Day 2

Before departure

As the night had arrived, the stars glowed in the sky, and the people that slept in their homes peacefully, one could say that silence had fallen over Crofters Village. However, if someone listened closely to the deep shadows of Wolfswood Forest, were the animals rose from their nest, and were they knew that in the cover of darkness. They would safe, from the grasps of humans, and their constant hunt of them. Not that they wouldn't rise in the light of the sun, and knowing that the Forest was a dangerous maze, were anyone could get lost easily in it, if they knew their way around it. However, precautions are always necessary to take, when needing to venture out in the open.

But it wasn't the same case over two moons ago, when the earthquake had happened, all the animals could feel the impact coming, and they were prepared. And, when it stopped, they continued their lives, as it was before. Although, it wasn't the same, as before. As their Forest had an unlikely guest in its territory. A Giant, walking among them, of course in the begin it was great deal of insecurity. Not knowing what that Giant could do to them, but as time passed. They were able to understand, and see that it wasn't a threat, but a friend. Seeing him, walking around the Forest, collecting samples, and investigating its surroundings. They knew it was a friend, and not because it didn't use violence against them, killing them in sight. But, the opposite, saving them from time to time, when one of them was injured, he would help, and step by step they accepted him in their Forest. To this day, they wouldn't fear him, and to this day they wouldn't fear to always hear the constant clashing of metal inside his home. Even if they are curious, they would never venture to his home of wonders.

Besides, inside that Cave only darkness could be seen. Only one room had its light switch on, and were bubbles, Vases filled with all kinds of liquids, but also the constant predicament of explosions. *BOOM*

"COUGH-H, COUGH-H, COU-A I-Isaac status report" "It appears the experiment went wrong...again. Also, who switched off the lights" Inside the Laboratory, we see our dear Doctor covered in black smoke all over his face, and the same could be said to Isaac, as he had a hard time seen "A Scrap" said Ratchet, as he grabbed a cloth and started to wipe his face "This is the seventh time we tried to do. Even if we always change the ingredients, it always goes wrong" he said, as he opened his eyes he could clearly see again. Once that he turned to Isaac's drone, and help him clean his screen "Ah thank you Doctor" he said, as Ratchet tossed the cloth to the table, while he went and checked his ingredients again "What are we doing wrong Isaac, we have tried everything we could, but nothing works" he said, with a slight disappointment in his voice "W-well-" "I have come up, with any kind of formula that I can think of" "Well I mean-" "How is it, that it's so hard to make an antidote, that will penetrate, and destroy the virus" "…" "I didn't expect my medical career to disappoint me".

As a moment of silence passed, Isaac had finally had the opportunity to speak "I-I don't think it's your medical career that disappointed you, Doc" he turned to look at him "If not that then what" "I think, that your thoughts are elsewhere" "…What" as the drone came over the table, Isaac had activated his laser "Well, I believe that the ingredients are fine" "Then why doesn't it work" "Maybe it's because you got the wrong ingredients" as it hit him in the head. Ratchet's eyes had switched between the formula, and the ingredients he had, and when he came to realization that he got the wrong items for it.

In response to his clumsiness, he frowned "Uh-huh damm ingredients" "I don't think it's the ingredients at fault" he turned to look at him again, but with a hard glare "And whose fault is that…mine" Isaac didn't respond immediately, but the Doctor didn't need one, as he knew he was the one that had paid the price. He sighed as he sat to his chair, while rubbing his eyes "Why didn't you tell me" "I tried, but…I saw that you're in disposal" "In disposal…Isaac I'm right he-" "Mentally I mean" he looked up, finding Isaac drone, flying above him "Your thoughts are elsewhere, Doc. Is there something in your mind Doc".

As the question had lingered inside his optics, he couldn't help himself but recall everything that happened in this short period "In a matter of speaking…Yes, Yes Isaac there is" as his mind, started to recall all the things that had happened, before he arrived here

1# Flashback

After he had taken care of with his business with Lord Bolton, he came to a realization. That the man had a soul, and he saw when he had to check his son, Domeric. The poor boy had caught the Winter Fever, it was by some miracle that he had survived that long. But in the end, he was glad he had helped, but what he wasn't glad for was the sight of their Maester giving him the look, of hate. That had him think of all the possibilities of its outcome, one particular was a simple report to the Citadel to conform his movements. They were on to him, sooner or later they would make a move on him, and he doesn't know how they are going to do it. But for now, he had other things to take care off.

On another note, his next business had been to visit Hornwood. In the beginning it wasn't in his schedule to visit the place, but when its location was near him, he couldn't resist but pay a visit.

Besides he had wanted to check on young Halys, and his father's condition. Since, the last time he was here, the old man had the same situation as his last patient. Winter Fever was a crafty disease, it targeted all kind of ages. Thankfully, he was always prepared to defeat it.

As he recalled, he was walking towards outside the gates of their Hall. Walking beside him, was young Halys, wearing his clock, and fur. As the sun was setting down, the man said "Thank you again, for your assistance, Ser"

Ratchet had turned to him, with a smirk "Glad I could help, although like I said before. I am no Knight, you don't have to call me, Ser" in response the young Lord gave him a smile "I know, but still I'm grateful for all you have done…Ser".

'Huh, his a stubborn one" he nodded, as they had reached outside "Now remember, a small drop of this with his water or tea, every night. Before bed, that would help him sleep, much more peacefully" "Will do" as they reached the stairs that led down to the courtyard.

"So, what now, Doctor, are you going back to Winterfell" asked Halys "No, I have some work to do at my lamp, I need to prepare for the trip to Duskendale" "Ah, yes well I wish you the best. However, I am afraid that your lab has got to wait" Ratchet looked at him, with a questionable look "What do you mean-" before he could finish his sentence a horn was heard coming from the gates that were opening. And once opened a small group of riders came through it.

What he noticed about them, is that they wore more furs than any other person he has ever seen. But the most distinguished thing, that gave them away. Was one of them caring a banner, with a black field, and a white sun in the middle 'Karstarks'.

As one of them, dissented from his horse, he started to climb the stairs. He was able to recognize him, as been one with a long black beard, and the same name as Lord Stark's . Halys was the first one, to a dress the man "Rickard!" he yelled, as the heir of Karhold reached the top, he opened his arms, and yelled "Halys!".

As the two men embraced each other, something had ignited in his spark, something that he really couldn't describe "How have you been" "I'm alright. Although, I'm surprised to see you here, no raven came with your attentions of your arrival" "Yes, you must forgive me. There was no time for us to send a raven" "By the sound of it, something must have happened" "Indeed, I am need of great assistance" as the heir of Karhold turned to look at Ratchet, he said "Doctor".

Ratchet gave him, a small bowing, as he said "Lord Rickard" he raised his head "To what can I assist you with" as he saw the small exchange of looks between the young Lords, Halys had understood the meaning behind it, as he spoke "I'll shall leave it to you then, gentlemen" he said before giving them a nod, and then disappearing inside the hall.

As they started to walk down the stairs "I thought, that I would find you in Dreadfort" he looked at him, surprised by his knowledge of his presence at his previous visit "Yes, I was. However, I had to see the conditions of my previous patients, as per my duty" the Karstark chuckled a bit "The rumors of you never cease to amaze me Doctor" 'A great more rumors' "Might, I ask as to what rumors you refer to" "Well, it depends. The smallfolk speak of a demigod walking amongst us. Others, say that it is the Stranger coming to punish us for our crimes" "And…the Highborn" "Well, I don't know what they think about you, in the South. But I know that every lord, and noble in the North, is indebted to you"

As they reached to the courtyard towards the rest of the riders. Young Rickard, had turned to look at him with all seriousness "And I would be more indebted to you, if you help me" "Of course, I'm at your service. What is the situation" for a moment the young Lord hesitated, looking around for any praying eyes, until "My Father, he is ill"

Not what he was expecting to hear, as the process of hearing what the man said, completely took him by surprise. As well as the subject of his father, Lord Torrhen Karstark. A man that has been rarely seen in the outside world. Not even the Doctor had seen him, and he always wondered what has become of him, but now "I need details" "It all started about 3 moons ago, in the beginning his appetite for food had diminished, then he wasn't able walk at all feeling weak, the coughing came later, then the vomiting, every time that we gave him a drink, he wouldn't be able to swallow it, and then his skin. It started to turn-" "Yellow" as he interrupted him, the man saw the Doctor's eyes widening, and his expression was that of panic.

"Y-Yes-" Ratchet grabbed his shoulders "His eyes, were there any signs of white in them" "Y-Yes" 'Scrap' he immediately released him, as he touched his com "Isaac" "Yes Ratchet" "Groundbrindge, Now" on queue the portal opened in the middle of the courtyard, before he entered he turned a slight second saying "Don't go anywhere I'll be right back".

1# Flashback End

"Stomach cancer, So that's why you came rushing in, and then disappearing into the unknown" said Isaac, "Yes, well. The man's life was in danger he was but an inch to the afterlife" "Was the surgery a success" "Yes, it took me hours to do it. His abdomen was in great peril. Especially the liver, and his esophagus" "I guess that you had his liver removed, and then cleaned his esophagus" "Yes, indeed. The liver was the one most damaged, I had to remove it, and then exchanged it with another" "You had a spare part, where".

Ratchet looked at him with a blank expression "You do realize that, not all medical treatments are successful. If not given the proper equipment, and for me to make sure that a life is to be saved I had to take precautions-" "By extracting from the dead" the way Isaac sounded, made Ratchet feel guilty, however "It may sound wrong, but I assure you that I wouldn't do such a thing. Without taking precautions not just for medical purposes, but also to make sure that I would have first and foremost the full permission of the dead persons relatives".

A moment passed as Isaac understood full of the Bot's position "Of course, Doctor" Ratchet gave him a small nod, before Isaac continued "So when you rushed back. I remember that you ordered for the Groundbrindge to be opened between Hornwood, and Karhold, was for you to be transported there, then what happened"

"Well, as per usual Karhold was perhaps one of the strongest castles to ever existed, of course not as Harrenhal. But their position on those hills gave them quite the tactical maneuver" "It is quite the magnificent sight" "Agreed, once I had entered to their hall, I immediately went to the man's chambers" "And" asked Isaac, with a hint of curiosity.

"There he was, Lord Torrhen Karstark. Laying on his bed, old, tired, and the constant grip on his sheets, a sign of struggling with life" "And yet you treated him, and if my memory serves correctly, which it does. The patient must remain at bed for at least a month" "Your memory serves you correctly. Yes, it depends on the person's age of course, but the old man needed to regain his strength, at the slowest pace as possible" "You must be proud, since treating a Lord, is a high achievement for everyone to acknowledge your abilities"

Ratchet didn't answer, Isaac noticed the Doctor gazing into the other side of the wall "Doc" as he snapped, he turned to look at Isaac's drone "What has been bothering you Ratchet" he stared constitutionally before answering to him "It's not that I'm not grateful for all the complements that I get, Isaac. However, my thoughts are to what had happened after the surgery"

2# Flashback

As he was cleaning his surgery equipment from all the blood. Ratchet, was proud to have announced to the father's child, that the surgery was successful. The old man's eyes had opened, and were clearer than the day. And once the pleasantries had stopped, the tears came, and the long embrace between a father and son had took place before him. He was glad that he could help, even in the crucial moment he would try to save a patient. No matter how long it took him.

As morning came, he continued to pack his belongings in the far corner of the room. However, he stopped as he heard the footsteps of someone nearing him, as he looked up. He was met by a bald headed man, with a short beard, wearing a long robe, and the recognition of his chain around his neck.

"Doctor" said the man "Maester Arnolf" the man known as Arnolf gave Ratchet a small smile "On behalf of everyone, I thank you for aiding House Karstark in its moment of great need" he gave him a small bow.

As Ratchet closed his suitcase, he said "I did what was needed" he gave him a small nod "Indeed, as expected from a person such as yourself" he didn't respond, since the Maester continued "Although, I am curious as to how you were able to proceed on treating Lord Karstark. Such great knowledge must be well learned from someone like you".

Ratchet stopped, as he gazed him once more "I hate to disappoint you, Maester, but I'm unable to say how I did it. Besides, someone like me needs to uphold his secrets from time to time" the man narrowed his eyes "But of course, someone as clever as you, needs to keep his secrets. Although secrets could be also dangerous if the wrong people were to find it".

Hearing the last sentence, he said, Ratchet immediately responded by saying "Agreed. Although to your situation I must assist to use every bit of caution. Especially when keeping secrets from the Lord" "What do you mean" "What I mean dear Maester is that you're not as innocent as you look" he leaned closer to him, his face close to his "Why didn't you tell the boy. About his father's real condition" his expression was given away as terror swiped through the man's face.

He glared at him "I don't know much about names of diseases that relate to yours. But the Grabs in his belly. Are very well known to me" he continued to look horrified "Why didn't you tell him" he asked, as the Maester composed himself he looked back at the crowd that was formed around the bed. Knowing that he was safe he spoke "I-I just couldn't. The boy was too attached with his father. Learning of his condition would only break his heart" sympathy "Even so you had no right to keep it from him" "I wasn't!" he said with a pitch of volume in his voice.

"Ever since you came, the rumors of you been able to heal anything. Had put my heart at ease, as I had prayed to the old gods that you would come, and cure him" "Why didn't you summon me earlier, I would have" "we didn't know if we could trust you. I mean you're a Giant, you could have as killed" he rolled his eyes, as he was annoyed to what he said "But you didn't, and I was able to feel a lot more ease. When the young lord had brought you here" he looked down at him. Trying to find any signs of him lying, but he didn't.

"I am not your enemy" the Maester said "And I will never be, but you must be careful of your surroundings" his eyes widen as he leaned closer to him "What do you know" he hesitated "N-Not much. Only that the Citadel is not happy with your accomplishments" "What do you mean" "I mean that you must have your eyes, and ears open, for one day they might strike" "Wh-" "GIANT" as a loud voice called him from the crowd, it indicated his end of conversation with the Maester, who but nodded as he too joined the crowd 'So close' he thought as he too joined them.

2# Flashback End

"Indeed, close enough" "mhm" "However" said Isaac, as he got the attention of his "As I am happy as they are for your success. I'd doesn't really explain your absence of focus on the task at hand" he said, while flying above the table with all the items on it "Maybe I am tired" "No I don't think you're tired Doc. Besides you're energon deposit is 91%" "Then there must be a problem with my circuits" "No your circuits are fully fun-" "THEN WHAT!".

Silence had grown as the Doctor realized his error of his outburst "Isaac, I'm-" "No it's alright Doc, I understand" Ratchet looked at him before he could say anything else "It's hard not have to someone else from your kind beside you" his eyes widened "What do you-" "It's hard to look at others, and seeing them happy. When you realize that you're the only kind that has been stranded here, and alone" his eyes sadden as Isaac had pointed out his recent lack of focus.

"I can assure you Doc, that the Autobots. No matter where they are, they are safe" "I know. I know that where they are, they are safe, and yet I know that I made the decision to start new. And I will, for they would except me to hold strong. I am just worried" "It's understandable, but look at the new people we have met" said Isaac with a hint of enthusiasm. In response Ratchet smiled "Indeed…people we have met" he, said as he rose from his sit, and neared the table in front of him.

"Right back to business. We have an antidote to make" "Right" as Isaac's drone flow beside him, Ratchet remembered one thing that he had almost forgotten "Isaac" "Yes Doc" "What is the status of our prisoner" "The prisoner hasn't said much, to be honest. Even when questioned for any other intel his mind seems to be elsewhere" "mhm…Isaac" "Yes Doc" "Remind me when I get back from the journey, to question him myself" "Right you got it Doc" "Oh and bring me that vase over there" "Yes Sir" "And Isaac" the drone turned to look at him "Thanks" Ratchet smiled, as the drone nodded enthusiastically.

As he turned back to his formula he thought 'Tomorrow is going to be a long day. I hope to what ever I find in that camp would be worthy. Because I won't come out empty handed, and then thrown to a firing pit, cause the King things he can do so. No, I must be careful for tomorrow might be judgement day"

A/N

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful time, and that you spend happily with your family.

Now I know that it may look a bit unfair as to how I didn't describe a lot more about how the surgery was done. However, I can assure you that there is one more person inside that story that will have the same surgery, promise. Also, I hope you're ready for in the next 2-3 chapter we will finally see an interaction with some important people. For now, stay safe, and see you soon.

Reviews

Austin: True, and to what you say. However, by standards Domeric was either born between 273 AC and 281 AC. Now I could have easily put Domeric on the same date as Robb, and Jon. Although, as it is my story, I wanted to make a clear connection between Roose, and Ratchet that not all are bad guys, and that he cares about his son. Now as for Roose's father, I could have also put a fatherly character like Torrhen. But I didn't because I don't want to overextend of putting non canon characters in the story, I could but I wont on this part cause its not on my plan on putting him. Even if Roose is not the Lord, his age could make him into one, because there are other characters in the story that have taken up their roles as Lord or Lady of a household/order from younger ages. As for the spacing, some readers prefer to read small paragraphs/sentences, and as for grammar I'll do my best but no one is perfect.

Thank you for your review, and No man it's your opinion and I'm grateful for it.