Robb met them in the courtyard, accompanied by a small group of companions. Brienne, as always, was by her king's side, joined by one of her white-cloaked brothers. Margaery had her arm looped through Robb's, a giant smile on her face as Jon came into view. Greywind paced just behind the couple, obviously eager to see his littermate who was currently at Jon's side. The royal steward was within earshot of the king and queen but kept his distance so as not to intrude on the small family reunion.
The only man who seemed out of place was Sam. There was a nervous energy about the large maester as he twiddled his thumbs, not wanting to keep the two brothers apart but also wanting to see his best friend after more than a year apart.
At Jon's side was Daenerys, her two knights riding just behind them. A unit of a dozen Unsullied marched in perfect formation behind them. A squad of four gold cloaks brought up the rear, followed by Ser Davos.
The king had taken every precaution for the visitors from Dragonstone. Ser Davos had ordered no less than a dozen patrols along the route from the harbor to the Red Keep, watching for anything out of the ordinary. Robb was not sure how the population would take Daenerys's arrival. When she had first come to the city with the copy of the cave painting from Dragonstone, she had caught many by surprise. Now, her return was known all throughout the city and the last thing Robb was an assassination attempt.
The group came to a stop when they passed under the gate into the courtyard and dismounted after a small gesture was made from Robb. Jon was the first to reach his brother, covering the distance between them in a few strides. He bowed deeply.
"Your grace," Jon said, a small smile on his face.
Robb merely shook his head and pulled Jon up as the two brothers embraced warmly. Both men had smiles on their faces. Ghost and Greywind nipped each other playfully, the giant wolves obviously just as happy to see each other as their masters were.
"I see you haven't fallen out of the sky yet." Robb joked.
Jon grinned and looked at Margaery. "I see you haven't thrown him from the Red Keep."
Margaery grinned and embraced Jon as well. "It is good to see you, Jon."
"You as well, my queen," Jon said kindly. "This city is much more tolerable because of your presence."
"And my husband is in a much better mood because of yours." Margaery countered before turning to Daenerys, who was slowly approaching. "I believe there is another who wants to see you," she said, gesturing to Sam.
"We will speak more at supper," Robb added. "I'm sure you have many stories to tell."
Jon gave his brother and good-sister another smile before walking over to Sam, throwing his arms around the maester as soon as he was close enough.
"You look good." Jon sniffed, pulling back and clapping his hands on Sam's broad shoulders. He glanced down at his belly. "Still look as if you never miss a meal."
Sam rolled his eyes and looked his friend over. "You still look like….well, Jon."
Jon laughed as he and his friend embraced again.
"Ah, I've missed you, my friend," he said. "So much has happened…." Jon's sentence trailed off as his smile faded. So much had happened.
"I know." Sam nodded. "Remember, you were the one who sent me the books."
"I'm happy to hear that you received those," Jon said. "I assume you've read through them all."
"Read and translated them, yes," Sam said with another nod. "Artos is on his way to the Citadel with the translated copies right now as well as the cipher we created. I'm sure they have plenty of books that they can now read."
"That's good to hear," Jon said, his smile coming back. "Have you heard about my Uncle?"
"He'll be here tomorrow," Sam replied, glancing to the side as the king and queen led Daenerys and her advisers away as her Unsullied were led away by the small army of servants the steward commanded. "I should warn you, the Red Keep is a tinder box."
"Oh?"
"The lords of Dorne arrived just the other day, and they are still recovering from their loss," Sam explained. "It doesn't help that the other lords here are from the Vale and the Stormlands."
"Both of whom fought for Robb," Jon grunted. "How bad is it?"
"Prince Oberyn is particularly….on edge," Sam warned. "His brother, Prince Doran, arrived and the Red Viper does not approve of his older brother's presence here."
"No, he doesn't," Tyrion said, waddling up to the two. "Jon Stark, it's nice to see a friendly face."
"Lord Tyrion." Jon greeted, clasping hands with the Hand.
"I hate to interrupt your reunion, but after hearing your conversation, I was wondering if you could help me?" Tyrion asked, addressing the question to Jon.
"If I can help, I will," Jon replied.
"You've been to the Wall and you've interacted with the free folk and the Night's Watch," Tyrion said. "Would you mind discussing what you've seen with the dornish princes? I believe your words might do some good."
Jon raised an eyebrow but nodded. "I'm not sure how my words will help, but I will speak with them."
"Thank you," Tyrion said. "The king tried, but neither he nor I believe it did much good."
"Have they heard of my….?" Jon asked, unable to keep his eyes from glancing worriedly around the courtyard.
"Your birth?" Tyrion asked. "No. That is something that the king, and you, would like to keep quiet. The Dornish, especially Doran and Oberyn, loved Elia."
"I would," Jon said. "When do you wish for me to speak with them?"
Tyrion gave Jon an apologetic smile. "Now."
Line Break
"Come."
The voice on the other side of the door was decidedly unwelcome, but Jon squared his shoulders and prepared himself to face the two princes. The large, white-haired, axe-wielding man who stood guard outside Prince Doran's quarters had relieved Jon of his sword, Frost, but allowed Ghost to stay by Jon's side.
Despite the man's intimidating appearance, even he seemed hesitant to pick a fight with the large albino.
"Jon Stark, my prince." the man said as Jon entered.
Jon took in the chair-bound prince and his pacing younger brother before bowing deeply.
"Prince Doran. Prince Oberyn. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Jon said respectfully.
"We didn't have a reason to reject you," Oberyn grunted. "Despite our want to."
"Your want, brother." Doran corrected. "I was curious to see what the lord of Long Lake had to say." he gestured to a chair across from him. "Please, sit."
"Thank you," Jon said. "Lord Tyrion asked me to explain the situation at the Wall."
"Or lack thereof." Oberyn hissed.
Jon leaned forward, directing his attention at the more reasonable-looking of the two. "Prince Doran, I've spent months at the Wall. There is indeed a problem there and it will take all of Westeros, including Dorne, to see it settled."
"Your Uncle's message was annoyingly vague," Doran commented, producing the little scroll and tossing it on the table. "I looked at it daily during my voyage here, wondering what he meant. I'm sure he doesn't mean the wildings since, if the rumors are true, you allowed them through the Wall."
"I did," Jon said, "and I would do it again without hesitation. The Lord Commander at the time was being….unreasonable."
"Unreasonable?" Doran asked, lifting one eyebrow. "How so?"
"He was…." Jon said, struggling to find the right word. "Well, he couldn't separate his desire to protect the realm from his desire to see every wildling dead."
"Is that not his job?" Oberyn snapped impatiently. "To protect the realm from the savages beyond it?"
"Not originally," Jon replied before being cut off.
"No, it was built to keep out the Others," Doran said, answering his brother.
"It was, and now it will be used for its purpose once again," Jon said, his words causing Doran to raise his other eyebrow and Oberyn to stop pacing. Jon quickly continued. "I let Mance Rayder, the King-Beyond-the-Wall, and a hundred thousand men, women, and children through the Wall because they were running from something. They wanted to cross south of the Wall because they wanted protection, not to raid."
"Do you truly believe us to believe that the wildlings were running from…." Oberyn went to say, slamming his palm on the table, but Jon beat him to it.
"The Others?" Jon asked, turning an unflinching gaze on the man known as the Red Viper. "Yes, I do."
"Your uncle carries proof then," Doran said.
"He does," Jon replied. "The Riverlands, the Iron Islands, the Westerlands, the North, and the Reach have seen what he carries. Now the rest of us will too when he arrives tomorrow."
"Snarks and grumpkins." Oberyn snarled. "Northern tricks."
"For what purpose?" Jon asked, spreading his hands. "What reason would my brother have to gather the lords of three kingdoms here in his hall?"
Doran glanced at his brother. "He has a point."
Oberyn glanced between his brother and Jon. "Why does the king keep his subjects in the dark?" he questioned finally. "I've been in the Red Keep for months and this is the first I've heard of the Others."
"You didn't believe me when I told you just now," Jon explained. "How many others would have if Robb had simply told them? How many would have joined him if he had marched north to protect the realm? Ten houses? Maybe twenty?"
Doran nodded. "Your brother was reluctant to give us more information when we spoke to him and Lord Tyrion."
"Robb undoubtedly wanted to tell you, but you must look at it from his perspective," Jon answered. "If he had told you what I did, what were the chances you and the rest of the dornishmen would have simply gone back home?"
"He kept us in the dark." Oberyn scowled, his anger slowly dissipating before Jon's patient, logical explanation.
"Because he wanted you to see and believe," Jon replied. "The south of the Neck is vastly different from the North. Words mean less."
"An unfortunate truth." Doran agreed. "You have our attention, Jon Stark, and we will be in attendance tomorrow when your Uncle shows us his proof."
Jon smiled thinly and nodded. "That is all my brother asks for, your grace. He just wishes for you to see what we face before making a decision."
"You can see yourself out," Oberyn ordered.
Robb Stark
The morning after Jon's arrival, before dawn had broken, Robb and his brother stood in the courtyard, alone save for Ser Loras, Robb's steward, and Ghost. Passing under the gate, wearing mud-stained and wrinkled black leathers, leading a tired black horse that pulled a small wagon, was their Uncle Benjen. His hair and beard have both grown wild, but his blue-grey eyes still had a hint of laughter in them.
When Benjen reached them, he released his horse's bridle and went to bow.
"Your gra…."
"To hell with that, Uncle.," Robb said cheerfully, pulling the older man into a hug. Benjen chuckled and returned the gesture before he was traded off to Jon, receiving the same warm welcome.
Benjen stepped back and took hold of his horse again, a wide smile spread across his face and a shine in his eyes from unshed tears.
"Gods, lads," he said. "You've both grown, haven't you."
"It's been a long time, uncle." Robb grinned. "You've grown yourself."
"Yes, old." Benjen joked, sharing a laugh with his nephews. "I saw Jon at the Wall. I hear I have a grand-nephew."
"I have a son now, Uncle. His name is Torrhen." Robb said proudly. "Though I'm sure my wife is more eager to meet you."
"I am anxious to meet her as well," Benjen replied. "You've gone and got yourself a southern flower." he looked at Jon. "Still waiting for the right woman, I take it."
Jon shrugged. "I'm not as important as Robb. I can take my time."
"Don't tell Margaery that. She'll prove you wrong." Robb said before gesturing over his steward. "See that my uncle's horse is stabled and the chest is safely moved into his room. It's not to be opened under any circumstances."
The steward bowed. "I will see it down, sire. Shall I speak with Commander Hawker?"
Robb shook his head. "No need. Ser Robar is already waiting by the door. He and Ser Rolland shall stand guard outside the room until tomorrow when I hold court."
"Robb, I don't need protection." Benjen began to say before Robb held up his hand.
Even though Robb had never commanded his uncle to do anything, an unmistakable air of authority now covered Robb that forced the older man to be silenced by the gesture.
"I do not do it for your protection, Uncle," Robb said. "I received a troubling letter from Willas two days ago. He sent it just after you showed your prize at Highgarden. There have been a few minor lords muttering about what you showed them. Muttering about what it meant for the Seven. My good-brothers have been working on figuring out who the plotters are and if there will be more trouble with fanatics, but until they have everything handled, two of my kingsguard shall stand guard over the chest until you present it tomorrow."
Benjen raised an eyebrow but nodded nonetheless. "Very well. I trust your judgment."
Jon gestured towards the Red Keep. "Come, Uncle, I will show you to your room. Robb has planned a lunch for House Stark this afternoon and you smell of horse."
Line Break
The lunch was one of the most pleasant and happy experiences Robb has had in a long time. Surrounded by a few of his family members in the capitol; Jon, Margaery, Sansa, and Benjen, Robb felt truly at peace.
Robb's son had made a brief appearance at the start of the meal and had taken an instant liking to Uncle Benjen, his sweet laugh echoed endlessly throughout the garden as the ranger made the boy laugh again and again. Finally, after stuffing his face with food and slowly drifting off to sleep in Robb's arms, Margaery's principal handmaiden, Mira, had taken the boy off to have his nap, leaving the group alone to talk and catch up.
"Sansa, you're a stunning image of your mother." Benjen praised, causing Sansa to blush and smile. "You've snagged yourself a lord paramount as well!"
"Harry is a very good man, uncle," Sansa said, taking a drink of watered wine. "I'm sure the two of you will get along."
"He's Jon Arryn's nephew, correct? On his sister's side?" Benjen asked, receiving a nod of confirmation from Sansa. Benjen settled further into his chair as he clasped his hands over his muscular abdomen. "Well, any relative of Jon Arryn's is good for me. He was a good man."
"Did you know him well?" Margaery asked.
Benjen pursed his lips. "No, not really. Ned was the closest to him, for obvious reasons. But we met briefly at the Tourney at Harrenhal and Ned always spoke glowingly of the old man."
Robb snapped his fingers. "Uncle, have I not told you who's now Lord Commander?"
Benjen frowned. "There's a new Lord Commander? What in the blazes happened to Thorne?"
Both Robb's and Jon's smiles fell while Margaery just looked down at her plate. Instantly, the pleasantness in their air dissipated. Benjen, an experienced commander of men, saw the grim and reluctant looks on his nephew's faces.
"Robb, what's happened?" he asked seriously.
"Thorne….snapped," Robb said, clearing his throat as he did.
"Snapped?"
"He tried to kill Robb," Jon said. "And myself as well."
Benjen ran his fingers through his freshly-washed beard worriedly. "I think I need the full story."
Robb and his brother tried their best to delicately explain how Ser Allister Thorne slowly descended into a sort of power madness, unable to separate his hate for the wildlings from the serious threat of the Others. Robb, Jon's, and their father's actions at the Wall certainly didn't help his descent before something in his mind finally broke. He sent men after Jon after he had let the free folk through the Wall and tried to ambush Robb for doing his duty to the realm, which Thorne probably took as usurpation since Robb was leveraging all the help he was giving the Watch against the knight.
At the end of it, Benjen was still rubbing and tugging on his beard. He now looked as grim as the younger men, but not so worried.
"I see," he sighed. "Who's taken his place?"
"Qhorin Halfhand," Robb answered. "He seemed like the perfect replacement until a proper election could be held at a later date."
"How late?" Benjen asked.
Robb bit his lip. "I was hoping until after the war," he admitted. "I believe the alternative was Ser Denys Mallister, but I need a warrior who understands the situation. Not a man who bucked against every decision that went against his and constantly insulted our family."
Benjen didn't respond to Robb. He simply crossed his arms and seemed to think about everything that had been said. Jon shared a glance with his brother, who looked just as confused.
"Uncle, surely you aren't mourning Thorne's death? He hated our family, even when we were helping the Watch." Jon said carefully.
"I don't mourn the man, simply his sword arm," Benjen answered after a moment. "Who slew him?"
"My commander, Brienne," Robb answered. "There's no shame in another warrior falling to her."
Benjen looked over Robb's shoulder where the giant warrior woman stood guard, looking like a statue beside her fellow kingsguard. She did not, however, have her helm. Brienne had quickly learned that putting on and taking off her helm when attending meetings, which she occasionally did as the crown's representative, was annoying. The other six knights all wore their helms most of the time.
"I believe that," Benjen grunted. "Whatever happened to Janos Slynt?"
Jon smiled thinly. "That's who Thorne sent after me. It didn't end well for him."
Benjen smiled as well. "I won't mourn his death."
"No one should." Jon agreed.
"Are you ready to present the wight?" Margaery asked, keeping her voice low.
Benjen nodded. "My dear, I have been wanting to decapitate the bloody thing for weeks. I am happy to show him to your court," he said with a tired laugh. "The blasted devil keeps me up all night rattling in his box, shaking the chains that keep him in there. Once I show him off for the final time tomorrow, his head will roll."
Margaery gave the older man a sympathetic smile. "How did my countrymen respond?"
"As well as can be expected," Benjen replied. "A few people fainted, some swords were drawn, and most were too surprised to do a damn thing. There's truly no way to prepare to see a wight."
"What will you tell everyone tomorrow?" Robb asked.
"I will tell them to prepare themselves and to not attack immediately," Benjen said with a half-smile. "There's something about seeing it, it provokes an immediate response to defend yourself. It's not like seeing a bear or a wolf in the wild where you become cautious. There's some natural reasoning you can make with a wild animal."
Benjen shook his head. "The first reaction both of you will have," he said, looking at Jon and Robb, "will be to draw your swords and prepare to attack it."
Jon nodded. "I'll bear that in mind."
"As will I." Robb agreed. "Brienne, none of the kingsguard will draw their weapons when my Uncle shows the chest. Understood?"
The warrior woman nodded almost reluctantly. "As you command, your grace."
"Brienne," Benjen said, getting the attention of the woman. "You looked very formidable. I feel confident that if I am unable to destroy the damn thing, you most certainly will."
Brienne nodded seriously. "Absolutely."
Jon's uncle gazed at the warrior woman before looking back at Robb.
"I hope you're bringing her to the Wall. We'll need her….and a hundred more of her."
Robb smiled. "If all goes to plan, we'll have quite a bit more than a hundred warriors."