Chapter 3

"That's all there is to it, the lord of Winterfell is a decent man. Nothing like those southern lords, just go up there and he'll hear ya out." Jaren finished, we had been speaking for hours. Long after the dancing and singing died down. While others called it a night and went to sleep off the copious amounts of mead in their system, we stayed up and spoke long into the night.

I was beginning to like Jaren, he's a good man and I'll be sure to remember him and this little village when I move up in the world. Being at the top is great and all, but it feels far more secure when you have decent and reliable people under you.

"Why aren't you and your people at Winterfell? From what I can gather, that's where everyone goes during winter." I asked.

"We figured we'd build something that was sustainable here. Nothing fancy mind you, but something of our own. Something we can depend on to provide shelter. At Winterfell, in Wintertown, there are many empty homes. The problem is that it's usually first come first serve. We didn't do so well last winter and couldn't get a home at all. That was a tough time."

For a long moment, Jaren stared off into the distance, no doubt envisioning the event. I didn't feel the need to press, so I let the silence linger while he gathered his thoughts. The only sound coming from the crackling wood in the fire. Eventually he did speak.

"I never want to go through something like that again. I wouldn't allow my family to go through that, so I made plans. We met some like minded people and here we are." He finished, gesturing at the hall we were in.

"Not many men could say they actually built something, and even fewer have the enginuity to make visions into reality." I added.

"Maybe, but I'm just a simple man trying to take care of my family. I can't speak on what other men can and can't do. When Tobas brought you and your people here, I thought everything was gonna come crashing down. We'd had problems with bandits before, heck we still do. But when I saw you and your people walking out of them trees, I was scared. We aren't much good at fighting, we can work hard and get things done, but we aren't warriors."

He took a sip of the mead he'd been nursing for a while now.

"I don't know what I'd do if I lost this place. These people look to me, my family looks to me, I want to do right by them. I just, I feel so tired of all that, you know? One thing after another, this feast, all a show. We're running low and it's hard hunting out here. Tobas is the only hunter we got and, well, you've seen how he is."

As he spoke I could practically feel the weariness in his voice. I could also recognize the tell tale signs of a quest coming on.

"But the biggest problem we have is the bandits."

And here it is, I'm getting major quest alerts from this guy. That or I'm too into the mindset of this being a game. I'll have to fix that, it could lead to me making mistakes and causing harm to my group. But nonetheless I'm intrigued.

"Bandits?" I asked.

"They showed up a while ago. At first they just wanted supplies, but lately they've been getting more aggressive and demanding. We outnumber them, but we aren't fighters, and I get the feeling they're being less and less bothered by that fact."

Bandits huh, well they are out in the middle of nowhere. In fact, it's a miracle they haven't been raided sooner. Maybe I could use this to my advantage. A way to build my influence, I'll need people who will follow me after all. Why not start here?

"Well, that's enough of that. I shouldn't have sprung all that on you, I'll get back to my family. Old lady is probably tittering that I'm not in bed, haha."

With a grunt Jaren stood on wobbly feet and slowly made his way to a hallway off to the side. Once I was alone I thought about what Jaren had said. They seem like decent folk, if the opportunity presents itself, I'll do what I can. For now though, I just want to sleep.

Drip, drip, drip.

An incessant dripping echoed throughout the chamber. I fought to keep my breathing under control. Clamping my hand over my mouth in a vain attempt to control my breathing. All the hairs on my body stood erect, a cold sweat dampening my shirt. My free hand clutching tightly on the handle of my axe.

My heart beat furiously, threatening to burst from my chest. I can't think, I need to focus, I nee-

Tap, tap, tap.

My heart leapt to an even higher pace. Someone's coming, or something. I can hardly see, cramped as I am in this corner. The air is damp and musty. Hardly any light, save the occasional torch. But of course I had to pick the room without even a hint of light.

Fighting desperately to not make a sound, lest I give away my position. The footsteps, they're getting closer. Each step sounded like the breaking of glass, so hyper alert to the sound that even my own breathing is drowned out.

How long? How much longer? Only a few more paces now. They're close, I've gotta, I- what do I do? Should I run? No, they don't know where I am, they can't know.

Tap, tap, ta-

They stopped, why did they stop? Do they know I'm here? No, surely not. But why have they stopped? It's so quiet, they haven't moved on, why? I can't die here, I can't. Should I look? No! I must stay still. They'll pass, I just need to stay still.

Tap, tap, tap.

They've moved on. How long should I wait? Can I risk running? I don't know how long I can keep this up. What route did I take getting here? Damn, I can't remember. I just ran in any direction, heedles of my surroundings. Calm down, calm down. They've passed, I just need to wait a little longer, then I'll move.

Okay, 3, 2, 1. I slowly eased from the corner, shirt sticking to the wall as I moved. Taking a step forward I made my way to the door. I peered out into the vast chamber, searching for movement. Nothing, where the hell did they go?

A few torches provided some visibility but also cast large ominous shadows. At the far end of the chamber was an altar. Various images no doubt depicting all manner of evil lay painted on the walls behind the altar. Dried up corpses lay littered here and there. A few pillars lay crumpled and scattered about. Cages, each with a pile of bones housed within.

Seems clear, after taking a calming breath I eased my way as slowly and quietly as I could to one of the fallen pillars. Taking a moment to try and make out any sounds I held my breath. Nothing, good, let's move a little farther.

Just as I was about to move on I heard a deep growl from the rear of the chamber, near the altar. Throwing caution to the wind I sprinted to the door. Rounding a pillar I could see the door slightly ajar. I put as much, no, everything I had into making it to that door.

I could hear clawing sounds behind me. They were close, but I had a good head start. Only a few paces away now, but I could also feel the hot breath on my neck. Just then the most horrible thing happens, I trip, but somehow I instinctively rolled with it. As I did I could practically feel the ends of my long mane being cleanly severed.

I rolled just past the door and quickly shut it behind me. Leaning my entire body against the door I waited for the powerful blows that would surely come. Breath coming out in ragged puffs, heart running laps from my chest to the pit of my stomach. Gritting my teeth so hard they hurt, as if at any moment they would crack under the pressure. Eyes tightly shut I waited for the first salvo.

Yet they never came. There wasn't so much as a whisper, only the sounds of my own breathing could be heard. Why? Surely they didn't just give up. With tremendous effort I eased my jaw muscles and slowly opened my eyes.

"Ahhhhhhhhh!"

"Ragnar! Ragnar wake up! It's Aela, calm down, you're safe!"

Slowly I came to my senses. The grisly visage that greeted me when I opened my eyes was replaced with the worry creased face of Aela. Sweat dampening my clothes and streaking my face, I finally came to my senses.

"You were dreaming, it was just a dream, you aren't in any danger." She spoke in a calm and firm tone, yet I could also hear the softness layered in her voice.

"A dream, yeah. Thank you." I said now fully composed. I was suddenly aware of the quietness of the hall. Looking around I could see Ivar, Gentle and Gunnar standing behind Aela, looking down at me with relief etched on their faces. Further behind them I spotted Jaran looking confused and slightly unnerved but also with pity in his eyes. Behind him were the occupants of this village. They looked terrified.

Shame washed over me. Like a net dragging me into the abyss. Yet before I could sink any further, Aela squeezed my shoulder with enough force to break the spell. Looking up at her I smiled in gratitude.

"I'm fine now, thank you."

With a nod she stepped back and after a calming breath I stood. Looking each member of my group in the eye, showing them that I was alright, as much of an assurance for them as it was for me. We didn't need to share words, a look was enough to convey any and all feelings. It was more than enough. Walking past them towards Jaren I nodded my head in greeting.

"Sorry for the spectacle, a bad dream."

"I've seen the likes from soldiers fresh from war. You were speaking in some language I never heard before. Scared some of the folks with how intense it was." He replied.

"Again, forgive my outburst. But I'll not speak on it further if that's alright with you." I said it in a way that came out as a statement rather that a question.

"I understand, well what do you have planned?" He asked, changing the subject.

"I figured we'd stay for a couple days and help out best we can. It's the least we could do after emptying your reserves."

"Well alright then, call me if you need anything." With that he walked off, ushering the others to go about their business. Turning back to my group I had them sit at the table so we could talk.

"So here's what we're going to do. Aela, you take Tobas and hunt for game. I'd like to get them stocked up on meat. Ivar, make a few enchantments, simple things like keeping their floor heated, keep the cold from getting in, things like that. Gentle and Gunnar, I want you to patrol the village, pick out spots for defenses, see what needs improvement. Once your done, get started on getting this place secure. Hop to it, we'll meet here at the end of the day."

With a nod they all stood and left to complete their assigned duties. Nodding my head I stood to my feet and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?"

I turned to see a young boy looking up at me in curiosity.

"Hunting," I replied.

Grabbing my sword I went outside and picked a direction.