Hey everyone. It's me again. I'm going to try and post at least 1 chapter per week from now on. Latest will be two weeks. Well, at least that's the plan. Anyways, let's get on with the show, shall we:

When Saphira is talking in thought: 'eragon'

When they are talking in thought: ' '

When Braydën/Thorn is talking in thought: 'eragon'

~•~ Back In Westeros ~•~

Eragon sat in meditation, waiting the start of the House Joust, as it was renamed. All the while waiting, Eragon couldn't help but ponder over the recent developments. He watched, in the span of a few minutes, as the young man who once was a ward of House Stark now not only became a Knight of Westeros, but had earned him a title that change people's view of him in an instant. 

'Archer of the North. The fat oaf of a King has no idea what he inadvertently done.' He heard his partner Saphira speak in his mind. He couldn't help but agree with her. 'I agree. but I believe that it will have possible outcomes. Though, I also think that there was another motive to Knighting Theon.' He felt her in his mind, letting out a hum, as agreeing with him. 'I agree as well, Little one. I believe he did it to spite the young man's father.' He nodded his head as he watched the new knight get patted on the back by his friends Robb Stark and Jon Snow.

Balon Greyjoy, Theon's father, was the Head of House Greyjoy and ruler of the Iron Islands. Years ago, he renounced his oath which bound the Greyjoys and the Iron Islands to the Kingdom of Westeros and proclaimed himself King of the Iron Islands. Then he launched an invasion of Westeros, sacking Lannisport and launched raids all along the coast of Westeros. King Robert gather his forces along with the Lannisters and the Starks under Lord Eddard Stark and launch a counteroffensive raid of the Iron Islands, ending the war with the Siege of Pike, the capital of the Iron Islands. The war was henceforth known as the Greyjoy Rebellion, which led to King Robert's forces victorious, with Balon Greyjoy's two oldest sons slain in battle. Balon Greyjoy was forced to bend the knee to Robert Baratheon. To make sure that the Ironborn would never retaliate or rise up again, Balon's remaining son was taken and turned into the ward of Eddard Stark.

'And now, another insult to Balon Greyjoy. His only son not only being knighted by King Robert, but has a title that spites the Ironborn.' Eragon thought as he sat in meditation. 'Balon Greyjoy won't be happy when he hears this.'

'It matters little now. What's done is done. Nothing can be done about it now. Besides, the lad deserves it. Also, it'll keep him more loyal to the Starks this way.' Saphira said in his thoughts. He nodded as he opened his eyes to see that preparations for the House Joust were completed. 'You're correct Saphira. He does and he did good. Hopefully nothing bad comes from this.'

He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard the Herald speak. "Ladies and Gentlemen, now that preparations are complete, we will now begin the House Joust. And to keep up the festivities, shortly after we will have the House Relay. Now, let the representatives step forward."

Eragon watched as the Herald stepped away and saw the first representative canter in on his horse. With his recognizable dirty blonde hair anywhere, Set Jaime Lannister came to stop in front of the King and Lord Stark. "Representing the King of House Baratheon and Lannister, Ser Jaime Lannister."

Eragon looked on and scoffed at the smug look on his face. 'His arrogance will be his downfall one day.' He turned his head and watched as the Stark representative cantered in on the right of Ser Jaime Lannister. "Representing House Stark, Ser Jory Cassel."

After the herald stepped away the King stood up and motioned towards the two representatives. "Let the Joust begin." He sat back down as Ser Jaime Lannister and Ser Jory Cassel placed their helmets on and took their positions. With a kick to their horse's sides, the Joust begin with Ser Jaime and Ser Jory charging at each other.

Eragon watched as the Joust began, with Ser Jory and Ser Jaime going at each other with their lances pointed at each other. He looked on as the spear contacted each other's shields and broke up impact, but not sending the either flying. Passing each other they went to the end of the Joust line, where another lance awaited them. Rushing by, the two jousters grab the spears and charged at each other again.

Eragon watched as this continued for two more turns before end came. He looked on as Jaime charged ever faster towards Ser Jory, who looked ragged, and surged forward with his lance raised. What no expected, that at the last minute, Ser Jory leaned down, dodging Ser Jaime's lance and lifted his own lance.

Everyone watched with a look of surprise on their faces as the lance connected with Ser Jaime's chestplate, not only breaking the lance, but also sending Ser Jaime flying from his horse. Eragon watched as Ser Jory came to a stop as Ser Jaime let out a groan. The herald stood as he got the signal from the King.

"With this, the House Joust has ended. The Winner of the Joust is Ser Jory Cassel." The people of Winterfell  let out a round of applause as Ser Jory got off his horse and helped Ser Jaime to his feet. "Well done Ser Jory. I wasn't expecting you to lower your guard." Ser Jaime exclaimed as he rubbed his now sore chest.

Ser Jory just rubbed the back of his head as he responded. "Well, you would've won had I not. I was well ragged in that last turn. Had I went normally, you would've unseated me instead. Had to think of something quick otherwise."

Ser Jaime just sighed and then smiled, holding out his hand. "Well, you still won. That was a good bout. Let's do again, hopefully at the next Tourney." Ser Jory raised his hand, shaking Ser Jaime's. "Let's meet again. I would happily unseat you again, causing both men to let out a bark of laughter.

The applause soon ended as the King stood, causing both of the knights to kneel. "Well done the both of you. You both did well in the Joust. Especially you Ser Jory, since I heard that this was your first time in any Joust. Good on you lad." He stopped as he motioned with hand as men stepped forward with a decent size chest.

"As reward for winning the Joust, you are awarded 2000 Gold Dragons for your feat. Also, You will be granted the title of Winter Guard, first of it's kind." The crowd let out a gasp as the King raised his hand. "Just like the Kingsguard, the Winter Guard will be the main protection of Lord Stark and his family, their main duty is to protect them with their lives. Unlike the Kingsguard however, is that the Winter Guard will be allowed to have a family and heirs. Ser Jory Cassel, as the first of the Winter Guard, you will be the Lord Commander of the Winter Guard and will be allowed to choose those who will join the Winter Guard. Note that the Winter Guard will be absolutely loyal to Lord Stark. With my declaration as King, the Winter Guard will not have to answer to my authority as King, but the authority of Lord Stark, Warden of the North."

Eragon watched as he saw the stunned looks on the faces of everyone in attendance. He knew the implications of what just happened, and they were astounding and also severely wary. 'The fat oaf has no idea what he has done. Once the other Great Houses hear of this, they will be very wary of the North.' Eragon nodded to what Saphira had said as he thought about the implications of the King's action.

By the King's decree, with the creation of the Winter Guard, it's a force that is exceedingly loyal to Lord Stark. A force that was created to serve and protect House Stark by any means necessary. And the King will not be able to order them to do anything as he essentially gave them permission to ignore his orders. There was one detail that Eragon thought of that the King didn't, and it's what will make the other Great Houses very wary. The King didn't say how big the Winter Guard had to be. He left if to the New Commander's decision. In other words, it will be Ser Jory Cassel's decision as the Lord Commander of the Winter Guard.

Eragon watched as the King reached out and grabbed a new  sword that he had given to Ser Jory Cassel. "The King just made Ser Jory Cassel the most powerful man in the North next to Lord Stark." Sansa Stark, who was sitting next to him, looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"With the creation of the Winter Guard and then naming Ser Jory Cassel as the Lord Commander of the Winter Guard, He essentially became the most powerful man in the North. He will be given the authority to pick the members of the Winter Guard from any other houses in the North, and as directly under the Warden of the North and Lord of House Stark, they will be forced to allow it. He will decide on who will join the Guard and he will be in charge of training them. And biggest thing of all, He'll have no limit to how many will join the Winter Guard. And he can have basically anyone who would want to join the Winter Guard join it. I don't just mean from the North either. Anyone can join if they wish."

He stopped as he saw men stepped forward to congratulate Ser Jory, the now named Lord Commander of the Winter Guard. "If Ser Jory Cassel were to wish it, he will be able to create a massive army for House Stark. An army that will be only loyal to Lord Stark. A growing army that is only loyal to one man. One House." Sansa Stark let out a gasp as she now realized the implications of the King's decree. Eragon nodded as he watched as the King sat down.

"Lord  Commander Jory Cassel has essentially became the second most powerful man in the North. And soon, the other Great Houses will know of it. "

And that's it.  This chapter is finally finished after so long. Sorry everyone that I have posted a chapter in a while. I've been in a tussle for a long time with this. I will try to post chapters for now on. Anyways, I hope you like it and this story. Also, for those who still read this and like it, I have some much needed news. I will be continuing this story, but also, I will very soon be starting a new story alone with this.

It will be an IC x HotD crossover fanfiction. Yes. Eragon will be coming to the Dance.

Anyways, that's it for now. I will be posting a chapter or two as soon as possible. Ciao ciao for now. Lol :)-Weeksjmj