Chapter 4

*Eddard Stark POV*

It's been a long war. I have lost so much in such little time. First it was Father and Brandon, and now Lyanna. Gods, I'd hate to see what else this damn war would've cost me.

So many innocent lives, especially after seeing what was left of Elia Martell and those two children, Rhaenys and Aegon. Hearing my best friend and new king laughing like the Mad King himself at the disgusting display.

I swear if the Mountain ever comes North of the Neck, I'll personally remove his head from his own.

Besides all that I now have a nephew who no matter what is part of my blood, just as much wolf as he is dragon, part of the pack.

If Robert finds out he will stop at nothing to kill him, I can't allow that. Not my little sister's son.

I just wish she would've talked to us, 'when the snows fall and the white wids blow the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.'

Had we done what we were supposed to we wouldn't have suffered such losses.

Now I must think about how to handle Catelyn, I do trust her but Hoster and Edmure Tully and her sister Lysa Arryn definitely can't, just one slip of her tongue to any of them will end up in Roberts ear in exchange for more benefits.

I know what Hoster Tully was after when he engaged Catelyn to Brandon, and honestly I didn't really care.

I was happy with Moat Cailen and taking Ashara Dayne as my wife and they could play their games. But after Brandon's death it was thrust into my hands.

I had hoped to continue with the marriage to Ashara, don't get me wrong Catelyn Tully was incredibly beautiful but she didn't respect the Old Gods like the Northerners. But instead of getting assistance from my foster father in keeping my relationship with Ashara he too pressed for the marriage with Catelyn instead.

Honor bound he says, Aye and what about honoring my words to Ashara? Well needless to say I've given enough of my honor and I already let Ashara down but I won't let Lyanna down.

Catelyn will just have to accept him as my bastard, I won't risk breaking the oath I gave to her as she breathed her last breath. The look of happiness she gave as the light left her eyes after hearing my oath, no matter how much more my 'honor' is affected I will protect my pack.

I just hope Catelyn will grow to love the boy as her own, but even so he will always have a father he can turn to.

Speaking of which I am excited to see my own sons, Rob and Cyrus who I've heard wild tales of blessed by the Old Gods.

I can only hope it's true, the Gods know we need a little blessing right about now and Winter is coming.

Seeing Howland Reed nobly and loyally travelling next to me, ever vigilant, a fine warrior and bannerman.

The only companion left of the six who travelled to help rescue Lyanna.

Lord William Dustin, Ethan Glover, Martyn Cassel, Theo Wull and Ser Mark Ryswell perished at that god forsaken tower.

"Lord Stark, if you don't mind it would be an honor to foster Jon, I owe Lyanna so much. I would give my life to ensure his safety."

Brought out of my thoughts by Howlands offer, and seeing the reason for his sudden offer, Winterfell now visible from the Kingsroad.

"No Howland, your a fine warrior. I don't doubt your words or your loyalty my friend. But I'd rather keep him close, us Stark's have to stick together in the same pack. It's how we survive, you can see the results of us not sticking together already. I dont plan to make the same mistake, especially so soon. But I thank you for your offer, and should I find need or desire for Jon Snow to foster I give my word you will be first choice my friend."

Seeing the smile on Howlands face brought me out of my sad thoughts as I looked at the baby in his arms.

Having to transport your older brother and little sisters body was an experience I hope to not go through something like this again.

"Lyanna, Brandon we're home. You'll finally be able to rest knowing your home. The pack will finally be back together, although Benjen is talking of taking the Black. Although I don't wish him to leave I'm at least thankful he's headed further North then south."

It didn't take long till we made it to the gates of Winterfell.

Entering into the courtyard of Winterfell and being greeted by his beautiful wife with a baby in each arm, made all those worries of tomorrow fade into nothing.

Excitedly jumping off my horse and quickly making my way to my brother, wife and sons.

"Greetings Lord Stark, Winterfell is now yours."

Grasping Benjen in a large hug. "Aye, you didn't burn the place down I see. Still in one piece, commendable."

Glad to hear the chuckle from his younger brother. I made my way to Catelyn.

"As beautiful as the day I saw you, dear."

Seeing the slight blush accompanied with her smile made me know I still had it.

"May I present your heir and first born Rob Stark and your 2nd born Cyrus Stark."

Receiving both children in my arms, a feeling like no other surged from with in me.

My sons. My boys. I now fully understood how my sister felt holding Jon.

Tears began to fall as a hold them both close, wanting to give my all to protect by little wolf pups.

As I get lost in my joy at the sight of my two sons, Rob with reddish brown hair like his mother but the eyes and face were definitely Stark. Cyrus was all Stark as well except for the silver hair. It was similar to Targaryen in color but more of the color of the weirwood trees color after the face was carved into it which made it more vibrant. Many questions appeared in my mind.

Just as a look up to speak to Maester Luwin, I notice the look Catelyn has and without even knowing what she was looking at, I knew that it was time.

"I apologize for my late introduction, everyone I would like you to meet Jon Snow. He may be a bastard but he still my son, so I expect him the courtesy."

"Why would you bring something spawned from lust and sin Ned? He's a bastard and doesn't deserve a place here or he will take what is rightfully Robs."

Grimacing at her words full of hate and malice, he knew bastards were looked down on by the Faith of the Seven but this was a bit much.

Even in the North bastards were frowned upon, but as long as they maintained their honor and didn't knowingly cheat others they would be given their due respect.

But in the south or at least south of the neck but north of Dorne, bastards were shunned no matter whether they were honorable or not.

Most bastards either joined the Citadel, moved to Dorne or Essos where they will be treated according to their deeds instead of their name or status.

But after her words fully sank in, an anger boiled within me. That's my nephew, my blood and he doesn't deserve to be here?

Trying to hold back the anger I felt at how hurtful she could be towards a child no older then our own I as calmly as I could shot back.

"Now listen up, I am only going to say this once. He may not be Stark in name but he has STARK BLOOD running thru him so he stays. STARKs stay together or they perish. Jon Snow WILL REMAIN here. I don't require you to be his mother BUT I WILL be his father. Now I am tired as I'm sure is Howland Reed so if you'll please allow me to retire to at least get a wash and something to eat we can continue this discussion then."

Reluctantly I handed Rob and Cyrus back to Catelyn to move things along to a more private setting. After handing them to Catelyn, I retrieved Jon and handed him to the Dornish wet nurse I brought with me to nurse him on the journey.

"Follow Old Nan and she will get you settled. As promised after a few days rest or whenever your ready I will have your payment and funds to get you back to Sunspear."

"T-T-Thank Y-You My L-Lord"

Chuckling a bit at the dornish woman still shivering even while bundled up as much as she was.

As I walked up the steps, I see Maester Luwin approach.

"Welcome home my lord, I understand your tired from your travels, however I will not stop you from a bit of rest, I do want to saying that we speak as soon as possible with both you and Catelyn alone."

Not liking where this was going, I couldn't help but release a sigh. By the Gods, when will this day just be over.

"Nay, Maester Luwin I trust your judgement head to my solar and me and Catelyn will join you shortly. Have a maid bring up something to eat and I'll be in after I get out of these traveling clothes. Better to handle it now."