Northern Conqueror

Chapter 10: Revelations

Chapter 10: Revelations

Once they went over their plans with the lords of Neck the council decided they would march in two days. After quick words with Davos, Tormund and Barbrey Dustin, Jon departed from the hall, glancing back to see Sansa and Brienne speaking with Lyanna Mormont and the Manderly sisters.

In the corridor he found Howland Reed waiting for him. "Lord Reed," Jon said with a nod.

"Could we speak in private?"

"Of course."

They walked through New Castle, making their way to Jon's chambers. Once inside, Howland quietly paced around them, scanning the walls as if worried someone would be in them. Looking at the man, Jon fought back a frown as he remembered what Sam had told him of Bran being with the Reeds.

"My lord," Jon started, "it's been a long time now, but I thought you should know back at the Wall, one of my brothers saw your children."

Howland came to a stop across from the hearth. "Jojen and Meera?"

"They were with my brother Bran, helping him get beyond the wall." Jon wore an apologetic frown. "I'm sorry I couldn't stop them, but the man who met them said they seemed determined."

A solemn smile took the small man's lips as he nodded, moving away from the wall. "They were. Jojen's greensight made him more confident than I might have liked at times, but Meera has a good head. If she's with your brother then I'm sure he's safe."

Jon couldn't help but smile at this man's confidence in his children being such that his concern was more for Bran.

Seeming satisfied they were alone, Howland took a breath and looked the boy over. "Do you know who I am?"

"Howland Reed," Jon said with a nod. "You were with my father when he found his sister and killed Arthur Dayne."

The man searched Jon's face for a moment. "Did Eddard ever tell you about your mother?"

Jon's brow furrowed. "No. He said he would when we met again. That was before he went to King's Landing."

Howland sighed, his head sinking as he stroked his forehead. With a breath he looked to Jon, steeling himself. "Would you like me to tell you who she was?"

Jon's jaw shifted as he glanced down asking, "Was?"

Howland answered with a frown.

Jon was quiet for a moment, his head down as he thought. As much as he wanted to tell him it didn't matter, it did. It always would, and if either of them died during the battle he'd regret not hearing it. Looking to Howland, he nodded.

"I rode with your father to Dorne at the end of Robert's Rebellion. Everyone thought Rhaegar had kidnapped his sister Lyanna and locked her away in a tower in Dorne. When we arrived there were kingsguard waiting outside." Howland looked to Jon's eyes. "Do you understand?"

Jon shook his head.

"There was a maid there who told us that Rhaegar hadn't kidnapped her. She'd run off to be with him, to get married in secret by the High Septon before everything went wrong. Before Aerys killed Ned's father and brother, committing us to a war built on Robert's lie.

"But when we arrived Aerys was dead. Rhaegar was dead. Rhaella and Viserys were on Dragonstone, but the kingsguard were in Dorne." Howland looked to Jon and saw his brow furrow, starting to put it together. "They were there to guard their king." He paused before clarifying, "To guard you."

Jon's eyes darkened as he stared into Howland's. "Me?"

"The son of Rhaegar Targaryen and his wife, Lyanna Stark," said Howland. "Ned called you Jon, but before she died your mother named you Aegon Targaryen."