Dragon Hidden in the Wolf's Shadow - Chapter - 77

Hilda stood at the edge of the training yard in Iron Crag, her arms crossed as she watched Jon Frost spar with a group of Skagosi warriors. He moved like a shadow, quick and deliberate, his strikes calculated yet fierce. One after another, the warriors fell back, overwhelmed by his sheer skill and relentless precision.

"Enough!" Jon barked, his voice steady yet commanding. The warriors stepped back, panting and nodding their respect.

Hilda knew Jon was strong—she had seen it herself the day he bested her father in single combat, earning his respect. Yet every time she watched him fight, she couldn’t help but marvel. His endurance seemed limitless, his mind always two steps ahead of his opponents.

Beyond the training yard, Hilda observed Jon’s intellect at work. Skagos had changed dramatically since his arrival. Where there had been chaos and isolation, there was now structure and opportunity. Villages were connected by newly built roads, trade flowed through the bustling port, and the people—once wild and distrustful—had begun to embrace a new way of life.

Hilda often found herself marveling at how effortlessly Jon managed it all. He spoke with the blacksmiths about forging stronger tools, advised shipwrights on designs for sturdy vessels, and even spent evenings teaching the Skagosi children how to fight properly.

She had always known he was intelligent, but it wasn’t until she overheard a conversation between Jon and a visiting trader that she truly understood the scope of his influence.

The trader, a wiry man from Essos, had brought fine silks and exotic spices to Skagos. “Lord Frost,” the man said with a respectful bow, “your reputation precedes you even across the Narrow Sea. They speak of the people united under your banner, the ships that bear your mark trading in every port, and the wild lands you’ve tamed.”

Hilda, standing nearby, froze. She had known Jon was respected in the North, but this... this was something else entirely.

“Reputation is fleeting,” Jon replied humbly, “but the work we do here will endure.”

That evening, Hilda approached Jon in their shared chambers. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting warm light on his face as he reviewed maps of Skagos.

“Jon,” she began hesitantly, “I’ve seen what you’ve done here. I’ve seen how the people respect you, how they follow you without question. But today, I learned that your influence stretches far beyond Skagos, even beyond the North. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Jon looked up, his expression calm. “Because it doesn’t matter, Hilda. Influence is only as strong as the trust behind it. The people of Skagos follow me because they see what we’re building together. That’s what matters.”

Hilda nodded slowly, though her mind was still reeling. “You’ve changed the Free Folk, united them, given them hope. And now you’re doing the same for Skagos.”

Jon smiled faintly. “It’s not about me, Hilda. It’s about them. The Free Folk, the Skagosi—they’ve always had the strength to survive. I’m just showing them they can do more than survive. They can thrive.”

Hilda lay awake that night, staring at the ceiling. Her husband was not just a warrior or a leader—he was a force of change. He had the strength to fight battles, the intellect to build a new future, and the influence to inspire others to follow him.

She turned to look at him, his face peaceful in sleep. For the first time, she felt a deep sense of awe. She had always respected him, but now she understood the weight of the man she had married.

“I am glad you’re my husband,” she whispered softly, her voice barely audible. “You’re a legend in the making.”

And as she closed her eyes, she resolved to stand beside him—not just as his wife, but as his equal, ready to help him shape the future of Skagos and beyond.

Hilda gripped the railing of the Iron Wolf tightly as the ship cut through the rough waters surrounding Skagos. The sea spray kissed her cheeks, and the sound of the waves crashing against the hull filled the air. For a woman who had never left the rugged shores of Skagos, the vastness of the sea was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Standing beside her, Jon placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. His presence, steady and calm, seemed to ground her amidst the chaos of the open ocean.

“It’s not so bad once you get used to it,” Jon said with a faint smile. “The sea can be harsh, but she’s also a friend if you respect her.”

Hilda glanced up at him, her nerves easing slightly. “I trust you, Jon. I always have. It’s just... everything is so different. The water, the sky—it feels endless.”

“Endless, perhaps,” Val chimed in from Jon’s other side, her voice tinged with amusement, “but nothing to fear. This ship is sturdy, and Jon’s crew is the best. You’ll be safe, Hilda.”

As the Iron Wolf sailed further from Skagos, Hilda found herself marveling at the journey. The salty air filled her lungs, and the horizon seemed to stretch forever. For someone who had only known the wild, untamed lands of Skagos, this was a whole new world.

“Tell me about Moat Cailin,” Hilda said, turning to Jon. “What’s it like? Is it as wild as Skagos?”

Jon’s eyes softened at her curiosity. “Moat Cailin is different. It’s a fortress, ancient and strong. It guards the Neck, the gateway to the North. From there, you’ll see the marshlands, the towering walls, and the remnants of history etched into the stones. It’s the seat of my power and a place I’ve worked hard to restore.”

Val nodded, her long blond hair whipping in the wind. “It’s a place of importance, Hilda. A place where decisions that shape the North are made. And soon, you’ll see why Jon chose it as his stronghold.”

Hilda’s excitement grew with every word. She had always admired Jon’s ability to bring change to Skagos, and now she would witness the seat of his influence firsthand.

The journey was not without its challenges. The waters were choppy, and the ship rocked with the rhythm of the waves. Hilda gripped the railing tightly, her knuckles white.

“It’s frightening,” she admitted to Val, who stood confidently at her side.

Val chuckled. “You’re stronger than you think, Hilda. The sea tests us, but it also teaches us. You’ll learn to trust the ship and the men who sail her. Besides,” she added with a teasing smirk, “you’re married to Jon Frost. If you can handle him, you can handle anything.”

Jon glanced back at them, raising an eyebrow. “Should I be concerned about what you’re telling my wife, Val?”

“Nothing you need to worry about, husband,” Val replied with a grin, her playful tone easing the tension in the air.

As the Iron Wolf sailed into the bustling port of White Harbor, Hilda’s eyes widened in astonishment. She had thought the newly built port of Skagos was grand, with its sturdy docks and the few ships that came and went. But here, the scale was beyond anything she had imagined.

The harbor stretched endlessly, filled with hundreds of ships of varying sizes and designs. The air buzzed with the sounds of trade: merchants shouting, sailors singing sea shanties, and the clatter of goods being unloaded. The smell of salt, fish, and spices mixed with the faint aroma of baking bread from nearby market stalls.

“This is... incredible,” Hilda whispered, gripping Jon’s arm. “So many people, so much life. I didn’t know the world could be like this.”

Jon smiled down at her, his expression warm. “White Harbor is one of the largest city in the North. It’s a gateway to the southern kingdoms and a vital center of trade. You’ll see even more wonders here.”

Val, standing on Hilda’s other side, smirked. “And you thought Skagos was the center of the world. This is just the beginning, Hilda. The North has much more to offer.”

As the Iron Wolf docked, a crowd began to gather. Whispers of “Lord Jon Frost” rippled through the throng, and heads turned to catch a glimpse of the man who had become a legend in the North.

Jon stepped onto the dock, his boots hitting the wood with a firm thud. The crowd parted, giving him space, but their reverence was evident. Men nodded respectfully, women curtsied, and children pointed at him with wide-eyed wonder.

Hilda stood close to Jon, her awe deepening. She had known her husband was strong and capable, but seeing the respect and admiration he commanded was a revelation.

“Lord Jon Frost,” a deep voice called out, and the crowd made way for a large, jovial man dressed in fine northern furs. “Welcome back to White Harbor!”

Jon stepped forward, clasping the man’s hand in a firm shake. “Lord Manderly, it’s good to see you again.”

Lord Manderly beamed, his eyes twinkling as he took in Jon’s companions. “And who are these lovely ladies?”

Jon turned to Hilda and Val, gesturing for them to step forward. “My wives. Val of the Free Folk, and Hilda of Skagos.”

Manderly’s eyebrows rose in surprise, but his smile never faltered. “Two wives? Jon Frost, you never fail to surprise me. Welcome, my ladies, to White Harbor. You’ll find no warmer welcome in all the North.”

Hilda blushed under his kind gaze, but she managed a small smile. Val, ever confident, inclined her head gracefully. “We’re honored to be here, Lord Manderly.”

After their warm reception at White Harbor, the group set out for the Northern games. Hilda’s excitement grew with every mile they traveled. She had never imagined she would leave Skagos, let alone journey to places of such importance and grandeur.

Jon explained the purpose of the games as they rode. “The Northern games are a tradition, a time for the lords and their bannermen to come together in camaraderie and competition. It’s a chance to foster unity among the North.”

Val grinned. “And to show off your strength, no doubt. The other lords will be eager to test you, Jon.”

Jon smirked. “Let them try.”

Hilda listened intently, her admiration for her husband growing with each word. She couldn’t wait to see him in his element, commanding respect and proving his worth among the lords and ladies of the North.

As they traveled, Hilda couldn’t help but think about how Jon had managed his responsibilities. She knew that while he was away, a council ruled Skagos in his stead, much like how Moat Cailin and the Cold Frontier were governed.

Jon had carefully chosen the members of these councils, ensuring they were capable and trustworthy. Each council was a mix of seasoned warriors, wise elders, and ambitious young minds, working together to maintain order and continue the progress Jon had initiated.

“You trust them to rule in your absence?” Hilda asked one evening as they made camp.

Jon nodded. “I do. A leader can’t do everything alone. It’s important to delegate, to trust others to carry the weight. That’s how you build something lasting.”

Val added, “And if they falter, Jon will set them straight when he returns. They all know that.”

Hilda smiled, her confidence in her husband growing stronger. He was not just a warrior or a strategist—he was a true leader.

After a night spent basking in the warm hospitality of Lord Manderly, Jon arranged for a well-furnished carriage to take them to Moat Cailin. Hilda had never ridden in a carriage before and was fascinated by the smooth wooden interior, the plush cushions, and the steady rhythm of the horses’ hooves on the road.

Val, seated across from her, seemed far more animated than usual. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned forward, speaking quickly and enthusiastically. “You’re going to love Moat Cailin, Hilda. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen. The fortress is ancient, built by the First Men, and it feels alive with history.”

Hilda smiled nervously, unused to Val’s energy. “You’ve spent a lot of time there?”

Val nodded. “Years. Moat Cailin isn’t just a fortress; it’s the heart of Jon’s domain. And wait until you see Frostmore. The city has grown so much since Jon built it.”

Jon, who sat beside Hilda, placed a reassuring hand on her knee. “Val’s right. Moat Cailin is special, but Frostmore will show you the future we’re building for the North. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together—Free Folk, Westrosi, and even many from beyond the Narrow Sea.”

Hilda glanced between the two of them, her curiosity piqued. She had only known the rugged wilderness of Skagos and its small, scattered settlements. The idea of a bustling city filled with people from across the world seemed almost too incredible to imagine.