CHAPTER 175
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CHAPTER 175
293 AC
POV THIRD PERSON
With a profound appreciation for the significance of public health, Aermir made it a top priority to implement public sanitation systems throughout Moat Cailin and the neighboring villages. He understood that by improving hygiene, the spread of diseases could be significantly reduced, leading to an overall enhancement in the well-being of his people.
Aermir convened his council of advisers and hired skilled engineers to develop a comprehensive sanitation plan. This initiative involved the construction of sewage channels and waste disposal facilities, ensuring that both the castle and the settlements had their waste redirected away from inhabited areas and bodies of water. The human and animal waste was carefully rerouted to a designated area, where it could be effectively treated and repurposed as fertilizer for the region's agricultural needs.
Aermir continued to be directly involved in the construction, employing his earth magic to strengthen the foundations of the sewage system and expedite the excavation process. As the project advanced, the people of Moat Cailin grew even more appreciative of their Lord's hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to their well-being. Unaware of the magical influence behind the intricate network of tunnels and waterways, they marveled at the astonishing speed with which the work progressed. To them, it was a testament to their Lord's dedication and leadership.
...
Aermir's dedication to promoting cleanliness among his people didn't stop with his public gatherings. He took a hands-on approach to demonstrate the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Within the castle's walls, Aermir ensured that every chamber and common area was kept immaculate. His servants and staff followed his example diligently, making cleanliness a top priority. As residents of Moat Cailin witnessed their Lord's unwavering commitment to cleanliness, they felt inspired to do the same.
The transformation wasn't limited to the castle alone. Aermir's message resonated throughout the surrounding villages, where residents began adopting cleaner practices in their homes and communities. The once-polluted streets started to look tidier, and people took greater care of their personal hygiene. There were no more animal innards and shit at the side of roads.
Aermir's leadership extended beyond cleanliness. Drawing upon his expertise as a herbalist, he established herbal medicine workshops within Moat Cailin. Experienced healers from neighboring settlements were invited to these workshops, creating a hub for the exchange of medicinal knowledge and discoveries. The workshops became hubs for healing and wisdom, fostering a sense of fellowship among healers from different regions.
As the people of Moat Cailin continued to embrace these changes, their health improved, and the threat of diseases decreased significantly. Aermir's holistic approach to public health and hygiene had a profound impact on the well-being of his people, solidifying his position as a caring and forward-thinking leader.
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Aermir's commitment to enhancing the realm of healing went even further. He was particularly intrigued by the prospect of merging traditional herbal remedies with magical healing techniques. With this vision in mind, he personally oversaw a select group of talented and smart healers. After taking them under oath, he provided them with specialized training and guidance.
With the leadership of Aermir, these healers delved deep into the art of combining herbal medicine with magic, experimenting with innovative treatment methods. Their efforts yielded remarkable results in the case of better herbal medicines but very little in the case of magical medicines.
Under Aermir's direct control, these healers became pioneers in their field, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of medicine. Their diagnostic and treatment skills improved significantly, and they developed a deep understanding of medicine, and they started teaching other healers.
The people of Moat Cailin and the surrounding regions benefited greatly from these advancements in healing. They had access to a more comprehensive and effective healthcare system, one that integrated the best of both natural and a little bit of magic. Only successful magical medicine was basically a potent poison; it was a purification potion that killed any living cell it came in contact with, but before consumption, they needed to wait for at least three days for the potions to become safe to consume. So, this was only useful for big cisterns.
...
5 MONTHS AGO
In the grand hall of Moat Cailin, Aermir occupied the seat at the head of a massive, intricately carved wooden table. He was encircled by his council of trusted advisers, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. The flickering flames danced on the stone walls, casting wavering shadows.
The topic of discussion centered around Aermir's ambitious vision: the establishment of three schools within his domain. These institutions aimed not only to foster knowledge but also to instill unwavering loyalty among the people who attend them.
Among those seated around the table were individuals who had once hailed from Winterfell and various other regions. They were nobles who had found themselves without a clear path in their own houses—spares, distant cousins, and even a few bastards seeking purpose and opportunity. Aermir recognized the potential in these individuals and had offered them a chance to serve a cause greater than themselves.
One figure stood out among his advisers, a bright mind and the steward of Moat Cailin, Artos Snow. Born a bastard of House Hornwood, Artos had risen to prominence with his intelligence and dedication. His keen insight and strategic thinking made him an invaluable asset to Aermir's council. Artos, with a demeanor of confidence, addressed his Lord,
"My Lord, the construction of the schools is progressing splendidly. The noble school is shaping up to be a truly impressive institution, well-equipped to educate the sons and daughters of our noble houses."
Aermir's countenance brightened with satisfaction. "Excellent. It is of utmost importance that we prepare the next generation of nobles to be not only educated but also deeply committed to the values and beliefs of the Old Gods."
Eddard Snow, the other member of Aermir's council and a fellow bastard, spoke up regarding the school for the smallfolk. Eddard hailed from more humble origins than Artos; he had grown up without knowledge of his father, a mysterious figure from House Bolton who had abandoned Eddard's mother during her pregnancy. The absence of financial support from his father had led to his mother's untimely death due to a preventable illness. This unfortunate history had left Eddard with a deep-seated resentment toward House Bolton.
With a hint of bitterness in his voice, Eddard inquired, "And what of the school for the smallfolk, my Lord?" His gaze was unwavering, his experiences shaping his perspective and determination to make a difference for those like him.
Aermir leaned forward, his voice carrying a sense of earnest determination as he responded, "Their education is indeed of importance. Equipping them with basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills will empower them to make a better life for themselves and their families. However, we must also be cautious about the knowledge we impart to them."
Aermir was acutely aware of the delicate balance between education and the risk of sparking revolutionary ideas among the common folk. He believed that controlling the flow of knowledge was essential to maintaining order and control. He wasn't here to bring democracy; he didn't care about it.
Jory Flint, one of Aermir's trusted military advisors, raised a pertinent question, his brow furrowing in curiosity. "My Lord, I must inquire about the curriculum for both the civil and military service school. And how do you intend to select candidates for the military school?"
Aermir's response was measured and direct. "Only those who have undergone the oath ritual, pledging their loyalty to me and the Old Gods, will be eligible for admission. We must prioritize quality over quantity in this endeavor, ensuring that our chosen candidates share our commitment to the ideals and principles we hold dear. I cannot have sedition in my ranks."
"What subjects will be taught in this school, my Lord?"
Torren Reed, seated at the council table, leaned forward with genuine curiosity in his eyes. His question cut through the air, directed at Aermir. He had made a deliberate and principled choice to reject any maester from the Citadel who might serve as a potential spy. Torren had once walked the path of a maester but was ultimately expelled from the Citadel due to his refusal to conform to their doctrines and religious beliefs. His unyielding nature had led to his disgrace, yet Aermir saw the value in Torren's knowledge as a proficient healer and scholar, making him an invaluable addition to his council.
Torren's time at the Citadel had been brief, marked by his determination to retain his independence of thought and action. He had managed to forge only a few chains before his actions led to his disgrace and expulsion from the institution. The Citadel, however, continued to apply pressure on Ned and other northern lords, hoping to force Aermir's hand in accepting a maester according to their terms.
Aermir had worked so hard to find a disgraced maester without psychopathic tendencies that had raised concerns. He was resolute in his stance: if they wished for him to have a maester, they would have to acquiesce to his terms and reinstate Torren, the man he had chosen to trust with the council's knowledge and welfare.
Aermir leaned forward, turning his piercing eyes onto Torren and said,
"It will focus on producing skilled officers and administrators to serve the realm and myself," he explained. "They will receive training in leadership, strategy, and diplomacy. In addition to their duties, they will also be well-versed in reading, writing, and basic math to be effective in their roles. Of course, they will have fierce martial training as well."
Artos, his features illuminated by the torchlight, asked the practical question that weighed on everyone's minds. "My Lord," he inquired, "what about the educational materials for these schools?"
Aermir's gaze shifted to meet Artos's, his expression unwavering. "The reading materials," he began, "will primarily consist of indoctrination and propaganda, praising the values of loyalty, courage, and devotion to me and the Old Gods. The young generations must grow up admiring their Lord and their faith." His tone was resolute, leaving no room for doubt about what he wanted.
He then turned his attention to Torren Reed,
"For that task, I leave it to you and Torren to take care of. When I have time, I will assist as well."
In unison, both Artos and Torren responded with unwavering loyalty, their voices echoing through the grand hall, "Yes, my Lord."
Amidst the ongoing discussions, the grand hall of Moat Cailin seemed to come alive with the flickering torchlight. Shadows danced along the ancient wooden beams overhead, casting an aura of gravitas over the assembled advisors. Aermir's vision for the future of his domain was gradually taking shape, his unwavering commitment to knowledge, loyalty, and the preservation of the Old Gods' beliefs at the forefront of their deliberations.
The construction of these schools symbolized Aermir's unwavering dedication to knowledge, loyalty, and the preservation of the ancient beliefs held dear by the Old Gods. With meticulous planning and careful guidance, he aimed to mold the impressionable minds and hearts of the realm's youth.
In doing so, he envisioned a future for Moat Cailin that would not only be prosperous but also deeply rooted in devotion and steadfastness. These institutions, under his watchful eye, were to become the crucibles in which the values he treasured would be forged. As the foundations of the schools took shape, so did the foundations of a brighter, more faithful future for Moat Cailin.