Dragons Destiny

Chapter 4: Hell and Back

'After everyone goes home and I'm left here on my own; I will run straight to hell and back.' -MetallicA/Beyond Magnetic

It wasn't the rushing air but the noticeable drop in temperature that stirred Dany awake from her midflight nap. She hadn't slept well over the past couple weeks if not at all, all her grieving, worrying, and insurmountable stress had robbed her any thought of rest. When Drogon left King's Landing she slowly found herself drifting off and finally gave in and let sleep take her. As she woke she noticed it wasn't light anymore and she could see the stars as Drogon flew with purpose above the clouds. Her teeth were chattering as she cursed herself for not being properly dressed for their improved dash northwards, but that was the least of her worries and thankfully Drogon's warm body did provide some comfort in fighting off the cold.

'Ah mother, you're finally awake.' Drogon called through their connection as he flapped his wings and angled them in a way so the wind would catch into them like the sails of a ship.

'Sorry my son, I just really needed the rest. Do you know where we are exactly? How long have we been flying?' she asked him.

'It's quite alright, I'm happy you finally got some sleep. We've been flying for many hours, for how long I do not know; what I do know is that it's been a couple hours into the night already. As for where we are I can't be completely sure but last time I dipped below the clouds I could make out Aegon's home of Winterfell. We're getting close and this strong southern wind has helped with our speed greatly.'

It was true; even though they were flying northwards she could feel a constant gust from behind her. Worry then started flashing through her mind though as she looked back to Drogon's claws and with the help of the moonlight she could still make out Jon's body in her son's grip.

'You said we're close...but is he...?'

'He's fine mother I can still feel his presence. He's unconscious but still alive...barely, but please don't worry we're almost there.'

Dany let out a small sigh of relief but couldn't help worrying 'And what about you sweetling? How are you holding up? I know we've come a long way and you've been working hard.'

'Tired and cold but I can still keep going, I said I would not stop till we reach the Wall. Now get ready, we're going to make our final descent.'

Drogon positioned himself slightly downwards and angled his wings and beat them hard several times. They would slowly gain more speed as they descended towards Castle Black and Dany hoped Jon could hang on just a little while longer. While she was happy that they were closing in on their destination, the pang in her heart and worrying emotions in her thoughts still ran rampant 'Almost there Jon, we're almost there! Just please hang on a little longer!'

Tormund Giantsbane walked through the courtyard of Castle Black with Ghost trotting right behind him. He was making his normal rounds to check on the Free Folk before they headed out beyond the Wall, though he wanted to wait until Jon Snow returned from the south so he could come back for Ghost. Jon asked Tormund to take care of the direwolf for him saying "A direwolf has no place in the south" but Tormund didn't think Jon had a place in the south either. Though he wouldn't admit it to others except Ghost, he missed his little Crow.

Speaking of Crows, what Nights Watch forces that remained at Castle Black had been surprisingly hospitable; one of the brothers in black had been under Jon's command and received Tormund and the rest of the Free Folk with open arms. Though some of the newer brothers were weary and reluctant of their Wildling host they didn't cause trouble when they saw Tormund walk around with the massive direwolf at his side.