Beyond the Frozen Horizon

The king's summons hung in the air like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down that I couldn't ignore. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I gazed out at the frozen wasteland, the vast expanse of white stretching out before me like an endless sea. The wind howled through the battlements, a mournful sound that seemed to echo the doubts that were growing in my mind. As I turned to follow Sam to the courtyard, the sound of clanging steel and the murmur of voices grew louder, a cacophony of sound that seemed to reverberate through every cell in my body. The courtyard was a flurry of activity, the king's messenger pacing back and forth, his face red with impatience. He was a tall, thin man with a pinched face and a sharp jawline, his eyes narrowing as he took in my appearance. "Ah, you must be Jon Snow," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "I've been waiting for you. The king's business is not to be delayed, and I have orders to ensure that you arrive in King's Landing with all due haste." I nodded, my hand on the hilt of my sword, a habitual gesture that had become second nature to me. "I'm ready," I said, my voice firm, though a sense of trepidation was growing in my stomach like a slow-burning fire. The messenger snorted, his eyes flicking to Sam, who was watching the scene with a concerned expression. "You can't bring that... boy with you," he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "The king's summons is for Jon Snow alone." I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Sam had been my friend and companion for years, and I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him behind. But the messenger's words were clear, and I knew that I had to make a decision. "Sam, go back to the Great Hall," I said, my voice firm. "I'll be fine. I'll write to you as soon as I can." Sam nodded, his eyes shining with tears, and I could see the fear and uncertainty etched on his face. I clapped him on the back, a gesture of reassurance, and he smiled weakly before turning to make his way back to the Great Hall. The messenger gestured to a small group of guards, who moved forward, their faces impassive. "We need to leave now," he said, his voice curt. "The king's patience is wearing thin." I nodded, a sense of resignation washing over me. I had a feeling that I was leaving behind more than just the North, that I was embarking on a journey that would change me forever. As we set out into the unknown, the wind whipping my hair into a frenzy, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The frozen horizon stretched out before me, a vast expanse of white that seemed to hold secrets and dangers that I couldn't even begin to imagine. I drew my cloak tighter, the weight of my sword at my side a comforting presence, and set off into the unknown, the king's summons echoing in my mind like a challenge.