While the days were quickly getting shorter, the sun was still in the sky far more often than not. It would be weeks until the equinox and then from there the north country would start getting colder, and colder, and colder still until the land more resembled a glacier than the rolling hills. Shadow was the first to rise, having enjoyed a well-earned rest on the first soft bed in weeks. Getting fully dressed, Shadow took a minute to look out from the back window of the room. Above the walls in the far distance rose those mountains. They looked similar and yet so very different from the forested mountains of home in her youth.

"Get of here, you've caused enough trouble." The words came back to her as a bad memory, one she had tried to shake countless times. But even the slightest hint of home would bring those cutting last words of her family back to her. The cause was all over her body, the black fur and the hints of even blacker spots covered every inch of skin.

"But I didn't do it…" Those were her last words to her mother and siblings. There was no goodbye, no "I love you." Just stern faces and weapons at the ready. It had been five long years since that fateful day, no one would have guessed how far Shadow would travel since then, not even her. But, like Connor, Shadow sensed that being out here was a chance to start over. No guilds, no templar, just people curious and cautious of some strange outsiders. She'd always need to be careful, just like any keidran, but with the right connections she'd be as safe as anyone. Especially if Connor joined the city guard. Speaking of the gathering in the great hall was going to start soon.

"Hey guys, it's time!" Shadow said, loud enough to wake everyone but still with a gentle tone. Connor groaned and, after ruffling Asher's hair, stretched his arms and legs in bed. All that walking and riding was catching up with him now, and he could feel the tight muscles complaining about having to move yet again. Liz was quick to rise, having slept like a rock half the day. Asher was the most sluggish, the poor kid just wanted to sleep in. But, without warning, Connor was quick to scoop him up off the bed and put Asher down on his feet. The basitin wobbled on unsteady legs that weren't ready to bear their weight, but Connor propped him up while fetching the kid's shirt and jumper so that he could get dressed. Zephyr, just like a cat, got up from her spot on the window sill, the sun having moved on from where she fell asleep.

"So what are we doing?" Liz asked, rubbing eyes while fetching her jacket.

"There's a meeting in the great hall and I thought we ought to go over there and get to know some of our new neighbors. Also, I've been thinking about a work offer and should follow up on it."

"Really? And what is it?" Liz questioned.

Connor walked over to the corner and picked up his father's sword, unsheathing it slightly to see the glinting steel exposed from its home inside the scabbard.

"Sam, Gerrick's son, said I should join the town guard."

"Isn't that dangerous?" Asher said, finally awake enough to be listening.

"It's a lot safer than being on the sea, and it pays more than a lot of the labor around here. Besides, especially in the winter there can't possibly be that many hazards to worry about."

"Well, if you think that's the right thing, I guess I can't argue. We're going to need money to buy supplies for winter." Liz said.

"My thoughts exactly." Shadow added. "Besides, I've seen Connor in action, your brother can handle himself."

"Oh come now Shadow, I'm far from being a confident fighter."

"What about that guy in the fighting pits?"

"The what?" Liz asked. She hadn't heard all the details yet.

"Shadow! You know I don't want to talk about that."

"Connor, you were in a fighting pit?"

"Uh… yeah. Like I was saying earlier Liz, it's a very long story and not all of it is pleasant. Look, if we're all ready, we had better get going."

Tightening the sword's belt around his waist, Connor donned his long black cloak and followed everyone out of the inn and into the street. The citizens were indeed making their way over to the great hall. Well, a lot of people anyway, plenty of others couldn't care less. Following the crowd, Connor made sure that everyone stayed together, even grabbing Asher's hand so that he wouldn't get lost in the crowd.

Walking through the giant wooden doors, they all looked up to a hall lined with chandeliers made of caribou antler and brass candle holders. In the middle was a long, raging fire in a pit extending most of the length of the main room. The place reeked of smoke and sweat, but the seat of power was unmistakable. At the far end of the room, on a platform, were several well-built chairs behind a long table. Older folks were seated along the large tables that extended the length of the room while others stood. Shadow found everyone a spot to watch about halfway down the hall and near one of the large supports.

"I can't see anything!" Asher exclaimed with frustration. Looking down, Connor rolled his eyes before hoisting the kid up onto his shoulders to watch.

"Better?"

"Much better, thank you."

"Alright, but I can't do that forever. You're heavier than you look."

"Are you calling me fat?" Asher teased.

"No, but you are growing up quick, so enjoy the view while you can."

Almost as if on cue, men came out from a back room and took their places along the fancy chairs behind the big table. After all were sat down, the one on the right, but closest to the wooden throne, stood and held up his hands. At once, people began to quiet down. Then the Jarl came out from the back room. He wasn't dressed as nicely as Connor would have thought. His clothes weren't much different from the commoners, just a little better quality and with some muted colors.

For a moment, the Jarl paused to look out at his people before sitting down with one arm gripping each of the throne's armrests. He wasn't particularly old, perhaps in his thirties. Hair with just slightest hints of grey hung down to meet a beard that was several inches long. Winter was approaching and this apparently was the look of most men. Upon taking a good look at the crowd gathered, the Jarl began to speak.

"Harald, glad to see you could make it in time." The Jarl greeted one of his friends, who raised a cup to his lord. "And Evan, how is your father?"

"He is improving, my lord."

"Very good, be sure to send him my regards. Now then, lawspeaker, what is our agenda tonight?"

The man to his right cleared his throat before speaking out in a booming voice. "My lord, we are here to discuss preparations for winter."

"Excellent. Do we have any news from the port on supplies?"

One of the freemen in the crows stood up. "The harbor master has informed me that there will be two more ships that are scheduled to arrive in the next month, and after that there's no guarantee that the river will remain open to the coast."

"We'll have to put together some able-bodied men who can run the river then. It's going to be a harsh one, just as my father predicted before his passing. Callow will need all the supplies we can muster." The Jarl said, issuing his decision.

"Very good, my lord" the lawspeaker said. "Gerrick, I trust that you can assemble the necessary men and boats?"

Gerrick then stepped out so that he could be better seen. "Yes, my lord. So long as the weather holds, this should be a fairly simple task."

The Jarl nodded, "then make it so, Captain. What is next?"

Another man stood up in the crowd to address the assembly, but waited to speak until the lawspeaker acknowledged him. "My lord, us loggers have been having a wolf problem."

"Oh? And what is the nature of this problem?"

"You see, my lord, the local snow wolves say that we haven't been abiding by our treaties. No one has been hurt yet, but they don't want us venturing further into the forest."

"This will have to be addressed when the representatives of the Snow Wolf clans arrive in a few days. Until then, are you going to need security to carry out your tasks?"

"No, my lord. We've cut about as many trees as we can handle before winter, so it is just a matter of processing what we already have. I should be able to keep my men out of trouble by telling the wolves that this is all the timber we'll need to stay warm this winter."

"Good, but that will only be a temporary fix. Lawspeaker, I'll need to see those treaty documents again before our guests have arrived."

The lawspeaker was quick to nod in understanding at the Jarl's command and satisfied the logging foreman sat down. Opening the floor up for others to speak, a mining boss stood up to fill the void.

"Winston, any news from the mines?" the Jarl asked.

"Yes, my lord. This summer we hit a new vein of iron that we've been able to trace. It seems to go under the river and into Ditter's Ridge. The problem is we won't be able to access the iron from our current mine entrances, so next spring we are going to need permission from the wolves to expand into that section of land."

"I think we can get that done; those wolves don't seem too attached to the ridge."

"Of course, my lord. But if we start mining this new vein, we are going to need even more timber and labor next spring."

"And I'm sure that can be arranged, Winston. Did you have anything else to report."

"Yes sir, it is with great sadness that I have to announce an accident in the mine two days ago cost us a dozen lives and made several weeks of work for my men. The families have all been notified of the loss."

The crowd's energy cooled at this news. It seemed the lost men were well-known by many people. The Jarl picked up on this.

"That was indeed a tragedy, Winston, but I know you and your men did all you could to get them out. Give me the names of the families after the meeting and I'll see to it that our treasurer is able to give them compensation and supplies to make it through the winter. When spring comes, we'll be sure to add onto the memorial."

Connor was somewhat surprised by this. He hadn't heard of a king, or even a local lord for that matter, taking such steps for people in the throes of grief. If only one such lord had been in Maine. As each member of the assembly spoke of their news, Connor noticed Gerrick and they locked eyes. A smile formed across the man's face, and he nodded in approval for Connor.

Liz was watching the meeting from a few feet away when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. Turning her head, she smiled to see Sam standing there right behind her. In a hushed voice, she said "hello."

"Liz, right?"

"Yeah."

"The name is Sam."

"You were that guard looking at me earlier when I rode into town, aren't you."

Sam looked down trying not to show his embarrassment. "Yes, sorry about that. It's just, we don't get a lot of outsiders around here, especially not a proper lady like yourself."

"Well now, I wouldn't say I'm exactly proper. You know Connor is my brother, right?"

"Oh yes. I hope he and I will be fast friends."

"Well, you should probably know, he's a bit overprotective of his kin. Long story, maybe he'll tell you some time."

"I'm certain, Liz, that your brother wants you to build a life here. That's going to include courting a boy or two."

"And is that why you're here Sam, to court me?" Liz asked with a hint of sass in her voice.

"Oh, well, I wouldn't call it that. I mean, don't get me wrong, I just—"

"I never said I didn't like it, Sam. Just want to give you enough warning to do things the right way if you want me to give you a chance."

"So, what is the 'right way'? I'm a little new to this."

"Like this…" Liz then reached in a pecked Sam's cheek, blood rushing to the boy's face. He couldn't even muster a word.

"Come see me at the inn sometime. I certainly don't need my brother's permission."

"Oh, okay then. Well, I suppose I'll see you soon."

Liz winked at Sam as he disappeared into the crowd. She then looked over to see that Connor hadn't noticed any of that conversation. He was too focused on the meeting. Oh, but Shadow noticed. She gave Liz a nod and a wink, so at least the only other girl in the family had her back.

Connor was starting to let his mind drift when he saw Gerrick step forward.

"My lord, there was one last piece of business to discuss, if you don't mind."

"Oh? Then go-ahead Gerrick, please speak."

"We had some new visitors today."

"We get visitors all the time Gerrick, so what about them?"

"Well, I guess I should call them residents. A new family has joined our town, Connor, could you please step forward?"

This took Connor by surprise, but he did as he was asked. Taking Asher off his shoulders and making sure Shadow had a hold of him, Connor stepped through all the people and between two of the long tables until he was visible to the whole room. He was nervous, having all this attention on him. But the Jarl smiled as Connor gave a small bow to show respect, not quite knowing the proper etiquette.

"So, this young man is Connor?"

"Y-yes, my lord."

"Hey, you're okay, please don't be afraid. If Gerrick is correct, you plan on being part of this community anyway. Is your father here?"

"He… I'm sorry to say, my lord, but my father died."

"Oh? Your mother then?"

"She… she has passed as well."

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Connor. So who are you with."

"Well, my lord, I've come here with my sister, Liz, my keidran friend, Shadow, a basitin named Asher, and my dragon, Zephyr."

The crowd went silent for a moment before everyone burst with laughter. The Jarl wasn't as amused though.

"Now boy, it's rude to lie to your lord, you're old enough to know that. Now, who are you actually here with?"

"He speaks the truth." Gerrick confirmed, motioning for the rest of the family to step forward. Sure enough, Liz, Shadow, and Asher stepped toward the roaring fire in the middle of the hall while Liz flew down from the rafters and landed on Connor's shoulder. The assembly gasped and gawked at this unlikely band of friends.

The Jarl was slack jawed for a moment before coming back to reality. "So, you are telling the truth. You have a basitin and a dragon with you?"

"Yes, my lord. Asher here, the basitin, I adopted him after the ship we were on sank in a storm. We've come up here so that he could be with other basitin. And Zephyr, well, she was an egg stored on that ship."

Zephyr's eyes glowed before jumping to the rim of the fire and bowing to the Jarl, instantly connecting everyone's mind with her innate magic. "Yes, my lord, I am the last daughter of Nora." The resemblance and visions were enough to convince everyone in the room. Some held their heads as the vision ended, not in pain, but because the unfamiliar intrusion.

"What? I-I didn't know dragons could do that."

"Apologies, my lord." Connor said while shooting Zephyr a stern look. "She didn't mean to cause discomfort, that's just how dragons communicate… apparently."

"I see. And this dragon, Zephyr, is yours? Like a pet?"

"No, my lord, of course not. She merely wanted to continue traveling with my party so that she could learn more about the world. Like Nora, she seems quite interested in humanity."

"Well, anyways, on behalf of everyone here, welcome to Callow. We certainly are not strangers to oddities. If there is anything you need of me, you need only to ask."

"Well, my lord, there is one thing." Connor then motioned for his family to melt back into the crowd. "I am in need of employment, and as you can see, I have several mouths to feed. Captain Gerrick's son, Sam, said that you could always use more people for the town guard."

"Gerrick, can you confirm this?" the lawspeaker asked while looking at the captain of the guard.

"Yes, sir! My son tells me he's a good lad. And just look at him, he's young and strong, quite trainable, and he's even brought his own sword." Gerrick then pointed at the long scabbard hanging from Connor's hip.

"May I see the blade, Connor?" The Jarl asked.

The teen did as he was instructed and removed the sword from its sheath before gently holding it out in front of him across both of his hands, then kneeling at the foot of the throne, sword held high above his head. The Jarl slowly got up from his seat and stepped down the stairs before gently taking up the sword in his own hands. The Jarl admired the blade in the dim light, running his fingers down it.

"This is a very fine blade, young man. How did you come across it?"

Connor looked up at his new lord, "It was my father's, sir. He was a man-at-arms in his younger years."

"Then perhaps service of this kind runs in the family. Go ahead Connor, bow your head down and don't move."

Connor felt the cold steel of the blade gently tap his head followed by his right and left shoulders. He then saw the lord's hand extend down to his face.

"Kiss the ring, child, and you'll declare your loyalty to me and this town."

Connor gently grabbed the Jarl's hand and kissed the ring.

"Rise up lad. What was your full name?"

"It's Ulstad sir, Connor Ulstad."

"Then by the powers invested in me as Jarl of Callow, I hereby make you, Connor Ulstad, a member of the town guard. Now, go back to your family and see Gerrick after the meeting."

"Thank you, my lord, I won't disappoint."

"I have every confidence you'll make a fine guardsman, now take your father's blade and run along."

The assembly then began to slam their fists on tables and clap. It was a basic ceremony, but it wasn't common to have such a thing in the middle of a town meeting like this. Usually it was only with the lord, the captain of the guard, and a handful of others present. Once back with his family, Connor could barely stand. Just like that, he was hired as a guardsman.

The meeting was over soon after. First the Jarl stood up and exited, followed by his counsel. Next, the freemen and the elderly were allowed to exit, then everyone else. Walking out into the brisk night, Gerrick called Connor's name. With a nod, Connor let Shadow escort Liz and Asher back to the tavern while Zephyr opted to stay perched on the teen's shoulder.

"You made the right decision Connor. We'll find permanent quarters for your kin, and you'll get paid both with money and food."

"Thank you, sir, I can't begin to pay you back for this opportunity."

"Do your best, boy, and you'll pay me back a hundred times over. Now then, get a good night's rest after your travels, and come by mid-morning tomorrow. We'll start training you immediately and we'll get you fitted with basic armor and weaponry."

"Again, thank you sir. Would you mind of Zephyr joined?"

"Of course not. A dragon would be a great honorary addition to the guard. You should bring your sword too. I can tell you don't have much experience with that one."

"No sir, I don't. In fact, most of my skill is in the bow, and even then, it's just good enough to hunt."

"Not to worry, lad, we'll get you into fighting shape and give you some proper tools. Now go on and be with your family. I'll see you tomorrow."

The sun rose early, far earlier than Connor would have liked. Still, he was up and out of the inn with Zephyr by his side, taking care to be quiet as a mouse so as to not wake up the others. Strolling down to the great hall. As per Sam's instructions, Connor found the headquarters for the town guard and walked in to find that Gerrick was already going about his work for the day.

"Ah, Connor! You're here early, I like the spirit lad! Now then, follow me and I'll see to it that you have all the equipment you need, then you'll start your training."

Following Gerrick, Connor found himself in the armory. Boiled leather, wool, and chainmail. The bitter cold would make any plate armor a death sentence for the wearer. A belt and a seax were also provided. All the clothing gave the teen's lean frame more weight, though there were certainly pockets of space where muscles would eventually fill in. The armorer offered Connor a sword, but he opted instead to keep his father's blade.

Paperwork, and signing a new contract followed. Connor made sure to read every word to ensure that no one from his family would be taken to be worked in his place should he ever die. Afterward was another tour, but this time pointing out all the defensive structures, the locations of supply stashes in case of attacks, the station that Connor would man in case of a siege, and where everything was inside the guard buildings. Finally at the end of all the tedious work, Gerrick brought Connor up to the wall to shadow Sam.

"Connor, you remember Sam?"

"Of course sir!" The teen shot a hand to shake his new colleague.

"Glad to see you in uniform Connor! It suits you."

"Well… I'll get used to it I suppose. Not used to wearing armor much."

Another guard cleared his throat, which made Sam realize he was forgetting someone.

"Oh yes, and this here is Smith. His family came here a few months ago and, like you, he chose to take the cloak."

"Smith, eh? Where did you come from in Mekkan, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Riverton, sir."

"No shit? I'm from Maine, myself. Just across the strait. And by the way, the name's Connor, not sir."

"Sure thing, I think we'll get along just fine."

"Indeed."

"With pleasantries out of the way," Sam said, "it's time we start the route."

"Don't let me keep you boys." Said Gerrick as he excused himself.

"Alright Sam, so what are we doing here?"

"Connor, what we are going to be doing is patrolling the walls. We'll spend an hour on top of the wall, and hour outside the wall, and an hour inside. A total shift is twelve hours, and we do a full week in four days. Think you can handle it?"

"Well, my last job was 16 hours every day on the sea, so I'm just happy to be on solid ground this time."

"Just wait until winter comes…" Smith said. Of course, he and Connor both knew that being near the coast afforded them a childhood of wet, but mild winters. Out here on the tundra it would be different. Their shift would continue for hours. Mostly, they sat in silence as befitting of guards tasked with keeping the town safe and peaceful. Of course, the occasional joke or short conversation would come up. Finally, as the sun was settling toward the western horizon, two guards came to relieve the trio.

"Alright gentlemen, back to the guard house." Sam said to his two newer colleagues.

"Oh man, I can't wait to get out of this armor." Smith said with relief in his voice.

"You know Smith, you don't have to wear every piece of armor you get issued. Connor over here is doing things right."

"What do you mean?" Connor asked, mildly confused. After all, he had only worn what he was told to.

"The chainmail and wool makes for a far more comfortable shift than wearing thick plate armor. We typically just use that stuff when under attack."

"Under attack? By whom?"

Sam explained, "The wolves, of course. In the early days, my dad said that the first settlers here would come under attack by the local snow wolves. It makes sense if you ask me, I'd be kind of pissed too if someone just decided to make my backyard their home."

"Yeah, but we haven't had problems lately." Smith was quick to point out.

"True, but that was because Tostig's father, the previous Jarl of Callow, brokered peace and made treaties. Just between us fellas, Tostig has been ignoring his father's advice. The snow wolves are already mad about all the timber we've been harvesting and the new iron mines going up."

"Really? I haven't noticed a lot of tension." Connor replied.

"I'm surprised, I would think you of all people would be able to feel the tension in the air." Sam said.

"How so?"

"Well, you're the only one of us who hangs out with a keidran. Heck, you seem to treat her like an equal. Most of the keidran in Callow are either laborers or slaves, only the snow wolves are free. They aren't stupid you know, those wolves know that if humans gain too much of a foothold, it will be game over for them too."

"I see. I guess that explains why so many of the town-folk were looking at Shadow when we rode in. She is a free keidran. I'm not her master, nor her employer. I'll have to start paying more attention."

"Best not let that fall on the wrong ears, Connor. There are some slavers out here too."

"Smith is right, though I'm sure Shadow will be fine as long as she stays with your kin. The slavers are going after stray wolves mostly. That said, it's especially important to pay attention to the snow wolves that come here to trade. While Tostig hasn't told the guard to spy on visitors, we're the eyes and ears of the town. If there is something brewing, we need to know about it."

"Noted. Well, looks like we're back at HQ."

"Finally! I'm ready for a good ale after hiking around in all this armor."

"Then let's head in guys." Sam led the way, motioning for Smith and Connor to follow. Gerrick was inside and ending his shift as well when his son and two recruits came inside.

"Ah, right on time lads! Connor, how was your first shift?"

"Uneventful sir, but I'm grateful to be stationed with a couple of decent guys."

"Very good. You and Smith will be doing weapons training tomorrow before joining Sam, so I hope you two rest up tonight."

"Yes sir!" Both teens replied.

"Oh, and Smith, why are you wearing so much armor?"

"I was, uh… I guess I just overdressed."

"Well, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but you're going to give yourself a heart attack if you try to lug all that around when winter comes. Just use mail and padding like the rest of us, okay?"

"Yes, sir…" Smith said before the trio walked passed Gerrick and headed to the armory to turn in their gear for the night. Truth be told, Connor was exhausted. Sure, he had rode and walked all the way across the continent with family in tow, but he didn't have to wear sixty pounds of gear. Once out of his armor, Connor bid farewell to his two colleagues and made his way back to Anna Marie's.