The Wolf Of The North

(A/N: I'm going to refer to John as Torrhen from now on.)

Due feeling fatigued and light-headed after the ordeal he had just gone through, Torrhen stayed in bed for the rest of the day. Maester Luwin would come in at time to ask how he was doing and would come with a maidservant at meal times to bring him his lunch and dinner, but no one else would come. Luwin said it was because he should rest and be given space until he fully recuperate.

His condition carried on into the next day, and so Torrhen was left alone to his own thoughts. He began to compile in his head everything that he remembered from the Game of Thrones TV show and the book series to try plan out what was to come.

'Goddammit! If only I came here AFTER finishing the show and book series! Now there's so much uncertainty! I have no idea what elements of each series would prove vital in the endgame!

But it may not be exactly as the show and the books. My very existence is probably causing a butterfly effect and is changing the future events, however small the changed events may be. I cannot rely too much on my foreknowledge. I must adapt to this world.''

One thing that bothered Torrhen was that, until now, he had yet to see Jon Snow's shadow at all. He knew Jon was avoiding him because he and everyone else still thought him to be Ned's bastard, so he probably didn't want to intrude on family matters and incur Catelyn's ire.

It was paramount that he got into contact with Jon Snow and improved relations with him. From his memories, he could recall that he always treated Jon coldly, as did Sansa, due to him being his father's bastard. He thought that it was a blemish on his father's reputation.

Now that he had transmigrated to this world, he knew that Jon was no bastard, but instead was the truest heir to the Iron Throne. And with all the suspicion around his importance, heritage and role in prophecy, it would truly be stupid of him not to be on good terms with such a person.

Another thing that he took note of was the subtle yet seemingly vital importance magic would have later on, but due to him not having any relations to anything of that sort as of now, he could only forget those thoughts and leave them at the back of his head for now.

Another day passed and after three days of being bedridden, he was now healthy enough to leave the room he was in. He felt a sense of relief wash over him as he realized how stifled he felt in the room. He was used to being alone in a room for days at a time without leaving, but never had he been completely bored with nothing to do the entire time. It truly sapped him of his mental strength having to withstand the boredom.

After he walked out of his room, the first place he went to was the courtyard. He could see Robb and Theon being trained by Ser Rodrik Cassel, who seemed to be shouting at them the entire time. It didn't help that Robb and Theon would always trash-talk to each other in their spars.

"So you finally decided to show yourself, boy." Ser Rodrik came up behind him and put his hand on Torrhen's shoulder. "I thought you'd be in the Godswood daydreaming like you normally do."

"Ah, Ser Rodrik, I've decided that I need to change. I must learn the sword. Will you teach me?" This caused Ser Rodrik to look baffled. He looked at Torrhen as if he weren't human and was an alien breed instead. He placed his hand on Torrhen's forehead immediately.

"Are you sure you're alright, Torrhen?"

"You haven't answered the question yet, Ser Rodrik. Are you willing to teach me sword-fighting."

He gave Torrhen a long and hard look in the eyes and saw the unyielding resolution in them. He noticed this and sighed.

"We'll begin tomorrow. I'll need to speak with your father first."

"Great!" Torrhen then decided to run away, leaving Ser Rodrik dazed. He had yet to grasp what had just happened. Robb and Theon had stopped sparring and saw Ser Rodrik staring blankly at nothing.

"Is everything alright, Ser Rodrik?" Robb asked.

"Yes, everything's fine. But it seems the Gods have yet to forsake him."

Meanwhile, Torrhen was running to the Library Tower and began to look through the books before coming across a book called 'History of the Northern Wolf' about the history of House Stark. This book intrigued him, and so he put the book on the table in the center of the library and began to read.

Unbeknownst to him, Maester Luwin had appeared behind him. Seeing that Torrhen was engrossed in his reading, he quietly pulled out a chair and read a book, occasionally looking up at Torrhen with a faint smile.

It began to grow dark outside and Torrhen noticed the flicker of candlelight in the room. He looked up and saw Maester Luwin lighting candles and placing them on their holders on the wall. Maester Luwin turned around and smiled at him.

"So it seems you finally decided to pick up a book, m'lord."

"Yes, Maester Luwin. I feel that I need to change. I've wasted away too many years."

Luwin gave a meaningful glance at the book I had open on the table.

"I see you have an interest for your history. May I ask what it is that draws you to this book specifically compared to the others?"

"It's important for a man to know his roots. It's important for a man to know his origins and learn of their family's most trying and glorious times. It helps one to stay humble and aspire for better."

"Oh? Do go on." Maester Luwin looked shocked after hearing Torrhen's answer, and seemed eager to know what else he would say.

"A man in power must be grounded by his humility. If one has power and grows too arrogant, he'll be blinded by it and fail to clearly see what is happening around him. If he stays humble, he will be more likely to notice dangers around him. He needs a goal to work towards, or else growth in the territory would stagnate and the people would grow complacent, opening up flaws that other can take advantage of."

"My lord, may I ask who told you of this?"

"No one has. It's a conclusion I have come to after reading through the history of House Stark."

"I see. Meet me tomorrow in my study. It appears we must continue with your studies." After saying that, Maester Luwin walked out, Leaving Torrhen alone in the library.