New students start from 'Game of Thrones'

Chapter 61 The Sound of Horns

Outside Craster's Keep, the world was blanketed in heavy snow. The Haunted Forest loomed with faint, shadowy shapes, as if concealing countless dangers.

It was still daylight, and Craster's women were bustling about outside the keep—chopping firewood, dressing animal carcasses, and clearing pig manure.

A rustling sound drifted from the distant woods, putting the working women on edge. An older woman, more experienced than the rest, immediately rushed into the wooden keep to find its master.

Moments later, Craster emerged, axe in hand, striding toward the source of the noise. Tall and burly, with short hair and a fur cloak draped over his shoulders, he looked like an enraged old bear.

Craster stood at the gate of the stockade, his gaze fixed sharply on the direction of the rustling. After a short while, a tall young man with short hair rode out of the Haunted Forest on a large warhorse, followed by three equally imposing knights. Behind the four men, four packhorses, tied together with ropes and loaded with supplies, trotted along.

The four rode straight toward Craster.

"Who are you?" Craster snapped, his eyes fierce as he stared up at the mounted men.

"Craster?" Owen did not answer the question; instead, he looked down at the old man and asked.

Indeed, these four were Owen and his companions, who had set out from the Wall.

"Aye, it's me. State your business, strangers," Craster growled, glowering at the four.

"Don't be alarmed. We've been sent by Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, to reinforce Castle Black," Owen said, dismounting and facing Craster. "There are some matters we need to look into, so we came beyond the Wall to investigate why the wildlings are on the move."

"We were told by Maester Aemon that this place offers shelter and rest for the Night's Watch, so we came here," Owen added.

"I don't host Night's Watch for free! Besides, the four of you aren't Night's Watch—you're not welcome here," Craster said, eyeing them.

Owen and his companions all wore cloaks emblazoned with a bear sigil. Their gear and horses were top-notch, and the packhorses behind them carried plenty of supplies. If they had been Night's Watch, Craster would have let them stay the night to rest. But these four were not—what was more, they exuded an aura far more intimidating than any Night's Watchman. Though Craster put on a tough front, he was secretly panicking.

"I think there's a misunderstanding. We'll honor guest right, and like the Night's Watch, we'll pay for our stay," Owen said calmly, unfazed by Craster's wariness. "We only need a place to rest—we don't need your main keep. The storage sheds nearby will do."

Craster still eyed the four suspiciously, especially Sandor Clegane. The Hound's appearance alone made him look untrustworthy—even though Craster himself was no better than a brute.

"Rest easy. These three answer to me; I'm the one in charge," Owen said, noticing Craster's hesitation.

"What's on those packhorses of yours?" Craster could not suppress his greed. Glancing at the four packhorses, he asked.

"Mostly food, and some wine," Owen replied with a smile.

"I've got food here, and I just got some wine a few days ago—I don't need more. That stuff won't sway me," Craster said, managing a ugly grin and shaking his head.

"If you don't care for those, what about gold dragons? House Lannister has plenty—name your price," Jaime Lannister said, leading his horse over to Owen and addressing Craster.