Beguiling Wolf

Chapter 12

Jon was in shock when he arrived at Celestial fort, he had heard of course and even visited with his father when they were working on the keep before it was gifted to his sister but with so many people and their liveliness, it brought a whole new spark to the fort.

"you Northerners might be called barbarians and savages, but you sure know how to run an operation" the dwarf commented from beside him astride a chocolate coloured horse.

"don't call us that" Jon grumbled, well used to the dwarf mannerisms by now and his delight in winding people up.

"does philistine work better for you?" Tyrion snarked and Jon didn't deign to answer.

They spotted Julan Cassel standing in the front courtyard and they got off their horses before moving up to him.

"Lord Lannister, Jon it's wonderful to see you, it's truly such an honour to have such an esteemed guest of my Lady, a dear friend to her and the north" Julan spoke jovially, a wide grin on his face, he gestured to his right where serving girls were waiting with the traditional wine, bread and salt, they quickly partook in guest rights before Tyrion spoke up.

"Lord Cassel it seems you haven't burnt down Lady Stark's keep, quite the feat if I do say so and such a happy welcome" Tyrion said

"of course, I was specifically instructed by Lady Stark to ensure any and all requirements that you might need, although your need for night time company might be a struggle due to having no local brothel" Julan tried to speak delicately and Tyrion laughed loudly

"I'm certain I can cope for one night can you Jon?" he teased his newest friend and he flushed a deep red.

"quiet dwarf" he snapped but his eyes were twinkling with mirth

"Jon if you follow me I can take you to your solar" Julan intervened smoothly

"of course, Lord Cassel" Jon replied

"it's Julan Jon, I am here to serve you" Julan smiled and the pair headed into the keep, Julan pointing out interesting pieces and giving out information.

Jon entered the masters solar and sat behind the desk, Julan and Tyrion taking the other seats

"so how many do we have for me to train so far? How many are coming?" Jon asked wanting to get to business

"ten thousand from the westerlands, twenty thousand from over the North, fourteen thousand by order of the crown, another ten thousand from the stormlands, fifteen thousand has been sent from the riverlands" Julan quickly answered and Jon was gobsmacked.

"well, the rest of the kingdoms are apparently trying to get on the good side of the new lady, as well as curry favour with the Crown and to show off their resources" Tyrion smirked

"is that all of them? And what of Dorne?" Jon asked

"no, lord Bronn has sent out ravens to all of his connections from all the reports I have received is that a contingent of thirty thousand sell-swords, hopeful knights and bastards- a contingent was sent straight to Lord Stark however, Dorne hasn't sent any soldiers they claimed it was the weather- their soldiers apparently won't be able to handle the cold, but they sent several cases of fine fabrics and resources we could use. More can trickle in so the numbers aren't finalised" Julan explained

"so, I'm in charge of ninety and nine thousand soldiers?" Jon freaked out slightly with the potential for more to trickle in?!

"yes, but you can do it" Tyrion reassured

"how? That's a ridiculous number!" Jon argued back, panic beginning to rise.