Chapter 4

Two months have passed since Ashara found out that I taught myself to read. During this period, she asked Maester Othis to start teaching me about the North and its customs, something that sparked my interest. She noted that this knowledge would be crucial, as she planned to send me to the North soon. In recent months, Maester Othis instructed me about the region, its houses, and traditions, something that fascinated me deeply. I decided to follow faith in the ancient gods, although I also prayed to the galactic being who had brought me here.

The Maester was surprised by the ease with which I absorbed all the knowledge, going so far as to say that I was blessed by the Seven. These words bothered me a little, as I had no affinity with the Faith of the Seven. However, I ignored the comment and continued my studies, eager to gain more knowledge about the North.

More and more, I longed to explore those lands. He imagined the vast potential of that region, especially the possibility of discovering unexplored mines. He planned to send explorers to find these mines in the future. Another important project on my mind was to convince Ned to rebuild Moat Cailin, a fortress vital to the defense of the South. I intended to present this idea to Ned, arguing that, in the future, I would like to hand it over to him and, later, to Robb. Furthermore, I planned to persuade him to rebuild the Northern fleet, making our region less vulnerable to Ironborn attacks, which would increase our security during their rebellion.

While I was engrossed in my thoughts and planning, Ashara suddenly entered my room, her voice sounding excited. "Alaric, come with me to meet your uncle Eddard. The guards saw him arriving with some men and a cart in the distance."

My initial excitement was quickly accompanied by a dark thought about Arthur Dayne, her brother, killed by Ned. I feared that this news would shake Ashara deeply, but I hid my fear. "Of course, Mom! Let's go. I'm looking forward to meeting Uncle Ned!", I replied, trying to show just enthusiasm.

She took me to the castle courtyard, where we waited for Ned to arrive. However, I noticed that Lord Dayne was not present. Intrigued, I asked Ashara, "Mom, where is Grandpa?" She looked at me fondly and replied, "Your grandfather had to go out to take care of some problems. Don't worry about him, my little wolf."

The wait finally ended when I saw Ned arriving on horseback, accompanied by Willan Dustin and Howland Reed. Howland was visibly injured, with his entire torso bandaged, probably the result of the confrontation with Arthur Dayne. Ned got off his horse and approached us. "Hello, Ashara. It's been a while since we last saw each other," he greeted.

"Yes, Ned. The last time was in Harrenhal," Ashara replied with a melancholy tone in her voice.

Ned then noticed my presence and seemed intrigued by my Stark features, my gray eyes, and dark brown almost black hair. "Who is that little boy next to you?" he asked, fixing his gaze on me.

Ashara introduced me, "He's my and Brandon's son, Alaric Stark." Ned, surprised and curious, asked: "Wouldn't it be Snow, Ashara?" She explained calmly, "Brandon and I were married at Harrenhal, Ned."

The revelation shocked Ned, and he fell silent for a moment, looking at me with intensity. Then he knelt before me and asked, "How old are you, Alaric?" I promptly replied, "I became one name days old 4 moons ago"

Ned nodded and addressed me, "As you are Brandon's only son, you are the rightful Lord of the North. I will be your regent until you are old enough to rule. Would you like to come to the North with me, Alaric?" I felt a mixture of joy and excitement as I replied, "Yes, Uncle Ned, I would love to go North with you!"

We were silent for a moment, and then I asked, "Can Mommy come along, Uncle Ned?" He pondered for a few moments, looking at Ashara, before speaking, "If she agrees, after I tell her something, yes, she can come."

Ned turned to Ashara and said, "Arthur is dead, Ashara." The news caused her to tear up and ask in a shaky whisper, "How did he die?" Ned replied truthfully, "Obeying your prince and best friend." Ashara nodded, accepting the truth, while I approached and hugged her, trying to comfort her. "Mommy?" I called softly. Her eyes met mine, and she smiled, saying, "I'll go with you."

With a heart full of emotions, I prepared myself for the journey that lay ahead of me. The prospect of leaving for the North with my Uncle Ned, even for a sad reason like Arthur Dayne's death, was something I looked forward to. But there was one condition that Ashara could accompany us, and I watched anxiously as Ned shared her news.

Ned, with his calm and steady voice, told Ashara about Arthur's death, a painful blow that she accepted with the dignity of a true lady of Westeros. She accepted the news with sadness in her eyes, but also with a courage that I deeply admired. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft but filled with determination. "I'll go with you."

A feeling of relief mixed with the sadness in my chest. My mother would not be alone. She would be by my side, facing the uncertain future with us. Her gesture of courage inspired me, renewing my determination to face the challenges that awaited us in the North.

Ned looked at the two of us with understanding in his eyes, realizing the weight of the emotions we carried. He then stood up, his gaze fixed on me. "Get ready, Alaric. We leave at dawn."

I nodded seriously, aware of the responsibility that fell on my shoulders. This journey to the North would be a milestone in my life, an opportunity for discovery and, I hoped, a step towards realizing my dreams.

That night, as the stars twinkled in the dark sky of Westeros, I lay on the bed in my room, staring at the ceiling with tumultuous thoughts. The idea of one day ruling the North was exciting but also frightening. I was no longer the boy I once was on Earth. I was Alaric Stark, a name I somehow felt I should honor with courage and wisdom.

Ashara entered the room and sat down next to me, her eyes reflecting the same mix of emotions I felt. She placed a gentle hand on my face, smiling tenderly. "You will be a great lord, Alaric. I'm sure of it."

I smiled back at her, grateful for her words of support. Deep in my heart, I knew she was right. I would face the future with determination, honoring the Stark name and seeking to make a difference in the North.

As I prepared for the journey that would come with the dawn, I promised myself that I would do my best. The North was vast and full of challenges, but I was determined to face them head-on. I was Alaric Stark, and my journey was just beginning.