"Can I interest you in the job opportunity in your life!" A joyful and energetic voice called to Jon Snow as he turned to the man that said that. The speaker's richly colored garbs, fat purse, and two burly men at his side made it clear that the man was a merchant and rich one at that.
"A job? You must mistake me for someone else"
"Not at all young man. You look like someone who can fight, that sword at your hip, and the clothing you're wearing, why you must be some sort of noble then? I'm looking for people who use a sword and can fight and you look like a good candidate" said the merchant.
"Aye, I've can use a blade and have some noblemen upbringing" Jon curtly replied a little unnerve by the attention given to him. As the baseborn son of Ned Stark it was rare for him to be the center of any attention and something that became uncomfortable when it happened.
"You see young man I am working for a very powerful & wealthy individual who is looking for any skilled and able bodied person across all of westeros for the chance of discovering new land across the west" said the merchant. "Never before has anyone sailed towards the west coastline and beyond the known world. This is the chance to discover a new world and who knows what mysteries lay beyond. When you come back you will be remembered as the one of the most famous people in the whole world!"
...
"Has anyone else ever been beyond the west coast or will it be us?"
"There have been other before us and through their sacrifice we have learned much about how their expeditions have gone and what to do to avoid them. I assure you that we have taken the necessary research to avoid their mistakes" But what about the mistake they may make? Jon kept that question to himself as he eyed the merchant. While he may not be the most apt when it came to seeing lies even Jon could observe the slight tension in the man's brow, the way he licked his chapped lips.
"I'm sorry but my current plan is to go to the wall. I heard that bastards can rise very high and it is a honorable position" Jon declined the offer. It had been a dream of his to join the night's watch, at least in the north the order was considered a respectful position and it was common for third or fourth sons to join the order.
His uncle Benjen was the first ranger and had told him many stories of life beyond the wall, the wildings that lived there and creatures that called it home including House Stark's vigil, the direwolf. And it would hopefully stop lady stark from detesting his presence within winterfell and the threat he poised to his trueborn siblings.
"The wall? My boy I urge you to reconsider, the wall is not leaving anytime soon and you can always go to it whenever you feel like it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Think of the honor and the glory you would gain, even a baseborn son like you could rise to fame that few ever get to witness.
Would it not be better to spend your time on something worthy of being called a once in a lifetime adventure? The whole world is out there and you want to spend it freeze your life away? You have the chance to see a whole new world if our knowledge is right, that is something few ever get to experience, you could be among them!"
He wanted to say no. To defend the night watch's honor and his choice in the matter but as the words started to come out Jon took a moment to think on the words of the merchant. The man was not wrong that the wall would not be leaving anytime soon, if summer could not melt it than he doubted anything could.
His own father also urged the boy to think about his different prospects explaining that the night watch was always open to anyone wherever they felt it was the time.
The idea of exploring a new world did intrigue him.
While his brother Robb was given more advanced lessons when it came to lordship their father had given Jon unlimited access to Winterfell's library & since he was a young lad he had taken the time not spent on focusing on his swordsmanship. So it was safe to say that he knew much about a lot of thing including the geography of plantos. Even with his cursory knowledge on the world what the man was saying was true in that there was very little on the topic of the western half of westeros.
In the east their were Essos, Slaver's bay, Yi-Ti and more. But the west was covered in shroud of mystery that few knew.
And so the answer he gave to the merchant was not a no but nor was a yes. "You make a fair argument but I would request some time to think on the offer."
"Of course! Please take your time, I will be staying at the local tavern here in wintertown for a week before I head back. If you do decide to come with me than I promise you that all travel expense will be taken care by us" The merchant bowed as he left the contemplating Snow.
xxx
Theon Greyjoy grumbled to himself as he searched for where Ned Stark's bastard was. The man had requested that he brought the bastard to him, something about his future. The only reason lord stark called for him was that he was already done with his lessons for the day when lord Stark found him.
He first checked his room and once he checked that snow was not there he turned to the training yard. Not seeing him at the training yard forced actually start looking. To much of his hidden display it felt that the bastard truly lived to his pet direwolves name of ghost because he could not find a hide nor hair of him.
Asking the servants got him nothing. Only when he started asking the younger stark children did he finally get an answer and from Arya Stark specifically. The library of Winterfell, apparently snow made it his den when he was younger and came here often when he was not training, that explained why lady stark frowned when she past by this place.
Opening the door he quickly noticed the faint light in the corner and moved to it when he saw the state of snow. Sitting on a desk multiple books laid to the side as the bastards attention was focused on a rather thick tome with his pet direwolf sitting near him. The ironborn rapped his knuckles on the desk as the snow turned to him.
"Lord Stark wants you at his solar" he said before turning.
"Theon, can I ask you something?"
"What? I don't have much time snow" said Theon.
"What do you know of the lands beyond the west?" Alright, that was an odd question to ask. Theon was confused why the bastard would ask about that, it felt off to hear that coming from him or any greenlander in general.
"Why do you want to know? Seems odd you would ask that" said Theon as he eyed Jon with curiosity. Jon explained his reasoning as Theon listen carefully and waited for a few moment before speaking "Of course you would be the bastard they looked to first. If I had the chance I would leapt and take that offer without histentation. But to answer you question, yes I know a bit about the lands west but why should I tell you anything?"
"... This voyage will be a long one and plenty of time away from Robb" While neither enjoyed each others presence both could agree of their mutual relationship with the stark heir. Both of them saw the heir was a friend and brother and had a small rivalry over his attention.
Theon did not reply as he seemed to be thinking on the offer "Well? Do you want to give me an answer yet?"
"Quiet I'm trying to remember. Alright, I think remember it now. Back in the golden days of house greyjoy our ancestors once tried to sail across the whole word including the west. Many fleets were sent but few returned. The one I remember happened during my father's grandfather, my great-grandfather's, time and at the time he commissioned a portion of the iron fleet to be turned into three boat meant to sail to the west."
"Three boats? Why would he only make three?" Jon interrupted.
"If you didn't know the iron islands are exactly plentiful with wood and these boats were far bigger than anything we made before as my mother told me. It took an 1/8th of the iron fleet just to make them. Each ship was massive with stores of food and other provisions in them and a host of sailors to man them.
Thirteen years passed until one day a lone ship arrived. On the ship was single ironborn, the man babbled of madness talking about magic, tall men with pointed ears, new races I never even heard, and so on. Since then we never have launched another expedition." Theon finished "Did that answer your question?"
"It did, I'll go meet with Lord Stark now" The greyjoy mumbled as he left the library giving the door a loud THUMP on the way out. Snuffing out the candle he and ghost went to his father's solar where the men seemed to be waiting for him. What they discussed was merely his future and what he wanted to do. His father offered a few minor houses that would be happy to foster him or maybe he wished to join a sellsword company for some time in essos.
Jon simply nodded his head and told his father that he would look into each option before leaving to his room. The rest of the day was him contemplating on his future. His uncle benjen would be here in a few months and the best chance for him to join the night's watch. Or he could take a gamble and take the merchants offer. Jon doubted that Ned Stark would allow him to go with the offer, his father cared for all of his children baseborn included and the idea of going off into the unknown with no guarantee of coming back alive would not sit well with him.
He should have stuck to his goal of going to wall. It was both an easier and safer option ... but something but merchants offer called out to him. Like a minstrel song he couldn't help but repeat it within his mind as it rang in his skull like a hammer to a bell. Something about the offer called to him ... no, he knew exactly why he felt so hesitant of dismissing it.
Recognition
To be seen not as Eddard Stark's bastard but as himself. He wanted to bring pride to his family even if he could not be part of it instead of living off of the kindness of his father and soon after Robb's kindness. If he were to come back from this expedition he would be regarded highly and for once bring something other than shame to his father and family.
When it came time to sleep he knew his choice.
WESTERLANDS / LANNISPORT
They were not joking when the said the ships were massive. Jon eyed the wooden monstrosity as legions of sailors and workers were focused on bringing supplies from the port city. He had accepted the merchants offer as he and a few other northernmen were hired, ten gold dragons were given to each as a reward for joining to expedition and more to be promised.
From Winterfell they went by horse from the riverlands all the way to the westerlands and to lannisport where the ship was being built at. Their were over hundred sailors and hired men to aid in the effort and by the time they arrived most of the preparation was almost done.
"What a mighty ship, largest in written history of westero and off the unknown lands west" a voice spoke up as Jon turned. He saw no until he heard a cough below and saw a dwarf sized man with a twisted face looking at him "Apologizes my height can sometimes confuse people"
"Are you one of the expedition members?" Jon asked.
"Me? Oh seven no I'm afraid. Just a man who is very curious of this endeavor, did you know that a lot of people are interested in seeing how this expedition will go. I heard that the measters of old town have been begging to invest into the effort yet have been rebuffed each time" the dwarf explained.
"I see ... and you are?"
"Ah how rude of me, Tyrion Lannister at your service" the dwarf bowed.
"My lord" he bowed in return "How famous is this expedition?"
"Quite a bit. My father only learned of what was happening when that giant ship of yours was a quarter of the ways done and from there it spread like wildfire as more and more lords heard of the expedition and more the tale became warped. Why I remember hearing a tale that you would somehow find a flying castle and learn the secrets of immortality & valyrian steel!"
"That is unexpected" Jon blinked at the tale "If that is the case why isn't there any crowds?"
"Thank my father for that. Large crowds of excited chattering nobles is a recipe for drama and my father greatly enjoys his silence. Still, people are very curious to see how it goes. Very few have traveled to the western seas save for the lannisters and ironborn and even then few every returned. However your benefactor is they must be very curious to fund this."
"So you don't know who is funding this either" He muttered under his breath. It felt weird to jon to hear how no one knew the identity of patron. However he is the man seemed content with being hidden in the shadows. "Is there anything other reason you are here my lord? I must be getting back to my shift."
"Just one, tell me why is a northernmen like you doing so far from home. Are you from white harbor?" Tyrion wondered.
"No, winterfell my lord"
"Curious. Why would a northermen from winterfell come all the way here then spend the rest of their days freezing their cocks off, do you even know how to swim? Tell me what reason do you have for coming this far?"
"Recognition, why else would I be here; And yes, I can swim" Jon said bluntly.
"Ah, so the bastard of Winterfell wants to be recognised for something more than a snow, well I pray that it works. Oh don't give me that look bastard you gave me all the clues I need, Northern features, your from Winterfell, and your stance all give it away. Still, I must be going now least my father thinks I have bedded another whore" Said the dwarf as he left.
Tyrion stepped momentarily to address him once more "Oh, and if I may offer a piece of advice I would recommend your learn not to be so slighted by your status. Wear your shame like a shield an no one can ever hurt you again."
"Why do you care? Aren't you a trueborn son?"
"Aye, but even dwarfs are bastards in their father's eyes." With that Tyrion left Snow to his thoughts before he headed back his duties and spent the rest of the day there.
Before the day ended all of the crew was ordered on deck were the captain of the ship explained each of their roles for this expedition and how it will go.
The ship was ready and well supplied they would make their way close the iron islands getting one last bit of supplies ferried by boat before heading off. Each member of the expedition was giving different task, for jon and his pet direwolf ghost it meant making sure to keep the peace on the boat and break up and fights that will come up.
With that he and the rest of crew either went back to their quarters or resumed their duties. For Jon it meant heading to bed as he grabbed himself a quick meal of crushed hardtack, salt pork, and a few slices onions tossed into a bowl of chicken broth to make a fine chowder. For ghost he tossed a few links of dried sausage and when both finished their meals they headed back to beds.
"Well Ghost, seems like we're about to start a new adventure" scratching the direwolf behind the ear. "I wonder how Robb or father are doing, I know I only left a letter for them but I hope they aren't worried."
The direwolf gnawed on his chicken bone
Thoughts of telling his father of his plans before leaving nagged his mind. As well as the regret of not giving a proper reply. Making letters for his family did not feel as proper as telling them in person. Jon doubted that his father would be so accepting if he told him and would likely forbid him all together.
"Only that is too late now" Jon said to himself as the ship rocked back and forth "I've made my choice and lie in it"
xxx Months Later xxx
Salt water splashed into Jon's face, his hair was drenched in ithe brinley salt water that clung to every part of him. Ghost faired no well as he saw his direwolf helped to pull a sailor from going overboard as everyone around was focused on keeping the ship afloat.
He didn't even know how it happened
After they had stopped at the Iron Islands it was almost smooth sailing from their with occasional rainy day. Four months into their voyage the ship had approached a thick wall of mist and when Jon meant thick he meant it. Everyone could only see a few meters away and lanterns helped little. It was the captain and his navigators that got them out of the mist.
After passing through the mist did things start to change. One day when the sailors were fishing to fresh meat commotion erupted with what they pulled out. Jon barely got a sight of what they pulled out as the scholars were brought over to studied it first.
A hybrid of a fish and man with green scales replacing skin and fins replacing the hair, webbed hand, and large black beady eyes
New life never before seen. Merman it was called by the sailors, like the legends that Theon would spout in drunken stupor.
The entire day was spent as rumors spread across the entire ship as everyone realized they had entered into uncharted territory. There was a giddiness filled the crew as even Jon could barely control his excitement. From the ironborn side of the ship they were whispers of merman, if merman truly existed then what else could exist?
However, this excitement was quickly squashed when the storm arrived. What was worse was that how unexpected it was, he remember just falling to sleep when a crack of thunder roused him and the rest of his bunkmates up and then the screaming and rocking began. The water around them had turned violent in the bat of an eye as it seemed to have a mind of its own and wished to pull the ship under.
The winds became a howling banshees as lightning rumbled above threatening to strike at the ship.
All hands on deck was the order as men scrambled to find what they can do to help. For Jon and Ghost it was keeping the other sailors from going overboard as the ship rocking widely side to side as he briefly glanced at a trio of men slip as they screamed and fell in the murky depths of the ocean.
"Sails, Sails!" Jon wasted no time and ran to the source as the noise as he saw men trying hold the ropes that kept the sails where they were and—
SPRASHHH
Sea water slammed into his back causing him to hit his head against the hardboard as everything started showing doubles as turned to see what hit him. His throat suddenly felt constricted as eyes widen in horror at the sight of a massive tentacle the size of the ship's mast rose out of the water as it wrapped around the ship, tearing through the wood.
More tentacles rouse out as the tentacles to help steady its grasp of the ship in the violent waters.
A sudden silence slammed into the chest and minds of everyone as those who were pain suddenly went still. Jon could feel the hairs of his neck bristle at something and ghost shared the same feeling seeing his direwolf cowed, its ears and snout kissing the floor.
A great and terrible shadow pulled itself out of the waters as thunder and lightning flashed to allow all to see it's face.
Sea Serpent ... giant squid ... grantuman fish ... all and more ... a monster. The upper body of a sea serpent, the lower end was as mass of writhing tentacles and beard of tentacles to compliment it, and fins so huge that the equaled if not dwarfed the ships sails. Each teeth was the size of giants and looked sharper than Valyrian steel. With each breath it took the sky and waters seem to quake, it grumbling the sound of thunder.
But for all of it's look what truly froze his own heart was it's eyes.
Alien, otherworldly, windows to a mind beyond what mortals could hope to comprehend. It's eyes were like the sea itself and tiny invisible fishhook's gripped his skin and mind trying to reeling him into its depths.
"Once more do mortals step where they have no right"
...
"Drown, drown and die or drown and rise"
It declared with with absolute finality.
The ship tore apart into a thousands pieces as Jon fell into the deep depths of the sea and drowned.
UNKNOWN
"Are you alright lad" Jon snapped up before a weathered hand forced him to down "Easy there lad you just started to heal you need to rest!"
"R-Rest?" his eyes were adjusting to sight of sunlight as he bit down a hiss at the sudden change of lighting. After a few moments passed as he could make out the sight a dwarf sized man in chainmail hold him down.
"Aye, found you and two others washed on the shore. Would've drowned had I not saved your hides" the dwarf explained "If you want to talk then do it while laying down."
Not wishing to cause trouble he complied "You said that there were two others ... was there anyone else, a ship perhaps?"
"No lad you and those two were all that I found, I think saw a few pieces of planks drifting nearby but that was it" the dwarf jerked his thumb to the others with him. His hearts soared when he saw ghost was there and another person, a fat boy that looked to be the same age as him.
"Are they are alright, is ghost alright?"
"They are, a bit wet but fine. I assume this 'ghost' is your pet direwolf?" the dwarf asked.
Jon nodded as he shuffled the question on how this person knew his father's house sigil for later. "I don't think I got your name."
"The name is Uther Shieldom and your is?"
"Jon Snow" introducing himself.
"Well met snow. Now let me wake up the rest of your friends for a moment" said Uther as he went over to the other two. The fat boy, who later called himself Samwell Tarly was the second the wake. Ghost was the next one but the dwarf seemed to be histant before Jon stood by his side assuring nothing will happen. When Ghost awoke the direwolf leapt on top of his master as he let out howls of joy rubbing himself to Jon's side.
"Um, U-Uther, i-if it isn't a burden um do you know where we are?" Samwell chattered as he huddled near the fire for warmth and to dry his clothes.
"The Azure coast, if I remember right there is a halfling village not too far from here. Err, Acorn Wood if I remember correctly" Uther didn't notice the look of confusion and surprise on either of his human compatriots "Once we dry your clothes we can head out there immediately, sound find with you two?"
"W-Wait what do you mean—"
"—Sounds like a good plan" The bastard shot Samwell a look that they will talk about this later. Once they, and ghost, clothes were dried they made followed the dwarf. By the time the sun started to dip down and the stars could just been seen did the trio plus direwolf made it to Acorn Wood.
A small village with many huts that were built into mounds of dirt. Uther lead them to one with a sign of drunk pig dancing on its hind legs in a drunken manner.
The Tavern was called the Drunken Pig.
Entering in the first thing they noticed was rich smells of stew, spice ale, and candle wax as the warmth coming from the hearth was next thing. In the Tavern they saw a few patrons talking or gambling with each other. All of them being the same size of uther or in some cases even smaller. Some of the patrons had turned to them giving them looks of curiosity as they found a sat at the bar.
"Well howdy there. Ain't often you find humans coming to these parts what can I do for you?" A halfling barmaid approached them.
"Ale would be nice ma'am, found these two drifting in the sea with a pet direwolf. Must've been lost after that storm a few days ago" Uther spoke for them.
"By the gods! Well then don't you worry then the food, drink,and room are on house for the night. Can't imagine what you two must have gone through" cooed the women as she rushed to get them some ale.
"The azure coast suffers from shipwrecks time to time. You are not the first people to find themselves washed ashore but you are lucky that someone found or else you would have drowned" the dwarf explained as he pulled out a pipe and matches.
"How often do storms come by?" Samwell asked.
"Often but rarely like the one a few days ago. I never seen the coastal villages look so damaged in my life. Entire towns have been swallowed up by water and there is suffering all about the coastline. Not even the bigger cities are free, even worse their I'm afraid" A puff of smoke escaped his nostrils. "If you don't mind me asking what reason you be sailing along the Azure coast to begin with?"
"Personal reasons I'm afraid" Jon replied. The dwarf nodded and resumed to his smoking as the women brought them drinks and shorty after bowls of stew with bits of chicken sprinkled in. A warm and hearty dish that Jon and Samwell needed. After that they were shown to their rooms, each room held two beds in them and were smaller than they liked but took it nonetheless.
Only when they locked the doors and made sure that no one was listen did both boys sagged as they quickly found themselves laying on the frame of Sam's bed, ghost curled on Jon's side
...
...
...
"I think it is safe to say we've reached to the western half of the world" Sam spoke.
"Aye"
"And now we're maroon with no way back home and seven know if anyone else even survived "
"Aye"
"All we have is the clothes on our backs and your direwolf"
"Aye"
"Do ... Do you remember what happened? Of ... that ... thing" Sam's voice nearly broke at the thought of remembering that thing. For both boys the image of that monster would forever be seared into minds till death. Tarly's own body shook uncontrollably with unbridled fear as his eyes seem to move to the same window looking at the sky for the slightest slight of a dark cloud.
"We're—" Eyes like the sea, small fish hooks ripping his skin and pulling him into them "—It's not here. We're safe Sam, by the new and old gods we are safe." It shouldn't be here, It mustn't be wrong for the sake of both their minds.
"What do we do?" Sam looked to Jon for aid.
"Money" the bastard said without hesitation "Sam we have nothing but the clothes on our back. If we want to survive we need money, once we have that we'll focus on trying to find out about this place. Books, scrolls, what people say about this place."
"Would we be able to understand their language?"
"Apparently we can speak the same language so that is a starting point" Jon noted and Sam relented on that part "From there we will figure out a way to get a way back home while avoiding that thing."
"A-Alright, let's do that" the chubby boy nodded "O-Oh, I probably should introduce myself properly. Samwell Tarly, good to meet you. You can call me Sam, that is what my mother always called me" Sam offered his hands.
"Jon Snow and this my direwolf ghost" Jon returned the handshake.
"So um what brought you here. I mean the expedition, sorry" Sam asked after a few moments of silence.
"Wanted to see the world you could say" Jon replied as rubbed ghosts fur.
"Yeah, same thing. I uh, well, my family had heard about this expedition and wanted me to go. Once in a life opportunity you could say" Jon noted something off in the other boys answer. Like he was withholding something. For now Jon kept it to himself as the two of them talked about trivial things such as their hobbies and favorite foods.
Their discussions went long into the night
xxx
"Do you know where we can find any jobs Uther, I'm sorry for asking but we don't have any coin on us" Jon asked the dwarf as they all enjoyed a meal of boiled eggs with a side of black bacon and toast. "The Storm left us nothing but the clothes on our backs. Not even a sword or dagger."
"Oh skilled with a blade aren't you? Well, I may not have any jobs but I know the town mayor may have something. Heard there was a issue going around in the town a few towns back. Some supplies being stolen and carriages attacked" Uther replied as he chewed at his bacon.
"Who is the mayor?" Uther pointed to the barmaid from last night "The owner of the drunken pig is also the town mayor. The tavern is the closest you are going to get to an official building here."
"Are there no lords we can talk to?" Sam asked.
"Not here, the coastal towns are left to their own devices so long as they pay their taxes. Plus I doubt many care about the problems of a small halfling village"
"You are very knowledgeable about these people good ser" Jon noted
"Heh, been here and back many years by now. I am a cleric of the forge father or as you humans like to call him Moradin. As a cleric it is my duty to spread the word of my god and I make yearly trips from top to bottom of the azure coast. So I know much about the towns here and the people too." Uther explained
"Lanna! Do you have a moment?" Uther called out as the halfling women walked up to them.
"Something you three need?" Lanna asked.
"Got any jobs? Me and friends are wondering if you had any task for us, I remember hearing that you were suffering from some bandit attack?"
Lanna brows scrounged as her shoulders sagged with an invisible weight "Aye, goblins of all things" She spat on the ground as the words came out with disgust "Been attacking our caravans, only the small ones so I bet this must be a new group. If you kill them I'll get a pouch of gold in your hands in no time."
"I think we need weapons first. Do you have any weapons we can borrow?" Jon asked.
"Not on me but I know Tom may have some for you. If you're willing to take the mission in the first place" said Lanna.
"We'll take it"
"Well then give me a minute to let me close up shop and we can see if we can find you some proper gear"
xxx
The short sword given to him was shoddy at best but it would work for now. Jon swung the sword a few times to get a feel with the weight and grip of the blade until he felt satisfied. For armor there was sadly nothing they could offer, halfling sized armor did not fit Jon well and was more likely to rip into pieces than protect him.
He turned to see Sam holding his crossbow tightly. He rarely used bows or crossbows but his father saw to it that he would be trained in different weapons besides swords and crossbows were among them. Sam was holding his in the wrong way. His hand were gripping it too tightly and his thumb was too close to the firing mechanisms. He wielding it like he was novice.
Was Sam not taught how to fight? Sam had said his father was a noblemen from the reach and even if he was a second of third son he would still be taught by the castles master-at-arms.
"Snow! Keep your heads out of the clouds. Globins are known to leave traps around around their bases and I don't want us to get caught" Uther snapped him out of his thinking as the trio wandered in the forest.
Lanna had not only arm them but showed them the area in which these attacks were happening the most. Which was why they searching the forest for any sign of them.
"What do you know of about globins? I've seen one up front before" Sam whispered.
Uther gave a odd look to Sam but answered "Short, either tan or green skinned, and with a mean temper. They're mostly a nuisance on their own most stay in groups of five or six at best. Their primarily tactic is spring a trap and overwhelm their victims with raw numbers. If that doesn't work they break apart easily. Globins are a cowardly race and run at the first sight of danger."
"What if they come back?"
"They won't, at least that particular band won't. That is the problem with globins in that they are like weeds. Tear one out and two more grow in its place, better men have tried to extinguished them to no avail" The dwarf quickly brought his hand and shushed the two. "Do you hear that?"
Both of them tried to listen in in what Uther heard and after a minute they could hear some muttering. He motioned them to stay low as they crawled to the source of the noise. They stopped momentarily as the dwarf pointed out the pit trap a few meters from them, they went around and saw the source of the noise. Five short, shorter than Uther even, green skinned globins that seem to the be talking with each other.
Uther motioned Sam to take the shot pointing at the closest one.
Sam readied the crossbow and fired.
All three of them watched the bolt sail above the globins and hit the nearest tree as the creatures looked up in confusion.
"That was the worst shot I saw in a long time" Uther turned to sam as the boy looked down in shame "Let me show you how it is done" Charging into the globins he raised his hand and snapped his fingers as one of the goblins suddenly combusted with golden flames and in the midst of the shock slammed his mace into the other globins face.
Snapping out his shock Jon rushed in to join the cleric in battle as he stabbed his blade into one of creatures heads. Around them the globins started screeched and shouting in their own guttural language. Like Uther said globins were a cowardly race and once they had come to terms that a quarter of their men had died in seconds started fracturing.
Some of globins tried to put up a good fight but Jon was trained by the best master-at-arms in winterfell along with his brother and practiced even more in his spare time. Even with a short sword the black haired youth cut through the defenders with ease. A cry from behind them saw Sam having dropped his crossbow clutching his gut as thin spear punctured him as he kicked the globin who did it with sudden strength.
Said globin did not live long as ghost immediately pounced on him and tore his neck.
The rest of the globins scattered leaving the three of them.
"O-Oh seven I've been stabbed" Sam bemoaned as he looked at the spear in horror.
"Well you'll be in a lot more trouble if we keep that thing in there. We need to clean the wound immediately" Uther pulled out the spear, ignoring the boys cries. Uther took out a piece of cloth and a bottle of ale as he dunk the cloth into the alcohol and began cleaning the wound "Globins love to smear their own weapons in their shit. Have to clean the wound or you might get an infection."
"They cover their own weapons in their shit? Do these creature have no shame or disgust?" Jon looked disgusted as he took a closer look at the shoddy made weapons and noticed the smell of feces coming off. Sam turned paler and begun making prayers as he started to hyperventilate. "Is Sam going to make it?"
"He will, as a cleric of the forge father I promise you that he will" Uther assured Jon. Once he had finished cleaning the wounds he pressed his hand over said wound and began muttering in a foreign language as a blue light erupted from his hand and began stitching Sam's wound and healed it, not even leaving a scar to show that it happened. "There, problem solved."
"W-Will I get infected?"
"Nope, the spell purged any remaining filth in the wound. You are all fine" The dwarf answered back.
"I ... I owe you a great debt" said Sam thanking the cleric. "Sorry but how did you do that, was that magic?"
"Indeed, of course I'm no healing cleric. Most of my spells are more combat oriented" he replied "Come, I think we wasted enough time here. Better inform Lanna"
As the dwarf started to make his way back Jon allowed Ghost to follow after as he helped to pull Sam from the ground "What in the world was that Sam? You had a clear shot and missed it."
"I'm sorry"
"If Uther was not there you could have been infected or worse even killed. Didn't your father train how to fight?"
"He tried to ... I'm just not good at fighting. I'm a craven, I can barely swing a sword as it is" Sam's attention was pointed at the ground "I try to learn but I am not good enough."
"Then what are good at?" Jon asked.
"I like reading, I good with books and memorizing things, I'm good with my sums, history, a lot of other related things. Guess the expedition liked that since it was the only reason they accepted me" said Sam ending it with a dejected tone.
"Well at least that is something. Sam, if you want I can try to train you to defend yourself" Jon had no idea if he was ready to live up to the offer but he still had to try at least. While Samwell's skill may prove useful the bastard knew in future battles he would be a dangerous liability, even if he didn't like to think of it.
"No, I wouldn't to waste your time—"
"—It isn't a waste of my time sam. If you can defend yourself in some way that is good enough for me" said Jon "Now come on we should make our way back to the town"
"Yeah, lets go" Sam nodded vigorously as he look squeamish at the sight of dead bodies. "I am surprised you can handle to look at the dead"
"My father showed me and my brother Robb the times he had to execute men. Either they be wildings or deserters from the night's watch. You can say I'm quite used to the sight. Now let's just get back to the tavern Sam" said Jon.
Samwell took one last look at the dead body of the globins still wrapping his head around their existence and the ashes of where Uther show his magic. Shaking his head Sam quickly reached the rest of the group as they made their way back to the tavern.
Some hours later and a bag of coin being traded with a few thanks the three of them plus ghost found themselves enjoying mugs of ale as they basked in the warmth coming from the fireplace. Lanna had handed them a pouch of 20 gold coins for them as well as allowing them to keep the weapons they have borrowed.
Sadly the halfling had no other mission to give to the group as the rest of what she had were merely chores and would barely pay for their meals much less their rooms. She did however pointed to the biggest city in the Azure coast, The city of Silver Bay, a major port city and a place bound to have more jobs especially for sellswords.
"So your thinking of going to silver bay then. Smart choice, biggest city I know and last time I checked their were jobs aplenty there" said Uther.
"Do you think they have a library?" Sam asked.
"Absolutely. Their library is the biggest on the east coast. Sorry is this a little off topic but there is something I wanted to ask the two of you" Uther spoke.
"What is it?"
"Why are you really here? I know that you said it was personal but the more I've been with you the more I start to question you. Your look of confusion when I talked about halflings or dwarfs, your questions about the Azure coast, and your shock when you saw me use magic. Tell me who are you two really?"
...
"We're from the west or I guess in this case the east I image" Samwell spoke and as he did he noticed the look Jon was giving to him "Jon please he saved our lives and helped us out already. The most we can do is tell the truth."
"The east? You two are from the eastern lands?" the dwarf look shocked at the news as his slouched look vanished as he straightened up and leaned forward. "Many have tried to go to the eastern lands but none have every returned and you say you come from those lands?"
"We do. In fact we trying to come to these lands when our ship got crashed in a storm. To our knowledge we are the only two survivors, our main goal is just to get back home if that is even possible" Sam explained. The cleric of the Moridan said nothing as he carefully looked at both humans trying to gain insight in whether they were telling the truth of not.
All he could find in them both was honesty
"This ... this changes much" the dwarf leaned back "You two don't look like liers and so far have been fair and honest people but I do not know how much I can help you. No one has ever returned from going east beyond the azure coast and I doubt there would be much in the libraries to help you."
"We still have to try. We were able to make it here so there must be a way to get back and you all have magic too. So maybe we can find a spell to help us get back, we won't truly know until we try." Jon argued as Sam nodded his head vigorously.
"Well if that is the case then count me in. Oh don't give me that look, this is the biggest adventure I ever had part and I'll be a fool to leave right now. Besides, you look like you need someone to help guide you around the azure coastline and more. I am a decent fighter and a powerful cleric of the forge father, you already what I saw I can do. I can heal, burn my enemies, and buff my allies with magic."
"You would truly come with us? But what about your duty, don't you preach across the coastline?"
"My temple gives great leniency when it comes to what my brethren do so do not worry if you fear I may be skirting my duty. Depending on where we are heading I can also continue spreading the forge fathers ways so do not fret about me" Uther assured Samwell.
The two of them looked unsure until Sam spoke first "We would be honored to have you Uther."
Jon Snow (Variant Human): Fighter Level 1
HP: 12; AC: 12; Proficiency Bonus: +2
STR: 16 DEX: 13 CON: 14 INT: 12 WIS: 12 CHA: 11
Class Features: Defensive Fighting Style || Feat (Lucky) || Second Wind ||
Skills: Animal Handling, Athletics, Survival, Insight, Perception || Saving Throws: Strength & Constitution || Background: Far Traveler
Inventory: Shortsword || Travel Clothing
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Uther (Hill Dwarf): Cleric (Forge Domain) level 2
HP: 23; AC: 19; Proficiency Bonus: +2
STR: 14 DEX: 10 CON: 16 INT: 10 WIS: 18 CHA: 10
Class Features: Channel Divinity (x1) || Blessing of the Forge (Armor) || Spellcasting: Cantrips: 3 (Guidance, Sacred Flame, Mending) | 1st Level Slots: x3 (Cure wounds, Healing word, Searing Smite, Guiding bolt, Identify)
Skills: Religion, History, Insight, Medicine || Saving Throws: Wisdom & Charisma || Background: Acolyte
Inventory: Warhammer || Chain mail & Shield || Dagger || Priest Pack || Holly Symbol
xxxx
Samwell Tarly (Variant Human): (UNKNOWN) Level 1
HP: 6 || AC: 9 || Proficiency Bonus: +2
STR: 7 DEX: 8 CON: 11 INT: 17 WIS: 14 CHA: 11
Class Features: UNKNOWN
Skills: Religion, History, UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN, Insight, Perception || Saving Throws: UNKNOWN || Background: Far Traveler
Inventory: Travel Clothing || Crossbow & 20 bolts