(hey guys, im surprised to actually get readers in this story. i decided to practice my english a little bit by writing a story but i hope this can actually entretain someone, keep in mind that english is not my native language so im sorry if my mistakes end up annoying you, also i decided to change the story to a first person perspective so as to make it easier to give some personality to the protagonist i hope it is to your liking.)
Ragnar's POV
I gotta say, I am very pleased with the current situation. For a moment I was concerned that my shouts and spells might not work in this new world but it seems that those fears were unfounded. Now, eternal slavery was not my first idea, I had considered using alternative methods in dealing with these soldiers but they had found me surrounded by a dozen dead raiders, they were obviously afraid and suspicious of me. The three men now acted quite professional though, not like the rude and disrespectful Whiterun guards I'm used to dealing with. No doubt it was because the Bend Will shout I had just used.
Now my odd looks instigated in them more curiosity than hate or hostility, and they seemed eager to serve their new master. I'm certain they now are magically unable to feel any hostile sentiments towards me. For now, I just ordered two of them to search the slain Wildlings; they were examining their wounds and searching for any possible valuables as well.
The only time their subservient manners faded was when they got a chance to examine my sword, muttering in fascination at the ornate yet deadly craftsmanship. The oriental looking blade had made them fascinated, showing that such weapons either didn't exist or were very rare in this place.
"There is no gold in any of them, lord, just a few worthless trinkets." One of the soldiers said, making me very frustrated.
"I'm sorry my lord..."
I remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Don't worry, I should not have expected these barbarians to have anything of value anyway." I calmly stated.
The soldier gave me a worried look at the remark. "You deserve to be compensated for their cowardly attack, my lord." He said. "Perhaps we could give you our gold instead…" he offered his pouch of gold to me.
"No need." I answered back, trying to be reasonable with my new servant. "The gold is not important, looting corpses it's just a habit of mine. Believe it or not I can turn rock into gold with alteration magic anyway" I handed the pouch back to the man.
And my reason for that was simple: I do not like abusing my own slaves, and it was very beneficial for me too, mind controlling magic and shouts seem to work better when my subordinates already have genuine good opinions about me.
"My lord! you're a mage and a swordsman?" The guard questioned as he'd set the pouch on his horse saddle along with the food provisions.
"Lad, I'm everything you can imagine and more." I remarked back. "Still… magic was quite common in the place that I was born. I had expected magic to be common in this place too..."
"No! it's almost non-existent, most people don't even believe it exists, you are truly amazing Lord!" My soldier cut me off.
That got me silent for a moment before I answered back. "Yes. I know that, but as much as I like having my boots licked by mortals like you, I need you all to stop calling me lord."
"But that seems… so disrespectful." he said in a low voice.
"Don't worry, it will not bother me. besides…" I said, calling the attention of the three of them.
"Remember, if the three of you start calling me lord in front of people it will get everyone suspicious. " I said while all of them nodded their heads. "If magic is as rare as you say it is, then i don't want anyone in this world knowing about my talents as a mage, it will drawn too much attention towards me and start an uproar across the continent"
This is an unexpected turn of events… I did not expect to be thrown in world almost devoid of magic, if what this man say is true then i can be certain that if word gets out that a red eyed men used magic to annihilate a few stinking savages, a nation wide riot would occur, and the powerful monarchs of this world would either try to recruit me or destroy me, and if the local religion happens to be against the use of magic i'm gonna become a target for pretty much every single peasant in the world.
i don't need that now, better to put on a piece of theater.
"You can treat me as your lord when we are alone, but when we are in public you will treat me as a strange Sellsword from this place you call Essos"
They nodded again.
"I trust that this Essos is far away?" I asked
They nodded for the third time.
"Very far away Lord."
"Good." I could not contain my smile.
By this point the other two soldiers had finished their searching. "A Dozen Wildlings!, largest group we've had in a few years." One guard muttered, impressed by my brutal work on the savages.
Again both soldiers looked at me, but I just calmly enjoyed the cold air. They looked at my Nightingale Armor, admiring the masterfully crafted light armor…I was not using the hood and they could see my dark hair, pale skin and my red eyes. They seemed a bit surprised, probably didn't expect me to be so young, I was in my early twenties when Molag Bal turned me into a pure Blooded higher vampire, making my youthfulness eternal. I had the strong facial features present in all Nords and the three soldiers seemed to have the same features as me, so I hope that can ease some of the distrust that these people are gonna feel about me.
I enjoyed the cold breeze for a bit but it wasn't long before I ordered the group to mount their horses.
"The nearest village is at a day's ride. you can use my horse lord" one of the soldiers said.
"No need." I waved him off.
"But Lord! It's a long walk!."
"Don't worry. I cannot get tired."
The soldier thought for a moment, he seemed a bit stressed about leaving me without a horse but decided it was best to obey me.
"Let's move. we should get some distance from this area in case more of these Savages decide to appear." I said
They nodded. and I followed the three soldiers through the woods, we walked for quite a bit until we arrived at a wide clear stretch of road. I was silent the whole walk, taking time to think over what had happened to me. i had a sneaking suspicion that killing Alduin had made the deadras uneasy but i could not have anticipated that they would teleport me to another universe in the middle of my coffin nap. I hope Serana can keep Vingalmo and Orthjolf at bay, even though i know she is stronger than the two of them it still made worried, now she would have to deal with them all on her own.
Lydia would probably search for me all over Tamriel and I felt bad for her. I did not know if I would ever find a way back and I hated the idea of my loyal housecarl wasting her life in an impossible mission.
As the sun began to set, me and the group managed to find a clear spot off the King's Road to camp for the night. One of the soldiers would be sitting by the tied up horses on guard duty while the other two and I rested by the soldiers had offered to share their rations with me, yet I refused.
"I don't eat."
Their eyes went wide but they obeyed me and did not question.
"How about you lot tell me about yourselves"
The lead soldier nodded as he finished his ration and removed his metal helmet. The man had short cut dark hair, he was at least middle aged with quite the worn face and having visible three racking scars across his face, the cuts were too clean to have come from an animal attack and were no doubt gained in battle.
"The name is Rickon, the leader of this patrol. I've been serving House Stark ever since the rebellion." The man chuckled a bit, scratching his bearded chin as he'd see my questioningly expresion.
I sighed.
"I was not looking forward to this…" I sighed again, more tired this time "Okay! fill me in on the politics!"
The next few hours Rickon shared everything he knew about Westeros. The history of the Targaryen reign, the different Houses that managed the vast Seven Kingdoms, life in the north, Robert's Rebellion and much more. and I paid attention to every little detail.
We talked late into the night and altough the man explained everything he knew he did know everything, it was to be expected after all, he was a soldier not a scholar.
"You lads should go to sleep, don't worry i still stand guard for the night."
"But lord you-"
"I don't need sleep" I cut him off.
"Now stop calling me lord, we are getting close to civilization."
I stood guard for the entire night enjoying the pleasant sounds of the forest, until the first sun rays started to boil my skin. It could not hurt me but damn it was uncomfortable.
Soon the camp was packed up and our small group continued it's way south down the main road. The weather was brisk yet warmer than I had expected, being too sunny for my taste. Rickon had said that Westeros had prolonged seasons, which would explain the summer-like conditions. By now we had traveled south far enough for the traces of snow to diminish.
"We have arrived," Rickon pointed out, having my attention shift south.
The woodland cleared away to a wide view of hills and valleys that stretched out as far as the eye could see. Lush fields, thick forests and distant snow capped peaks were spread across the landscape in a quite breathtaking scene. Down the short hill was a town, a quite well kept one when compared to the war-torn homes I'm used to seeing. The villagers were out and about, doing chores or busy out in the nearby farms set close by. It was a quite comforting sight, a normal and peaceful scene much better than the depressing sight of war torn Skyrim.
As our group rode into town, a few villagers gathered up to greet us. "Greetings soldiers. Roads safe and clear today?" One of the older men asked, being quite happy to see us. It was obvious the people had much respect for Stark soldiers.
"For now. We had discovered a Wildling band a day north from here. Close to the King's Road even." Rickon answered back.
The villager seemed nervous hearing that news. "Were they killed?"
"Aye, we had help from this fellow here." The soldier chuckled, pointing to me. "This is Ragnar. He's ummm…a wanderer from Lys in the western region of Essos." I was pleased with Rickon's cover story about me, yet a bit annoyed at his bad acting. The villager eyed me, a surprised look showing across his face when he noticed my red eyes.
"Lys? but he has a northerner look about him. Although …what's with his eyes? also i've never seen a man with such fine leather armor ." The villager questioned.
"Long story." I quickly remarked back. "Right now these men are escorting me to Winterfell to report what happened. From my understanding these Wildlings aren't meant to be this far south, much less a dozen of them."
The villager nodded, seeming more focused on the matter relating to the Wildlings. "Indeed. They shouldn't even be on this side of The Wall. Does this mean the Night's Watch is neglecting their duty?" He said, still staring into my eyes.
"That will be a matter that only Lord Stark can deal with. Right now we need a good horse for Ragnar and we are willing to pay for it being loaned to us. I'll make sure it's returned and that patrols are increased on the road." Rickon offered up, getting out silver from his pouch.
Soon the soldier and villager were busy haggling as they went to the nearby stables, while we decided to take a much needed moment of rest. Well they did actually, i could not get tired but it was best to keep appearances.
I could feel the warm life pulsating in all those villagers' veins, and my fangs started itching a bit, my ever present hunger was starting to appear again.
"Ragnar. I got the horse saddled up and ready."
Rickon snapped me out of my thoughts, I looked at the soldier who had a dark brown horse guided over to him, and he gave the reins over to me. "Thank you." I muttered before pulling myself onto the saddle. Turning the horse back towards the road, I waited for the soldiers to mount up.
Our group of four rode hard down the King's Road, slowing only when our mounts became tired, but we stopped when nightfall came and finally put an end to that damned sun. I took more time to ask about Westeros, questioning more about topics mentioned earlier. I did learn more about the folklore of the North ranging from the legends of the First Men and Children of the Forest, The Wall, Night's Watch and the Wildlings.
Once morning came, our group resumed their quick pace until Rickon slowed everyone down. "We are getting close." I looked off to the west, seeing across the green plains a large castle set in the distance. It was an impressive sight that put the castles from Skyrim to shame and even from here I could tell it was old as it was well designed.
"There it is. Winterfell, crowning jewel of the North. Tales say the hold has stood for 8,000 years…quite grand age and sure looks the part."
I just nodded as he and the others rode more casually off the main road, taking another major route towards the keep. I saw more soldiers patrolling the fields, a horn being blown in the distance to alert our group's approach.
"Seems they're rolling the welcoming mat for us." Rickon said as our group quickened their pace. Soon the tall walls and the sturdy gate of the castle were before us, guards quickly coming to inspect the four of us, yet letting us by after a few hushed words with Rickon.
As the gate opened, people eyed me with curiosity, some even showing fear and suspicion. I guess my armor and looks were attracting a lot of attention and not all of it was friendly.
I ignored the stares and scanned the courtyard, pausing only when I saw a young boy with brown hair standing by an archery range. The boy knocked an arrow yet paused in drawing it back as he glanced at me. His head tilted slightly in curiosity as we rode by before he got back to focusing on the archery.
He is a noble that's for sure, probably a Stark too.
I slipped off my mount after a stable hand had tied my horse to a post, Rickon and the other soldiers did the same. I took the time to gaze around the courtyard, getting an idea of my surroundings. The castle was well designed, being split from his understanding into multiple quarters which were separated by smaller inner walls and interconnected buildings. From my guess, this place was at least several acres large, fitting for a family line supposedly as old as the Starks.
"Lord Eddard is expecting us." Rickon spoke up, getting my attention.
I gave a small nod before following the soldier across the courtyard and towards the inner eastern wall where another thick wooden gate separated the spaces. Voices spoke out as the gates were opened and the local soldiers looked at us before closing the gate behind us. The eastern yard was smaller than the main courtyard yet hosted the largest building I had seen in this hold, a massive hall. The gray stoned building was covered in the banner of a snarling gray wolf, the royal sign of the Stark family. The great wooden and iron doors into the hall were opened as two armored guards saluted to Rickon; he gave a respectful nod to the guards as they passed by.
The inside of the hall was quite vast, having eight long tables set even across the room. Empty braziers were set around the center along with a big fire pit, no doubt lit during dark and colder nights. At the far end of the hall was a small platform with a ninth long table set across it with a series of comfortable wooden chairs set behind it, facing out to the hall. Three men and one woman sat at this table, the oldest of the men sitting on a modest throne.
I focused on the oldest individual who seemed to be in his forties by my estimate. He wore a fine yet simple leather vest with bands crossing over it along with a regal cloak with a wolf pelt across the shoulders. Even with the heavier clothes, I could tell that the man was quite strong for his age, honed through years of training and experience. His hair was a fine deeper brown and beard well-kept to give him an elegant northerner look that was befitting of a lord. His gaze was hard to read, yet it seemed calm and thoughtful.
The last individual at the table was a woman, at least in her mid or late thirties by my estimate. She didn't seem to be a northern like the few women I saw in the courtyard, being softer and fairer looking. Her tied up hair was a lush auburn color and her eyes a piercing blue. She was dressed in a grayish blue gown, showing her slim figure. Her gaze seemed to be judging, proud and cautious.
Rickon stepped up before the gathered nobles, dropping to a knee and giving a short bow of his head. "Lord Eddard, Lady Catelyn." He said formally to each individual at the table. "I'm surprised you were prepared for my arrival…I didn't expect the news of-" He started before Eddard spoke up, his voice having a resounding command to it yet respectful in tone.
"We were having a small meeting among the household on other matters. Yet from my understanding you've traveled back here in quite the hurry… along with…interesting company." His gaze drifted to me, and I locked gazes with the man, he saw my eyes and remained silent still.
The two younger men, at least at or reaching their twenties were no doubt his sons because of their similar looks. The one on the left had longer flowing hair of a rich darker color along with a shorter shaven beard across his face. Much like his father, he wore a leather outfit although lacking the more regal hints the lord had. As for the young man on the lord's right, his hair was short and curly yet had the same darker brown color to it. His beard was more grown than his brother, yet finer shaped as well. His clothes were more similar to his father, perhaps hinting him being the closer in line to lordship. Both of them had a curious look at me, the recognizable hint of young warriors sizing up a possible danger.
I could see that my red eyes were drawing everyone's attention.
"He is a traveler who was found a few days north during our patrol. We encountered Wildlings, a band of a dozen." Rickon quickly explained, drawing looks of concern between the three men and a worried frown from the woman. "They ambushed us and for a moment we thought it was the end, However this young man stepped in and turned the tide, none of the Wildlings escaped, My lord this man is very skilled and helped us kill them all." The two younger men looked at each other, muttering slowly as they glanced back at me. The woman had a thoughtful look to her. As for Ned himself…that steady gaze didn't falter in the slightest at this new detail.
"Is this true? Then he has my gratitude." Ned questioned calmly.
"I have no reason to lie about it sir. This man has great swordsmanship and is the only reason why we are all alive and unharmed."
Rickon was doing what i told him to do and doing a good job at that, i wanted this Ned Stark to have a good opinion of me, so i ordered Rickon to say that i had saved him and his men and that we slew the wildlings together, it was better this way. People are more willing to trust an outsider when they see him offering help, and there was also the fact that saying that I slew a dozen wildlings all by myself would probably be taken as a lie.
"I see…" Ned paused, looking back at me. "Stranger, state your name if you will and tell us about this encounter."
I stepped closer to the table, taking a small breath before speaking. "My name is Ragnar the Black I'm a wanderer from Lys' ' Pausing, I'd continue speaking. "I take great pleasure in seeing the wonders of the world and therefore I wanted to see the famous Westerosi ice wall, i was making my way there when i saw those raiders attacking your men, and i decided to intervene"
"Quite the courage about you." The short haired son spoke up suddenly. "You don't seem to be older than me and yet you were still able to stand your ground against the Wildlings"
Eddard looked to his son and then back at me. "My son Robb has a good point, Ragnar. Such a skirmish would have put even the most experienced fighters at their limits, yet how could someone so young as you turn the tide of the fight like you did?."
"My father has trained me in swordsmanship ever since I learned to walk, your soldier Rickon can vouch for me" The mention of the soldier's name quickly drew attention back to him.
"The young man speaks the truth and my men will vouch for him too." Rickon said.
This drew a more surprised look from Ned's gaze as he shifted forward slightly in his seat. "Rickon, you have been loyal to my house for a long time. I don't see a reason to doubt you… yet…"
He turned his gaze to me again.
"I find such bold claims of skill hard to believe for someone so young, I wish to test the merits of this claim if possible… What do you say about sparring with a few of my men Ragnar? "
"I see no problem with that Lord Stark" I answered.
That seemed to please Lord Eddard.
"I'll admit, I'm doubtful about Rickon's claims, but I am hoping you can prove me wrong young man, it must have been a tiring week for you. I will give you some time to rest,something to eat and a room to get your bearings." Eddard told me in a respectful manner. "Still I expect you to do your part around the keep. Work around the grounds, tend to the stables today and help my men train tomorrow." The mention of training had Jon and Robb mutter to each other, along with Ned giving a thoughtful look. No doubt they were all curious to see what a strange and alien looking man such as myself was capable of.
"I graciously accept your offer. but I have one request: I was wondering if I could use your library. I came a long way and faced many hardships to get to Westeros and I'd like to research on certain matters and learn about the Seven Kingdoms as much as I can."
Ned thought for a moment before nodding. "Hmm…I see no issue with your request, I will allow it as long as you are responsible and don't lose any of our books. For now, I recommend you take some time to look around Winterfell while the servants get your quarters arranged."
I gave him a respectful nod back. "Thank you Lord Stark. but, I'd like to get to work on the stables right away."
"Then you may leave."
With that, I turned to leave yet even as I moved across the hall I could hear the low mutterings between the four nobles, a human could never hear their words but I was no human, they talked about this strange traveler with weird eyes, and the woman who i guessed to be lord Stark's wife seemed very wary of me but to my relief the others were just curious. Leaving the great hall, the guards shut the gate and escorted me back to the main stable. Rickon and his men were nowhere to be found, no doubt keeping the appearances about their loyalty to house stark.
As I entered the stables I took a look at the fine horses of house Stark, about thirty in total.
"Seems like it's just me and the horses for now." I muttered to myself, glad to no longer have anyone looking at me with suspicion. If anything, I have always enjoyed the company of animals more than people. I took a horse brush and started to clean the horses one by one, it was tedious work but I was used to taking care of horses from my time dealing with Shadowmere. My gaze drifted around the large courtyard, trying to notice anything or anyone that stood out. However, I heard a hushed voice, young and female in tone, coming from the entrance of the stable.
"We shouldn't bother him, Arya." The older soft voice muttered nervously.
"I just wanted to see if it was true. Never seen anyone with red eyes before." A younger, more excited voice muttered back.
"He could be dangerous. Mom said we should always be on guard around strangers."
"Stop being a scaredy cat Sansa! He saved our banner men so he cannot be that bad, and besides… I heard the girls in the courtyard whispering that he is as handsome as he is strange, you are always drooling over the young men who come to see our father, so come take a look at him!"
"I do not!" Sansa snapped in an annoyed manner yet gasped when she realized I was standing right in front of her, arms crossed and giving a questioning look at the two girls.
The eldest girl was a fair beautiful young woman with long light brown hair and was dressed in a lovely northern dress and cloak. It was easy to tell by her looks and finer clothes that she was one of Lord Ned's daughters since she had a fitting look of her parents, mainly from her mother's side. She glanced away shyly, seeming too nervous or scared to look me in the eye.
To be honest, leaving a pretty, innocent and virgin girl close to me was like leaving a glass of ale in the hands of a drunkard. It didn't take long for evil thoughts to cross my mind but I decided to contain them for now. Seducing the Warden of the north daughter on the first day I met him was obviously not the smartest move to make in the current situation.
I shifted my gaze towards the younger girl.
The young girl had darker brown hair styled into two pigtails along the sides of her head. Her dress was plainer yet more fitting for outdoors. If anything she almost reminded me of a young boy rather than a girl with the way she looked at me with a curious yet confident gaze. She stared into my Vampire red eyes, a hint of surprise showing on her face for a moment.
"You do have red eyes! And you said the guards were lying! Arya remarked at her sister, a small smirk crossing her face while Sansa muttered, still not looking at me in the eye.
I couldn't help but give a small chuckle at her reaction. "Funny. Most people normally cower when they see them." I remarked back. "Then again… people tend to be very superstitious."
"What happened to them? Did you hurt them when you were young?" she asked not even a little bit intimidated by my presence.
"Nothing happen to them. I was born this way" I lied "all members of my family have eyes like this"
"Like the Targaryens!" she exclaimed "Their eyes also had strange colors"
That made Sansa finally look at me.
"Don't tell me you are related to them?" She asked with curiosity.
"I'm afraid not. I come from a family of merchants and sellswords" I told them "no noble blood running through my veins " I said, and technically it was not a lie.
"So is it true you're a Traveler? They say you're from some far off place across the Narrow Sea, a master swordsman even. I mean…that's why you carry that sword right?" The young girl quickly asked.
I guessed the cover story from being from this continent of Essos was spreading. Good.
"Indeed. my father used to say i was the best swordsman in the east."
"Really? then can you teach me swordsmanship too?" the little girl beamed at me.
"I'm not sure your father would approve of that," I said, kneeling so I could look her in the eye.
"You can train me in secret! i will-"
"Arya please! stop trying to get our guest here into trouble. If you get hurt, what do you think our father will do?" Sansa cut her off.
"I will not get hurt! i will take care-"
"Enough Arya! if you go on with this i will tell mom!" Sansa cut her off again
"Ugh! I hate you!" the little girl said as she stormed off.
Me and Sansa looked at her as she left the stables.
I had to hold a laugh. The two of them seemed the complete opposite of each other.
"Your sister sure is tenacious for a girl" I broke the silence.
"Arya is a little wild but mom is working on that, I'm sorry if she disturbed you."
I shook my head.
"Don't worry, it doesn't bother me at all."
Sansa took a good look at me.
Her eyes traveled from my eyes, to my face to my chest and then to my arms. I had to hold a laugh again, teenage girls are all the same no matter the world it seems. I did not take a genius to see that the young Stark girl hormones were working as mother nature intended.
"Is there any way i can help you lady sansa?" I asked.
She seemed to snap out of her trance and gave a flustered answer.
"N- no, i just wanted to welcome you to Winterfell"
She tripped over her words.
"I'm sorry to d- disturbed you, i should go, farewell '
I almost smiled.
"Farewell lady Sansa"
As she left the stables I took a look at her lower half.
Damn… that's quite a butt for someone so young, I had to restrain myself so as not to do something I would regret later.
Lady Sansa…
I'm gonna keep you in my mind for now…
Going back to my work I ended up losing track of time and it was already dark when i was finished. A short stable boy entered the building and made his way to me.
"Never seen the horses this well kept" he said while patting the now impeccable fur of one of the horses.
"I think my work here is done, can you point me to the guest house and library tower?" I asked.
"Sure. The tower is just right there." The boy pointed to a large rounded tower that was set at one corner of the kenals area. "The Guest House is across the Great Keep in case you are tired." He'd then point to a large building that was built into a part of the north western edge of the courtyard wall.
"Thank you." I answered back, the boy gave me a nod as I exited the stables. Looking at the tower, I guessed now would be a good time to check it out, get some reading done before settling in for the night. The tower had two entrances, a main door at the front and a winding stairway along the tower's side. The tall guard by the door nodded as I approached, entering into a lodge area with chairs and small tables set around a large fireplace which was lit with a low burning fire. There were some bookcases set around along with loose tomes set around, no doubt from past guests or the Starks readings. A quick check showed most of the books here were about general facts and knowledge, nothing that interested me too much.
Moving upstairs, I stopped when I heard a low voice, an older man from what I could tell from the tone of the voice and light coughing. The second floor had a more fitting look of a library and study about it, with tall bookshelves stretched out in rows with ladders set around to reach the higher shelves. I tracked down the source of the cough to find an old balding man dressed in gray woolen robes along with a metal chain that was wrapped around his front.
"Can I help you sir?" The man said, his voice formal and clear despite his age. "If anything, it's rare to have anyone visit the tower here, much less an outsider such as yourself."
"That's a shame, books are a world of entertainment and wisdom" I replied as I moved closer to the man, noticing he was reading over scrolls and letters spread across an angled desk.
"You are the young man from Lys right? Everyone is talking about you." The old man chuckled.
"Is that right? and what are they saying?" I asked.
"Most men are just curious about your odd looks, some are eager to see you fight tomorrow, some think you are a liar and want a chance to teach you a lesson, and the elderly think you are a demon from across the sea" he said while writing on the scroll.
"I guess my eyes are too uncommon here in the north." I said.
"Indeed, I believe an introduction is needed from me. I am Maester Luwin, advisor of the Stark family."" The old man said, a small amused grin on his face.
"I take that is the job of a Maester? Sounds like quite the important title." I said.
"Ah, you'd be right about that." Luwin answered back with a nod as he'd roll up a scroll. "We Maesters are learned men dedicated to understanding knowledge and truth. Herb lore, medicine, warcraft, history, economics and much more. No matter how small a noble house one Maester always serves it."
"Quite impressive,Usually such learning is for the more privileged, yet Westeros seems to make it more accessible than other places." I remarked back.
"Sounds like you are quite traveled men, I take it you can read too or else you would have not come here.
"Indeed I was wondering if there were any history books I could read tonight. I wish to educate myself about Westeros."
The Maester gives a more pensive look before turning his face towards me, his chain rattling about. "Just who are you, young man? I was told that you are a skilled warrior that came from the east, a man who saved our soldiers from a dozen Wildlings." The man's eyes had a sharper look, looking over me calculating as he seemed more alert than before. "Your age, I cannot determine it from a glance. The face tells me you might be younger than Lord Stark Son and heir. Physically though your body seems to be in its prime...perhaps farther then that considering. Your eyes are…" At that moment the Maester paused, having just noticed the blood-like gaze, yet he didn't question it just yet. "You are obviously learned considering how you speak. Can you explain the proper uses of the milk of the poppy?"
I knew the man was testing me and I felt this maybe a good chance to win his favor. "A useful painkiller and anesthetic. Best taken in small doses from minor pains, drops mixed with drink. More serious issues should involve purer doses yet limited to avoid addiction." I answered his question, quoting what Rickon told me word by word.
"Correct and straight to the point." Luwin muttered with a small nod. "How far do your studies go sir Ragnar?"
"That's quite a list sir..." I answered back. "Alchemy, Smithing, Archery, Swordsmanship and… let's say some other... more unorthodox practices…."
The old man eyed me a bit disturbed.
"I think such claims are impossible for someone so young, yet… anyone who looks at you can see you are not normal, so I will take your words as truth and I hope you can share some of your knowledge with me."
"Gladly." I said, thinking for a moment. "However, could you give me a list of books? You know this place better than I. I want to learn the History of the Seven Kingdoms, the Houses, mythology, the Night's Watch and the Wall."
"Quite the collection you're asking for." The old man moved about the library, easily
finding every book that I had asked for. "Ah, if only the young masters were as interested as you. They'd be wise leaders once of age." Soon a large pile was set on the desk and I was shifting through them, picking one a black book with a raven crest titled The Night's Watch.
"Thank you. This is exactly what I was looking for." I said as I flipped through a few pages.
"To think you came all the way from Lys… What interests you about The Wall so much?" Luwin asked me.
"Everything really, it's not everyday you see a giant wall of ice that stretches for 100 leagues." I answered.
"Well… if you have any questions, seek me out. For me…" The Maester moved to collect his letters and scrolls. "…I have arrangements to sort out. King Robert and the Lannisters will be visiting within a few weeks. It has been years since the King has been up north, much less seen Lord Eddard." Sighing, as he left the room. "Anyway, enjoy your studies."
I nodded and then got back to my reading.
White Walkers… I took an uneasy glance at the book pile. It kinda felt like I needed to look into every detail about these beings. Myth or not, the vague details alone were too connecting to be coincidence.
Perhaps I might not be the only monster in this world…