The Heir of Raventree Hall

CH 5: Jon Snow

Jaime Lannister 292 A.C

That night was eventful. Jaime had drifted in and out of sleep often. The banner-covered bodies of Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon came to his mind often in these moments. His father's callous disregard for their lives something he couldn't understand or move on from. He remembered how angry he had felt watching Robert Baratheon claim the children were nothing but dragonspawn. Jaime hated Robert only slightly less than his father. Perhaps that was why he didn't feel as sad as he thought he would have done given the news he had received. Instead his heart went out to his brother Tyrion who would no doubt be saddened by the death of a man who had never treated him as his son. His morning musings were interrupted by a familiar call at his tent's door.

"Ser Jaime. The king requires your presence."

Jaime just shook his head. "Alright lad, I'll be there soon."

He quickly put on some clothes appropriate for seeing nobility and headed out through the war camp to visit his good-brother. Upon entering the king's oversized tent he was again treated to Ned Stark's gaze, although this time there was no pity in his eyes, there was an emotion Jaime struggled to place before Robert starting talking.

"Ser Jaime, good to see you feeling better."

Jaime stared blankly at the king. His father had died, he wasn't ill or sick. Even Ned looked at his friend incredulously.

"Well Kingslayer, we've got a lot to discuss, firstly I'll offer you a choice. Either you can continue to serve in the honourable ranks of my kingsguard or you can be freed from your vows to head home and become Lord of Casterly Rock."

Ned coughed. "Is that all your grace?"

Robert scowled back at him. "Well I suppose you'd take up your father's mantle of Warden of the West and of course Lord Paramount of the westernmost kingdoms with all holdings, privileges and such. What say you Kingslayer?"

"I believe it would be best for me to head back to my home your grace. My time in the kingsguard was enjoyable but I think I'd prefer the trappings that come with the title if you get what I mean your grace."

Robert laughed. "Of course Kingslayer."

Ned looked between the pair with that earlier emotion in his eyes. "Either way Lord Jaime, I'd invite you to follow the king and I back to Winterfell. From there you can head back home via the Kingsroad."

Jaime's curiosity was peaked. "Lord Stark, I think I'd very much enjoy visiting your home." After all why would Ned Stark be afraid of Robert Baratheon going to Winterfell.

Jon Snow 292 A.C

After the introductions had been made at the gate, he'd waited for Robb in the hopes of finding some answers about the two mysterious visitors. He'd sat with Ser Rodrick as the two of them waited for Robb's arrival to start their morning practice. Once Robb had arrived Jon didn't have a chance to ask anything until after their first spar had concluded. The two half-brothers stood beside one another sweat dripping from their faces and a tankard filled with water in their hands.

"So, who was that back at the gate?"

Robb took a gulp of water. "He's the heir to Raventree Hall, Brynden Blackwood. About our age I reckon."

"And what's he doing in Winterfell?"

Robb just shrugged his shoulders. "My guess is as good as your."

So with many unanswered questions the duo once again began to spar under the supervision of Ser Rodrick. At least that was until Ser Rodrick called a halt to their current practice. A servant had brought him a letter which he read quickly before sending her back the way she'd came. He then looked back at both of his students.