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***
Jon rode through the open gates of Winterfell into the courtyard to the enthusiastic roar of the soldiers. The Karstarks, Glovers, Servins, Wildlings, and many others had all rejoiced in their victory and were now cheering the man who had brought them to it. Behind Jon's back, clutched tightly to his belt, was Rickon, who looked on with eyes wide with amazement. But the soldiers roared even louder when they saw Ramsay Bolton following John's horse, driven at his back by four Glover soldiers.
Sansa followed the procession into the courtyard, riding a naked mare, wearing a dress with an embroidered direwolf on her chest, her face full of joy and pride, her eyes twinkling in anticipation as her gaze fell on Bolton. At that moment she wanted to personally plunge a dagger into his throat, though she did not know how to do it. Sansa looked around and was pleased to see the Boltons' banners being torn from the walls and thrown into a pile to be burned, the same fate for the utensils on which the stripped man had been depicted. When Jon had promised Bolton that he would destroy the very memory of his family, he had not been joking, and what was happening now was only a prelude.
Jon dismounted and helped Rickon off his horse, then came over to Sansa and helped her, for which the girl smiled at him sincerely. Today her brother had led them to victory and wrested their home from the clutches of the monster, and even though he still had to explain what he had done on the battlefield, right now Sansa was eternally grateful to him. And that joy grew even stronger when the first of the Stark banners was raised on the walls of Winterfell.
- We're home,' Jon said with a smile, and shouted so that everyone could hear him. - Winterfell is ours again!
The soldiers roared in delight, so much so that Sansa's ears ached, but Rickon was delighted. But his face contorted with a mixture of fear and anger as the shackled Jon Amber was dragged into the courtyard, guarded by wildlings led by Tormund. The leader of the Free Folk was so proud that he had defeated Little John in a private duel and taken him prisoner that Tormund was eager to tell everyone how he had accomplished such a remarkable feat. And if the big woman who had been following Little John's sister everywhere heard the story, it would be wonderful.
Amber collapsed to his knees as the spear struck him from behind, and at the same moment Rickon, uttering a cry that sounded remotely like a howl, swung at him, stabbing Little John in the eye with a small knife. How he got it and where he hid it remains a mystery.
- Easy, boy! - Tormund intercepted Rikon at the last moment, and the point of the knife grazed Amber's face, leaving a deep cut under his left eye. - Damn it, boy, you'll kill him in time! John, put your brother down!
- He killed Shaggy Dog, my direwolf! - shouted Rickon, trying to break free of Tormund's grasp. - And this one killed Osha!
The boy pointed at Ramsay, who, even with a broken jaw, grinned wickedly. Jon and Sansa ran over to his younger brother, and it was only when he felt his sister's arms around him that he finally calmed down.
- 'My poor boy,' Sansa whispered, putting her arm around her brother's skinny shoulders. - Don't worry, everything will be all right.
Jon himself walked over to Amber and gazed into his face. There was no remorse for what he had done, no sense of shame, but only the bitterness of defeat reflected in Amber's eyes. He had no regrets.
- You promised my brother protection, and you betrayed him.
- And you brought wildlings into our lands when you should have prevented it,' Little Jon retorted.
- The Night's Watch was created to fight the dead, not the living,' Snow replied. - I will remind every Lord of the North of that very soon. You will have to answer for your broken oaths to House Stark and for the laws of hospitality you spit on. Take him to his cell.
The soldiers lifted Amber from his knees and dragged him toward the casemates while behind her back Sansa listened to Rickon recount everything that had happened in Winterfell since Eddard Stark and his daughters rode south with the king. There was still much Rickon did not understand, but this story was shedding light on many questions.
- I see they've forgotten all about me. - Ramsay said through chipped teeth, his jaw chattering with difficulty. - And even my beautiful wife, instead of attending to her husband's wounds, is doing the wrong thing. How low...
His words were cut short by John's blow on his broken jaw. As he fell to the stone-paved courtyard, Ramsay howled in pain, his eyes darkened, and now he could only listen:
- I wonder why people who like to torture others can't stand pain themselves,' John's voice was sharp as a knife. - Maybe I should peel your skin off so you can feel what your victims feel. That's a tempting idea, but on the other hand, I don't want to be like you. I think we'll decide your fate later, but in the meantime, I suggest you shut your mouth or I'll have it sewn shut. Take him away.
As Bolton was led away and Sansa and Rickon stood beside Jon, Harald Karstark, Tormund, Robett Glover, and Clay Cerwyn approached them. Sansa felt guilt for the last two, for these lords had not been afraid to come to Ramsay Bolton and lie to him that they were ready to fight at his side, while they prepared to stab him in the back. Both Lord Glover and Lord Serwyn knew that if Ramsay smelled a falsehood in either of them, he could easily skin both of them, so to speak, to avoid it.
- Why didn't you tell me anything about Glover and Serwyn? - Sansa asked Jon on the way to Winterfell.
- Ramsay had to see that you were truly angry with them,' Snow replied. - The slightest hint on your face that they were on our side, and Ramsay would have killed them both.
- Why didn't you say anything afterwards?
- We promised you a surprise, didn't we? - John asked in turn. - Or didn't you like it?
Sansa shook her head in response, but remained silent. In her heart she wondered how she would look into the eyes of Clay Servin, whom she had wished to die a painful death yesterday.
And now both lords stood before her, looking at her with slightly mocking glances, and Sansa felt at that moment that she wanted to fall to the ground in shame. She also wanted to hit Jon over the head with something heavy, because it was his fault she felt so uncomfortable.
- Lord Glover, Lord Servin,' Jon greeted his allies. - From all of House Stark, let me thank you for your help. Your contribution to the victory and the risk you took will never be forgotten, and your men will be richly rewarded.
- It was the least I could do for the opportunity for revenge,' Servin replied, accepting the thanks. - After what that Bolton degenerate did to my parents and my uncle, I've been waiting for an opportunity to pay him back.
- I assure you that Ramsay Bolton will answer for what he has done,' Jon promised him.
- Lord Glover,' Sansa said quietly, 'and you, Lord Serwyn. I sincerely apologise to you for my behaviour yesterday. I didn't know you were on our side until just before the battle. I am deeply ashamed.
- You don't need to apologise, Lady Sansa,' Robett Glover interrupted her. - We understand perfectly well, and if we were you, we would feel the same way.
- Lord Glover is right,' Serwyn seconded him. - There is no need for you to apologise. War is a path of deceit, and we deliberately did it to win, even if we had to mislead you.
- You are welcome at Winterfell, and our doors are always open to you.
Rickon stared open-mouthed, and Jon noted to himself that his brother should be changed, for he looked much more like a wildling. Many people noticed this, including the Free Folk themselves, and they looked at the youngest Stark with curiosity. They were also curious about Rickon's attempt to kill Jon Umber.
- Lord Snow,' the soldiers led a grey-haired man in black robes and a chain around his neck over to Jon. - This is Walcan, Maester of Winterfell.
- Lord Snow,' the man bowed his head. - As Maester of Winterfell, I am ready to serve you well.
- Good,' Jon nodded and immediately ordered. - Send ravens to all the houses of the North and tell them to go to Winterfell immediately. Also send a raven to Cailin's Moat with a message to the lords of the Vale. I invite them to join us so we can decide Petyr Baelish's fate together. If they do not like my behaviour, I dare not detain them any longer. Let them go back to the Vale.
- That will be done,' nodded Walcan. - May I take my leave?
- Yes, go.
Jon finished speaking to Sansa, who had already taken over as mistress and was now giving instructions to the servants. They listened attentively, glancing anxiously at the soldiers and especially at the wildlings who were already scattering throughout the vast castle.
- I had them prepare quarters for us and the guests,' Sansa said to her brother. - Only there's a problem with Rickon.
- What problem? - Jon wondered.
- He doesn't want to change his clothes,' she said. - He says he likes walking around like a wildling. I don't know who Osha was that Ramsay killed, but Rickon learnt a lot from her.
- All wildlings are like that,' Snow smiled. - They don't want to change, so they change the others. I was with them for a while, but it was long enough for a lot of people to notice the change in me when I came back.
- Like what?
- I don't like to bow now,' John said with a smile.
Snow was about to enter the room when Sansa grabbed his sleeve. Jon froze in place and looked at his sister in surprise as she let go of him, as if amazed at her own insolence.
- Jon, they're waiting for an explanation,' Sansa said in a whisper, nodding toward the lords and soldiers. - And so do I. What happened...
- I know,' Snow replied softly. - I'm not sure I can explain it all, for I don't understand much of it myself, but what I know, I will tell you.
- When?
- When the other lords of the North arrive. They have much to learn.
***
A few days later
Sitting at the wide table, Jon stared at the lords of the North and the Vale, the wildling leaders and the four officers of the Night's Watch who had travelled from Castle Black on his orders. At Jon's right hand sat Rickon, who had been persuaded to disguise himself, insisting that he was the last true Stark and all the lords would look up to him. In the end Rickon gave in, but Snow had no doubt that immediately after the meeting his younger brother would wear the skins he had grown so accustomed to.
Sansa, who sat at Jon's left hand, was of the same opinion. The wolfskin cloak rested on her shoulders, as it had on Jon's own, which Sansa had given to her brother two days ago. Whether he was a bastard or not, a brother of the Night's Watch or a free knight, the girl didn't care. Jon was her father's son, Eddard Stark, and nothing else mattered. And judging by the looks on the faces of those present, she wasn't the only one who felt the same way. In her eyes, Jon was the embodiment of the North, its unyielding determination and willingness to go to the end. And he was more suited to the role of ruler than anyone else.
- Lords of the North,' Snow began. - Lords of the Vale. It's good to see you all back in Winterfell, where the Starks belong again.
- But you're not a Stark,' Lord Grafton of Gulltown objected. - You're a bastard.
The answer was a grumbling and rather hostile stares from the Northerners, who looked upon the Southerners as uninvited guests who were in this hall solely by their favour. Seeing that the Northern lords, already looking down on them, were even more angry, Lord Royce shushed Grafton and told him to shut up. The Lords of the Vale had not come here to bicker with the North, even if John Royce himself did not like what was happening.
- My brother is a Stark like me, Lord Grafton,' Sansa said. - Show some respect, and if you have a problem with that, they'll show you where the door is.
Sansa's words were greeted with cheers from the Lords of the North, and from the Lords of the Vale with disapproving faces. They didn't like the fact that no one cared much for their opinions, or the fact that they were looked upon as outsiders. They had come to the North thinking they were the saviours of Winterfell and Sansa Stark, but in the eyes of the locals they were just mercenaries on the payroll of Petyr Baelish, whose fate remained to be seen. Not that John Royce liked the Lord Protector, but he couldn't bear to see such encroachments from the Northmen. Still, he had to keep quiet. For now.
- As you know,' Snow spoke again, 'during the battle we managed to capture Ramsay Bolton and Jon Umber, who betrayed Rickon Stark, who had trusted him with his life. It is up to you and me to determine the fate of these men, for I know for a fact that many houses have suffered at the hands of the Boltons, and Ramsay in particular. I would add that I intend to destroy the very memory of this house. To erase it from the history of the North.
- Right! - Wiman Manderley, Lord of White Harbour, jumped up. - My son, Wendell, like the Young Wolf, died at the Red Wedding because of Ruse Bolton's treachery! Unfortunately, my troops did not make it in time for the battle, for which I sincerely apologise! But I agree with Jon Snow. The Boltons, by their treacherous treachery, have dishonoured the whole North, every one of us! They chose to tie their lives to the bloody Lannisters!
- That's right!
- To the Boltons!
- I don't want to hear of them!
- It is House Stark that has been harmed by the Boltons,' Jon said again. - But we must not forget the other houses whose heads are here. First and foremost, I speak of Lord Clay Serwin. He has more than enough reasons to want Ramsay Bolton dead, and I have no right to turn a blind eye to them. And so, I have a suggestion.
The Lords turned aloud, heeding Jon's words. Lyanna Mormont was not devouring Snow with her eyes. Wyman Manderly moved forward, and Lord Riswell rose from his seat to listen.
- My sister,' Jon pointed to Sansa, 'told me that Ramsay Bolton has dogs that are very fond of eating human meat.
There were curses, and someone spat.
- Maester Walcan told me that Ramsay fed his stepmother and his newborn brother, Ruse Bolton's son, to those dogs.
- In the name of the gods, that bastard,' someone breathed.
- And I'm told he liked to use those dogs to hunt people,' Snow continued.
- Where the devil did he come from?! - John Royce couldn't stand it.
- That's a good question, Lord Royce,' Snow supported him. - I think now you understand why we are all so eager to put Ramsay Bolton to the most painful death.
- I share your aspirations, Lord Snow,' Bronze Jon replied.
- Thank you,' Jon nodded, and turned to the others. - My sister has suggested the following, and I would add that I support her decision wholeheartedly: feed Ramsay Bolton to his own dogs.
- Yes! That's the way to do it!
- White Harbour is in favour!
- House Mormont is in favour!
- On behalf of House Serwyn, I declare that I would love to see it!
Sansa leaned back in her chair and covered her eyes in vengeful anticipation. She was pleased that the Lords of the North had agreed to her proposal, and Jon was fine with it. He wasn't going to give the Bolton brat a quick death by sword. And that couldn't have been good.
- Then it is settled,' Snow announced. - Tomorrow, at dawn, Ramsay Bolton will die by the teeth of the creatures he raised.
The people greeted the decision with a roar of approval, and Jon and Sansa looked on, satisfied. Only Rickon didn't care. He wanted to get out of that stuffy hall as quickly as possible, to go to the hedgerow and be alone there, breathing in the fresh air.
- What will happen to Amber? - Tormund asked suddenly, drawing everyone's attention. The wildling's presence was making the Lords of the North uneasy, but the fact that the Free Folk had taken an active part in the battle on the Stark side, and were clearly trusted by Jon Snow, kept them silent.
- Jon Amber will die,' Snow replied stiffly and succinctly. - The Starks will decide his fate, and no one else.
For a moment there was silence in the hall as the lords considered Snow's decision, finally agreeing that Amber had decided his own fate the moment he betrayed Rickon Stark. But then Lyanna Mormont rose from her seat and looked Jon in the eye and asked:
- Lord Snow, we have a question that I believe you can guess at yourself.
The attention of those present turned to Jon, who showed no sign of concern. Each of the lords had heard accounts of what had happened during the battle, and each was lost in speculation as to what had actually happened.
- The question is a logical one, Lady Mormont, and undoubtedly deserves an answer. Believe me, I'm well aware of that.
- Perhaps you will answer it for us? - Robett Glover asked.
- All right,' John stood up from his seat. - Let me start by saying that I died some time ago. Or rather, I was murdered.
The hall met his words with a sepulchral silence. Sansa stared at him, not believing her ears. Rickon didn't understand what was going on at all. To his childish mind such things simply did not come to pass.
- I was killed by traitors from the Night's Watch,' Snow continued. - My words can be confirmed by Ser Davos,' the old knight sighed heavily and walked out of the corner where he had been standing all this time.
- Tormund, who came to the rescue of my loyal men,' the wildling frowned, but nodded his head.
- And the officers of the Watch who are here now. If you wish, I can show you my scars, including where the daggers entered my heart.
Northmen and Southerners listened to John's words with bated breath. His words seemed impossible, even delusional, but no more delusional than what Snow had arranged on the battlefield.
- At Ser Davos's request, Lady Melisandre, priestess of the Fire God, performed a ritual that, in theory, could bring me back to life. Whether because of it or for other reasons, I was resurrected,' Snow's words fell like slabs of stone in the sepulchral silence. - I don't know why. I don't know why. Although, if you believe the words of a girl I was intimately acquainted with, I don't know anything at all.
The light joke elicited short chuckles, but they were quickly silenced.
- It's hard for me to say exactly what happened, but at first I had trouble remembering my own life. Most likely those close to me noticed my strange behaviour. I had a terrible headache, as if someone on the inside was carving words right into my skull. I can't say it was a pleasant experience.
Jon picked up his wine glass and wet his parched throat. He could feel the look in Sansa's eyes, the disbelief of the lords. He knew that right now Vel, who had arrived in Winterfell just yesterday, was listening to his every word, holding her breath. Listening and probably not believing them, even though she'd heard rumours of the Raven Lord's resurrection.
- And then I began to remember. My life, everything that had happened in it. And what I saw out there. On the other side. I began to see words that were seared into my memory. I didn't understand a single word of them, but on my way to Carhold, I dared to speak one of them. The result was shocking, and I couldn't believe what I saw. In secret from everyone, I began to test the other words as well, to understand their meaning and to know them. Don't even ask me where these words came from, I don't know myself. Maybe they are a gift from the gods? Or maybe these words have always been a part of us, we just forgot about them? Who knows?
- And I'm supposed to believe it? - Lord Horton Redfort asked, stammering, struggling to find the words.
- I wouldn't believe it myself if I hadn't lived through the whole thing,' Snow replied. - Besides, it's your right to believe me or not, and I'm not obliging you personally. The Lords of the North wanted an answer to their question, and I'm giving them the one I have. Whether they are willing to accept it or not is not for me to decide. I have no other answer anyway.
Sometime later, when the meeting was over, Jon, Sansa, and their most loyal allies gathered in Snow's chambers.
- Well, lad, you told a story,' Tormund said from the doorway. - Even I was moved. Aren't you afraid those perfumed lords might want to kill you for a Wych?
- No,' John answered. - Right now they need to think it over, to get my words into their heads. In time, I think they'll believe me.
- Perhaps they will,' said the Onion Knight.
- And since that's the case, I'd like to tell you the second half of my story.