CHAPTER 174

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CHAPTER 174

293 AC

POV THIRD PERSON

The two years of Tobho Mott's dedicated service to Aermir had come to an end, but the talented blacksmith had developed a deep appreciation for his enigmatic Lord. Under Aermir's guidance, he had found a sense of belonging and purpose that he had never experienced, even during his years in Qohor where blacksmithing was held in high regard, second only to the worship of the Black Goat.

As the day of Tobho's departure from Winterfell drew near, Aermir grappled with the idea of letting go of such an exceptional smith. He decided to pay a visit to Tobho's workshop in Winterfell, eager to see the craftsman at work and perhaps find a way to persuade him to stay. The bond between Lord and blacksmith had grown strong, and Aermir hoped it would be enough to convince Tobho to remain in his service.

"Tobho, your time with us has been invaluable. The forges have come to life under your skillful hands. I wish for you to come with me and become a part of Moat Cailin," Aermir proposed, his tone carrying a mix of sincerity and earnestness.

Tobho was taken aback by the offer, his emotions torn between surprise and gratitude. He had not anticipated such a proposition from his enigmatic Lord.

"My Lord, I am honored by your request," Tobho began, his words measured, "but my skills are in high demand, and I must consider my other obligations."

Aermir smiled warmly, fully aware of the value Tobho's craftsmanship held in the eyes of many, yet determined to make a compelling case.

"I understand your reservations, Tobho. Allow me to show you something that might convince you." Aermir reached into his backpack and retrieved a set of finely crafted armor and an exquisite sword. With a gesture, he presented them to Tobho.

"Inspect them," he urged, his eyes reflecting the trust he had in the blacksmith's judgment.

Initially, Tobho scrutinized the pieces Aermir had presented, searching for what might set them apart. At first glance, they were undoubtedly beautifully crafted. The armor exhibited the perfect balance of thickness and weight, and the sword was a testament to the art of folded steel. However, Tobho's experienced eye soon caught on to something extraordinary. As he examined the blade's edge, an uncanny sharpness became apparent. With a simple pass over his arm, it effortlessly sheared through his arm hairs, leaving his skin unscathed.

"You must have realized they are not regular sword and armor," Aermir remarked, his tone carrying the weight of hidden potential. "They may not quite reach the level of Valyrian steel, but they are unquestionably more formidable than your average weaponry."

Intrigued, Tobho picked up one of the steel swords and held it aloft, feeling the balance and power it held.

"May I?" he inquired, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes.

Aermir nodded with a knowing smile. "Go ahead."

Tobho struck his steel sword against Aermir's weapon. The impact left a chip on the edge of Tobho's sword, but Aermir's blade remained flawless, and after several more hits, the steel sword broke. Intrigued, Aermir drew Red Rain, his enchanted sword, and encouraged Tobho to strike again. This time, as the blow landed, Tobho's keen eyes detected a minuscule fold on the enchanted sword's edge. It wasn't on par with Valyrian steel, but the sword had neither chipped nor dulled; it had merely folded a little.

Awestruck by this remarkable craftsmanship, Tobho couldn't contain his amazement. "How did you make those? You... you were just an amateur just two years ago, and I was the one who taught you."

Aermir considered Tobho's question and then replied, "I can show you, but you must first take an oath to serve me and keep my secrets. Will you?"

After moments of fascination, Tobho's eyes glinted with excitement. "I accept."

...

Following Tobho's oath ritual, Aermir openly shared the intricacies of magical blacksmithing with him. However, Tobho couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment when he realized that despite his newfound knowledge, he lacked the inherent magic required to forge such exceptional items. Sensing Tobho's disappointment, Aermir offered him reassurance.

"I need your talented hands," Aermir began, "we will forge things together. I will teach you how to carve intricate runes. I don't have the time to forge hundreds of weapons on my own. You will craft and inscribe them, and then I will imbue them with magic through a ritual. In time, I believe we could not only recreate but possibly surpass Valyrian weapons."

Tobho's eyes lit up with a mixture of fascination and curiosity. The opportunity to create weapons that could rival Valyrian steel had always been his dream.

Tobho's eyes gleamed with anticipation and excitement as he responded, "You have shown me that I have much more to learn here; I will travel to Moat Cailin on the morrow and create a grand forge!"

Aermir nodded approvingly, appreciating Tobho's enthusiasm. "Alright then, Master Smith of Moat Cailin. Here are 100 gold dragons. Create the best forge you can imagine."

...

As the Lord of Moat Cailin, Aermir dedicated himself to the daunting task of restoring the once-crumbling fortress to its former glory. However, this monumental endeavor came with its fair share of challenges, and as Aermir poured his resources into the reconstruction, he found his funds slowly dwindling.

With the knowledge and insights he had gained from the modern world, Aermir recognized the immense potential for reforms that could greatly benefit his people. Embracing the responsibilities of his role as a ruler, he began implementing innovative changes across various fields.

...

Recognizing the paramount importance of agricultural sustainability, Aermir embarked on a mission to revolutionize farming practices throughout Moat Cailin and its surrounding territories. Drawing upon his knowledge of the modern world, he introduced innovative agricultural techniques aimed at boosting productivity and securing a stable food supply for his people.

Aermir's first initiative involved implementing a crop rotation system that strategically alternated the types of crops planted in specific fields each season. This method allowed the soil to naturally replenish its nutrients, mitigating the risk of soil depletion and crop failure. Aermir was diligent in encouraging local farmers to embrace this practice, emphasizing its long-term benefits for both the land and their livelihoods. His prior experiments with various crop seeds gave him a rich repository of plant varieties to introduce into the region's agricultural landscape.

To showcase the efficiency of crop rotation, Aermir established demonstration farms within Moat Cailin's domain. He extended invitations to farmers from various villages, encouraging them to witness the remarkable outcomes and acquire firsthand knowledge of these innovative techniques. As they observed the substantial increase in crop yields and the evident health of the soil, the visiting farmers eagerly embraced this newfound approach to farming.

Furthermore, Aermir organized workshops to educate local farmers on the art of composting and the advantages of utilizing manure. He also addressed potential pest-related concerns, collaborating closely with herbal medicine workshops to develop plant-based repellents and natural pesticides. These collaborative efforts aimed to foster a sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural environment within the region.

With the successful implementation of these innovative agricultural practices, the yields of crops experienced a remarkable increase. This surplus of produce enabled Aermir to create substantial grain reserves, thereby ensuring food security in the face of potential scarcities or severe winter conditions. The newfound sense of safety and abundance instilled a profound sense of contentment and security among the people of Moat Cailin, solidifying their trust and appreciation for Aermir's leadership.

The surplus of food not only ensured the self-sufficiency of Moat Cailin but also paved the way for advantageous trade agreements with neighboring regions. These economic ties helped build positive relationships and reinforced alliances, further securing Moat Cailin's position within the North.

However, for trade with more distant locations, the use of ships became essential. This, in turn, required dealing with House Manderly and offering them a portion of the profits. To proactively address this challenge, Aermir's next ambitious project would involve the establishment of a harbor town. While he recognized the necessity of such a venture, the financial resources for it remained a pressing concern.

Aermir's unwavering commitment to implementing modern agricultural techniques had a profound and positive impact on the region. These sustainable farming practices not only guaranteed the welfare of his people but also stood as a beacon for neighboring regions to follow. His legacy as a visionary leader in the North continued to solidify, knowing that his reforms would yield enduring benefits for generations yet to come.