Chapter 3

Eldric's brow furrowed as he studied the map of Westeros spread across the solar's ancient stone table, his fingers tracing the paths of rivers and roads that crisscrossed the land, in preparation for his journey to Winterfell the next day.

He was joined by two of his most trusted bannermen, Ser Raymun, heir of House Frostbane, and Ser Garlan, the second son of House Winterthorn, who stood by his side as they discussed their plans.

"I have word that the wildlings are stirring beyond the Wall," Ser Raymun said, his voice low and grave. "We may need to prepare for potential attacks as we make our way towards Winterfell."

Ser Raymun Frostbane was a tall and muscular young man of sixteen years, bearing a few scars as souvenirs from his encounters with the beasts of the north. His hair is a dark shade of brown, kept short for practicality, and his dark hazel eyes reflect his keen perception. House Frostbane, known for their skilled archers and trackers, has been a loyal vassal of House Everwinter since the days of Bran the Builder. Renowned for their ability to navigate the treacherous northern terrain, Eldric was glad to have the calm and composed Ser Raymun joining their journey as both a bannerman and a friend. 

Ser Eldric nodded, his mind already racing with potential strategies to defend against any wildling threat. He knew that the journey to Winterfell from their lands so close to the Wall would be treacherous, but he was determined to make it there safely and with his mission accomplished.

"And what of the Starks?" Ser Garlan asked, his voice laced with a hint of excitement as he ran his fingers over his long chestnut locks. "What can we expect from them?"

"They are a proud and noble house, placing honour before all else", Eldric replied, his expression thoughtful. "But our houses have not had the best relations with them since Robert's Rebellion, so we best be cautious and not expect the warmest of welcomes."

Ser Raymun nodded in agreement.

"Well, good thing I am great at spotting poisons," Ser Garlan said with a wink as he played with his dirty blonde curls. House Winterthorn is known for its skilled healers and maesters. Their members possess extensive knowledge of herbs of the far north as well as skills in various ancient healing methods. Generations of Winterthorns have been invaluable to keeping the members of House Everwinter safe and healthy.

Eldric chuckled at his friend's jest, but he knew that Ser Garlan's skills with poisons were not to be taken lightly even though he was only two years older than Eldric. He remembered when Ser Garlan saved his life during the Frost Walk, preventing him from consuming meat from a poisoned boar. The poor beast must have unfortunately met with a poisoned wilding arrow earlier in the day.

"Let us hope it does not come to that, my friend," Eldric said with a smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But your skills may come in handy if we encounter any unexpected obstacles."

As they continued to discuss their plans, Lady Valeria entered the room with Lyanna trailing behind her. She looked at Eldric and his bannermen with a small smile on her face.

"I see you are all ready for your journey," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of concern. "Are you certain you do not require any additional aid?"

Eldric shook his head, his eyes fixed on his mother's. "We have everything we need, Mother," he replied, his voice confident. "We are prepared for any eventuality."

Lady Valeria nodded, her gaze lingering on her son's face. She was proud of the man he had become, strong and resolute, a true leader of their house.

Smiling, she waved over the master of arms, Garrick Snow, who stood a few paces away. He carried something folded in a clean cloth.

"And before you go, I want you to have this."

Eldric knew for certain what his mother was handing him. His eyes lit up as he took the scabbard and looked at his mother with shock and worry, uncertain if he was ready to carry the family blade.

Resurgence was the most beautiful sword Eldric had ever seen. Forged from the finest Valyrian steel and further refined with ancient iceforging, it was the pride of House Everwinter, passed down from generation to generation as a symbol of their strength and resilience. Eldric had always known he would one day inherit it, but he never thought it would be so soon, at just moons after his fifthteenth nameday.

"Take this, my son," Lady Valeria said softly. "You are ready to wield it, and it will serve you well in the battles to come. May this sword protect you, just as it did your father and forefathers."

Eldric nodded, his eyes fixed on the sword as he drew it from its sheath. He felt the weight of it in his hand, the balance perfect, and he knew that it was an extension of himself.

"Thank you, Mother," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I will make you proud."

"I know you will," Lady Valeria said with a grin. "Now go, and may the gods watch over you."

Lyanna stepped forward, her eyes bright with excitement. "Eldric, be careful, and don't forget to write."

"Of course, I would not forget, little snowflake," Eldric said, his voice gentle as he ruffled his sister's black curls. "I will write to you as soon as I can."

Lyanna beamed at him, her eyes shining with admiration. She had always looked up to her brother as a role model. He was brave and strong, but also kind and wise. To her, this young man with short curly black hair and ice-blue eyes was the epitome of a true knight.

Lady Valeria gave him one last hug before waving him off. She too felt proud of her son, knowing that he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

The guards opened the gates and the party rode out into the snow-covered landscape of House Everwinter's lands, their banner of an intricate snowflake pattern on velvet background dancing in the icy winds. As they made their way towards their destination, Eldric could not help but think about his future and his place in this world. He felt a responsibility to do something great, to make a difference in the lives of those around him. For now, all he could do was focus on the task at hand: defending House Everwinter from its enemies and restoring it to its former glory. He knew the road ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he was ready to face it head-on.

Because no matter what happened during their travels, they were not alone; Lady Valeria Everwinter and House Everwinter would always be watching over them from beyond.

That thought stayed with Eldric as they descended into the forest below Frostfall's walls. He may have been leaving his home behind for now, but House Everwinters roots would remain firmly implanted within him wherever he went, just as long as he held fast to Resurgence at his side.