Chapter 3

As the day of Ned Stark's arrival dawned on Bear Island, Maximus stood at the gates of Mormont Keep, his heart heavy with anticipation. He watched anxiously as the Stark party approached, their banners fluttering in the wind, signaling their imminent arrival.

With a deep breath, Maximus straightened his shoulders and prepared to greet their guests. As the Stark party drew near, Maximus stepped forward, his expression solemn as he welcomed them to Bear Island.

"Lord Stark," Maximus greeted, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Welcome to Bear Island. I am Maximus Mormont, Lord of this house."

Ned Stark and his party were led to the solar of Mormont Keep, where they were offered food and drink as a gesture of hospitality. Maximus knelt before Ned Stark, his head bowed in deference as he sought forgiveness for his father's sins.

Ned Stark regarded Maximus with a stern gaze, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of the young lord before him. "Maximus Mormont," he acknowledged, his voice brimming with authority. "I've heard much about you and your family. It seems your father's actions have brought us here today."

Maximus's jaw tightened at the mention of his father, his guilt weighing heavily on his conscience. "Yes, my lord," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "I... I can only offer my sincerest apologies for his transgressions. I swear to you, I had no knowledge of his dealings."

Ned Stark's expression softened slightly at Maximus's words, though his gaze remained stern. "Apologies are well and good, but they do little to rectify the situation," he remarked, his tone firm yet fair. "Your father's actions have caused great harm to those he enslaved. As his son, you bear some responsibility for his crimes."

Maximus bowed his head in acknowledgment, his heart heavy with shame. "I understand, my lord," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I will do whatever it takes to make amends and ensure that justice is served."

Ned Stark regarded Maximus for a long moment, his gaze searching. Finally, he nodded in acceptance. "Very well," he conceded, his tone softened slightly. "In light of your cooperation, I will impose fines on House Mormont for your father's crimes. However, I will also reduce your taxes for the next year, to aid in your recovery."

Maximus's heart swelled with gratitude at Ned Stark's mercy, though he knew that their journey to redemption was far from over. "Thank you, my lord," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "We will not forget your kindness."

As the evening wore on, a feast was held in honor of the new lord of Bear Island. Maximus tried to protest, insisting that they had no cause for celebration in light of recent events, but his protests fell on deaf ears.

And so, as the people of Bear Island gathered to feast and celebrate, Maximus couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at his insides. For though the arrival of the Starks had brought a reprieve from immediate danger, Maximus knew that their troubles were far from over. And as he raised his cup in a toast to his newfound lordship.

The feast continued late into the night, the great hall of Mormont Keep filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking cups, and lively conversation. Despite the somber occasion that had brought the Starks to Bear Island, the people celebrated the appointment of Maximus as their new lord with fervor. Maximus, though uneasy, managed to maintain a facade of gratitude and cheer, knowing it was what his people needed.

As dawn broke the next day, the Stark party prepared to depart. Maximus stood once more at the gates of Mormont Keep, bidding farewell to Ned Stark and his men.

"Thank you again, Lord Stark," Maximus said, his tone respectful. "Your leniency will not be forgotten, and I swear to you, Bear Island will rebuild and honor the North."

Ned Stark nodded, his gaze steady. "I believe you, Maximus. Honor is something that can be reclaimed, and I trust you will do your house proud. Remember, Winterfell stands behind you."

With those parting words, the Stark party rode away, their banners disappearing over the horizon. Maximus watched them go, feeling a heavy weight lift from his shoulders, though the burden of his responsibilities remained.

After seeing the Starks off, Maximus turned to the maester, who had been waiting patiently nearby. "Maester, we need to assess our financial situation immediately."

The maester, an elderly man with a kind yet serious demeanor, nodded and led Maximus to his study. The room was cluttered with scrolls and ledgers, the remnants of years of record-keeping.

"We have just under 5,000 gold dragons left after the fines imposed by Lord Stark," the maester reported, his voice tinged with concern. "It is not much, especially considering the repairs needed and the sustenance of our people."

Maximus ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. "Curse these medieval times and their limitations," he muttered under his breath. "Maester, leave me for a moment. I need to think."

Once alone, Maximus activated Ordis, the floating cephalon who had become an invaluable ally. Ordis materialized before him, his glowing blue form hovering in the air.

"Operator, how can I assist you today?" Ordis inquired, his voice echoing with artificial warmth.

Maximus sighed, his mind racing with the challenges ahead. "Ordis, our financial situation is dire. We have less than 5,000 gold dragons left, and the needs of Bear Island are vast. Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our circumstances?"

Ordis hummed thoughtfully, his optics flickering as he processed the information. "Operator, while the technology and resources of this world are limited, there are several potential avenues we could explore to generate income and resources."

Maximus leaned forward, eager to hear Ordis's suggestions. "Go on."

"Firstly, we could enhance the productivity of Bear Island's natural resources. This includes improving agricultural practices, fishing, and forestry. With proper management, we could increase yields and trade surplus goods with neighboring territories."

Maximus nodded, considering the feasibility of Ordis's suggestion. "That sounds promising. What else?"

"Secondly," Ordis continued, "we could leverage your unique abilities and knowledge from our world. Offering specialized training or services could attract interest from other lords and knights, providing us with additional income and alliances."

Maximus frowned slightly, pondering the implications. "That could work, but we'd need to be cautious. We can't reveal too much about our capabilities."

"Understood, Operator," Ordis acknowledged. "Finally, we could explore the possibility of mining and resource extraction. Bear Island may contain valuable minerals or resources that could be exploited for profit."

Maximus sighed, feeling the weight of his responsibilities. "It's a start, Ordis. We have much to do, but we will find a way."

Maximus leaned back in his chair, considering his next words carefully. "Ordis, I need every advantage we can get. What about Helios, the companion? Can we unlock it?"

Ordis's optics glowed brighter, reflecting his approval. "That is an excellent idea, Operator. Helios will provide valuable support and intelligence. However, it will require 100 void energy to unlock."

Maximus nodded, already expecting this. "And how long will it take to recharge the void energy once used?"

"One day for a full recharge, Operator," Ordis replied. "Additionally, the process of unlocking Helios will take approximately eight hours."

Maximus stood, feeling the weight of the decision. "Let's proceed, Ordis. Begin the unlocking process for Helios."

Ordis floated closer, his form pulsing with energy. "As you command, Operator. Initiating the unlocking process now. Please prepare for the energy transfer."

Maximus braced himself as Ordis initiated the process. A wave of exhaustion washed over him as 100 void energy was diverted to unlock Helios. The room seemed to blur around the edges as his strength waned.

"Operator, the process is underway," Ordis announced, his voice reassuring. "Helios will be fully operational in eight hours. I recommend you rest to recover from the energy loss."

Maximus nodded weakly, feeling the weight of fatigue settling over him. "Good idea, Ordis. I'll take your advice."

He made his way to his chambers, each step feeling heavier than the last. As he collapsed onto his bed, his thoughts drifted to the future of Bear Island and the challenges that lay ahead. With Ordis and Helios by his side, he felt a renewed sense of determination to protect his home and people.