The One

THREE

" I came here to appeal against Roran, becoming chief.
But no luck." Wolf said calmly as he unpacked his bag.

Morten was studying the tree that was part of their room, it was basically a wall but also what the building was built around and on.

"You didn't want him as your chief that badly?" Morten asked.

Wolf seemed to chew on this for a moment as Morten touched where the tree and floor met.

"No, his father had been an idiot.
Died and passed the role to his firstborn son.
An even bigger idiot that can't even point a flock of birds south if he were holding a compass,
let alone lead my tribe. But here we are! "
He continued mumbling folding some clothes.

" I'm sorry to hear that. Is he truly as bad as you expect though? " Morten tried.

" I'd like to say no, but as soon as he heard of a chance to marry the One and abandon his people? He did." Wolf said.

"That's terrible, I can't imagine.. why would he?" Morten frowned.

"Because he just wants attention. He has an obsession with power, maybe importance? That's why I'm here.." Wolf said darkly.
"To make sure he doesn't win. God knows what he may get up to as someone of such a status. "

They were picked up a bit later by a stiff looking woman, she didn't look like she was from around here but dressed in clothing he associated with the land of lords.
She guided them across bridges, wood roped together, hanging high above the ground.

Morten was fine with this, his Clan lived on a mountain with, plenty of heights and awfully maintained bridges.
But Wolf and Roran came from the wooded colds, which showed.

Wolf was nervous but seemed fine as long as Morten would prove the bridge could take his weight.
Roran was much less brave, he waited for everyone to be well away and then navigated the bridge step by step, testing the whole thing before moving forward.

The woman that came to pick them up sighed.
"I'm sure he will do great," she whispered, just loud enough for the others to hear.

Wolf fought a grin at this.

Chaser decided to use this moment to try and get some answers on that subject.
"Are their heights involved in the tests?" He asked.

The women turned towards him.
"For all you know, this is a test?"

Chaser stiffened at this.

Morten had been wondering this all along.
He was sure Wolf had thought the same, he had been immaculate when laying out his things and folding his clothes into the closet.

Morten had opted to keep his things packed, assuming he'd be out by the next challenge... or even before.
Knowing his luck he'd break his leg climbing into bed tonight.
Either way, he had stored his pack neatly in the closet in case someone came to check their rooms.

As Roran reached them Chaser immediately started talking to him.
About how this might be a test.
Wolf rolled his eyes, he didn't notice but Morten had to stifle a laugh, seeing the woman behind Wolf doing exactly the same.

Several slow bridges later she guided them into a building which reeked of food.
Morten wondered if it had to do with spices or that the cold weather home made scents travel differently.

The place was filled with men around his own age.
Regions, climate and cultures came with its own people, something everyone know.
However, frozen, especially mountain dwellers? Rarely encountered anyone not Frozen.

One group of men looked so wildly different then he was used to, he ogled them rudely before Wolf slapped him around the ears for staring.

"You never heard of the ash?" He said, looking annoyed at Morten.