บท 28: Chapter 27
Jon Snow. Near the Wall.
Night had fallen, and so we decided to organize a break in a small cave. Our group was already relatively close to the Wall, or rather to the western part of it, where the Northern Mountains ended.
The snow, undisturbed by the blizzard, was slowly settling to the ground, covering our tracks into the cave. The howls of wolves and the sounds of night birds could be heard in the distance, and the light of the moon illuminated the surroundings with a bright glow that made the treetops visible even at this time of day.
I sat quietly by the crackling fire, stroking Ghost at my side at the same time. Sid sat across from me, examining his bow, while Mara lay on the other side of the fire with a hand on her head, thinking about something.
When I'd left Winterfell, it hadn't occurred to me that I'd be in a group with the Free Folk and none of them would try to kill me. Perhaps I would meet up with someone from the Night's Watch and he would escort me to the Wall. Though given what my father said about this place and its current state, I don't even know what exactly would have happened.
Remembering my father, home, Winterfell, came into my thoughts. I wonder how they are doing? Lord Stark is probably holed up in his study again, Lady Stark is spending time with the younger children, Robb is practicing on the playground under Ser Rodrik's supervision, Sansa and Lady Kinvara are chatting about this and that, and Arya is tormenting Foe when she finds him.
A smile appeared on my face by itself, remembering my time in the castle.
It was rather... uncomfortable at first, considering Lady Stark's past attitude towards me. I am a bastard and I was well aware that I had no claim to anything. All I wanted was family and recognition. And I got it all when Lord Solomon arrived at the castle. Lady Stark, instead of outright hatred, had been indifferent or ignoring me. Now she turns a blind eye to her children spending time with me. And not just her children, but Lord Stark's as well. Before, I couldn't just walk into his office and just talk. And that really brought me joy.
And now I have what I wanted. But now I have another goal. Two, actually. Listening to Lord Solomon's stories made me want to see the world. To explore it, and its mysteries.
Magic.
A great power that ignited in me a passion to explore. How many secrets and mysteries does this world hold? I wanted to know them all. And one of them was my sword.
I slowly pulled out the scabbard that held Durandal and exposed the blade, placing it in front of my eyes.
Cid and Mara didn't pay much attention to it, as they realized I wasn't pointing it at them. And besides, I did it quite often. The ghost, sensing that my hand was no longer stroking its fur, stood up and walked toward Mara, then settled near her head. The free woman grinned and took over stroking him, giving me a snide look. But I wasn't distracted.
I was interested in the stains on the blade. No matter how much I rubbed, I couldn't get rid of them. It was as if they were part of the sword, something I just couldn't understand. Even my Origin was unable to give me answers. All I recognized was the name of the sword and that it was imbued with magic. Anything beyond that was sort of hidden.
I could find out what any other sword was made of, who it was forged by, or even its history, but not Durandal. "Understanding" gives me the ability to not just "understand" but to "study" and "notice". And my Origin tells me that I cannot get more information about the sword, not because Lord Solomon wished it so, but Durandal himself.
This one is like a door and a lock. It is the lock that will not allow the door to be opened, not the one who created it.
Hopefully, when Lord Solomon fulfills his promise and sees us, I can find out why he gave this particular sword and not something else. Speaking of promise...
I directed my gaze to Mara, who was stroking Ghost passionately. She noticed it and turned in my direction with a questioning expression.
- What's the matter, idiot? Did you finally notice that your wolf isn't yours anymore? - She asked snidely - Or are you cold and you want me to warm you up?
- Huh... - I sighed tiredly, already used to her character, and then grinned - No, that's okay. I just remembered what you promised me.
- "Promised?" - she raised an eyebrow - Are you confused, you idiot?
- I remember you promised to tell me about the Free Folk if I told you about 'him', didn't you?"
She froze and adopted a thoughtful look. A little while later, she nodded to herself.
- Hmmm... And you're right, you idiot. What do you want to know?
- Something general. That'll be enough," I said, putting the Durandal back in its scabbard and hanging it on my belt, "As I said before, there's virtually nothing known about the Free Folks except that they're just savages.
- The Free Folks are divided into separate tribes, each with its own leader and something different from each other. Some are outright scum who can only kill and kill. In this the fans are partly right. Others are more intelligent and cultured. It's not new for them to negotiate or bargain with someone. But among all tribes, the main factor is strength. If you're strong, only an idiot would attack you. Well, like you. Fighting over territory or just because you want to is not uncommon. And we don't take orders from anyone.
- What about the King-beyond-the-Wall? - I heard that he commands all the Free Folk.
- He's partly in charge," Mara corrected me, "If more than half the tribes elect him, he's already King-beyond-the-Wall. We don't have the idiocy of passing the title on to children. At least not this one. And that only happens if the tribes' goals are aligned. Otherwise, everyone acts apart from each other.
- I see," I nodded, "And what tribe do you and Cid belong to? I saw his wristband. It was well-made, with a symbol of an arrow and a moon carved into it. I don't think that's common among the Free Folk.
- What makes you think we're from the same tribe?
- The way you were talking to him. You definitely know each other. And for quite some time. You said yourself that skirmishes between tribes are not uncommon, didn't you?
Mara remained silent and stared at my face, as if studying it. It went on for about five seconds.
- I guess you're not such an idiot, huh? - she finally grinned, "We-
- Mara. - Sid interrupted her, and I'd forgotten he was even there. He was quietly and enthusiastically working on his bow. He looked at Mara sternly, as if to stop his story.
- What?" she raised an eyebrow. "My grandmother taught me to keep my promises. You too, by the way.
- The Elder said nothing about outsiders. The boy is not part of the tribe, much less the Free Folks.
Elder? So Mara's grandmother is a significant figure in the tribe. I can see why Sid listens to her to a certain extent. The men who attacked me called her a "witch," which means she's versed in magic. I guess I was lucky to meet exactly Mara and her group.
- We're taking him to us anyway," Mara shrugged, "And stop being so suspicious. He's not the enemy. You've already checked that, haven't you?
In response, Cid chose to remain silent and return to his bow, while Mara continued.
- Our tribe acts independently of the others. More than the others, to be more precise. We are the Moon Arrow Clan," she said proudly, "We don't care about the others, and they don't care about us. Mostly because we are the best archers amongst all the Free Folk.
- Oh? - I was surprised.
- It is worn by those who have proven their skills and are among the small number of us who are only a step below the Elders themselves. They are the ones who take over the clan if the elders can't for some reason. Their wielders are the main force of the clan, called 'Arrows'," she then pulled out an arrowhead from under her clothes on a string hanging around her neck and showed me, "I am part of the 'Tip', the part of the clan that deals with outings and hunting. There's also the "Crest", "Plumage" and "Tail", dealing with most of the day to day affairs, management and crafting respectively. As you can see, we are very well organized, not like the others.
How interesting.
All of this she told with great pride, and there is indeed much to be proud of here. I doubt most tribes have such a clear division of responsibilities. It's almost similar to how people here in the Seven Kingdoms do.
- I see. Thank you for the answer," I nodded and straightened up, heading for the cave entrance, "First shift is mine, as agreed. I'll wake you when yours comes up.
- As you wish," Mara waved me off and yawned, "Don't freeze your brains off, or you'll be a feeble-minded idiot instead of just 'idiot.
Positioning myself at the entrance, I began my watch. Sure enough Sid would be awake and watching me, wary of my unforeseen actions.
He was very skillful. I saw with my own eyes how he hit a deer in the eye from a distance of five hundred paces. The shot was of such force that it killed the beast instantly, penetrating the skull through regardless of the distance traveled. His knife skills are also impressive. His movements are smooth and confident. I don't think I can beat him in a fight, if there is one.
But that doesn't bother me, as I'm perfectly fine with a visit to their clan. I just want to talk and learn about the White Walkers and the secrets of the North beyond the wall.
I breathed in the cool air coming into the cave and looked up at the sky.
It's really nice weather today...
-0-
Shiro Kotomine. Plains.
A beautiful sunset adorned the evening sky. Khalasar paused to prepare for the night, setting up tents and organizing campfire sites. This was mostly done by the women with a little help from the men. And Semiramis and I stood by while all this was going on.
Khalasar was joined by a resident of Westeros who gave books to the princess. And it's quite interesting.
Jorah Mormont.
After searching my head for information on this surname, I managed to find something. The Mormoths own Bear Island, which is in the North of the Seven Kingdoms. That's a long way from here. This man just expressed a desire to join, and the Khal allowed it, which shows that Mormont has been here for a long time.
I wonder what the story behind this man is.
I directed my gaze towards the largest tent that was being pitched right in the center of the camp.
This morning, the princess had come out in a... unhappy mood. She limped slightly as she walked, and her expression was a bit pained. The effects of the first wedding night, I suppose.
This was confirmed by Lord Solomon's former maid, Fina, who followed the princess around, helping her with her business. According to her, Khal was not a fan of gentle sex and was overreacting, to say the least, since the princess was a virgin.
Semi only snorted and brushed it off, saying what else did she expect from the Dothraki, who had a reputation for savagery. Though afterward she added that it would be a good idea to teach the princess how to beat a woman. Fina took the hint, and then went about teaching Dany.
I, on the other hand, being a native of more modern times, could only shake my head at the situation. However, I could understand why the princess put up with it.
Lord Solomon has asked Seven and I not to show our Servant abilities as much as possible. I believe he wants the Princess to understand her actions and their consequences. If it were my will, this would have been resolved very quickly with the help of Seven's Noble Phantasm. Dany wouldn't need an army to accomplish her goals if the Hanging Gardens of the Seven.
A flying fortress capable of firing projectiles that could wipe out entire cities. Impregnable, powerful, and majestic.
Semi herself has expressed her displeasure as well. Though this land reminds her of Assyria, she is not happy with the current situation. Though, with my help, her resentment and discontent have been managed.
And they were only intensified by the Dothraki's attempts to endear themselves to Seven. The stares, and not only stares, of both men and women of Khalasar sometimes made her furious. I had to intervene, acting as a defender of honor. Fortunately, I was able to resolve the conflicts without resorting to the power of a Servant. Semi herself looked pleased with herself afterward and looked at the brave men with a defiant look, as if urging them to act.
I sighed tiredly.
Sometimes my beloved can be overly petty.
- Did you think something bad of me, Shiro? - As if reading my thoughts, the irritated Semi asked.
- How could I, my love? - I smiled, "You're either good or bad.
And after a second I realized that my choice of words was definitely not the best.
- You're sleeping on the floor tonight. - she said flatly and turned away.
- Whatever you say, Semi. - I grimaced and looked out over the horizon.
I wondered when Lord Solomon would order us to act.
-0-
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