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60.56% Game of Thrones: The Stark Shard / Chapter 43: Chapter 43: The Wall (I)

Chapitre 43: Chapter 43: The Wall (I)

Author's Note: We'll stay with Jon for another chapter, and then we'll go back to our main character for his travel back to the North.
Also, what do you guys think? Would you be interested in joining a Discord? Do you guys think I should create one so that communication is easier?

FrostStorm

Jon Snow/Targaryen

Now that I had finished the preparations Robb asked me to take care of, I was ready to continue my journey toward the Wall.

Maybe in another life, I would have joined the Night's Watch out of my own volition, trying to find purpose as a bastard like myself, but now? I couldn't imagine myself any other way. I was a Stark by blood, and my family treated me as such.

I knew I was the most trusted person for Robb, and I would do anything he asked of me without hesitation. He truly loved the North and would do anything in his power to see it prosper. I did too, don't get me wrong, but I was certain he would do a better job of it than I ever could.

He trusted me so much that he told me everything about his plans and visions. Although I didn't believe going to war was the best option with the threat the White Walkers posed, I would follow him wherever was required.

That's why I was away from Winterfell at the moment. My main task was to inform his direct subordinates that the time for hiding was over, and then I needed to head to the Wall to prepare for the threats beyond it.

I missed them all, including Lady Catelyn. After all these years, she had finally accepted me as a Stark and no longer saw me as a threat to her son's reign.

Reviewing the last report Smalljon provided, I nodded in satisfaction. The North would be more than prepared, and we would show the rest of the kingdoms what we were made of.

For now, the North could send over forty thousand troops to the South, and the fifteen to twenty thousand extra would stay behind to protect the kingdom's borders. Under our father's command, they would safeguard the North against any invasion, though I doubted anyone could get past the main army.

With the bulk of our forces stationed at Moat Cailin, Greywater Watch, and the Fingers to fortify those locations and assist the blacksmiths, a small unit would join Robb to decimate the Twins. Once we took control of the castle, we would establish our command there.

I didn't know exactly how the conversation between Lord Mallister and Robb had gone, but I knew my brother well enough to be certain he wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.

Either way, the North would be ready when Robb returned with Father.

Finishing up the final points in the report, I realized I could continue my travels and leave Smalljon in charge of FrostStorm.

After giving the necessary orders, I was ready to move on.

The Next Day

"Everything you need to know is here, Smalljon," I told him with a nod.

"I'm going to make sure I follow his instructions," Smalljon replied with a nod of his own.

"Is there anything you want me to pass along to your father?" I asked before leaving town.

"No, everything is fine," he shook his head. "Just give him my regards."

I nodded back. "I'm sure he'll pass through here when the bannermen start marching."

Walking toward my horse, I checked my backpack one last time to ensure I was fully prepared for the journey. I was traveling with a group of thirty guards, just in case anything happened.

Satisfied, we began our journey to Last Hearth. My only task there was to inform Lord Umber that everything was ready to begin, so he could contact Lord Karstark and start marching toward Winterfell before heading directly to Moat Cailin.

The Wall

Jon Snow/Targaryen

Everything with the houses was in order. It had been a week since I arrived at the Wall. The meeting at Last Hearth was brief since there wasn't much to do besides letting them know it was time.

For now, I was just resting from the travel. Everything at the Wall was just as Robb had told me, and I was glad I hadn't joined the Watch. It wasn't the great calling I once believed it to be.

Ser Alliser Thorne was an absolute cunt. His words cut deep, but I didn't care about the opinion of that bastard. Besides him, some of the recruits were decent enough. Samwell Tarly was weak and lacked courage, but he had a good heart and a damn quick mind.

I made a mental note to tell Robb about him. Perhaps he could recruit Samwell for his gifts, and maybe he'd be of more use at Winterfell than serving as a training dummy here.

I had already intervened a couple of times to stop the other recruits from making Sam's life hell at the Wall. Ghost had grown a lot in these weeks, so he was a good way to instill the fear of the gods into the criminals.

Ensuring I had my notes ready for my conversation with Lord Commander Mormont, I began walking toward his solar.

I went alone, as the information I carried was for his ears only. Uncle Benjen was on one of his expeditions with his team, but thankfully, he had enough dragonglass for each of his companions.

Knocking on the door, I entered quietly, my eyes narrowing at the sight of those inside.

Ser Alliser Thorne wore his usual sneer, hating that a Stark—even if I was considered a bastard by everyone—was at the Wall with a better position than him.

I nodded respectfully to the commander and the maester, completely ignoring Ser Alliser, which only made him angrier.

"Lord Commander, Maester Aemon. My brother Robb has sent me with grave news. The ramblings of the deserter were true: the White Walkers are real and they walk north of the Wall."

Ser Alliser scoffed loudly. "White Walkers? Stories for children and bored wives, Snow. The only threats we face are the wildlings and our own thinning numbers."

Jeor Mormont eyed him with displeasure. "We will hear the boy out, Ser Alliser. His family has done enough to earn that."

"And why should we? A Stark bastard comes here, not even sworn to the Watch, babbling about wives' tales. You think we have time to indulge his fantasies when real men are dying?" Ser Alliser sneered.

I tried hard to keep my composure despite his words. "I wouldn't have come all the way to the Wall just for tales. The Warden of the North wouldn't have sent me only to waste both our time."

Taking a deep breath, I continued, "Our uncle Benjen has gone on an expedition with the rest of the rangers to find proof. I know I come without evidence since he hasn't returned, but we don't have time to waste. The Night's Watch needs to prepare."

"Prepare for what, boy? Shadows in the snow? Grumkins and Snarks? You've been coddled too much in Winterfell and haven't seen the real world. Perhaps it's time you learn—"

The Lord Commander stood up abruptly, interjecting sharply, "That's enough, Thorne. You're dismissed. Leave us."

Ser Alliser glowered at me but stood up and bowed to the commander before leaving.

"I'll ask you to forgive him. He may come off as blunt, but he's a good man in his own twisted way. Please continue. Tell us everything we need to know," the commander said with a sigh.

The maester spoke for the first time since the conversation started. "Some old stories have some truth in them, though many have forgotten. What have you seen or heard, boy?"

I glanced at him, wondering if what Robb told me was true. Could he really be my great-granduncle?

"It's not just what I've heard, but I can feel it this far north. Can't you sense the unnaturalness of the cold?" I asked them.

The commander shook his head, but I was surprised to see Maester Aemon nod seriously.

"I can feel it. The cold seeps into my old bones, and the feeling of death approaches," said the maester.

The commander nodded in understanding and, with a sigh, continued, "I've heard reports of unnatural cold north of the Wall and of strange deaths. We've sent men to investigate, and some have not returned."

Standing up again, he began pacing in his solar. "I don't want to believe it, but… if what you say is true, we're in for darker days than I feared."

"Indeed. As I said before, Uncle Benjen will return with proof soon enough. He is capable of facing them; he has weapons made specifically against the White Walkers," I said grimly.

"Oh?" the maester asked with interest. "Are they weak against something specific? I remember reading about them, but in my old age, some things escaped me."

"Yes, Maester Aemon. From what Robb has seen in his visions, they are weak against three things: first, Valyrian steel; then fire; and lastly, dragonglass. The last two are the most common since they aren't as rare as Valyrian steel." I nodded at him with a smile, pleased they seemed to believe me.

"Dragonglass is fragile," murmured the maester. "And I don't think we can obtain a good amount easily."

"There are rumors of dragonglass deposits here in the North," interjected the commander.

Gazing at him with alarm, I asked about these rumors.

"I remember reading during my childhood about the island of Skagos. Some texts mentioned dragonglass found on that island," he said thoughtfully.

"That's great news!" I exclaimed. "Robb was prepared to fight a war against Stannis Baratheon for the material in Dragonstone."

The commander looked at me in alarm and I could just rub the back of my neck sheepishly.

"The cost to obtain it would have been too much." The commander answered.

"Indeed, it would have been," sighed the maester.

"Once Benjen returns, we'll know more," the commander said with a nod. "You've done well, Jon, and I will inform the Watch and make sure we are ready for what is coming."

"Thank you, Lord Commander," I replied with a grateful nod.

"Of course. We'll need all the help we can get."

Smiling at them, I nodded and started walking toward the door.

"Oh, before you leave," Maester Aemon interrupted, "please search for me for a small conversation."

"Of course, Maester Aemon," I replied before leaving.

Outside the solar, I leaned against the wall, thankful everything was done and I just needed to speak with the maester before going back to Robb.

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Chapitre 44: Chapter 44: The Wall (II)

Jon Snow

With the stress of the meeting gone, I was just waiting a couple of days to see if Uncle Benjen was successful in his mission. I trusted his capabilities, so I wasn't too worried since he had weapons designed specifically against the White Walkers.

Still, I couldn't deny that I was worried for him. He was family, and he was doing such an important task with little support. He only took the most experienced rangers on his expedition, and all of them were armed with dragonglass weapons, so there was that. Hopefully, he comes back soon since I'll need to leave in the next couple of days. I needed to be present at Moat Cailin when Robb came back.

While waiting, I did some sightseeing, walked through the castle, and checked everything important I could add to my report, from the number of soldiers available to the needs of the Night's Watch. Since Robb started working with them in payment for the land they borrowed from Brandon's Gift and the New Gift, many people joined the Watch voluntarily. Even those who didn't join received better equipment for their trouble.

Most of the members were using good quality swords and light armor, a gift from Robb to gain Commander Mormont's approval, but even that didn't help with the most troublesome person here. Ser Alliser Thorne had a grudge against our family thanks to the rebellion, and I couldn't help but smile at what his face would look like if he knew who he was talking to so disrespectfully. Thankfully, he ignored me when I passed by, just sneering in my direction but keeping silent. He knew he couldn't badmouth me in public since most members of the order were happy with our help and knew that much of what they had now was thanks to the Starks.

They didn't lack food, thanks to all the plantations done in the Gift's territory. They ate well enough, and with the foodstuff they had in excess, they sold it to different houses of the North for extra income. Thanks to that, they were able to cover the cost of the new weapons and armor they had available. Most of the equipment came from FrostStorm, so we didn't lose much because they ended up paying us.

Shaking my head, I marveled at Robb's ability; he could manipulate people, and they ended up being grateful for it. Bored out of my mind, I searched for something interesting while I waited for the sun to go down so I could sleep. Walking down the stairs, I noticed Samwell sitting on a crate reading a book. Shrugging, I went toward him to start a conversation to pass the time.

"How have you been, Samwell?" I smiled at him.

"I've been good, Jon. How about you? Are you done with your business here at the Wall?" he smiled back and asked me.

"Yes, the Commander is already informed of everything I had to say," I answered. "Say, Samwell. Can you tell me why you joined the Watch even if you can't fight?" I asked something that had been on my mind for a while.

He smiled sadly but nodded after a second. "My father sent me here. He told me that I was a disappointment and didn't deserve to be his heir."

"Tarly? Your father is one of the best commanders in the whole realm?" I asked, surprised by this information.

"Yes," he shook his head. "I was never enough for him. He told me that if I didn't join the Watch, I would have an accident where I couldn't disappoint him anymore."

I was appalled by what he said. Not even in the worst years was Lady Catelyn harsh enough to do something like that to me, and I was sure she hated me.

"It seems like he deserves a punch to the face," I nodded. "I'm sure I can do that if I ever meet him."

"Ha!" he laughed. "I would pay to see that."

"And what about you, Samwell? What would you want to be?" I asked him.

He was silent for a minute, clearly thinking of an answer. "I would love to be a maester," he nodded. "I know I have a good head on my shoulders, and I like to think I'd be capable of that. It's a shame that's not a possibility anymore."

"Why not?" I asked him with a smile. "You still haven't taken your oath to the Night's Watch."

"My father would kill me," he shook his head.

"Your father, as good a commander as he is, wouldn't be capable of harming you in the North. Much less if you're under the protection of House Stark," I explained softly.

I didn't know why I was so accommodating to him; I barely knew him. But there was something about Samwell that told me he could help us a lot if he wasn't tied to the Night's Watch and was with us in Winterfell.

"Why don't you follow me after I'm done here?" I asked him. "I'm sure I can convince the Lord Commander that you'd be more useful with us than here."

Samwell went silent but shook his head in fear. "My father would kill me, Jon."

I sighed. "Think about it, Samwell. Robb is searching for different talents, and I'm sure he would be more than happy to take you in." Standing up from the crate we were sitting on, I continued, "I'll stay for a few more days here. If you make your decision, you can come with me to Winterfell to learn under Maester Luwin."

"I'll think about it," he murmured, his head looking toward the floor.

"Remember to be your own man, Samwell. It doesn't matter what your father thinks. And if it matters a lot to you, just prove him wrong—make him regret giving you up," I said, patting his shoulder.

On my way back to my bedroom, I noticed that the library was nearby, so I took a small detour to see if Maester Aemon was there. Entering quietly, I observed the insides of the library. Seeing him sitting alone without doing anything, I approached him.

"Jon, thank you for coming," he said. Apparently, I wasn't silent enough.

"Maester Aemon," I greeted him respectfully. "What did you want to speak about?"

"I just wanted to ask you something important to me, child." He smiled, his milky white eyes looking in my direction. Even though he was blind, I noticed he looked directly where I was standing.

"Ask away, Maester. If it's something I can answer, I'll do so," I said in agreement, curious about where this was going.

"Can you check if we're alone, child?" he asked. "I'm afraid that if I'm right, this cannot be heard by anyone."

While checking around the library, I was almost sure he was somehow able to feel the connection between us. Maybe Robb was right, and royal blood was somehow magical.

"We're alone, Maester. Ask away," I told him softly, taking a seat next to him so that we could talk quietly.

"Are you a Targaryen, Jon?" he asked bluntly, and I tried to suppress a snort. It appeared that all these years in the North had changed a royal southerner.

"It appears Robb was right once again," I laughed. "He told me about you, Maester, and that you may be able to feel it."

"Am I right, child?" the Maester asked, trembling with agitation.

"Yes. You are my great-granduncle, if what Robb said is true," I accepted freely, as Robb had told me to be honest with him since it wouldn't hurt and would give him peace of mind.

The Maester trembled when he heard me and tried to move, but I stopped him with a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"My biological father was Prince Rhaegar, and my mother was Lyanna Stark," I said softly.

"That dumb boy," the Maester sighed. "Do you know the truth of what happened?"

"Yes… My mother ran away from her betrothal to be with him. But somehow, the letter explaining the circumstances never arrived," I said sadly before rage could enter my mind. "If I ever find out who was responsible, I'll make sure they suffer for their sins," I said firmly.

The Maester sighed. "At least he didn't take her away like they say."

"Thank you for being honest with me, Jon." He smiled softly. "I can die happy knowing that our family will thrive in the future."

"You still have some time, Maester," I laughed. "And you're still needed here at the Wall."

Our conversation took a long time, but when I left, I felt a burden lifted off my shoulders.

Three days later

Hearing some commotion so early in the morning was weird, and when the trumpets sounded, I was completely alert. I grabbed my sword and light armor before going to check what was happening. Seeing some of the guards running, I stopped one to ask what was going on.

The only answer I received was that some of the rangers who left on the expedition were getting closer to the Wall.

I felt a knot in my throat and prayed that Uncle Benjen was successful in his endeavor. As I got ready, the first thing I noticed was that he was leading the group. As I sighed with relief, my heart almost stopped. Of the twenty rangers who started the expedition, only four were coming back, and all of them were injured.

"Bring the Maester!" I shouted to Samwell, who was standing nearby doing nothing.

He nodded, hearing the urgency in my voice. As he went searching for the maester, I went back to my room where I had some of the things Robb gave me in case of emergency. Grabbing a bottle of milk of the poppy and some "bandages" Robb invented, I stopped for a moment before crushing some of the insects into a paste that I had in another jar. According to Robb, these insects were specifically made for injuries since the paste killed something called germs or something like that and also numbed the area.

Hopefully, the maester would be able to use this, so I took it all the same. Going back, I noticed that everyone was already in the courtyard, making a circle while they tended to the injured. Approaching them nervously, I sighed in relief seeing that Benjen only had some cuts and wasn't life-threateningly injured.

"Maester Aemon, this could be helpful for the injured," I said as I handed him everything I had in hand. After a brief explanation, the maester started tending to their wounds.

"Uncle Benjen, what happened?" I asked him seriously.

He smiled tiredly, "Your brother was right," he said grimly. "The White Walkers are awake."

"Lies!" shouted someone from the back, and my eyes narrowed, seeing the identity of the person who shouted. Ser Alliser Thorne approached the center, and everyone moved aside, seeing the crazed look in his eyes.

"I'm tired of this!" he continued. "You Starks are trying to sell this tale for your own ends, but this finishes now. I don't want to hear a single word about White Walkers again!"

"Ser Alliser…" a timid voice was heard, and I was surprised the one who spoke was Samwell.

"What do you want, you disgrace?" he sneered.

"Look behind you," Samwell pointed to something near the entrance.

"Bah," Ser Thorne scoffed. "Go back to sleep if you have nothing useful to say."

"Ser Thorne," the Lord Commander said grimly, "Look inside the cage."

Surprised, I also looked that way since in my concerned state I had ignored everything until I was sure Uncle Benjen was alright. I gasped, seeing what was inside the cage, and dread set in my stomach. Inside, a body, clearly dead, was moving, and I could faintly hear some screeches when I focused.

"We need to prepare!" Commander Mormont shouted. "We are the Night's Watch, and we must protect the Wall from outside threats. We'll have a meeting after lunch."

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If you want to support me or read up to Five chapters ahead, you can find me on patr*e on . co m (slash) Infinityreads99


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