To the wall

Three days had passed since Bran's fall and the boy showed no signs of awakening. Jason and Luwin had worked tirelessly to figure out how to revive the boy yet the Surgebinder knew that was up to time and luck. Catelyn continued to care for the boy, feeding and cleaning him as he slept in bed. If anything the woman hardly slept or ate anything during her vigil.

Jason kept to himself, although it seemed everyone was keeping to themselves at the same time. Jon seemed set on going to the Wall as the young man was busy getting supplies set and often chatting with Tyrion. The two worked well together with Tyrion giving insightful advice to Jon while the young man shared tales of training with the Surgebinder. At the same time, Jason also prepared for travel as he stored his own supplies and gear for the trip northward for the Wall.

Soon news went about that Eddard had reluctantly agreed to become the new Hand of the King. His wife was angered by the news, yet did not try to fight him in leaving. Jason guessed with the new position, Ned would have been able to look into Cersei's and the Lannister's dealings along with investigating the mysterious death of Jon Arryn as well. Yet going to King's landing would no doubt put Ned and his two daughters at risk being around so many supports of the Lannister family. For now, he only hoped Ned make preparations for the two to be watched and guarded when they arrived there.

The one night before the royal caravan planned to leave, Jason would approach Tyrion as the dwarf was leaving the Great Hall after a short dinner with his family. The dwarf noticed the Surgebinder, giving a friendly smile and wave while Jason nodded back. "You've been quiet of late. I take Bran's fall has been troubling for you." The Lannister remarked.

"It has. Was tutoring Bran in archery and sword fighting. Now the boy may never walk again considering his injury." Jason answered back. "Still he's a tough one like his family. I'm certain he will wake up and find a way in life despite it all."

Tyrion nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "It is a shame Lord Eddard has to leave him as well to serve in the capital. I'd curse the King for telling me to go."

Jason chuckled at that quite defiant remark. "You are the rebellious type that's for sure…though I'd probably do the same really."

Both of them laughed for a moment before Tyrion spoke up again. "Although I take you didn't come out here to simply joke about nobility?"

"Got me there. Decided I'll be tagging along for that trip to the Wall and Castle Black." The Surgebinder answered back. "Feel I need some time away from…well...here. Been cooped up in Winterfell for too long."

"Surprised you can even stand being stuck in one place for months. You have the look of a man who's a drifter and thrill seeker to me." Tyrion commented.

Jason shrugged at the remark. "Sort of was back home. Think I moved across the Northern Realms five times over in just the last year. Course a story for another time."

"I take it that you're prepared for the trip then?"

"Of course. One of the first rules of being a Surgebinder is to always be prepared." He replied back.

"Heh, you'll have to share some tales about your profession. Anyway, Jon will be pleased to know you'll be coming along as well. Perhaps you'll get one more chance to sway him from joining the Watch." With that, the short Lannister gave a small nod and continued on his way back to his room at the Guest House.

With that matter sorted out, all that was left was one more thing to do. Heading for the Great Keep, he'd go to Bran's room, being silent as near the door. It was partly open to show Catelyn was fast asleep in an armchair, no doubt exhausted after these troubling days. Slipping into the room, he'd near Bran's bed where the boy laid covered in comfortable sheets and furs.

Jason shifted the pack he had been carrying it, taking out the boy's crossbow and bolt quiver. "I wish I had given these to you soon. Maybe would have made a difference, keeping you from leaving the keep or protect you somehow." The Surgebinder muttered as he'd set the two items on the nightstand next to the bed. However, he had one more item to give as he'd pick out a small wooden medallion from the pack. It was shaped similar to his Surgebinder symbol, although not as sharp or detailed in design. "Knew how badly you wanted to have one. Always noticed how you wanted to wear mine." Leaning in, he'd put the wooden wolf medallion around Bran's neck before shifting back to look down at the sleeping boy. "I promise…I'll make whoever did this pay." Being silent for a moment, he'd give a small sigh before silently leaving and return back to his room.

***********************

In Sothoryos; Allister could smell the jungle, the sounds of the step of walking lizards following him. He ran and ran with fully recovered strength, he could see the light passing through the forest gaps in front of him. He was near a clearing. A walking lizard appeared in front of him blocking his way, Allister didn't slow down and instead summoned his scythe. He spun in mid-air and sliced the lizard's head off. The head bounced off into the clearing and so did the hunter.

As jumped out into the grassy land covered by sunlight, he turned back to see the lizards. They didn't come out of the shade like they were afraid of the light. They stopped and growled at the hunter.

"You want to be like your friend." Allister pointed at the dead lizard's head. "He died doing what he loved, being a fucking stupid lizards."

The lizards turned away back into the forest. Before Allister could think of something else, he heard a loud growl behind him.

An ape resembling a giant silverback gorilla, with either light black. Walking with an upright human-like posture and primarily walks upright,  25 feet tall. Legends say an ape of the continent could kill an elephant with one blow.

"Oh, fuck."