Hand

The Surgebinder sighed and nodded before looking back up at Ned. "I must fulfil my duty, for that I need to back to my world."

"Facing the damnation," Ned remarked. "Your kingdom sounds like it rivals the seven kingdoms in size and power."

"With the way, it progressing in their hands it will surpass it," Jason stated. "That aside though I guess I'd better get to the point…Is there anything you can help me to go beyond the wall with a group of soldiers?"

"That would be suicide, Jason," Ned answered back.

"Can't the Night's Watch go beyond?" Although even he realized how desperate that was. If the known maps were correct the lands beyond the wall were vast and harsh along with filled with wildlings…possibly even worst things as well.

"I can't force them to do anything. only King Robert has such authority." Ned quickly explained. "Even then the Night's Watch is a shadow of what it was in the past. Its numbers are barely a thousand and most are criminals or the desperate. In the past, it was an honour to join the watch, not a punishment or escape for one's crimes."

"Alright…dwindling choices. Maybe I should go off on my own then." Jason suggested.

"Jason, while I know you're a capable man, that would be suicide. Only the most skilled rangers have gone far into the lands beyond the wall. Few ever made it back and most have been the north's greatest trackers and hunters." Ned warned.

"I'm no ordinary man though." Jason simply stated.

"Yes, but running off blindly isn't going to help." Thinking, Ned continued to speak. "Robert could help. He's a good man and I'm certain the news about the wildlings will give you some favour with him. With his influence, he could get you an experienced group of men, organize the Night's Watch, fund supplies and more."

"I'd rather not get involved in politics. The last time I did it ended badly." Jason remarked back.

"Sadly just staying with us gets you involved. Lately, times have been…tense between us and the Lannisters, a southern house that helped the rebellion succeed towards the very end of the war." From Ned's tone, he sounded a bit bitter on the matter, the second time Jason had seen the man in such a way. First being Dalinar himself.

"From my understanding, the Lannister family helped you take King's Landing through some questionable means," Jason answered back, having read up deeply on the rebellion.

"They've been grabbing for power ever since, be it through Tywin or his daughter Cersei who is the Queen. I'm worried that they have plans that will endanger the kingdoms and Robert." Eddard explained.

"Huh…Tywin…" Oddly just the descriptions of the man from the books he had read and stories he had heard sounded familiar.

"They've been keeping a close eye on us since we're one of their strongest rivals among the kingdoms. They no doubt have informants who will note your arrival. What they will make of it I can't be certain." Ned rubbed at his chin, sighing a bit in frustration. "I'll confess Jason, courtly intrigue isn't something I favour. I prefer facing such problems directly not through scheming."

The Surgebinder nodded in agreement on the matter. "Yet here you are discussing it. Rather you get to the point, Lord Stark." His tone was a bit more annoyed, almost rude considering.

Still, the need couldn't help but smirk at Jason's directness. "The Hand of the King is dying…maybe even dead already. Maybe it is age, sickness or poison. Point is Robert and the Lannisters are touring the kingdoms and will be arriving here within a month. I know Robert…he's going to ask me to be his new Hand."

Already Jason was thinking, realizing what ned was hinting at. "You want me to help you somehow and in return, you'll help me find Light?" The Surgebinder questioned.

Eddard nodded. "As the Hand, I have access to the kingdom informants, connections to resources and the best men Westeros can offer. Everything you'd need to scour beyond the wall."

"Lord Stark…Why share such details with me? You've known me for a bit over a week yet I feel this is information you should be sharing with Luwin or Rodrik." Jason remarked back.

"I have informed them of my thoughts and they have shared their advice. Yet you are an outsider entirely from Westeros, you have no true connections or affiliations yet a vast experience dealing with nobility and politics." Ned countered back. "In these times, I feel outsider's opinion, such as yours, be worthwhile to hear."

"My code doesn't-" Jason started before Ned again spoke up.

"That is a weak excuse, Jason. After everything you've told me, you've let your morals and sense of right decisions on when to be involved or not." Pausing, he'd continued "I'm not asking you to do this for my house's benefit. I'm not doing this for selfish gains like the lords and kings you've met before, this is about ensuring peace among the realm and keeping an old friend safe."

"My Lord, even the best of intentions have consequences. I've seen it time after time. Always it leads to innocent people dying and renewed conflict." Jason tried to argue back.

"I understand the risks. I'm not planning to war with the Lannisters or grab the Iron throne. I want none of that." Pausing, he'd tap one hand against his knee in thought. "I don't plan to rush into this, yet I feel your skills would be useful if trouble is to come. You don't have to swear or promise everything, just consider my request." Ned shifted to stand up and paced past Jason, placing a strong hand on Jason's shoulder. "You're an honest man, Jason. I swear everything you've shared with me will be just between us."

The Surgebinder was silent before nodding. "Thank you. Expect the same from me on what you've discussed."

Ned nodded before moving away, letting Jason get up and follow the northern lord back through the Godswoods and back to the courtyard as the evening crept in, the low sun casting a beautiful light across all of Winterfell.

******************

By now the men and workers were finishing up their duties for the day, showing just how long the two had been talking within the walled forest. Across the yard by the great hall gates, the rest of the stark family were gathering up for dinner, Arya seeing her father started waving towards him. Ned waved back before looking to Jason. "Plan to join the household for dinner? You've been staying up in that room for too long after all, so why don't you stay around." The Lord offered.

"That is kind of you yet I should get back to my research," Jason remarked in an excuse.

"Jason…one dinner isn't going to decide the fate of the world if that is what you're worried about. " Ned chuckled. "Enjoy the hospitality we offer. You deserve it after all you've been through." With that he'd move to greet his family, hugging his younger children and wife while chatting with his sons.

The Surgebinder watched, conflicted after his lengthy conversation with Lord Stark. He couldn't deny the respect Eddard had shown, accepting him despite his Surgebinder nature or even knowing about the power he had. Even the most open-minded Lords back home judged him on these aspects, yet Ned judged him on character and personal interaction. He was hesitant to get mixed into the living of this decent family, having a deep feeling that their lives face a dark turn.

Already he debated on what to do…could just run off…avoid the possible conflict he may face. Yet, in the end, Ned was right, he needed help if he was going to find Light. Braving the world alone would just have him wander aimlessly or maybe even get himself killed.

"Damn it…" Jason muttered, again looking to the family as they seemed ready to go into the great hall. Jon and Robb glanced over at him, curious if he comes along. Arya was waving, calling out to him. "Come on, Jason!"

In the end, the Surgebinder sighed before moving across the yard, following the starks into the great hall for dinner. For one of the few times in his difficult life, he'd laugh and share tales with younger Starks and the boisterous household. For once in many years he felt truly accepted…an odd feeling to him.