The morning air in Winterfell was sharp and clean, carrying the scent of snow and pine through the courtyards. I woke to knocking sounds on my chamber door and the voices of my father and Storia, as they entered. The pale light of dawn barely crept through the frosted windows when I opened the door.
My father's expression was firm but strained, his jaw tight beneath his white beard. Storia stood beside him, arms folded, her eyes calm and unreadable as always.
"Up, my son," my father said. "We leave by sunrise tomorrow. House Drakon will march south to King's Landing for a important matter. Be ready you will meet the royal family again."
I blinked, still half asleep. "Tomorrow? But the wall renovations... Some houses still require the needed renovations for winter. The second outer wall isn't completely finished yet. I thought the builders say it will need at least two more weeks? "
He turned from me, walking toward the window and gripping the cold stone sill. For a moment, I thought he wouldn't answer.
"Unfortunately we must go as soon as possible," he said finally, voice low, like he was frustrated. "We ride to claim what is rightfully ours, our family's birthright. And the men of Winterfell have learned our methods and can finish the rest on their own."
Birthright? The word settled with weight in my stomach. I didn't know what he meant, not fully, but something in his tone made me nod silently. I didn't want question him again, until I had more facts and information to work with.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of movement. The courtyards of Winterfell were alive with the clamor of activity, horses being fed, wagons being loaded, and Drakon banners folded carefully into travel bundles. Melisandre, directed some of the new recruits, to help the workers without getting in the way.
But as the day waned and the first snowflakes began to fall, a heaviness pressed on my chest. There was something I needed to do before we left, something that couldn't wait. I need to get Jon's true lineage out of the way now. Especially if events still somehow follow the same ones in the books.
So I sent word to Lord Stark, Lady Catelyn, my father, and Jon Snow to meet in a private chamber near the inner keep. When the last of them arrived, I shut the door quietly behind me. Storia was keeping guard to make sure we would not be interrupted.
They all took their seats, the lord and lady of Winterfell sat next one another, my father beside the hearth, and Jon standing awkwardly near the wall. He looked nervous, like he expected to be in trouble for some reason.
I didn't blame him. especially if he can feel Catelyn's negative emotions radiating through the Force, towards his direction.
I clasped my hands behind my back, forcing my voice to steady. Okay I have to do this, and be ready for the fallout and what might happen.
"Thank you all for joining me. I called you all here to discuss a important matter I have reflected on for many months. I had a vision for a while now."
That's a lie, but not completely.
Lord Stark's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone cautious.
"A vision? Was it the two women again, did that say or do anything to you?"
"No, Lord Stark. And I am fine, thank you for the concern." I said softly. "This time, I saw your sister, my lord. And the former prince, Rhaegar Targaryen."
At once, the room fell utterly still. Even the fire seemed to pause. Lord Starks eyes widen, I could feel in the Force he was radiating anxious, and fear.
Catelyn looked confused, but saw how the my statement made her husband feel. Even if he didn't say anything himself.
"Now young Lord Drakon. I know I don't know the ways of this Flow and all of it's heretic mysticism. I have allowed it for the sake of my husband and my family, but when you speak about things you do not understand. I must put my foot down. You bring up sensitive subjects, on matters you do not and cannot understand for one so young. I will ask you to stop."
Oh fuck off Catelyn. Yes your right, you don't understand the Force. Just because I am a child doesn't mean I know nothing. You would think after seeing me everyday for the past few months her opinion of me would change greatly. But I guess not. All she see's is a child, so she must think she is in the right and I am wrong. Well bitch, your one of the main reasons I am doing this.
Lord Stark only gestured his hand to stop his wife. "Let the boy speak Cat. The Flow shows many things to different people. And he saw a vision for sometime, then it must be important."
Catelyn only nodded.
I then nodded back at Lord Stark and continued
"They're were many visions I saw. But the most consistent one was Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen were married in secret."
That sent a heavy mixed of emotions radiating through the room. I felt them vibrating off of the Lord and Lady Stark.
"Married in secret?" Catelyn said.
When I looked to my father, his stoic expression didn't change. I couldn't feel any emotion radiating off of him. Not that I normally could. He was good at shielding his mind and emotions.
I then continued, voice low but deliberate. "That was not all they also had a child. A boy. His name was Aegon Targaryen."
I turned my gaze toward Jon. "Or as you all know him… Jon Snow."
The words struck the room like thunder. Catelyn gasped sharply, her hand flying to her rounded belly. Her wide eyes found her husband's.
"Ned…" she whispered. "What does he mean?"
Lord Stark didn't answer right away. His face was pale, jaw clenched, but beneath that cold exterior I felt it, the turmoil, the dread. Through the Force, his emotions rippled like waves on a waters surface.
He then gazed to my father and then to me.
"You know not what you've done, boy," he muttered finally, his voice almost breaking.
Catelyn rose to her feet, trembling. "So it's true, then? All these years, Jon isn't your bastard son, he is the child of your sister?"
Ned closed his eyes. The silence dragged until finally, he spoke.
"My sister, Lyanna… she died giving birth to him. She knew If Robert had known he'd would have killed the boy. I swore to her I would protect her son, I did what I had to. I told everyone he was mine. It was the only way to protect him."
Catelyn sat down heavily, hand trembling against her dress. " I am your wife, you should have told me, you should have trusted me. All these years… I treated him like a stranger. A stain upon our name. I could have… I would have… if I had known—"
She broke off, her voice cracking. Then she stared at Jon, but when he stared back, she couldn't meet his eyes.
"Who else knows?" she asked.
"Howland Reed, and Benjen. Reed knows becuase he was the only one there with me when I came back with Jon. He put two and two together. Benjin is my brother I thought he should at least know. The other person that was there as well. A female from house Drakon."
My eyes widen from hearing that statement. Why was a Drakon member was there? I then looked to my father who just stared at me with a knowing look. I didn't know what was going on but now I am really curious.
"Lord Stark who was this Drakon female, and what did she want?"
Lord Stark looked towards my father who only gave him nod.
"The Drakon woman said she was there to retrieve Arthur Dayne's corpse, and take one of Lynna's organs."
Okay that makes no sense. Why Ser Arthurs body, and for what reasons did she take a organ?
"Did she say why?"
"She said it would be a waste of a perfectly trained body, saying he had so much untapped potential. Something about how did they let someone like him slip through there fingers. I don't know what she meant. But for my sister, The starks and Drakons since older times have had a strong alliance. Your people would sometimes recruit some of our bastards. And also help during times of harsh winters when, we didn't have enough supplies for the common folk to survive. They would even give money and resources, while and recruiting gray beards to go an fight for them in Essos. They would even bring the bodies back for a proper send off ceremony. They even pay the families a whole years worth of supplies afterwards."
That's actually really amazing. It shows how the Drakon's value their relationship with the Starks, and, how they care for the everyday common man. But why do I find that suspicious.
"All that the Drakons asked for in return was. Long standing alliance over the generations with conditions. Never ask for help in a war or conflict unless we can pay. The only exception is when we are warding their children. Keep a opening channel for possible marriage between houses. The final condition was for every Stark child old or young. Bastard or true born. When they die the Drakons will come and collect a organ from their corpse. Mainly the heart from what I can see."
What the hell? This makes no sense why the heart?
"It was this main reason why the Drakon's took part in the rebellion." My father said speaking for the first time.
"Through our mystical ways in the Flow and our long standing bond with the Starks, we are able to to know when they are about to die. And every time we have been there ready to collect. But former King Aery's ruined the cycle. We told him that if he was gonna kill the Starks, we will not interfere. But we requested he let us be able to collect our payment and not destroy their bodies. The mad king laughed and threatened our people. So we could not collect Rickard Stark's heart since it was to badly damaged. We collected Brandon Stark's but we told the mad King, he would live long enough to regret that and death will not be his escape."
Wait so every time a Stark dies my family knows about it. An they are right there waiting to take a organ. Did the Starks make a alliance or a Blood magic pact? But from the expression on Lord Starks face it seems like it doesn't bother him to hear this as much. But the situation must still be hard for him.
"And the Drakon woman who was there. She said her name was Seris. Past that I don't know anymore."
Wait Seris was there? And what could they being doing with the Stark hearts or Arthur Dayne's body? Maybe necromancy or a blood ritual to revive the dead with the help of the red priestesses? I I need to find out more later.
I wonder how Jon is holding up after hearing all of this?
I looked towards Jon. He was pale as snow itself, and his breathing was uneven.
"So… Lord Stark isn't my father?"
Ned's eyes lifted slowly to meet his.
"No, Jon," I said quietly. "He's your uncle."
Jon stared at me, hollow-eyed. "Then… my real name is Aegon Targaryen, and I'm not a bastard, but the heir to the Iron Throne?"
I nodded. "Yes, Jon. You are the son of Prince Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark. You hold the blood of both dragon and wolf in your veins. An yes your are also the rightful heir to the Iron Throne."
I am glad he caught on to the last part especially. Hopefully it sinks in quickly how this is a sensitive matter now.
Jon swallowed hard, staring down at his trembling hands.
After a long moment, I took a step forward.
" Calm down Jon," I said, "I have a question for you. Do you wish to stay here in Winterfell and Westeros, or do you to want come with us, to Essos? To become one of the Drakons?"
That drew every gaze in the room. Catelyn's eyes widened, and even my father's head tilted slightly, curious amusement.
"Leave?" Jon said. "You mean… go across the sea? And become a Drakon?"
"Yes," I said. "To fully learn how to use the Flow. And forge your own path. You've seen how bastards are treated here. You will be lucky if you gain anything as a bastard. You'll spend your life fighting to be recognized and maybe you will. But if anyone finds out who you truly are they might kill you. The world here is cruel, narrow, and blind."
"But you might be lucky and be a squire to some of the other houses who are still devoted to the Targaryen's. House Tyrell, Martell, and a number of minor houses still support House Targaryen. Since you were raise by Lord Stark and know how to use the Flow they would definitely back you.
Jon listened silently, his brow furrowed.
" I don't know about being a king or any of this other stuff, of which you speak. "
I continued, "If you stay, you'll have to hide who you are forever. If you come with us… you'll have a chance to become who you were meant to be. A name of power, honor, and choice. One you can earn or make with your own blood and sweat. And I swear this, Jon, if you do not wish for the throne, I will never force you to take it."
I extended my hand. The firelight flickered across his face as he stared at it, torn between fear and hope.
"And in some small ways we are technically related. So if you want to embrace the heat, come with us to the desert."
Then, slowly, Jon's gaze turned to Lord Stark.
Ned's voice came quietly, heavy with regret.
"It's your choice, Jon. It's the least I owe you. And I agree with him. I want you to live a long life and find your own happiness. It's what my sister your mother would have wanted."
Jon's eyes flicked to Catelyn, who couldn't meet his gaze. She looked down, shame burning her cheeks.
Finally, he nodded.
"Let me think on it… for the night."
"Of course," I said. "But we leave by dawn tomorrow."
Jon's lips tightened. "Then I'll have my answer by morning. And don't worry, I won't say a word of this to anyone."
When he left the room, he left past Storia without saying a word. Then silence lingered like a shadow.
My father was the first to speak.
"Seems the Flow has its own plans," he said, almost amused. While looking at me.
I don't know what was going through his head, but I can tell he knew something I didn't.
Lord Stark exhaled deeply, rubbing his brow. "I never wanted him to find out this way. The gods know what's going through his head now."
Catelyn said nothing at first. Then, voice trembling, she whispered,
"I'm sorry, Ned. I doubted you every time I looked at that boy. I'll make it right if he stays. I'll protect him like I should have. So Please… forgive me."
Ned placed a hand on hers, his expression weary.
"It's not me you must ask forgiveness from, Catelyn. It's Jon."
She nodded, tears in her eyes. "I will. I swear it. But I'm so afraid…"
Outside, the night deepened, stars glittering faintly through the snow clouds.
...
That night, Jon dreamed or maybe he was walking in a dream.
He stood at the edge of the Godswood entrance, snow crunching beneath his boots. The great heart tree loomed before him, its pale bark with it's falling red leaves hovering above. And beside it, someone sat. They were sharpening a large sword.
The sound was soft but steady, shhhk, shhhk, shhhk.
Jon recognized the weapon immediately: Ice, Lord Stark's great sword. But it was not Ned who held it this time.
A tall young man stood there, broad-shouldered, long brown hair tied back, eyes like cold steel. His face bore the same quiet strength as Ned's… yet older, prouder.
When Jon stepped closer, the man looked up with a faint smile.
"Hello there little pup. I see so if your here it means you show great potential. Even they recognize you."
Jon's breath caught. "Who… are you, and what do you mean?"
The man straightened, resting Ice pointed-down in the snow.
"I am Cregan Stark, what is your name little wolf." He said simply.
"I'm... I'm Jon Snow." Jon said nervously. He had recognized the name of Cregan Stark. One of the strongest and best leaders of house Stark. And he was standing right Infront of him.
Cregan then kneeled down to meet Jon.
"It's nice to meet you Jon. Snow? Are you a Stark Bastard?"
Jon shook his head. "No my lord I actually found out today my real name is Aegon Targaryen. My mother was a Stark. And I was named Jon Snow up until now."
Cregan just chuckled. "So that explains why you are here. So tell me what do you prefer Jon or Aegon?"
Jon just paused before responding
...
"Jon my lord."
Cregan just gestured with his hand. "Stop calling me Lord. I am long dead, and I am in the presence of the heir to the Iron Throne. House stark remembers it's oaths."
Little Jon just stood there more confused then ever. Not knowing what was going on or what he should do.
"Now Jon we shall begin with your lessons."
"What lessons are you talking about my Lord, and can you tell me why am I here?"
"Aye that is the least I can do. Jon I was sent here by the Old Gods. They came to me as I come to you now. They taught me how to listen and feel the flow on a deeper level. They even brought my ancestors to help teach me how to wield my sword and how to lead. That is why I am here, and that is why you are to learn in order to become what you were meant to be."
"What was I meant to be come?"
Cregan smiled. "The ruler of the North and it's protector. The one who will help the child of the stars fight against the long night. The Dragon of the North."
Then in the distant behind Jon two sets of eyes appeared. One set was white as snow, the other frozen sapphire blue. They watch Jon with a deep intensity. Waiting, watching and listening for his response and his next move.