King's arrival

Two more days pass as the usual routine continued for Jason. He had just finished a long sparring lesson with Robb, Jon and Theon who had all become honed fighters under his tough training. It was impressive how well they had learned in just under two months yet Jon and Robb were evenly matched by the end. Already the group were packing away the training swords and getting mugs of water, relaxing since it was a cool yet sunny day.

"I think this will be the last day of training for us." Jason suddenly remarked, making the three young men give surprised looks.

"That's it? Run out of things to teach us?" Theon questioned.

"At least within your limits." The Surgebinder remarked back, making Theon give an annoyed look while Robb and Jon chuckled at his expression. "Point is you all have your own fighting styles, things that you or I can't simply change. All I can say is one final piece of advice."

All three nodded, listening intently to what Jason had to say.

"In a real fight, don't fight fair." He simply stated, making the three look confused and glance at each other.

"Not exactly the most honour piece of knowledge you've shared with us, Jason," Robb remarked, being respectful despite what the Surgebinder had said. "Father has always put honour before all else even in battle."

"In a duel, yah I can understand that. Yet what if one day you're facing down an assassin or against just a common soldier? Honour won't matter to them, only winning since it means life or death." He simply explained. "Honor will be worthless if your opponent doesn't give a damn about it. I've seen enough decent men die because of it and I'd rather not see any of you make the same mistake."

The three were silent, thoughtful over the matter yet troubled. After all, it was against what Ned had taught them. However, Jason moved up and firmly patted them all on the shoulders to snap them back to attention.

"Overall remember what I taught you and you'll get far in life." However before he or any of the others could say more, they heard Catelyn speak out, making everyone look towards the main wall.

They saw Bran climbed agilely down the side of the nearby tower while his mother and Maester Luwin stood by. From the noble woman's expression, she wasn't pleased with the boy's climb. From what Jason knew from chatting with the boy, he often did this much to his mother's annoyance. Jason and the others moved closer as Bran seemed excited about something while dropping down onto the nearby roof then climbing down the vines to the ground.

"But he's coming right now!" Bran explained while his mother walked up, leaning forward to look the boy in the eyes.

"I want you to promise me. No... More... Climbing." She asked, making the boy look down for a moment then back at her.

"I promise." He said, keeping a straight face when he spoke.

Catelyn gave a sigh, her expression softened as she'd give a small smile at her son. "You know what?"

Bran gave a confused look, head tilting slightly. "What?"

"You always look down at your feet when you lie." She coyly stated, making Bran give a big smile back, not seeming guilty about it.

"Ran along to your father. Tell him the King is close." She'd quickly order, making the boy nod and hurry off for the Great Keep.

At this point Jason and the other approached her and Luwin, the Maester giving a small bow to the group. The Surgebinder gave a small nod back before looking to Catelyn, her gaze stern when focused onto him.

"Boy can climb well you know." He remarked calmly.

"Well or not, it's not a safe thing to do." The woman remarked back. "He's young after all and shouldn't be putting himself at risk like that."

"Yet he won't be a boy forever," Jason argued back. "He's a smart and fit lad. I trust that he can handle himself."

"Then we'll agree to disagree Master Surgebinder," Catelyn muttered before giving a small sigh. "Family aside though, we all should get ready." Looking to Robb and Theon, she'd move off to the Great Keep to prepare, leaving the three to themselves.

"Heh…if Light was here…" Jason muttered, wondering what he would do to such a frustrating woman like Catelyn. No doubt some humiliating prank would be played.

"Mother has a point. Have to look our best for King Robert." Robb remarked, making Theon nod in agreement. "Anyway Jason, we'll meet you back in the yard later." With that he and the Iron Islander left, leaving the Surgebinder with just Jon. Looking at the young man, he could see the sidelong look he had. Catelyn had once again shown her discord for him, not even acknowledged him, not by name or even looking to him.

"Look…" Jason put a steady hand on Jon's shoulder, making the young man look to him. "I don't want to be involved in family politics but you're as much as a Stark as Robb and Bran. She may not see it but everyone else does. Ned does too, yet tradition forces him otherwise."

"I know that. Doesn't make it any easier knowing though." Jon muttered.

"Then don't cower or be silent. Speak up instead. If there are consequences then face them, yet show everyone that you are as steadfast as father and brothers." He'd shift away, moving for the Guest House. "Anyway, clean yourself up and get your best cloak. Maybe you last chance to meet the King after all."

Jon smirked at the last remark before Jason moved for the Guest House while he headed off to the Great Keep. Jason knew the young man needed some motivation since today was meant to be an exciting occasion. Arriving at his room, Jason quickly changed into fresh clothes yet also into a custom made northern outfit, similar to what the household members but with his own personal touch to the design. Strapping his sword to his back, he'd get his white hair fixed up before heading outside once more. Just checking out from one window, he could see the entire guard and soldier force were out for the King's arrival, the men lining up before the main gate and through the courtyard.