Prologue

Beneath the dense canopy of the Wolfswood, Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, guided his party through the labyrinth of ancient trees. His sons, Jon Snow and Robb Stark, his ward Theon Greyjoy, and the stalwart Jory Cassel, along with several Stark household guards, followed close behind. The forest was a living mosaic of autumn—rustling leaves and the distant calls of birds composing a symphony of the wild.

The late afternoon sun struggled to pierce through the thick branches, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Suddenly, Eddard's sharp eyes caught sight of an unusual, blinding light—a radiance that cut through the woodland gloom with a brilliance that seemed out of place.

"Hold," Eddard commanded, his voice authoritative. He raised a hand, signaling the group to stop. His gaze remained fixed on the distant glow. "Do you see that?"

Jon Snow squinted toward the source of the light. "Aye, Father," he replied, curiosity evident in his voice.

Robb Stark, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword, nodded. "Shall we investigate?"

Eddard's face was thoughtful as he weighed the decision. "Aye. But tread carefully. The Wolfswood is known to conceal many secrets."

Theon Greyjoy, always eager for adventure, grinned. "I'm ready to uncover this mystery."

Jory Cassel, ever loyal, nodded. "We'll follow your lead, my lord."

With determined steps, the group advanced through the underbrush, the forest floor crackling beneath their boots. As they drew closer, the light grew more intense, illuminating the undergrowth with an almost otherworldly glow. Eddard's hand tightened on his sword hilt, his senses sharpened by the anticipation of what lay ahead.

They emerged into a clearing where the source of the light became clear—a boy, no older than Jon and Robb, stood in the center of a smoldering crater. Clad in red and gold armor adorned with a bird motif, and carrying a sword sheathed at his side, he appeared incongruous with the surrounding wilderness.

Eddard's initial suspicion was that the boy might be a soldier from House Lannister, but the armor's design suggested something more exotic. He stepped forward, hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"Who goes there?" Eddard called out, his voice cutting through the clearing's silence.

The boy, calm despite the surreal circumstances, raised an eyebrow. "I mean you no harm," he replied, his tone steady.

Eddard introduced himself and his companions with the gravity befitting his station. "I am Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North. These are my sons, Jon and Robb, my ward Theon Greyjoy, and our loyal protector Jory Cassel. These are our guards."

Robb, intrigued by the boy's unusual appearance and the strange light, stepped forward with caution. "What brings you to the Wolfswood, and what is your name?"

The boy's face was troubled, his eyes shadowed with confusion. "I... I'm not certain. The last thing I remember was being in a fierce battle."

Jon Snow, sensing the gravity of the boy's plight, offered a sympathetic glance. "What happened?"

The boy's expression darkened as he recalled painful memories. "I fought someone named Tom, who has been the source of my suffering. I defeated him, but not before he took everything from me."

Eddard's face softened with empathy. "I am sorry for your losses. You are safe now."

Theon Greyjoy, unable to suppress his curiosity and disdain, interjected with a smirk. "A hero, are we? Saving the day, then?"

Jon's gaze hardened, his disapproval evident. "Theon, show some respect."

Eddard's gaze turned stern. "Enough, Theon. Each person's journey is their own, and it is not for us to judge."

Theon shrugged, his bravado fading as he absorbed Eddard's reprimand. "Very well," he muttered, though his tone still held a trace of sarcasm. "I'll keep my praise to myself."

The boy, Hadrian Potter, remained composed. "I do not claim to be a hero," he said. "I merely did what was necessary."

Eddard's demeanor softened further. "What is your name?"

Hadrian squared his shoulders, meeting Eddard's gaze with quiet resolve. "Hadrian Potter. But my friends call me Harry."

Eddard nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Hadrian Potter. A fine name indeed. You are welcome at Winterfell. We have ample room, and my family would be pleased to host you."

Hadrian's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Stark. I would be honored to accept. However, I have a companion who accompanied me here. May I summon him?"

Eddard considered the request thoughtfully. "Of course, Hadrian. But proceed with care. We must ensure everyone's safety."

Hadrian closed his eyes, focusing intently. "Fawkes," he called softly, his voice carrying a hint of magic.

A burst of flames erupted, revealing the majestic form of a phoenix. Fawkes, resplendent in his vibrant plumage, appeared in a halo of fire.

The Stark party's reactions were a blend of astonishment and wariness. Jon's eyes widened with reverent wonder, his mouth slightly agape. Robb's expression reflected a mixture of admiration and respect. Jory Cassel, initially startled, eased into a stance of cautious appreciation. The guards, gripped by a mixture of fear and uncertainty, instinctively reached for their weapons, their faces a mask of uneasy vigilance.

Eddard's hand went to the hilt of his sword, his expression a blend of wariness and curiosity. "What manner of creature is this?" he demanded, his voice steady but edged with apprehension.

Hadrian stepped forward, his demeanor calm and assured. "This is Fawkes, a phoenix and my loyal companion. He means no harm."

Robb and Jon exchanged glances of awe. "A phoenix?" Robb echoed, his voice filled with wonder.

Jon nodded, his gaze fixed on the magnificent bird. "I've heard of such creatures in Old Nan's tales, but never thought I'd see one in the flesh."

As the tension eased and the Stark companions began to relax, Theon Greyjoy couldn't resist another comment. "A flaming bird! I've seen more impressive sights in the Iron Islands."

Eddard shot Theon a stern look. "Enough, Theon. Show some respect."

Theon's bravado faltered, replaced by a humbled embarrassment. "I mean no disrespect, my lord," he stammered. "It's just... not something you see every day."

Hadrian's gaze remained steady as he addressed Theon. "Fawkes is more than just a bird. He is a creature of great wisdom and power. I suggest you remember that."

Theon nodded, his earlier bravado replaced by a sense of humility. "Of course, Hadrian. My apologies."

With Fawkes soaring gracefully overhead and the Stark party guiding the way, Hadrian fell in alongside them, his unfamiliarity with the terrain evident. The path through the Wolfswood was winding and dense, but Eddard's experienced leadership ensured they pressed on, guided by the ancient trees and the promise of refuge that Winterfell held.

---

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