Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 58 - I believe you

               As the days go by, the various armies of the North rejoin Winterfell. The plain surrounding the castle has transformed into an immense encampment. Each new ally, though tilting the chances of victory to our side, demands a larger food ration from us. The faster the White Walkers are eradicated, the faster the North will return to normal life. And the faster Winterfell can save its coin.

               I spend most of my time training with Brienne and Podrick, as well as helping the youngest recruits who have never held a sword. They must learn in a few weeks what I had the luxury of learning over fourteen years. I also spend hours in the Stark crypts beneath the castle, for I have realized that the Godswood was not so peaceful after all.

               As I descend the dimly lit steps of the crypt, the voices of two men reach me. They are arguing. Though this is hardly the place, I do not intervene. Because one sentence catches my attention.

"This is no longer about being King in the North; I am talking to you about being King of these cursed Seven Kingdoms."

               A silence. Long. Heavy. I remember then the last discussion I overheard in this crypt, the way Robert Baratheon had, in a few words, changed the course of my history. I now have the distinct impression that it is the history of the world unfolding before my eyes.

"Bran and I figured it out," the first voice continues. "I had a High Septon's journal. Bran had... whatever Bran has always had."

"I don't understand what you're talking about," the second voice replies, Jon's voice.

"Your mother was... Lyanna Stark. And your father, your real father, was Rhaegar Targaryen. You were never a bastard. Your name is Aegon Targaryen, legitimate heir to the Iron Throne."

               Suddenly, it all comes back to me. I see us again as children around the same table, without Jon. I remember that my mother did not dare look him in the eye and could not stand his presence. I can recall the way Sansa disdained him, as well as the mockery of the ladies of the court. And above all, I cannot deny Jon's suffering – the pain of never truly belonging. Yet he has always been more noble than any of us will ever be.

"My father was the most noble and honourable man I have ever known," Jon says, his voice trembling. "Are you saying he lied to me my whole life?"

"Your father. Well... Ned Stark promised your mother that he would always protect you. That is what he did. Robert would have had you assassinated if he had known."

               This would mean that nothing makes sense anymore. Robert's Rebellion, if it wasn't for Lyanna, should never have taken place. Because she was never kidnapped. She was in love with Rhaegar. And Robert drove them both to their ruin.

"You are the true king. Aegon Targaryen, Sixth of His Name, Protector of the Realm, and everything that goes with it."

"Daenerys is our queen."

"She shouldn't be," the other man answers.

"This is treason."

"Jon, it's the truth. You gave up your crown to save your people. Would she do the same?"

               When I hear their footsteps approaching, I slip into an alcove, so they won't see me. I am somewhat surprised that Jon doesn't question these claims. This must surely mean his interlocutor was Samwell Tarly, a former brother of the Night's Watch in whom my brother places his ultimate trust. Well, my brother...

"He never was..."

               Eyes raised toward the statue of my father, I wait. As if he might finally answer me. Because I have no idea what I should do now. Help Jon mount the throne? Or rid me of him? Perhaps it was him on that dragon in my vision.