บท 7: Chapter 7

The North

Born and raised in the North, he had experienced the long and harsh winters that were known of the region. Yet, Kayle's familiarity with the North did not answer his questions about how the North can grow even colder than it already was.

It had been a few days since the accident, and Kayle had spent his remaining days in Winterfell getting to know the rest of the Starks. Robb, the eldest and heir to House Stark, left a favorable impression on Kayle. Despite the minute influence of Theon Greyjoy, the Ironborn who had become like a brother to him, Robb remained true to his upbringing under the honorable Eddard Stark. Although he looked more like his mother, having her color and features, he acted a bit like Lord Stark, but more like a less hardened Eddard.

Sansa, on the other hand, proved to be quite the character. Ever since the announcement of her betrothal to the prince, her arrogance had blown up. She walked around the castle carrying an air of entitlement that everyone wanted to avoid. She had also made it abundantly clear that she wanted nothing to do with Kayle, snubbing him at every opportunity.

The next Stark Kayle had met was Rickon, the youngest of the Stark children, he was a wide-eyed and innocent boy. He happily followed his older siblings around, taking delight in their adventures and games, oblivious to the tensions and troubles that their family was facing.

Meeting the last sibling of Jon, Kayle was surprised, to say the least. Arya Stark, unlike her sister Sansa, Arya possessed a wildness, one that wouldn't seem amiss if she was among the wildlings on the other side of the Wall. He didn't even have to search for her as the little girl sought him out herself.

"Is it true that your family has wargs?" Arya asked as she bounced behind him. Little Rickon followed behind her.

Laughing, Kayle smiled as he answered. "It's been centuries since our family had wargs. Nowadays, it's said that you can only find wargs in the North. Like Giants and Children of the Forest." Kayle regaled Arya and Rickon with stories about the old days of the North when wargs and skinchangers roamed about freely.

"We were once known as the Warg Kings, said to have the ability to communicate and control animals, much like the legendary skinchangers of Old." Kayle started, "It's said that this ability runs in our blood, passed down from generation to generation. Wargs were revered in the past, but as time went on, their numbers dwindled, and it became rarer to find individuals with this gift."

"One of the signs of being a warg was a deep connection towards animals," he added, seeing their eyes light up in excitement. "You and your siblings, the bond you share with your direwolves, it's remarkable." he smiled, looking at the sibling's excited expressions.

Arya's eyes sparkled with excitement, a joyful smile tugging at her lips. "Do you think so? Can I be a warg?" she asked eagerly.

Kayle chuckled. "Well, we are descendants of the First Men, Arya. It's certainly possible. The connection you share with Nymeria, the way you understand each other, it's something special. Protect them and in turn, they will protect you."

Seeing the fire lit in Arya's eyes, Kayle couldn't help but wonder how far the young girl would go. He wasn't lying when he said the Stark children had the signs of being wargs. Their unnatural understanding of their direwolves was something to note, and it was consistent with the stories of how the wargs were.

-Break-

As the day of their departure arrived, the atmosphere in Winterfell darkened. Brandon was still unconscious and people were skeptical if he was going to make it, the situation soured a lot of the evening dinners between the families.

As Kayle wrapped up his training in the courtyard with his personal guards, Jon and Kristoff, a sudden commotion caught his attention, emanating from the nearby stables. Curiosity piqued, he made his way over, the sounds of raised voices growing louder.

To his surprise, he found Tyrion Lannister, the impish yet witty member of their unlikely trio, engaged in a heated confrontation with none other than Prince Joffrey Baratheon, the heir to the Iron Throne. Kayle couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the sight before him.

The prince was acting like an entitled asshole, Tyrion argued that he should show some proper decorum but the Prince's insensitive demeanor continued. Three consecutive slaps kissed the prince's cheeks, Tyrion never looked so pleased with himself as he did it.

The prince stormed off, leaving Tyrion with his rather tall personal guard, the Hound. Approaching them, Kayle whistled playfully, catching Tyrion's attention. "Good morning, my little friend," he called out, amusement lacing his voice.

Tyrion's eyes shifted towards Kayle, a mischievous sparkle dancing within them. "Ah, Kayle, just in time to witness a momentous occasion," he replied with a sly grin, clearly reveling in the satisfaction of his actions, shaking his hands for effect.

"You are a rather interesting person Tyrion, slapping Princes in the mornings, fucking whores by night. Quite the busy schedule you have." Kayle laughed.

"I fuck whores during midday too," Tyrion added, getting a laugh from Kayle and his companions.

"The prince will remember that, little lord." The Hound sighed as he warned Tyrion.

"I hope so. If he forgets, be a good dog and remind him." Tyrion adds as he walks away. "Breakfast, Kayle?"

"I'll eat with my guards, I'll see you later." he waves goodbye as Tyrion waddles away. Turning his attention to the Hound, Kayle asks, "Fancy a spar old boy?" The Hound just grunts as he walks away, leaving Kayle with his guards.

-Break-

Deciding to say his farewells to the residents of Winterfell, Kayle made his rounds around the castle, knowing his way around the castle, it was a quick trip as he only had to visit a few people. The last of them was the unconscious Stark sibling, nearing his room a hateful voice could be heard.

"I want you to leave!"

Recognizing who it was, Kayle peeked through the door to see Eddard Stark who had just arrived witnessing the scene. His friend Jon Snow was kissing Brandon goodbye, as Catelyn told him to leave. Kayle wanted to interfere but decided against it, as Jon left the room, Kayle silently accompanied his friend to exit the Castle.

Everyone who was scheduled to leave gathered in the courtyard of Winterfell, The King's party had arranged themselves ready to board the carriages, along with their guards on horses. Eddard Stark's men-at-arms who were joining him were also sorted out, Tyrion had a few Lannister guards assigned to him and were just waiting for their departure. Jon joined his Uncle and his guards. While his guards Rivers and Kristoff were waiting for him at the stables.

As the group left Winterfell, Kayle joined his two newly made friends. The trip towards the Kingsroad was fairly quick, as Jon said his goodbyes to his father, he joined Kayle and Tyrion on the long Journey to the Wall.

Wanting everyone to become acquainted, Kayle took the opportunity to introduce his two friends/guards to Jon. He hoped that the presence of Jon Rivers and Kristoff Snow, both bastards of noble birth who held prominent positions within their respective guards, would provoke a sense of unease in Jon. Kayle's grandfather had taken the responsibility of raising the two boys alongside him, forming a close bond and friendship. Despite their bastard status, they enjoyed a peaceful life and were fully integrated into their home and lands as trusted men-at-arms of Oldgate.

Tyrion's guards were simple folk, loyal to House Lannister; they were content with just doing their job and didn't want to mingle with others. And lastly, they were accompanied by Benjen Stark, Jon's Uncle, and brother to the now Hand of the King. He was only the latest from the line of Starks to go to the Wall. He spoke of the wall with Noble intentions, their duty still upheld to this day even with the falling members of the Watch, while it was true that their numbers were a paltry sum compared to a few centuries ago. They still did their duty well, as well as they could that is.

Their journey to the Wall included periodic stops, where they encountered wandering crows recruiting new members and other travelers aspiring to join the Night's Watch. The Night's Watch held a respected and honorable reputation, as it united men in a brotherhood dedicated to defending the realm from all forms of evil, whether originating from beyond the Wall or from within. During one of their final stops, a wandering crow joined their group, accompanied by a few men, some of whom appeared to be bound. This indicated that these men might be prisoners or individuals coerced into joining the Night's Watch. The presence of these recruits served as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds and circumstances that led men to choose the path of the Wall.

"This is the reality, Jon," Kayle began, his voice tinged with a touch of sadness. "Many men join the Watch not out of noble intent, but because they have no other choice. It's the blade or the Wall for them." He gestured towards a group of men, some of whom were bound. "Look at them, their circumstances forced them here. Some are joining because their families can no longer support them, and they'd rather take their chances at the Wall than starve. But the truth is, many of them will likely desert."

"He's not wrong Jon if you really want to join the Night's Watch you better think hard." Tyrion chimes in, "The Wall is for life too, it's why I'm only visiting, I'd freeze my balls off there if I stayed too long," he added as he turned a page in the book he was reading.

"I appreciate the concern, I do. But, I've already made my decision, I'll join the watch." Jon replied, forcing a smile on his face. "What are you doing with that?" he asked, motioning at the book Tyrion was holding.

"Well, we're out in the cold, nothing to do but wait till our journey resumes. So I figured I'll sharpen my weapon." Tyrion smirked as he saw the confused look on Jon's face. Seeing the look of understanding on Kayle's face, Tyrion let him explain.

"Well, my Wall bound friend, we have swords, axes, hammers, and maces for weapons. While our height-challenged friend here can't wield any of those, he'll need a weapon; his mind." Kayle explained, getting a laugh from the imp.

"A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge. That is why I read so much." Tyrion added, sounding like an old hermit as he recited the words.

"And who said that?" Kayle's eyebrows furrowed as he recalled why the words were so foreign.

"A wise man did." Tyrion quipped his eyes full of teasing

"Was the wise man you?" Kayle laughed, finally getting the man's game."I apologize but it doesn't fit you, my lord." Kayle added, emphasizing the end to tease his friend.

Their banter was interrupted when Benjen Stark, called out to them to saddle up again, they were already near the Wall, and while they were in a cozy campfire, it would be better to rest within the safety of the walls.

Their ride lasted no more than a few hours, and after passing a hill, they were greeted by its beauty. Spanning 300 miles, Kayle couldn't even tell where it started and where it ended from their spot. It was reported to be over 700 feet tall. Made of solid Ice, built with the cooperation of Men, Giants, and supposedly the Children of the Forest, it was built to safeguard the realms of men from the great Other.

"Beautiful," Kayle couldn't help but mutter as he took it all in.

"Welcome." Riding ahead of them was Benjen enjoying the gobsmacked look on all of their faces.