Ned laid on his cot, one arm tucked behind his head while the other was wrapped around the sleeping form of his wife. Their reunion had happened in private in Ned's own tent. Neither of them had been able to articulate the emotions that hit them when they saw each other again, but their tears and embrace had spoken volumes. It had been years since they had been apart, and all the while Catelyn had worried that Ned was dead and gone until one of her guards had let it slip that Ned was back in the North.
Catelyn had reunited with Arya when Howland brought her back to the camp. From what Syrio told Ned, their first meeting was also filled with crying and hugging. Apparently, Cat had been so overwhelmed that she had overlooked the fact that Arya was dressed in breeches and a shirt and practicing with a sword.
One of the best moments that Ned would remember for the rest of his life was when Jon entered the tent after Ned, Arya, and Cat were together again.
Flashback
The tent flap was pushed back as Jon entered, ducking his head slightly. The blood on his armor had dried, and while it still liberally covered him, that did nothing to stop Arya from rushing to give him a hug. Jon embraced his little sister before giving her a few words and allowing her to show Ghost some affection as well.
When Arya was off of him, Jon straightened up and bowed to Cat.
"Lady Stark, I am happy to see you safe." he said formally.
Cat did something that surprised Ned, Jon, and Arya. She walked over to Jon and gave him a hug. It wasn't the kind she had with Arya or Ned, but it was a hug nonetheless and left all three of them speechless.
"Thank you, Jon." Cat said quietly. Jon hesitantly returned the hug before Cat stepped back.
"Of course, my lady." Jon said, still stunned. "Father, the survivors have surrendered and they are currently being rounded up as we speak."
"How many of them?" Ned asked.
"Not many." Jon answered. "A hundred or so."
"Any nobles?"
Jon shook his head. "Whitehill was slain by Rodrick Forrester while Arnolf was beheaded for treason by Lord Karstark."
"What about Ramsay?" Cat asked, unable to keep a sneer off her face.
"Dead." Jon answered firmly. "I should also add that word has been sent to Lord Glover and the rest of the Company of the Rose. They are to take Highpoint before coming here."
"An easy task, but important as well." Ned said. "It's the last castle to fall before the North is once again free."
Flashback
Cat hugging Jon had been a miracle happening right before his eyes. Not since the lad was a child had his wife shown him an ounce of warmth or gratitude. Perhaps it was a turning point in their relationship, and Ned desperately wished it was.
He was also thinking it was time he told Cat the truth about Jon's birth. She had a right to know.
"You're not sleeping." Cat mumbled, not moving.
Ned smiled slightly. She had always been able to tell when he wasn't. He brushed her hair affectionately.
"Savoring the moment." he whispered.
"You're worried." Cat said, looking up at her husband. "I can always tell."
Ned leaned over and kissed Cat's head. "I know."
"Are you going to tell me about it?" Cat asked.
"Tomorrow." Ned promised.
"I'm up now." Cat countered.
Ned chuckled quietly. "I worry about Robb."
"Howland said he was fine." Cat said, though she was now beginning to look worried. "Did he say something else to you?"
"No, no." Ned said immediately. "I'm sure Robb is fine. He has Brynden and Yohn."
"What are you worried about, Ned?" Cat asked.
"Robert changed when he sat on the throne." Ned sighed, giving in. "I hardly recognized him when he rode into Winterfell, and it didn't get better."
"He was in a loveless marriage and he was haunted by the ghost of your sister." Cat explained. "You know how tiring the capital can be. It's a snake pit."
"Aye, and I was the fool who got bit." Ned said quietly. "I don't want Robb to become like Robert."
"He won't." Cat said reassuringly. "He thrived in the south. He's a great king."
"He's a great commander, Cat." Ned said, shaking his head slightly. "Every one of my bannermen told me that. But I worry that Robb won't be able to do what the southerners expect of him."
Cat pushed herself up. "You're worried that Robb will make the same mistakes that you did."
"So you admit that they were mistakes." Ned said.
Cat huffed and laid back down. "You hadn't been south in over two decades, Ned. No one can blame you for what happened."
"I can." Ned sighed.
"Sleep, Ned." Cat ordered, snuggling closer to him. "Robb will be just fine."
"How do you know?" Ned asked.
"I'm his mother." Cat said, ending the conversation.
Line Break
Ned sat at the head of his war council, one that would hopefully be his last. It had been a few days since the Storming of the Dreadfort and Ned's and Cat's discussion. In the past few days, the northern army has been counting the dead and giving proper burials to the brave souls who died.
To the traitors, there was a ditch.
Among the brave dead was Maege Mormont. The old She-Bear died when a spear pierced her gut after she took on a dozen men alone, killing all but two who staggered away from the fight wounded and terrified. Just like in life, Maege died without fear. Alysanne Mormont was now escorting her mother's body home where she could be put to rest.
In those few days, the rest of the Company of the Rose had arrived as well, led by Galbart and Robett Glover. Ned hadn't expected them so soon, but it turns out that they hadn't lost a single man during the "battle" of Highpoint. Gwyn Whitehill, the last remaining child of Ludd Whitehill, gave up her family home without a fight and gave herself up to the Glover brothers.
Now she, like Barbrey Dustin, was under house arrest until Ned could decide what to do with her.
"Jon, what's the final number?" Ned asked.
"A thousand horse and another three thousand foot." Jon answered.
Ned grimaced. Just as Jon had predicted, Ned's plan had cost a lot of northerners their lives, even with the help of Derren's men. In such an enclosed space, where Ned's numerical advantage was limited, Roose's men had taken a toll on their fellow northerners.
"What now?" the Greatjon grumbled. "The traitorous cunt is dead, same with his sadistic bastard."
"You all go home." Ned said firmly. "Your fight is over. Return to your castles and collect the harvest while you can."
There was a chorus of cheers from the northern lords, but the Greatjon didn't look convinced. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Ned.
"You said 'your' fight." he noted.
Ned nodded. "I have received word from Robb this morning. He is still at King's Landing and is preparing for the trials of Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch for the part they played in the murder of Elia Martell and her child." Ned explained. "Also, Daenerys Targaryen and her nephew, Aegon Targaryen, have returned to Westeros and have taken back King's Landing."
Rickard Karstark shot to his feet. "The Targaryens are back and you say that our fight is over?"
Ned gazed at his old friend. "It is. Robb said that he is working on a peace treaty with the Targaryens that would end the war. My lords, we must prepare for winter."
"Surely you remember what they did to your family Ned!" Galbart Glover cried.
Ned slammed his fist on the table, making a few men jump. Ned glared at the Master of Deepwood.
"I do, Galbart, I do." he said, speaking slowly and deliberately. "I and the Company of the Rose shall sail south and join my son. His child is expected soon and I have much to talk about with him. I also wish to reunite my family for the first time in over a year." Ned looked around the table. "When you proclaimed my son king, you put your faith in his hands that he would make the right decisions when the time came. If he said that making peace with the Targaryens is the right thing to do, I will not contradict him nor will I disagree with him. Is that understood?"
The others nodded and mumbled their agreement, suitably chastened by Ned's declaration.
"Now," Ned continued. "You all will go home, help your people recover and prepare as best you can for winter. The North has been torn apart and it needs to be rebuilt."
"Alright, Ned." Greatjon said. As always, he was the spokesman for the others. "You've never let us down, nor has his grace. If these Dragons aren't crazy, then they can stay."
"Thank you." Ned said. "I march for White Harbor in the morning. I expect you all to leave for home as well."
The assembled lords nodded.
"That is all." Ned ordered.
As the lords got up and left, two men stayed and another entered the tent. The Greatjon hadn't moved, neither had Jon, and Eddard Karstark stood at the entrance to the tent.
"Greatjon?" Ned said curiously.
"I'm not here to argue with you, Ned." the Greatjon grunted, heaving himself to his feet. "I just thought you should know that my uncle Crowfood arrived just a few moments before the meeting started. Your boy Rickon is with him, as well as a wildling woman who seems to be his guardian. I made sure they were sent to Cat."
Ned nodded. "Thank you."
The lord of Last Hearth clasped arms with Ned before leaving. "You raised them well, Ned." he said, nodding towards Jon. "But it's nice to have you back as well."
"Perhaps after we get through winter, we can share a flask and you can annoy me with all your war stories from the south." Ned chuckled.
The Greatjon laughed and walked out, patting Eddard Karstark on the shoulder before ducking under the entrance and leaving.
"Eddard." Ned said. "What can I help you with?"
Ned's namesake bowed slightly. "I don't mean to take up much of your time, my lord, I only wish to ask a favor."
Ned raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "Very well."
"There are a few others besides myself who fought with King Robb in the south as part of his battle guard." Eddard explained. "Most of the northerners, excluding Dacey and Smalljon, followed Jon. We wish to go with you and see our king once more. To see our comrades."
Ned glanced at Jon, who seemed to agree with the idea. "Their father's can't go south to see Robb's child. They could act in their place."
"They do have to gift him something, don't they?" Ned mused. "Very well, Eddard. We leave in the morning. Until we reach the king, I am putting you under Jon's command."
Eddard smiled and bowed. "Thank you, my lord."
As soon as the Karstark boy was gone, Ned and Jon left to find Rickon. It had been years since either of them had seen the boy, and they were anxious to see him again. Just like with Arya, Ned found his wife holding her youngest child tightly with tears streaming down her eyes.
A strange woman stood off to the side, her arms crossed as she spoke quietly with Arya about her sword Needle. She was tall and lean, with shaggy brown hair. Ned wouldn't call her beautiful, but there was a certain ruggedness to her.
"Rickon." Ned called softly, getting down on one knee.
Rickon turned his head when he heard his name. The look he gave Ned could've broken his heart. It was one of confusion and apprehension. It was then that Ned realized that Rickon hadn't seen him in over a year and likely didn't recognize his father on sight.
But he did recognize Jon.
"Jon!" Rickon cried, running over to his brother.
Jon was immediately on one knee and pulling his brother into him, holding him tight. The boy was a little taller than the last time Ned saw him, and his auburn curls had grown long and wild. He also looked a little thin, but other than that he looked totally unharmed, and Ned thanked the Old Gods for that.
"Go see father." Jon said quietly, nodding in Ned's direction.
Rickon reluctantly let go of Jon as he turned to look at Ned. He walked towards him slowly, uncertainty in his eyes. When he was close enough, he reached out one small hand and ran it along Ned's beard and then up around his eye, pulling at his eyelid a little. Somehow, something inside the boy connected as he threw himself at Ned.
"Father!"
Ned fought back tears as he hugged his son. "Rickon." he whispered.
For a moment, he and Rickon stayed like that before he heard a slight cough come from the strange woman. Ned looked up at her and saw her jerk her head outside. Her meaning was obvious.
"Go to your mother." Ned said quietly, pulling away from the boy.
Rickon wiped his eyes and nodded, taking a step towards the mysterious woman before remembering who his real mother was and ran to Cat, who picked him up and held him tightly.
Ned walked outside with Jon right behind him.
"Who are you?" Ned asked.
"Osha, my lord." she said. "You son Robb took me prisoner before he marched south."
"Why'd he do that?" Jon asked curiously.
"I come from beyond the Wall." Osha explained. "The other free folk and I found Lord Bran riding in the forest and hoped to capture and ransom him. Your son and the other boy, the arrogant one, killed the others and made me a servant."
"You tried to take Bran captive?" Jon said, a hand drifting to his sword.
"We were starving." Osha defended herself. "Besides, that was the past. I kept the little lord and the pup safe."
"Continue." Ned said, wanting to hear the story.
"When your son left, I took care of Bran and Rickon. Mainly the little pup in there." Osha said, nodding towards the tent. "Bran had the old man and the Reed children."
"Where are they?" Jon asked.
"I'll get there." Osha said, sounding slightly annoyed. "Your wife showed up, but didn't spend much time with the boys. Then the arrogant boy showed up and took the castle. I took down one of his men before another finally got me."
"You mean Theon." Jon said, connecting the dots.
Osha nodded. "He proclaimed himself 'Prince of Winterfell' or something stupid and threw most of us in the cells. Those that still lived, that is. After a few days, the bastards started talking about an army outside the walls. The Theon boy got scared and freed us, well, a few of us."
"Who, exactly?" Ned asked.
"The old man…." Osha started.
"Luwin, you mean." Jon said. "The maester."
"Aye, him." Osha said. "The two boys, the Reed children, and your wife. Along with the giant idiot."
"Hodor." Jon said, seeing the confused look on Ned's face. "He helped Bran move around after he woke up."
"After he freed us," Osha growled, her annoyance more obvious, "he told us to hide in the crypts while he tried to buy his freedom with Lady Stark."
"That's when Ramsay took them prisoner and burned Winterfell I assume." Ned said.
"I don't know no Ramsay, but that's when the castle burned, aye." Osha said. "We survived and began to go North. I knew that there were enemies in the west, but I knew of at least one ally up north. The Crows. The little lord said that the Umbers were also trustworthy."
"And that's where you ended up." Ned said. "Where did you lose Bran?"
"Just after the old man died." Osha said, sounding a little sad. "We had just reached the last river or whatever the girl called it and they, the giant, Bran, and the other two children disappeared in the night."
"Where were their prints heading?" Jon asked.
"North, towards the Wall." Osha answered. "I tried to follow, but I lost them."
"What about Shaggydog?" Jon asked. "He should have been able to follow Summer's scent."
Osha shook her head sadly. "I don't know what happened to them my lord, but I didn't want to endanger the pup. I got him to the castle and the two men, Crowfood and Whoresbane, kept us safe. Fed us. Hid us."
Ned nodded slowly. "Very well. I will send a rider to Castle Black and see if they have Bran. hopefully they found him."
"My lord, the Reed boy, I heard him talking to Bran about something beyond the Wall." Osha said. "I don't know for what or why, but that's where they were heading."
"Very well." Ned said. "Hopefully Jeor and his men will be able to find them. You kept my son safe, but before I thank you, I am curious as to why. You're a wildling. I thought you would have hated southerners."
"I ain't no wildling!" Osha hissed. "I'm a free folk."
"Very well." Ned conceded. "Now answer the question."
"I swore both boys that I'd look after them. Protect them." Osha said seriously. "I take my oaths seriously."
"And you have proven that." Ned said, having a newfound respect for the woman. "How can I thank you?"
Osha thought for a moment before shrugging. "Allow me to stay with the boy. Watch over him."
"You want to be his sworn sword." Ned said.
Osha shrugged again. "Not sure about the title, but yes."
Ned nodded. "Very well. You've kept Rickon safe for this long. I don't see a problem with you doing so for longer."
"Thank you, my lord." Osha said, bowing slightly. The action was stiff, and Ned realized that she probably never had to bow to anyone north of the Wall. "When do we return to Winterfell?"
Ned shook his head and motioned for her to follow as he went back into the tent. Arya, Cat, and Rickon looked up when he entered.
"We're not going back to Winterfell." Ned stated, looking around the tent.
"Why?" Arya asked.
"Robb and Sansa are in the south, and Robb's wife is due to give birth soon." Ne answered. "It's been a long time since our family has been together, and I wish for us to be together again."
"What about Bran?" Cat asked curiously.
Ned glanced at Osha before answering. "Bran is still missing, but we have a good idea where he is."
"And where is that?" Arya asked before her mother could.
"North of the Wall." Jon answered gently.
"Why the blazes has he gone there?" Arya asked again.
"Arya!" Cat cried.
Ned held up a hand, feeling a little nostalgic in the moment. "We're not sure." he answered. "Osha here said that the Reed children and Hodor are with him, so he is not alone. But he will be found. I intend to send a rider to Castle Black and have him found as soon as possible. In the meantime, I think it's time we see Robb and meet his wife and child."