In truth Gerald had not slept soundly since the queen was taken, often was his sleep haunted by half remembered dreams of blood and fire. At first he attributed them to his rage of the current events but surely such rage cannot burn that hot for two months straight. But tonight was different, up till now the only memories he had were the smell of smoke, the heat of flame and the taste of blood. This time something else remained... an eye, reptilian almost but something more, it was filled with vengeance and hatred. But there was also a sound, it was what woke him, like the flapping of wings. The sound matched that of very large wings, like when he stood near a great bird of prey but even that seemed dwarfed by this one. He couldn't place it and he sat pondering it by the fire until the captain awoke.<br/><br/>"Oh, my Lord you should've woke me. How long have you been awake?"<br/>"No captain you needed the sleep I've been pushing you and your men hard, you needed this. As to how long I've been awake... long enough to hear the storm die." Standing and grabbing the black leather bag Gerald made for the door and his spear, "Wake your men, and grab a fast breakfast I'll be waiting outside."<br/>"Yes my lord."<br/><br/>Stepping out into the hall and heading down to the common room Gerald continued to ponder his new addition to his dream. There were hot rolls on the tables which he helped himself to on the way out the door, and his waterskin that he refilled from a water barrel. Stepping out the door he saw that the barbarian was there waiting, it made him smile. "Morning, Northman. I would call you by your name if you ever care to share it, unless you would rather I just use whatever comes to mind at the time." Gerald waited only half a moment before walking away to the stables for his horse. Then he paused and turned, "Do not mistake me for some high born fool, I fought my way to this position, even before I came to this land. I know what the life of a common man is and will always approach the common man in the same manner with no flattery or ass kissing."