A/N: Hello All, Sorry for the long delay.. between working through all this pandemic stuff, dealing with home life and what not, my new nephew and just living life, I kinda went off the writing track and didn't feel inspired but i got back to it so hopefully someone out there is still reading this. Please let me know any critiques and questions or concerns you might have. I will definitely get another chapter up soon, being as I have a better understanding on what to say next and where the story will go, so I might be over a weird hump in dialogue and what not. Thanks for stick around to anyone still here.!
Chapter 6
We travelled for a whole day and spent the night out in the country before we started on the second day and by the afternoon we arrived at what I was told was Ironrath, the Castle Seat of House Forrester. Upon seeing the castle in the distance, I was taken aback, it did look rather foreboding and yet practical in nature. I had seen many castles and palaces throughout my time in the galaxy at large and I can say this castle seemed very well made for what it was made to do. It seemed to present a barrier block to what lay behind it, a great wall if you will and yet it wasn't over done or opulent in distaste.
'Must be that Northern Spirit' I thought as we approached the gate and waited to be addressed.
"Who approaches Ironrath! Speak and be heard!" A voice roared from the top of a tower of some sort, with a sound authority.
"My good ser, I am Clegor, from a village 2 days ride from here on the border of Forrester Land, and we were attacked by some Whitehill men and we brought 2 of them here, to see them punished for what they did to our village and we seek justice from Lord Forrester as he is our protector, is he not my good ser?" I was impressed how Clegor spoke with certainty, he had my vote if I must say. I looked up and could see the man who spoke talking to another next to him and that man ran off and soon he returned our call.
"Enter and be welcome, we shall see what you have to say and see what is to be done, Welcome to Ironrath my good folk and be safe within these walls. Open the Gates!" He yelled at others and within a minute, the gates before us started to lift and we soon slowly entered the castle proper.
The gate and courtyard were impressive for sure to my eyes, but knowing this was a lesser house lord.. I was curious on what other castles would look like and could only imagine, seeing as the one before me seemed very mighty indeed.
We stopped midway into the courtyard and soldiers started to surround us and the man from the tower came before us and took charge on what to do.
"I'm Ser Roland Degore, Master at arm's here at Ironrath, tell me what happened exactly and I shall relay what you say to my Lord Forrester and see what is to be done next."
Still sitting atop the cart, Clegor began to explain, while I was sitting in the back with the two men.
"Ser, like I said, my small town, more like a village or hamlet, we were minding ourselves, when some soldiers came, they demanding tax payments and treating us rough and we knew this wasn't proper Forrester men, they was Whitehill men, trying to force us to give payment beyond our means and if we didn't give what gold or silver we had, they was starting to threaten beatings or worse milord, taking our wives or other women folk, daughters, neighbors, all that sort.. we don't have many men for battle so we were at their mercy..." Clegor ranted on in an emotional speech. Half afraid of telling the truth but also half wanting to be heard and believed.
"I see, and how did you manage to capture these two men here whom you speak of doing these alarming events, it sounds to be like your village doesn't have many men to protect yourselves from proper soldiers..How did you go about bringing them here for Lord's Justice my good man?" Ser Royland spoke to Clegor and eyeing both his wife and daughter.
"Who are your companions here as well?" he asked.
"Good Ser, this is my wife Martha, and me daughter Arra, they was there and witnessed it all. And How we was able to bring these two men to you, tied up in the back of the cart, was from the help and our savior, this man Ser Ethras. He saved us all and after defeating all the men there, asked for our help to bring them to the Lord's Justice and help him arrive here." Clegor spoke and as Ser Royland looked upon me, I rose up and gave a courteous bow and wave from my arm with proper etiquette that had been drilled into me for many years.
Ser Royland studied me for a few moments, looking up and down, no doubt looking for a threat to his domain to protect, and started to walk around the cart to the back to view the men tied up and went to pull the sacks from off their head we had placed there to keep them under control.
"You what, you did this did ya?" he said more then he asked. I bowed my head in acceptance.
"I did good Ser yes, I could not let the bad deeds they were committing to keep going, my code forbids it Ser. And I wish so speak and explain myself to your Lord, so I can make sure the proper justice and punishment is carried out to these men and to help those they wronged. If I might humbly make that request from you Ser." He looked at me again, I assumed at my hair and features, seemingly out of place in this region and gruffed harshly.
"What exactly is your name and what's your purpose in the North? You are very foreign and assume far from home I'd wager" he said and he waited for me to answer.
" My name is Ethras Maxon, Knight of the Jedi Order Ser, from beyond what you think are Eastern lands, I'm arrived here most unexpectedly and while looking for assistance, came upon Clegor's Village and, the rest has been said." I spoke clearly and firm. I had to not reveal too much, to make sure I wouldn't expose this world to the larger galaxy that they were far from even being able to adapt to.
He listened to me with a sense of disbelief, huffed out of disdain but spoke back to Clegor and I at once, "Alright, you four come with me, to see our Lord, my men will watch over these two until we figure out whats to be done. Hand over any weapons you have, Ser Ethras of the Jedi Order"... he mocked my titled as he spoke, to be expected I'm sure, after I gather a rather hasty back history of this world's culture and ways; "and you shall be given admittance and see our Lord. Make no mistake, we do not take kindly to strangers here in the North, and knight or not, you make a wrong move, you shall pay, so be warned." He roughly said as I handed over the sword and dagger I took from the men I had killed.
"Of course Ser Royland, I would never have thought otherwise" I smiled back at him as I bowed and once a guard checked me over, and nodded back to Ser Royland, he walked forward and we all followed. A number of guards following us, while others remained by the cart with the two Whitehill soldiers still tied up and looking scared.
We all walked up a pathway that took us to the main keep I assumed, we passed smaller buildings that were in various activities that were essential I'm sure to the upkeep of the castle. Rising up stairs we were told to remain, whilst Ser Royland passed through giant strong darkened doors. I looked around taking in the sights of this castle keep and I was impressed, it was very practical, nothing too overdone, seemed very simply yet elegant in a way. Wood was everywhere mixed with stone and rock and I wondered why so much wood was use when it seemed easily stone would be better. The small valley this castle was in, seemed to harbor a natural defense and also tie the castle into the valley and marry them together so they worked well.
I saw several cloth looking banners with a white tree against a dark background hanging throughout the courtyard and assumed this had a meaning to this castle. I had so much to learn and was excited about this new culture around me but I would have to tread lightly to not ask too much, seeing as I had to play a role of a foreigner but still knowing this worlds basic customs and general knowledge.
I asked Clegor, " So what do you think will happen Clegor, will I be believed or punished by your Lord?"
"Oh no good Ser, Lord Forrester is mighta fair and firm in his Rulins', he's been a good Lord to us all and helping throughout the years, he keeps his word, and he's a good Northman and we all feel good to what he does and says." He replied rather quickly and in a most impressive loyal tone. My hopes grew a bit with what this meeting would end up with. I did not want to have to fight my way out of this situation and use my powers so freely trying to save myself.
Moments later Ser Royland came out and he beckoned us to follow him and enter through the doors, and we walked slowly with guards keeping pace around us. Waiting for us at the end of a small to modest sized hall, at the end was a raised platform that had chairs and a table but in front of that all was a taller chair setup to look out towards us. Sitting there was a very stern looking man in leathers sat before us and beside him were an older woman and a man with plain looking clothes looking down at us. Behind them was an man in a long grey robe and a chain around his neck most curiously.
Clegor took a step forward and went down to his knee and spoke first, "Lord Forrester, thank you for seeing us I don' want to cause any worry but we had to see you mi'lord". He spoke quickly and softly with a bit of fear.
Lord Forrester studied him for a moment, looked over to me, then to Clegor's family then back to Clegor and he stood up and raised his hands in an welcoming manner.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, I am here to hear all of mine under my protection so think nothing of it. Now Ser Royland has told me what has happened but I would like to hear how you speak of what occurred and I shall decide on what needs to be done." He Spoke honestly with a gentle tone.
Clegor started speaking of what he saw and went through the events which happened, Lord Forrester nodded along with Clegor, he asked minor questions here and there to specify cetain details and when all done he thanked him, and he started conversing quietly with the people beside him as Clegor stepped back and looked towards me then went to his wifes side and put his arm on his daughters shoulder and gave her a small kiss on the head. After a few moments Lord Gregor stopped talking to his advisors and looked back towards us all.
"Very troubling things you describe my good man, and commendable for you to risk all to capture these men and bring them here for fair justice, but I must ask, who is your companion beside you that I do not recognize origins from up north." He asked as his voice went from appreciation to very firm while looking directly at me.
Clegor started to be a little fearful and start to stammer, "...my..my..lor..this is.."
"No it's just fine Clegor, I can explain all to Lord Forrester here, no need to be nervous on my account" I told him gently. I stepped forward and held my hands up in deference and spoke calmly.
" My Lord Forrester, my name is Ethras Maxon, Knight of the Jedi Order, I came upon Clegor's village by chance, whilst trying to seek shelter and help, because I became stranded on this land while traveling from a far, from the lands you know as Essos, but very, very far east of what you may of heard of. While seeking help, I saw what was occurring at the village and could not let such grave sins occur and had to try to help and when the situation was not appearing to solve itself in a more gentle manner.. I had to take certain steps.. aggressive negotiations one might say.. to save lives as it were." I explained calmly while everyone in the hall looked at me, very judgingly I might add, but I had expected that.
"I see Ser Ethras, but is attacking and killing several men brutally what you would call a negotiation? Is that the way of this Order you are a part of I wonder? Jedi you say?" While he leaned forward towards me.
Lord Forrester asked with a bit of slight and annoyance. I noticed that Ser Royland and two other guards were close behind me waiting for an order I'm sure from their Lord.
"Lord Forrester, if it pleases you, might I ask a question of you.." I spoke gently. He nodded yes.
"If a man see injustice occurring in front of him and when outnumbered, what many choices does a man have to try to help and fix what injustice is before him.. should I just run away to find help? I'm not a man from this region, I would not know where to go.. should I just watch and let a massacre occur with no hesitation? Could I attempt to try a diplomatic approach and test my luck on what such foul men might do or not? Or simply use an overwhelming amount of force, which yes did include some deaths, but saved many a towns folk, which I'm sure would had suffered many more times than the pain I inflicted. What is the right answer to do I ask anyone here?" I let my statement hang in the air and no one said a thing for a few moments, some of the advisors next to Forrester were looking back and forth amongst themselves. Lord Forrester kept his piercing eyes on me never letting them drift.
"My Lord, I choose to go a middle ground, I gave these men the opportunity to turn around and go back to their own keep, leave these poor villagers alone and be gone.. yet they did not. They chose to stay and well.. at that point, they had only one thing in their mind to do, kill me and continue on in what would be I'm sure at best, a few broken men, and stores looted... at worst, men killed, homes burnt.. and I do not want to fathom what would happen to any women.."
I spoke softly and the women next to Lord Forrester gasped and held her breath while trying to keep calm, and Lord Forrester looked to her and held her hand and gave her a reassuring gaze and squeeze of her hand. He turned back to me and nodded for me to continue.
"So my Lord, I chose diplomacy first, then when that was denied, I struck hard and fast so to limit the amount of damage, to myself, the villagers, and even yes the bandits, I am not savage, I have a code, and there is a difference between defense and outright malice and butchery or murder. So yes, the ones that attacked me first, I struck back harder and made sure they would not be a threat, and after all was done, only two were left alive, the more weaker ones, the followers I'm sure. Not a real threat once left alone. But my Lord, I am but a visitor here on your lands, I do not mean to invade and I will gladly seek any justice you would condemn as long as I can be given a fair hearing to such crimes, if any I have committed. I am to say a little lacking on the rule here in these kingdoms, so I humbly ask my forgiveness if I have overstepped my bounds my good Lord." I spoke whilst I Kneeled down on one knee and tilted my head low with my hands held forward to the ground and waited to hear what would happen.
I waited several moments and could barely hear a whisper within the hall, I closed my eyes and calmed myself and felt within The Force and felt several different emotions within the room. There was fear, anger, disdain, wonder and a bit of happiness and what I felt would be approval. It was hard to gauge who was thinking what at this time since so many people were around me and I was trying to contain myself. Finally after a bit I heard a loud choked laugh and I raised my head to see Lord Forrester stand up from his chair and rise his hands forward.
"Well.. I've never heard a more faithfully straight answer from someone, especially someone claiming to be a knight from a far away land, to be so ready to answer to a crime he may or may not think he committed, yet in trying to save lives he did such actions with a certain restrained thought and level of measure. What do you think Ser Royland, is this action he speaks of seem worthy of a Knights status to protect?" Lord Forrester spoke over my shoulder.
"I could not say I have heard of this Order he speaks of my Lord, but claiming to be a Knight and in doing so, defends the weak, a village under pillage and saving our own kind at his own risk while being alone, aye, I would believe him Sire. I wouldn't give him free reign of the castle no, but I would not condemn him ,especially with what these townsfolk have said and spoke true which I believe. I'm in no doubt here my Lord." Ser Royland spoke gruffly but with a truthful manner.
Lord Forrester looked to a man over his shoulder that had chains around his neck.
"Maester Ortengryn, this far off eastern land.. this Jedi Order he speaks of, have you pray tell heard any of it in your studies or any references at the Citidal in any of your learning throughout your training?" Maester Ortengryn stepped forward and spoke.
"My Lord, I have not had any knowledge or references to this Order that has been spoken of, but I will say, The Citidal as vast as it is and after numerous generations of recording and teachings, we still do not know all of the histories that are beyond our reach here in Westeros. That he has said, this Knight Ethras, being from beyond the far east, I would have to contact the Citidal and specifically ask for answered on these questions, especially since the vast distance involved from us here in Westeros and Essos.. we unfortunately in the Citidal have not been able to record every Religion, Order, and Sect that might exist. While I cannot confirm of what has been spoken, I cannot either deny it as well. But to announce one's self as a Knight in any form has certain expectations and standards I would assume in any culture from here to the Wall to Dorne and beyond the eastern shores of Essos my lord." The Maester spoke while looking at Lord Forrester but turning to me with a look of wonder and curiosity.
Lord Forrester stood thinking for a moment , turned to the women next to him, which I gathered was his wife, and she gave him the smallest of nods, and he looked back towards our party, Clegor, his family and I and spoke.
"I shall write ravens to Whitehill and seek answers and justice to what has occurred, until then I will bid you all to be guest here until we can sort all of this out, and if needed go to Wintefell for bigger judgment should nothing be gained between House Whitehill and House Forrester. In the mean while, you shall be our guest here, and be treated with all due and safety while we handle this issue, bring forward bread and salt and we will see rooms are available to you all. If you need anything, ask it and I will see what can be done." He said firmly. Soon a servant came forward with a small tray that had small bit of bread with a bit of salt and I observed Clegor and his family take a small bit of bread and dipped it into the salt and consumed it. The servant came to me and I repeated the process.
"My lord, if it wouldn't be trouble, could someone be sent back to Clegor's village to inform them what has occurred and to make them be away the steps for justice being done and perhaps act as a measure of small guard, should anyone else seeking ill manners come around and harass them while we are here waiting for any judgment?" I spoke reserved hoping no other harm would be down to Clegor's poor village.
Lord Forrester looked down at me with a nodding gaze and spoke, " Of course, a sound idea, we must also secure our borders from any further invaders. Ser Royland, assemble a small party of 30 men to ride out with some supplies to help the village and also protect it while we deal with what is to come. Select a trusted man to lead it in your stead. I will need your consul while we deal with is what to come. Remind them they are just to be a defensive force, nothing more, no wandering over any borders than ours and to be courteous to the villagers and help them rebuild anything broken down."
"Right my Lord I will assemble them now, leave it to me." He turned around and left the hall, and I turned back to see Lord Forrester walk down from his seat to stand before me, I kneeled again before him.
I felt a sense through the Force that he had an approval of what I had done mixed with a questioning manner of just who I was. To be understandable, but I had to play the role I was going with.
"Please stand good Ser Ethras, no need for formalities more than needed, we are a different breed here in the North, no need for those useless extreme southern ways." He chuckled as I stood back up. I looked behind me to see Clegor and his family led away to rooms no doubt while we enjoyed our visit here.
"I must say my Lord I am a bit of touch with your ways here, so I do apologize if I might seem lost. I do promise it's by no means with disrespect or malice." I answered back with a bit of humbleness and shyness as he seemed a man of many battles to his name.
He laughed at me with a straight forwardness, " No worries my good Knight, we are a bit more simple up here in the North, we do as we say and hold to it. None of that false talk that happens in the south. Although I would like to know, I am a bit curious, when did you get your Knighthood and who knighted you? Tis a valiant goal to be knighted, in the South so much, but in the North it's a very rare thing to have." He spoke with such a casual manner that seemed true, I could not lie to him and I spoke truthfully.
"My Lord, I was knighted but a year ago, after having trained and serving many years under my former master. It was something I had been training from since I was born, so I have barely begun my travels as a Knight but I still hold true to what I was taught and trained to hold dearest and be truthful to our own ideals." I responded to him while looking at him. I seemed to have grown several feet while I explained myself and I felt that he knew how sincere I was and how I felt about myself.
He looked at me with a slight grin and gave me a shake of the head, "Good lad, that's a noble way to say how it is to be a Knight, aye, not but a better answer to be heard! Ha! We will have a good meal tonight, between my family and all of you, the villages included, to show good faith for our townsfolk and wayward traveler!" He laughed loudly and gave me a good shoulder shake and spoke back to the people behind him. After a few moments of him talking I had to interrupt him softly to ask him of something.
"Excuse my Lord, but is there a place of quiet I might go to just be alone and relax amongst myself and be at ease for a few moments with all this excitement occurring?"
"Yes...yes of course, it's been a long trip for you and the villagers I'm sure, I'll have someone show you to what we consider our God's Wood and then to your room in preparation for the feast later tonight."
He spoke to someone next to him and a man came before me and introduce himself to me.
"Hello good Ser Ethras, I am Duncan, Castellan here in Ironrath, I will show you to our God's Wood and leave an attendant to show you to your room after. If you will follow me." He said and I nodded and followed him as he walked out of the main hall and throughout the hallways and corridors.
We walked out an entrance different from where we entered the hall and we were out on the backside and after walking through several different areas we went through a back gate and we were met with a forest in front of us and after a several minute walk we came upon a huge tree that was slightly white but taller than anything I had seen in any world and Duncan spoke to me.
"This isn't a proper God's Woods, no Weirwood tree here but this is what Forrester's have been coming to for generations upon generations.. So it does a proper good work for being close to the old gods. Nothing wrong with that. The guard will be away but close enough, so mind yourself but you will be safe. When you done just go to him and he will bring you back and we can get you to your room in time for dinner. I will leave ya now."
He gave me a slight nod and walked back towards the castle proper and soon I was left alone and heard just silence and the sound of the woods around me. There was a guard about 100 yards away just standing about to make sure I was staying here. Nothing to be so worried about. I stood before a giant tree that looked like the tree on all the banners that hung around the castle and I felt this was a very important symbol and part of their culture. This was as good as it would get. So I approached the tree and within an arms length away I knelt, started to meditate and just try to listen to the Force and see if it would call to me. I did not know this world but I did not give up on the Force, it had a purpose in everything. After a few minutes, I felt it, the Force.. it was calling to me. Giving me clues, telling me I was not alone and I had some help. I was given vague clues that did not seem to make sense but I tried to remember them as best as I could. I finally felt awakened and took a deep breath and woke up so to speak from my meditation and shook my head a little and opened my eyes and took in the full sight of the tree in front of me and as I started to stand up I heard a voice.
"Your awake Ser Knight", said a soft voice.
I froze a bit and finally started to turn around slowly while I rose up and behind me by a few feet was a shorter girl than me that had dark brown hair loosely hanging down and pale skin with large soft green eyes looking at me.
"I'm sorry my lady, I was resting here just relaxing in the silence of the trees.. I didn't know I was taking this space up from you." I said to her softly, trying not to stare at her eyes.
She looked with a slight amusement but said nothing to that.
"No worry Ser, it's an open space here, no need for concern, I was just curious at how long you could stay kneeing down as you did." She spoke.
"Pray tell my Lady, how long was I here for?" I felt through the Force that she was in a very happy mood. Non threatening at all from my point of view.
"Why you have been here for... I dare say 2 hours at the least, my father had informed me that a man, a Knight from another land was visiting our Ironwood space that we frequent as one would an God's Wood and I was curious and just had to see who that was. Had I known I would be waiting 2 hours from that person to wake, I don't know if I would have stayed as long." She laughed quietly as I tried not to blush from her admonishment.
"I am truly sorry my Lady that you were kept waiting, you see, once I go to relax and collect my thoughts, I always seem to lose a bit of myself as I am in a state of thoughtfulness and collectiveness. My apologies if I have kept you from your place of being." I said with as much humility as I could while I bowed down towards her.
She giggled softly and spoke back, " Oh my no need for such formality here my good Ser. I understand one's need to be away from the noise of all and be at peace with only their own mind to think of. I was just curious at how long it would take you. But thankfully it wasn't too long, for our feast tonight will be soon to be sure." As she gave me a slight smirk.
"Well then I bid my apologies and be away so I can prepare for this family feast, I cannot be rude top your Lord Father and show up late and also dirty from the long road we had to endure. I shall have to go and prepare my Lady. I do hope you understand." I said with humbly.
"A wise decision Ser Knight, the guard will show you to your room and you can prepare, it will allow me a small time to give a prayer or two as well. And I Shall see you later at the feast as well. I will bid you till later Knight of the Jedi Order." She spoke and I rose my eyes up in wonder, word must travel fast here in this land. I started to walk away but before I was far enough i turned around and asked, " Excuse me, My Lady, may I have your name?"
I waited for a response as she was already kneeled down before the tree. She half turned her body and I could see a slight smile upon her face.
"My name is Mira Forrester, 1st born daughter of Gregor Forrester, Lord of Ironrath. Have a good night good Ser." She turned back around to the trees and I walked away back to the castle with a feeling I had not felt before.