A swift hawk, specifically designed for urgent messages, launched from a hidden passage within a Winterfell tavern. The opening was cleverly concealed near the chimney, designed to make the hawk appear as if it had just landed on the roof.
Watching the sea hawk depart from the upper levels, Brynden Rivers raised his glass and clinked it against Jon Snow's. In Jon's arms, a small white direwolf with red eyes rested quietly, occasionally sniffing at Jon's scent.
\n\n
After returning to Winterfell, Jon Snow had visited Eddard Stark and given the five direwolf pups to his five cousins. He also introduced Gaol, the Mountain Clan Hunter, to Eddard Stark, tasking him with teaching the Stark children how to raise the direwolves.
\n\n
Standing respectfully behind Jon was an elderly woman in a hooded cloak, gazing at the two men with reverence. This was Aiju, the Forest Witch who had once used zombies to attack Jon beneath the Weirwood tree.
\n\n
Her name was Aiju, a witch from Wolfwood. She displayed exceptional talent from a young age. During a search for herbs, she accidentally entered a mountain and discovered two surviving half-giant and a stone circle imbued with magic. She spent decades studying the stone circle, eventually developing necromantic spells to create zombies.
\n\n
Normally, the valley was protected by a mist. However, in recent days, the witch had depleted the stone circle's magic in an attempt to gain the immense power within the Dragon Eggs. This caused the mist to dissipate, allowing Jon Snow to easily enter the magical stone circle.
\n\n
After her defeat by Jon, she had kneeled and sworn fealty, claiming she would serve him. In reality, her true aim was to uncover the secrets of Jon's magic.
\n\n
The tavern was deserted, with a "Closed" sign hanging outside. After taking a sip of the superior Skagos Island ale, Brynden said to Jon:
"You've got it, kid! You actually thought to come here for help. Looks like you're taking your studies seriously. Keep it up. You gotta use what you learn, that's right!"
"Uncle! It's all thanks to your teaching. I still have so much to learn."
"That batch of armor isn't finished yet. We might have to wait until summer before we can leave. I got word early that the usurper Robert Baratheon's Hand of the King died of illness. I think he'll come to The North to ask your uncle for help."
"Why? Can't they choose someone else? Is it right for a Northern Duke to be the Hand of the King for those southerners?"
Jon Snow asked, puzzled, a feeling of unease settling in his heart. He felt that the Starks never had good luck in the South.
His great-uncle and grandfather died in the South at the hands of his own grandfather. His second uncle, along with his foster brother, destroyed his own father's dynasty. His current identity made him feel very uncomfortable. After the initial excitement, all that remained for Jon Snow was bitterness and helplessness.
At this moment, he couldn't help but recall something Marco had once told him.
"We can't choose where we're born, but we can change our future. You can choose what kind of person you want to be, not what others want you to be!"
Oldtown lies at the southwestern corner of Westeros, where the Honeywine flows into Whispering Sound and the Sunset Sea. It is the largest port on the continent and one of the five major cities of Westeros.
The land is held by the Hightower Family, one of the oldest and most venerable families in Westeros, rumored to have settled in Oldtown during the Dawn Age.
Furthermore, the headquarters of the Faith and the Citadel are located here, making it, second only to King's Landing, the most important cultural, religious, and commercial center in all of Westeros.
At this moment, in a meeting room within the Citadel's Conclave, several highly respected doctors were in a meeting: Doctor Noren, Doctor Theobald, Doctor Ambrose, Doctor Perestan, Doctor Velyn, and Doctor Laian. They were all key figures within the Citadel, each a master in their respective fields and also key members of the Conclave.
Doctor Velyn, nicknamed "Vinegar," spoke first:
"Esteemed colleagues! Some of our brothers in The North, who are devoted to 'truth,' have discovered some strange signs there. I suspect that some of the magical powers from beyond the Wall have returned early. I believe we must prepare in advance."
"The Red Comet is almost upon us. If we don't prepare beforehand, the consequences could be dire. Everyone has seen the harm magic inflicts upon this world. It brings nothing but disaster and death, offering no hope. Only eternal truth can illuminate this world's future!"
Doctor Laian chimed in, "The Lannister Family effectively controls the current royal family. Half of the royal family's debt is owed to them, and the other half to the Iron Bank. This is a terrifying situation. I suspect the Seven Kingdoms are on the brink of turmoil. If magic were to resurface now, the repercussions would be unimaginable."
Doctor Theobald added, "It's not yet time for us to act. The Church seems to be getting restless, but they lack a pretext. Grand Maester Pycelle suggests they take the lead. Without the Targaryen family's restraints these past years, the power of the great houses has grown. Many have perceived the kingdom's decline, and they are merely waiting for an opportunity to tear a piece of flesh from the Baratheon family."
At that moment, a rapid knocking on the door interrupted the discussion, annoying the assembled doctors.
"Come in!"
Doctor Moras, responsible for ravens and intelligence within the Citadel, entered. He held a note in his hand, his expression a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
"Gentlemen! Magic has indeed appeared on the continent of Westeros! Rumors of magic have surfaced in Seagull Bay and beyond the Wall. Reports of griffins sighted by fishermen in Seagull Bay are increasing.
Furthermore, and even more frightening, the number of Wargs awakening in The North has been steadily rising recently, particularly among children aged seven to ten, but also among some adults."
Doctor Theobald's expression changed upon hearing this, and he immediately stood up and announced:
"Colleagues! I think it's time to introduce some of our experimental products into the Seven Kingdoms. Alloy No. 1, crossbows, Dragon-Slaying Crossbows, flamethrowers, and New Wildfire – the appearance of these things will greatly enhance the strength of the nobles and slow down the invasion of magical forces.
Also! In suppressing mysterious powers, we will continue as before, encouraging the Church to strengthen the faith in The Seven. The reformers' influence has also been growing stronger in recent years.
Let our researchers add fuel to the fire. It's time for them to show their influence after all this time. We've given them so many opportunities to study The Seven's Church, and now it's time for them to repay us.
Replace those bishops and archbishops whose minds are filled with only gold dragons, and let more devout believers take their place!"
***
The Church's Dividing Line
The Starry Sept is the largest sept in Oldtown and was once the headquarters of the Church. Although it's not as grand and luxurious as the Great Sept of Baelor in King's Landing, it is the oldest sept.
The black marble walls and beautiful stained-glass windows make it look very noble and gorgeous. All the walls and main decorations follow the number "7."
The walls must have seven sides, and even large events require seventy-seven monks and nuns. The number "7" is considered sacred, and the Church of the Seven believes that just as God has seven aspects, Hell also has seven layers.
There are seven holy constellations in the sky, and prayers before or after meals must also include seven aspects. People often use the number 7 in rituals or objects with sacred significance. Followers of the church use the heptagram, crystal prisms, and rainbows as religious symbols. During worship ceremonies, believers use a large amount of light and crystals to represent the seven aspects of God.
At this moment, in the Starry Sept, in front of the statue of The Father, representing judgment and fairness, an elderly, bald monk was silently praying. He gazed at the statue of The Father, his eyes shining with fervent light.
After a while, a large group of people wearing monk's robes walked behind him. One of the middle-aged monks, wearing patched robes, asked him:
"Brother Cole! I am lost! This is my last journey. Along the way, I have seen too much evil, but why hasn't it been judged!"
Brother Cole finished his prayer upon hearing this. He turned his head slightly and looked at the large group of people behind him. He stared at the middle-aged monk in the lead and asked with some curiosity:
"My dear brother monk, who are you? How did you come here?"
"Respected Brother Cole! Greetings! I am The High Sparrow! We are all sparrows! The most humble servants of The Seven, we have always been committed to helping all brothers and sisters in the Seven Kingdoms, protecting them from suffering!"
The bald, middle-aged man who called himself the High Sparrow spoke, his tall frame thin and gaunt. His eyes held both anger and helplessness, and his face was etched with wrinkles, as though he had seen much in his life.
"My dear Brother Cole, I let them in. They are all our brothers. We cannot obstruct their zeal for pilgrimage."
Everyone turned to look and saw a middle-aged, bald monk entering from the doorway.
"Brother Wining! What's going on?"
The elderly Brother Cole asked, puzzled.
"Haven't you always been dissatisfied with those greedy people in King's Landing? I think these brothers were sent to us by the Old Woman. In the future, they will grow and develop, allowing the glory of the Seven to illuminate the world! Now, they need our help; otherwise, they are just a flock of lost lambs, unable to see their own way."
Brother Wining said each word deliberately, as though he placed great importance on these people, and it also brightened Brother Cole's eyes.
"My dear brothers, are you willing to give everything for the restoration of the glory of the Seven?"
The High Sparrow was somewhat bewildered by this. He didn't understand why the venerable old brother would suddenly ask such a question.
His purpose for joining the faith had never been about the common people. He was an ambitious man. He had traveled to every sept from King's Landing to Oldtown, preaching his piety and ideas.
He told everyone that he had visited all the septs across the Seven Kingdoms, praying and bestowing blessings upon all devout believers, spreading his reputation and achievements through their words.
Although this earned him the admiration of many brothers, he had never been favored by those of high standing. He had originally planned to try his luck here this time. Unexpectedly, after talking with a seemingly ordinary brother, he had gained the qualification to enter the Starry Sept.
He had been thinking of preaching his ideas to this old brother, but he hadn't expected him to suddenly ask this question, leaving the High Sparrow somewhat stunned.
"My dear brother! We have no power, yet there is so much evil in this world that needs the Father's judgment. The Seven crave glory; we need change! Will you join us? Join the Seven's Restoration Society!"
***
Eddard Stark had just returned to the main keep with his wife. This morning, he had personally beheaded two Night's Watch deserters. These men had cried to him, recounting their misfortunes, the attacks of the White Walkers, and the raids of the wildlings.
But in Eddard's opinion, even if all those things were true, it couldn't excuse their breaking their oaths. To teach his sons, he demanded that everyone watch him exercise his right of judgment.
Then, his wife brought a raven from King's Landing. The letter said that his foster father, Jon Arryn, had died of a fever, and that Robert Baratheon, the king of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, had already set out, and would come to Winterfell personally.
"Ned! Why would he come to Winterfell? Shouldn't he be choosing a new Hand of the King? Is he coming to ask you to do it?"
Eddard Stark was also puzzled and slightly afraid. He felt as if something was about to happen.
Especially a certain secret in his heart made his heart race, and his thoughts drifted away, as if returning to a certain tower.
"Ned! Ned!"
Eddard Stark came back to his senses, looked apologetically at his wife, and said:
"Sorry! I was just thinking about 'Jon'!"
"Yes! When we were communicating a while ago, my sister said he was in good health! I never expected..."
Seeing her husband starting to space out again, Catelyn Stark sighed helplessly. She then embraced her husband, kissed his cheek, and said:
"Rest for a while, darling! I'll go make you a cup of lemon and honey tea. Don't be sad, alright?"
Eddard Stark watched his wife's departing figure, feeling a twinge of guilt. There were some secrets he could only keep hidden in his heart, buried deep within his memories.
"Ugh! What should I do about Jon? I should have sent him to the Night's Watch, but it's too late now. Father, brother, how would you handle this?"
Eddard Stark murmured to himself, his voice growing fainter, as if reminiscing about the past.
--- Outside the main text: Thank you to the book friend "Sleep! You can have anything in your dreams!" for the monthly ticket support!
Also, thank you to all the book friends for your continued support with your recommendation votes!
-------------------------
Fully Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Patreon.com/Ramzane