“You're Ned Stark's bastard, aren't you?” Jon said nothing.
“Did I offend you?” Lannister said. “Sorry. Dwarfs don't have to be tactful. He grinned.
“Lord Eddard Stark is my father,” Jon admitted stiffly.
Lannister studied his face. “Yes,” he said. “I can see it. You have more of the north in you than your brothers.”
“Half brothers,” Jon corrected. He was pleased by the dwarf's comment, but he tried not to let it show.
“Let me give you some counsel, bastard. Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”
Jon was in no mood for anyone's counsel. “What do you know about being a bastard?”
“All dwarfs are bastards in their father's eyes.”
“I don't even know who my mother was,” Jon said.
“Some woman, no doubt. Most of them are.” He favored Jon with a rueful grin. “Remember this, boy. All dwarfs may be bastards, yet not all bastards need be dwarfs.”