Chapter 12 - Raid to North 02.
[Chapter Size: 2058 Words.]
Third Person POV.
Somewhere on North.
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In the days that followed, the expedition advanced northward, with the mission of reconnaissance before fortifying that region. The morning brought with it the promise of a challenging journey, and as the group moved through the icy forest, Jon carefully observed the landscape around him.
The forest was a tangle of twisted trees, whose branches seemed to whisper ancient stories as snow fell on their leaves. Warriors forged a path, their steps marked by the crunch of snow beneath their boots. Lucis, beside Jon, remained vigilant, gripping his spear firmly.
As they progressed, they reached vast, windy plains where the biting wind challenged them at every step. The group, now more united than ever, faced adversity with determination. Tracking dogs ran ahead, leaving footprints in the snow as far as the eye could see.
Days unfolded, leading them to a frozen river. The crossing, though challenging, became a test of the group's courage. With axes in hand, they cut blocks of ice to create a safe passage. On the other side, they stood before majestic mountains whose peaks disappeared into the clouds.
On a starlit night, the groups gathered around crackling bonfires. Jon shared stories with other warriors beside Lucis, evoking the legend of an ancient explorer who dared to face the unknown. The fire cast dancing shadows on their faces, creating a camaraderie in the face of adversity.
The journey continued through the desolate tundra, an open expanse testing the group's resilience. At each step, Jon felt the responsibility on his shoulders. The expedition was not just a quest for knowledge but an attempt to protect the northern tribes from the growing threat.
As the group advanced, uncertainty hung in the air, an uneasy shadow following the marked footsteps in the snow. Jon, with his magical sword resting in its sheath, felt the palpable tension around him. Lucis walked by his side, and together, they knew that the truth awaited beyond the next curve of the frozen path.
"As we venture deeper into the forest, I notice that wildlife is becoming scarcer," Jon commented, his eyes scanning the snowy landscape.
Lucis, observing the shadows between the trees, added, "Our scouts have been avoiding this area lately."
"So, it seems like action is about to begin," Jon said, his tone revealing a mix of anticipation and readiness.
"You always act recklessly. You may have seen you take down a dozen men, but that doesn't mean you can face the cold shadows," Lucis huffed, expressing genuine concern.
Jon, responding with a confident smile, retorted, "You need to have faith in your husband, dear wife." He laughed, showing indifference to the woman's underestimation.
"Just don't get yourself killed," she huffed, expressing genuine concern.
"Don't worry about that. I'm more intrigued by the raven that has been following us since yesterday," Jon changed the subject, his eyes watching the sky.
"Raven?" She responded, surprise reflected in her expression.
"Yes, Val told us about the Wargs and how they could die if the animal whose skin they were changing into died," Jon explained and continued, "Ilyana told me the same thing, but it didn't work against this Warg."
"No one noticed a Warg dying in the camp, so you're right," she commented, cautious in her words.
"Anyway, I searched for that Warg, but found nothing. I discovered that its location isn't in the camp after using a spell," Jon spoke in a serious tone.
"What? How can a Warg be spying on the camp? And you... you told that crazy story about coming from another world," Lucis said in a low voice but with evident concern. "I don't know; no one should know about me here, but this being is watching me closely. He's been observing me since yesterday, but I intend to find out why." Jon maintained his tone. "How are you going to figure out where he is?" Lucis said suspiciously. "Watch." Jon said, and his hand glowed with a clairvoyance spell, a misty line began to travel to the northwest from where they were, Jon canceled the spell before anyone else saw it, only he and Lucis had the vision a little away from the others.
"That? What is that light?" She asked, curious and quite enchanted.
"It's a magic that leads to your objectives. I'm the best tracker in the world with it, despite being underestimated where I come from. It can save your life and keep you from ever getting lost if you know how to use it," Jon said.
Clairvoyance may be a novice spell, but for those who know how to wield it, it becomes indispensable for trackers and travelers. Jon is the person who developed it to a level that no one else on the continent has achieved.
"You've always kept secret the place where you learned to be a wizard," she commented.
"Well, let's leave that for another time; now let's continue."
As they walked through the forest, Jon decided to explore a bit more about Lucis's knowledge, especially about the giant wolves used by her ancestors.
"Lucis, what do you know about giant wolves? Have you had any experience with these creatures?" Jon asked, curious to know if the young wife shared any knowledge about the imposing animals that inhabited these regions.
Lucis thought for a moment before responding, adjusting the grip on the spear she carried. "Well, I grew up hearing stories about them, tales that the northerners share. They say they are majestic creatures, but untamable. Besides the Starks, no one has ever tamed them. But they are wild beasts, aren't they?"
Jon nodded, "Yes, you're right. They are majestic and fierce. In the north, my ancestors learned to coexist with them, to understand their behaviors. I've heard stories of them being silent sentinels and valuable allies when needed. However, for some reason, the Starks no longer have their wolves..."
Lucis seemed intrigued by the description, her blue eyes fixed on Jon. "Because I think you're going to do something stupid?"
"Maybe I'll find some on this journey. I'm thinking of doing something my ancestors haven't done in hundreds of years, maybe thousands, I don't know," Jon explained.
"Great, you're going to commit suicide," she scoffed.
"Have faith in your husband," Jon laughed as he watched her walk away.
Throughout the remainder of the journey, the atmosphere remained serene. Two more days passed as they headed north. Jon interacted mainly with Val and members of Karsi's tribe, and despite some still harboring resentment for him being a stranger who had taken the lives of acquaintances, they maintained a certain respect.
It was during this time that Val appeared, after days without exchanging a word since her departure from the camp. While Jon had a solitary meal, she approached.
"How are you, Snow?" Val asked, breaking the silence.
"The weather is quite pleasant," Jon replied, smiling at the woman.
"You're always an oddity. You wear fewer clothes than everyone else and seem comfortable in this cold. People are already talking about a man blessed by the old gods," she said, smiling.
"I can't say you're the first person to call me an oddity. Wherever I go, I always attract attention," Jon replied, shrugging.
"I heard that you don't follow your group's orders," she changed the subject, seeking more information about Jon's choices.
"Yes, I have the freedom to do what I think is best, as long as I have Lucis by my side," Jon commented, relaxing in his posture.
"Be careful. Some tribes here don't like you, especially the Tens. They tried to give you orders," she warned.
"Then fewer of them will return to the camp if they try," Jon shrugged, showing his nonchalance.
"Unconcerned as always, but I don't doubt that you'll do that," she sighed.
"Val, how are things in the tribe? It seems like there's a lot of unrest lately in the front groups."
Val sighed, looking away at the snowy landscape. "There are tensions, Jon. The news about not finding any survivors and fewer animals each time has brought unease. Some resist the idea of exploring these lands."
"I can feel the apprehension in the air. But sometimes, facing danger is necessary to ensure the safety of your people," Jon pondered.
Val gave him a sharp look. "You always have a unique perspective, Snow. I believe you're the only one capable of guiding us through moments of danger."
"I doubt your tribe or anyone else would accept that, but I'll help if needed..." Jon spoke calmly.
"That's good. We're approaching a lookout camp, or what's left of it. We need to reinforce that camp to establish some defense there, to assess the situation in the region. It's very likely they're dead, and we'll encounter the creatures. So, be careful," she said, her tone taking on the necessary seriousness for the situation.
"Yes, but if something happens and you need my help, look for me," Jon replied, showing his willingness to collaborate, even with tensions hanging over him.
"Tsk, I'm a spear wife, Jon Snow; I can take care of myself. But I appreciate your concern. Oh, and be careful with the woman from Tormund's tribe; she'll try to steal you," she laughed, as if it wasn't the first time.
"Thanks for the warning, Val. I'll be careful."
At this moment, Lucis appeared with water she had fetched from the river with her tribe.
"Hello, Lucis. Well, I'm going now; my tribe needs me. It's good to see them again. Don't forget to prepare yourselves for reaching our goal," Val bid farewell, and Jon went to help Lucis with the chores.
As the group of 200 people led by Val and other leaders approached what had once been a camp of the Free Folk, the desolate scene unfolded before them. The cold wind cut through the air, carrying with it the heavy silence that hung over the site.
The first groups examined the camp, now reduced to ruins, with torn tents and destroyed poles. Claw and weapon marks on the surrounding trees testified to the intensity of the conflict that had occurred there. The snow, stained with small patches that still remained red here and there, was the only mute witness to past battles.
The somber atmosphere was compounded by the absence of life. There was no sound of birds singing, and the icy landscape was devoid of any sign of movement. The group cautiously advanced through the remnants of a place that had once housed guardians of the north, now surrendered to silence and abandonment.
Jon, Lucis, among the late-arriving members of the group, carefully examined the surroundings. The uneven terrain and confused footprints in the snow told the story of a chaotic fight. The group leader, Guren, who was responsible for guiding Karsi's tribe, remained vigilant, his eyes alert to any sign of imminent danger.
"That's disturbing," Lucis murmured as her blue eyes scanned the abandoned battlefield, filled with apprehension. "There are no bodies to be found, as if everyone just... disappeared."
The tension in the air was palpable, enveloping the group in an atmosphere charged with mystery and unease. They continued to advance cautiously through the remnants of what had once been a vigilant camp, now given over to desolation.
"You said they turn into those things, so it's highly likely they're already wights," Jon said, gently touching the young woman's shoulder, seeking to comfort her in the face of the grim scene.
"Don't worry; I'll make sure nothing happens to you," Jon spoke with a calm and tender tone, conveying to Lucis the confidence that he would take care of her in this frightening environment. "Yes..." She nodded in agreement with Jon's words, absorbing the seriousness of the situation.
"Everyone, let's set up our camp now. Our job is to reestablish here and conduct a reconnaissance of the area. Stay alert, especially at night!" Guren addressed the tribe, and everyone began choosing a spot to set up their camps as evening approached.
"Now, let's set up the camp. We need to choose a better place for us," Jon announced, and Lucis promptly followed him, prepared to face the challenges that awaited them at nightfall.
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