The Black and Red Dragon

Chapter 83: Winterfell

When we are back in Dragonstone, we have a meeting in the room with the Painted Table. All of those that were present in King's Landing are here, plus Grey Worm, Missandei, and Aelyx. Jon explains how we can get to Winterfell most easily with our army.

"The Dothraki can take the Kingsroad and if they ride hard they will be in Winterfell within the fortnight," he says while tracing his fingers along said road. "And the Dornish, Reachmen, Unsullied, and Ironborn?" Daenerys asks. "We sail with them to White Harbor and meet the Dothraki here on the Kingsroad. From there we will ride together to Winterfell," Jon says while pointing to several locations. I nod, seems like a good plan.

Yara smiles and nods. "We can sail you to White Harbor, Your Grace. If it pleases you, the Ironborn and I will sail back to our home and take it in your name. With Euron in chains and our fleet, it can be done. If something bad happens in Winterfell, you can retreat there," she says. Daenerys nods. "Thank you, Yara, Theon." Ser Jorah looks at me and Daenerys. "Perhaps you and Visenya should fly to Winterfell," he begins to say. "You have many enemies in the North. Thousands fell fighting your father. All it takes is one angry man with a crossbow. He'll see your silver hair on the Kingsroad and know one well-placed bolt will make him a hero. The man who killed the conqueror."

Jon looks at both of us. "It is your decision, Your Graces. But if we are going to be allies in this war, it's important for the Northerners to see us as allies. If we sail to White Harbor together, I think it sends a better message," Jon says. He looks at Jorah briefly before looking at both of us. I look at Daenerys. "It is your decision, my dear wife. I am fine with either," I say. Daenerys looks at me for a second and then at Jorah. "I've not come to conquer the North. I am coming to save the North," she says to Jorah and then looks at Jon. "We sail together."

Jon nods and I do too. "Jon, can I speak with you for a moment?" I ask Jon. "I like to talk to him alone. You can stay if you want, Love," I tell to everyone else. "Of course, Your Grace," Jon says. The rest all excused themselves and start making ready to leave. Daenerys does stay in the room. "What do you wish to talk about?" Jon asks. "I told you once that I will be looking at your plans for the defense against the dead. What are your plans?" I ask.

He sighs. "I am planning to have a meeting at Winterfell to discuss it. In Winterfell, I am planning to speak to Sansa and some of the more experienced commanders," Jon says. "Jon, I am sure there are many excellent generals in your employ. But I would highly recommend that Visenya helps you. She has seen and been taught a lot through her dreams. It will make your battle plans better," Daenerys says. Jon nods. "Very well, I will see to it," he says. I stretch a little and look at both of them. "Let's get ready to head out then."

Our journey towards Winterfell is not very eventful. Everyone in our court came with us even Aelyx and Alysanne. I did not like it that they came with us, but they are as stubborn as me. During the whole journey on the ship, I train with Aelyx, Jon, Barristan, and Jorah. I am very happy that Jorah was present. He did not stand a chance against me, but it felt right that he was there. In private, I also continue training Daenerys. Like Aelyx and Alysanne, Daenerys is stubborn and wants to be at least be decent at wielding a sword. As I train her, I quickly notice that she is not talented in fighting. It does make me feel better, though. She may not be the best, but she will at least be able to defend herself with or without dragons. When we arrived in White Harbor, we continued on a horse towards the Kingsroad to meet up with the Dothraki. It takes another week and a half to get to Winterfell.

—

I ride next to Daenerys and she rides next to Jon. Aelyx and Alysanne are together with Tyrion and Varys in a carriage. After a long journey, we finally see Winterfell on the horizon. It is an intimidating grey castle, but with a certain charm to it. As we come close to the castle, Daenerys and I ride with Jon through the town that lies in front of Winterfell. Jon said the name of the town was Wintertown. The North certainly is obsessed with winter. I can't blame them though. The temperature and winds here are ice cold. We ride through the town and many of the villagers stare at us with suspicion. They watch the soldiers and especially me and Daenerys with great mistrust. It seems even our welcome is cold.