11 Ch-11 : A Blood Oath

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Jorah was again taken aback. Even the soldiers behind Jorah could ever the voice of this tall man and they were also confused at the sudden surrender of this tribal leader. However, the surprises didn't end there.

"You are willing to kneel for me?"

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Jorah Mormont, the Lord of Bear Island, faced The Great Walrus with unwavering determination. The cold winds whipped around them, carrying with them the whispers of the frozen shores. Jorah gripped his sword tightly, meeting the wildling's gaze as he prepared to make a solemn promise.

"Kneel or die, both mean the same as long as you can promise fertile lands and food and safe homes," The Great Walrus stated, his voice echoing with a hint of desperation.

Jorah understood the weight of the wildling's request. He raised his sword, letting its sharp blade draw a shallow cut on his hand. Blood dripped onto the pristine snow below, symbolizing the gravity of his words.

"I, Jorah Mormont, as the Lord of Bear Island and the rightful ruler, will provide land fertile enough for your people to farm and food enough to keep their bellies warm in the winter," Jorah declared solemnly. "They will enjoy the same rights as everyone else and will not be mistreated or treated unjustly. I will fight for them in the same way as I fight for my own people."

As the blood oath was taken, Jorah observed as the tall wildling man took a step forward. He gracefully dropped to one knee, offering his bone spear to Jorah—a gesture of submission that held a deep significance for the free folk.

Accepting the spear, Jorah allowed the man to rise once more. Curiosity sparked within him, and he couldn't help but inquire, "Tell me, The Great Walrus, why? What has driven you to make this choice?"

The Great Walrus sighed, his breath forming a faint mist in the frigid air. "Aye! A baby! My wife is carrying our child, and amidst the harshness of these icy grounds, I want my baby to experience a different life—a life in a forest, tending to the land, and growing their own food.

It's a responsibility that frightens me but also offers hope for a new beginning. The Island, though closer to our old homes, still provides us with a chance to start anew without forsaking our past."

Jorah's face broke into a warm smile, appreciating the depths of the wildling's aspirations. The wonders of the world were many, but the potential of a child would always hold the power to both terrify and inspire a grown man within the confines of his own home.

"Worry not. You may take my men and make preparations for your migration to the Island. I shall ensure the boats are ready," Jorah reassured him.

"Ten days. I need ten days to bring everyone to the shore," The Great Walrus responded.

"Ten days it is. I shall await your arrival," Jorah confirmed.

With a friendly pat on the man's shoulder, Jorah departed with his men, leaving The Great Walrus standing there, lost in thought. After a moment, the wildling took a deep breath and rejoined his companions, who were still grappling with the whirlwind of events.

"What in the frozen hells just happened, Great Walrus?" one of the men exclaimed, bewildered by the sudden turn of events.

The Great Walrus scolded the wildling named Kelly, delivering a powerful smack to his head that sent him tumbling into the snow.

"A Lord, young and full of hot blood, commands a powerful army. Do you honestly believe we could fight him? Do you believe he would stop or be defeated? These southern people hold honour in high regard. If we were to engage in battle and somehow emerge victorious, more lords would come, seeking to reclaim their honour and attack

our lands. We cannot fight indefinitely, watching our men, children, and wives fall one by one."

The bitterness and resignation in The Great Walrus's voice were palpable as he continued, "It's either bend the knee or lose our heads."

Netta, the other wildling man, expressed his concern, "But are we to be slaves now?"

The Great Walrus shook his head. "No. Our elders taught us that these Southerners take their oaths seriously. Their words hold weight, and they will not forsake their honour. However, should they ever break their word, I promise to sever the head of this Lord and every man in his castle before they lay a finger on our people."

As the trio made their way back to their tribe, The Great Walrus reminded himself that his oath to fight for Jorah was not blind obedience. He would show the young lord that he was not a mere dog but a formidable walrus. Despite their outward appearance, walruses possessed teeth sharp enough to vanquish even the mightiest predators within the sea.

Meanwhile, Jorah and his men, after a long and arduous journey, finally reached the shore. Jorah instructed Stephone to arrange for more boats from the Island to transport the women and children back. He also shared news of the captured tribe and their decision to bend the knee, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the hearts of his soldiers.

"Long live Lord Jorah!" they exclaimed.

"Long live Bear Island!" echoed their resounding cry.