The Wolf Of The North

Time and time again, Torrhen threw the knives at the tree.

In the beginning, he missed a great many of his throws and he would have to walk to the wall behind the tree to pick up the knife.

He tried all sorts of stances; he tried overarm trows, underarm throws, sidearm throws and even tried imitating ninjas from Naruto. He missed a lot, but that was to be expected It was his first time throwing knives after all. What he didn't like was having to go behind the tree and find every knife that missed the tree.

The sky started to dim and he decided it was time to stop. Sweat was running down his face and his arms felt very sore, but Torrhen felt that it was all worth it. He grumbled to himself as he picked up his knives from behind the tree, hating the chore of finding them in the grass each time.

'Wait. Couldn't I have just borrowed a target from Ser Rodrik?'

Chuckling at his own oversight, he put the knives back in the box and walked out of the godswood. He almost fell over as bran almost ran into him. He seemed to be chasing Arya, who was continuously turning her head and making silly yet unnervingly annoying faces at Bran.

"Where is it!" Bran shouted at her.

"Bleh!" Arya merely responded by sticking her tongue out and running past a corner.

"Hahahaha" Torrhen couldn't help but laugh watching this play out before him. It was both endearing and absolutely absurd.

He wasn't the only one who thought this, as both Robb and Jon were standing at the side and laughing as well.

"What's going on over here?" Torrhen turned to them and asked.

"Well, the issue over here is that Queen Nymeria has stolen the family heirloom of King Arthur and used it to scratch her back, so in his rage, King Arthur is now chasing after Queen Nymeria to give it back. Little does King Arthur know that the sword is with me us all along."

Jon tried his hardest to feign seriousness but the words he spoke just sounded so stupid. Especially when he respectfully unsheathed a stick from a piece of cloth behind him.

"This is meant to be King Arthur's family heirloom?" Torrhen felt something off about the situation.

"Why, of course it is brother. The magical and holy sword Excalibur is one that is famed throughout all the lands, having slayed demons and monsters and dragons. It is the most valuable thing in this world!"

Robb suddenly seemed so self righteous and proud as he praised the stick, causing the three of them to all break out into laughter.

"Lads, I guess it's time for supper." Robb cut Jon and Torrhen out of their laughing stupor as he started to walk away.

At the mention of supper, Jon's face froze. No one could blame him. Meal times were always the most awkward times of the day for him. He'd have to sit on his own table below the rest of the family and eat in silence.

At times, one could almost feel Lady Catelyn's gaze boring down at him. It was the only time of the day that the two of them would always be in the same place as each other, and that gave Jon pressure.

Torrhen place his hand on Jon's shoulder and just pat it gently.

"Don't mind mother, Jon. It will get better in time. There are a great many things you still need to know."

"What things, Torrhen?" Jon looked at Torrhen with confusion.

"I can't speak of those things just yet. When the time comes, I'll let you know." Torrhen walked away slowly in the direction of the Great Keep.

'How can I let you know your heritage? How can I let you know of your Targaryen ancestry? King Robert would come up here himself and crush your head with his war hammer if anyone were to find out. Forgive us, Jon. The time isn't right.'

Leaving behind a bewildered Jon, Torrhen quickened his steps and returned to his room, where he placed the box of knives under his bed. He then rushed off to the Great Hall for supper. By the time he got there, the sky had already darkened.

He took his place at the table beside Robb and Sansa and ate his meal. He wolfed down the venison and vegetables as fast as he could, much to the surprise of those around him.

"Have you gained an extra stomach?" Sansa stared up at him, baffled by his actions.

"Well that would be a sight to see." Ned seemed to laugh a bit to himself, which made Catelyn nudge him with her elbow. This only mad Bran and Arya laugh as well.

"What's the matter, Torrhen? Why do you seem so hungry?" Catelyn was confused.

"Well, umm, I dunno. I guess I just have a large appetite today?" His training had left him famished and, before he knew it, his meal had disappeared from his plate.

"Torrhen's a food monster!" Rickon squealed in his delight as he laughed at Torrhen. His words earned the laughter of everyone in the hall, making Torrhen feel a little embarrassed. As soon as he finished his supper, he ran out to the library to avoid all the laughter.

He always felt peaceful in the library, surrounded by the familiar smell of the books around him. Maybe it was because of his habits from before he came to this world, but he always loved reading and learning something new. He felt his mind broaden whenever something new was brought before him, and cherished the experience of gaining newfound knowledge.

But he knew he couldn't take everything too lightly. He had a duty to fulfill to his family, his kingdom, his race and himself. There were too many dangers, too many variables. It was enough to drive him mad.

A maid came in to light up the candles in the library. Now that there was some more light, Torrhen looked through the shelves for something to read. He had read and analysed a great majority of the books before him.

Luwin said he had the potential to become a maester of the Citadel, but why would he ever want that? Swear off women, titles, family, wealth and land? Why would he ever do such a thing!?

But what really interested him about this library was that he always found something knew to read. Whenever he felt he had read all there was to read, he found a whole new set of books.

Then again, House Stark has ruled from their seat in Winterfell for thousands of years. It wouldn't be strange for their book collection to have expanded.

Walking by the shelves, he ran his hands along the books to find a title he hadn't seen yet. It always was a tedious chore for him to find a new book.

He quickly swilled his head to the corner of the room.

'What was that?'

Torrhen wasn't sure if it was from the flickering of the candle and his imagination, but he seemed to see a small button in the far corner of the library. He walked over, his head c.o.c.ked to the side in his curiosity and his brows furrowed.

There was a shelf of books in front of where he believed the button to be, so he gently and carefully pushed it out of the way.

He saw a very small button, almost invisible, sticking out of the wall in the corner. It looked as if it was there by mistake, but Torrhen thought there may be something here.

Then he pressed the button and the windowless wall to his side began to tremble and shake.

"Whoa! What the heck is this!?"