31. New Game Plus

When God gave me this power, I believed it would be equal to or better than my previous one, but I was wrong. It seems I didn't take his words completely to heart, or it may just be a baffling lapse of memory.

He said that I would have the potential, I could be an angel, but he didn't say what kind of angel, what powers would come from this ability, and how do I get them to awaken.

But most important of all, why am I a child again?

Okay, child is a bit much for the current situation. I have a 10 day name, according to the people of this world. I was named Gawen Glover, and have a nice family, living with my mother, uncle and younger sister.

My father passed away a little over 4 years ago, after the rebellion against the dragon house. He was one of those who did everything to bring Lyanna Stark back to the North, but he himself did not return. Lord Eddard Stark came to give us his sword, and to apologize, as if this would help anything.

Disgusted with the situation, my uncle decided to stay on as regent of the house, until I was old enough to take over. But at the same time that he taught me, he supported many of my ideas, even the craziest ones.

For example, when I suggested that the castle of our house be improved, replacing the noble wood with ironwood. It was much stronger, sturdier, and would even protect us better than if it were made of stone. Ironwood is very common nearby, easy to acquire.

The other was the idea of creating our navy. Frankly, I was tired of every few months, having a visit from the damned kraken to plunder and impoverish us. My uncle was a military man, experienced in battle, but a complete denial when it came to regency.

Another important thing was, the surrounding farms, besides the oat and barley crops, I asked to test other things, like potatoes and carrots, and whatever else could be tested. Our family's finances were not so bad, but it was still important to save money.

An important decision was when I announced that women were allowed to join the army. At first this was not something that pleased me very much, especially a certain woman from far away from here, more precisely in Winterfell, but I cared little for her.

For those who proved to be the best, they would be placed as the defenders of my mother and sister, outside they would get a good raise and better living conditions, or at least what I could provide for now.

Unpopular with the big houses, who saw my move as desperation, since it was no secret to anyone of the numerous ironborn attacks on our lands, but very popular with the people.

Not only from Deepwood, but many poor families looking for a new opportunity, also showed up and enlisted. But not only that, many families also joined other jobs, in various fields.

The farms were constantly growing, the dock was being expanded, the military force was constantly improving and evolving. And in order not to run out of funds, I improved the taste of the beer that was sold in the North, and began to export it.

For the other houses, I traded beer for other products, those that were produced by them, such as the tough leather made by the Umber. Iron ingots from the Boltons, medicinal herbs from the Reeds, and I could even hire the services of the soldiers from the Tallhart house.

I also did a lot of business with the Ryswells, as their horses were the best in the north. The Manderly's were a case in point. They were the ones who exported our beer, not only to the south, but also to Essos. I learned that in the hot desert, our beer was highly appreciated.

Taking advantage of the beer boom, I made vodka. It was good for our cold north, and still pleased many of the houses, tired of those watery wines sold by the southerners to us.

----

Time is an implacable enemy that waits for no one. Now I am 15 days into my name, and I will finally receive the right to be in charge of things in a real and legal way.

You see, nothing against my uncle, who, by the way, helped me a lot, but I always had to tell him to implement some idea, or torment him with boring explanations of why this or why that. He didn't like this, and neither did I.

But it was necessary, because the other houses would not negotiate with a 10-year-old boy, even if they know where the ideas come from so far.

Another important thing, the harbor was ready, and so were our 3 chief 'cars'. Still hidden in a cave next to the harbor, but they were there. It was laborious and expensive, very expensive, but at least they were ready.

I had hired some sailors and captains from Essos to teach my soldiers and anyone else who liked the sea. For anyone who arrived at the harbor, they would see only simple, but well-built and strong carracks in the harbor, waiting for their crew.

There were only 20 at the moment, but soon more would be available.

One more important detail, we have managed to produce a good amount of food, and we intend to expand to try and grow more, and our soldiers are now a force to be feared. The Valkyries were on the lips of the people, as were the Spectres, the two combat forces I named.

They are the best of the army, receiving important positions in the chain of command, but all will only take orders from their respective commanders. In the case of the Valkyries, my mother, Sybelle Glover, and in the case of the Wraiths, that would be my uncle, Galbart Glover.

My training was the same as the Wraiths, but often more intense and bloodthirsty, while my sister is learning to be a Valkyrie. It was her decision, which I supported with all my might. Our mother was in stasis upon hearing this.

So it was time to go to Winterfell, to take my oath to Lord Stark and his family, as well as to talk business with the man.