Bang! Clang! Thud!
One challenger after another was effortlessly knocked down by Ethan using a wooden staff no longer than his thigh.
Whether the recruits attacked alone or in groups, whether they charged head-on or tried sneaky trips and feints—no one could last three exchanges against him.
When the final recruit—who had raised his shield to protect his face—was poked behind the knee by Ethan and dropped to the ground with a heavy thud—this brutal (completely one-sided) gauntlet finally ended.
Beside him lay his teammates sprawled in various awkward poses.
"What? Is that all you've got?" Ethan tossed the staff aside and swept his gaze across the recruits' faces. "Seventeen of you against one of me—and you still got beaten flat. Are you even capable? If you can't handle this, go home and farm—you're not cut out for this life!"
Ethan's voice grew increasingly stern. Whether still lying on the ground catching their breath or already standing off to the side, every recruit could only clutch their aching spots in shame and remain silent under his questioning.
Seeing no one dared object, Ethan softened his tone.
"Very good—at least no one said they couldn't do it."
A man can't say no!
Martial skill can be taught, discipline can be drilled, endurance can be built—but the will to win and the refusal to surrender must come from within yourselves!
He then took five more silver moons from his purse, combined them with the previous five, and handed the stack to Juan.
"Juan—take two brothers to the market and buy two live sheep. Slaughter and roast them on the spot. Also get some fresh rye ale so the brothers can enjoy a proper feast tonight.
Remember—spend it all. Don't bring back a single copper."
Juan pressed his right fist to his chest and answered loudly:
"Yes, Captain!"
Seeing the expectant grins spreading across the recruits' faces, Ethan nodded in satisfaction and instructed:
"That's enough training for today. Rest up and prepare for tonight's dinner.
Conrad, Eddie—come with me. Let's talk over there."
Ethan led his two lieutenants to a quiet corner outside the camp and asked Eddie:
"These lads are all quite good. How much did recruitment cost?"
Eddie thought for a moment.
"The ten gold dragons you gave us are completely gone.
Each recruit received fifteen silver moons as a settling-in allowance. Adding food, tents, and other expenses we came up thirteen gold dragons short. Conrad and I covered the difference ourselves."
Ethan nodded, then asked:
"What about their weapons and gear?"
Conrad answered:
"They brought their own from home. The weapons are easy to use but very low quality.
The wealthier lads have leather armor; the poorer ones showed up in raw, untanned sheepskin.
Honestly—we couldn't afford to recruit anyone better equipped."
Looks like equipment upgrades are the next expense, Ethan thought.
He continued:
"What training subjects have you been running lately?"
Since Eddie was a hunter, Conrad had taken primary responsibility for drilling the recruits. He replied:
"Mainly focused on combat fundamentals. These lads are brave and fearless but their actual fighting ability is still weak.
Some of the boys don't even know the proper way to grip a sword. If we don't spend time correcting them they'll just throw their lives away on the battlefield."
Ethan sighed inwardly.
A group of brave, ordinary, passionate young men who had volunteered for soldiering.
He reminded them:
"Fighting skill matters—but discipline matters more.
Wars are not won by the strength of one or two individuals.
Only through strict discipline and absolute unity can we possibly defeat a powerful enemy.
Starting tomorrow I will personally oversee their training.
However—they can sleep in a little longer in the mornings.
I need to visit the Wolf's Kiss Tavern first to see if there are any suitable contracts for us.
If there are we'll take the job and train them on the march."
Then he took six gold coins from his pouch.
"Eddie, Conrad—I've been away from Winterfell for a while and you've worked hard keeping the company together.
These six gold dragons are a reward for you—after deducting what you advanced.
Juan deserves a share too—so divide it as you see fit.
We'll need your continued hard work going forward."
Seventeen young soldiers—with recruitment costs and initial supplies—had only come to twelve or thirteen gold dragons total, yet Ethan was giving them sixteen in bonuses.
Conrad and Eddie were very pleased with their captain's generosity.
As for Ethan's decision to personally take charge of training, Conrad showed no objection.
The Silver Hand was ultimately Ethan's company.
It was only natural that he wanted to shape them according to his own methods.
If he had completely delegated them to Conrad alone Conrad would have wondered whether Ethan truly intended to run the mercenary group seriously.
After settling these matters the three returned to camp.
Just as they were about to sit down Lennar came hurrying over.
"Ethan—Theon Greyjoy is looking for you.
He wants you to come to Winterfell."
Ethan felt a twinge of unease at the mention of Winterfell.
"What now? Didn't I already sell my ice spider to the king?"
"It's not about the ice spider."
Lennar bent his right middle finger.
"It's about this."
The day after returning to the Wall Ethan had used his abundant mana to completely heal Lennar's fractured right middle finger.
Seeing the gesture now Ethan guessed that most likely someone important in Winterfell had been injured and wanted him to try treating them.
This was to be expected.
Ever since he had openly used Holy Light to heal Benjen's wounds in front of witnesses Ethan had known countless people would eventually come asking for treatment.
He had also long prepared for this—he had heard there was a godswood inside Winterfell, and if that was true Ethan would not have to worry about mana shortages.
"Then let's go.
Let's meet whatever fate has in store."
Ethan stood and addressed the recruits who were already preparing the campfire and food:
"Brothers—I'm sorry but I have to go to Winterfell.
Enjoy your meal and drinks tonight and get some proper rest.
Kevin—you stay here and eat with everyone. No need to come with me."
Amid warm farewells Ethan and Lennar returned to the blacksmith's courtyard.
As soon as they entered they saw a familiar figure waiting in the yard chatting with Brother John.
"Master Theon Greyjoy—it's you again.
You're not here to drag me into another duel are you?"
"Winterfell doesn't have that many people left for you to fight."
Theon seemed to have completely forgotten about Ethan taking ten golden dragons from him earlier.
He smiled and said:
"Bran fell from the Broken Tower and injured his back.
It hasn't healed properly.
Jon returned today and told Robb that you healed Chief Ranger Benjen's wound at the Wall—so he wants you to try treating Bran."
He then lowered his voice and made a pressing gesture:
"You can really heal people just by conjuring golden light with your hands?"
Ethan matched his hushed tone:
"A little—but I need to see the injured person first to be certain."
Theon nodded.
"If it works I can introduce you to more patients."
Ethan remained noncommittal—he didn't quite trust Theon Greyjoy's character—and answered evasively:
"We'll talk about that later.
Let's hurry—the young lord is waiting isn't he?"
So Ethan mounted Lightning and followed Theon Greyjoy to Winterfell leaving behind Brother John—who had listened to the entire exchange but understood almost nothing—and a bemused Lennar who watched them go with amusement.
This was Ethan's second visit to Winterfell.
Compared to his previous trip the entire castle felt much quieter.
Two-thirds of the stables stood empty and the blacksmith's hammer no longer rang.
Even the number of warriors drilling in the yard had dwindled to just a handful.
Led by Theon Ethan crossed the sparsely populated training ground and entered a tall tower.
After climbing to the third floor a guard ushered him into a chamber.
Inside a boy of seven or eight lay on the bed.
Jon sat beside him holding his hand and whispering something that made the little boy giggle.
A tall strong young man stood nearby watching the scene with tender eyes.
When Ethan entered Jon Snow rose and bowed.
"Teacher—you've come."
"Yes."
Then—at Theon's prompting—Ethan bowed to the robust young man.
"Young Lord—I have come as requested."
On the ride over Theon had explained that Lord Eddard had gone south to take up his new position the lady was absent and Robb Stark was now acting as lord of Winterfell.
Ethan understood this to mean the heir was currently governing the castle so he naturally treated him with proper respect.
Robb nodded.
"Captain Ethan—I apologize for summoning you at such a time.
But Jon told us you displayed miraculous power at the Wall saving my uncle Benjen Stark from the brink of death.
May I believe this is true?"
Ethan glanced at Jon—who lowered his head not daring to meet his teacher's eyes.
"Of course—Lord Commander Mormont can also testify to it."
Robb's face brightened with hope.
"Then—can you heal my brother?
He injured his spine…"
"Young Lord!"
An elderly man interrupted Robb.
"Any treatment applied to the son of a duke must first be tested and proven safe and effective."
The old man gave Ethan an apologetic smile.
"I mean no offense Captain Ethan.
No one believes in the existence of magic more than maesters do.
But since the last Targaryen dragon perished the power of magic has hidden itself from the world.
As a maester sworn to House Stark I must be cautious."
Robb hesitated looked at Jon Bran and the old maester then said:
"Maester Luwin has been my father's advisor for many years.
He has served House Stark faithfully and without fault.
I must respect his counsel.
Captain Ethan—could you demonstrate the power for us first?"
Ethan fully understood the family's caution.
"Of course.
Then please have the young lord find an injured subject."
"No need."
Robb's gaze passed over Ethan's shoulder.
He instructed a guard:
"Hogg—go to the kitchens and fetch a lamb."
"Yes young lord."
The guard named Hogg turned and left the room.
Moments later he returned carrying a docile bleating lamb.
Robb asked Ethan:
"May I use this lamb for the demonstration?"
Looking into the lamb's innocent eyes Ethan nodded.
"Yes."
Robb drew his dagger and—with the guard's help—made a one-inch cut on the lamb's thigh.
Holding the struggling animal firmly Robb said:
"Captain Ethan—please."
Ethan stepped forward.
Under everyone's gaze he placed both palms lightly over the lamb's wound closed his eyes and prayed in a soft but clearly audible voice:
"Great Sun—you are the source of all life.
Your light pierces the darkness illuminating our path and granting us endless hope and vitality.
Your warmth banishes the cold filling the earth with life and causing all things to flourish because of you.
May your light shine forever may your warmth ever accompany us and may your power always protect us.
Praise be to the Sun God An'she!"
As Ethan prayed golden light burst from his hands.
Amid the lamb's intense struggles and pained bleats the wound closed the scab fell away and the leg was completely healed.
This prayer was something Ethan had carefully composed over two nights.
Since he had decided to reveal the power of the Sun to the world he could not allow it to appear cheap or trivial.
A proper sense of ceremony would help build trust and reverence for the Sun God An'she.
Watching this astonishing scene the room fell silent.
Only after Ethan stepped back did Theon Greyjoy approach Robb drew his dagger and scraped away the blood-matted wool from the lamb's leg.
Even after shaving the limb nearly bald he could find no trace of the earlier cut.
Maester Luwin murmured:
"Old Gods… this is true magic."
Little Bran—who couldn't see clearly from his angle—asked anxiously:
"Jon—Jon—is the little lamb healed?"
"Captain Ethan—"
Maester Luwin asked:
"Why did the poor creature cry out in such pain?"
Ethan replied:
"Healing a wound is normally a long slow process.
Compressing that process into a few heartbeats naturally compresses the pain into those same few heartbeats.
This is an unavoidable price.
It is not a pleasant experience—so I advise everyone to avoid injury whenever possible."
After demonstrating his power before them all Ethan's voice carried greater weight.
"Bran—can you endure it?"
Robb looked at his younger brother.
The boy on the bed hesitated when he heard this.
Jon squeezed his brother's hand.
"Bran—are you afraid?
Don't be.
Robb and I are right here with you."
Seeing everyone waiting for his decision Bran gritted his teeth.
"I want to play in the yard with Summer again.
I hate these legs that can't move.
Captain Ethan—please help me."
"Very well.
I will do my utmost."
Jon stepped aside.
Ethan gently lifted Bran turned him over raised the boy's shirt and asked the old maester:
"Maester—is young Master Bran injured here?"
Maester Luwin leaned close examined carefully and confirmed:
"Yes—right there."
"Then let us begin."
Ethan raised his hand placed it behind Bran's waist and spoke aloud:
"May the great Sun shine high blessing all directions!"
This time he felt a force within Bran's body resisting the blessing of Light.
He cast Purify—a cleansing spell meant to dispel negative magical effects—then another burst of Holy Light.
But judging from Bran's reaction it still had no effect.
Ethan withdrew his hand.
"Young Master Bran appears to be protected by some strange power that resists the blessing of the Sun God."
Bran paused then cried out:
"It's him—it must be him!
The three-eyed raven!
He said he could teach me to fly—he must have taken my legs!
But I don't want to fly—I just want to ride horses with Robb and Jon again!"
Bran buried his face in the soft mattress his sobs striking like hammer blows against every heart in the room.
The Holy Light had failed filling Ethan with guilt.
He stood silently and said regretfully:
"Child—I can heal external wounds and diseases but I am powerless against curses cast by others."
Ethan took out his purse and removed a dazzling gem—a brilliant garnet with +15 life regeneration originally kept for a new equipment slot during Azeroth dungeon runs.
He handed the gem to Maester Luwin.
"Maester—this is a gem I brought from my homeland.
It carries a divine blessing.
Wearing it will make one healthier and stronger.
I'm sorry I could not help—but please have this gem set into an ornament for young Master Bran to carry.
Though it may not restore his legs it will at least make him stronger."
Maester Luwin glanced at Robb.
Seeing the young lord nod he accepted the gem.
"I will find a skilled craftsman to fashion an ornament for Bran."
Robb said to Ethan:
"Captain Ethan—I am sorry to have troubled you with this journey for nothing… and yet you have given us a precious gift.
If there is ever anything House Stark can do for you please do not hesitate to ask."
Ethan thought for a moment then said:
"Young Lord—Jon should have mentioned to you that I command a small mercenary company of about twenty men.
I request your permission to build a few wooden barracks beside the river south of Winterfell so my warriors have a place to rest and train."
Robb nodded.
"So long as your mercenaries do not take up arms against us they are friends of Winterfell—and Winterfell always welcomes friends."
Ethan added:
"Also—I would like to visit the godswood within the castle.
I hope you will grant permission."
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