Ascendancy of the Highborn

172 AC

Thomas Hayes blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The last thing he remembered was closing his blacksmith shop in Chicago. The air around him now felt different, fresher, and his clothes were unlike anything he had worn before—finely woven, practical, but sturdy. He looked around, realizing he was in a dense forest with towering trees and the distant sound of a river.

As he stood, a sudden surge of energy coursed through him, causing his body to tremble. His hands glowed faintly, revealing an intricate symbol etched into his skin—a mark he instinctively knew was the sign of a High Human. He was confused and didn't understand what was going on. Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind, clear and commanding.

"You have been chosen, Thomas. You are now a High Human, capable of elevating others to your status. Use your knowledge and power wisely."

Thomas was startled, and as the voice finished, he started receiving knowledge of his race, its power, and where he was. His mind buzzed with the reality of his situation: he was in Westeros, a world he had only known through books and television. Determined to find civilization, he took a deep breath and decided to explore.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Thomas assessed his situation. The forest was lush and vibrant, with a mix of unfamiliar flora and fauna. Birds chirped in the canopy above, and small animals rustled in the underbrush. He needed to find civilization, but where to start?

He focused on the sound of running water, a constant, soothing murmur that promised a path to follow. Streams often led to rivers, and rivers led to settlements. Thomas picked up a sturdy branch to use as a walking stick and began to make his way toward the sound. As he moved, he noticed his senses were sharper than ever before. He could hear the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and even the distant footsteps of small animals. Not only that, but he could also feel the life force of the trees and animals within a 100-meter radius.

After a few minutes, he emerged from the thick foliage and found himself standing beside a clear, bubbling stream. The water sparkled in the sunlight, flowing steadily in a northern direction. Thomas knelt down, cupping his hands to drink. The cool water refreshed him, giving him a sense of clarity and purpose.

"This stream must lead somewhere," Thomas thought. "Villages are often built near sources of water."

With renewed determination, he began to follow the stream. As he walked, he marveled at the beauty of the forest around him. The air was fresh, and the flora and fauna were unlike anything he had seen back in Chicago. He felt a strange connection to this land, as if it were welcoming him.

After what seemed like hours, the forest began to thin, and the stream widened. Thomas spotted signs of human activity: a footpath running parallel to the stream, footprints, and even a discarded piece of cloth. His heart quickened with anticipation.

As he followed the footpath, the trees gave way to open fields, and in the distance, Thomas saw smoke rising from chimneys. He quickened his pace, following the path until he reached the edge of a small village nestled beside the stream. The village was quaint, with modest homes made of wood and thatch. Fields of crops surrounded the settlement, and villagers bustled about, tending to their daily tasks.

Thomas approached cautiously, not wanting to startle anyone. As he neared, a group of children playing by the stream noticed him. They stared, wide-eyed, before one of them ran off, shouting for an elder.

Moments later, an older man with a kind face and a sturdy build approached Thomas. He carried a staff and wore simple, practical clothing. The elder stopped a few paces away, studying Thomas with curious eyes.

"Who are you, traveler?" the elder asked. "And what brings you to our village?"

"My name is Thomas Hayes," he replied, his voice steady. "I come from a distant land, and I seek refuge and a place to share my skills. I am a blacksmith and a brewer."

The elder's eyes widened with interest. "A blacksmith and a brewer, you say? Those are valuable skills indeed. Come, let us speak further. My name is Eddard, the village elder."