Chapter 18
A sense of quiet anticipation hung in the air of Barrowhall, a subtle shift in the atmosphere that marked the end of Cregan's time in the Barrowlands. The days had flown by like a whirlwind, filled with training, learning, and forging new friendships, but it was time for him to return to Winterfell, and he was eager to show his father everything that he had learned.
Lord William Dustin, his jovial demeanor tinged with a hint of melancholy, sat with Cregan in the solar, a map of the North spread before them. "You have learned much in your time here, young Stark," he said, his voice warm and laced with a touch of pride, "I can see that you are a natural leader. You think with a strategic mind, you're always trying to improve your surroundings, and you are always eager to learn. You've made me proud, and I know that your father will feel the same."
Cregan nodded, his gaze fixed on the map, his mind already formulating new plans for the future. "I am grateful for everything that you have taught me, Lord Dustin," he said, his voice firm. "I'm returning a better man, and a more knowledgeable leader."
"You always were a good lad, Cregan, but you've earned my respect," Lord Dustin replied, his hand clapping firmly on Cregan's shoulder. "And I know that your father will be very proud to see you. You are a true Stark, and you are always welcome here." He paused, and his gaze became more serious, his tone shifting to a more thoughtful and contemplative mood. "Do not let that passion, that eagerness, become something that overwhelms you. A leader needs to balance his ambition, with the needs of his people, it is never just about you. Remember that."
They were silent for a moment, lost in their thoughts, as they both considered what had passed, and what was yet to come. It was clear that they had both grown fond of one another, and that they would always see the other as more than just an acquaintance, more than a simple lord and a fostered heir. Their relationship had developed into one of mutual respect, and they had learned to value the others' opinions.
The day of Cregan's departure arrived with the same mixture of anticipation and sadness that had marked his arrival. The entire household gathered in the courtyard of Barrowhall, their faces a mix of genuine warmth and melancholy. Lady Barbrey Dustin, her gaze thoughtful, approached Cregan, her voice laced with a touch of fondness. "You truly are a remarkable young man, Cregan," she said, her smile soft. "You remind me so much of Brandon, your courage and passion will take you far, and you need to understand that the world is yours to conquer."
Lord Dustin smiled and raised an eyebrow, but did not say anything, knowing that any attempt to start a discussion would make his wife's goodbyes last even longer. He seemed to have given up on convincing her that Cregan looked more like Ned.
Beron, his face a mix of sadness and admiration, clapped Cregan on the shoulder, his voice laced with emotion. "I will miss you, Cregan," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I know that you are destined for greatness, and you will lead the North to new heights. Do not forget about us. If you ever need an axe, or a good laugh, come visit us."
"I will not," Cregan replied, his voice equally warm. "And you must come to Winterfell, both you and Domeric. You will always have a place at our hearth."
Domeric, his expression a mixture of quiet sadness and a faint smile, shook Cregan's hand, his eyes filled with respect. "You have taught me more than you know, Cregan," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "and I am grateful for your friendship, it is more than I deserve. I know that you will lead the North with courage and respect, and I only hope that you will remember those that you have left behind."
Cregan, taken aback by his friends sudden burst of emotion, smiled and, with a hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eye. "You are a good man, Domeric. I am the one that is grateful for the friendship. Remember that if your path ever leads you to Winterfell, you are always welcome."
He then bid farewell to the rest of the household, thanking everyone for their kindness and generosity during his stay. He made sure to remember each face, and the part that they had played in his time there. He also made sure to promise to all of the stablehands, that he would make sure that the horses of the north had the respect they deserved.
He shared a final moment with Lord Dustin, his gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you for your guidance, my lord," he said, his voice sincere. "You have shown me how to lead, how to understand, and how to be a better man. And I shall not forget it."
"You were always a good lad, Cregan, and I know that you will go far," Lord Dustin replied, clapping him firmly on the back, "and remember that, should you ever need anything, you always have a friend in Barrowton. We are proud to have called you our son for this short period of time." He then looked towards Jory Cassel, and winked. "And take care of this one. He is worth more than gold."
Jory, a man of few words, gave him a respectful nod.
With a final nod to Lord Dustin, Cregan mounted his horse. Jory Cassel, ever-present and watchful, took his place beside him, and the small retinue of riders formed behind them, their horses' hooves echoing on the stone. They made their way out of Barrowton, leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of the Barrowlands. As they traveled north, they made their way through many of the places they had visited before, but this time, Cregan was not taking everything in for the first time, as he was now remembering it all from his own memories.
As they rode along the King's Road, Cregan found himself reflecting on his time in the Barrowlands. He had learned so much, from the importance of trade, to the best ways to manage the fertile lands, and the importance of being aware of every single one of your people. He had grown as a leader, as a warrior, but most of all, as a person. He was no longer the same boy who had left Winterfell, but now a young man, with a clear vision for the future. And he was eager to start putting those plans into motion.
He also found himself thinking about his new friends, Beron and Domeric, wondering what they would be doing now, and if he would ever see them again. He hoped they would take his offer to visit him at Winterfell, for he knew that the friendship they had formed was something that he would value forever.
He was eager to return to Winterfell, to see his father, his siblings, and his uncle, and to share with them everything he had learned, but he was also eager to continue on his journey, to explore the vastness of the North, and to become the leader that the North needed him to be. His time at Barrowton had been valuable, he was no longer scared to be alone, and he was ready for everything that the North could throw at him. He was a different person than the one that had left Winterfell, and he was ready for what came next.
