08 - Conversation at the top of the world

The vast frozen terrain beyond the Wall harbored many races and beings. Ethel could hardly believe what he was seeing. "How could they have built something like this?" he thought, marveling at the immensity of the structure.

"I've heard that each generation of the Night's Watch added to the height of the Wall," Ethel remarked, turning to his father who stood beside him, both taking in the impressive view.

Ned nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "That's right. The construction of the Wall began thousands of years ago, during the Age of Heroes, to protect the realms of men from what lay beyond. Over time, each generation of the Night's Watch added more ice and magic, reinforcing and raising the Wall."

Ethel looked up, trying to see the top that disappeared into the clouds. "It must have required incredible effort, not just physical but also magical. Who could have had the power to start something like this?"

Ned looked at his son, appreciating his curiosity. "It is said that Brandon the Builder, with the help of giants and the magic of the Children of the Forest, was the one who began this monumental task. The Night's Watch has been its guardian ever since, protecting the realms of the south from any threat that comes from the north."

The young man gazed at the vast expanses of ice and snow, trying to imagine what life was like in this desolate and frigid place. "And the giants? Did they really exist?"

Ned smiled slightly. "Yes, they did. It is said that the last of them disappeared centuries ago, but the tales of their feats and their help in building the Wall are still told. They were enormous beings, capable of performing tasks impossible for humans."

Ethel remained silent, processing the history and the magnitude of the Wall. "It's hard to imagine a time when giants and other creatures walked here. It feels like a completely different world."

Ned placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "It was, Ethel. The world has changed a lot since then, but the Wall remains a reminder of those times and the importance of always being prepared."

Ethel, expanding his Haki to its maximum perception, scanned the surroundings but detected nothing out of the ordinary. Ned, noticing the subtle change in his son's eyes whenever he used this ability, felt a mix of curiosity and pride.

"Son, I've always wanted to ask how you manage to dodge and predict movements even when attacked from all sides," Ned said, breaking the silence with a voice full of interest.

Ethel stayed silent for a moment, contemplating how to explain something so intangible. Finally, he responded, "I simply listen to the voice of the universe."

Ned, surprised by his son's response, repeated in a low voice, "The voice of the universe?"

Ethel, noticing his father's pensive expression, decided to elaborate. "It's as if all beings speak to me, revealing their location and the next action they'll take. That's why I can dodge blows that seem inevitable."

Ned frowned, trying to understand what his son was describing. "Is it some kind of sixth sense?"

Ethel nodded. "You could say that. It's an advanced perception that allows me to sense the intentions and movements of living beings around me. It's not something I can easily explain, but it's like the whole world is communicating with me."

Ned remained silent, absorbing the information. He looked at his son with a new understanding and respect. "That's extraordinary, Ethel. It's a gift I've never heard of. Have you always had this ability?"

Ethel shook his head. "No, father. It started developing when I began serious training. Over time, I was able to refine and expand it. But I'm still learning to control and fully understand it."

After contemplating the breathtaking views from atop the Wall a while longer, Ethel and Ned returned to Castle Black. The majesty of the landscape faded as they descended, but the images of the vast frozen expanse and the enormity of the Wall remained etched in their minds.

Upon arriving at the castle, Ned spent most of his time with the Lord Commander, discussing various defensive strategies in case of attacks by the wildlings or any other threats beyond the Wall.

To the disappointment of both, Benjen was not present. He had been sent on a ranging expedition and had not returned in time for his brother and nephew's visit. Ethel had eagerly anticipated reuniting with his uncle and hearing his stories about the lands beyond the Wall.

Meanwhile, Ethel couldn't help but feel disillusioned with the current members of the Night's Watch. Most of them were criminals condemned to a life of servitude on the Wall, lacking martial skills and a true sense of honor. Observing their practices and routines, Ethel felt a growing dissatisfaction.

"When I am older," Ethel thought, "and before the events known as 'Game of Thrones' begin, I will visit the other side of the Wall. I am sure there are people there who deserve a chance to survive and could become great warriors for House Stark."

Back in his room, Ethel observed the imposing black direwolf, Raven. Seeing the young man who had saved his life, the wolf slowly got up, moving with renewed strength, to greet him.

"You seem much better," Ethel said softly, gently stroking Raven's head.

The wolf, grateful, allowed himself to be petted, closing his eyes and enjoying the contact. Despite having been gravely injured, Raven's recovery had been remarkably swift. Ethel couldn't help but marvel at the impressive vitality of his new companion. The wolf had been on the brink of death, but in just a few days, he already showed signs of a vitality uncommon even among direwolves.

"How is it possible you've recovered so quickly?" Ethel murmured, observing the scars that were still visible but closing at an astonishing rate. As he stroked Raven's coal-black fur, he felt a deep, almost mystical connection with the animal. There was something special about this wolf, something that went beyond the natural.

Raven lifted his head and looked at Ethel with penetrating eyes, as if understanding every word he said. The young man felt that the direwolf was not just a wild animal but a loyal companion, a protector. It was as if destiny had united them at that precise moment, and Ethel couldn't help but feel a profound gratitude for having Raven by his side.

The room was illuminated only by the moonlight streaming through the window, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere. Ethel sat next to Raven, feeling the warmth of the wolf's body against his skin. As he stroked his fur, he thought about the days ahead and how Raven might become an invaluable ally in his future adventures.

"I will need all the help I can get," Ethel thought, looking deeply into Raven's eyes. "There is so much to do, so many people to protect, and so many lands to explore."

He decided that from that moment on, Raven would be more than just a companion; he would be a symbol of strength and resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope and recovery are possible. The rapidity of Raven's recovery was a sign that together, they could overcome any obstacle.

With this determination, Ethel lay down, allowing the comforting presence of Raven to bring him solace.