Chapter Five: Whispers from the East
Winterfell was quiet at dawn.
Renji stood atop the eastern battlements, watching the horizon bleed into pale gold. The snow had stopped, but the cold lingered like a memory. Below, the courtyard stirred to life — guards changing shifts, stablehands tending to horses, and the Stark children beginning their day.
He closed his eyes and listened.
The heartbeat of the castle pulsed beneath him. He could feel it — the rhythm of life, the tension of secrets, the quiet hum of magic buried deep in stone. His blood magic had grown sharper since arriving in Westeros. The land itself whispered to him now.
And today, it whispered of change.
Jon's Warning
Jon Snow found him in the armory, inspecting a rack of swords.
"You've been quiet," Jon said, handing him a whetstone.
Renji took it, nodding. "Listening."
"To what?"
Renji glanced at him. "The East. Something's stirring."
Jon leaned against the wall. "Benjen received a raven. Reports from White Harbor — ships from Essos docking without banners. Traders, they say. But they speak of shadows moving in the fog. Of men who don't bleed."
Renji's grip tightened. "Necromancy?"
"Maybe. Or something older."
Renji looked at Jon. "If magic is returning, Westeros won't be ready."
Jon nodded. "Neither will the people."
They stood in silence, sharpening blades.
The Library's Secret
That evening, Renji returned to the library. Maera was there, as always, surrounded by scrolls. She looked up as he entered, her storm-gray eyes softening.
"You missed the translation session," she said.
"I was listening to the wind," Renji replied.
She raised an eyebrow. "Did it speak?"
"It whispered of Essos."
Maera frowned. "I've heard rumors. Traders arriving with strange artifacts. One scroll mentioned a mirror that reflects your soul instead of your face."
Renji sat beside her. "That's not a mirror. That's a soulglass. Forbidden magic in my world."
Maera leaned closer. "You know it?"
"I've seen one. Once. It showed me my sister's death… before it happened."
She touched his hand. "You carry her like a wound."
Renji looked at her. "She was my anchor. My light. And I failed her."
Maera didn't speak. She simply held his gaze, her fingers brushing his knuckles.
It was the first time Renji felt warmth in months.
The Artifact
Two days later, a trader arrived at Winterfell — a man from Lys, wrapped in silks and secrets. He claimed to sell rare relics, and among them was a small obsidian shard, etched with runes that pulsed faintly.
Renji approached the table, eyes narrowing.
"That's not from Lys," he said.
The trader smiled. "You have a good eye."
Renji picked up the shard. It vibrated in his hand, whispering in tongues long dead.
Maester Luwin stepped forward. "It's dangerous. We should destroy it."
Renji shook his head. "It's a beacon. Someone's trying to reach me."
Jon joined them. "From Essos?"
Renji nodded. "Or beyond."
That night, Renji placed the shard on his desk and stared at it. The runes shifted, forming a message.
Bloodborn. The Archive awakens. Come East.
Renji's heart pounded.
The Bond Deepens
Maera found him in the rookery, staring at the stars.
"You're leaving," she said.
Renji turned. "I have to. Something's calling me."
Maera stepped closer. "Then take me with you."
Renji blinked. "Why?"
She looked up at him. "Because I believe in you. Because I want to learn. And because… I don't want to lose you."
Renji hesitated. "If you come with me, you'll be bound to me. My magic… it links souls."
Maera nodded. "Then bind me."
Renji reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek. A pulse of crimson light flowed between them, gentle and warm. Her eyes glowed briefly, then returned to normal.
"It's done," he whispered.
Maera smiled. "Then let's face the East together."
End of Chapter Five
Renji had found a partner. A soulbound ally. And the East was calling.
The Archive of Flesh was awakening.
And the blood remembered.