have been a passing fancy for him." Father ended.
"She is everything to me." Jon said his peace and made for the door. There was no disappointment or bitterness. He knew his parents would never like his relationship with Daenerys.
Father and Ghost followed him. They walked silently until they mounted their horses.
"Gather your men and lead them" Father rode off.
Jon rode for a few minutes. He spoke to his men and off they were. Soon him and his army joined Father, Tommen and Robb's armies. He was in front of the vanguard. Father joined him soon enough. Jon looked to the side and saw Daenerys atop a horse and uncle Tyrion by her side.
This was the moment they were all waiting for. It was time for the fight. "Friends, are you ready to reclaim the North!" Jon shouted; the voices of men and women, free folk and northerners called back yes, and aye. "We are brothers, together we will defeat the Others and the White Walkers." He said once more. His horse paced back and forth. Ghost nearby.
Father smiled when the free folk chanted, "Jon Stark, Jon Stark. The Fearless Wolf. The Fearless Wolf." They shouted and chanted.
Jon smiled back at his father. "Northerners protect your lands!" Father shouted too. Free Folk and Westerosi shouted and chanted.
Robb and Tommen rode and chanted as well. Jon and his father looked at each other. They knew it was time. The direwolves growled and snapped. Suddenly the chants stopped. The army of the dead was upon them.
Father looked at the vanguard and did what he did best; he incited and lead his warriors. "For the North". The lord of Winterfell shouted. Lord Eddard Stark howled, and so did all of his children and direwolves. Jon could feel the quietness in the air pierced by the Stark war cry. He howled and felt closer to Ghost. This was his battle; this was the dance of wolves against the dead. He howled, growled and looked at his brothers and father. They howled together once more and then moved as one against the white walkers.
Jon felt energized, he felt fear and excitement as he rode to meet the white walkers. Ghost was ever present and by his side. He lost track of his siblings and father as he fought the army of the dead. Jon could hear men shouting, horses running off and steel. All he could hear was steel. It seemed he was born for the fight. He was a good swordsman, better than his siblings but not his father. He fought and made his way as did Tormund, and he could see some of the unsullied. That meant the battle was at least an hour on its way. Jon did not feel time. He only felt the steel, he could only smell the rotting corpses of the dead, blood of the fallen and ghost growling by his side. His horse was dead. He was on foot. The men around him fought. He saw father and ran to him. Father fought by his side. The dead seemed to increase by the minute.
He saw Umber fall. Tormund fought on the other side. Jon saw some of the Free Folk fall as well. There were many of them down, many dead. They were making headway and tried to defeat as many of the dead as possible. Jon heard the horns and the men restreeted. Father pulled him from two white walkers. He saw as uncle Tyrion's men marched forward. These were slight men, agile and quick. "Get back." Father shouted and then they were running back. Jon saw as the men ignited the wildfire caches. Some of uncle Tyrion's men ran back and joined them. Jon saw Tommen carry Robb back to them. Jon saw the fire burn some of their men, the dead and the wounded who did not make it back.
Aegon was among them, his cheek was bloodied, "Jorah, where is ser Jorah?" The prince shouted.
Father looked around and saw the Bear attended by some spearwives. "He will be fine." A black-haired girl said. "It is his leg; it has to heal."
"Jorah." Father got near.
The Bear tried to get up, "I can still fight."
"You have to rest your leg." Prince Aegon said thoughtfully. "My aunt would not want her Bear to be injured." Aegon said persuadingly.
Jon turned and looked up the skies. Daenerys circled above and ordered her children to rain fire on the army of the dead. It was hours they waited for father to give the order to finish and attack once more. Jon drank mead while a spearwife sewed some cuts. Robb washed his face. Tommen and Father made rounds to account for the dead and made sure that the men that could not fight retreated.
Father and the men waited for uncle Tyrion's horns once more. They were to attack and weaken the dead armies on foot. It seemed like only minutes but it must have been hours when they were in the thick of battle once more. This time he could see the men of the Night's Watch. This was the last of it he was sure. They had to be done before night was upon them. There had to be less of the dead by now. He could see the direwolves attacking like a pack. Aegon fought by his side, as did father. Robb and Tommen were ahead. He saw fire to the side and saw as the walkers became ashes. He heard a cry and looked up. Viserion and Rhaegal were aimless, fighting each other in the air.
Daenerys yelled but the dragons fought and tried to scratch each other. Only Drogon used his fire to defeat the white walkers. Jon yelled, "Look up." Father and the prince did so.
"They should not be fighting." Aegon said.
"Call him." Father yelled. "You have to mount him. He needs a rider."
"Viserion." Prince Aegon yelled. Jon thought it impossible for the dragon to hear its rider. Soon enough two dragons were upon them. Viserion obediently flew down as did Rhaegal.
"Move." Jon yelled. Aegon tried to stop Rhaegal but the green dragon hissed and blew fire on Viserion's back.
"Stop, Rhaegal." Aegon yelled angrily but the dragon did not and grew vicious.
Aegon was out of his depth and Daenerys was above ground. Jon looked up and saw her straining to have Drogon go where she wanted him to go. Jon suddenly remembered Maester Aemon. Dragons would only listen to worthy riders. Aegon had Viserion but Rhaegal was riderless. It was madness; Viserion crushed some men while trying to get to Aegon and hurt Rhaegal at the same time. "Dragons are volatile creatures." He remembered father's words.
It was now or never, "Rhaegal" He yelled and as if in a dream. Rhaegal's bronze eyes looked at him. The dragon left Aegon. Viserion landed safely and lowered his wing for Aegon to mount him. Rhaegal looked at the other dragon and blew smoke once more. Jon said its name once more, "Rhaegal."
The green dragon landed and tilted its wing just as Viserion had. Jon's feet moved on their own accord. He looked at father who was surprised. Jon felt his heart beat faster than he ever thought possible. He climbed on Rhaegal and then they were flying. Jon smiled. He could not describe the feeling of power he felt on top of this creature. Aegon looked at him and looked puzzled.
He followed Aegon and pronounced the words carefully, "Dracarys." Rhaegal breathed fire and burned a good portion of the dead. Jon smiled and flew to Daenerys who wore a big smile.
Aegon looked relaxed. "We have to fire together. Great uncle Aemon said all three dragons had to move as one because they were one. A three headed dragon."
Daenerys nodded and flew ahead. Jon and Aegon followed on both sides of her. Soon the three dragons rained fire upon the army of the dead. They stayed away from the live men. Jon felt happy. He felt sure and confident for the first time. They rained fire as far as the eye could see. They flew in different patterns, back and forth. The riders waited for the men to advance and fight as many of the unburnt dead on the ground. It felt like minutes but it had to at least three hours. The horns blew again and the mean seemed to retreat. Night was almost upon them.
"We cannot leave; not until the dead are gone." Daenerys stated.
Aegon nodded. They stayed above ground and continued to decimate the last of the armies. "We have to burn everything." Jon said and hoped all the wounded made their way back to retreat areas. It was dark, pitch black.
It was the last of them. He was sure, he thought he saw the Night King burn but was unsure. The dragons flew and fired until they could not see anymore.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
MissRias
MissRias Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone