V

In the North, it's always winter in this time of year. Winter of this year was unlike any other, anyone will agree to that, there is no other way to describe her, the Winter God must be angry. Also unlike Anzer's note it came unlike any other year, it came early, too early, the snow started falling in late October and early November and not mid-December.

There is no use crying now, we must move on, there is nothing to be changed. There is not much travel these days, but there are people that must travel, John is one of them. Where you ask? To the other side of the country. Why? He must, it's as simple as that. He has to do business in these parts. The North always supplied the south lands with leather and fur. If he could became a proxy, for the northern traders, there was much coin he could earn as compensation and as difference in the exchanged of different currencies. He could invest that money into something else.

The main thing was- will he succeed or will he fail? There was only one way to find out, to travel. And, travel he did.

The roads in upper Stern are- remove that last part- have seen better days. Old village roads and wagon trails were a common thing in these nowhere parts. Why him? Why must he travel?

Aren't there people that are far more better than him? Yes, there is a whole group of them. Why not them? They were away or sick. He wondered how a whole group can be sick at the same time. It seems that even that is possible. How he still don't know. Maybe it's that crown virus that has spread everywhere. Whatever the case may be he was stuck on this road, in every possible way. He had a feeling that it's gonna get even better. Why does he have this feeling? These parts are known for that. Bears, wolves, snow storms are a thing that you will most likely see. Winter was a manifestation you couldn't change no matter how hard you try. Why is it so? Unlike in the south, winters here are sharp, cold, ragged and boring.

Why did he decide to go in the winter? The roads are good to make you cry, laugh, cry and laugh again, all of that in a matter of a minute. The idea was that the snow and ice would fill the gaps and make the path easier to cross. But no, he was wrong; this winter was stronger than ever.

There was no way of knowing that it's still winter in these parts.

He rode his horse, hidden under a fur-cloak, cold to the bones. Why is this winter such a pain in the ass? He wish he knew. Why? Because he decided to travel. That's why.

The signposts were nowhere to be seen. How is this possible? Why did he decide to go? Why?

The fork was near. There must be a signpost nearby. None. Strange. How is this possible? Is the snow that deep or some ruffian removed it. He didn't see any ruffians on this road, so, option number two is highly unlikely to have happened. There were no tracks in the snow. That only leaves option number one.

The snow stopped falling. What is that… that piece of something that appeared under this snow. Is that the signpost or something else? It was something else. It looked like the top of a building. A building? Is it even possible that a thing like this is even possible? He still asked himself, now deep the snow was. Is he on the top of a building or signposts? Only one way to find out. To dig. After a few minutes, to his utmost dread the top of a building, painted in red, appeared clean as a day. There was no other thing to do than to run away from this building. Far away, really far away. Who knows what else is under this snow.

This place is a deathtrap, he's never returning here. And that's a fact.

Again something appeared over the horizon, he went for it.

A village appeared over the snow covered horizon. It was a good sign. The cold will soon leave him. It was more than great, it was wonderful. And, so, he entered the village. A few houses here and there, a small squire around the market was full of people. That was a welcoming thing for a traveller-of course.

At first he looked at the people doing their own business. he waited for them to see him.

Time slowly passed, until they spotted him.

"A traveller," said someone.

"That I am," he replied.

"What are you doing in these parts?"

"What's a traveller gonna do when he's traveling?"

"Walk, swim, dance…"

He didn't reply to that answer he couldn't think of anything funny to reply. He let it rest.

"Why are you traveling?" asked the blacksmith.

"Too see the world in this cold winter." His sarcasm activated. It was early for that.

He didn't say a thing.

"How much is to stay in this lovely place?" John asked after a few moments.

"Depends where you're planning to stay!" The blacksmith replied.

"Where ever, everywhere is good."John continued.

"Is that so…" he stopped.

"Yes."

"Half a golden crown is the norm in this village."

"Half a golden crown?!"

"Yes, since the winter started."

"I'm truly lucky."

"Yes, my fine sir."

"Half a crown for a place like this…"

"We are truly the cheapest around here. You won't find anywhere better."

There is no use.

John saw what fate had for him, there was no use in hoping for a better option.

He must stay here for the night, after that onward to the other side of the country.

It was better than nothing. He hoped that there are some good tavern maids here. Hope.

That was a strong word.