By the time Isfrid made it to the edge of the woods, bordering the town, the sun was rising.
He asked around about finding long-distance transportation. Eventually, he found someone.
"Take me as far North as you can," he spoke.
"I can, but do you have the money for such a distance?" the man asked in a curious tone.
Isfrid summoned a pouch of coins from his storage ring, which made the man's eyes widen in shock.
Having a pouch of money wasn't surprising, but having a storage ring was exclusive for the upper class.
"Right away, kind sir," the man spoke in a far more friendly tone.
The journey was long, but for Isfrid it meant nothing. He slept most of the time, occasionally looking out the window or stopping to restock on food.
He constantly had his senses enhanced by his aura, even when he slept. He thought it would be good practice to be prepared for anything.
The journey required him to switch drivers a couple of times, each time paying them with one gold coin from the pouch.
Isfrid read about currency and knew he was paying them too much, but he didn't have change and didn't care about the money.
After about a month of travel, he was nearing the Northern Kingdom of Valenhold. The closer he got to the north, the more he felt something in him respond.
Like he was meant to go North, like something was waiting for him there.
Once he officially crossed the border of the Kingdom, he had to switch drivers for what he hoped would be the last time.
It was snowing everywhere all the time, but he wasn't cold.
He was dropped off in the town called Frostmark. He asked around to find a driver. He noticed the people here were different.
No matter where he looked, everyone looked strong. Every man, woman, and child looked trained.
People walked around with weapons on their backs, axes, swords, spears, every kind of weapon you could imagine.
Isfrid noticed these differences, but didn't really care. His main focus was on finding Jeor Mormont, the man Eliza said he should seek out.
He finally found someone with a cart who looked like he could bring him. All the men were tall with large muscles.
Isfrid was very tall for his age; however, next to these men, he still looked like a small child.
He tapped the man on the back, and as he turned, he asked. "Can I pay you for a ride?"
The man turned, smiled, and said in a happy tone. "Where can I take ya, little fellow?"
Isfrid didn't like being called little anything, but he wasn't looking to argue or fight with the man. "I need to find a man named Jeor Mormont."
The man's smile wavered slightly, and he said. "You mean the patriarch of House Mormont? I can bring you there, but meeting with him isn't that easy."
"Thank you," Isfrid said, ignoring the last part.
Isfrid bought some food before departing the town. The ride was another week. The man, whom Isfrid learned was named Gustalf, talked nonstop during the trip.
Isfrid mostly ignored him, as he wasn't interested in small talk. The trip took another week to reach House Mormont.
Upon arriving, they entered a small town, which Gustalf called Stonehaven. He was dropped off near a castle that he was told was House Mormont.
He thanked Gustalf for the ride and paid him a gold coin as well. Gustalf told him that the coin was more than the ride cost, but Isfrid told him it was fine.
As he approached the castle, there were two guards at the gate.
"I need to meet with Joer Mormont," Isfrid spoke.
"Yeah, and I'd like to meet the king," one of the guards responded in a joking tone.
Isfrid's face was covered by a hood, but behind it, his facial expression didn't change at all.
"Elizabeth Starlight sent me." The moment he mentioned the House Starlight, the guard's smirks vanished from they're faces.
They knew the Starlights were wiped out years ago; however, knowing their patriarch's deep relationship with them, they knew he would want to hear about this.
"Wait here." One of the guards spoke with a serious tone as he turned to enter the gates.
After several minutes of waiting at the gate, the guard returned. "
Follow me." He said in a monotone voice.
Isfrid followed the man through the gates and into the castle. The castle was old and rustic compared to the Vaelor house. It was made of stone and had large watch towers.
After walking for a while, they approached a set of tall doors.
"The patriarch will see you inside," The guard said as he gestured towards the doors.
Isfrid opened the doors and was greeted by the view of a very large, old man sitting behind a desk.
The man gave off an imposing aura that felt like it was bearing down on Isfrid. He had a long white beard and a little hair left on his head.
He was at least 6,6 with broad shoulders and a confident posture.
Isfrid bowed slightly and spoke, "Lord Mormont,"
Joer Mormont was looking straight at him and spoke,
"My guard said you were sent here by Elizabeth. Is that true?"
"Yes," Isfrid replied, meeting his gaze.
"But Elizabeth is all the way in Eldara, are you saying you traveled such a distance?" He asked in a curious tone.
"Yes," Isfrid replied with his usual monotone voice.
"But why send a messenger? She usually just writes me letters." Jeor asked.
"Elizabeth Starlight is dead," Isfrid said with a completely emotionless face and voice.
The air grew heavy as Jeor released his killing intent.
"What!?" Jeor's face grew red from anger.
" She preserved her honor by ending her life." Isfrid continued in the same emotionless tone. Like he was talking about the weather.
The killing intent being directed at Isfrid at this point was so strong that it felt as though his legs were going to break. Yet his expressionless face didn't change.
"And who are you, boy?" He asked in an irritated tone.
Isfrid removed his hood. Causing Jeor's eyes to widen.
"Isfrid.....Isfrid Starlight." The moment he finished, the killing intent directed at him completely vanished.