The North Remembers

[Centurius]

It was quite cold for a summer day, even for the North, however the temperature did not prevent many Northmen from coming to Winterfell today. Lord Brandon had lived a long life proving his worth to the Crown and to his people, his death at the hands of villains not worthy a man of his standing. 

 

As the crowds settled in the Courtyard five men were pulled to the center by guards, the chains they were in made it clear to everyone who they were. Only respect for both their old and new lord prevented most of the crowd from striking at them themselves.

 

Jon sat beside his mother, ever since the news had come of his father's death she had not left the room or eaten any food. "Justice will be done today mother, they will feel the fury of the North for their crimes. Father will be avenged."

 

He rose from his chair and walked outside where he grabbed his blade. Ice, the sword he had inherited as Lord and one of the few weapons made out of Valyrian steel left. It was a weapon made for a King. As he headed for the courtyard he was soon joined by Wind, the wolf his father had given him. The name was based on the incredible speed the wolf moved. "Come on boy" Jon said as he walked out of the Great Keep and to the Courtyard. After looking over his people he turned his sight to the five men standing there shivering.

 

"For the crimes of treason, murder and thievery I, Lord Jon Stark, Warden of the North, Lord of Winterfell, hereby order you to die."

 

Northmen were down to earth and not very prone to clear voicing of pleasure but in their eyes they could see their joy. "Likewise however as the one who issues the sentence I can not demand someone else to execute it" He said as he took a tighter grip of Ice, he had never killed someone before but it couldn't be too hard. At least that was what he thought as the first man was placed on the chopping block. It was hard the first time, and the second, even the third. However by the fourth and fifth it stopped hurting. As the final head rolled on the ground he turned his sight to the people again. Most of them his bannermen who he immediately recognized but also many coming from the area surrounding Winterfell.

 

"The taking of a life should never be taken easy, the purpose one of law or need but never for pleasure. Few of you know me, I have yet to prove myself in war or for that matter in power. However I will hold the House Stark high, obedience will be demanded but the rewards for it enormous. No man or woman shall be treated unfairly within the North, no crime shall go unpunished and the blood of the First Men shall remain flowing through our veins. We will remember. We are Northmen. We are the North!"

 

Jon said as the crowd gave the first actual display of support and pleasure. Turning away he attached Ice to his armour again before walking inside where Maester Roone was already waiting. "Maester, do we have any new information on who paid them yet?"Jon asked as the man joined him.

 

"No, my lord. However our men will continue looking" 

 

Jon nodded "Send envoys to the Warden of the East and Braavos. Send a Raven to the Crown informing them of my ascension to power and inheritance"

 

Maester Roone nodded and bowed in respect before returning to his duties. Meanwhile Wind followed him back to the room of his mother.

[Greywall]

Standing in the crowd were Alwin and Jory Blackburn representing White Harbor and house Blackburn, Jory was amused with Jon's speech while Alwin gave the same emotionless gaze he always gives. "Man knows how to give a speech, I wondering if his arm would tire out before the final swing" said Jory giving Alwin a smug look, "These Starks, they like their speeches, their honor" as Jory continued on Alwin just ignored him and watched the bodies be carried off.

 

"Who do you think done it?" Alwin finally answered, "Who knows, maybe some jealous lord in the North, some prissy Southron wanting to show off how much coin he has, hell maybe it's the others" Jory was losing interest in the subject but it still sent a chill down on him. "It doesn't bode well for Lord Stark to suddenly die like this, not when...." before Alwin could finish Jory snapped at him "don't! it's all i've been bloody hearing for the past few months from you and father" Alwin simply finished with a harsh cold tone "Winter is coming". Alwin turned and left his brother among the crowd looking to have his blade sharpened, Jory looked around for the nearest tavern wanting ale or wine. 

[Sarah Tintagyl]

When the message finally reached the capital, a messenger in green and white ran to the Queen's study. Out of breath he handed the small piece of parchment to one of the Queen's maids who delicately handed it to her lady. Ysabel's eyes flashed over the scribbled writing as her mouth turned downward into a frown. "Stark is dead." She said softly and the maids turned to her with widened eyes, pausing on their embroidery. The Queen closed the book on her desk and stood, tossing the parchment onto the floor. "It would seem that the inheritance has passed to Stark's son, Jon, without much difficulty."

 

"Was it an accident?" said one of the maids.

 

"Apparently assassination." She clasped her hands behind her and walked to the window. "The young prince seems to have his head on straight." Ysabel said and felt a pleasantly cool breeze blow up from the rose garden. "Anastasia?"

 

"My Queen?" rose one of the maids with red-hair.

 

"Have a message delivered to Winterfell stating that his new heir is to travel immediately to the capital. He has an oath of loyalty to pledge. After he takes his oath, then I will recognize him as a trusted and loyal vassal of the North."

 

"Yes, Majesty."

 

On those words, Jon would receive another raven in a few days time that brought the Queen's message. 

[Centurius]

Jon was looking over a map as he heard Maester Roone come in. "My lord, we have received word from King's Landing" He said as he put the parchment on the table. He had learned fast that Jon preferred reading his own letters. 

 

"Thank you, Maester" Jon responded as he took the parchment and broke the seal to read the contents. "I have been summoned to King's Landing" He said as he put it down again and turned to the Maester. "Please send word I will be travelling with an entourage of ten knights to King's Landing by the end of the week. Also I believe the Blackburns are still here, invite them to join me as two of the ten." Jon said as he returned to his duties.

 

Right on schedule less than a week later the group would head South to King's Landing to arrive there as soon as humanly possible.

[Greywall]

Alwin and Jory began saddling their horses ready for the trip to King's Landing, "Did you send the raven?" Alwin said sliding his newly sharpened blade into its sheath. "Of course, can't say father will be happy, he always had a certain disdain for the south"

 

"I can understand that, Southrons tend to be spoiled with the comforts of summer" Alwin was of the north, he never cared to travel south but he knew the day would come eventually. "Don't forget the rations, and the bow we might need to hunt" Jory gave his brother a rather annoyed look, "Do you ever get excited about anything? we're going to the capital, we might see the queen and see some nice pretty southern girls" Alwin just kept to his horse making sure the saddle was secured, "You seriously have problems" Jory said before mounting up and riding out to join the main group.

 

Alwin saddled up muttering to himself "I swear, you're a damn fool" 

 

The Blackburn sons joined the group and began heading to King's Landing, Alwin kept near the rear while Jory took near the front.