The Ironborn raids along the western coast had grown bolder, their ships striking villages and retreating before the North could mount a proper defense. Jon and Robb, now seasoned fighters, led an expedition to repel the invaders. The brothers stood on the cliffs overlooking the sea, their eyes fixed on the Ironborn ships anchored below.


    “We need to hit them hard and fast,” Robb said, his voice firm. “If we can take out their ships, they’ll have no way to escape.”


    Jon nodded, his dark eyes gleaming with determination. “I’ll handle the ships. You take the men and hit them from the shore.”


    Robb hesitated, his blue eyes filled with concern. “Be careful, Jon. The Ironborn are dangerous.”


    Jon smirked. “So am I.”


    <hr>


    Under the cover of darkness, Jon and Shadow snuck onto one of the Ironborn ships. The deck was quiet, the crew asleep or drunk. Jon moved silently, his movements precise as he set the ship ablaze with Shadow’s magic. The flames spread quickly, consuming the wooden vessel and sending the Ironborn scrambling into the sea.


    From the shore, Robb and the Stark forces launched their attack, driving the invaders back with fierce determination. The Ironborn, caught off guard and without their ships, were quickly overwhelmed.


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    <hr>


    Back at Winterfell, Catelyn’s patience had finally snapped. The news of Jon’s heroics only fueled her resentment. She sent a group of Vale knights to eliminate Jon, their orders clear and ruthless. But Jon, with Shadow’s guidance, anticipated the attack. The knights were no match for his skill and Shadow’s magic, and their mission ended in failure.


    When Ned learned of Catelyn’s actions, his face darkened with anger. He confronted her in the privacy of their chambers, his voice low but firm. “You went too far, Catelyn. Jon is my son, and he’s done nothing but protect this family. You will return to the Vale until you can control your hatred.”


    Catelyn’s eyes flashed with anger, but she said nothing. She left Winterfell the next day, her heart heavy with bitterness.


    <hr>


    Ned, weary from the day’s events, skipped the celebratory feast. Instead, he brought two roasted turkeys to Mary, who was playing with the direwolves in the godswood. She growled softly, her tail wagging as she tore into the meat with her hands.


    Jon watched from a distance, his heart swelling with gratitude. Despite everything, Ned had chosen to stand by him.


    <hr>


    Later, Jon and Robb discussed the Ironborn with Theon Greyjoy, who had been sent to Winterfell as a ward years ago. Jon couldn’t help but notice how meek and slimy Theon seemed, like a squid trying to blend in with the rocks.


    “Do you think he could use water magic?” Jon asked Shadow, his voice low. “He’s from the Iron Islands, after all.”


    Shadow’s form rippled with thought. “The Hammers of Water were said to be wielded by the Ironborn of old. But Theon’s blood doesn’t seem special. Perhaps the magic is lost to him.”


    Jon frowned, his mind racing. “If we could unlock that power, it might give us an edge against the Ironborn.”


    Shadow nodded, his glowing eyes flickering with determination. “We’ll find a way. But for now, we focus on the power we do know.”