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When Theon, Bloodwind, and the others returned to Winterfell after completing their mission, half a month had already passed since they'd left.
Eddard was still accompanying Robert along the Kingsroad toward King's Landing, and control of Winterfell's military had already passed fully into Robb's hands, both in name and in practice.
At that moment, Robb was with Dacey on Winterfell's western side, near the Hunter's Gate, inside the maester's tower.
Maester Luwin stood in front of them, introducing the medical supplies laid out on the table.
"Milk of the poppy and dreamwine. These two are used to ease pain. However, some people with weak willpower can become dependent on them.
This is Myrish ointment. It contains mustard seeds, nettle, and bread mold. It can be applied to wounds to prevent infection.
Willow bark and suturing thread. These are usually used to close larger wounds. These are the main supplies we use on the battlefield."
"Thank you for the explanation, Maester Luwin.
And what about the cost? Can these be used on a large scale for soldiers?"
Robb listened carefully before asking what he really wanted to know.
"Milk of the poppy and dreamwine are relatively expensive. It's not possible to supply them to common soldiers. They are usually reserved for officers or knights.
The Myrish ointment is not expensive, but the sea route between Essos and Westeros is long. If we want to buy it in large quantities, it will take time.
As for willow bark and suturing thread, they are cheap. These can be used by all soldiers without issue."
Maester Luwin answered each question patiently.
"I see. Maester Luwin, I believe our army's medical treatment after battle is very lacking. The mortality rate among the wounded is too high.
Many soldiers suffer sword wounds and end up having them treated with boiling water just to stop the bleeding and prevent infection.
So I was thinking about creating a dedicated battlefield medical unit, focused entirely on treating wounded soldiers."
Robb explained his idea.
After all, when it came to knowledge and experience, the maesters were far more learned.
Maester Luwin nodded thoughtfully before responding.
"In the South, such groups do exist, but in the North they are rare. For many lords here, who live in poor lands, the cost of medicine is often seen as more valuable than a wounded soldier's life.
If you wish to create such a unit, I can teach them basic treatment and suturing techniques.
As for the ointments, you may want to write to Lord Wyman Manderly of White Harbor. As the 'port of the North,' they maintain trade with the Free Cities of Essos."
"Thank you for your guidance. I will recruit soldiers for this medical unit, and then I will need you to train them."
"It will be my honor, Lord Robb."
"Then we'll take our leave, Maester Luwin."
After saying their goodbyes, Robb and Dacey walked down from the maester's tower.
As soon as they reached the courtyard, they saw Theon and the others who had returned to report.
The fast Bloodwind was the first to run over to Robb, pressing his large wolf head into Robb's chest like he always did, waiting to have his neck scratched.
Robb didn't disappoint him.
While scratching the wolf's neck with both hands, like greeting an old companion after a long journey, he also listened to Theon and the others report on what happened.
After hearing everything, Robb nodded.
"You three did well. Winterfell's army is now under the Wolf Guard's command. I've already prepared positions for you.
Rest today. Tomorrow you'll officially take your posts."
"Robb, what positions did you prepare for us? How many men will we command?"
Theon, who had been exhausted from the long journey, immediately became energized and asked directly.
"You and Owen will command the infantry and archer forces.
Smalljon and Edd will take command of the cavalry.
Torrhen will handle logistics and support.
As for the numbers… the infantry and archer force will have five hundred archers, seven hundred spearmen, and one thousand five hundred infantry.
The cavalry will have three hundred mounted spearmen, two hundred mounted archers, and eight hundred light cavalry.
And we'll have three hundred men in logistics.
Also, we'll soon be forming a dedicated battlefield medical unit. I just confirmed it with Maester Luwin."
For his core commanders, Robb was patient enough to explain everything clearly.
"I'll train them well!"
Theon, who had always been more of a background figure in Winterfell, was now holding real military power for the first time.
His blood was boiling with excitement.
He couldn't wait to prove himself in battle.
Owen and Smalljon were just as excited, their expressions full of determination.
"Alright, get some rest."
"Then I'll head off!"
"We'll take our leave, Lord Robb."
After finally convincing the travel-worn group to go rest, Robb turned his attention to Lady and Nymeria, whose fates had now been changed.
Maybe they had been properly "disciplined" by Bloodwind during the trip back.
The two direwolves, now already the size of adult wolves from the frozen lands, sat quietly nearby like obedient sled dogs.
"Lady, Nymeria, come here."
Robb called out.
But the two cold, proud wolves didn't react at all.
"Make them come."
Robb stopped scratching Bloodwind and spoke to him.
"Grr…"
The satisfied direwolf let out a low growl.
Immediately, the two wolves ran over and stood obediently in front of Robb.
It seemed they only obeyed the leader of their pack.
Robb nodded slightly and reached out to pat Nymeria's soft head.
But no blood text appeared.
He then reached out with his other hand and touched Lady.
The result was the same.
After what had happened before, Robb now considered the Three-Eyed Crow an enemy.
And the only thing that might be able to deal with supernatural forces was his mysterious blood text ability.
That was why he had tried to change the fate of Lady and Nymeria, hoping it would trigger some kind of change in his power.
But it seemed he had been overthinking it.
However, when he focused on Bloodwind, he noticed something unexpected.
Name: Bloodwind
Contractor: Robb Stark
Constitution: 11
Speed: 10
Strength: 10
Pack: Spiritual Direwolf (6)
Subordinates:
War Wolf: Nymeria
Servant Wolf: Lady
Blood Pact Points: 5
A new category called "Pack" had appeared in the blood contract.
From what he could tell, Bloodwind had absorbed Nymeria and Lady into his pack.
As for the other three wolves, who still had their own owners, they couldn't be included.
Robb already had a guess why.
Not long ago, when he visited Bran, he had touched Summer.
Rickon had been there too, along with Shaggydog, and Robb had touched him as well.
But neither of them appeared in Bloodwind's pack.
As for Ghost, Jon's wolf, that was even more impossible.
As for the titles "War Wolf" and "Servant Wolf," Robb believed they likely represented their roles within the pack.
Even though he didn't fully understand this new ability yet, Robb was certain of one thing.
His power never did anything without a reason.
Sooner or later, he would figure it out.
After all, every part of this ability had been discovered little by little, through trial and error.
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