Chapter 39: Chapter 38: The Rumours and truth
The news spread like wildfire across the Seven Kingdoms. A boy of only seven summers, Jon Snow, the rumored bastard son of Lord Eddard Stark, had left Winterfell to carve his destiny. What shocked the realms more was the whispered tales of this young boy's extraordinary prowess with the sword—defeating his own father, one of the most formidable warriors of the North, in a duel.
Rumors painted the boy as blessed by the Old Gods, a genius destined for greatness. In the halls of Winterfell, the departure was a quiet affair. To the rest of Westeros, it was the spark for endless debates and intrigue.
#### **A Small Council in King's Landing**
In King's Landing, the Small Council convened, as usual, in the oppressive heat of the Red Keep. King Robert Baratheon sat at the head of the table, lazily swirling his goblet of wine. Around him were the lords and advisors who formed his council—Jon Arryn, his loyal Hand; Renly and Stannis, his brothers; the ever-scheming Littlefinger; the mysterious Varys; the pompous Grand Maester Pycelle; and Ser Barristan Selmy, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Queen Cersei Lannister attended as well, seated at Robert's side with her usual air of disdain.
The council meeting dragged on, with mundane matters of trade and governance dominating the discussion, until Varys, with his ever-present sly smile, cleared his throat.
"My lords, a most curious rumor has reached my little birds," he said, his soft voice cutting through the din.
Robert, bored and irritated, slammed his goblet on the table. "Out with it, Varys. I've no patience for riddles today."
"It concerns the North, Your Grace," Varys replied, his words dripping with intrigue. "The bastard son of Lord Eddard Stark—Jon Snow—has left Winterfell. Alone. With his father's blessing."
A stunned silence fell over the room. Renly broke it first, laughing dismissively. "A boy of seven? Alone in the world? Surely this is some northern jest."
But Varys raised a hand, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "It is no jest, my lord. My little birds confirm it is true. What's more, there are whispers of a duel—a duel in which young Jon Snow bested Lord Stark himself."
Robert sat bolt upright, his wine forgotten. "Ned? Beaten by a child? Seven hells, man, that's impossible."
Even Stannis, typically stoic, furrowed his brow in disbelief. "Eddard Stark is no common swordsman. This story defies reason."
Varys inclined his head. "And yet, my whispers insist it happened. The boy is said to wield two swords with such mastery that he overcame his father in single combat."
Cersei, ever disdainful of the North, scoffed. "Perhaps Lord Stark humored the boy. It would be like him to indulge his bastard."
Barristan Selmy, who had fought beside Ned Stark during Robert's Rebellion, shook his head. "Lord Stark would never tarnish his honor in such a way. If he was defeated, it was no playacting."
The room erupted in speculation, but Robert silenced them with a bellowing laugh. "By the gods, I'll not believe this nonsense until I hear it from Ned himself."
He rose from his chair, his massive frame towering over the council. "I'll write to him. If this is some northern folly
#### **The Letter to Winterfell**
In Winterfell, Eddard Stark sat in his solar, the chill northern wind whispering through the cracks in the stone walls. He read the letter from King Robert with a heavy heart. The rumors had spread farther than he anticipated, and now the King himself sought the truth.
Ned dipped his quill into ink and began to write:
Robert, my old friend,
The rumors you have heard are true. Jon Snow has left Winterfell, and he did so with my blessing. From the moment he could walk, Jon has spoken of a calling, a destiny he felt deep within his soul. He asked to leave, not in defiance, but with a determination that I could not deny.
I trust him, Robert, as I trust few in this world. He is a boy in years, but his spirit is that of a man.
As for the duel... it shames me not to admit that I was defeated. Jon is a genius with the sword, wielding two blades as if the gods themselves guide his hands. I am proud, not ashamed, that my son possesses such skill. He has practiced this style in secret for a year, and when he faced me, I knew I was witnessing something extraordinary.
He will achieve greatness, Robert. Of that, I have no doubt. Trust in the Old Gods, as I do, to protect him.
Your friend,
> Eddard Stark
The raven was dispatched, and the letter began its journey south.
**Robert's Reaction
When the raven arrived in King's Landing, Robert tore open the letter with eager hands. He read Ned's words, and as he finished, a booming laugh filled the chamber.
"That bloody fool," Robert bellowed, a wide grin splitting his face. "He's proud of it! Beaten by his own boy and wearing it like a badge of honor."
The council gathered around as Robert recounted the letter, and even the skeptics were left in awe. Barristan Selmy, ever the knight, was the first to speak. "If the boy is as skilled as Lord Stark says, he is no ordinary child. Perhaps the gods truly have blessed him."
Cersei rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with scorn. "A bastard is still a bastard, no matter how many swords he can swing."
But Robert ignored her, his mind racing. He slammed his fist on the table, his face alight with excitement. "If that boy's half as good as Ned says, he'll make the Seven Kingdoms remember his name."
#### **The Deep North**
Unbeknownst to the South, the Jon Snow they debated so fervently was no longer traveling the roads of Westeros. Two days after leaving Winterfell, Jon's clone—crafted through mysterious means—had disappeared. The original Jon Snow now stood in the heart of the Deep North, in place he has build known as Winter's Haven.
His mind absorbed the memories of his clone, every step of the journey etched into his consciousness.
Jon's decision to leave Winterfell was not made lightly.
#### **The Ripple Effect**
In the South, Robert's impression of Jon Snow began to spread. The King's admiration for the boy sparked curiosity among the lords of the realm. Whispers of Jon's exploits reached Dorne, the Reach, and even the Iron Islands. Some dismissed the tales as exaggerated northern legends, but others saw potential in the boy who had defeated Eddard Stark.
In Winterfell, Ned received letters from old allies and acquaintances, all inquiring about Jon. To each, he gave the same answer: "Jon is destined for greatness. Trust in him."
In the East, even across the Narrow Sea, tales of Jon Snow began to reach the Free Cities. Merchants and travelers spoke of the boy blessed by the Old Gods, a child who could wield two swords as if born to them. Some whispered that he might one day rival the greatest warriors of history.
#### **A World Unseen**
As Jon was unaware of the ripples his actions had created.
The world watched and waited, and the boy from Winterfell stood on the brink of legend.
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