Chapter 3: c3
Oldtown City of the Blind and Fools
-West. The Dominion. oldtown. Year: 262 BC-
-Hogar Stark an Oldtown-
Hariric got out of bed with little effort. He had a schedule. He woke up at six in the morning (thanks magic and regenerative meditation skills) and went to bed around two in the morning. It is true that there were no clocks but Hariric had long since created an internal clock more than anything for the simple fact that he needed to be alert at all times anyway. at least that was the opinion. In any case, he always had a hectic day, although of course the teachers hadn't been kind to him since he arrived. They did not take his presence in the slightest well, although they did not deny his requests, although they still made fun of it.
Hariric woke up early where he did his physical exercises. Although he was seven years old, his body already had the appearance of a twelve year old boy and he knew that he had to train it. Magic was good and everything but magic-enhanced physical power was good. It is true that his own being had a monstrous amount of magic and on top of that some of the rituals he had done in his past life had carried over to his person. That was completely a surprise to hariric. He had actually hoped that this was not true at all and that he would indeed have to redo many rituals but it seemed that it was not so which he also proved to be a good thing.
The Chimera Ritual was a ritual created by Morgana Lefay with the intention of giving her son Mordred the power to surpass his father who had the essence of a powerful dragon in his being. Basically, she gathered the characteristics of various creatures, giving her son great power. His ritual was kept written down and the Black family somehow got hold of it and later applied it to his body which turned out to be a good thing especially since they used it on his person to make sure he would be not only stronger and more powerful but capable of surviving whatever was thrown at him above all things
His chimera ritual employed several unique elements. Phoenix tears to cure anything. As is natural, the phoenix tears heal everything since they are vital essence. They cured from problems such as very lethal poisons like basilisk venom to more dangerous things like mental illnesses or cancers. Needless to say, keeping this meant that none of the citadel's attempts to damage him worked. Ever since he arrived they had been feeding him food that was basically dangerous in itself but would eventually destroy him internally. Too bad for them that it didn't work as the ritual worked perfectly in his person and if Hariric had to be blunt he felt better than good in his person of course.
The next item they used was dragon heart. The dragon heart is one of the most common magic cores that is true. But what nothing and nobody really knew is that it was also one of the most magically charged elements. In the past, dragon hearts were eaten to saturate a person with magic, this practice was lost because there was a one in twenty chance of dying. The ritual however turned the heart into basically what was pure energy and gave it to Hariric. Which meant not only that he had a higher amount of magic but also a very high resistance and finally also gave him an ability to use magic without focus. What was a very important advantage
The third item that the Black family used was the eyes of Gato Wampus. The Wampus Cat had one of the most powerful magical eyes since they allowed them a level of Legilimency which meant that the Wampus Cat was not only able to read minds but to capture the emotions of people and at the same time manipulate the mind and emotions of a person. So when the family was able to have these eyes (which luckily were taken from a recently deceased cat instead of being cruel and gouging them out of a living one) they used them to give her these abilities. It also meant having to train Occlumency like hell but he was good as having control of both branches of magic gave him a considerable advantage over those around him.
They also used Aurochs blood. The Aurochs is a physically powerful creature that was capable if the facts are true strong enough to carry the entire Hogwarts train. Such was his strength that the entire species was watched to make sure no research was done on his blood. His grandfather got a liter of blood, which was not easy to say and used it in the ritual, giving him an even greater physical reach, considerably expanding his physical strength. Such was the power of his physical strength that some would have called him Heracles. This factor was good because it had allowed him to work and train for more hours which was always good.
They used Demiguise hair. The hair of said sweet animal was mostly used to produce invisibility cloaks. By giving her this hair they hoped to be able to make her able to use invisibility magic more easily of course. What neither he nor his family expected future events but it didn't matter because in the end he was still able to camouflage himself or rather make people not notice him. It was a very strong magic more concentrated than the spells designed for the concealment of a person. It was this and nothing more than this that had prevented some men and women from finding him when they were looking for him to do him some kind of harm anyway.
And the last item was a Horned Serpent Jewel made into powder. The horned serpent has a special stone known as a Magic Jewel. When they die, all the energy they have had in life is transferred to said jewel. Considering that a single snake can live for five hundred years, that's a lot of energy. When they used the jewel, this energy became part of their being, which considerably increased their powers. A more than important rule to know is that a magician is so limited by three points: his knowledge, his will and his power. Magic is a magnificent energy that has life but like all forms of life expect things in return. That is where the will comes into play because if your will is weak, why should magic listen to you?
One of the reasons the Black family despised Dumbledore is because he had many fundamental classes erased. He once again proved a point. The rulers of any country never want a cultured, intelligent people? Yes indeed. An intelligent town survives, an intelligent town advances and improves, but cult? If a people is not educated, they will be unable to take sensible steps in the process, such as questioning a leader. Even if there are different factions they all want their subordinates as incapable of thinking for themselves because in the end it is to their advantage that they can fully exploit what was a complete can.
Dumbledore brought out the basic education which implied that magic is a sentient form as it is a form of energy that holds the memories of every wizard and creature. It was essentially life itself. One test was Hogwarts castle which had in a nutshell a certain degree of sentience. Dumbledore had no interest in learning the basic lessons anyway. Dumbledore had all three. He had knowledge since he knew. He had the will to be the greatest. And he had power to spare. The combination of all three had given him a serious advantage over all the enemies he had. It was because of his power and strength that he was the most powerful sorcerer even more than Voldemort since although Voldemort was intelligent with the dark arts, what else was he capable of?
Not that the rest mattered in Hariric's mind anyway. Dumbledore messed up big time actually and took the most foolish action of all and in the process weakened Britain something that made the Black family unhappy. Afterwards however Hariric had many things. He had power (the ritual in his entirety, his family's magic and his own magic as well as his connection to his core), he had knowledge (his ability to see magic as much more) and the most important was the will. With all that on his side he was very powerful and strong. But despite that, Hariric knew that it was just luck that he had a future in this world anyway, at least for the moment.
´´Thinking so much is bad for that pretty little head of yours``. An angelic voice reached Hariric's mind that he was calmly getting up when he noticed nothing more and nothing less than the beautiful creature that was on the perch. It was Hedwig. A phoenix with silver feathers with black touches. Phoenixes are beautiful creatures that were pure magic in many ways with unique qualities. And contrary to common belief, capable of destroying everything with their power over fire. Hedwig was Hariric's familiar and the mother of his children's familiars. And Hariric knew that if there was anyone to trust, it would obviously be her.
''Good morning Hed. The truth is that my thoughts go to how I am going to use magic more. Although I have to say that the house is not bad I like the building style of our family better anyway``. The Black family combined the Byzantine, Greco-Roman and Gothic styles in all their constructions. They were believers that the Black family should have the best of all shapes and these building styles were some of the best at least in the family's mind anyway not that he was against them. He really liked the style. This style was too bad for his taste based too much on simple medieval style
''I will not deny that there was more beauty in the actions of the Black family than in the actions of these fools. Consider yourself the pinnacle of society. Please. I have seen creatures that are more of a pinnacle than these complete jerks. However it is to be expected. They believe and think that they are above all. No wonder they are a decadent society anyway``. Hedwigg's opinion of these southerners was not the best. She had co-located with idiots before. Really. But one thing they are idiots and another thing they are utter and complete idiots with a lack of brains for realizing they were stuck. That's what southern society were. Why move forward? It has everything that at least those in a higher position need
´´It is not very difficult to talk about the beauty of my family. I won't deny that they were cunning bastards at the least, but when they did something, nothing stopped them. When they wanted something they dedicated themselves completely to it. There's no better way to say it anyway so forgive me for saying anyway that I hate how these people have gotten so stagnant. Hariric obviously hated how things had stagnated and not in the best of ways anyway. truth be told the stagnation of things in the south should show how bad things were for them at least in their personal opinion
´´Your family was not so bad Harry. Anyway you should be thinking about other things such as these people. These so-called teachers. The last two years have been a mess. They have taught you things that you already knew in elementary school. If I have to be honest it's disappointing at best to see them so far behind and to think they're proud of their achievements. Hedwigg scoffed at the obvious incompetence of the so-called lore lords. She sincerely felt that they were more than anything a disappointment that they shouldn't even have to endure. Not only because of her annoyance but because she could practically feel that they were more than anything proud as if they were very smart which was a complete insult to her.
´´The Black family was not bad but it must be recognized that the Blacks were many things but friendly did not enter their vocabulary in the least. I think the best way to describe them was as the group most willing to figure things out their way. I won't deny that they were brilliant but being brilliant doesn't really mean everything``. He would never deny that as good as the Blacks were they also had their flaws anyway. They were a very closed family. I couldn't blame them. She knew, however, that she had made them proud with her advances, and that was all she really needed to know. Knowing that they were happy with him despite their different ideas
''They were a very interesting family indeed. Yet at least they never tried to exploit an obvious disdain for the Potter family. Any other family would have tried anyway to exploit what your parents' actions were. They were very stupid. I guess I should say that your family was good when they didn't act in such a way. She wouldn't deny that she really didn't feel forgiving with the Potter family, let alone knowing that they were partly responsible for Hariric losing his family. It was clearly stupid courtesy of the Potters what they did. You don't abandon your kids by any means, and they did, which made her absolutely sick.
Arcthurus said that what he felt James's mother would think was enough. He felt that Dorea would one day settle a score with her own son for describing him as a complete fool. If you stop to think about it, you have to say that my grandmother will put him in his place. It doesn't matter what Dumbledore did with his mind. The grandmother will not forgive her actions because of what they told me about her. Dorea Potter was a loving woman. Everyone could say that. But at the same time that she was a loving woman, she was also an excessively cruel woman. And anyone facing her wrath would feel it. In any case, and despite this, she knew that she did not take it well when her son made silly mistakes from what his grandfather told him.
''Your grandmother was the mother of the Nest. It was her duty to make sure she didn't make foolish mistakes like the one your father made. If you stop to think about it, it is really understandable because your grandmother was not happy in the least if she found out about this and seeing that we do not know if there is more life after this, it is very easy to say that possibly they have met in the another life your biological father must be having a bad time``. Hedwigg sincerely would have liked to be there. At least here House Stark followed to the letter what was obviously a more than intelligent way of thinking: the lone wolf dies but the pack lives. Very smart
´´My grandmother was very special if I have to say so. In any case, I doubt that you are interested in talking only about my family and the past. What do you think of this new world? Do you think it's OK? Do you feel that it is a more suitable world for you? I know that as a magical creature the amount of ambient magic must be affecting you in some way``. Hariric looked at the beauty of it while from the window he saw some people are watching intently. Since he arrived he had guards watching him. He wouldn't be in the least surprised if the citadel tried to get to Hedwigg somehow anyway. It was that simple because they wanted to study it
´´It is a magnificent world. The amount of ambient magic feels like someone is raining sun on my wings. I would be able to create a firebomb capable of consuming the entire city from what I can tell and still have enough energy left to get out of here if I have to be honest`` . Hedwigg had never felt more alive. In a place like this he could easily see her species flourish. If she had eggs she had no doubt that they would be incredibly powerful children. She like Harry had sensed people watching her and she didn't sit well with her. These emotions were unpleasant. They were disgusting people of all things and possibly had dark plans for her.
''I am immensely glad. We have a lot of work to do in this world. A lot of work to do and frankly I do not see it as an easy task since it is possibly one of the most difficult places to move. Even the wizarding world could have a few touches anyway``. Hariric spoke the truth. The South was Racist. The north was a group that felt that others were nuisances. And what is worse, both groups were conformists. What had happened to humanity? His greatest touch had always been the ambition to go further and further. However, these humans had enough to stay in the back of the bus. It wasn't pretty in his mind and it seemed stupid to him too.
''These humans obviously don't feel there is a need to move forward. Without I have to say it, it seems to me typical of a group that is not only stagnant but happy with things. And with scholars clearly interested in not moving forward, I am not in the least surprised at how things are. On their home world, scientists always sought to advance and study in every way because they felt that being left behind was wrong. But since there was only a group of scholars here and they were more than anything interested in preventing the advance, it went without saying that things were not looking good for them anyway, at least that was Hedwigg's personal opinion. Even the magical ones tried to advance demons
´´Blindness and nearsightedness should be crimes sentenced in the harshest of ways if I have to be frank. We can't do anything right now. They might put the whole world on us but I'm a fucking maverick and I honestly wonder what I can ever do with all the environmental friend in the air anyway``. Hariric felt that he was foolish of the scientists to do what they were doing. However if they liked to stay behind all things was perfectly fine in their mind and at the same time it would be one thing they could best exploit anyway ensuring the power of the North in their path.
´´Remember that your own vassals will not see it as well. They will find it wrong. They will be unhappy. They will think that you are obviously being on the wrong track. Not that I care too much. You can always work things out the Black way I think that would be the best way to work it out anyway``. The best way to resolve things is always by making it clear that the point is on your side. If someone is against you, you solve it in a more efficient way and in the end it's all over. There was no mistake when the north people move Harry would have to do something with them to make the message as clear as possible so they don't try to get in the way
´´Humanity is full of flaws there is no better way to describe it anyway. However, I know that the Norteños respect something: the law of the strongest. I intend to make House Stark so powerful that the other lords of the north, when they say one thing, know better than to say something about them. That's the best way to say it. Pecking order was always and always would be a natural thing to see. However, that didn't mean it was less of a nuisance anyway. The pecking order would always be something that could be exploited as in this case he would make sure to do so. And he knew perfectly well who to use as an example
´´Doing that would not be so much of a bad idea and it would be the best thing you could do as well seeing that there are obviously people so interested in what it is to do damage to House Stark. No matter how you put it or what thoughts other people have the case at hand is that if you want House Stark to be strong you will have to do it the old fashioned way``. Hedwigg sighed. That would be a huge headache if she had to be blunt. Using force to prove a point wasn't a bad thing in and of itself, but humans tended to find it more than bad that there were people rising from the ground and reaching for the skies. Especially humans with stupid ideas
possibly. I won't deny that the chances are actually too high that there are a lot of people who are less than happy with me for being basically someone who upsets the balance. But I refuse to live in an underdeveloped place. And I will ensure by all means that slowly but surely the power of House Stark rises even more powerful. It was reality. The best way to get things or at least make sure everyone left him alone was for him to walk a path of strength and wealth. And also as he had said he refused to live in such a poorly developed way. What he had no doubt about was that he would do everything he could to live comfortably, there he would go.
'' Not that I can say you're walking a bad path anyway. I mean that you are making an effort to improve the lives of others, so speaking in a more or less decent way, it cannot be said that you are acting selfishly. It's just that you're acting clearly interested but not selfish``. Hedwigg sighed. Harry could be a human that some would say was a combination of many things. He was both good and with hints of darkness. He was normal. For some things he was an excellent person but for others they had very hard points although of course a society that does not have a good tight belt would never work in his opinion seeing the upbringing
´´The British Ministry of Magic showed me the damage Hedwig corruption can do. I can understand being a rather sympathetic person and condoning certain ways of thinking that are basically a movement with the interest of clearly becoming more balanced as a government instead of being a complete dictatorship but don't deny it to leave a democracy as free as it is to invite to problems in the worst of ways``. He was studying whether he could bind people to contracts. If it was, he intended to reshape the North entirely. The amount of power the lords had was over in his mind as they were obviously inefficient and even worse they thought they could do their own thing regardless of the consequences.
´´You had to choose the worst of all types of examples. OK. I admit, the Ministry of Magic sucked. There people were placed not by skill but by blood. What you are thinking of doing will need time and dedication to make sure that people don't try to mess it up in any way. You should know better than anyone that if they see themselves with power, people think they can do what they want. As it was her guiding duty, Hedwigg decided that it was in her best interest to impart her lessons in what was obviously a wonderfully intelligent way of thinking. After all, Hedwigg was a phoenix and she was very wise and had to be listened to.
I'm not stupid. I am fully aware that if I am not very careful there is a good chance that the entire power structure that I am going to create will be used with my family. Not now nor can it with my children but in a thousand years. If I really want this to be efficient it has to be clearly done with a hack. Anyway I have to leave Hedwigg``. Hariric sighed. If there was one thing he felt better than anyone else anyway it was how his bond with his friend was so strong. She was his guardian. Contrary to Dumbledore's belief he knew that phoenixes were not a symbol but guardians and therefore he knew better than to act foolishly as he had.
´´I will also leave and I will move away in the direction of the sea under propulsion. I can even hear these fools from here talking about trying to use a net against me when I least expect it. Seriously, humans do not understand that there are things that they are not capable of touching``. The opinion of humanity was thrown off the rails by many Muggle-borns who thought that magic could be established and counted. There was one especially named Hermione who thought magic was just a tool. I enjoy the memory of when she was unable to advance in magic because since she didn't respect magic she decided to return this to her. She had magic but less than natural to her
´´Believe me respect for humanity especially non-magical ones went to hell a long time ago especially when you see that they do not treat mother nature with respect. Anyway, I'm going to see something that has been calling my attention in recent weeks. Hedwigg you could always use the flare and show up somewhere else that way they won't be able to lay a finger on you and if they come in here well it gives me an excuse to leave``. Hariric smiled. He had already done his job anyway since he had not only copied every book in the citadel (magic was such a magnificent thing) but had also researched and discovered everything he needed to know.
´´So you want them to break into your home to start a lawsuit with the ruling house here, making them look like worthless inepts who should above all things ensure the safety of the people who live in their city. Very bright, and what will you tell them if they tell you that they were looking for a dangerous animal?``. Hedwigg was a phoenix so dangerous was obvious. She could create balls of fire and destroy everything and if she so wishes, she can become pure fire and destroy the entire city. It's okay that it weakened her but in the end she would end her enemies of that she had no doubt about it. So she calmly looked at Harry expecting a very interesting answer from him even though she knew him well enough to know that she was a very political person.
´´Although they can excuse themselves by saying that they saw a dangerous creature enter, I could not care less because this is my house while I stay here, so obviously by doing such things they are not respecting the right that it was the home of a Lord Stark and therefore they are a threat to me so I must not stay here any longer``. Hariric shrugged, thinking it was foolish not to think of it for what it was. If they tried in any way to annoy him it was over anyway. Hariric felt that his time would be better directing the rebuilding of the North as he intended to make it a more than magnificent and wonderful place.
''And as for you being a dangerous creature that's the fucking truth. I do not deny it. But you are also an intelligent creature. You are much more than what other people think or believe so it's not my problem what they think or what they believe because you are who you are. And if they have any problem, give them``. Hariric gave her friend a solemn look and smiled seeing that she also looked amused. Obviously she felt that he had passed the test and that was enough to tell him many things. Honestly, her friend's tests were tougher than any other test she has undergone.
´´Well thought out and executed so a step is granted. But Harry be careful. I am afraid of what these people would be capable of doing and I do not want to nor do I want to imagine what they would be capable of doing to achieve their goals. People can be beyond unpleasant when they think they are entitled to something anyway``. With that said Hedwigg disappeared in a ball of white fire. She was perfectly aware that Harry was capable of taking very good care of himself but he absolutely did not want him to get into trouble. These maesters reminded her too much of some of the DOM people and she honestly didn't want to imagine their scope.
Hariric left the house well hidden. While many would look for a noble child Hariric dressed well but not that well. He was a Norteño so he knew perfectly well that people underestimated him. In his time in Oldtown he had obtained information on all the items he would need. His intention was to make House Umber and House Dustin the leading food producers in the North. This was because the Umbers had the last river and the Dustins the Mound, which was excellent for the irrigation work he was thinking of. But while it's true that that would be good enough in some people's minds that was just a point. With the money from the North staying in the North he would strengthen both houses and at the same time force the creation of roads for the sale of different foods. Although that was not all
Hariric felt that while the lords of the neck had done much, they had not been rewarded. As lords of the neck they had defended the North gate. While it is true that there was Moat Cailin it was not enough and the guerrilla forces were good enough in his mind. However, that was not the only point of course since they were the ones who had fucking problems with the Freys. When he first found out about the Freys he was very tempted to drop the equivalent of a bomb on his castle. Instead what he intended to do was much more efficient and serious in the end giving him an excuse.
In any case, it was with effort that he discovered that Rice Grains were sold in Yi Ti. That was excellent. Between the rice, the beans and other elements resistant to what was the hariric cold, he knew that the North would be strengthened. He also knew that rice could be a much loved food. In his old world between three delicious white rice and paellas they were very good to eat and with excellent flavors he would still have to find a way to produce spices but he had time for it and it would be good enough in his mind that was all he wanted. mattered because what really mattered to him was the prosperity of the North
Knowing this had allowed him to discover more. Glass was in high demand and top quality handicraft ceramics too. So hariric was already thinking. There were several houses that could greatly benefit from ceramics. Not the glass since the glass would give more power to the Stark house since it had the intention of expanding the territories of the Stark house. There were too many places left untapped properly and hariric felt it was best to do so. He also had to find a way to finance the creation of Moria Mines for the future wealth position of Lord Stark and also the rebuilding of the Moat and creation of the North Channel.
Silk was a priority. It is true that the North was not very useful, although I was already thinking of using it for the South to buy it as well as Essos. However, silk production would not be easy. Silk was an element that, in a few words, was a rich element and that required silkworms for its production. Worms that wouldn't survive very cold climates so he had to investigate. In the process he was able to research more things that are used for clothing anyway but despite that Hariric felt that it was enough for the moment anyway with just the silk because there were several more important targets that had to be given to the Stark family.
However, there were several products that if he wanted to produce especially in the North, they would have to be in Winterfell. It refers not only to the spices but also, of course, to what the product that came from the sugar cane was. Two products could be obtained from sugar cane. On one side was the rum, which was a good drink of course. On the other hand was the sugar itself. And it was the same with coffee, tea and cocoa. If someone were to wonder why producing these elements is due to their more than obvious need and the benefit they could be for the North due to the number of people who would buy the product. If you stopped to think about it, it was an excellent investment.
Products from the North were a priority. Fortunately with the products it could produce benefits. The main one was the improvement of the structures. Not only because of the need to make better buildings but also to make them better for housing. However, what mattered most of course was the water supply. It was possible to do. He knew where it came from and a water supply network was possible. The only thing you would obviously need is a means to an end. Fortunately, he had the ways to do it to get said water, although not many must have known of course.
For places like Skagos, Whiteport, Sea Dragon Point, Bastion Kar and Bear Island the solution was very easy. By means of a distillation method (which would make them have to pay a small payment to House Stark of course) these five houses would draw seawater. On the other hand, other cities would take it out of, for example, lakes or rivers such as the Umber of the Ultimo, the Dustin of the Tumulos, the Cerwyn of the white knife and those of Torhen from their lake. The Starks would obviously have to get him out of their spring sources but this would guarantee water which was good news of course and it was an advantage to exploit for it since he would be the only one who would have the process of how the water purification machine works (with runes of course) and it would only be up to the Starks to deliver it
With this done he would have eliminated the need for water from all true vassals of House Stark. This would also take out neutrals like the Flints of course although it would piss off the houses that were in the red alliance which was excellent in his mind because it would guarantee they would attack him which was something he wanted. For what reason? Why would you want that? Because he didn't want enemies at home. Simple as that. But his thoughts of the enemies closed when he got to the place he wanted and saw what he had to see, although at this moment he felt a strong amount of anger and rage for the image he had before which was something incredibly difficult to achieve of course already. that he was used to many things of course
In front of Hariric was a child. He is olive complexioned with platinum hair and golden colored eyes. The boy was exotic. He had fully sensed the magic in the boy and hariric felt that the boy was obviously a possible candidate to learn magic. He would need a full understanding to know if he was a Warlock, a Sorcerer, or a Magus. From what he had seen most wizards of this era used sacrifices to use magic which was nonsense of course. However, what bothered him was the boy being bullied by three boys, all of whom were dressed well and elegantly. That meant nobles of course. Hariric couldn't stand that. Forced nobility. If they were at the top it was to do a job not to be idiots about it fucking
It had taken a few days and she had discovered that the boy was supporting a little sister. She this she had inherited the same hair and skin color as he even her eyes. The children were twins, and Hariric knew that the children must be having a hard time. When he saw one of the children draw a sword and become brave, he couldn't take it anymore and he took out a stone and threw it at his hand with precision. Strong enough for it to drop but not strong enough to become a full projectile. When the stone hit squarely the well-dressed children let out a cry and looked at him. The group of children glared at him but he didn't care in the slightest.
´´I understood that it was here in the south where the cavalry was born and yet from what I can tell what I see is more the sample of brainless idiots. Forgive me for saying this but what the hell do you think you idiots are doing?``. Hariric walked forward calmly as he watched the children take out their obviously practice weapons. He could see some gentlemen quietly looking around and was even seen making bets. Hariric cast a bad luck curse on them. If it was so good for them to make bets instead of the right thing, they deserved everything bad that could happen to them. He was a person of principles. Pragmatic but from the beginning there was no doubt
´´Get lost, you are meddling in matters that do not matter to you``. The youngest, who was about thirteen years old, was somewhat terrified of the other boy's presence. Where he and his friends looked like big kids but not muscle the other guy looked like a pure muscle person. He was very scary. But he was the son of a Hightower knight and one of the most important members of the city's defense so he knew he could get away with it. The other young man looked at him. It wasn't a pretty look anyway. It was the look of a person who was thinking of all the ways to break you to pieces and in the worst of ways too.
´´The last time someone commented to me in such a way I ripped their tongue out. At least we northerners live by the rule that only he who in a few words passes sentence can act. You though… you're just a worthless little dog who feels or thinks he's entitled to something anyway``. Hariric smiled as he watched the big boy grow furious. Making a person angry is always the best way to actually fix things. And from what he could tell the boy was getting more and more upset by his words. He couldn't tell that he was trying too hard anyway and he almost seemed more than bored. The boy further away was looking at everything carefully
´´So a northerner. I have heard of you. Led by a worthless dog house or so they say``. The fat boy didn't realize that he had mentioned Hariric that the last person who insulted him the dicto sentence which would mean that he was a lord or something like that. For him, just hearing that he was from the north was worth it as a reason and an excuse to insult him. At least that was the plan until he just responded by pulling out a wooden sword from a chest. They all sneered even more. Although for practice his swords were made of metal. They were about to tease even more when the Norteño just laughed darkly. A laugh that did not point to anything good
´´You know one would think that after the lesson of Cregan Stark lord of the North and hand of the king about why the south should not screw it up in his presence you would have thought that the southerners would have learned their lesson. However what they say is true. Southerners don't learn. Not for good. I guess they'll have to do it the hard way``. Hariric smiled with a touch of cruelty that made him known in dueling courses so often. He was more than willing to impart a bit of his wonderful unique hand to teach them a life lesson from him. After all he was a good young man who knew that he clearly had to be very respectful of people.
´´Shut up Northern trash. I hate Northerners. Always looking down on us southerners like we're below you. When in reality the ones at the bottom are you. Those who do not have enough food to live on their own. Those who have nothing of value. You are complete shit``. The fat boy grumbled and charged with his practice sword. He launched thinking that he had everything on his side when a crack sounded and it turns out that Hariric had hit his knee breaking it without thinking twice. The blow was so brutal that the boy fell to the ground screaming in pain and people no longer had fun looking at what was happening, obviously everyone knowing that there were problems.
''I don't care much what people think. But insulting the only kingdom that withstood the invading force of the Andals when they were so fucking outnumbered doesn't feel right to me. You have to respect the history of the people. The story they created with blood, sacrifice and pain. People deserve to be properly remembered``. Hariric hated it when a person thought he could get away with belittling other people's achievements. It was an insult in his mind and enough to make him snarl in anger. It didn't matter what others thought. The North was a powerful kingdom and it was only Aegon's conquest that marked it as weak in reality something that he had the firm intention of seeing completely changed no matter what others say
As one the other thugs launched into yells of rage without thinking about what they were doing. They only believed that their anger was justified. What happened was a Hariric who with pinpoint precision hit and smashed his opponents. Whoever said that a doctor was not capable of killing was a fool. There was a reason for his respect for those with a medical education but no swearing on them. As doctors they knew how and where to hit brutally, so in their personal opinion they deserved respect for their actions. And Hariric saw it that way. He had been trained to kill and it was easy to hit his enemies with precision and it made him smile to see his current enemies cry on the ground from the pain they felt.
The cries of pain drew the attention of several knights who were obviously watching everything and pointed their swords at that moment at the boy with the wooden sword. One of the knights let out a yell and lunged at the fat boy as he clearly looked like he was trying to help him somehow. Funny in the mind of hariric. The platinum haired boy cringed as he looked at everything perfectly. The boy was obviously scared fearing reprisals. The knight in question who had been looking at his son drew his sword from him and glared at Hariric with such anger that some would say he was trying to set it on fire with just the power of his mind.
´´You will pay for assaulting the son of a Hightower knight``. The gentleman was about to do something when he saw the boy take something out. It was a medallion. He watched carefully until he turned pale. Unlike many houses that used rings, there was one house that he preferred to use to obviously make his existence known with what were medallions. They were a house underestimated by all that you could not deny it in the least but even in spite of that they were a great house. When he saw the symbol of House Stark he cringed. What was going on here? His daughter and himself could be in trouble if this came to Lord Hightower, which he did not want.
''Your son and his friends were harassing the boy behind me. Let me know one thing. He understood that the knights were basically the defenders of the weak. Those who protected those who were in need. They are supposed to be the guardians of those who are unable to defend themselves. However, your son, that is, the son of a gentleman, had no problem assaulting a child who was unable to defend himself. What does that say about you, gentleman?``. Hariric smiled even wider when he caught the knight's gaze. Doing this was a way of attacking Hightower house which Lord Leyton would not allow in the slightest as it would be a loss of power for him. Say what you want but Lord Leyton did not tolerate threats
''I very much doubt that's what happened. Possibly you were harassing the child and my son came out to defend him and you defended yourself against them. The knight had to find a way to defend his son by all means. He had to find a way to make sure this never hurt him or his son again because he knew then it would be more than bad for his person. It didn't matter what many people thought, politics was everywhere and the Hightowers were an extremely smart house who were capable of taking the dead weight off themselves if they saw it as an obvious thing to do.
''Please, seriously? This is your defense? What is harassing this young man? First I have never met him. Second I was on my way to the Citadel which as I'm sure you would know if you took the time to learn obviously you would know that I am here more than anything because of a mistake the citadel made. At this rate my idea of the southern lords is completely going down the tubes in all sincerity. Things don't get better for you. Hariric could tell that the man did not look happy. He was obviously annoyed and if one was able to guess he would say that he was as close to exploding as knowing all the attacks that were being made against the south was something that was bothering him.
´´Be very careful with what you say child because if you continue on this path in the end you will be very close to offending the entire South which will not end well for you. I doubt very much that people would like in the slightest to know that the future Stark is seen as one who sees the south badly because everyone knows the truth about you. The knight tried to sound brave. But the dark laugh of the Stark boy stopped him in his place. It was not a pleasant laugh. It was not a friendly laugh. It was the laugh of a person who could tell quite frankly that he wasn't in any way sick with him or anything. As if he found it funny more than anything. he was terrifying to hear
''Please save your threats for a person who might actually be frightened by them. I am fully aware that while it is true that the south would not like a stark lord looking down south. It is not something abnormal. Everybody knows that we northerners don't have the best opinion of the south anyway``. Hariric shrugged, not understanding the reasons for the knight's annoyance but he could see them clearly. He wanted to make him look like an enemy of the southern houses. He very sensible and smart anyway but at the same time a stupid thing because no one would make much sense of it
''Be careful child your words and actions could seem like the actions of a person who is obviously against the south and you don't want that. The South is more powerful than the North. You need the south to live and I am sure that there will be many people who will be dying to see the north a little more humiliated``. The knight tried to threaten him further when a knife appeared at his throat. Everyone was shocked when men in black appeared at that moment and every knight that was there was scared by the presence that they could tell was deadly and accurate. None of them looked any better than before actually and some even got wet because they obviously hadn't expected this in any way.
´´You know you are or must be the most idiotic men in the world. What kind of idiot thinks that Lord Stark would let his son leave the North in any way without adequate protection? The next time you even think about threatening me, think twice. Who knows they'll just slit your throat in the process anyway``. Hariric smiled and saw the fear in the eyes of each knight. They had hoped to use numbers and force to scare him of all things. For a true practitioner of magic the number, strength and power vary. And in the hands of a magus he was just scarier to watch anyway since he wouldn't hesitate in any way whatever it took.
''Now I'm going to go. This young man and his sister will come with me. And seeing that House Hightower is obviously incapable of properly treating the heirs of other houses and that their esteemed masters are incapable of providing a proper education, I'm leaving here. I've had enough of the bullshit here. When Hariric was about to make a move on a guard with a bow he thought he would be able to make a move before an arrow landed near where he was making him jump in fear. His dark knights were a form of advanced transmogrification (if you could convert and create lions and other creatures through transmogrification, why not people?) and Hariric turned to look bored.
´´The attack against a lord is a punishable offense, should I claim your life for said action? Should I claim your very existence? It's not my problem honestly and all he feels is a deep amount of shame for your guard existence. Now I will go so I hope no more inconvenience``. Hariric left and the shadow guards surrounded him and the boy while at the same time creating a very capable security position. He knew that Lord Hightower was not going to take this offense, so he had made sure to give him a good reason not to even think that it was a good idea to bother him after all. After all, he was a man who had a city to run. How? Would it be seen on his behalf to know that he had a slave-owning society in his own town? Would not it be nice
Dareon eyed the man carefully. Her mother had forced herself to come to what was this city not for anything but for the simple fact that she was wanted dead. He had brought gold with her but it wasn't much anyway so he had worked like a normal person to earn money. It wasn't the best but for his sister who was now alone in the world he felt that it was the best decision he had actually made. Some would say it was an exaggeration on his part but at the same time it was all he had left and he refused to lose his sister.
He looked at the Stark and shuddered. The boy had a physical body endowed with muscles and clearly in better shape than most knights. He was a strong looking man and he looked strong despite his twelve physical years (he had no idea he was actually only seven) but there was another very important detail to keep in mind. The Stark felt strange. He was unique and an anomaly if he had to say so himself. He didn't like abnormalities. An anomaly meant not being in control of all things, which was a serious problem to consider. He felt it was something he didn't know yet he didn't know how to expose it of all things. It was weird
You know you don't have to feel so bad if I have to say it. I summarize that you find my presence as something strange. Don't apologize I've already been told that more than once actually. I'm a complete weirdo anyway and if I have to be honest I like it. Anyway I must say that it is a pleasure to meet you``. Hariric looked at the boy carefully. He had a look that he was watching everything intently clearly determined by all means to keep the situation under control. He couldn't blame him either way. The boy had lived a bad life anyway so it was normal if you stopped to think that he felt that way
I do not trust you. You are a stranger and a person I don't know. Okay, I'm going to thank you for saving me from the beating. Those brats should know much better anyway than to cause trouble but their idiot child minds are annoying people``. Dareon looked at the Stark fearing for a moment that he had said something wrong. He just looked at him for a moment. It was such a simple look anyway and at the same time he conveyed so much that he could tell he was quite a rarity to see anyway. It was something he would not expect to see even in a Northern lord. But it looked like nothing he said was wrong
I guess you're right. In other words, you are a child alone in what is a big city. These is the second largest city on the continent. Truth be told, this city should actually say enough to make it clear that Westeros is a nest of worthless rats that devour everything within their reach. Hariric would not lie and say in no way that Westeros was a nest of freedom. Despite how beautiful it might seem in reality and despite its so-called freedom, the North had its broad defects, these defects being obviously its nobility with delusions of grandeur and a monarchy incapable of keeping the kingdoms under control. It was a nasty thing on her mind
´´Here I would have thought that you would try to sell me this little kingdom as a wonderful and magnificent place of peace that obviously could be excellent for my family and that if I acted according to you I would have a fixed and secure place in what is the position of power of your kingdom Obviously all a lie but at the same time a possibility if you stop to think about it``. Dareon was a cynical boy who had a hard time trusting. He was looking at the man with what he thought was the look of a really upset person. But he just laughed. A heartfelt laugh as if he found it funny more than anything which was a nuisance in his mind of course.
´´Although I will not deny that you are a possible asset that is more than impressive, it is not because of what you think. Tell me, have you ever been able to do impressive things that you are not able to understand? Things that are meaningless?``. Hariric looked at the boy calmly. It was a look that could be translated as his look that he knew a secret and that he was possibly capable of knowing much more than he seemed. The young boy was now surprised by what he was hearing, obviously not having expected it in the slightest. Hariric could understand it. If he were to receive this he too would feel the same way in fact it was one of the reasons he had requested to speak more with muggle born children to introduce them to wizarding culture sooner.
´´I would say that it is impossible and what you say is strange. But I can feel it. These men around us are strangers. They feel strange. A complete oddity so forgive me if I say it in a direct way but what exactly are you?``. Dareon had of course a well-grounded reason for thinking this way since what he felt seemed strange to him. From a young age he was able to tell when a person was obviously lying or trying to do something. He could feel it. Like a unique instinct. He was strange. He felt things from the Stark. One of them was a feeling of not wanting to cross him but also like he was someone exciting. He was strange and that at the same time caused Dareon to look at him very carefully. He wasn't a trusting idiot after all.
''As interesting if I have to say so. An instinctive ability to obviously be able to feel people or at least feel what they are. It will help you a lot to see the world for what it really is. The world is not a beautiful place as they say mystical? only? Extraordinary? And a little beautiful? Yeah. But before everyone it is a curel place. The gift you have The main ability that you have shown I have to say could be your main weapon but it is more. There is more``. Hariric was surprised. This boy had developed a minor version of Mgus's Sight. It was an amazing thing. So much potential. It was a bigger compelling reason to make sure he was trained
´´And I suppose that this is where you will tell me that I need to be trained and that you can give me said training without any problem. I don't want to doubt you and my ability doesn't tell me you're a bad person and all this shit but at the same time I'm smart enough to know that a person is not to be trusted. Even with those who are not with bad intentions``. The reasons for distrusting him were with a compelling reason after all. He had to think of his sister. She also had gifts and she had to make a great effort to keep her safe by all means since she knew that not doing so could be really bad for them.
''That's smart. A good way to think about it. A good way to end things. A question that many must ask themselves. For what reason? What reason do I have to decide to help you in all things? What reason do I have to be the one to offer you this opportunity and not exploit you in the end? That shows some very forward thinking actually``. Hariric smiled at the amused boy. He was a lot smarter than he looked if he had to say so and obviously he was using his head a lot more than most idiots in the world if you stop to think about it too. It's clearly a thing that was a good virtue to have
''When you have to make sure your sister stays safe and protected by all means, you can't trust anyone's first words. When a person has to make sure that the people they love are safe, they must be smart. Cunning and above all ready for anything``. It was a bit of an exaggerated way of thinking I wouldn't deny it but it was the only way I could see things working out anyway. his life was not kind. It wasn't nice and she had to be above all else able to keep her sister safe no matter who she was up against. Although here he was obviously seeing a more than brilliant opportunity to flourish.
''A good thing actually. A well-directed opinion. Do not doubt. not fear. Do everything necessary to ensure and guarantee by any means that a threat is dealt with when it is present. But I think that as you yourself have said I also have magic. A more than magnificent power that in the wrong hands is capable of destroying and that in the right hands is a magnificent power``. Magic was not a tool. It was a thing that had to be used wisely so in hariric's mind to say that it is a tool was stupid at best and at the same time it would show that it is more than a serious problem as she would turn against you.
"I highly doubt that this power is magic. Magic as everyone describes it doesn't work the way I see it. Targaryen lords used magic to command fire. the Rhoynar used it to manipulate water and cast curses. The first men claimed to be able to see the past, present and future as well as occupy the places of animals. Forgive me for saying that it makes me question what you say``. And it was a compelling reason for what he was doing. However, the laugh that escaped Hariric's lips surprised him. Was he laughing at such a unique subject? It was something he had a hard time understanding at the time which was very annoying.
''It's not a mistake actually. However, tell me and answer this honestly. How many people do you know who really know about magic? Look at my soldiers, do you really think this was something taught by these three groups? I discovered it myself with sweat and blood work. And believe me when I say that I can teach you the same. Hariric knew it would be difficult. He would have to find a good focus for the young man or find a way to use a ritual very similar to his own. It wouldn't be the easiest of things but he had a confidence that it could be done if you obviously had the desire to carry it out - at least that was Hariric's personal opinion.
The young man looked at Hariric and nodded. An alliance never seen before was born