Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Winter Town
The morning of our departure was painted in pale golds and silvers—the sea quiet, the air crisp. The Royal Horizon's port platforms were bustling with activity as we gathered for the journey. Lord Eddard Stark, his heir Robb, and their small retinue of guards stood near the edge of the dock, their steeds tied and waiting.
I approached with my own chosen delegation—each one handpicked not only for their skills, but for their character. As we stood in formation, I formally introduced them.
"This," I gestured, "is Kyle Potter, my best friend and one of the most trusted voices at my side. He is an aspiring doctor and is currently apprenticed to both our chief medical officer and our head diplomat. He will one day run a hospital of his own, but today he stands as my aide and heart."
Kyle bowed respectfully, flashing Robb a quick smile—one that the Stark heir returned with curiosity.
"Zackary Clawsmith, Captain of my Royal Guard and one of the most experienced warriors in my court. He'll be handling the journey's protection."
Zackary, ever the wall of muscle and stone-faced loyalty, gave a short nod. His white tiger ears twitched in quiet attention.
"This is Hana Mirelle, chief magical healer and one of our leading researchers in curative runes. She's saved more lives than I can count."
"Dr. Lioren Rael, our chief physician and surgeon, trained in both alchemical and physical methods of treatment."
"Nurse Vera Graytail, a specialist in battlefield triage and magical diagnosis."
"And lastly, Minister Ellian Thornhart," I said, gesturing to the tall, sharp-eyed man in formal robes. "He's not only a civil servant but a master negotiator. He passed the Kingdom's Type A Examination with distinction, qualifying him for both domestic law and international policy advisory."
Each of them bowed in turn, their poise making an impression on the Northern lord and his men. Eddard nodded thoughtfully, while Robb tried to disguise the awe in his eyes.
I turned to Captain Harlen. "While we are gone, you will oversee the Royal Horizon and our sister vessels. Maintain high alert, and no disembarkments without my orders."
He saluted sharply. "Understood, Your Majesty."
With final farewells given, our small group took a boat ride to Deepwood Motte. There, Lord Stark and his men retrieved their horses. Robb looked to me once we returned to the edge of the island.
"The journey to Winterfell is a long one—over two weeks even on a hard ride. Do you have horses of your own?"
I smiled, tilting my head slightly, ears twitching in amusement. "No horses," I said smoothly, "but we have something better."
I stepped back and raised my hand, drawing a glowing circle in the air with space magic. The air shimmered as I opened a rift and pulled forth a vehicle that stunned them all: a magical carriage—sleek, rune-etched, hovering a few inches off the ground. Crafted from enchanted wood and silversteel, its exterior gleamed in the morning sun.
Gasps rang out from the Northern men as I stepped forward.
"She's rune-powered," I explained. "Equipped with expansion magic. The interior is far larger, featuring living quarters, a kitchen, bathing rooms, and lounging space. She was made for long, luxurious journeys over rough terrain."
Even Ned Stark, who had seen plenty in his years, seemed momentarily taken aback.
"You're welcome to join us," I added. "It's faster, and I can store your horses safely within my dimensional vault. They'll be released, unharmed, when we reach the outskirts of Winterfell."
Eddard frowned, skeptical. But Robb stepped in. "Father... it could save us days. Weeks. And the horses will be fine—this magic doesn't feel wrong. Just different."
After a long pause, Eddard relented with a quiet grunt. "Very well. But if any harm comes to the horses—"
"They'll be treated like kings," I assured.
One by one, the horses were absorbed into my spatial storage with gentle flashes of light. Then we boarded the carriage—Zackary taking the driver's seat at the helm as the rest of us settled inside.
With that, the ride to Winterfell was ahead of us.
The journey across the North's wild paths took hours, not days. The enchanted carriage's sturdy wheels rolled smoothly over dirt and stone, barely shifting even as we passed through uneven roads and thick woodland. I noted with a frown how much faster and easier the trip would have been with proper paved roads—a note I made for the future, should trade routes be built.
Inside, the ride was impossibly comfortable. Cushioned seats, soft lighting, warm refreshment trays, and gentle enchantments regulated the temperature. The atmosphere encouraged conversation.
Eddard Stark sat at a table with Minister Ellian and Dr. Rael, exchanging thoughts on trade, magic, and the philosophy of governance.
Jory and Rodrik engaged quietly with Hana and Vera about healing, safety measures, and soldier care.
Robb, meanwhile, sat across from Kyle and I—asking us endless questions. About our kingdom. Our beasts. Our magic. Our people.
"Do all your carriages move like this?" Robb asked in amazement.
"Only the royal ones," I chuckled. "The rest are pulled by trained horses, or they take a bullet train." I had to describe what a bullet train was, which he found amazing.
"Do you ever miss riding a real horse?"
"Sometimes," I admitted. "But I do love comfort. And style."
Kyle snorted and added, "You once made me enchant heated cupholders."
"You're welcome."
We all laughed.
Hours pass us by, and through the front window, Winterfell's towers rose like ancient giants over the flat expanse of Winter Town. The sight alone made Lord Stark sit forward, eyes narrowing.
"That was… fast," he murmured.
Robb stood, pressing a hand to the glass. "Eight hours," he breathed. "We crossed a journey meant for two weeks in eight hours."
Even their guards were stunned. Rodrik muttered a quiet prayer to the Old Gods.
I gave the order for Zackary to stop at the edge of Winter Town. As promised, I released the horses from storage one by one. Each horse was unscathed, fully rested, and nuzzled its rider like no time had passed.
Ned and his men disembarked, mounted their steeds, and raised the Stark banners high. The Northern people would see their return and know their lords had arrived safely.
And behind them, not far from view, would be the magical carriage and the Dusklight delegation—a sign that the world was changing.