7 CH-7: Stamping/Woodblock printing

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Delivering justice was a huge part of the lord's duties and Jorah was getting tired of it. Debate about finance was good and there should be more of that. He should not be busy settling sheep theft cases. Then he smacked his head and remembered the task he gave to their Maester before leaving for war.

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"Lumbert, go and call Maester Allen for me?"

Sighing and pressing his head, Jorah cleared away the last person who came to his Lord seeking justice.

The crime, his neighbour stole his two sheep and fed them to his wife who just gave birth. Jorah had to deal with similar cases throughout all week while he had been learning skinchanging at night.

"Lord Mormont?"

"Maester Allen, please tell me how far the book of laws has reached?"

"My grace, we have already finished the book. Even the stamping is done."

"Then, why am I finding myself listening to people about stolen sheep and disloyal wives?"

"M'Lord. Most of the laws we have come from the Targaryen era, from Targaryen kings and queens. Besides, while we were stamping the book, the rebellion happened and so far, the kingdom has been in chaos."

"Very well. I guess I cannot blame you for that. Are there any law changes or new laws passed by the small council?"

"I hear no such news, grace."

"Then, it's time to put it out. Rebellion is over, a new king has been crowned and a new Master of Laws has also taken his seat. Send a raven to King's Landing informing them about our book.

Tell them a rider will bring the book to the council, and they should dictate the same if they wish for any changes."

"Very well, grace."

"Now, since the book of laws is finished, does the stamping workshop have any other book in making?"

"I am afraid not, my grace. The stamping idea, in itself, is very revolutionary and might change the way books are written in Westeros. However, we lack manpower and grace, you have not decided which books to be stamped."

"Very well, I shall put the people you need for the workshop. As for the books, stamp all the books you taught us when we were kids.

The history, geography, and the book of numbers. Don't make them too bloated. Refine them and only keep the relevant parts. Also, a book about stories and legends."

"Understood, grace. The copies?"

"Keep them to 200. Nothing more. We shall stamp books every year to increase the number and maintain them."

"Very well, grace. Also, I do suggest sending a raven to Citadel for more specialised books. A rider might go and fetch them if they approve the request."

"Do you think, Maester Allen, the Citadel will share its books with us? And for what?"

"I believe the idea of stamping, creating books with these wooden blocks might be tempting enough for them. After all, they have the largest library in Westeros and must maintain their own collection."

"Maester Allen…. suppose you say…If we are to write a letter to Citadel, inviting a few Maesters for a visit here, mentioning the stamping workshop we have, do you think they will be interested?"

"Very likely M'Lord. However, if you are with the idea of keeping them in Bear Islands, that might not be fruitful. Every Maester has his own specialisation, grace. Their own chains links."

"Hmmm…..Understood. Then, I will send a rider for this. Just remember to send a raven to King's Landing about the Book of Laws and let me know when it's done."

"Understood, your grace!"

As Maester Allen left the castle-court chamber, Jorah summoned three riders and gave them three letters along with instructions to collect a book of the law, and some gold and silver coins and leave for their destinations. One for Citadel, one for Winterfell and one for King's Landing.

Hearing that Jorah was sending riders to these places, Lady Maege and Lady Annara also came together in the main hall.

"Jorah, is this really necessary?"

"What do you think aunt? Should I spend half a day listening to the cries and sorrows of our people about petty thefts and wives sleeping with other men?"

"But, we have made the laws so lenient. Do you think Lord Stark or King will approve them?"

"I don't know. Which is why the book has been sent there. I do have the right to deliver justice, as I see fit, in my own lands of course, I do so in the name of the King. But, I am not going to cut somebody's fingers or hands because he stole a sheep.

That's just plain stupid. Besides, can anyone promise me, with their neck on the line, that if you cut the hand or fingers, the person won't die from an infection or fever?"

Lady Maege certainly had no answer.

"I have read that book. If I may, I believe it is slightly tilted towards the woman's side. The Queen and Ladies of the Court might support it but the King might not like the idea of paying settlement fees to a woman who chooses to have his bastard.

Besides, marriage annulment… that is going to put the faith of seven in question."

"This is north. We are savages, worshipping trees, land, and water. I don't care how they debate about it as long as they don't create a mess over it."

Jorah spoke before drinking the cup of ale he had on his table. This book was the first change he brought into Bear Isles' rule.

Once the book is approved, he can do away with these barbaric laws and punishments and let a magistrate appointed by him settle these cases. After all, most of his day is spent on these court rulings which is truly a waste of time.

He can train with his army and select the best commanders or choose a way to upgrade their weapons or something else. Anything else. It must be more productive than wasting time on justice rulings.

"Do tell me, m'Lord. How did you come up with this stamping method?"

Lady Annara asked curiously. She had taken a tour of the island after she came here and although there was hardly anything different from Dragonstone, apart from more trees and animals, this workshop was an eye-opener.

"I just asked my father, why are the books written so badly?"

Jorah looking at his wife's pretty face decided to tell the story. After all, every great innovation needs a fascinating story.

"Father told me, it takes time to write a book and if you have to write it again, many times, the Maester will become impatient with the task and write in crooked styles. So, I asked, why write by hand, why not stamp it like we stamp our letters with our family sigils ?"