Chapter 4

I walked down the path I came the following day, back to the woods we came from. I just wanted to clear my head and the best way I could do that is to exert myself. As I jogged I looked back and noticed Floki and Sceolang shadowing me. Such loyal beasts, they seem to understand my wish for space and haven't approached.

Turning back I ran at full tilt, snow crunching underfoot as I ran. Trees whizzed past as I ran and once I got into a rhythm I began to organize my thoughts.

So here I am in the world of Game of Thrones. I was transmigrated in this world as my Skyrim game character. Not only that, my followers were also sent here with me. They seem loyal and have real feelings towards me. They are real, I need to affirm this fact in my mind. They aren't some mindless npc, they are living, breathing people.

Okay, next, as living people they too have wants and desires. They see me as their leader now, but who's to say they won't feel differently later on. In the game I didn't have to worry about that. I gave orders and they followed without hesitation. I could use them as meat shields and they would be happy to serve. That shit most definitely won't fly here. I must be attentive, for while I do care for them as their creator, I no longer control their every waking moment and decisions. It's a good thing I wasn't sent here with some of my more powerful followers from other game saves. If any of them decided to rebel, I doubt I'd come out unscathed.

Okay, moving on. I need to evaluate my skill set. I designed this character to be a true Nord. So an exceptional warrior with mastery in two handed swords and shield and sword. A couple shouts mixed in as well. That unfortunately means no magic, but that's what I have Ivar for.

Next, what was that last night? Gentle and the others seemed to pull items out of nowhere. Could they still have access to their inventory? I didn't ask them earlier, I had to get some air so I gave them tasks to keep them busy. Taking a deep breath, I looked internally and envisioned my own inventory. Suddenly, a translucent panel superimposed itself in my vision. I could still see where I was going but I was shocked at first.

Looking over what I had I was disappointed to find very little. Not only that, I instinctively knew that I could only pull items out and once I did, they would not go back. That's disappointing, but not entirely useless. I ignored most of the junk I had and focused on the more precious items. The first was a large sum of gold coins, five million to be exact. The only issue is the fact that these coins are engraved with the face of Tiber Septim. It should not be an issue, the gold itself still has value. I'll figure out what to do when I come across some highborns, they should know.

Some ores and other items are all that remain. A few books and scrolls here and there, nothing of import. Well, hypothetically I should be able to learn magic as every created character has the potential to learn. Something to look into. That seems to be it for myself, on to the next topic.

What are my plans for this world? I recall very little from the show, but from what I do remember I was rather enraptured with the North. It's people, it's customs, it's leaders not so much. Since I'm already here I will make the North my home. I would rather not be beholden to another, but that's how things work around here. I'm not strong enough to take on the entire North, so supplication it is. The only way to become a lord is to pledge myself to the ruling family of these lands, the Starks. I still don't know how I'll convince the current lord to make me a vassal, but I'll figure it out.

After another hour of running I decided to stop. Taking in great mouthfuls of air I just enjoyed the fresh air. Seemingly sensing my improved mood, Floki and Sceolang made to stand at my side.

"Let's head back."

With renewed vigor, I made quick time back to the village. Entering the main hall I spotted Jaren sitting with a young man. Making my way over I sat at the table.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all Ragnar, in fact let me introduce you. This is Niclas, my eldest son."

Looking at the young man, I'd guess him to be in his early twenties. Perhaps older than myself. Brown hair with dark eyes like his father. I gave him a nod of acknowledgment and refocused on Jaren.

"May we speak in private?"

"Oh, of course, that won't be a problem. Niclas, go help your mother or something."

"Yes father."

Once he was out of earshot I began.

"Tell me more about these bandits."

"What would you like to know?"

"Why don't we start with their numbers."

"Well, I'd say five? I can't say with absolute certainty of course. Five is the number that come here."

So five men, perhaps they have more hidden, out of sight. It's what I would do, providing as little or even false information as possible is wise. And what of their camp?

"What kind of gear do they have?"

"Gear?"

"Yes, are they well equipped?"

"Ah, I can't claim to have a good eye for such things."

"Whatever information you can provide will be good enough. I can make it simple for you. Do they have leather or chain armor?"

"Leathers I'd say, though their leader wore gambeson, he might have chain mail underneath."

"What kind of weapons?"

"Swords and axes."

"Any bowman?"

"No, none that I've seen."

So they are well armed and armored. My group alone should be able to handle that many. I'll send Aela to follow them back to their base. No, it would be better to kill most and get any information we can.

"When will they return?"

"They should be here in two days time."

"Okay, I think that's all I need to know on that subject. Leave it to us, we'll take care of your bandit problem."

"Oh, you don't have to do that."

"It's fine, we are well equipped to handle such tasks."

"No, this is too much. You already have your people gathering food and fortifying this place."

"Fine, if it makes you feel better I will require payment."

Saying so the man seemed to relax a bit and nodded for me to continue. A man of principal it seems.

"Since I am saving the lives of you, your family and your people, why don't you pledge yourselves to me?"

He looked confused for a moment before speaking.

"Pledge ourselves?"

"Yes, since I am risking my life and the lives of my men that would make you my responsibility. I have grand plans, and you and your people could very well be the first to benefit from that."

"I don't know, that is a serious decision."

"You said you were tired of leading. Tired of all the responsibilities, the pressure."

"You said that you and your people would be leaving, correct?" He asked.

"Yes, we will, but only to petition the lord of Winterfell to give us these lands."

"Grand plans indeed, very well. If you can truly defeat these bandits and swear to keep us safe, we will follow you."

"I, Ragnar Lothbruk, give you my word."

The man shook my hand and the decision was made.