(Third-person perspective)
The fierce battle continued, the air thick with the energy of magical incantations and the power and agility of the Skinchanger. Aermir carefully observed and analyzed the dynamics of the fight between Adru and Dacey. Their contrasting abilities created a captivating spectacle. In her transformed state, Dacey possessed astonishing strength, with a power rating of 17 and a speed rating of 13.
Her Entangle spells amplified her close-range advantage. She charged into the melee like a bear. She tried to get close to Adru, using her superior strength and Entangle magic to hinder his movements.
Adru, on the other hand, used Dark Shadowcat's skin-changing ability to maintain distance. With a speed rating of 16, he was extremely agile, not only dodging Dacey's attacks but also trapping her with Earth Ball when Dacey tried to get close.
His Earth Ball added a ranged element to his arsenal. Although the stone looked small, its potential damage was obvious due to its speed, as it could shatter skulls upon impact.
This is also why Aermir forbids aiming at the head. Adru remembered the rule and aimed at Dacey's chest and legs, trying to immobilize her without causing serious injury.
They had many minor injuries and abrasions. Despite the severe physical damage to both participants, their actions were somehow enjoyable. The thrill of casting spells added a layer of stimulation to their suffering. They were like children in a playground. As Aermir observed them, he heard Skadi's voice echoing in his mind.
"Master, Jon and his friends are in danger. We've spotted a Others just a few kilometers away."
His heart began to pound wildly.
How many snowy owls do you have?
Skadi is a snowy owl and the only bird that lives outside the Wall. She controls 90 snowy owls, but they form an observation line across all the land outside the Wall.
"I only brought 20 with me; they're responsible for scouting the Frostfangs."
"Under no circumstances should you approach the Others. Go find Jon and warn them to run." Because he had no talent for being Warg, he never enjoyed their lessons when Aermir taught them as Druid, and after seeing little progress, he essentially gave up on becoming a Warg.
Aermir turned to Dacey and the others, his voice filled with extreme panic.
"Return to the temple immediately!" He summoned Sith and commanded her to take the three of them to the temple. After casting a Water Walking spell on Sith, he transformed into an eagle and flew away. Because she had to carry two adults and a teenager, she couldn't run at top speed, but she was still faster than any horse. Thanks to Water Walking, she quickly crossed the Bay of Seals and flew towards the temple at top speed.
Aermir knew it was pointless for him to fly to the Wall. It would take him days to get there; even if he used the Roots portal to reach a weirwood near the Wall, it would take far too long, not to mention the Night's King's mark on his ankle. But Aermir knew nothing else he could do but rush to the Wall.
The closest place to the dammed lake tree was the Deepdown Castle of the House Crowl. He soon arrived at the Citadel and landed beside the weirwood tree, where some commoners were praying to the Old Gods. When Aermir landed and transformed into a human, everyone was terrified, but they recognized him, even though they had never seen him before, for they had heard of the Druid's appearance from bards and taverns.
Everyone bowed to him, begging for his blessing, but Aermir had no time for them. He touched the white trunk of the tree and chanted the incantation: "Tindon-Ite ( Root Path )".
Ancient incantations echoed in the air, mingling with the prayers of the common people. The weirwood tree responded to the Druid's call, its magic intertwining with Aermir's purpose. An emerald crack appeared in the trunk, starting as a line and quickly expanding to the size of a person. The surrounding common people gasped in amazement as the mysterious sight unfolded before their eyes.
The emerald-green crack emitted an otherworldly light, its brilliance captivating the onlookers. The instant the membrane stabilized, Aermir seized the opportunity. Without hesitation, he passed through the newly formed portal and vanished into the courtyard of the Deepdown Castle.
The common people stood there dumbfounded, still savoring the mesmerizing sight they had just witnessed. Ancient magical marks still lingered on the weirwood. As the emerald crack closed, everyone in the Citadel courtyard held their breath, a deathly silence descending.
When the emerald cracks in the tree trunk of the dammed lake completely disappeared, the courtyard of the Deepdown Castle fell silent. Then, like sparks ignited collectively, a surge of passionate energy flowed through the common people. Without hesitation, they knelt down and began to pray devoutly to the Old Gods and the Druid, their voices high-pitched and unified.
This scene becomes a stage for faith and hope as people seek divine intervention and blessings from the ancient power summoned by Aermir. Memories of the Druid' visit and the magical displays on the weirwood tree ignite their faith in the Old Gods.
Jon's eyes widened as Skadi flapped her wings and landed on a nearby rock. The owl's peculiar behavior immediately caught Jon's attention, and a sense of unease crept over him. He couldn't shake Druid Druid's memory of him having a snowy owl serving as a scout in the Lands of Always Winter. This might be the owl.
Jon cautiously approached it, feeling a connection with the creature as he tried to use the communication techniques the Druid had taught him. Though he struggled to fully comprehend these messages, one thing became clear—an ominous sense of danger loomed. The urgency in Skadi's actions conveyed a warning Jon could not ignore: a serious, deadly danger.
The snow-covered landscape was more ominous than ever before. Although Jon's understanding of owl omens was limited, he realized the gravity of the situation. He turned to Benjen and spoke in a fearful voice.
"We have to turn back, something's happened."
Benjen had never seen Jon like this before. He was terrified by something.
"What's wrong?" Jon asked, pointing to the owl. "This is Druid's familiar. It's sending a message: We're in great danger right now and must turn back immediately."
Fear gripped Sam's body, and he asked hopefully.
"Are the Druid here to help us?"
"I don't know. I'm not very good at this spell, but I don't think so, because this owl keeps telling me there's deadly danger."
Benjen and everyone here knew that Jon was a Warg. Benjen looked around; there was nothing there, but he did as Jon said without hesitation. Benjen nodded and said...
"Yes, let's go back. It seems those people are coming back. If the Druid says to run, we run. He must have already identified the murderer. We need to inform Castle Black of what we've found; perhaps the Druid is Castle Black too."