The Rightful Heir

When Ramsay Met Jon

Castle Black

"Jon, please think again. It is a dangerous world out there. I don't think we can survive. There is always the chance that someone might recognize us and they will sell us to either Cersei or Ramsay."

An entire night had passed since Sansa reached Castle Black. She slept restlessly, yet feeling safe through the night. When she woke up at dawn, she went in search of Jon who was having breakfast along with his friends. And then, he declared that he is going to leave in a short while.

Now, in his chamber, Sansa tried to dissuade him one last time. Jon stopped gathering his things. Last night, he had explained to her about the Whitewalkers. But, now he realized that she hadn't taken his advice for face value.

"We will be in a bigger danger if we stay here. I know you don't believe me, many people don't. That's because they haven't seen it, you haven't seen it. It is nothing like you have ever imagined."

He moved closer, looking at her intently.

"Sansa, I request you. Please come with me. Don't you trust me? Look, I am the best swordsman in the North. I can protect you and I will."

Jon was standing so close to Sansa that she felt his warm breath on her cheeks.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

A guard came in, looking worried.

"Lord Commander, we see movement outside the gates. It looks like an army is approaching."

"An army?"

Jon was perplexed. No one in Westeros would attack Castle Black.

But, Sansa knew.

"Ramsay Bolton".

She began trembling and held on to Jon for support. Jon was speechless. Castle Black is not designed to withstand an attack from a trained army. Moreover, they don't have the numbers. Many of the brothers died in the battle with the Wildlings.

As Sansa watched helplessly, Jon began issuing orders. He asked Giantsbane to sent word north of the wall to bring more Wildlings. Orders were sent to all the nights watch guards to prepare for battle though they knew it would end as soon as it begins.

"How many men did you see outside?"

"About 200." The guard replied, shaking his head. He, like everyone else knew they were preparing for a losing game.

Jon stood thinking for a minute while everyone stared at him anxiously. Jon will have to act fast.

Jon looked around and he found someone missing.

"Where's Sansa?" He shouted. Everyone looked around. Sansa was missing. Jon remembered her clutching him for support and then in the chaos he forgot about her. He forgot that this was as much about her as it was about him.

"Find her." He shouted again and two of the guards ran out. One of them returned very soon. "Sir, Lady Sansa is about to go up the Wall."

What? Why would she climb the wall? Jon ran outside. He was joined by Brienn who had just heard about the mounting trouble. Sansa was already underneath the wall. But she stood there, crying. She wanted to go up and throw herself down. But, now doubts started to creep in her mind. Is this the solution? Or will it only make matters worse?

As she stood there, dazed and confused, Jon came at her like a swift wind. He began to shake her.

"What the hell are you doing?"