The Lone House of Fire

Chapter 2

Jon Snow's hope vanished and he gave his father a crude look, unintentionally, as he asked, "So?"

Eddard Stark said nothing but his face broke out a small smile. He then shook his head and laughed, it booming loudly. Both Jon and Robb looked confused at each other. They thought that father had surely lost his mind, but deep inside they both knew that he was just as sane as the two of them.

Ned finally stopped laughing and said the next few words carefully.

"The savage claims to know the way to the Just Kingdom."

Jon looked incredulously at his father. Could he be serious? They had sent many troops out to find said kingdom, but they had failed. Yet, here comes a man claiming to know the way the one kingdom that could mean their salvation. The one kingdom that Jon had heard of while eavesdropping on Old Nan's tales and stories. The one kingdom that he heard held the best of foods and wine, the rays of sun, and all the gold one could dream of. Not to mention the princess whom was told to be the most beautiful But Jon felt almost ashamed that a peasant was the one that held information of such place when it was their troops who searched far and near for it.

It appeared that Robb was taken back also because he asked, "Are you sure?"

However, unlike Jon, Robb felt a bit selfish as he questioned his father because, although it would be great news if the kingdom was found, he feared that the amount of time and effort spent in finding the kingdom would be at a loss. That and the fact that it was a savage whom had found it.

But Ned simply shook his head and smiled, "The savage has given us proof that he knows of such place."

Ned reached for a clothed piece that laid on his desk. Carefully, he picked up the thing and unwrapped it. Within was a small dagger. Jon looked at it with wonder. Never had he seen such a beautiful weapon. It was a silver blade with engraved gold writing from a language that he did not understand. It's handle looked like glass with two single golden threads linked around it. The inside of the glass held a tan sand and a beautiful ruby captured it at the end of the handle.

Both brother seemed entranced at the dagger. It was like nothing the had seen before. Robb reached his hand out to touch it, but Ned drew it back quickly and wrapped it in it's cover once again.

"This is no toy," Ned said sharply, "The savage said that he swiped it off a guard who was supposed to protect it. Apparently it is very valuable for them and if time becomes thin, may we pray to the gods it won't, it is our only advantage."

The boys bowed their heads in understanding and continued to listen to their father speak.

Ned began to pace as he stated, "Good. Now, I will send a letter to the kingdom in which I will ask for a truce. If they accept, we shall travel there and ask for some sort of agreement that will help us. "

He stopped and looked over at his two sons. The excitement in their eyes was evident, as they once again only nodded.

He grinned and made his way towards them. He then grabbed both of their shoulders and started leading them through the doors.

"Our prayers have been answered. Finally, salvation has arrived. Better now rather than later, only little time before Winter arrives.