บท 6: Chapter 6

Winterfell

A glint of fascination sparkled in Tyrion's eyes as he leaned closer. "But what truly piques my interest is the claim of your lineage as descendants of the Warg Kings. Tell me more about that, if you would."

Kayle let out a laugh at the question, while it was widely known that their House were descendants of the Warg Kings most would just associate it with being descendants of wildlings, most of the North had forgotten the gifts the Old Gods had given them. The ability to bond and control animals had been lost in history.

"Our ancestors were indeed known as the Warg Kings, during the days of the Long Night or when the Others still existed," Kayle began, his voice carrying a touch of respect. "They possessed a unique bond with animals and were said to possess the ability to warg into their minds, seeing through their eyes and experiencing their senses," Kayle added as he discreetly shot a look at the listening Jon. "It would feel as though they can understand the animal, and vice versa."

As Kayle continued, he described the significance of the Warg Kings in the North's history. "In the days of old, the North was a land of many independent kingdoms, each ruled by their own sovereign house. House Oldgate, as the Warg Kings, held dominion over Sea Dragon Point.

A flicker of nostalgia crossed Kayle's face as he remembered the stories his grandfather told him he spoke. "But as House Stark sought to unite the North and establish a strong and unified force against the Night King, our ancestors recognized the greater good and the need for cooperation. They chose to bend the knee to House Stark, pledging their loyalty and relinquishing their claim as independent rulers."

"That's what's written in the history books, tell me something, not everyone knows," Tyrion complained, a bit bored of the repetitive lesson.

"Let me finish," Kayle retorted, "You see, history books don't have every detail. During the Long Night, our House did cooperate. However, when House Stark sought to consolidate their power and unite the North under their banner, our family didn't yield their independence easily. There were those among us who vehemently opposed surrendering their sovereignty."

As the air filled with intrigue, Kayle's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and solemnity. "A civil war erupted within our lands, tearing House Oldgate apart. Two factions emerged, each with their own vision for our future. The first group, though rumored to include many wargs, fiercely resisted the idea of bowing down to House Stark, clinging to their autonomy with unwavering determination."

Kayle's voice carried a touch of regret. "Unfortunately, the first group remained a minority. Despite their rumored warg abilities, they couldn't prevail in the bloody battle that ravaged our lands."

Tyrion absorbed information, the struggle of House Oldgate's history unraveling before him. "A tale of internal strife and difficult choices," he remarked, his tone filled with admiration. "It seems House Oldgate, like many noble houses, faced their own struggles and sacrifices in the pursuit of a greater purpose."

As the discussion unfolded, Kayle indulged Tyrion's curiosity, weaving together fragments of House Oldgate's known history. He shared tales of valiant Oldgate warriors who fought alongside the Starks in past conflicts, their loyalty and honor spoken of with reverence.

Jon, too, found himself captivated by the conversation, drawn to the stories of his friend's ancestral house. He interjected now and then, adding his own inquiries and questions.

"Tell me, Kayle," Jon began. "Were there any notable figures from House Oldgate who played a significant role in the North's history?" Kayle nodded appreciatively at Jon's question. "Indeed, Jon," he replied with a hint of pride. "There have been a few notable figures who have left their mark on House Oldgate's legacy. The most illustrious would be Lord Harald Oldgate, known as 'Harald the Just.' He was known for his unwavering sense of justice and his efforts to establish fair laws and governance within our lands. His rulings were respected far and wide, earning him a reputation as a fair and wise lord."

"The more recent one is my Grandfather, he fought in the Greyjoy rebellion, and using our fleet he ferried almost the entirety of the Northern army to Pyke. He was among the first to land but unfortunately one of the first to die because of the Ironborn." he finished, clutching his fist in anger.

The discussions continued for a while, with Tyrion also sharing parts of his family's history as well as Jon telling stories he'd heard about the Stark's ancestors. Eventually, though, Jon's decision to join the Night's Watch resurfaced, looming over the gathering like a somber cloud. Kayle, now invested in Jon's fate, couldn't help but interject with genuine concern.

"Jon, my friend," Kayle began, his voice tinged with earnestness, "I understand your reasons for wanting to join the Night's Watch, to fulfill your duty to the realm. But consider this: there's still so much you can accomplish. The Wall isn't going anywhere, but you can still travel the world and then come back to join the Watch." he reasoned.

Jon listened attentively, appreciating Kayle. He knew his friend was just looking out for him. Yet, the weight of his own convictions and the allure of the Night's Watch's noble purpose still held sway over him.

Tyrion nodded, his expression serious. "I understand your decision, Jon. The Night's Watch needs men like you, strong and honorable. Driven by the purpose to keep men and women on this side of the wall safe.

"Let's do it like this," Kayle interjected, "As I said, I'll accompany you to the Wall, I've always wanted to see it anyways, my offer still stands Jon."

"Maybe I'll join you. It has always been a goal of mine to piss off the top of the wall." Tyrion offered surprising the two Northmen.

"It'll be cold." Jon warned, "I'll be fine." Tyrion assured them

"No wenches there." Kayle added, "I needed rest anyways." Tyrion added.

"Fine then."

"You know what, this has been an educational and enlightening talk, but I need more ale in me. Care to accompany me back to the feast?" Tyrion offered.

As the two nodded, the mention of ale and food had ignited their desire to join the feast. Kayle had skipped the feast entirely, while Jon was warned by Lady Catelyn about attending, but as it was close to the end, Lady Stark would probably have left, leaving him free to attend whatever is left at the feast.

Arriving at the great hall, the feast was at its end, only a little more than half the tables still had occupants and more than the rest of them had drunks sleeping on them. The King, Adam, and Eddard were still in their seats laughing and enjoying the festivities.

Taking one of the tables, Tyrion asked the servants to serve them some food and ale. The trio didn't even know how hungry they were until the food was served. Taking more than a few moments to satisfy their hunger, the three only resumed their discussions after a while.

As the festivities died down, The King, Robert Baratheon stood on top of one of the tables, getting a comment from Eddard to be careful as he was too fat. But the King laughed it off.

"Everyone, I'd like to take this moment to announce something important." He started as he drank another mug of ale. "Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North has accepted to be Hand of the King!" he announced, getting cheers from the men in attendance. "Furthermore, I have decided that in light of his new position, House Stark and Baratheon will unite, and my son, Joffrey, and his eldest daughter Sansa, will become the next rulers of the realm." Robert finished, getting an even louder reception from the crowd.

Kayle looked on as his father's expression turned sour and excused himself. He was surely angry about the sudden announcement, just this morning they were hammering out details for House Oldgate and House Stark's possible union, but now with the King announcing this news, how could they complain?

Shelving the problems for later, Kayle encouraged his two companions to engage in ale, continuing their night of festivities.

-Break-

Rousing from the warm furs he had on top of him, Kayle was surprised to see that he wasn't inside the warm castles of Winterfell. Recalling the events that transpired last night he remembered that three of them; Jon, Tyrion, and himself were drinking ale. Between the three of them, they had consumed a barrel of ale, with Tyrion drinking most of them.

As a headache pounded on his head, a moan echoed as the furs in his bed stirred. Lifting the covers he found two naked women sleeping peacefully. Finally, bits and pieces of what they did last night came back to him.

After they had finished the barrel of ale, Tyrion suggested that they go to Wintertown's brothel to finish off the night. Kayle, not being in his best state, had agreed, even offering to pay for their party as a treat to his two new friends. He winced as he remembered Tyrion taking four girls to himself and him not wanting to be seen as weak taking two.

Sitting on the chair near a table, Kayle tried to fight off the headache assaulting him, trying to piece together what else they did. Hearing a door small below his floor, Kayle moved to the window to see who had made such a ruckus this early in the morning. And Outside he saw Jon Snow, stumbling about, looking like he wanted to vomit. Dressing himself up, Kayle said goodbye to the two sleeping women and exited the brothel to meet Jon.

As soon as Kayle left the brothel, the cheery voice of Tyrion greeted him. he rubbed his temples, no doubt feeling the aftereffects of last night. "Well, it seems we've wandered quite far from where we started," he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of amusement. "Even more I'm surprised that you joined us," he added turning to Jon who was looking paler than before.

Seeing Jon like that worried Kayle, walking up to him, he asked. "Are you Okay mate?" as he put his hand on Jon's shoulder.

Breathing heavily he answers," This was a mistake," he murmurs. "I can't father a bastard. I'm supposed to join the Night's Watch." he finishes, raising his voice at the end."

"You won't father a bastard in one night Snow." Tyrion laughs. "It's not that easy. If it was, I would probably have fathered a hundred by now."

Eyes wide hearing this, Jon looks to Kayle for his opinion, "It's true, plus brothel workers usually use moon tea to prevent pregnancies." Kayle adds.

Seeing Jon's unusual reaction Kayle asks"What's with that reaction though, I'd have thought you would have experience with this."

"It's not that easy." Jon broods. "And you two wouldn't understand." but seeing the stares given by his two companions he relents. "Being a bastard, you won't have a good childhood, Lady Stark wasn't really tolerant of me."

"You'd think being a bastard of Eddard Stark you'd have a good life, but the fear of me usurping Robb is still there. I've tried to be understanding of her position, and I did, but it's all useless. It's also why I'm joining the Night's Watch." Jon ranted.

A silence enveloped the three, it was an uncomfortable silence. Nothing they could say would really comfort Jon being a bastard, but they had assured him he wouldn't be a father that early. The silence accompanied them until they had returned to Winterfell.

-Break-

As the trio entered the courtyard, men and servants scurried about, preparing saddles and equipment. Robb Stark greets them as he rides by on a horse. "Are you three just getting back from Wintertown?" he asked, a slight amusement in his voice.

Kayle answered, rubbing his forehead. "Yea, we're still trying to piece together how we got there."

"Oh, don't you remember? You asked me for directions to the brothel and to let you borrow some horses, you probably forgot you had your own so I had some men let you borrow some." Robb explained as he laughed. "Anyway, are you three joining the hunt?" he added.

"I'll have to pass, my head still feels like it's splitting." Kayle declined, voices of agreement coming from his two companions.

As they lingered near the entrance, observing the activity around them, King Robert Baratheon's hunting party passed by, his eyes falling upon Kayle. A smile crept up to the King's face as he called out to them.

"You wouldn't happen to be Adam's boy are you?" he calls out. "You have the same features as your brother," the king remarked, his voice carrying a touch of melancholy.

"Yes, your grace," Kayle replies introducing himself.

"Devon was a great fighter and an even better squire. I was saddened to hear of his passing." Robert adds.

Kayle, taken aback by the unexpected recognition from the king, nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Your Grace. Devon was indeed a remarkable knight and a loyal servant," he replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of pride and sadness.

As the King left with the hunting party, Lord Oldgate passed them by, and Kayle explained his plans to go to the Wall, implying that there was something he needed to check. Adam, reading his son's intention, allowed him to go as long as he took his guards with him.

"Furthermore," Lord Oldgate continued, "I spoke with Lord Stark this morning. While the betrothal to Sansa is no longer an option, he has allowed us to explore the possibility of you being compatible with his younger daughter, Arya."

Kayle was taken aback by the news, his mind reeling with the sudden turn of events. He barely noticed his father's departure until Jon tapped him on the shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts and inviting him inside Winterfell for breakfast.

However, their entrance to the great hall was abruptly interrupted by screams that echoed through the corridors of Winterfell. News of Bran's fall quickly spread, casting a somber shadow over the once joyous morning.