Chapter 4

*Knock Knock*

I was awoken from my slumber by someone knocking on the door to the inn room. 'Those must be the guards' I thought to myself groggily. "I'll be out in a minute let me don my armor" I called out.

"Well be down stairs waiting for you don't dally too long" said a voice from the otherside of the door. I got up and quickly started my morning routine cleaning myself and donning my gear. Going downstairs I was met with two guards who quickly escorted me to New Castle.

New Castle was impressive to me as I hadn't really ever seen a castle up close before. Being led through the castle we quickly met up with Eric and Kristoff who looked beat up. I laughed and gave Eric a playful punch in the arm "I told you not to drink too much last night" I said laughing. They both let out a grunt in response as we were led to their version of the great hall.

The guards asked us for our names and titles which we gave before one entered the room before us to announce our arrival. Within the room sitting at the table were 6 people, one was recognizable as Lord Manderly as he looked the same from the show. The rest of the table was occupied by 2 men and 3 women. Well, the women was a bit of a stretch. One seemed to be a girl around my age while the other was an older lady and the last seemed to be around middle school age.

"Lord Manderly these are the men who put a stop to the gang terrorizing travelers and citizens. Allow me to introduce Ser Erik Belmor, Ser Kristoff Corbray, and John Sand" he said. Though I couldn't help but notice when he said my name he practically spat it out. I didn't know if that was due to me being a bastard or a Dornishman but that didn't matter. We quickly kneeled at the introduction.

"You may rise," said Lord Manderly, giving us a look of appraisal. "Now how is it that 2 knights and a squire came to apprehend 16 men all by themselves. Doing so with minimal bloodshed nonetheless" he said impressed.

Eric and Kristoff both looked toward me, seemingly giving me the go ahead to speak on our behalf. "I am sorry to correct my lord but I am not a squire, just a simple traveler who saw injustice being done and had to put a stop to it. Besides if i had to be a squire it certainly wouldn't be to these two old heads'' I said jokingly.

Charming Performance Perform Comedy: 20

Lord Manderly let out a bit of a chuckle "My mistake but so how did you all accomplish a feat that even the city guard has not been able to do for months" he said giving one of the men, presumably the commander of the guards, the stink eye.

"Now it is no fault of your city guard. In such a big city there is sure to be crime always happening. Focusing too much on one thing could cause something even worse to happen" I man shot me a nod of gratitude at that and I continued speaking.

"As for how we did it , it was a group effort with us using our wits as well as our brawn to overcome the gang. Plus a little bit of magic" I said casting Dancing Lights for a little bit of emphasis.

This however did not have the effect that I hoped and immediately all the guards in the room drew their swords. "He's a witch" hissed a man in gray who had to be a maester.

I immediately put my hands up in a non threatening way. "Woah woah woah now you men wouldn't be afraid of a few little lights would you" I said, trying to diffuse the mood.

Perform comedy:27

Lord Manderly waved his hands in the air for the guards to sheathe their weapons. "He doesn't have the look of a demon or witch , how is it that you are able to do magic? '' he asked in a tone filled with apprehension.

"Well that's the thing my lord i couldn't tell you. See these abilities have been given to me only recently. I do not know how it came to be. One night I was perfectly normal and the next day I found I had these miraculous abilities." I said, casting a look at the faces of the people sitting down, some still seemed unconvinced. "I can promise that I have used my abilities only to help or defend myself. After all, I may be a Dornishman but I'm not a snake, "I joked, causing a few of them to snigger.

Perform Comedy: 21

Finally I saw as the various faces of the men and women were all relaxed. 'Phew dodged a bullet there gotta remember this isn't some real fantasy land yet most people are going to be scared of magic' I thought to myself.

Lord Manderly waved his hand "Ok now continue your story on how you men came to apprehend the gang members".

"Yes, allow me to recount our tale for you". I said unslinging my ukulele. Throughout my tale I paced up and down the hall playing notes on my ukulele to add to the effect. When it came to the fighting I even used Animate tools to make the ukulele swing itself like a sword as I mimed being hit by it.

Perform Oratory:24

By the time I was done the lords and ladies clapped. "What a magnificent tale" exclaimed the middle school aged girl.

I looked over and saw the girl had some green streaks in her hair. "Nice hair." I said casting prestidigitation on myself to color my hair green as well. She let out an OOO as Lord Manderly clapped his hands to grab our attention.

"Now then the matter of compensation is to be discussed. When my men searched the hideout there was much gold and goods that were recovered as such it is only right for you to be compensated. I will be giving each of you 250 gold dragons for your work here".

"Most generous Lord Manderly, we would be honored to receive such a gift" I said out loud.

"But such a reward is not enough , is there anything else you may need?" He asked. I looked toward the two knights who shook their heads. "My two companions are too honorable to ask for any more compensation but if it pleases my lord I would only ask for 3 horses to travel with," I said.

"This request is doable , where do you plan to ride if you don't mind me asking? "Well I plan to ride for Winterfell as soon as I manage to get a horse I have business with Lord Stark. I wouldn't presume to speak as to where my friends are going." I said. Eric spoke up to my right "Well we were planning to head with you if you'll have us" he said. "Oh well I guess we are all headed to Winterfell then my lord" I said smiling to my new companions.

"Very well then I shall send a runner to the stables. The horses should be prepared soon. My men will show you out" Said Lord Manderly practically kicking us out. As we were led away a ding went off in my ear.

Optional quest completed: Clear the filth

Wow look at you a hero of men taking down evil doers.

+2500 xp

Bring all men back alive: X

No damage taken: X

No fighting happened: X

Party detected sharing xp gain

Level up: Level 3 (5500/9000)

The world stopped again as I was left with my character sheet and forced to make choices for my spells again. I also got a feat at this level which I had to decide on. 'I wonder what it means by xp sharing' I thought to myself. 'Whatever , time for decisions'.

Sadly this level still had me locked into the 1st level spell lists but thankfully that would change come level 4. It took me only 2 seconds to pick the 3 cantrips I wanted , picking up a few that would enhance my storytelling abilities which were Smoking image, Trifling image, and Alter taste. The next set of choices were considerably harder but after about 5 minutes of scrolling and reading I decided on Sow Thoughts, and one called Animate Tattoo. Both would help me tremendously and I suspected Animate Tattoo would be the most useful to me.

The last choice was my feat while there was a metric fuck ton of feats and i could have wasted hours to look through them all being a bard made it so that there were really only a few options. This level I wanted to take an item creation feat as I was finally caster level 3. I debated whether to take Craft Magic Arms and Armor or Craft wondrous items. For short term gains I could probably make a lot of money selling off +1 swords as a Valyrian steel type weapon but in the long run Craft Wondrous items was more profitable. For one thing I'm sure Bags of holding would sell like hot cakes. I decided on Wondrous items as my choice and as I did the world resumed.

What was surprising though was that another message appeared before my eyes

Party Member Eric is now level 3

Party Member Kristoff is now level 2

'Wait, I could actually level people in my party? That's kind of op' I thought to myself as a grin found its way onto my face. If I could somehow get Daenerys or Jon in my party I could maybe power level him to make fighting the White Walkers a walk in the park.

After the guards escorted us out of New castle Kristoff let out a loud phew "I thought for sure we were going to get executed for conspiring with demons but you talked your way out of that didnt you boy" he said clapping me on the shoulder.

"Tell me about it. I was surprised they reacted like that. I mean you guys and the ship's crew didn't seem too bothered by it" I said looking back at the castle.

"No, that's not right. The reason we didn't fear it is because you used your abilities to help us and we survived because of you. Such a thing leaves a man indebted. How could we fear our savior? Same thing with the men on the ship plus they sail from Essos and are more used to such things. But if I was one of those lords I would have reacted the same way." spoke up Eric to my side.

"Huh i guess i can see where you're coming from but still i hope they don't try hanging me at Winterfell or anything" I joked.

'They were right, I'd have to be careful from now on when using my magic, the 3 dragons haven't hatched yet so magic in this world is still practically non-existent' I thought to myself.

Anyways we made our way to the stables after breaking our fast at the inn, and as promised 3 beautiful horses awaited us. While we were eager to set off towards our journey we first stopped and broke our fast at some tavern. As we were now traveling companions I decided to be nice and cast Alter taste on their food when it was served. The look on their faces when I made some bread taste like a Chocolate Croissant was hilarious and they thanked me profusely. The last thing i had us do was go to the market and buy 10 gold worth of ink for my new spell as well as all the necessary travel provisions.

There were also some other things I bought at the market. For one thing I bought a Medium Wagon and five 14 gallon barrels. Two of the horses would have to carry the wagon but I convinced my companions we'd just swap every so often.

With that we were off headed toward Winterfell. As we started down the road I decided to use my new Skald Performance: Marching Song. The effects were very noticeable with our horses moving quicker and not tiring. By the time night fell and we set up camp we estimated our trip would be shortened down to one week instead of the usual 12 days.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

When we finished setting up we took turns on watch and I decided to take up first watch as I'd rather have hours of interrupted sleep. Speaking of which i casted another of my quality of life cantrips: Simple Bed. When I cast it the leaves and dirt in the area all fashioned itself into a comfortable looking mattress. Eric and Kristoff said there was no way it would be as comfortable as their bedrolls but within 5 minutes of laying down I heard light snores from the both of them.

I spent my time idly making images out of the smoke from the fire.'Actually I should spend this time augmenting myself with my new spell' I thought to myself. I gathered the 10 gold worth of ink and began the ritual. It took a solid hour of concentrating as I formed the tattoo little by little. I opted for a simple tattoo of a sword along the length of my forearm. In my mind I did as the spell told me and pre-programmed some motion of the sword just swinging out.

At the end of the hour I did a little stretch of my limbs cracking my neck. An hour of concentrating was boring but now I was eager to test out my new spell. I first concentrated on moving the tattoo about my body and watched as the 3 inch sword glided about my skin like water.

"Ok now how do i make this work" i said aloud. I concentrated a bit willing the sword to attack. I watched as the tattoo elongated into a full sword that struck out from its position on my skin. I found that it could stay materialized and I could even hold it in my hand like a sword. Alternatively I could have it come out of any place that skin was showing which is how I had it come out of my back through my neck. The real reason the tattoo was so important was due to how it scaled off my Charisma. With this ink sword I was basically on par with knights with my attack.

With that over with I practiced a little bit more with my level 0 spells until it was time for my watch to end and I woke up Kristoff who drew the short end of the stick and had to do middle watch. He grumbled and got up and I cast my own Simple Bed and began to fall asleep. My last thought was wow this dirt is surprisingly comfortable before sleep took me over.

The next few days were spent doing more of the same wed ride at dawn stopping to rest and eat every so often with me telling random stories I knew to pass the time. The second day of traveling we did make it onto the Kings Road making the trip much smoother. In all honesty I was surprised nothing happened. I half expected to be attacked by bandits or wildlings. During a couple of the stops I had the chance to use my Tattoo Sword to spar with Kristoff and Eric. The results were as expected. I was able to beat Kristoff but Eric was still about an even match for me.

By the 7th day in the evening we finally made it to Wintertown and settled down into an Inn for the night. As I hadn't been around many people for a while I decided it was time to put on a bit of a show and enact my plan to get into Winterfell. See those 5 Barrels I had bought in White Harbor were a part of my grand plan.

See when we crossed the river at the Kings Road I made sure to fill up the 5 barrels with water and as we got closer to Winterfell I cast Tears to Wine on the barrels turning them into mead. With the barrels of mead I went to the innkeeper under the guise of a rich kid just trying to have a good time. I gave the Mead to the innkeeper for free and asked him to make a deal selling the mead tonight for only a copper piece. I of course used my charms to convince him this was a good idea and in all honesty it was as it would gather more people. I also volunteered myself to provide music and with that the stage was set.

It took a bit for the party to get started but soon the people heard about the practically free booze and came in droves to drink. I performed some songs which got the crowd hyped up and dancing but the real objective did not roll in until two hours after the festivities started. Throughout all the singing I made sure to scan the crowd searching for someone and finally he walked in. The person I was waiting for was Theon Greyjoy. See I knew none of the actual Starks would leave the castle to participate in this depravity and without knowing someone on the inside there was no way I would be able to just waltz into Winterfell. Thus came my solution to befriend Theon to get into the castle.

I saw him sit at a table with some men and immediately start tossing back drinks and harassing barmaids. I won't lie he definitely wasn't my favorite but in the final two seasons he at least redeemed himself. Right now though he was basically an asshole frat boy. But hey we've all been through that phase so I'd be able to get along with him just fine. The inn had its own performers so I stopped performing and made my way across the tavern over to Theon discreetly casting Charm Person on him.

Dc 15 vs 14 Will : Pass

As I approached him the spell took hold and I saw his eyes widen with recognition as he made his way over to greet me. "My good friend, where have you been!" he put on a confused face "Wait what was your name again I can't seem to remember it" he said.

"How could you not remember me, Theon , we drank together last year here in Wintertown. Dont tell me the Northern Ale has knocked the memory out of that brain of yours" I said jokingly.

Perform Comedy (Bluff): 34

"Ah yes yes of course my good friend John how could i forget it is just the Ale clouding my memory" he said. "Here join me, we must catch up" he said, making space next to him at his table.

And with that I was in business. I of course still had to use my Perform Comedy in the form of jokes to get his attitude levels up but by the end of the night when the Winterfell knights dragged him home he was sure we were best friends and invited me to practice with him in the Winterfell training yard tomorrow. I also sneaked in a use of my new spell Sow thoughts to implant the thought "John is great , maybe bastards aren't so bad after all. I should probably be nicer to Jon as well". With that over with I looked for my two traveling companions and found they were not much better off than Theon being piss drunk and on their last legs. I dragged the old men to their rooms letting them know I'd be going inside Winterfell tomorrow but if they even heard me in their state I don't know.

The following morning I woke up early and broke my fast down stairs with Eric and Kristoff who were actually hungover this time. Seeing the state they were in I hung around the inn for an hour or two before I left for the gate of WInterfell , to let Theon recover from last nights festivities. At the gate I told the guards I was invited by Theon and waited at the Gate with one while the other left to go confirm. The guard returned a few minutes later telling me Theon was still getting ready and would be down soon but that I could enter. I thanked the guards and continued on my way inside.

Location Discovered: Winterfell +100 xp

I let out a whistle as I took in my surroundings , man this castle was beautiful. New castle was beautiful as well but they practically kicked us out so I couldn't really judge it. While I walked I saw my second main character in the form of everyone's favorite gentle giant Hodor. The beast of a man stood moving some crates in the courtyard. While he was moving the boxes a piece of coal fell out of the top so i crossed the distance and tossed it back in for him "There you go big fella i said smiling up at him. "Hodor," he said cheerfully, nodding at me.

"It's no problem big guy," I said as I continued on my way. If I could help it I'd try to find some way for him to survive as I'd genuinely let out a few tears when he died in the show.

I continued to wander around for a few minutes before I heard a voice calling out for me. "Oi John over here" I turned my head and saw Theon waving me over and at his side was another teen who I assumed to be Rob. When I walked over to them, Theon clapped me on the shoulder and introduced me "Rob this is my friend John Sand" he said.

Rob extended his hand out and I clasped it. "Well met John Sand , I must say for Theon to talk highly of you despite being southerner and being base born you must be quite the man" he said inspecting me.

"Well I had a lot to drink last night but when I awoke I did some thinking. My friend John here has shown me you shouldn't judge a man by his birth but by his deeds" said Theon.'Good the spell seems to have worked' I thought to myself.

I smiled "Very well said Theon. But likewise it is nice to meet you Lord Stark".

"Heh i'm not a lord just yet" he laughed.

"Well you will be one day but enough of that let's get to sparring. I'm eager to see if they teach you noble boys anything other than dancing, "I said jokingly.

Perform Comedy: 19

They both let out a chuckle at that "I'll have to warn you I'm pretty good with a sword do you think you could best me" said Rob with challenge in his eyes.

"How about we make things a bit more interesting then with a wager a gold dragon a piece" I said.

"You're on, I'll have fun spending your southern gold," he said cockily as we made our way over to the training area.

Theon of course decided to gather up a bunch of people to watch the display which I didn't mind free publicity after all. In the small crowd I spotted Bran and Jon.

We both took our positions and grabbed some blunt training weapons. There were a couple of different weapons to choose from but I decided to use a spear this time. In all honesty I had done it as a homage to my backstory more than anything else.

Initiative

Rob: 21

Me: 2

As the spar commenced Rob struck out with an overhead slash (12). The strike was dodged quite easily by me and I took a step back attempting to clip him with my Spear (20). The blow struck true and the blunted spear head hit him in the gut knocking the air out of him (6 dmg). He back pedaled a bit to catch his breath and i didnt capitalize on it as this was a training match after all.

"Oh I would have thought the wolves of the north would have a bit more teeth," I said slyly, giving him a smirk.

Rob's response to my quip was to charge at me for another attack (11). I used my spear to deflect the blow striking out with the pole side in the same motion (20). The blow caught him in the side making him wince but didn't do too much damage (3 dmg). I was honestly surprised at the damage he could take as he was still probably level 1 , these northerners sure are built tougher than most. After recovering a bit from my attack he circled a bit this time before striking out (18). This time however I was not quick enough to dodge and the close proximity did not allow me to deflect the blow either leading to him scoring a blow across my chest (10 dmg) . And what a blow it was as even through the armor my bones shuddered from the force and I backpedaled coughing a bit.

"What was it you were saying?" He said with a shit eating grin on his face. I decided to go on the offensive this time charging at him (16). To his credit he tried to dodge but with the two handed grip I had on the spear I was able to change its angle and barely clip him in the leg (3 dmg). The blow caused him to finally fall and I crossed the distance between us holding my spear over him "Do you yield my lord?" I said with a chuckle.

He looked at the spear angled down at him and let out a sigh "I yield". With that the people watching began to clap at our display and I held out a hand helping rob up. "That was a good match , that blow you landed on me would have bested any lesser man" I said.

"Well they do say the northmen fight with the strength of 10 southerners." he said, flexing a bit. "But I am surprised I wouldn't have taken you for a soldier from what Theon told me he said you were a minstrel".

"Heh well whos to say i can't be a man of many talents" I said laughing to myself.

Theon came over and congratulated me on my win. I was also introduced to Bran and Jon and we exchanged pleasantries. While we all talked I saw a bigger fish on his way down from the second floor.

All the conversations stopped as Ned Stark approached and he greeted me . "An impressive bout , are you the same John Sand that I received a letter about from Lord Manderly?" he asked.

"Oh i was not aware he sent word of me coming, but yes i should be the very same" I said wiping some sweat off my brow.

"Come with me then" he said as he turned.

I was led by him and Rodrik Cassel to the Great Hall. In the hall was Maester Luwin and a few guards. Lord Stark sat on his chair at the head of the table and spoke "Now then speak your mind. I imagine there is a good reason a Dornishman came to Winterfell to speak to me ?".

I cleared my throat "Well Lord Stark there is a good reason. The reason for that is that Winter is coming".

This elicited a hmph from him "What would a southern summer boy like you know about Winter".

"Well nothing my lord but as Lord Manderly probably wrote you i have been blessed with blessings by the gods" I said casting Mage Hand and having it give a little wave. The guards in the room flinched a little at this but made no moves to draw their swords unlike Lord Manderly's men.

"Yes Lord Manderly wrote to me about your tricks. But that does not explain while you came" he said.

"Let me get to it then, see I received a vision of sorts when I received my abilities. This coming winter will be long and dark filled with horrors that have yet to be revealed to me. I came here to Winterfell to swear to you that you will have an ally of me when winter comes and before that if your house faces any troubles" I said trying to lay on the flattery and charm.

Lord Stark gave me an appraising eye "While I appreciate your dedication , what could you do for my house? You may have bested Rob in a fight but he is but a boy and so are you".

"Well yes that is true alone am not much but in the future im sure House Martell would make for a fine ally don't you think?" I said smiling.

"Oh you're a bastard of Lord Martell?" he asked, raising a brow.

"Not quite im a bastard of Oberyn Martell the Red Viper, i'm sure you've heard of him?"

"Aye i've heard of him , but how would a bastard of the second son of Lord Martell hope to curry enough favor to suggest an alliance".

"Well you let me worry about that , Winter is still not for a few years i'm sure by then i'll have gained enough favor to somewhat influence our house." I said knowing if i survived that long id probably be the lord of sunspear if i wanted.

Lord Stark's eyes studied for a bit longer "Alright then if there's nothing else wander on back to the boys" he said.

I did a little bow and walked out of the great hall. 'Well that went decently well, least he doesn't seem to outright hate me or anything' I thought to myself. I had considered using Charm Person or Sow thoughts but i didn't want to risk it. He was probably much higher level than me having been through actual wars and such. I also was too much of a fanboy of the Starks to do what was basically mind control on them.

I returned to the yard and met back up with Rob, Theon and Jon. The rest of the afternoon was spent running a couple of spars and playing a variety of different games i taught them. Eventually I had used my Perform Comedy to get us all to a level of chumminess where I thought it was fine to show them a bit of magic. Their reactions were mixed at first but at night when I used some campfire smoke to begin to tell stories I won them over as the figures in the smoke enhanced my Perform Oratory to another level. When I left for the night I was given permission to come back and even allowed to bring my two companions.

I went back to the inn and informed Kristoff and Eric of today's success and that we would be allowed in Winterfell from now on. With all that out of the way I retired to my room early to sleep doing my nightly cleaning and passing out.