Dragon Hidden in the Wolf's Shadow - Chapter - 11 (Patreon)

The great hall of Mormont Keep was abuzz with activity. The echoes of laughter and clinking goblets resonated through the stone walls as Bear Island celebrated its hard-won victory over the Ironborn. The warmth of the fire, the hearty meals, and the festive atmosphere provided a stark contrast to the earlier tension. Jon Snow, now a celebrated hero, had spent much of the evening in the company of the Mormont family and their guests.

But as the revelry continued, Jon's thoughts wandered away from the festivities. Despite the jubilation, he found himself more intrigued by the subtleties of Bear Island's environment. Secluded from the world outside, the keep rarely received news from the larger conflicts beyond its shores. Jon had been so engrossed in his training and the immediate tasks at hand that he hadn't had much time to dwell on the broader war against the Ironborn. Instead, he dedicated himself to honing his skills in the training yard and exploring the woods surrounding Bear Island.

In the mornings, Jon could be seen practicing his archery, each arrow finding its mark with increasing precision. The forest was his training ground, where he tested himself against nature's challenges. The trees, the wind, and the shifting targets all contributed to his growth as an archer. It was during these solitary sessions that Jon discovered something remarkable.

One day, while retrieving his arrows from a cluster of trees, Jon noticed an unusually pleasant fragrance emanating from one of them. The aroma was subtle but captivating, a delicate scent that lingered even after he pulled his arrows free. Curiosity piqued, Jon approached the tree more closely and sniffed the bark. The fragrance was unmistakably sweet and floral, unlike anything he had encountered before.

Intrigued, Jon decided to investigate further. He realized that the fragrance might be linked to the tree's sap, so he began experimenting. Using a small dagger, he made tiny incisions in the tree's bark and collected the sap in a small bucket. His exploration extended to fifty similar trees, each marked by his careful incisions, and he gathered sap from all of them.

Jon's fascination with this new discovery led him to embark on a secret project. He envisioned creating a perfume, driven by his desire to make something beautiful and unique. The idea of crafting a fragrance that could captivate others intrigued him, and he was determined to bring his vision to life.

In the solitude of his room, Jon set up a makeshift laboratory. He arranged a large iron cooking cauldron over the fireplace, a relic from the keep's kitchens, and poured the collected sap into it. The fire crackled beneath the cauldron as Jon began the slow process of heating and stirring. His goal was to reduce the sap into a thick, concentrated liquid that would intensify the fragrance.

As the hours passed, Jon stirred the sap diligently. The scent in the room grew stronger, filling the air with a rich, sweet aroma. Jon watched the liquid slowly transform, becoming more viscous and fragrant with each stir. The process was laborious, but his anticipation and excitement drove him forward.

After what felt like an eternity, Jon finally removed the cauldron from the fire and set it outside to cool. The thickened sap had taken on a deep, golden hue, and its fragrance was intoxicating. Jon knew that to perfect his creation, he needed to add additional ingredients—flowers and herbs that could complement and enhance the perfume.

With this in mind, Jon ventured into the surrounding forest in search of aromatic flora. He hoped to find flowers and herbs that would contribute to the perfume's complexity. As he gathered his ingredients, his mind was occupied with thoughts of how his creation might be received. He envisioned the joy it could bring and the potential it held.

Upon returning to his room, Jon was met with an unexpected sight. Little Lyanna Mormont, the youngest of the Mormont daughters, had somehow gained access to his room. Jon found her sitting on the floor, her face smeared with the sticky sap, and a look of delight in her eyes.

"Wow, Jon, how did you make this sweet?" Lyanna's voice was filled with curiosity and wonder.

Jon was initially confused by her question. "What do you mean, sweet?"

Lyanna giggled and pointed at the cauldron. "This! It tastes like honey!"

Jon's heart sank with surprise. He hadn't intended to make anything sweet; he was focused on creating a perfume. He dipped his fingers into the cauldron and tasted the sap himself. The flavor was indeed strikingly sweet, reminiscent of honey but with a unique twist. Jon was both astonished and impressed by the result.

Lyanna seemed to revel in the discovery. "It's so good! Can I have more?" she asked eagerly.

Jon, despite his initial shock, was intrigued by the unexpected outcome. He hadn't anticipated creating something edible, but the sweetness of the sap was undeniable. Seeing Lyanna's enjoyment, Jon decided to take credit for the accidental creation.

He took the cauldron to the Mormont family and shared his discovery. The reaction was one of amazement and delight. Lord Jeor Mormont, who had been a staunch supporter of Jon, praised him for his ingenuity. The Mormonts saw the potential in Jon's accidental creation and recognized its value.

"This is extraordinary, Jon," Lord Jeor said, his eyes twinkling with approval. "Not only have you crafted a unique syrup, but you've also stumbled upon something that could enrich us. We've never seen anything like it."

Jon's discovery quickly became the talk of the keep. The people of Bear Island were thrilled by the new product, and Jon's reputation as an innovator grew. The sap's sweet taste was likened to honey, and the potential for its use in trade and daily life was immense.

Jon's keen observation of the forest had revealed a hidden treasure. He recognized that there were thousands of trees with similar sap-producing capabilities in the Wolfwood. His knowledge from hunting trips with Voran had given him insights into the forest's secrets.

Jon took it upon himself to teach the people of Bear Island how to harvest the sap. He showed them the techniques he had developed and explained the process he used to create the sweet substance. The villagers embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, eager to experiment and refine their methods.

As the days passed, Bear Island experienced a new sense of excitement and possibility. Jon's accidental discovery had opened doors to new opportunities and resources. The sweet sap became a symbol of innovation and resourcefulness, and Jon's contributions were celebrated throughout the keep.

In the quiet moments of reflection, Jon felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He had turned an unexpected outcome into something valuable, and in doing so, he had strengthened his bond with the people of Bear Island. His secret project had not only enriched the lives of those around him but had also demonstrated his ability to adapt and create.

Jon continued his training with renewed vigor, driven by the success of his project. The forest of Bear Island became a place of both challenge and inspiration. As he ventured into the woods, he carried with him the knowledge that even the most unexpected discoveries could lead to greatness.

With each passing day, Jon Snow's reputation grew, and his role in Bear Island became more integral. His journey was far from over, but he faced the future with confidence and determination, knowing that his contributions had made a lasting impact on the world around him.

Jon Snow stood in the chill morning air, his breath misting as he gazed out at the small group of men gathered before him. These were no ordinary men; they were the tough, weathered folk of Bear Island, hardened by the unforgiving landscape and endless winters. Each one of them had proven themselves in battle, but today, Jon tasked them with something different. It wasn't swords or shields they would be handling but the delicate art of extracting sap from the maple trees scattered throughout the North.

As he addressed them, Jon's tone was measured and firm. "You all know why we're doing this. The syrup we've discovered is a blessing, one that could bring prosperity to all of us. It's a rare commodity, and no one knows about it yet. That's our advantage."

The men nodded in agreement. They had already been instructed on how to properly tap the trees without damaging them, how to collect the sap, and the process of refining it into what Jon had begun calling 'northern honey.' Jon wasn't one to waste words, and the men respected that about him. Even at his young age, his leadership was evident, and they trusted his instincts.

"You'll be heading to Winter Town," Jon continued. "Voran will be waiting for you there. He'll help you gather some of the small folk. They know the woods better than anyone and will be vital in getting this operation up and running. You'll teach them how to collect the sap, just as you've learned. But remember, this has to be done quietly. We don't want word spreading too fast."

Jon's voice grew more serious as he added, "The North is full of eyes and ears, and not all of them are friendly. If anyone asks, you're just gathering supplies for the winter. Nothing more. We need to move quickly before someone higher up gets wind of this and tries to take control."

The men nodded once more, understanding the weight of the task before them. Jon had always been protective of his people, and he knew that if this trade took off, it could change the fortunes of Jon Snow and those loyal to him.

With that, the group set off, making their way toward Winter Town. The journey wasn't an easy one, but these men were used to the harsh conditions of the North. They moved swiftly, covering ground with the efficiency of seasoned hunters. Upon reaching Winter Town, they were met by Voran, a grizzled man who had been Jon's staunchest supporter from the beginning. Voran greeted them with a smile, but his eyes were sharp, assessing the group and the task ahead.

Voran led them into the heart of Winter Town, where the small folk were gathered. These were people who had always lived on the edge of survival, scraping by with what little they could gather or trade. But Jon had always been different in their eyes. He was a lord's son, yes, but more than that, he had earned their respect by hunting for them, providing food during the harshest winters when others would have turned a blind eye.

When the men from Bear Island explained their purpose, the small folk were eager to help. They saw an opportunity, not just for survival but for prosperity. Jon's reputation and promise of fair payment were enough to convince them. Soon, a small but determined group of villagers was learning the art of sap collection, their hands guided by the experienced men of Bear Island.

For the next three months, the forests around Winter Town were alive with activity. Quietly and efficiently, sap was collected, refined, and stored in barrels. The process was slow at first, but as the small folk grew more skilled, production increased. By the end of the third month, thirty barrels of northern honey were ready, each one sealed and waiting for transport.

Back on Bear Island, Jon received word of their success. He knew that the next step would be crucial. Winterfell was off-limits to him, but the North was vast, and there were other places to conduct business. White Harbor was the obvious choice—a bustling trade port where merchants from across the Narrow Sea came to barter and deal. If Jon could sell his syrup there, it would open up possibilities beyond anything Bear Island had ever seen.

Jon gathered a small group of trusted men, including Voran, and made the journey to White Harbor. The city was a stark contrast to the rugged wilderness of Bear Island. Ships of all sizes filled the harbor, and the air was thick with the smell of saltwater and fish. Merchants hawked their wares, and sailors from distant lands filled the taverns and inns. For Jon, this was the first real taste of the wider world beyond the North.

He had come prepared, bringing samples of the northern honey with him. As he moved through the crowded streets, Jon kept his eyes sharp and his senses alert. He knew he needed to find the right buyers—merchants with connections to Essos, where luxury goods were in high demand. It wasn't long before Jon found what he was looking for: a group of Essosi traders, their clothing rich with the vibrant colors of the Free Cities.

Jon approached them, his demeanor calm and confident. He introduced himself in fluent Valyrian, a skill that took the merchants by surprise. A young northerner speaking their tongue so well was an unexpected sight, but it worked in Jon's favor. They were intrigued.

He presented them with a small vial of the northern honey, letting them taste and smell it. The merchants exchanged glances, their interest piqued. They had never encountered anything like it, and they quickly realized its potential value. Negotiations began, and Jon held his ground, refusing to be taken advantage of. He knew the worth of his product and wasn't willing to settle for anything less than what it deserved.

In the end, Jon struck a deal that would see the thirty barrels of syrup sold for a staggering sixty thousand gold dragons. It was more money than he had ever dreamed of, and it would change the lives of those who had helped him. When the deal was finalized, Jon made sure to pay each of the workers who had gathered the sap. Ten gold dragons each—a sum that would have taken them years to earn otherwise.

Their loyalty was cemented, and Jon knew that he had gained not just workers but allies. These were people who would stand by him, knowing that he had kept his word and rewarded their efforts. With the rest of the money, Jon took precautions. He couldn't risk depositing it somewhere where it could be easily taken from him. Instead, he and Voran chose a secret spot in the depths of the Wolfwood, a place known only to them. The gold was hidden away, safe from prying eyes and potential thieves.

As the days passed, Jon continued to plan. The merchant captain had promised to return in three months for more of the northern honey, and Jon knew that this was only the beginning. The trade would continue, and with it, his influence and wealth would grow. He had always known that being a bastard meant he couldn't rely on titles or birthright to secure his future. But with this secret trade, Jon was carving out a path of his own, one that didn't rely on the whims of lords or the chains of tradition.

For now, everything had to remain in the shadows. He was still just a boy in the eyes of the world, a bastard with no claim to power. But Jon knew that the North was full of possibilities, and he was determined to seize every one of them. As he stood in the cool night air, looking out over the forests of Bear Island, Jon felt a quiet sense of satisfaction. The future was uncertain, but he was ready for whatever it held.

Jon Snow knew that his newfound source of income, the Northern Honey, was more than just a stroke of luck—it was the foundation of his future. Unlike others who might have been content with one successful venture, Jon was determined to keep pushing forward, always searching for new opportunities. But there was one thing he was certain of: he didn't want the secret of Northern Honey to spread too far. He needed to keep it tightly controlled, ensuring that only his most trusted allies knew the process. If too many people knew the secret, it could lead to competition, and Jon couldn't afford to lose his edge.

He continued to experiment with the Northern Honey, always looking for ways to improve it or create something new. One day, Jon stumbled upon a discovery that would change everything. While traveling to Bear Island, he had picked some wild berries, thinking they might be useful later. By the time he returned, the berries had dried out. However, instead of discarding them, Jon decided to experiment with them. He noticed that the seeds of the wild berries had a unique flavor, and an idea began to take shape.

Jon began roasting the seeds over a fire, grinding them into a fine powder with a stone and mixing them with hot water, Northern Honey, and a splash of sheep milk. The result was a drink that was both invigorating and delicious. It was unlike anything Jon had ever tasted before—refreshing, energizing, and oddly satisfying. The more he drank, the more he realized he had stumbled upon something extraordinary. He even stopped drinking ale, favoring his new concoction, which he decided to name "Coffee."

He introduced the drink to the people of Bear Island, who quickly became enamored with it. Although it had no intoxicating effects like ale, the drink became popular because it gave people energy and sharpened their senses. The word quickly spread across Bear Island, and soon, the people were clamoring for more.

Jon kept the source of the Northern Honey and the specific trees used to produce it a closely guarded secret. He didn't want anyone else to make it and flood the market. Only a select few on Bear Island, and those he trusted implicitly, knew how to identify and tap the correct trees. Jeor Mormont, the Lord of Bear Island, didn't mind Jon's newfound success. As long as it didn't interfere with the island's defenses or his duties, Jeor had no problem with Jon developing a profitable profession. Besides, Jon had promised Jeor that he would sell Northern Honey to the lords of the North at discounted rates, ensuring that the wealth generated from the honey would benefit their homeland.

However, Jon knew that the Northern Honey alone wouldn't be enough to sustain his ambitions. He wanted to create something that would unite the North economically, allowing the people to prosper in ways they never had before. That's when he decided to introduce the coffee drink, made from the wild berries, to the rest of the North.

He began sharing the secret of coffee with the Northerners. Unlike Northern Honey, Jon saw no harm in allowing others to learn how to make coffee. Wild berries grew abundantly across the North, and if properly harvested and processed, they could become a valuable commodity for both Essos and Westeros. Northerners were overjoyed at the prospect of turning these wild berries into something profitable. Coffee quickly spread beyond Bear Island, reaching White Harbor and other major Northern settlements.

Even though Jon taught the North how to make coffee, he still kept his involvement in the business. He hired people to gather wild berries from various parts of the North, paying them fairly for their labor. He didn't want to alienate anyone in the North—instead, he wanted to build loyalty and create a network of workers who relied on him. Among them was Ivar, a trusted agent from Bear Island, who Jon tasked with collecting the berries and overseeing the operations. With Ivar's help, Jon organized a supply chain that stretched across the North.

The Mountain Clans, who often struggled to trade with the more prosperous lowlands, became key suppliers of wild berries. The mountains were filled with berry plants, and the clans began harvesting them in large quantities. For the first time, the Mountain Clans were able to trade something valuable for food, supplies, and even weapons. Jon ensured that the clans received fair prices for their berries, which helped solidify their loyalty to him. This newfound wealth started to lift the clans out of their isolation, integrating them more closely with the rest of the North.

With a steady supply of wild berries, Jon's next step was to find a place to process them on a large scale. He decided to take the berries to Dorne, where the hot sun would be ideal for drying them out. Once dried, they could be roasted, ground into powder, and packaged for sale. Jon envisioned a thriving trade in coffee powder that would stretch across both Westeros and Essos.

The business plan took almost a year to come to fruition, but Jon was patient. He knew that building something substantial took time, and he was willing to put in the effort. Finally, after months of preparation, the first batches of coffee powder were ready to be sold. Jon carefully oversaw every detail of the operation, making sure that the quality of the product was high and that everything went according to plan.

The results were beyond Jon's expectations. As the coffee powder hit the markets, the demand grew rapidly. The people of Westeros, and even the merchants from Essos, were eager to get their hands on this new and invigorating drink. Money began to flow into Jon's coffers at a steady pace, and soon, he realized that he needed a safe place to store his wealth.

With the help of the Mormonts, Jon traveled to Braavos and opened an account at the Iron Bank. He knew that as a bastard, his wealth might be vulnerable if left unprotected in the North. By depositing his money in the Iron Bank, Jon ensured that it would be safe from those who might wish to take it from him. Even the gold he had once hidden in the Wolfwood was transported to Braavos and deposited in the bank's vaults.

As Jon's reputation as a businessman grew, so did the respect he commanded from those around him. Though still young, he had proven himself as a cunning and ambitious leader. The Ironborn Rebellion had ended, and the Northern people were beginning to return to their lands. Word of Jon's success reached even the farthest corners of the North, and people began to see him as more than just a bastard. He was now a figure of influence, someone who had the means to shape the future of the North in ways no one had imagined before.

Yet, Jon never forgot where he came from or what motivated him. He knew that money could give him power, but he also understood that his loyalty to the North and its people was his greatest strength. As he continued to build his business empire, Jon remained committed to making sure that the wealth he generated would benefit not just himself, but the entire North. He wasn't just chasing wealth for wealth's sake—he was laying the groundwork for a better future for his homeland.