Winterfell

One Month Later

[Jeor Mormont POV]

"Investigate this matter immediately. Those wildlings dare to come here and burn Craster's Keep. Find where his wives have gone to; only Craster's skull has been found, according to the report," Jeor Mormont commanded, his voice gruff with authority, as he addressed the First Ranger, Benjen Stark.

"I'll see to it, Lord Commander, but I'm afraid that the tracks have long disappeared. We might get ambushed during our search," Benjen replied, his concern evident.

"It's fine. You don't have to track them. Your objective is to find clues about which tribe attacked and their purpose. I believe there are wildling camps nearby, so take extra precautions out there," Jeor instructed. Benjen nodded, his grip tightening around his sword's hilt. Jeor then turned to Alliser Thorne. "Ser Alliser, strengthen our defenses. Wildling raids are becoming more frequent. We don't want our men to be unprepared."

"I'll prepare the men, Lord Commander," Alliser replied, bowing before leaving the room with Benjen. Jeor sighed, his mind wandering to Maester Aemon's warnings about the Long Night and the White Walkers.

[Klaus POV]

Klaus put down his mug of wine and took a bite of bread when a servant approached him. "Mi'lord, you've been here for half a day. There are beds upstairs. Do you want to rest here for tonight?"

"I'm not a lord, and no, I'll be leaving soon," Klaus grumbled, looking the part of a highborn due to his leather clothes. His mood was sour—his plans had failed. He had arrived in Winterfell only to learn that Lord Eddard Stark had already left for King's Landing to become Hand of the King. Now, after days of travel, he finally reached the place where Tyrion Lannister would be accused of murder and seized by Lady Catelyn Stark.

He had already spotted Lady Stark and Ser Rodrick among the people. He was just waiting for Tyrion Lannister and his entourage to arrive. Unsheathing his sword, he began to sharpen it. His greatsword had been reforged into a Japanese katana. Though not made of steel due to the lack of materials, the katana was still sharp and sturdier compared to other common iron swords. The swordsmiths of this era were lacking compared to his time, so the katana's brittleness could be ignored for now until he could get his hands on real Valyrian steel.

The tavern door opened, and a dwarf followed by a group of men entered. Klaus grinned, thinking of the advantages that saving this dwarf could bring him.

A Few Minutes Later...

After Lady Stark's impassioned speech, she finally pointed her finger at Lord Tyrion and declared, "This man came into my house as a guest and conspired to murder my son. A boy of ten. In the name of King Robert and the good lords you serve, I call upon you to seize him and help me return him to Winterfell to await their King's justice."

Klaus watched the scene unfold with keen interest. He had to time his intervention perfectly. As the commotion rose and men moved to seize Tyrion, Klaus stepped forward.

"Wait!" Klaus's voice boomed, silencing the room. All eyes turned to him, including those of Lady Stark and Ser Rodrick.

"Who are you to interfere?" Lady Stark demanded, her eyes narrowing.

"I am Klaus, a warrior from the True North. I have information that could exonerate this man," Klaus lied smoothly, his mind racing with potential angles to play.

"You dare speak for this Lannister?" Ser Rodrick growled, hand on his sword.

"Indeed," Klaus said, stepping closer. "I have fought the White Walkers and lived to tell the tale. I've seen horrors you cannot imagine. This man," he gestured to Tyrion, "is no murderer. He's a pawn in a much larger game."

Lady Stark hesitated, weighing Klaus's words. The room was tense, the air thick with anticipation. Klaus knew he needed to provide something more convincing.

"I propose a trial by combat," Klaus continued. "If I win, this man's innocence is proven. If I lose, you can do with him as you wish."

The room erupted into murmurs. Tyrion looked both surprised and intrigued. Lady Stark exchanged glances with Ser Rodrick before nodding slowly.

"Very well," she said. "A trial by combat it is."

[Benjen Stark POV]

Benjen Stark and his men ventured out from Castle Black, their mission clear but fraught with danger. As they neared Craster's Keep, the signs of destruction were evident. Smoke still lingered in the air, and the smell of charred wood and death was overwhelming.

"Spread out," Benjen ordered, his voice low but firm. "Look for any clues about who did this."

The men moved cautiously, their eyes scanning the ruined keep. Benjen's mind raced with possibilities. The wildlings were bold, but this attack seemed different—more calculated.

"Lord Commander, over here!" one of the men called out. Benjen hurried over to find a crude map etched into the dirt, marking several wildling camps and routes.

"Interesting," Benjen muttered, examining the map. "This wasn't just a raid. They were looking for something—or someone."

"Do you think it was the same group that took Craster's wives?" a ranger asked.

"Possibly," Benjen replied. "We need to find them and figure out what they're planning."

[Klaus POV]

The tavern had transformed into an impromptu arena. Klaus stood across from his opponent, a hulking brute chosen by Lady Stark's men. The crowd watched with bated breath as Klaus unsheathed his katana, its blade gleaming menacingly.

"Begin!" Lady Stark commanded.

The brute charged, swinging his sword with brute force. Klaus sidestepped, his movements fluid and precise. With a swift, calculated strike, he slashed at the brute's arm, drawing blood.

Roars of approval and gasps of shock filled the room. Klaus knew he had to end this quickly. As the brute lunged again, Klaus ducked and rolled, coming up behind his opponent. In one smooth motion, he brought his katana down, cutting the brute's leg out from under him.

The brute fell with a roar of pain. Klaus moved in for the final blow, pressing his katana to the man's throat.

"Yield," Klaus commanded, his voice cold and unwavering.

The brute, realizing his defeat, nodded weakly. Klaus stepped back, allowing the man to crawl away.

"Tyrion Lannister is innocent," Klaus declared, turning to Lady Stark. "And now, by the laws of trial by combat, he is free to go."

Lady Stark, though clearly conflicted, nodded. "So be it," she said, her voice heavy with resignation. "Release him."

As the men released Tyrion, Klaus approached him. "You owe me your life," he whispered, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"And I always repay my debts," Tyrion replied, a twinkle in his eye. "Let's get out of here before they change their minds."

[Jeor Mormont POV]

Back at Castle Black, Jeor Mormont received Benjen's report with a grim expression. "So, it was a planned attack," he muttered, tapping his fingers on his desk.

"Yes, Lord Commander. We found a map indicating several wildling camps and routes," Benjen confirmed. "They're organizing for something bigger."

Jeor nodded. "We must prepare for the worst. The Long Night is coming, and we need every man ready. Send word to Winterfell. They need to know what's happening beyond the Wall."

"Understood, Lord Commander," Benjen replied, already turning to leave.

As Benjen left, Jeor looked out the window, his thoughts heavy. The night was dark and full of terrors, and he feared they had only seen the beginning.

[Klaus POV]

Klaus and Tyrion rode south, putting distance between themselves and the potential danger of Lady Stark's wrath. Tyrion, ever the conversationalist, began to speak.

"You're quite the swordsman," Tyrion remarked, glancing at Klaus. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"

"Experience," Klaus replied, keeping his eyes on the road. "Survival in the True North is a harsh teacher."

"I can imagine," Tyrion said thoughtfully. "You saved my life, and I intend to repay that debt. What are your plans now?"

Klaus pondered for a moment. "I need to find a place where I can gather resources and information. Somewhere I can forge a new path in this world."

"King's Landing," Tyrion suggested. "It's the heart of the realm. Power, knowledge, and opportunity all converge there. And I happen to have some influence in court."

Klaus nodded. "King's Landing it is then. But we need to be careful. The Lannisters have many enemies, and I can't afford to be caught in their web."

"Agreed," Tyrion said. "But with your skills and my cunning, I believe we can navigate the dangers ahead."

As they rode towards King's Landing, Klaus felt a sense of purpose. This new world was filled with opportunities, and he was determined to seize them, forging his own destiny amidst the chaos.