Chapter 4: The Greyjoy Rebellion

Guest: Jon is a dragon. It is in his blood. But he is also a wolf. He is a mix of both.

Guest: If you read the story description, you can see, that he will not make Moat Cailin into something like Oldtown. He was far greater plans.

Blazaboi: Who said anything about forgiven? ;) He is just much more political than the old Jon Snow.

Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire nor Game of Thrones.

"No!"

"Lord Stark, I..."

"No, I will not allow it!"

Ser Brynden and I followed my uncle as he rushed to his study, giving orders here and there to his men, who were preparing for march out to war.

"Your just got six years old Jon and if you think that I will allow you to go to war, you must have lost your mind.", he said as he entered his study. "So no, I have decided to not allow you to come with me."

"But it is not your decision!", I replied, which made m uncle look at me with anger and frustration. "I'm a squire to Ser Brynden now and that means that I will follow and serve him wherever he needs to go. If that means to go to war with him, then so be it."

"You are a child, Jon!" he yelled as he punched his desk. "Are you so desperate to get killed?"

"No, I'm not! And I have no intentions of doing so!", I yelled back, before continuing quieter: "Yes, I am a child, but only in body. I need to see war for myself, that doesn't mean I want to go. Gods, I hope there never will be another war, but I'm not that naïve. I have too many plans as that I would allow myself to be stopped now by idiocy and stupid bravado. I have no intention of actual fighting and neither would Ser Brynden allow it."

"You're damn right I wouldn't. You may got talent, but you have a very long way to go, before you have the skills to even thing about fighting in a war."

"You see, father. I would follow Ser Brynden, but only to the camps. I won't go to the battlefields and I have no desire to fight and kill."

My uncle fell into his chair. "Why do you always have to make it so difficult for me, Jon? Why can't you just stay here, play with Robb and Sansa and be a child for some longer?", he sighed.

"Because I know that's not how this world works. I know, that out there you could get eaten, chewed trough and spat out before you even realized what was going on."

My uncle massaged his temples, the Blackfish waiting at the side for our discussion to end, as I got closer to him.

"I understand you father, I truly do. You wish to protect Robb, Sansa and me from the horrors of the world out there. But the truth is, you can't. Not forever. Eventually you will be gone or when we have to face it ourselves for whatever reasons. Then, Robb and I will need to know, what war is like and understand, that you could be stabbed in the back even by your closest friend at any time. Sansa will have to learn, that not everyone is a knight and that even those are not like the ones in her stories. Right now they're children and I hope they remain so for many years to come. But my time as a child is over."

Long we stood there, waiting as my uncle sat deep in thoughts, before eventually my uncle answered.

"Very well, it doesn't seem as if I had a real choice in this matter. I will allow you to go with Ser Brynden. But you have to promise me, that you will stay far away from any battlefields, is that clear."

"Yes, uncle, I promise.", I said with a smile. I wasn't exactly looking forward to war, but it was a necessary evil.

"Good. Now go and begin packing your things. We leave in one week."

The following days consisted mostly of weapons training. Ser Brynden wanted to make sure that in the unlikely event of an attack at the camp I was capable of defending myself. He called it 'preparing for all possibilities'. I called it 'the damn bastard wants to get me through a worse hell as he is simply bored and likes seeing me put on my back'. Thanks to that comment we were training a few hours more that day.

Robb took it the hardest out of everyone. He didn't understand why his father had to leave, only that it had to do with bad men, but that his brother would go as well he couldn't accept. It took me several days, multiple promises to come back and a pile of his favourite sweets before he accepted it.

Finally the day was here to leave for war. Most of the eastern and northern lords already came, the southern would await at Moat Cailin, while the western would rally to Harrington along with their ships, waiting to reinforce the attack at the Iron Isles.

I was in the courtyard, saddling my horse, as Tyrion came to me.

"So its finally time for you to leave to war, is it?", asked Tyrion, while we watched me.

"Yes, it is. Are you so desperate to get rid of me?", I asked.

"Not at all. It just feels...weird, I guess. My friend going to war at the age of six and I'm staying back."

"You're not coming with us?", I asked surprised.

"Please Jon.", replied Tyrion. "What am I to do at war? I'm not a fighter and am far more use somewhere safe, where I can use my mind."

"Fair enough.", I said. "Will you stay here in Winterfell then?"

"No, I've decided to go to Kings Landing. I thought it might be a good idea to start with that headquarters we're going to need. If we want to continue our plans we need some kind of base."

"You're right, that is a good idea.", I replied, before I heard my name being shouted. I turned around and saw Ser Brynden pointing at his horse.

"We're leaving in a few hours, so go and saddle my horse!"

"Yes, Ser Brynden.", I replied and gathered his gear, with Tyrion in tow.

"You know,", he said, as I began to saddle Ser Bryndens horse. "For the last weeks I have seen you working and serving as a squire and I must say, I do enjoy the view."

"Careful dwarf, don't start any battles you're not prepared to loose."

"Alright alright.", he laughed. "But it does seem to make things easier. I should get a squire for myself."

"Perhaps you should.", I said with a knowing smile.

"Whoa, hold on. You have that look.", he suddenly said, looking closely at my face.

"What look?", I asked confused.

"That 'I know something you don't know but that you would like to know' look."

I stopped, thinking about what he just said.

"That sounds like a very specific kind of look.", I said, half amused, half interested.

"You have some very specific kinds of looks, my friend.", replied Tyrion.

"Fair enough.", I said as I continued to work on the horse. "Do you want to hear it."

"Go ahead. Can't do any harm by telling me."

"Podric Payne."

Tyrion knitted his brows. "Podric Payne. Can't say I ever heard of him.", he said contemplating.

"I'd be surprised if you did. Podric is the nephew of Lord Payne, or the nephew of a cousin of Lord Payne. Anyhow, he is a distant relative, which means that he will never inherit something and is also unlikely to become a squire."

"Why that?", asked Tyrion.

"Because he is not what most would look for in a squire. He was no exceptional talent for fighting, is not exceptional clever or courages. But he does have some things, that will make him valuable to you.

For once he is loyal. Considering his family, you only have to show him some kindness and respect, and you will have his undying loyalty. He would follow you to hell and back if you asked him. He is also very determinant to be the best squire he can. He may not have the talent for a normal squire, but he is willing to learn. And he is dutiful, always doing his job.

Also, jut because he is not particularly clever, doesn't mean he won't have his uses. He is about my age and with enough time he can be groomed to be the man you need him to be. Maybe he'll never become a great fighter and won't be a typical squire. But for you he could be more of a scribe and assistant. There he would excel."

"An assistant does sound useful. Well, I can have a look and see for myself. Then we'll see."

"Sounds fair.", I said, as I finished with the horse. "Tyrion, when you go to Kings Landing I need you to do something for me. We need land. At least half a mile. With access to deep waters."

"That is going to be difficult. The only place I know would be north of the Iron Gate at the Rosby Road. But that is outside the walls."

"That's okay. The walls are not that important."

"Fine, but what for?", asked Tyrion

"Some of it is for the new docks we planed, the rest for a new deep water harbour for Kings Landing. I will give you the plans for them later."

"You want to build your new ships there.", Tyrion realizes. "But why the new harbour. Kings Landing already has a harbour at the Blackwater Rush."

"That is far to small for a harbour. If we want to make Kings Landing into a trading centre we need a bigger harbour, especially for the new ships as they are to big for the river."

"Alright, I'll do it. Are you coming to Kings Landing right after the war?", Tyrion thought, after giving it some thought.

"Not for long.", I replied. "I will just stop there for a few days, before continuing. There are some things I will have to take care of and places to go to before I stay. But I will, after I spend some time here in Winterfell. So, most likely not before the next year."

"I see. Until then I will begin with the printing press and some other projects. Should take quite some time."

"While your at it. Could you please start with the planing of a canal system for Kings Landing using the Blackwater River, a big land outside the walls for the theatre and finalize the plans for the bridges and roads?"

"You do realize we don't have enough money to do all these things at the moment. We'll be lucky if we can do one of that."

"Don't worry about the money, its one of the reason I'm coming late."

"Fine, I do it. I beginning to feel like your personal hand."

"And I like all the more because of it, my friend.", I said as I turned to get my belongings for the journey.

"And Tyrion.", I called back to him. "Don't take all the Vodka when you leave!"

"You know me to well.", Tyrion laughed back.

Finally we began our journey to Seagard. It was interesting to travel with a great army, although not much changed except that we're slower and the smell is far worse. After all, these are only holes we shit in.

Ser Brynden used the opportunity and began teaching me about warfare. How to form lines, how to flank, different manoeuvrers and tactics. He even got some of the soldiers to help him by showing the tactics on a smaller scale.

Eventually we arrived at Moat Cailin and crossed the Neck. I must admit I was a bit excited. This was after all the first time I was south of the Neck or away from Winterfell all together. Well, not the first time, but this time I could actually appreciate it.

Crossing the Twins was luckily no problem. Not even Walder Frey was stupid enough to challenge the wroth of Robert Baratheon when we goes to war. And after about a months travel we arrived at Seagard.

Seagard was pretty dull. It looked like I imagined a typical medieval port city, but it had no distinctive features about it. Apart from the several thousands of soldiers before the walls and the massive fleet in the harbour.

My uncle and most of the Northern Army continued marching to Casterly Rock, while the rest stayed here under the Greatjon, which most of them were very glad about as the southern heat hit them surprisingly hard. Luckily for me, the heat didn't affect me that much.

The next weeks we waited for the Iron Fleet to be destroyed so we could sail to the Iron Isles. The waiting consisted mostly of training, for me and the army, and planing discussions for the generals, of which I attended quite a lot as Ser Bryndens squire, who was the de facto leader of the Riverland troops. I learned quite a bit about different strategies and tactics there as well as met several River and North lords, of who some, after learning my name, congratulated me on my plans, which already started making them more money.

Finally the fleet returned, a bit smaller but with a lot of Ironborn ships in tow, and the shipping began.

The first thing I noticed was, that my stomach didn't got along with the sea, so I spend the first week constantly on the railing, emptying my stomach. Most of the sailors laughed at my misfortune and called me a land rat, which I couldn't reply to as I was busy feeding the fish. But I took solace I the fact, that I was not the only one down with seasickness.

As we reached Blacktyde, the first island we were to attack, I got somewhat used to the sea, but looked with dread at the long journeys I still had before me. And as Ser Brynden and I promised my uncle I stayed at the back, away from the battlefields. Either at the supply ships or in the camps at he islands themselves.

Still, I saw the first horrors of war. Soldiers who came back without a limb or who needed amputations. The screams of the patients and of the fighting itself could still be heard. The air stank of smoke, blood, shit and the unmistakable, horrible smell of burned bodies.

Once Ser Brynden took me with him after one of the battles. It was a sight I could have never prepared for and will never forget. Bodies laying around, dead and almost dead alike, foes and allies alike. They all screamed for mercy, their mothers or whatever gods could hear them. Until they screamed never more. Men who walked over the battlefield, killing any stragglers and anyone who couldn't be saved. Others collected the dead on big piles to burn them, no use in burying them or trying to know who they were. Mothers, daughters, sister, wives and lovers sat by their dead, crying and screaming to the heavens. Fathers, who held their sons hand, as they ended their children's pain. Brothers, who fought on different ends of the field, only to be reunited in death. Boys, no more than sixteen, staring at nothing, catatonic through the terror they've seen.

"War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity, it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it.", I said, as I saw the field.

"Sounds like a wise man. Who said that?", asked Ser Brynden, as we walked to the command tent.

"Me, just now." No, it was Luther.

"Well, you're right. Unfortunately we can always decide whether we want to fight or not."

"I know. Complete peace is a nice idea. But that's just it. An idea. An idealistic idea. I doubt humanity will ever achieve it."

Over the next months one island after the other fell until at last only Pyke remained. While most of the troops went back home or continued garrison the conquered islands, some rallied to the kings host before the walls of Pyke, as they were besieging it. Ser Brynden and I were among themselves

The castle of Pyke is divided into four towers on small stone stacks in the sea, connected by bridges , which made it immensely difficult to storm. King Robert's Host must have besieged it for quiet some time as several war machines already tore down most of the southern wall of the gatehouse, which only left the castles themselves to take. Unfortunately that still was no easy task and many men would die, so our reinforcement was gladly seen.

Ser Brynden was immediately called to the kings tent to discuss the attack with the other lords and as his squire I followed.

The kings tent sat in the middle of the camp. A massive one compared to some of the others, except perhaps the other lords, it stood out immediately with his bright red colour. Inside sat Lord Paxter Redwyne, Ser Barristan Slemy, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord Stannis Baratheon, my uncle Lord Eddard Stark and the king Robert Baratheon, as well as several squires and servants.

"Blackfish, good, you're finally here. Then we can fucking get this over with.", Roberts voice boomed through the tent, as Ser Brynden sat on the empty chair at the table, a map of the castle on it, me standing behind him. "And who are you?", he asked while looking at me.

"I'm Jon Snow, your grace. Ser Bryndens squire.", I replied.

"Jon Snow, eh? Is that your Bastard Ned? Sure looks like you. All grim and glooming.", the king said with a laugh. "You're the clever little bastard who invented all this new stuff recently. Jon wouldn't stop talking about it. Well, can he at least fight, Blackfish? Has he killed one of the Ironborn already?"

"He has talent. But he is still far to young to fight in an actual war, your grace. He stayed back at the camps."

"Fuck that, if he can fight he can kill. But I would like to see for myself if he has talent, if the Blackfish says so." Now he looks away from me and back to my uncle.

"But enough about that. Ned, how are we with the war machines?", he asked.

"Almost done, your grace. Most of the southern wall has been torn down. A few more days and we have our breach."

"Ha, finally. Than I can kill these Ironborn fuckers."

"Even if we have a breach, the layout of the castle will make sure, that we will loose a lot of men when taking it.", replied Ser Barristan.

"A necessity, when we take the castle.", disregarded Lord Tywin in his cold, almost emotionless voice.

"Ser Barristan is right, your grace. Even with a shildwall their archers will tear our soldiers apart. Thousands will most likely die.", said my uncle.

"I will not wait and starve them out. Takes to bloody long. And I want to kill something.", replied the king.

"Why don't they just use rectangular shields?", I asked Ser Brynden, whispering in his ears.

"Speak up, boy. If you have a clever idea I want to hear it.", the king interrupted Ser Bryndens answer.

"I simply asked Ser Brynden why the soldiers don't use rectangular shields, your grace."

"Rectangular shields? That's the first time I hear of such a thing. What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Well, opposite to the round or kite shield, a large rectangular shield would cover almost the entire body. This way when they use shield wall, they are protected at the front, the top and the sides. Then they simply march that way towards the enemy and break formation before they engage. So there is only a minimal amount of space for arrows to go through and should lessen the casualties. It's like a turtle."

"Well I be damned. He IS a bloody genius. Why has no one ever thought of that?", said King Robert with a laughed. "Lannister, get your the men working on that!"

"Yes, your grace. It will take some time, until they can march in such a formation, but they will get it done before the wall falls."

"Good, then we can finish this. You're dismissed. Not you, Ned.", ordered King Robert and we left the tent.

The next days I spent mostly explaining my idea to the different commanders and soldiers, who managed the formation more or less. Although the marching was still the biggest problem. But it would be enough for now.

I was at one of the training yards, practising a sword move I had trouble with, as I heard someone say behind me: "You extend your right foot to much when you attack."

I turned around and saw Ser Barristan Selmy standing at the side, as he must have for the last minutes. I took a small bow as he came closer.

"Ser Barristan, I didn't see you coming. To what do I have the honour?"

"I wanted to see for myself the talent the Blackfish spoke about."

I looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to continue.

"I must admit, you do have a talent for sword fighting. Although I'm not sure if the longsword is the best weapon for you.", he said as he went to one of the weapons racks with the training weapons and took a bastard sword. "Your body seems to try for more reach. Here, try this."

"A bastard sword? Fitting, I suppose.", I said, as I went into my practice stance, when I noticed Ser Barristan took a training sword for himself and stood in front of me.

"You want to train me?", I asked, both elated and bewildered.

"I want to see what you truly can do."

I nodded and we began to circle one another.

Soon, I realized, just why Ser Barristan was called the best swordsmen in the Seven Kingdoms. I found almost no openings and those I did found were made deliberately to make me attack.

Step after step, jump after jump, roll after roll, quickstep after quickstep we circled around the field. Every attack from me he blocked, parried or countered. If I attacked with speed he was always faster. Faster then you would think of someone his age. If I attacked with force he would simply block it as if it was nothing.

But when he attacked me I was hard pressed to block even some of his attacks. Most often there were to fast for me to see and I had to rely on my instincts, which mostly didn't work and ii didn't take long until I could feel a couple dozens bruises under my padding. Sweet poured in rivers down my body, some of which even went over and into my eyes, making it even more difficult to see.

After no more then half an hour of getting my ass kicked and and put on my back I collapsed, my arms incapable of holding my sword any longer. So I laid there on the ground, exhausted as I rang for air, while Ser Barristan looked not one bit tired.

"You...certainly...earned...your title...Ser. You...really are...the best.", I panted.

"I am also a grown man and have decades of experience. Still, you did good. Certainly better than most, especially considering your age. But we will have to work on your footwork and endurance."

"Work? Does this mean...your going to train me?"

"It's not like I have much better thinks to do in my free time at the moment. Besides, the Blackfish was right, you have talent. To be honest, the last person with this king of talent I trained was Prince Rheagar."

"Rheagar Targayen?", I asked as I sat up.

"The very same. Although he was more the bookish type. But one day he comes down to the training yard and tells the master-at-arms 'Apparently I need be able to fight, so I will learn it.'. And he did. He might have preferred his books, but he had the talent and skill to fight."

"Well, that's just peachy.", I muttered, as he put his training sword back on the rack.

"I will see you here tomorrow after luncheon. And warm up, before I come here.", he said and turn to leave.

"Yes, ser. I'm just going to lie here somewhat longer."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Also, get a hot bath if possible and massage your muscle with goat fat or lard, otherwise your muscles will cramp and you can't move them at all the next day."

With this said, he left and I put away my sword as I dreaded the next days, but was glad for this unique opportunity.

The next days were hell, as Ser Barristan seemed to want to get as much knowledge and skill into me as possible over a short amount of time. Fortunately Ser Brynden decided to stop our spars and focused only on strategy, tactics and maintenance of both sword and armour. Still, I learned a lot from Barristan the Bold, even if it were only some pointers, a few corrections in my form and some tricks.

Finally the walls of Pyke crumbled and the soldiers charged through the breach with the new formation. I wondered if Jorah Mormont still was the first on to go through.

Two days later we all went our way. Balon Greyjoy bend the knee, Theon was taking as a ward for Winterfell and the army either dispersed or went with most lords to the tourney at Lannisport.

Ser Brynden and I on the other hand continued on the Goldroad to Kings Landing and soon the stench of the capital could be smelled.

A.N.: And done with this chapter. It is relatively short, I know, but it is more of a filler. However, in the next chapter there will be politics, intrigue and preparations for the future, so it will get exciting soon enough.

A final note. The roman turtle may seem strange to some, though it is only logically for me to use. As we have seen in the assault of Casterly Rock it is nothing new to raise the shields to block arrows. However, as there was never been a Roman Legion the turtle tactic should not exist. At least not in the form how he all know it. And it makes an attack at a breach a lot easier.

For this chapter I recommand "Das Buch von Eden" by Kai Mayer for my german readers. Don't worry, next time there will be an international recommendation again.

Next chapter: Alliances are made

As always, if you have any comments, critics or question feel free to leave a review.

See you next time,

Thela out