Eric said, "Your story is too unbelievable; we can't believe it. We know you're powerful, but it feels like you want to keep us away from where the Old Gods display their power. Do you want to monopolize this power?"
Sigrid could hardly believe what the old man was saying. Hadn't he witnessed this man's power firsthand? She froze, waiting for the worst to happen, but instead of that, she heard a loud, hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! Humans are always like this. As a dwarf, you've already been granted power by the Old Gods. But instead of being grateful, you greedily want more. The Old Gods only favor those who deserve the power of the Druid. I'll speak with the Night's Watch and their commander Mormont. I'll get them to accept a compromise so you can worship the weirwood tree on the Fist of the First Men with your bare hands and see if the power of the Druid can protect you."
Aermir infused his voice with even more magic, continuing, his voice echoing like thunder. "But! Let me keep you in suspense for a few days. You Unworthy of this power. You are fortunate that the Old Gods did not take away the power they had bestowed upon you, otherwise you Unworthy of being Warg; they want you to find the right path yourselves."
Aermir created an ever-growing ring of fire, forcing them back and displaying increasing power. As Aermir's fire circle expanded, engulfing the surrounding area in flames, those in front began to run back, while those behind watched in terror. Sigrid's heart pounded, a mixture of fear and awe coursing through her, and she made her decision before leaving the hidden basin.
Regnar and Eric exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging their futile efforts. They understood the disparity in strength between themselves and Aermir, even without the Druid' Night's Watch. They knew they couldn't challenge the Night's Watch alone. Left with no other choice, they left the basin and returned to their village.
When Robb, Bran, and Eddard Stark arrived at Castle Black, they witnessed a completely different transformation. The courtyard was bustling with activity, but for most, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.
Eddard had learned of the recent influx of exiles from the Vale; they had joined Castle Black under Aermir's decree. These were not volunteers, but rather people forced into service as punishment.
However, despite their difficult circumstances during their months there, most of them accepted their fate. Of course, some broke their oaths, but they were eventually captured by patrolling Templars and executed just outside Castle Black. As they approached the Citadel, the road leading to Citadel was lined with dozens of impaled heads.
A heavy atmosphere hung in the air, and people worried about what might happen if they deserted. Eddard occasionally caught glimpses of familiar faces. They were all lords, powerful men, but they had made a mistake: betraying Aermir. Now their territories were in ruins, their male bloodlines severed, and their lands completely under Aermir's and his men's control.
As they passed through the Citadel, Eddard couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for these men. However, he also recognized their vital role in defending the kingdom and resisting the growing forces of darkness. Commander Jeor Mormont emerged from the Citadel to greet them.
When Commander Mormont greeted them, his weary, weathered face testified to the challenges he faced leading the Night's Watch in this cold climate, but in his eyes, one could clearly see how proud he was to serve in the Night's Watch.
Mormont nodded in greeting. "Welcome to Castle Black. It's been a while since my last visit to Winterfell."
Eddard smiled faintly and nodded. The two shook hands, each grasping the other's arm. "Thank you, Commander Mormont. It's good to see Castle Black standing. How are you, Old Bear?"
At first, he smiled at Eddard's joke; he felt nostalgic; it had been many years since anyone had called him that. Then Mormont's expression turned serious, and he glanced around the bustling courtyard. "We've done our best, but the threat from beyond the Wall is growing ever more imminent. We're stretched thin, and everyone here knows that perhaps it's time for us to make the final sacrifice to fight the Wildlings. We've heard that someone claims to be King beyond the Wall."
Then, Commander Mormont told Ned about the pillar of light they had seen and its connection to the Emre the Druid. They had been waiting for him ever since he left a message at the Fist of the Fist of the First Men outpost.
Eddard's gaze followed Mormont, his thoughts drifting to Jon and Benjen. "Speaking of which, I was thinking of talking to my son Jon and brother Benjen. Are they there?"
Jeor shook his head. "They're on a wide-ranging mission beyond the Wall, and if everything goes according to plan, they'll be back in two months."
Jeor noticed Eddard's thoughtful expression. So he said, " Benjen is an experienced ranger, Eddard. He'll protect them." Eddard nodded in understanding, but a hint of worry still flickered in his eyes. "Of course," he said softly. "I trust their abilities. But if they need anything when they return, I'll support you."
Mormont bowed his head gratefully. "Thank you for the suggestion, Lord Stark. In these uncertain times, the Night's Watch always needs allies."
Hearing that Aermir was coming, Eddard decided to stay and wait for his return. Eddard's decision to remain at Castle Black until Aermir's arrival was not only a matter of duty as the Lord of the North, but also stemmed from a strong curiosity about the events unfolding beyond the Wall. Although he was familiar with Aermir's identity as Old Gods Druid, it was the magical wonders he had witnessed from afar that truly piqued his curiosity.
Listening to people's accounts, they could not forget the emerald light that illuminated the night sky, casting an unusual glow on the icy and snowy landscape. It was an inexplicable sight, suggesting a power far beyond their comprehension.
As Eddard stood atop the Wall, he turned his gaze to the " Gift." Eddard pondered the meaning of this wondrous phenomenon. What had caused it? What did it mean for the Kingdom, the Night's Watch, and his family? These questions churned in his mind, propelling his curiosity to new heights.
Eddard frowned, deep in thought about the state of the kingdom. As Warden of the North, his duty was to protect the interests of the people and the stability of the region. Despite Aermir's promise to safeguard the interests of House Stark in the North, Eddard felt uneasy. He could not remain passive when others wielded such influence over his territory.
Sharing power is never a good feeling, but Eddard was never one to chase power. The only reason he wanted to hold onto power was because he didn't want to be Stark who lost it all. Aermir had grown up in his family, and although Ned could never control him, Eddard knew he at least had Aermir's eyes and ears. At least, he hoped so.