Chapter 22: Valyrian Steel Secret

Jon's POV

My dream began like all the others: I rode on the back of Tessarion, her Valyrian steel armor gleaming in the light. Then I was beneath Meleys, her tail whipping the saltwater at my back as we soared across the sky. Finally, I found myself on Tyraxes, just as the scent of smoke and death filled my lungs.

My eyes watered as the sky darkened with smoke and red lava cracked against the heavens, fires pooling from the still-active volcanoes. But at the foot of Mount Balerion, a peculiar palace-like structure emerged through the thick smoke. Through its roof, I could see a man.

His honeyed voice filled my ears, soothing my worries, as the melancholic song of the Dance of Dragons played in the air. Slowly, Tyraxes descended, and as I dismounted from her wing, the silver-haired man turned towards me. His cool lilac eyes studied me with doubt as he spoke, his voice urgent yet composed, and something about it stirred a faint sense of recognition within me, as if I had heard it not in my dreams, but in some forgotten memory.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts as his urgency brought me back to the present. "You must come to Old Valyria. If you don't, all is lost. You are the Song of Ice and Fire, but without the tools and allies to guide you, all will be lost, and the world will end. You must come to Old Valyria, where the answers await you, where your greatest weapon will be revealed." Confusion swirled around me as a loud boom shook me from my dreams.

Startled, I sat up in bed, the blankets forgotten on the floor. The cool air hit my chest, causing a shudder, but I didn't feel the least bit cold. The ember in the hearth had died out, and Ghost, my loyal dire wolf, sat up to stare at me, his head cocked to the side, as another loud bang reverberated through the air. What could that be?

Sweat dripped down my trembling form as I moved to the window. The bright sun greeted me, and the snow had finally melted away, revealing the deep, dark land beneath. While the fall weather still bore the chill of winter, it offered us a respite from the storms.

Farmers without lands to till had been sent to the Gift, and they had sown every last seed of barley, corn, wheat, peas, and various fruits and vegetables. The other houses had almost collected their previous harvests, and the dragons were now large enough to be ridden. It wouldn't be long before they were ready for battle.

Sawmills buzzed with activity as they gathered every last bit of wood to repair castles, forts, and homes. My men and I had been cutting down trees around the northern grounds to contribute to this effort. We were also in the process of constructing emergency shelters just outside the walls, preparing for the possibility that refugees from other towns might need to move south.

A soft rap at the door broke my reverie. The loud pounding filled me with annoyance as I quickly pulled on a shirt, doing my best to hide the scars left by my supposed brothers. Anger and outrage still burned in my chest at what they had done, but it dissipated momentarily when Sansa called out to me.

"Jon, are you awake?" With brisk, long strides, I answered the door and found Sansa gazing at me with an inquisitive look, a faint grin forming on her face before she smiled warmly. "We should talk. We've received a raven from King's Landing."

I couldn't fathom why this would be good news. I doubted that the Lannisters would simply leave us be. But there was a dangerous glint in Sansa's eyes that I couldn't fully trust.

White-hot annoyance began to bubble in my chest as I nodded slowly. "Of course. I'll meet you in the great hall, and we can discuss their demands over breakfast." My tone was composed, but my skepticism lingered, not only towards the Lannisters but also towards my sister's seemingly pleasant smile.

I decided to check on my dragons after breaking my fast. They had grown too large to fit in the godswood, so they rested just outside the gate of Winterfell, or sometimes behind it. I dressed in boiled leather, wearing the Stark cloak Sansa had made for me and a pair of black trousers before slipping on my boots. Ser Davos should be returning with a skilled smith today, one capable of crafting armor for my dragons. Their necks and heads were less heavily armored, a deficiency I intended to correct.

With a deep breath, I made my way down the steps, Ghost at my side. The soft padding of his feet helped calm my thoughts as I passed soldiers and servants, each offering their morning greetings. Tormund was at Eastwatch, Edd at Castle Black, and Sam was at Old Town. My closest friends were gone, leaving me feeling increasingly isolated.

Most of my days were spent with my dragons, teaching them evasion tactics against arrows and potential scorpions, or singing to them. At first, they had cocked their heads, seeming to listen intently, and for a while, I had doubted they understood. But the real test would come when I issued battle orders.

I reached the great hall, passing by soldiers and servants. Littlefinger sat at the table, engaged in conversation with Sansa, who appeared rigid and distant. I did not like the fact that she seemed to heed his counsel.

Brienne of Tarth had gone to find the Blackfish, and word had it that with the help of his nephew, he had managed to escape Riverrun before the Freys and Lannisters laid siege to it. The Gift was beginning to yield bountiful crops, and with winter approaching, focusing on agriculture seemed wise. But it seemed that Sansa was more interested in surrounding herself with Vale lords than embracing her Northern roots.

"Jon, are you okay?" I looked up from my thoughts at Sansa's voice, which carried a falsely concerned tone. "Fine. Shall we get started? What do the Lannisters want this time?" I walked over to the table, poured myself a cup of ale, and helped myself to some smoked sausage and freshly baked brown bread.

"Cersei Lannister wants us to bend the knee, and in return, they'll forgive our crimes and name you Warden of the North in the light of the Seven," Sansa explained. "They also demand that we provide them with at least two years' worth of provisions as a penalty for our rebellion. From what Lord Baelish has told me, they are starving, and Highgarden refused to help them since the queen and her brother were executed. Furthermore, and this is their most significant demand, they want your dragons."

Sansa's tone bordered on amusement, but rage welled up within me. Nobody would take my dragons. They must be out of their minds if they thought I'd hand them over. I clenched my jaw in an attempt to contain the anger that threatened to boil over.

"And what else?" I demanded, my voice cool, even as I could feel the whispers and knowing glances exchanged between Sansa and Littlefinger.

"They are sending Lord Redwyne to the north to negotiate peace terms. I don't understand why a Reach lord would work for them, especially after what they did to the Tyrells. But at this point, it shouldn't matter. Supposedly, he left before this raven was even sent, and since it takes some time to get here, we can only assume that he will be here within a fortnight."

I took an unsteady breath as my rage intensified, a fiery inferno barely contained within me. "Burn that. Even if they attempt to invade us, they can't last. They aren't prepared for the northern weather, and they know it. That's why they're sending a Reach lord, one I'm guessing they consider expendable.

If they know about my dragons, they must know I won't just hand them over. No doubt they're hoping I'll kill the Reach lord and make an enemy of Highgarden. If diplomacy fails, they will march, but just like Stannis's army, they will fail. For now, let's focus on our preparations. We must build our storehouses and barns for our livestock, breed them as quickly as possible, and gather the last of the summer harvests to prepare for planting with dragon fire.

As soon as the harvest is complete, I will travel from Bear Island to Moat Cailin and burn the fields. From the ashes, new crops will grow. But for now, I need to visit my dragons. Is there anything else we need to discuss?"

I struggled to maintain a calm tone as I slowly stood, aware of the whispers and knowing glances exchanged between Sansa and Littlefinger. After a moment, Sansa spoke in a composed tone, "No, Your Grace, that is all." I took that as my cue to leave. I didn't trust her, and every moment she spent with that fool eroded what little trust I had left.

The sound of anvils pounding filled my ears, the same booms from this morning echoing through the air. The clinking of axes and the scent of smoky forges filled the air. The bright blue sky hung overhead, and the sun warmed us all.

If it weren't for the Lannisters, this would have been a great morning, along with the recurring dream that haunted me. Nevertheless, I gazed over the gray walls and saw a magnificent silver dragon with white horns just peeking over them. Tessarion's eyes locked onto me, filling with joy. I couldn't help the smile that crossed my face as my anger dissipated.

I hastened my pace to reach the open wooden gates. Tessarion slowly rose as I left the courtyard, her silver mercury eyes studying me as she loomed over me, her massive head dwarfing my body, and her expansive wings spread wide. She nuzzled me, her body nudging gently at my chest as if she were urging me to hold on.

I couldn't help but laugh as a man bringing in firewood watched me. "Do you want me to ride you?" I said, my tone soft and suggestive, running a hand along her neck. It was moments like these, early in the morning when the light touched her scales, that I found myself mesmerized. I watched her wing lower as she looked at me hopefully.

Slowly and carefully, I climbed onto her back, the warmth of her body enveloping me as I stared at the white spines. I sat there, savoring the sensation before leaning forward and tightening my grip on the two white spikes between her shoulder blades. With a mighty roar, I felt her muscles tense as she began to run. I watched the gray ground as soldiers scattered left and right, tumbling into piles of mud.

A light-hearted chuckle escaped my lips as I called back, "Sorry!" Then, before I knew it, with a powerful flap of her wings and a running start, Tessarion launched into the air. My heart soared as I slipped into her mind, feeling free from duty and burdens, momentarily forgetting the troubles of the North.

The cold air whipped at my hair and stung my eyes, but as I blinked and adjusted, the bright blue sky drew closer as the wind roared around me. Happy screeches filled the air as I looked to my left. Meleys cruised through the white clouds, excitement in her eyes. I turned to my right and saw Tyraxes, her eyes alert as she edged forward. I couldn't help but laugh as we soared through the sky, the only sound being the mighty beating of wings.

In the air, I felt like a king. I decided to do something daring, tightening my grip on the spikes and pulling back. Tessarion responded, and I watched the world spin as she executed a backflip before plummeting, the winter pines growing closer. As she completed the loop, I leaned forward, and she shot back up through the clouds. The moist air dampened my clothes, but I couldn't care less.

She slowed mid-motion, her wings beating against the sky as we hovered in place. I could see the entire North, even the Wall in the far north, and the massive blue icy wall stared back at me. As I turned my head, I spotted Winterfell Castle, though the people were mere black dots, and the once-bright sun was now concealed behind a veil of white clouds.

I sat in awe, my jaw dropping, feeling utterly at peace. My breathing slowed, and I no longer bore the weight of my burdens or concerns about the dead. At that moment, I was truly alive, and I never wanted to return to the ground.

Loud, booming shrieks filled the air as I noticed Meleys and Tyraxes ascending, swirling around each other. "Let's go for a ride," I urged Tessarion to the right, and we soared through the sky, the ground fading as we climbed higher and higher. Up here, on my dragon, time lost its meaning.

On the back of Tessarion, flanked by my two daughters, Meleys and Tyraxes, it felt like pure bliss. Filled with elation and joy, I failed to notice the black, icy waters lurking below or the small island in the middle of it. With a fiery screech, Tessarion descended until I could see vast, barren lands below—unusable for centuries. The people of Bear Island relied on a few fertile fields and the sea's bounty for sustenance.

"Tegun," I softly called out to the dragon, and she obediently lowered herself. Below, the great keep of House Mormont came into view, its inhabitants staring in awe as Tessarion descended. My cloak billowed in the dying winds as she touched the ground, and the onlookers gazed in wonder at the majestic creature.

The freedom I had felt in the sky faded, replaced by pride as they marveled at Tessarion. I remained on her back while the people gathered around until a commanding yet puzzled voice broke the silence. "Your Grace?"

I turned to see Lyanna, her usually guarded demeanor softened by a hint of wonder in her brown eyes. There was something undeniably magical about witnessing a dragon, and I had never thought I would see it happen until my daughters were born.

"Hello, Lady Mormont. I promised you that the first place I'd visit when I rode my dragon would be here," I said with a smile, swinging my right leg over Tessarion's back as she lowered her head to meet me. I placed a gentle hand on her warm, smooth neck. After soaring through icy clouds, my damp clothes began to bother me slightly. I gracefully dismounted Tessarion, and as soon as I did, she cast the people of Bear Island a calculating stare before taking off into the sky with her sisters, leaving me to exchange a gentle smile with Lyanna.

Her wide brown eyes watched Tessarion's graceful ascent with a mix of awe and admiration, prompting a light-hearted chuckle from me. While I might be back on the ground, it didn't mean I couldn't occasionally live among the clouds.

"How is the training going?" I asked in an even tone, the soft earth beneath my boots caking them in a layer of dirt. I didn't mind, even as I rubbed my aching hand. As I examined it, I noticed the spikes had slightly shredded my skin. It would take some time for my hands to develop calluses, a process similar to sword fighting—repetition toughens the body. My skin felt tender, now tinged with pink, and I knew it would likely hurt later, but it was a price I was willing to pay.

Lady Lyanna's voice reverberated with power, and I half-expected the very earth to shake. "KING SNOW IS GOING TO FERTILIZE OUR LAND! GET FAR AWAY FROM THE FIELD!" People scattered for safety, and I couldn't help but laugh as I observed the cool black waves crashing against the rocky shore, the salty ocean spray gently brushing against my skin.

"Training is progressing well, Your Grace," Lady Lyanna replied with a steady and cold gaze, her lips forming a grim smile. As I glanced up the hill a few feet from us, it became evident that the entire population of Bear Island was watching us, with some studying the sky in terror as the faint sound of wings in the distance filled the air.

"How about we enjoy the view from the dragon's back after we've finished this bit of work?" I offered, putting on the most charming smile I could muster as I studied Lyanna. At first, her face appeared blank and impassive, but slowly, a smile started to curl at her lips. It wasn't the same dazzling smile she wore when I introduced her to my daughters, but it was a start. I knew that losing her mother and elder sister had made it difficult for her to find joy in life.

"So, which beauty would you like to ride?" I asked in a light yet inquisitive tone, speaking so casually that she seemed almost surprised by my ease.

I thought about how much she had interacted with Tyraxes, and I had a desire to see what would happen when I rode more than one dragon. I pondered the image of her giant red scales glistening in the morning light and called out to her in my mind. "Tyraxes, come to me," I thought the words, and they drifted into her mind.

I could feel her heart pounding in her scaly chest and the excitement that made her wings flap just a bit harder. As I gazed toward the sky, I could see her descending from the clouds, her wings tucked until she drew closer to the ground. Slowly, her wings started to expand as she lowered herself to the ground, landing right in front of me. Her crimson wings unfurled, and she dipped her head down.

"Shall we?" I thought that she might hesitate or back away, but she walked over to Tyraxes with me at her side. I could feel the eyes of the people of Bear Island on me, studying me as they watched their liege lady. I sent calming thoughts to Tyraxes, instructing her to allow Lyanna to ride her with me. Her mind buzzed with excitement and eagerness, and with some assistance from both Tyraxes and me, Lyanna climbed onto her and settled onto her back.

Not too far back, I signaled She-Bear, and she adjusted her position. With a few more soothing thoughts from my mind to Tyraxes and a whispered phrase in High Valyrian, I climbed onto Tyraxes. The process was quicker and much easier than the first time with Tessarion. I ascended Tyraxes' wing, holding onto her neck for support. Once I landed behind Lyanna, a deep sense of pride washed over me. I half-expected Tessarion to react somehow, but to her credit, she responded with nothing but warmth.

"Alright, hold on tight," I said to Lyanna. I felt her excitement radiating as I reached forward, grabbing two ruby-red spikes while my arm encircled her. I pulled back on the spike, and Tyraxes shot into the air. The wind whipped around us as joyful screeches escaped Lyanna's lips. Below, the black soil rushed by as I uttered a single command.

"Dracarys."

A fiery crimson wave erupted from us and descended upon the barren ground below. The scent of smoke filled my nose as mesmerizing crimson flames scorched the earth. The soil was consumed by fire, and I watched the flames with a sense of wonder. I heard a gasp escape Lyanna's lips as her eyes widened, taking in every detail. At that moment, I felt freer than ever. The fire eventually died down, leaving behind the scent of burnt earth and smoke.

We banked left and right, the wind roaring around us as we tried not to bite our tongues. I could see men, women, and children training below us. Some keeps were drained of their inhabitants, while others stared in awe. A few even looked proud, watching their fearless Lady Mormont ride on the back of a dragon. Men dropped arrows they were about to lose, and others let their spears and swords lie forgotten on the ground.

After a while, we began our descent, landing gently on the ground as the biting wind subsided. Lyanna turned around, her face flushed and red from the cool air, but her joy was unmistakable as she smiled at me. "Thank you, Your Grace. We'll start planting crops tomorrow morning."

A laugh escaped my lips as I nodded in response. After a few more expressions of gratitude from the townspeople, I shot back into the sky. I wasn't going anywhere, in particular, just enjoying the feeling of warmth beneath me as I watched the clouds lazily drift by.

I could sense Tyraxes and her sisters, feeling their love, joy, and excitement. I got lost in the moment, enjoying it as much as they did. Eventually, I grew bolder and let go of her spikes, allowing my ruby-eyed beauty to take control. We flew for what felt like hours, maybe minutes, or possibly even days. My body ached, and my mind grew weary. Was this the strain from entering the minds of more than one dragon?

My eyelids grew heavy, and I closed them, feeling a sweet yet urgent voice filling my senses, calling out to me. "Yes, come to Old Valyria. We are waiting." At the sound of the sweet voice in my head, my eyes snapped open, and I glided through the air. Tyraxes flapped her wings once more, and I found myself looking at a blackened sky with streaks of red.

An island, unmistakably Valyria, encircled by 14 volcanoes, greeted my sight. The black smoke choked me, and the scent of death hung in the air. The sun was hidden by the clouds, but it peeked out slightly as we drew closer. My mind felt clouded as if I had been somewhere else for a long time.

The deep black ground, covered in ash from the volcanoes, was underfoot. I noticed Mount Ablation, and at the base of the volcano sat a low, crumbling marble building. It was blackened by fire and seemed to be crumbling away into dust. Tyraxes landed with a soft thud, just out of reach of the building. I slowly rolled off her back, my body exhausted and my mind confused.

My legs ached, and my heart raced as I examined my hand. My now tender flesh was stained with blood, and I noticed more than a few scrapes and bruises. Just how long had I been asleep? I hadn't noticed until now, but the ground felt smooth beneath my feet, more ash than rock.

With my bladder urgently needing attention and my stomach growling with hunger, I turned around to see Tyraxes sleeping. I was sure that her sisters would do the same. They had flown here nonstop, which meant we would be here for a while. I cursed my sleepiness. Why did I fall asleep? Well, since I was here, I might as well see what this was all about. The last time I had such vivid dreams, I ended up with three dragons.

But before that, I needed to get the blood flowing back into my legs. I needed to relieve the stiffness that came from spending so much time on Tyraxes. Once that was done, I took care of my next problem and quickly relieved my now-aching bladder. My heart pounded, and I could hear my stomach grumbling, making even more noise than my sleeping dragons.

The black sky loomed overhead as I walked, and ashes still drifted from the sky, filling my lungs. The closer I got to the temple, house, or whatever it was, the faster my heart raced. The soft rumbling of Mount Balerion filled my ears, threatening to erupt once more. As I reached the front of the temple, I read the crumbled rock, which in High Valyrian, read "The Forge of Balerion." A forge at the base of a volcano? Could this be what I think it is?

I ascended the crumbling volcanic steps, doing my best not to trip as the stairs turned to ash in the wind. I searched the ruins with a sense of shock and wonder. Voices were carried on the wind, and a million questions filled my mind. I noticed a few broken casts of weapons—a longsword, a spiked Warhammer, and others, most in need of repair.

Apart from these broken volcanic casts and the ashes that greeted me, there seemed to be nothing. I spun on my heels, giving the room a once-over, but nothing stood out. Or so I thought. In a pile of ashes where the man stood when I was dreaming, I saw something glinting. Moving over to the glint, I brushed the ash away, revealing a Valyrian steel tablet. I slowly read it over and over again, and I couldn't believe it. These were instructions for making Valyrian steel.