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CHAPTER 176
293 AC
POV THIRD PERSON
Aermir had grand plans to extend the reach of the commoner school, and this expansion would take the form of a guild system. Within the school's halls, young talents would be identified among the children, their innate skills uncovered. Once their abilities were recognized, these young talents would then be directed towards the appropriate guild for apprenticeship.
These guilds spanned a wide range of trades and crafts, from blacksmiths and tailors to tanners, carpenters, bricklayers, builders, fishermen, and many other areas of expertise. The goal was to nurture and develop these talents, providing them with structured apprenticeships and opportunities for growth.
For those who exhibited exceptional skills, an even more prestigious path awaited them. The gates of the military academy stood open, offering them a chance to receive advanced training and education. Aermir's vision was not only to create a well-rounded educational system but also to provide diverse career prospects for the youth of Moat Cailin, ensuring their future success and contributing to the prosperity of the realm.
...
Aermir, with an eye toward creating a more efficient command system, introduced the decimal system to his army. His forces now consisted of 3,500 soldiers, with 1,500 of them belonging to the Temple. However, it was essential to note that half of these Temple members, along with 100 knights, were now firmly under Aermir's command, having performed the oath ritual. The core of the Temple needed to be strictly under his control. He didn't want there to be infighting.
The Moat Cailin army had been meticulously structured, comprising 50 knights, 400 archers, 300 horsemen, and 1,250 infantry. Aermir only accepted knights to his army and recruits into his military school only after they had signed the oath. This stringent requirement ensured that military secrets remained well-guarded, making any potential leaks significantly more challenging.
Recognizing the unique skills possessed by his comrades, Aermir embarked on the task of training Kegan in the arts of scouting, infiltration, espionage, and assassination. Over time, Kegan became Aermir's shadow, leading the Ravenguard, an intelligence network dedicated to vigilantly monitoring potential threats.
Meanwhile, Harlik continued his rigorous training as a vanguard. In this role, he assumed command of the Templar forces and offered valuable assistance to Aermir in overseeing matters related to the Templars. Together, they forged a formidable alliance in defense of Moat Cailin.
TWO MONTHS AGO
Aermir embarked on an ambitious training endeavor, relocating more than half of his army to the rugged terrain of the Flint Mountains. This region boasted a diverse landscape, featuring imposing mountains, vast plains, and a dense forest that covered an expanse rivaling the famed Wolfswood. However, most of this territory fell under the domain of House Flint, with only the northern fringes of the forest residing within Aermir's jurisdiction. To proceed with his plans, he sought permission from the Flints, respecting their territorial rights.
With his soldiers assembled on a makeshift training ground at the forest's edge, Aermir commenced a masterclass in the art of tactical formations. He meticulously organized his troops into distinct units and vividly illustrated the strategic advantages that each formation offered, demonstrating how they could effectively counter a range of enemy tactics.
After ample time spent acquainting themselves with these formations, Aermir decided it was time to put theory into practice with a mock battle.
One sunny afternoon, Aermir took the helm, leading his soldiers through a grueling combat drill. As they enacted various formations, the troops gained firsthand experience in the formidable power of a well-coordinated shield wall. However, it was a testament to Ser Harlik's exceptional prowess that he singlehandedly dismantled this impregnable defense. Recognizing their dedication and competence, Aermir rewarded his loyal squires, Harlik and Kegan, by bestowing upon them the esteemed title of knights, alongside the proud surname of Greenwood.
...
As the sight of Ser Harlik's awe-inspiring might unfolded on the training grounds, a young soldier named Erik couldn't help but be profoundly inspired. Erik had initially begun his journey as a student in the commoner school, but his exceptional talent with a sword and his sharp intellect had not gone unnoticed. Recognizing his potential, he had been promoted to the prestigious military school, where he honed his skills under the guidance of experienced warriors.
Erik's eyes gleamed with unwavering admiration as he gathered the courage to approach the renowned knight. The aura of respect and reverence that surrounded Ser Harlik was palpable, and it was this very presence that drew Erik closer, eager to seek wisdom from a living legend among the commoner students.
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"Ser Harlik, could I ask you something?" Erik inquired.
"Ask away," Ser Harlik replied, his gruff voice carrying the weight of experience.
"Ser, is it true that Druid Emrys blessed you with the blood of giants in recognition of your service to the North?"
A momentary hush fell over the surroundings. Erik's question delved into a highly sought-after rumor. The curiosity and rumors that had swirled around Ser Harlik were too compelling for Erik to resist.
Harlik, a colossal figure standing at an imposing 2.3 meters (7.6 ft), cast a shadow reminiscent of the legendary Mountain. To those who beheld him, it seemed as if he were part giant himself, a living testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature.
When Erik dared to inquire about the origins of Ser Harlik's immense stature, the young soldier's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He secretly hoped for a shortcut to such incredible strength. However, Harlik's response left the boy somewhat disheartened. In response, Ser Harlik let out a hearty, rumbling laugh that seemed to echo through the training grounds.
"Where in the Seven Kingdoms did you hear such outlandish tales?" he exclaimed, his amusement evident.
"Everyone in Moat Cailin says so. Since you are so big and no one can stop you."
"I may be a big man, lad, but that's nothing more than fanciful chatter. I've been blessed with nothing but hard work and dedication, just like any soldier worth his salt. Don't put too much stock in those tall tales. It is true that I was bestowed with a blessed body at birth, thanks to the graciousness of the Old Gods. That is the only blessing I have received."
The disappointment was evident in Erik's expression, his yearning for a quick path to power laid bare. But Harlik, with his deep well of experience and wisdom, had a lesson to impart.
"Boy, there is no shortcut to power; if you want to become a real warrior of Lord Drasil and defend the honor of the Old Gods, you should train until your hands bleed; hard work never begets regret."
Harlik's words seemed to ignite a new fire within Erik. Determination etched across his face, he understood that there were no shortcuts on the path to becoming a formidable warrior.
Throughout the day, Aermir orchestrated a series of mock battles, appointing different knights as commanders for each scenario. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he gathered his soldiers and knights to share valuable insights.
Aermir was in front of a board, and he had a limestone in his hand. He was drawing formations and talking about them.
"Each formation has strengths and weaknesses, and we adapt based on the enemy's approach. The key is to remain flexible and respond quickly to changing circumstances. For example, the shield wall formation's weakness is cavalry or natural disasters, much like Ser Harlik here."
Laughter rippled through the ranks, and Aermir seized the moment to emphasize his point.
"Or phalanx formations, they have little to no protection on their sides and rear. There is no such thing as a perfect tactic; a commander needs to use the appropriate tactic in the appropriate places. Knights and soldiers of the Old Gods! How do we know what is the appropriate tactic?"
The soldiers and knights erupted in a resounding chorus of unity.
"Training in different situations and being fluid!"
Aermir acknowledged their response with a sense of pride and purpose.
"Well done, soldiers!"
"Yes, sir!" came the spirited reply, a testament to the dedication and discipline that prevailed among Aermir's forces.
...
A few days later, Aermir assembled his two ranger companies, placing them under the capable commands of Ser Fletcher and Ser Anguy. These seasoned troops were well-versed in the arts of guerrilla warfare, tracking, scouting, and sabotage. Each ranger company boasted a specialized platoon solely dedicated to the intricate crafts of tracking and scouting or sabotage.
Upon the completion of their training regimen, Aermir selected a mere 100 of them, cherry-picking two elite platoons, one from each company, to accompany him on an expedition. Their mission: a hunt.
With Aermir at the helm and his archers in tow, they delved into the dense woods. However, this outing was more than just a leisurely hunt; it was an opportunity for rigorous training and sharpening their skills. Their target was a magnificent stag, its regal form standing proudly in the distance, an enticing challenge. Perched upon a hilltop, they remained 200 meters away from their quarry, ready to put their prowess to the test.
"Keep in mind, precision and control are paramount in marksmanship," Aermir instructed his archers, his voice carrying a tone of authority. "We don't shoot recklessly but with purpose. You are not mere archers; you are the ranger company. Shooting over 20 meters is forbidden. The 1st platoon should encircle and kill it. A true ranger must be able to approach their target silently and slit their throats without them even realizing they are dead. Am I understood?"
In response, every member of the platoon silently brought their fists to their hearts, saluting Aermir.
"Very well," Aermir continued. "If you spook it, it will be the 2nd platoon's chance."
Aermir devised these handicapped scenarios to hone their stalking and coordination skills. The platoon moved with painstaking slowness, attempting to encircle the magnificent stag. However, before they could complete the maneuver, a critical error was made by one of the rangers. In a moment of carelessness, he exposed his position when they were still 40 meters away from the beast.
The stag, alerted by the ranger's mistake, darted away, vanishing into the woods. This outcome marked the beginning of a particularly challenging month of training for the soldiers. After the 1st platoon's failure, Aermir imposed an hour-long waiting period before they could attempt to track the elusive creature once more, intensifying the challenge they faced. This way, stag would have a head start, and the time spent waiting was not for resting but for target practice.
With his spells and familiars, he already knew where the stag was, but he refrained from providing any help. The 2nd platoon eventually found the stag but failed to hunt the beast. If they had hunted in teams of 2-5 people, they might have succeeded within 20 meters, but approaching a skittish animal with a group of 50 was no easy task.
Aermir couldn't help but recall the grueling army exercise drills he endured during his time in the military, and it sent shivers down his spine. He remembered how every drill seemed intentionally designed to end in failure, providing the higher-ups with a reason to punish the soldiers. Now, Aermir found himself following a similar approach in training his own soldiers. Aermir, his imposing presence amplified by the Lion's Roar, roared in frustration.
"You will pay for this failure with your sweat and blood!"
Imbuing an arrow with wind elements, Aermir let it loose. The arrow traveled roughly 120 meters and pierced the stag through its eyes, entering through one eye and exiting through the other. The creature died almost instantly. A sense of awe and admiration swept over the faces of the soldiers as they witnessed Aermir's astonishing display of marksmanship. In unison, they all shouted,
"Yes, Sir!"