hfdn4

Time Passes Favorably

-West. The North. winterfell. 275 BC-

Seven years had passed. Seven years from the day her brother Benjen was born. Seven years since she turned Wallys into little more than a walking vegetable. Seven years since he killed Lord Bolton. The truth is that seven years ago was a good time for him if he had to be frank. Although he was not one of those who gave in to the sensation of rage, anger, revenge and the desire to make people suffer, he was one of those who enjoyed immensely hurting his enemies. Destroying Lord Bolton turned out to be a good thing. His son Roose had been forced to see how his house did things until he could be made lord. It goes without saying that he made good use of that time to do damage to his enemies

Taking advantage of Lord Bolton's death, he caused a nuisance in the red alliance. Lord Ryswell was tempted to assume the position of head of the alliance. For seven years the red alliance had been fighting each other for the right to be the leaders of the alliance in question. Nothing and no one could say precisely that the alliance had evolved. Glover had somehow tried to continue his sabotage missions of what was Black Wolf Port. To his misfortune his attacks were costing him more men so somehow the lord of the Glovers had brought in savages. Cannibals from the lands of the ice river thinking that things could turn out for the best

It was not. Lord Glover and his sons were treacherously slain by the cannibals and broke loose. Fortunately the Forresters found out about it and quickly moved to stop everything by eliminating the cannibals thus uncovering a plot by the posthumous House of Glover for an attack on the second Stark settlement. No one could believe it at the time. But no one could doubt the evidence as many of the thick forest survivors let them know the truth. Thus the Forresters were promoted to lords of the wolves' forest and taking complete control of the area eliminating in the process the Whitehills who tried an offensive maneuver in the process.

The Forresters asked Lord Hariric for help in what was naturally the construction of a major city on the former seat of thickwood. Of course he had to be paid but hariric was not a cruel man and he took advantage of it. He instead fully conceded to Lord Forrester giving him in a nutshell ten thousand workers to work on the plans for an entirely new city there that would serve something he had thought to be a top priority in the world: paper. They needed paper above all else since the use of parchment was getting completely old in their mind of course. Hence he was determined to help the forresters

What was not said is that he also helped them by offering help for what was the manufacture of cosmetics and perfumes that would be demanded by middle and upper class families and of course the ladies and gentlemen of large families. Of the income from such things, sixty percent a year would be used for five years to clearly pay House Stark for the construction of the new city. Although the Forresterrs could have complained, they relented when Hariric clarified that he would leave him in three years if in exchange the lands of the Ruined Tower became the property of House Stark, something that anyone would have questioned because they would think that they were really worthless areas, but the Lord Forrester willingly accepted for it

In the seven years that the workers of what was the new city called the Weirwood Fortress had passed, it was finished. Ten thousand workers were enough, at least in Hariric's mind. What was not said is that these thousands of workers were clearly just people. Hariric had had the umbra of him completely finishing Black Wolf Port considering it important tier (he needed an important position secured). He had also begun construction of the Western Fleet under the command of the new North Western Admiral Jason Snow. The boy was a bastard born into the Manderly family.

Of course this meant that he had to work in the eastern fleet somehow. Something necessary and too important. It was lucky then that an epidemic struck the seven kingdoms. Although most of the kingdoms had a hard time due to the new medicines, the North was not badly off. All of them were the result of the use of the art of alchemy in its most basic form by combining elements that in themselves were nothing but that together were a safe cure, many reflecting medicines to help with fever, serums, medicines such as penicillin and much more. All this courtesy of the north who started selling to Braavos of course

Unfortunately Skagos couldn't get out of this. The Skagosi felt the power of the epidemic on their beings. It did not help these that they also went in a few words with poor housing conditions and much more. By 270 the whole island had been wiped out which was kind of sad. As lord Stark I temporarily claim the island until he found a worthy lord for it. Of course once again the gentlemen complained about it. His father at one point called all the lords before explaining once again the vital importance of Skagos to the north as their Eastern shipyard but signed a contract with the hariric himself that no Stark would claim the islands.

With this done, the construction of the fleet began both in the West and in the East. Hariric's idea was to use the idea of ​​the most modern sailing ships that made the British fleet and the Spanish fleet the greatest forces. It was for this that three types of ship were created in mind: brigantine, frigate and galleon. The three ships had different and unique duties, each one designed with a completely different plan but at the same time with the expected ideas at least for House Stark since they were obviously thinking of using them intelligently and not being idiots who devoted all their strength. of navy for a single objective in the form of defense. Hell the Manderlys were happy

Making these ships took time. It was not easy. But luckily they had two good and big shipyards. It could work as follows. The first was four brigantines per shipyard per year. The Brigantines were a key piece. Its speed and maneuverability made it an excellent ship for fast travel from point A to point B so it was their main merchant ship which was the idea behind it. Their working capacity also meant continuous and efficient transportation actually which was good news in Hariric's mind as it meant the North was selling many items through them but on different ships instead of carrying many goods on one.

Next up was the Frigate. Two frigates a year could be produced by each of its shipyards. You had to understand it. Pirates were a fucking nuisance. Hariric required a powerful marine force capable of sweeping through and completely destroying an enemy. That is why Frigates that had considerable firepower and at the same time great speed could take down large bands of pirates. This had come in handy because apparently someone had noticed the presence in a few words of trade with Braavos. It wasn't much since they had to negotiate a solid agreement with them but still someone had noticed the trade with bravos and they wanted to exploit it. Hence these great war wolves that were used to destroy the smallest fleets of insufficient ships

The last known force in naval terms was the galleon. And let me say one thing. The Galeon was an entirely different beast. In the years since the North only had two of them since they were hard to make of course. However, when you combine the firepower of the frigates with that of the galleons, they made it a power without limits. The Galleons were destined to serve neither more nor less as the defensive marine presence of the ports. Hariric's idea is to end up having a minimum of four of these monsters that would be able to defend together with the navle defenses of the ports against any invasion, which was a good idea.

However the last item used on the ships was an item used by Hariric creating an item that would be cast over the entire ship especially the hull. This element would include the properties of two very special trees. Weirwood was said to have a very long lasting time over all while Ironwood was as hard as iron. Using the alchemical process his ships were more durable than anything and this was good for him because he had the firm intention of keeping his ships in perfect condition. He was also aware of the need for his ships to stay in good shape because naturally if something happened to the ships he was screwed although certainly at the rate they had in production it wasn't bad.

Of course this was not the only thing. The Umbra had set to work not only on the Cailin Moat that was now called Twin Wolves but also on making the North Channel. The reason behind this is that Hariric wanted to create a way to connect Braavos, Pentos, Myr, Tyrosh and the other free cities with the West or rather interest them in the West. This at the same time served as an efficient way to earn gold for the future House Stark of the twin wolves since they would be in charge of its administration and complete control. It was all good news and the Umbra were in the process of finishing off the two miniature cities that were the site as they would only hold a population of no more than a hundred thousand which was fine.

As Hariric thought about it a frown came to his face: ned. The last seven years had not been kind to his younger brother. As expected, Jon Arryn had demanded guardianship of Ned at the end of the year of the negotiation, and his father had been forced to relent. Secretly many southern lords had laughed. They found it funny to order wolves around like dogs. Hariric clenched his fist in anger at his brother's reminder of him being used in such a way. The only thing that prevented us from going on a complete carnage was that the time was yet to come.

Unfortunately the happiness of the southern lords evaporated as soon as he arrived. He had kindly requested his father to let him deal with Arryn. The reason? In Jon Arryn's own words, it was better that he get a more or less sensible idea that he was about to fuck with the most wrong person of all and that he was neither today nor ever would be one of those weak fops of the world. south. That he better he knew that the north remembered. His mother and father had wanted to protect him but he made it clear that his main mission was to protect his brother now and forever. There was nothing else I wanted in the world

-Retrospective scene-

´´Young Stark I do not think these measures are adequate. I mean we're talking about a perfectly good partnership if I may say so. By acting the way he is, forgive me if I think he doesn't feel comfortable. Jon Arryn was an older man. He had blonde hair but it was already showing gray and he had blue eyes. The man seemed to be nice. He tough but nice. If the man was so nice he would have been able to hide his anger and rage towards Hariric which was something the young Stark felt strongly about his opponent who clearly wasn't happy in the least with him although of course he couldn't blame him because he was leaving. messing with their own plans

''I'm afraid if necessary. I'm not very amused that a person I don't know has decided that he wants my brother to become his ward but above all it bothers me that a gentleman from the south. One of the great houses above all is so determined to call my brother to become a ward``. Hariric was sitting calmly without showing any feeling. Behind her were his personal guard while behind Jon Arryn were his most loyal knights. Needless to say, the attempt to appear as hostile as possible was having no effect on the young Stark, who was not affected in the slightest by what he saw.

I understand. And of course I understand. I know the opinion that you lords of the north have about what here in the south some houses call the game of thrones but I can fully assure you that it is not the intention of house Arryn to do anything like this and that in fact I I would like to avoid involving children in such disgusting things``. Jon was trying to sound nice. He was trying to appear harmless. On a normal person it would have worked. Hariric was unfortunately anything but normal. It was Hariric Stark who was Adriano Black the guy who basically learned nothing in the world of backstabbing politics that existed so he wasn't that easy to fool

"It may seem so, Lord Arryn, but I'm afraid I still don't trust a Southerner so don't blame me when I'm taking matters into my own hands to make sure my youngest brother and second son of the Stark family receives more than just a proper education." but also that he is perfectly safe``. Hariric was looking like the typical northerner to go to the front but hey that's because it's what was expected of him. It was not expected in the slightest that he had contingency plans as well as ideas designed more or less with the intention of making sure that his enemy was fully dealt with. Jon Arryn would not beat him now or in the future

´´Such a way of seeing North and South relations is what has prompted the King to accept this request. Such mistrust. Such a way of seeing the southern world is wrong. Do not forget Lord Stark that we lords of the south are the defenders of the cavalry. Honor is as high as our principles and as our duties``. Jon looked annoyed at the boy. Did he really have such a great distrust of the south? If so, Jon knew that if he had to get rid of Hariric Stark. Obviously he was a bigger threat than he thought. He could not be manipulated as he planned since he obviously did not trust him in the least and therefore he could not treat him as a grandfather or anything like that.

''Not that the South has done much for the North, Lord Arryn. Answer this How many times has the North had to settle the problems of the South? How many times have House Stark and the Northerners been insulted by the Southerners? I was in Oldtown a while ago. Do you know how they see the Norteños? Like people too dumb to see that our home isn't worth shit. That is the opinion of the South of the North. Don't think that I think differently just to the point that I believe something differently``. Hariric looked at the lord of the eagles with a certain contempt. Did the man really come with the air of trying to appeal to a pleasant part of him? How cute and pretty. If it wasn't for the fact that it was a complete waste of time I would almost give it a round of applause.

´´I understand and even understand your opinion if I am frank Lord Stark. The opinion of the people of the south especially from kingdoms as rich and powerful as the Dominion lands or as in the west are that bad but I think you must understand or at least understand anyway that House Stark should accept a little bit of an intent to fix this``. Jon had had no idea that Hariric Stark had any contact with the south. If so, it meant that he was well aware of the opinion of the southern lords regarding the north and that was where his contempt came from, which made him even more dangerous because it was not a foolish contempt.

´´If you know that I obviously have reasons to think so then you also know that I have reasons for not wanting to waste my time or my family's time in the slightest with a southern kingdom. You may be many things Lord Arryn but even you cannot tell me that you offer full care of my brother for his time here and that he would not be affected by negative opinions from some people``. It was plain and simple. The best way to make him see how naturally Hariric had reasons to take care of his brother was more than anything the distrust produced by the treatment from the south to the north, not the other way around.

´´The simple fact that you are saying that I would be incapable of taking proper care of the young man in my charge bothers me young man and I will have no tolerance for you saying such things. You may be your father's heir and future lord of the North but you will not disrespect me in any way``. Jon couldn't believe the boy's audacity. How dare he? How dare he even think that he could somehow question it? He was an Arryn. While the Starks were in pits they soared into the skies. That the brat had the nerve to speak to him in such a way was pissing him off. But the boy didn't seem intimidated by it, which wasn't good news either.

''I'm just being a concerned big brother and I'm not doing anything illegal and neither is the Stark family. In case you haven't noticed, according to the law, any child sent to be fostered outside the home can always have a security force of up to seven men with him. Seven men I took the diligence to choose above all else for the sake of my brother Lord Arryn``. He sincerely felt that Arryn's stupidity must be contagious. It's the only thing that explained his reasoning that he could make demands like nothing happened. He didn't make any sense anymore. The law was clear and nothing and no one could go against it in the slightest. Arryn should know better than anyone after all.

´´However, when you act in such a way, all you are doing is transmitting that you do not trust the person you are dealing with, young Stark. What other message would you send with this action? You are establishing that in no way do you trust my qualities and you do not trust me to take care of my position either``. Jon knew that the Stark had reasons for not having confidence in him after all, but he wanted to exploit what in his mind was the possibility of avoiding by all means that the boy got away with it, which was more than unpleasant in his mind. just thinking that he could do it since it would give him a lot of power of all things

´´Do not come to me with those Lord Arryn. According to the history of the Stark house with the Arryn house we have always had differences. To expect a Stark to trust of all things in this would simply mean calling us stupid. We neither forgive nor forget, or should I remind you of a certain incident when it came to a scheduled wedding between Arryn and Stark?``. Hariric stared steadily at the man who was trying to manipulate his brother. He would not let him go through the darkest demons. If he thought in any way that he would let it be he was more than mistaken in his opinion however he could still see how he was formulating plans in his mind.

''That was in the past. A past in which the Stark house covered its hands with blood with people from the Andals. As I think you can understand, we Arryns have become calmer about it. However, I have to question the Starks if you are their heir``. Jon knew that the scandal he was referring to was the death of the Stark girl. That was a bad move in his opinion since whether he wanted it or not ultimately meant that House Stark had cause to distrust the Arryns. He cursed the members back then for not realizing the effect it would have in the future. But hey, the boy couldn't defend himself against his accusation and he knew it.

''Are you seriously saying that? Are you seriously indicating that it is House Stark that is not leaving the past Lord Arryn? Well, since you kindly remind us all of the past, let's set the record straight: she was a girl. A harmless girl who didn't hurt him. Point and point is, a Stark girl died at the hands of your family and we received no compensation. There was no punishment. She swept off like nothing happened. It is not a matter of remembering the past. It is a matter of remembering that we live with our actions and more so those of us who defend a name``. Hariric could see where he was going with this topic. He was trying to bring up the subject of no more and no less than what was the past with the firm intention of basically getting him put in a bad light. He had already made the comment of doubting him being a good heir.

´´If we go back in the past, would you like to remember Theon the bloody wolf? If you are going to bring the past to light, young Stark, keep in mind that we are both very involved and that the hands of both families are stained with blood. Jon smiled thinking that he had won the boy. It was easy. It was a rather simple discussion if he had to say so. Yet he at the same time he could see Hariric without any nerve. He wasn't concerned with what they were saying which caused the man of Arryn's house to question what he was going through the boy's head.

''If you're going to compare an innocent girl being murdered in your main fortress under your care and all to a man who was waging war against a foreign culture that was bent on telling her how life should be lived then you're blinder and it makes me to further consider leaving my brother in the care of a man who clearly seems very eager to deal with my little brother. Consider me a concerned brother``. Hariric could clearly see Jon Arryn tremble now. He hadn't realized that this was his plan. Bringing out a story that would basically mean great pain for him. There was no point of comparison

Jon grunted but unfortunately had to concede to Hariric Stark. Comparing the death of a girl they were supposed to protect and care for with what was basically the war was not only incredibly stupid but idiotic. He had used the worst possible example and if he tried to say something to save face nothing would come of it because in the end he had established that the worst they had ever done was Theon Stark. The truth is, he had to admit to himself that he was incredibly idiotic of him and he could clearly see the kid enjoying the damn victory at that moment. The boy was more dangerous than he had ever believed.

´´I apologize for comparing the moment and you are right. I have let the heat of the moment cloud my judgment in the worst possible way and have therefore made a completely foolish comment. Comparing the life of a girl and war is not the same``. Jon was starting to hate the brat. Not just because of his intelligence, although it was a point. It was because he had basically forced him to admit that House Arryn had screwed up so big that there weren't many solutions to it. He was very annoyed in his opinion that the boy came so easily to such a conclusion and it made him much worse to see that the boy was clearly satisfied with those words. It wasn't good for him.

´´And as a member of House Stark I accept it. But as you can see I have a reason. I have a reason set by a precedent made by the Arryn family itself. I know the reputation of your family. Honorable. Chivalrous. But at the end of the day, if at one time they were capable of killing a girl, who is to say that they will not be capable of killing my brother?``. And point. Settled issue of why his brother would have eight guards with him in the Nest and that they would make sure that nothing and nobody could take anything with ned or deal shit (as well as continue his training, there was a reason why he had selected them since though none of them were of noble origin, clever they were in many ways)

´´I suppose your reason is justified, young Stark, although I would like to point out that a little more faith in House Arryn would have been welcome. For the last three hundred years House Arryn have done everything they can to restore the honor of an action like that and I feel that they deserve at least a little care for their actions``. Trying to appeal to what were the actions that were here was something that could be done. Of course he knew that the chances of it working were low. The boy was not fond of them and in fact if anything he had a lot of contempt for it, his house and possibly also people in other parts of the country for his past actions.

´´It is out of respect for the last three hundred years that I have granted such a thing and I have not gone nor has my father appealing that there were more possibilities like my brother to fall under the teaching of Lord Tywin Lannister who is the hand of the king or for example the own Lord Baratheon who is also a great man. And don't say it couldn't have been done you know what could have happened with us using that particular example``. Hariric smiled at Arryn's pale face. Because when mentioning said event the point would have been that the Targaryen King would remember that a part of the Arryn family had been against the decisions of the Targaryen house. Nothing good would come of it

''I see. I guess then what they say is true. The North remembers. Anyway, why those men? I didn't see any family banners so forgive me if I think it's almost as if House Stark was trying to send mere guards as guardians of their second heir. The key word is that I was looking for something to exploit in all this since if they were simple guards they could be bought somehow. Everyone has a price at least so he thought. But Hariric Stark just gave him a look that said in a few words that he wasn't worried in the least. Damn he looked rather cool about it

''The reason for the selection of these guards is simple. As sons of a great lord the sons and members of other houses hope to somehow win some kind of sympathy. They think that by trying to flatter a member of our family they will win. I do not wish to turn my brother into a spoiled brat. The north is a hard land and my father agreed that ned needs a strong hand. It was that simple. All the selected guards were not only intelligent but also sensible people who were not afraid to teach with blood and make sure that the lesson entered the clear head. Why? Because in life making the same mistake more than once is deadly

´´I see although I apologize if I feel that seems a little more than aggressive of you. I don't want to point anything out or seem like I'm meddling in the affairs of another house, but I find it hard to believe that you agree with your brother going through such tough tests. He's just a kid after all and I think he deserves a little nicer life. And here was one thing he didn't like. If what this boy said was true, these guards would be tough and even serious with him, could he exploit it somehow? No. For the simple reason that if the child was receiving them it meant that Hariric himself and also his father were hard on him in the same way.

''As lords, nobles have obligations. I am a very serious believer that we are in the highest and highest position not for the simple fact of being nice and kind guys. Rather, we are in the highest position because we are the ones who will do the work. My brother cannot learn that between soft sheets and gently. He needs to have a life where they show him that he must earn everything. Because if it's not like that then it won't really be anything or anyone``. Not to say that Ned needed to have a sharp mind. As a gentleman, he was the best that the mind was intelligent, open to learning and capable of making decisions quickly and efficiently with a vision of the future, otherwise it was bad.

And do you think that these harsh men will be able to teach and educate him in this method? Sorry if I find it hard to believe and actually I even consider it more of an exaggeration than anything young Stark. Why don't you think I would be able to give him the same education myself anyway?``. Jon hoped he could get the kid to say something that he could exploit in some way. A painful and damaging point in some way. Hariric Stark was obviously a skilled young man and capable of that there was no doubt about it but he doubted he had any idea what he was like or how he had run his own kingdom anyway so he was surprised by the following

´´I have never said that you were not competent or capable. I have heard of you, Lord Arryn. He is known as a dignified leader capable of managing people and maneuvering them to meet everyone's demands thus keeping his kingdom stable. A great way to trade if I may say so. But at the same time you run a kingdom different from ours. The North only respects the strongest unfortunately``. It was true. Jon Arryn reminded her of the politics of Albus Dumbledore. Managing people and moving them in the direction that he considered the most appropriate. A more than efficient method although at the same time useless because in the end when you die another takes your place and not all are the same

´´I see so you consider that my teaching method is not really that bad. Good to Know. However I suppose that the hardness with which you want to teach your brother comes with a reason that will be more than justified in some way and in fact you will have an example from the south that will serve for such a thing``. Jon spoke more to himself but when he caught sight of the boy's gaze he cursed realizing that not only was it like that but on top of that it was the boy who was basically thinking as if it was something entertaining at least for him of course although it was. strange

´´Lord Arryn I think the best reminder of this is neither more nor less than Aegon the fourth also called the unworthy. There have been bad kings. There have been terrible lords. There have been brutal traders capable of anything to make a profit but I think there is no one much worse than Aegon Fourth``. And it was true. In his mind, using said king was rather saying what in no way should be used for anything in the world. In Aegon's mind, the room was a living example of what happens when you don't put a prince in his place and educate him seriously because if there is something he has shown, it is to be clearly incompetent and incapable, which should not be allowed in such a way some

´´Well, I suppose there is no better example, although I have to say that it is a very hard example. I guess then I can say that your justification is quite accurate``. Jon Arryn growled internally. The boy had chosen precisely a more than justified reason. How could you tell him not to be harsh when the example was clear? Not only Aegon the Fourth but many other Targaryens and lords of the seven kingdoms were that bad. What he wanted to say is that there were more examples in the Stark house as well. What he did not expect in any way were the words that came out next courtesy of the young man in front of him since he knew the pride of the Norteños

´´And also Brandon the Hob. Aegon I have used it as a reason to say that when someone gives you everything you are unable to grow as a person. On the other hand Brandon El Hob was the greatest example of an idiot person who acted without a brain just because he didn't like one thing. Whether we like it or not, we all have memories in our blood that we want to forget. I say forgetting them is stupid because it means you don't learn from it``. The past is there to learn. The past is to serve as a means for neither more nor less than to obviously be able to better understand and comprehend your actions. At least that was the way Hariric thought.

I see. It is a most unique way of thinking. Most lords like to say that their houses are immaculate and above others but to see someone say that they are not is completely surprising and I think that further explains why you want these so-called subordinates here but it does not explain the presence of Branda Stark among those present``. Because she was the biggest threat. One that had to be dealt with by all means at least in her mind. Unfortunately she didn't understand how she could do it without somehow insulting Hariric Stark and therefore turning the situation completely against him. That was at least what he he he believed anyway

''The reason is simple Lord Arryn. While you will be able to teach my brother how to be a lord when it comes to politics and administration and the guardians of him train him in certain ways, being a Stark is something only a Stark can teach another Stark. So therefore I decided to ask for a favor and my aunt was completely in agreement with it``. It was so simple that it seemed like a joke actually. But she could see Jon Arryn dissatisfied with what he was saying. You didn't have to be a genius to figure out that he wasn't happy with that decision in the slightest, although he didn't care too much about the old man's opinion anyway.

I see. However, how do you expect a woman to be able to teach a man about family?``. Jon however lowered his gaze as he realized once again the error of his comment. There was a very common saying. The women of the north were as hard as steel, as strong as the best sword and so intelligent because they survived on the hardest land. He couldn't deny that what that saying said was true. He had to admit that almost all of the families that had allied with House Stark whether from the valley lands or elsewhere were incredibly strong because of the women of the North who were not like any woman from the South. So he knew immediately what a mistake it was to say this.

''My reasons for including my aunt are simple. My aunt is doing nothing. With her husband dead hers the title of Lord of the House of Rogers of Amberly will go to her nephew. With nothing to do, she asked to return to the North. The family accepted her with open arms and, seeing this, we decided that the most sensible thing to do was obviously to put her in charge of my younger brother's education``. She was the most intelligent and at the same time something that would give the woman a purpose. It was also a way to assuage her mother's concerns. Branda Stark was from House Stark. Nothing and no one could have an idea of ​​what it was like to deal with her in the slightest.

I see. So all of this is simply concern for a member of your family. I will say that well I guess I have no choice but to accept this. Now as for young ned's education, does he really have to go back north at the age of sixteen? I don't know if in such a short time I'll be able to give him all the education I think he might need``. Jon was unhappy. With the presence of the Stark woman meant the child would not grow up with him. With the presence of the guards, his education would be controlled. Basically House Stark though he was giving in somewhat at the same time they were using him. He didn't like him in the slightest.

''Lord Arryn I understand your concerns but I think you must understand that House Stark is in need of all its members. My brother Ned should finish his education at that time. I know it may seem like a complete exaggeration but it is more than anything a necessity of the North. That is why we ask you for such a thing. Yet we both know that he also has his hands very tied with Robert Baratheon``. Hariric smiled at the grimace on Jon Arryn's face. The man was quite unhappy with the reminder that he was also busy with another ward. No matter what the man thought, having two wards at the same time was not only strange but also a difficulty of an unprecedented level.

I see. In that case I will gladly accept that House Stark requests the recovery of its member at the age of sixteen. I would also like to make a very…interesting point. I would like to open doors for the possible negotiation of a marriage contract either between a woman from my kingdom or possibly intercede in one with a notable family``. Jon knew it was an outrageous request. However, the icy look he received was something he had never felt in his entire life. The boy didn't look happy in the least. Hell, he looked extremely furious just because of his comment about it but the same fury disappeared a moment later with control under his command once more.

´´Lord Arryn, although I understand that as a teacher and lord I could look for a possible partner for my brother, I think it is my duty to make it clear that the position is only and nothing more than for my family to choose a possible partner for my sister. However, if he finds a possible candidate, he will present her to Branda Stark so that she can decide what to do with her of all things``. It was the best thing, however, the audacity of the man to say that he wanted to marry his brother without asking his parents for permission to arrange said marriage. The man had the nerve to make such a suggestion, at least that was Hariric's opinion of all this and well, that would be an understatement of saying that his father would be enraged.

''Of course my apologies I said something wrong. I meant to find him a possible partner. What better way to cement a powerful alliance between House Stark and the valley than a marriage? But it was never my idea in the slightest to force the marriage or anything like that. Jon growled. He had made another mistake. How come he was making it? Still, at least the boy hadn't blown up like he might have. Still it was annoying to see a child who was able to see it coming somehow. He wasn't the nicest of things but at least he was satisfied to be able to say that he had permission to start a possible wife.

´´Your apologies are accepted Lord Arryn but I will have to let my parents know of your intention. No marriage can be arranged, let alone one that is as valuable and remarkable as this one, between two people, and even more so if one of them is my brother, without my parents' permission. It would be bad since my mother would think that someone was taking her child without her permission in a marriage that she might not accept. It was well known that her mother was the one who would seek future marriages and her father hadn't said a word. In her opinion her mother was obviously more intelligent in that sense and well she had a gift for smelling shit as she liked to say

´´Of course now young Stark I have to conclude this meeting with all this agreed. I hope that the union and the solution of the conflicts between the valley and the north have been completed with our agreements as I am looking forward to the future in a brighter way``. Jon smiled even though inside he wasn't happy. His plan wouldn't go as he had thought. Could he find a way to manipulate the Starks? Yeah. He could do it. After all they were northerners. But Hariric Stark gave him a very different impression. He didn't look like your typical Stark kid in the slightest. He had great control of himself, he thought before acting. At least he didn't see any trace of a politician

Yeah. Although it pains me to part with my brother myself if I have to be frank I am able to recognize my brother's potential to be taught by you Lord Arryn. However as I said my brother will not be pampered because that will not do him any favors. Such is the Northern way. The best steel is the one that is forged in the pits of hell it has always been like that``. Hariric accepted that the meeting was completely over but he was happy because he had gotten everything he wanted out of this meeting in a few words. He was satisfied with how things went as well because if he was to be blunt he had thought for a moment that he would have to take him before the king which would have put him in the public eye.

Jon Arryn watched the boy go and growled. His plans were in jeopardy. Honestly some would question his plans but it was all for the benefit of the kingdom. The Targaryens had proven to be an unworthy family at best this was not because of the point that they were Valyrians but because of all the trouble they brought. They had to be removed. If he wanted to succeed, he had to create a powerful alliance. With the Starks, his own house and the Baratheons there would be a lot of strength on his side at least that was his thought. But this kid was a credible threat if he had to be honest and he didn't know exactly how to treat him but one thing was clear: he couldn't leave him alone.

-Present time-

Hariric smiled remembering Jon Arryn's look. The man's plan had been so simple and straightforward that some would call it a joke. Step one make ned his ward by clearly using the current king's ambitions to further foster the north-south alliance. It's clearly well thought out and could have succeeded since his father Rickard could have been consumed with grief from his mother's death. Ned might have felt slighted by his family by becoming emotionally attached to Jon Arryn. A good plan. It only had one defect and that is that it would be bad for the North. Ned would have grown up with beliefs of honor above all else and little more than a brainless military man.

The next step in Jon Arryn's plan was that he expected ned to go his way like a good sheep. A good subordinate who would carry out his orders without further ado. Ned would have grown up as little more than a tool. Being despised by his father and forgotten by his family, he would have entered into a brotherly relationship with Robert Baratheon and a father-son relationship with Jon Arryn. So Jon Arryn could have manipulated him and used him however he wanted for the simple fact that the child was easy to use. All once again caused by a ladder of movements created neither more nor less than by the actions of the death of his mother and well the broken heart of his father without Ned realizing all the cunning manipulation of the situation

With Ned like this, he would have given way to point number three of the plan. The marriages. Plural. To ensure the work of this plan of a powerful alliance, Jon would have pulled the strings to marry Ned to a girl who is easy to manipulate, deceive and with firm convictions, considering many below her. That is to say, a girl of firm Andalusian conditions. And then he would have created a marriage for his sister to Robert Baratheon. Both marriages were aimed at tying the north to the south completely as it was well known that he would have cared immensely for his siblings above all else. He wouldn't have budged in the slightest when it came to putting his brothers in a bad light.

But saying that every plan fails in contact with the enemy and it was very true with his unique presence since his presence completely altered Jon Arryn's plan. It hadn't been hard for her to discover that Jon Arryn had actually had a team of his own to take out his mother. His mother was the heart of his father and as the saying goes, she attacks the heart and you destroy everything. Arryn's plan was to destroy Rickard to basically make it easy for the family to collapse at least that was the plan at one point. He found out that the Boltons were behind it and let them operate. His failure had made him unhappy. But Hariric had eliminated the team, blaming them for trying to kill his mother during childbirth.

The next point that hit him was the guard he sent and his aunt. The guards were basically all people who knew or understood the law of basic survival. The hoax. Treachery. The manipulation. They lived by the saying that if something was good, look at it very carefully. They taught Ned this lesson and they taught it quite well making sure to teach ned that he was basically to go easy on nice words and people who seemed to have an interest in him. That he could only trust those he knew couldn't exploit him in any way so basically Ned's trust in Jon Arryn went down the drain with ease.

Added to that the guard he sent along with ned was crushing all notion of chivalry and honor. Although honor was important, as it was important to keep one's word above all, since the word of a nobleman was the most valuable thing he had, they made it clear to him that he had to take into account any measure to protect what mattered most: the family of he. When he was a lord his priority was to protect his family since they would be the target of any enemy if he really wanted to have a chance to see his family live he had to make it clear to everyone that he was not someone to be trifled with in any way. . A bit brutal but he got the job done since Ned learned that. He was a wolf above all

The next point was that he was taught about true stewardship. Since he would not be a great lord he did not have to juggle with the people around him or with vassals. His job was to make his future feud flourish, no more, no less. Of course Jon tried to teach him about motives and deeds that were good but at the same time deficient and even more so in a kingdom like the North. After the guard found out about it they sent him a report and hariric responded by sending Ned important and valuable books on various topics: management, psychology, economics and politics. Needless to say, Ned was more cunning than anyone realized.

The last addition of the watch was to train Ned in the art of combat. Hariric had no problem with Westeros style fighting but Hariric's style was based on a more open style. He had long ago designed a style that was basically built to destroy the opponent. A huge force behind a skill beyond remarkable. For this ned had to be physically trained on the ground, taught to think and above all condition his perception of space to be able to fight efficiently against anyone as well as an analysis. The good thing about this is that Ned was cunning and knew that demonstrating his ability was stupid.

Then Branda finished. As a teaching, he was taught that the Stark family was a family of firm ideals in their plans and intentions. To begin with, the family is the first and most valuable thing. Family above all else always has to be appreciated and respected above all else. Of course ned was always on it. With treatment like the one he had received from his parents and his older brother, Ned Stark was infinitely loyal to the family above all else, knowing that the family survives only when it is united and that apart they are an easy target above all those who wanted to. hurt them

The next thing that was clearly taught to Ned was that the Starks, although a peaceful family, were a concise family. They did not believe in the southern custom of taking hostages. If they had an enemy they would annihilate him. They didn't leave a piece with nothing and frankly hariric was surprised that one of the things Jon had above all else tried to get into ned's head was that the concept of hostages was useful. Fortunately, Ned, with the help of his aunt, was able to see the flaw in said plan, since although a hostage could be useful, it did not have to mean that it would be efficient, since they would basically have an internal agent within their ranks willing to betray them at any time. Better end up with a family just in case

Another point that was obviously affected by who Branda herself was is what was expected of a southern woman. Intelligent families sought to educate their daughters to seduce their husbands and turn their heirs into game pieces that would be loyal to the mother's family. Of course this had never been a problem in the North but that would change once the wealth of the North became known so obviously he was informed that first and foremost he had to be very careful and if he married they would have to send a message that the house of the south would have no power in the family either way

Branda also had to hit a lot of the way Robert Baratheon was trying to drag Ned into a life of decadence. Although Branda had nothing against a man having relationships, the clear thing is that his life was much more than debauchery. They were Stark. They were on top for a reason. And they had to stick to it above all else so of course Ned knew several things: drinking a lot is bad, sleeping with anyone is bad and those who think that way are idiots. So let's put it this way even though ned seemed to be on friendly terms with robert he didn't see him in good judgment for the mere point that he was an idiot from a northern point of view

Putting that thought aside, Hariric looked at a report on his table that had a smirk on it. He had always believed that the difference in a war is quality, not quantity. Between the quality of the troops and the quality of the material used as well as the most advanced weaponry used, Hariric believed that the victory of one side was above the others, so it was in this way that he basically set to work on how to create a permanent army which was not easy to convince until he reached a more than acceptable conclusion with his father and his vassal lords who all agreed completely since it was a good idea

Having basically used what was the reason and excuse for the attacks against them, Hariric convinced the creation of the military forces of the North: The Winter Legions. Hariric smiled thinking about it since it had been a considerable effort on his part. Fortunately there were good pros. Thanks to the high quantity food production that they were having, it was basically easy to have food. That would mean that the population level of the north was growing. This was also good because with increased population growth he was able to divide the population into different groups that would be efficient at least in Hariric's mind for the work of the North anyway. That was his personal opinion and well, so far he hadn't changed in any way.

To build the population and army, he had commented that they could perfectly go to three fields. Camp number one was the orphanages of each city in Westeros and the free cities. Children are a key piece of what is, in a few words, the future of each field because it was easier to put what was necessary in them: physical and mental training. That was how the process began. Of course convincing young people that they could become officers and soldiers as well as doctors requires a bit of motivation. Not counting the small salary for it was the advantage that Hariric created in the process of giving them more possible futures.

The truth be told is that it was possibly one of the toughest negotiations of his entire life actually. It was not easy at all to argue with the point that many lords would feel that it was an offense of some kind to put little or bastards in command of the army. Hariric could perfectly remember the day he brought up this discussion. Needless to say, he still had memories of how incredibly stubborn all the members present were about what it would mean to them. Not that Hariric cared too much what they thought, it was just a reminder that he really had to prove to everyone why he was the future lord (although his parents were happy).

-Retrospective scene-

''You can't be serious kid. Such an opinion is less than sensible. Putting children of non-noble blood as army officers seems to me a complete waste of time and also a waste of what is clearly the positions. If they are our soldiers, we should send them ourselves. The lord to speak was Lord Umber. His son John was there. However, John at the age of fourteen did not seem bothered in the least. Heck he looked at his father as if he thought he was an idiot somehow which wasn't surprising. Jhon had spent a lot of time with Hariric, easily coming to the conclusion that his friend was one of those rare people you didn't want to fuck with in any way, let alone contradict him for just taking her away.

''Lord Umber I think that before saying anything you should think carefully about what you are saying to me. I don't take it well when someone tells me or talks to me as if they somehow think I'm just a little kid who obeys others``. Hariric Stark at the age of fourteen was dressed in plain, plain clothes enjoying some of his Whiskey. The meeting had been called by his father to clarify the creation of the Northern professional army of the Winter legions. It goes without saying that everything could work out well if it weren't for the fact that all the lords wanted to work as usual with each lord sending their troops.

I don't give a shit what a little kid who isn't old enough to have been between a woman's legs is going to say to me. What you are telling us is that we should basically put our men under the care of a single house and at the same time expect them to obey orders without further ado``. Lord Umber sneered at the boy. He wasn't going to deny that he had contributed a lot to the north but the way he acted reminded her too much of a southern cunt. In his mind the brat was not worthy of commanding the north. His mind was one track thinking that he was right in what he was doing. But the boy did not flinch for him.

''Lord Umber hasn't even let me explain the idea behind my plans and is simply telling me that he doesn't agree for some reason. Frankly, the only thing I'm seeing is a worthless piece of meat whose greatest merit was being born to an important family in the North and only complaining for complaining, no more, no less. Hariric honestly had no sympathy for the man. Jhon at least had a sensible amount of intelligence and brains on his side and at the same time was a person you could hang out with because even with a loud voice he wasn't a jerk in the least.

''You dare brat? I don't care if your father is the fucking king of the north or whatever, dare to speak to me one more time in the tone you've been using and I'll beat you so close to death that your Stark ancestors will disown you. Lord Umber would have said more if Hariric hadn't risen faster than anyone spoke and smashed his face squarely into the hard wood of the table without hesitating. He could clearly hear the sound of his nose breaking. But Harirc hadn't stopped there in the slightest as he had struck him three more times before he was satisfied. Everyone looked at the scene with a single impression

I don't give a fucking shit what you think but when I speak YOU LISTEN! I may not be Lord Stark. I may not be the lord of the north. I am only Lord Stark's son but if there is something that I think everyone should understand, it is that my father would not just call this meeting like that, so think twice``. Hariric snarled in anger at the sheer audacity of the idiot that was Lord Umber. When the man got his best though he saw there was something in his gaze. Possibly there was respect or possibly even a hint of what would be fear. He didn't care. His only interest was his son since he knew that Jhon would not betray him without further ado.

All the members of the room shuddered. Among the members were Lord Manderly, Lord Forrester, Lord Mormont, Lord Reed, Lord Umber, the Lords of the two houses of Flint, Lord Dustin, Lord Tallhart, and Lord Cerwyn. Now the Winter alliance was bigger and more numerous but even more important it was being more productive than ever before if he was allowed to say so which was saying something of course though Hariric could honestly say that even though he had good men here most of the lords they still lacked a skill quality that made them true lords in his mind as they still lacked some very valuable skills as lords

''Now my father has given me permission to address each of you. Every one at this table is a grown man or woman with more than capable listening skills. If you're okay with just yelling get up from this table and turn your back on the family that is doing everything they can to give you more power, to give you more advantages and to make your life easier. But if you get up, it's over. House Stark will never back you again because once I become Lord Stark I won't have any good thoughts of those present. Hariric spoke seriously and noticed that all the lords stood firm. The Flints had recently come together as Hariric had offered them the means to grow Grapes in the case of Cape Kraken Flint or that he was using the grounds of the widow's watchtower Flint house to place what would be special greenhouses for the production of tea, coffee, cannabis (but greatly altered by Hariric himself) and cocoa. And that was making them a lot of money

Every lord in the room cringed. They had never thought that there would be such a will in the young Stark. Although some of them wanted to mention some things, the point is that none of them could deny Hariric's words. He wasn't lying. They had not let him speak only accusing and annoying him. Naturally the boy had every right to feel upset about the way he was treated and more so when everyone was seeing a blossoming in what was the point of being richer than before.

´´Well now that we have determined that you are going to listen to me and you are not going to yell at me in any way I hope we can get to work on what really matters. Lord Umber raised the point that I am an idiot for thinking that you should tolerate such a thing. I want to listen in a civilized way to what you think because we are not savages of shit``. Hariric looked at everyone present with a clear message that he was willing to listen but as long as things were put in a good way and that it wasn't idiots who were dealing with things here. Needless to say, each lord was looking at him very carefully at this point with some fear.

´´I think Lord Stark's biggest fear is that according to what he is saying he wants to create a professional army. Let's start with it if I may say so. At the same time the creation of a professional army is not only not cheap but at the same time it is a complicated job not to mention the search for leaders but let's start with the mention of money``. Wyman Manderly knew how to recognize in Hariric that he was waiting for his lords to behave in a more or less civilized manner, which should actually be possible. But at the same time he could see that the boy might lose patience if they asked him stupid questions so he decided to speak up. The other gentlemen only nodded to his words.

''Okay, let's start with it. As I think we all know we are seeing a lot of new products. The new foods produced by each of you are going to be sold. We are selling a multitude of our food not only to Essos but in the future we will start selling it to the entire south, which if I may say so will give us great income so I think that will answer the money thing in a few words`` . Hariric could see the grimaces of some of those present but none could deny that it was no less true. After all it was true what he was saying since he could see himself in the new wealth of House Stark.

´´Please, young Stark, I think we all deserve to at least receive more or less a report of what you are planning to do. We are grown men and women after all and are more than capable of doing the math ourselves if I may say so. Manderly as the most merchant of lords had an idea more or less but could see the tricks of his fellow lords. Idiots. If they continued down this same path they would anger House Stark in the worst of ways and frankly he liked the idea of ​​seeing the North flourish because he would get rich in the process so it would be a more than noticeable advantage at least for him anyway. or so i thought

''Well I think that's fair. As I think you all know, I buy a considerable quantity of the cultivation elements from each of the houses: potatoes, sugar cane, grapes, cocoa, cannabis, herbs, wheat and more. In exchange I pay that a fifth of the money earned with the final product goes to the houses from which I buy for the product obtained``. It was one fifth because he was using his land and workers while it was four fifths because he got the product, he got the greenhouses to work in any case, he got the work equipment and he sold it no more no less. Each lord could see that he was right

´´And we have all seen a considerable increase. I think that only the Vodka is giving great results but the Winter Wine, the Fire Whiskey, the Brugal Rum, the sake and the spices obtained are generating a considerable amount of gold but hey, why can't House Stark be the one that paid for this army?``. Wyman knew that was an exaggeration. It was House Stark that was producing it all. If they asked young Stark to continue at this rate, the lords would only be a memory of the past with young Stark taking complete control of everything, something he did not want, thanks, so he wanted above all to find a way to get all of them out. beneficially

´´If what you are saying is that House Stark is obviously the one with this then it would mean that only House Stark would have authority in the Winter legions. Because if I have to support the soldiers and at the same time pay for their food and much more then forgive me but what the hell do you think you are doing demanding shit from MY soldiers?``. Hariric looked at each and every one of the lords. Rickard Stark was watching everything from his seat while each lord was looking at him clearly waiting for an answer of some kind and even hoping that he would say something to his son in some way so that they would look at us in a bad light. Hariric looked at his father who only looked calm

I don't know why you're looking at me. Hariric's words are no less true. If it is House Stark that is going to take care of the expenses of the armed forces of the north, then only House Stark will have a voice and vote in the armed forces, no more, no less, so do me a favor and continue there. I am not at all happy about the idea of ​​my son saying that he wants to have to negotiate with my lords when MY word should be enough``. Rickard manifested a bit of his pure Stark presence. It was something he had learned since apparently the skinchangers could make his presence felt in a terrifying way, even managing to include the presence of the animals they had dominated. Rickard Stark felt like a ferocious wolf about to crush them all.

''It was never the intention of any of the members of this room to make you feel that way Lord Stark but well I think we all had our point of expressing an opinion. However, it is good to know that Lord Stark is willing to do such a thing. Now I think we should get to the point of how exactly he intended to at least keep said soldiers well paid because I don't explain. Wyman shuddered. Lord Stark was more imposing than he ever was. The seven foot tall and muscular body of him said something. And his son looked like he was. He could see it. The Stark dynasty was more powerful than ever if he had to be blunt. He didn't want them as enemies in the least.

good. My intention is to spend a fifth of the money raised from the gold profit on what was all trade created by the North. When we do this keep in mind that at the moment we are only selling to Essos and we have yet to do a good deal with Braavos as I intend to sell through them to the rest of Essos if I have to be blunt as I prefer not expose our men``. When Hariric explained this, he earned a look of interest from each lord. Clearly some of them were considerably underestimating how the entire trade resource would be sold or at least that's what he thought.

´´I can´t believe that you think you´ll be able to sell all these materials in such a good way, boy. Although I am not going to deny that the Vodka that is produced as well as the other drinks are good, let me say that I find it hard to believe that you could reach an agreement with the iron bank to sell all these products in an efficient way``. Jeor Mormont spoke for the first time in the entire meeting. The old bear looked at the boy carefully. He knew how to recognize a dangerous person when he was in front of him and the boy was dangerous. He had a good brain behind him and he also had the mind of a smart boy but he didn't have to like him one bit if he had to be blunt.

''And that's where you're wrong. First, the wine, although it is good, is expensive. Selling it to each inn costs money. Money that is better to invest in something cheaper such as vodka, so only from vodka will we get a considerable amount of money. And the thing is that what diversity means is always a good thing so you can see a considerable increase in product sales just in drinks``. And it was true. The wine was good but at the end of the day the point is that people get tired and at the same time the different spirits always gain people's attention especially when selling to high house. I could see a considerable increase in the sale of the product

´´In case the sale of items such as spices will raise a considerable increase. House Stark will see an increase in profits just for that point since naturally spices are something coveted by everyone, can you seriously say that you will not see an increase in the company of said element?``. Harirc could see each northern lord look at him before nodding in agreement. None could deny Harirc's words. They were not lies because in the end what mattered is that the sale of all these things would be done in large quantities. Lots of people would want to get their hands on them which meant a considerable amount of business. And when they started selling to the south, the southerners would be clearly interested in them.

´´And the next point is cocoa and cannabis. Believe me when I say that they are more than efficient and easy to sell if we are able to exploit it. Cannabis is for example a medicinal plant that if we are able to sell in large quantities we will see a serious flourishing in the North as it will be the mother of a new series of medicines that the North will actually have complete authority``. It was true. The medical effects of cannabis were many. Certainly he had had to use magic to make the plant capable of growing in this climate but well it was well worth it not to say that it could be used in a more illegal way although he doubted that he was doing it only with its medical use it was enough

´´Okay, young Stark, it has become clear to me that you have plans that will imply that the North will be strengthened. What I'm curious about is why you think we'll need a permanent army of all things``. Jeor was upset the boy had made it clear that he had a reason for doing what he was doing and damn it was a compelling reason if he had to be blunt. He couldn't see a way to tell the boy that he wasn't when he realized that it was completely true. It was very annoying to see such an intelligent child if he had to be frank and even more so one who clearly knew how to use his head above all else.

''Because at the end of the day the South will think they have a reason or a fucking excuse for meddling in our business. First they will try to sabotage our merchant marine. If we want to avoid that, we need a powerful navy, hence the creation of new ships, both merchant and war, when the South tries to attack them, they will be torn to pieces with the North claiming once again dominance of the sea like the times of the great King Brandon the Shipowner``. Hariric could see a confirmation from those present. Everyone agreed that said reason was more than justified on that point. The marine army would be necessary to obviously be ready when the time came or at least that's what they believed anyway.

´´The next point is that we will need a trained navy. Not just traders don't be fooled by the people of Braavos as they are traders at heart. We will need sea soldiers to lead the newest ships against the enemy battle. That is why we will need trained people. Tell me some of you how many of you have members who would be willing to study and learn about marine warfare, trade and care of a ship?``. Hariric could see everyone in the room still and silent. They weren't happy that a kid was reading them the riot act but hey if they deserved it it wasn't his fault in the slightest. These people must have understood that their reasons were for a good thing after all.

''Well that has explained the marine force. But one day the south will say fuck the north and attack us with their armies have you ever been to the south? Have you dealt with southerners? I'm not going to say they are smart but they have competent fighters. People who have superior numbers. The domain alone has a hundred thousand men. The Lannisters sixty thousand. The storm lands another sixty thousand. And so it goes. In the end they will overwhelm us with the fucking amount. If we want to win we need efficient soldiers and officers in the army``. That was clearly a natural concern in Hariric's mind. For his troops to have any chance they needed to be as well prepared as possible and these people would learn it.

´´That still doesn´t exactly explain why you think the members of our houses will not be competent at the job``. Lord Tallhart did not speak coldly or reproachfully. He was only making a point, no more, no less. Lord Umber could be seen about to start his idiotic comment again when Hariric looked in his direction in a cold manner and the big man flinched in fear before sitting down in his seat once more calmly as if nothing clearly wanting to avoid being part of it. the target of his gaze. A sensible man if he had to be said actually though not quite an evolution in his mind in Hariric's mind but better than he expected from such an idiot man.

I understand. But I have never said such a thing. The Northern army will need officers and non-commissioned officers. The best of the best. Soldiers who know how to see the terrain and manipulate it at will. Men and women capable of guiding the enemy down the path they want. A true leader is one who is intelligent and is able to lead his soldiers in the right direction. I want everyone to look me in the eye and tell me that their family members are capable of such a thing. Hariric looked at each of those present and noted that none dared to respond. None of his children were educated in the art of war, something he intended to radically change at this time. He could see every lord present agreeing to it.

Each lord agreed that what Hariric said was true. If the army is led by useless worthless idiots it would not end well. With this, however, he did not mean that they were happy in the least. As gentlemen they liked to think that they were above the little ones. But no Northern lord would go against the boy who was basically making fools of them so they kept quiet and decided to wait until their idea was clearly seen. Unknowingly at the time fully handing over the keys to control the North to Hariric and the Stark family with canceling the chances of being able to rise again none

-Present time-

And so the recruitment had begun. With all the young slaves bought in Astapor, Yunkai and mereen it came to the sum of thirty thousand along with orphans and much more. The training proved to be brutal of course. What surprised people the most is that none of the military service had a name, they were only called recruits. Hariric used the ruined tower domain to begin the construction of Isengard where exactly what was the academy for officers and non-commissioned officers was placed. From among the soldiers in the whole heap, the ones with the best skills in all fields were chosen. It was easily seen in the first year and that is how the officers and non-commissioned officers of the northern army were born

Hariric smiled thinking of the seven legions. The North now had a total of seventy thousand offensive forces not counting the defensive forces that were the Rangers. Thanks to the work that was in a nutshell the security force of the North in terms of their defenses was fine. And that was just how they were. Hariric had spent the last seven years buying more child slaves from the three cities. What none of the slavers knew is that their gold was not affected, it only transmuted, so House Stark didn't really see any defect and since they weren't buying immaculates, the price was more humane, if one could say so. This also brought its good news

Hariric smiled. The last few years had been unbelievably good.