Entry Forty-One

Date: October 24, 300 After Landing, Summer, Long Winter

Location: Winterfell

1,173 miles. That is the total length from Sea Dragon Point, to Winterfell, to Castle Black via roads. That is roughly 78 days travel time by average horse.

While I have noticed that plants and animals are different here (there are still green plants under the snow, and many animals continue to forage them), it would be impossible for me to take a horse that distance. At least all in one trip. And besides, the message from Jon sounded urgent. So despite my wish to stay with her, I packed my armor and some food, kissed Dacey and headed out on foot. Thanks to the serum I can travel further and faster than any beast I can think of.

Took me 15 days to reach Winterfell.

King Eddard knew I was coming, a raven having been sent just before I left foretold my coming. It was good to see my friend in person once more, but all it took was a single glance to know he had no idea what was happening at the Wall. But despite the worry for his blood, Eddard was also joyful and happy. It didn't take long to understand why. Queen Catelyn was obviously pregnant, and in that moment I realized how long it had truly been since I was last under the Stark's roof. She looked near enough to burst, and was overflowing with joy.

Arya is still a little hell-raiser, and only getting worse. I did manage to convince the King to allow his daughter to come stay at Sea Dragon Point now that the school is up and running, which the Princess was happy to hear. She was much less happy about knowing she had to wait until Winter ended.

A few of the King's Lords was at the capital for a visit as well, and it was good to see some of the discussions I had with Eddard were paying off. I don't know when, if ever, democracy will reign in the North but I do know that it will have a Parliament of Lords. I saw the model for it. The largest Houses of the North and the Riverlands appear to be behind, though some of the smaller ones have complaints, and the King is drafting his own version of the Magna Carta that will lay out the laws of the Kingdom and how they apply equally to all people regardless of rank or station. I'm kind of excited to see all of this happening, like a live history lesson from my own world.

Anyway, I guess I will rest up tonight and head up to the Wall tomorrow. The King wants to come with me, especially since he hasn't received word from Jon Umber or anyone else at Castle Black, but I assured him I would get there and find out what was going on. Besides, I travel faster alone.