Marching along the road Jayden led his company onwards. Behind him was Kevin, eagerly following his knight and leader. Merrett, Elmar and Ashter remained at the rear clustered together. Since they had headed south, the young knight tried to follow the route. Memorising the route via landmarks noted on the map. Further along the road was a bizarre looking tree. Carved crudely into the trunk was runic style of words beneath the image of the dagger. The entire party saw the tree and went toward it. Jayden was the first to inspect the tree; the runes carved into the bark had been carved into it with the tip of a dagger or some other sharp object. He couldn't make sense of the runic language and doubted if the others could. Merrett looked over Jayden's shoulder.

'Wildlings must be near' he muttered.

Jayden looked back to him 'Even so. Let's not dally here'

Elmar nodded in agreement 'Ser Jayden has the right of it'

The group continued on their way. With the lingering fear wildlings were near, the group remained vigilant. Further down the road stood another object related to wildlings. Atop a wooden stick plunged into the ground beside the road was an item that struck worry in the group. Atop the staff was the skull of a dear. Wrapped around the pole was Pale ivy, knotted together to create a chain of the plant. Seeing this disturbing sign caused everyone to stop dead in their tracks. The air tasted bitter.

'Perhaps we should find another path' suggested Ashter.

'Hello there'

This sudden voice came out of nowhere. The entire company drew their weapons and went into a circler formation. Looking around in every direction, they tried to see where the voice had come from. Jayden held his sword in one hand and raised his shield up high. In order for it to provide adequate protection but didn't obstruct his vision. All he could see either side of him were woodland in every direction. Trees began to rustle, everyone turned to the direction from which it came. From out of the undergrowth emerged a man. A slender man appeared. He was of middling height but broader in the chest and shoulders and taller than those in the company. His long brown hair was knotted, looked like a think coil of rope hung down his back. He wore wool and leather over which he draped a slashed cloak of black wool. Over his shoulder was a bow and arrow, his quiver half filled. His face was clean shaven, with grey eyes and a straight nose. As soon as he appeared the company all faced this wildling with their weapons ready.

'Who are you?' Jayden called over while looking over the brim of his shield.

'Gornell Steelsong, son of Aemon Steelsong' replied the stranger.

Jayden slowly lowered his weapon and shield 'Did you craft the marking on the tree back there?'

The stranger shook his head 'Others of my tribe crafted the staff and mark. They serve as reminders to travelers we were once here'

'Are any other members of your tribe close by?'

'Most of my tribe dwell a league north of here. I was among a few hunters sent forth to gather food'

Jayden turned his head back to the other members of the company 'Lower your weapons'

Elmar seemed startled 'are you mad? What if there are others surrounding us, ready to attack?'

'Do as I command'

Each member of the company gradually lowered their weapons. The tense moment had passed; Jayden sheathed his sword 'Forgive us. We assumed you were an outlaw and might attack us'

'I've received harsher welcomes from others in these lands'

Other members of the company put away their weapons. The huntsman slowly approached the group with a confident stride. When he was close enough he practically towered over the courtiers of Darry. Like a high-born noble looking down on his land from a great tower, he seemed imposing to those who looked upon him. The blood of the first men seemed to flow strongly in his veins given his height. Jayden stepped forwards, indicating he was the one in command. Merrett glimpsed Elmar; he had the exact same frozen expression upon his face.

'I am Ser Jayden Redfish' spoke the young knight 'a sworn knight of Lord Sulvan Rudge, Lord of Darry'

The wildling bowed his head 'Greetings on to you Ser knight'

'Do you hunt in the woodlands often?'

'When my tribe is in need I either hunt for food or toil in the fields for one of the many farmers'

Jayden thought to himself, he pondered upon this chance meeting as if the seven had sent this man to help him. Jayden decided to ask 'Have you ever been to Castlewood?'

Gornell crossed his arms as he poured through his memories 'I've been there twice to sell pelts to the merchants in Old Beehive'

'Is there a faster route to Castlewood aside from following the Kingsroad?'

'Aye. Through the woodlands is the fastest route outside of the roads. It's easy to get lost in there though'

'Would you guide us?'

Within moments he felt a hand pull him; Jayden turned around and saw Ashter with great concern.

'Are you seriously wanting to have this man lead us to Castlewood?' he asked frantically.

Jayden pushed Ashter's hand off his shoulder 'If we are able to reach Castlewood sooner than expected perhaps we can learn more about this Randyll'

'You're putting a lot of trust into the word of this wildling'

'Wildling or not, if he knows a faster route it should be considered'

'Maybe if we…'

'I will not sit here and explain myself to you Ashter. I am the commander of this company and I will decide our course of action'

Jayden broke away from Ashter and reached into his pouch on his belt. Taking out one of the five Golden Dragons gifted to him he showed it to the Wildling. Gornell's eyes fixated on the coin with great interest.

'If you lead us to Castlewood without harm' Jayden bartered 'I shall grant you one Gold Dragon for your help'

As Jayden slid the coin back into the pouch he waited to see the wildling's decision regarding the offer. He could see Gornell was thinking, his brow had furrowed and he scratched his chin with his fingertips. Lowering his hand, he had another question 'Would you need a guide to lead you back?'

'I'd follow the kingsroad back to Darry. We won't need a guide for the journey back'

Within moments Gornell extended his hand outward toward Jayden 'I'll gladly guide you'

Jayden then shook the wildling's hand 'I'll give you your coin when we reach Castlewood'

'Agreed, when do we leave?'

Jayden turned back to his company. He could see all of them were deeply worried; Kevin was the only one who seemed excited by all of this. Once this had settled in he gave the order 'We leave at once. Follow me; I'll be following Master Steelsong'

As the company begrudgingly followed Jayden, the young knight walked beside Gornell as they entered the woodland. The dense woods and tall trees provided an atmosphere of dread, thick tree branches partially blocked out some of the sunlight. Jayden looked about and had never seen this side of the Riverlands before. He looked at Gornell, he seemed comfortable in such a place. Experienced in traversing such a realm seemed second nature to him. From where he was he could almost hear Ashter, Merrett and Elmar grumbling. Being their leader the decision was his, being charged with such a task by a lord gave him the power to do so. Even with that kind of reassurance, he still didn't appreciate the bitterness from his followers.

'You haven't met many wildlings have you?' Gornell asked Jayden.

Jayden remained focused on following his guide 'What does it matter?

'You may not know the tale, but there one tale you should know, about a commander who favoured wildlings. Out of anger, his men turned on him and put him to the sword'

'And you are telling me this for what reason?'

'Constantly making choices that can anger your men will make them turn on you. While it hasn't happened now, be weary, it could happen when you think you're safest'

'For a wildling hunter you seem to know much'

'My father's father knew the man whose men turned on him. It is because of that man I live in the Riverlands and wildlings still walk these lands'

Jayden thought back to his time in Riverrun, under the tutorage of a Measter, history was a subject of interest for him. During one of those lessons he was taught about Wildlings and how they came southward. It was on the tip of his tongue; he tried to recall the name of the White Wolf. After such an education he struggled to remember what he was taught. If only Measter Cedrick could see him now, he'd be deeply disappointed in his former student.

'