The North's White Wolf
Chapter 4
Third Person P.O.V
"That's it, Jon, keep swinging!" Nathan yelled as he watched his cousin swing his wooden sword at Nathan, who kept dodging. "Your enemy will do whatever they can to kill you, so don't be afraid to get dirty," Nathan said as he kicked Jon to the ground, to which the young boy quickly got up and held his sword.
Nathan was currently sparing with his cousin Jon in the training yard of Manderly Castle. Nathan was amazed by Jon's talent with his sword despite his age, sometimes even catching Nathan off guard and forcing the older boy to take Jon seriously. The only thing Jon lacked was experience, strength, and the will to be ruthless when necessary.
It's been three months since Nathan's 12th name day, and the young Stark has kept himself busy.
Nathan continued to learn under Lord Manderly about politics and business while training with his longsword under Ser Wylis. During Nathan's training under Ser Wylis, the knight took Nathan and several guards to a village in House Manderly's lands that had requested help from local bandits. So Nathan, Ser Wylis, and 12 guards rode to the village as soon as they could. Along the way, the group was ambushed by said bandits. The bandits had numbers, but Nathan and his group were better equipped and better trained.
It was during the fight that Nathan made his first kill, cutting the neck of a bandit as he tried to kill the young Stark. By the end, most bandits were cut down with Nathan killing three. Those who survived quickly surrendered with only a few guards losing their lives. As always, the bandits were allowed to take the Black or hang, and the remaining bandits took the Black swiftly.
The young Stark was shaken up from his first kill as most young boys are, but after talking to Ser Wylis and drinking at a tavern for a few days, Nathan could push past the incident.
"Lord Stark," A guard called out, stopping Jon and Nathan's spar. "A man is here to see you, a Noran Narios. He claims to have business with you."
Nathan grew a big grin as he nodded to the guard. "He does, please take me to him," Nathan said, getting a nod from the guard before the young Stark looked at Jon. "Sorry Jon, it looks like we'll have to cut this short."
Jon looked down with hesitation before looking up at Nathan. "Can... can I come with you?" Jon asked, making Nathan blink in surprise. "I always see you working, I'm... I'm curious about what you're working on."
Nathan smiled and put a hand on Jon's shoulder. "You may follow, but there are some rules," Nathan said, getting a smile on Jon's face as the boy nodded. "You must follow my directions and not talk out of turn. You may ask questions but nothing inappropriate. The man we are about to meet is a business friend of mine, so please show him respect. Is that clear?" Nathan asked and Jon nodded with a serious look on his face. "Then follow me."
Following the guard inside the castle to the front entrance Nathan saw Noran Narios with his people and several large crates on the side. Noran looked the same except for the growing beard on his face.
"Lord Stark, it is good to see you again," Noran said as he walked up to Nathan and shook his hand. "You have grown since the last time I saw you."
"Aye, and you've grown a beard." Nathan pointed out with a small smile.
"I thought it would help keep my face warm while in the North," Noran said as he scratched his cheek. The Essos man then noticed Jon who stood close to Nathan. "And who is this?"
"My cousin, Jon Snow. He was curious about my day-to-day activities and is observing." Nathan said, getting a nod from the young bastard.
"Well, I will be sure to make things interesting," Noran said while smiling at Jon before looking at Nathan. "Shall we go inside?"
Nathan nodded before turning around and entering the castle with Jon and Noran right behind. Noran's people quickly brought one of the crates inside the castle with the help of some guards while leaving the others outside. Nathan escorted the group to one of the larger meeting rooms in the Manderly Castle before sitting at a large table with Jon at his side and across from Noran.
"So, how was the trip back to Essos?" Nathan asked as a servant poured two cups of wine for the two.
Noran sighed as he sipped at the wine. "Not the best, unfortunately. About halfway to Essos, my ship was attacked by slavers. We drove them off but they managed to damage my ship, forcing me to stay in Essos longer than planned." Noran said before a smile crossed his face. "Fortunately, that gave me more time to accomplish your request."
Noran nodded to one of his people as they stepped forward, handing Nathan a large stack of papers. The white-haired Stark took the papers and quickly looked them over.
"Everything you need to know about a distiller and how to make Rum and Brandy are in these papers," Noran said with confidence as he folded his arms. "I was also able to purchase 5 distillers from several taverns that were in desperate need of coin."
Nathan looked over the papers and nodded his head slowly. The papers went into great detail on how to set up a distiller and the process of making Brandy and Rum. Nathan even found some surprising details he had never known before, such as how yeast was needed to make Brandy, or that Brandy can be aged like wine for a better taste.
"Very impressive, Noran. As always you have proven yourself reliable," Nathan said, making Noran give a humble bow. "So, how much are you charging for the documents and the 5 distillers?"
"300 gold for everything," Noran said without hesitation, making Jon's jaw drop while Nathan kept his expression neutral. "I spent a lot of time gaining those documents along with the 5 distillers and transporting them. I would say 300 is more than fair."
"200," Nathan threw back while placing the documents down and smiling at Noran. "You said it yourself that you gained the distillers from failing taverns, meaning you got them for a cheap."
"275, even if I got them cheap, it still took a good amount of time and effort to bring them here to the North. The time I could have spent on other trade."
Nathan paused with a thoughtful look on his face before looking Noran in the eyes. "I'll pay 250 if you and your people can set up the distiller and show me how it's done." Nathan throws back while looking at the documents.
While the documents were in great detail, Nathan didn't want to take any chances of him or someone else messing up and breaking a distiller from a simple misreading. Noran was an experienced man and his people were competent, so Nathan trusted them to set everything up at the very least.
Noran paused before slowly nodding. "Make it 260 and you have a deal."
Nathan nodded and quickly shook Noran's hand with a smile. "Just give me a few days to purchase a warehouse to set everything up and some able bodies. You may tell your people to leave the creates here in New Castle." The white hair Stark said as he handed a bag of gold to Noran, who took it with a smile.
"Pleasure doing business with you, Lord Stark," Noran said before getting up with a bow and leaving with his people.
Nathan sighed as he leaned back in his chair, sipping his wine. He then looked at Jon with a smile as the boy looked at Nathan with wide eyes.
"Do you always spend so much coin?" Jon asked in an innocent tone, making Nathan laugh.
"Sometimes spending large amounts of the coin is needed to take a chance," Nathan said as he pointed to Jon. "Remember Jon, gold, silver, and copper are only pretty metals, it's what you do with them that gives them value," Nathan said with a smile as he remembered Lord Manderly's words. "I am spending so much coin in the hopes of building something that can gain me more coin later, and with more coin, I can invest in other projects for a better future for the North," Nathan said as he sighed. "It's a gamble Jon, but no one ever made something big without taking a chance," Nathan said as he rubbed Jon's head, making the young boy laugh. "Come on, we still have much work to do," Nathan said as he stood up and Jon quickly followed.
For the next few days, Nathan bought everything necessary to start his project. He bought a large warehouse for a few gold coins from a merchant, he hired 30 men who could listen to instructions, some could even read, and finally, Nathan brought in several crates of various foods such as Rye, potatoes, radishes, and beets. They all came from Nathan's farm outside of White Harbor and were all growing strong despite the Summer Snow.
"Maester Luwin has told me our farms in Winterfell have already started growing cabbages, carrots, and spinach," Nathan thought before a wide grin crossed his face. "Maester Luwin even took my request and managed to make a Gooseberry Farm that's already thriving."
Wild Gooseberries were common in the North and while some nobles have tried to grow Gooseberries in the past, most had little success with only small numbers. Fortunately, Maester Luwin had the time and resources and used some of Nathan's ideas to grow Gooseberries, such as growing the berries in an open field away from any forest and using straight sticks to help grow the plants in a certain way. Nathan was informed by Maester Luwin that he only had one farm for each food, but they were all showing promising results.
"Gooseberries have the most value as they can be used for foods such as jams, and pies, I have even heard of some women using gooseberries as perfumes. It may even be possible to start making Gooseberries wine, something the Reach can't even make as Gooseberries grow mostly in the North."
When Nathan was informed of the progress with the barriers, he ordered Maester Luwin to start up three more gooseberry farms and to put in a request for wine-making equipment, to which the Maester quickly agreed.
"Wine in Winterfell, and Hard Alcohol in White Harbor," Nathan said as he watched Noran's men set up the distiller while he watched everything closely. "Let's see if I can ruffle the Reach's feathers." Nathan thought with a savage grin as Noran started to explain the prosses of making Hard Alcohol for Rum and Brandy.
"I thank you for everything Noran," Nathan said as he shook the man's hand. "I will inform you of any results I can manage."
"And remember Lord Stark, my ship is always open to transport such products to Essos and Westeros," Noran said in a sly tone as he bowed. "Until we meet again, Lord Stark."
With the Essos merchant gone Nathan turned to his distillers, three set up. He was keeping one in storage for the time being in case anything happened to the three set up and planning to take one distiller back to Winterfell with him to continue experimenting.
They were strange-looking, metal barrels with metal tubes connected to a smaller barrel with a fire put under the larger barrel. From what Nathan had read they were mostly made of copper to heat up much easier.
"Alright men, get ready to work," Nathan said as he looked at his workers. "You, take 10 men and grab several barrels of water from the streams outside White Harbor. Use the cart and horses." The man gave a firm nod and did as he was told. "You, go buy some firewood and charcoal in the market, take five with you," Nathan said before throwing a sack of silver coins to the man, who looked at it with wide eyes. "And don't even think of nipping any silver, I already know how much wood that pouch can buy, and if you do I will know."
"Y-Yes my Lord," The man said with a small stutter as he bowed and quickly left with five others.
Nathan looked to the remaining men with a thoughtful look. "The rest of you, open the crates holding the rye and get them ready. We have a lot of work to do," Nathan said as he clapped his hands.
The process of making Brandy was not that different from making wine. Most steps of making Brandy were very similar to wine, with the only difference being the Distiller, which the pear wine was processed through several times before the Brandy was made.
Nathan knew he had no pears to make wine with, let alone Brandy, but he did have plenty of rye.
When the workers started working on the rye Nathan quickly noticed they had started the process of making beer, much to Nathan's shock.
Beer was a Northern drink, more popular than ale or mead, or any other drink among the smallfolk and even some nobles. While Nathan preferred wine himself he didn't mind a good beer now and again.
Having an idea Nathan asked all his men if any of them knew how to make beer and to Nathan's surprise quite a few raised their hands. Nathan then ordered men to start making beer out of the rye, and Nathan found them easily doing so.
Once the men had mixed the rye with the yeast and started fermenting it, they informed Nathan the process would take about 10 days for the beer to be drinkable. So Nathan sent most of the workers home and kept a few to guard the warehouse and watch the beer to make sure nothing bad happened. With the rest of his day cleared Nathan made his way through White Harbor with his guards at his side.
"Ah, Lord Stark, good day," Tobin said while giving Nathan a bow as Nathan entered the Blacksmith shop.
"You as well Tobin," Nathan said while nodding to the older boy.
During the commission of his armor and longsword, Nathan met Tobin frequently and continued to see the older boy. Tobin was a bit odd but had a strong passion for being a blacksmith but what grabbed Nathan's attention was Tobin's ideas. The older boy was striving to create stronger steel and was convinced adding certain metals and oils would accomplish such a thing. When Nathan got to know Tobin the boy eagerly showed the Stark a book filled with notes on what he thought would improve the strength and sharpness of steel, and what would be useless. Tobin had a lot of notes that were useless for improving steel.
"Not going to use gold to improve steel again?" Nathan asked with an amused look as he watched Tobin hammer away at a dagger.
"No, grandfather is still mad at me for doing such a thing," Tobin said with a wince as he put the sword back in the fire. "I thought gold could make steel stronger, so I had to try. I didn't think it was a big deal at the time."
"You shaved down a gold coin to dust and sprinkled it like sugar on a steel dagger," Nathan said with a deadpan look as he folded his arms, making Tobin blush red.
"Luckily I was able to sell the dagger to a Reach knight that was visiting for five gold," Tobin said as he took the blade out of the fire and quenched it in oil. "Grandfather nearly tanned my hide." He said before going back to hammering the blade.
Despite himself, Nathan grinned at Tobin. The young blacksmith had a dream to become the greatest blacksmith in all of Westeros, to create swords and armor that could rival Valerian Steel. Tobin was ambitious, if a little headstrong with his dream. If there was one Nathan knew that Tobin was a prodigy as a blacksmith, better than some of the other blacksmiths in White Harbor and Winterfell.
"Huh," Nathan muttered as he sniffed the air. "What's that smell?"
"Whale Oil," Tobin said as he dipped the hot blade in a bucket of oil before going back to hammering. "A whale washed up on shore not too far from here near a village. They cut and dried the meat and sold the fat in the market. Grandfather bought a large amount as it has a lot of uses."
"Really?" Nathan asked with a raised brow. As far as the young Stark was concerned Whale Fat, along with most animal fat was next to useless. Fat was mostly used for cooking, making candles, lamp oil, or making Whale Oil for blacksmiths. Most hunters and butchers throw the fat away or sell it cheap.
"Whale Oil is good for quenching steel to get the most out of a blade, though it takes longer to make a blade using Whale Oil, there is still a good improvement," Tobin said as he smiled at Nathan. "Animal fat can also be used to clean greasy and dirty tools. I've even heard of hunters using Animal Fat to clean the blood off their tools."
That made Nathan blink while rubbing his chin in thought. "If animal fat can clean blood and grease off of tools, can it clean other things?" Nathan thought before looking to Tobin. "Food for thought later."
Nathan continued to watch Tobin work at the anvil, sweat pouring down the young boy's body as he focused completely on the blade.
"Have you given any thought to my offer?" Nathan suddenly said, making Tobin hesitate in his next strike. "Have you told your family?"
After Nathan had received his armor and longsword and saw Tobin's work, he offered the boy to return with him to Winterfell and become one of Winterfell's blacksmiths. There, Nathan would fund his experiments to create stronger steel or other ideas. Nathan made the offer a few weeks ago and was still waiting for an answer.
Tobin was quiet for a moment before he went pounding at the dagger. "I told my grandfather and my father. They said they were proud of me and that I should take your offer..."
"But..." Nathan said as he saw Tobin's hesitation.
"But I am hesitant to leave White Harbor, my family, and my grandfather," Tobin sighed as he put the blade in the whale oil with a Solom look. "I have younger siblings and I help my grandfather around the forge. To leave him for my needs seems wrong."
Nathan could understand such thinking, it was never easy leaving family and Nathan saw that Tobin loved and admired his grandfather greatly. However, Nathan could also see Tobin was thinking too narrowly.
"Tobin, it's not like you are leaving for the Reach or King's Landing. Winterfell is a two-week ride on a strong horse, three weeks by caravan." Nathan started to explain. "You can visit your family whenever you want with a strong horse, and it's not like I will keep you in Winterfell forever. You may leave whenever you want, you are a free man are you not." The young Stark said with a smirk. "As for your grandfather, can you tell me he will have trouble finding a blacksmith who wants to be his apprentice in White Harbor?"
Tobin stared at Nathan for several long moments before he blushed and looked away. "Suddenly, leaving doesn't seem like a big deal," Tobin muttered before he grabbed the dagger and looked at it for a long moment before sighing. "Damn, another failure."
"You can make many failures back in Winterfell," Nathan said as he walked forward and placed a hand on the older boy's shoulder, making Tobin smile.
"I will take to my family and have everything arranged by the time you leave," Tobin said as he bowed to Nathan. "I thank you for this great opportunity, Lord Stark."
Nathan smiled and nodded to Tobin. "And I look forward to seeing what you create, Tobin."
1 Month Later
"So, this is what you've been working on," Lord Manderly said with interest as Nathan placed the bottle in front of him.
Over the past few weeks, Nathan has been experimenting with distillers and rye beer and created something interesting.
Putting the rye beer into the distiller created a golden-brown liquid with a strong but pleasant smell. When Nathan had sampled the liquid, the young Stark was blown away by the strong flavor and the burning feeling as it went down his throat to the point Nathan was coughing up hard. The brown alcohol was much stronger than Brandy from Essos and not nearly as sweet. However, much to Nathan's shock, after only one sip Nathan felt a warm feeling in his chest, and despite the lack of sweetness the golden-brown liquid had an earthy flavor to it and a faint sweetness.
After discovering the liquid Nathan poured all his time and resources into it, using most of his own rye and yeast stock to try different combinations, methods, and time. Once Nathan found a good combination that was easy to swallow, he had various merchants and guards taste the drink. Most men spat the drink out on the first sip and said it tasted awful until Nathan insisted, they continued drinking until they could give him their opinion.
After a few sips, most men said they got used to the taste, and the Northern men soon grew to love the taste, almost begging Nathan to sell them a few barrels.
Feeling confident in his creation, Nathan presented his finding to Lord Manderly and his two sons, Wylis and Wendel.
"Aye," Nathan said as he took the glass bottle and poured the liquid into four cups. "It took some experimenting, finding the right combination of rye, water, yeast, and time, but the results were more than worth it," Nathan said as he put the bottle down. "Please have a taste, but I warn you, the flavor is very strong the first few sips."
The three Manderlys all grabbed their cups and looked down at the golden-brown liquid with raised brows. The first to drink was Wendel, who threw his head back and drank half the cup in one go. Nathan saw the man's eyes widen before he slammed the cup down and started coughing hard.
"By the Old Gods! That is strong!" Wendel coughed as his eyes watered. "It felt like I was drinking Wildfire, and it tasted nothing like Brandy."
Lord Manderly and Wilys looked at their cups before taking small sips, wincing at the strong tastes as they placed their cups down.
"Its flavor is very strong, almost too strong," Wilys said with a frown.
"Finish the cup first and tell me what you think," Nathan said as he sipped his cup, grinning at the men before him. "It's an acquired taste but trust me when I say you'll ask for more after a cup or two."
The Manderlys looked hesitant but pushed themselves forward. They continued to sample and drink the golden-brown liquid, and before Nathan knew it the glass bottle he brought was almost empty.
"You know, it does grow on you!" Ser Wilys said with a wide smile on his face as he took a gulp of the drink and gave a long sigh. "It's like when I first tried beer, tasted like piss, but it was good at getting you drunk!"
"Beer might as well be water when compared to this! It takes me a whole barrel of beer to get me good and drunk, but with only a few cups I can feel the room spinning!" Wendel shouted while laughing. "It feels like a fire is in my chest, and I can feel myself warming up just by sitting on my ass and drinking!"
Lord Manderly stared at the cup in his hands for a long moment, as a smile grew on his face while taking another sip. "I must say, Nathan, this is very impressive. While this drink is nothing like Brandy, I can see it being a favorite among men of Westeros who don't care for sweet drinks." Lord Manderly said as he took a sip. "What do you call this drink?"
Nathan smiled as he put a hand to his chin. "Well as Ser Wendel said, this drink causes a warm feeling in your chest, as if a fire is lit. And while this drink isn't as sweet as Brandy or wine, it is still sweet to an extent. So, I've taken to call it Sweetfire."
"Sweetfire," Ser Wilys said with a thoughtful look as he took a sip with a sigh. "It burns going down and continues to burn in your chest with a sweet fire. I like it."
"Oh, I'm going to tell the merchants to use that," Nathan said with a grin, making Ser Wilys and Wendle laugh.
Lord Manderly smiled before his face turned slightly serious. Clearing his throat, he grabbed everyone's attention.
"Wylis, Wendel, I wish to speak with Lord Stark." Lord Manderly said in a serious tone while looking Nathan in the eyes. "We have some business to discuss." He finished with a grin, one matching Nathan's.
Seeing what their father had planned the two brothers stood up from their seats.
"Any chance we can take the bottle?" Wendel asked, only to get a flat look from his father. "Never mind," The knight muttered as they exited the room.
Once the brothers left Nathan looked to Lord Manderly, who was looking at Nathan with pride.
"I must say, Lord Stark, you have outdone yourself." Lord Manderly said as he grabbed the glass bottle and gave it a long look. "Sweetfire has the potential to shake the wine trade in the Reach, and other houses in Westeros."
"I see my Sweetfire being popular in the North, Riverlands, The Vale, Crownlands, and the Stormlands," Nathan said as he swirled the Sweetfire in his cup, smiling at it. "The occasional nobles from other lands and even Essos will grow to like Sweetfire, but I can see it being most popular in the five lands I've mentioned," Nathan said before pointing to the glass bottle in Lord Manderly's hands. "Also, like wine, I believe Sweetfire will age better in oak barrels, such as how Brandy is aged."
"How long should sweetfire be aged for?" Lord Manderly asked while paying close attention to the young Stark.
"I'd say... six months for it to truly be good," Nathan said as he tapped his finger on the table. "However, the longer sweetfire ages the better the taste, thus raising the quality and raising the price. So I would say 2 to 3 years for better quality, and 5 years for the best quality."
"So, will you start selling sweetfire now, or six months from now?" Lord Manderly asked before raising a brow at Nathan's snort.
"Oh gods no, that would be foolish," Nathan said while waving his hand. "To try to sell sweetfire as soon as it's made will cause many nobles to spit it out and dump the drink in the woods. Not to mention if sweetfire does become popular, other nobles will try and copy me, like how many nobles sell their wine." Nathan took a sip of the sweetfire, loving the burning taste more and more with every sip. "No, the best way to grab a hold of sweetfire is through quantity and connections."
"Quantity and connections?" Lord Manderly as he hung on Nathan's words.
"The reason the Reach has such a strong hold on the wine market is that they have both the quantity and the connections. The Reach makes the most wine in all of Westeros and they have connections with merchants to sell in other lands. With so much being made in the Reach a winery in the Crownlands won't even make half of what a winery in the Reach makes in a year." Nathan said as he folded his arms. "I plan to stock up on as much sweetfire as I can for the next year, possibly making hundreds of barrels. Once I have enough I'll gift some to the Lords of the North, Riverlands, and even King Robert to spread awareness, then I'll flood the market with as much sweetfire as I can. It will take months or even years before the secret to how to make sweetfire is known, but by then I will control the market with quantity and connections." Nathan said as a thoughtful look crossed his face. "Also, to prevent any confusion on where the sweetfire has come from, I believe each barrel of sweetfire should hold the Stark sigil, as to prevent any merchants or nobles from selling their sweetfire and saying it was made by use. No noble or merchant is foolish enough to forge another noble house's coat of arms, much less House Stark."
Lord Manderly looked at Nathan with a stunned expression before he gave a bellowing laugh, making Nathan jump in his seat.
"Amazing, truly amazing Lord Stark," Lord Manderly said with admiration in his eyes. "Never have I met someone with as good business sense as me, let alone at your age." Lord Manderly gulped the sweetfire before looking Nathan in the eyes. "Though do you think you can continue to make sweetfire once you return to Winterfell?" Lord Manderly said with a challenging smile on his face. "I doubt Winterfell, or the Starks, have the connections to sell your sweetfire across the lands."
"But you do?" Nathan asked with a knowing smile on his face. "House Manderly has the ships, merchants, and connections to sell sweetfire all across Westeros and even in Essos, and with the rye farms I've invested in, you could simply expand on them to increase their yield for more Sweetfire," Nathan said as he leaned against the table and looked at Lord Manderly with a smile. "So what will it take for me to use those connections?"
"Allow House Manderly to take over the Sweetfire business," Lord Manderly said with no hesitation, making Nathan blink in shock. "I have experience running such businesses, and you've already set up rye farms close to White Harbor that can thrive even in the cold, but I also have connections in the Riverlands to buy rye should the farms ever run low, and thanks to my good daughter, I have access to a forest full of wood for oak barrels."
"I doubt you want me to simply give you my business for free."
"I have too much respect for House Stark and you, Lord Nathan, to ask such a foolish question." Lord Manderly said as he folded his fat hands and leaned against the table. "I ask that you allow House Manderly to control the business here in White Harbor, and the farms, in exchange I will give House Stark the monthly profits every six months and pay you, Nathan Stark, a large amount of gold now."
Nathan paused and looked down in thought. While Nathan was confident in himself, he knew that Lord Manderly was better at running a business, and had more connections than Nathan had along with a small army of merchants. Lord Manderly could probably make more in a year than Nathan could in three. Nathan could also use the gold for personal usage and projects instead of relying on House Stark's coffers.
"How much would House Stark gain monthly?"
"30% every month, and 70% to House Manderly." Lord Manderly said with no hesitation. "House Manderly will manage the business and pay for everything from our pocket, that means workers, supplies, rye, merchants, and everything else. In exchange for House Manderly gaining 70% of your business, I will pay 50,000 gold, and give free barrels of sweetfire to House Stark monthly."
"It's a good deal," Nathan thought with a pondering look. "While Lord Manderly will make some profit with the 70%, he has the skill and connection to do so with better successes than me, while House Stark will be gaining most of the benefits. With the gold, I can work on other ideas without having to ask my uncle, as I'm starting to run low on gold. Lord Manderly also has more ships, merchants, and skills to make more gold than I could at the moment"
"I agree to these terms Lord Manderly," Nathan said with a nod, getting a smile out of Lord Manderly. "And should I see other business ventures, I will look to you for guidance," Nathan said as he stuck his hand out to Lord Manderly. "We can draw up a contract later."
"I look forward to working with you Lord Stark." Lord Manderly said with a smile as he shook his hand back.
"Brilliant, simply brilliant." Lord Manderly said as he looked at the almost empty glass bottle. The Fat Lord was currently sitting in his study with his two sons.
"The young Lord sure makes interesting things," Wendel said as he gave a small laugh, starting to feel the effects of sweetfire in his body.
"This is beyond interesting Wendel," Lord Manderly said in a rare, serious tone, making his second son wince. "This creation has the potential to rival wine. It's a strong drink that gets you drunk fast, perfect for battle-hardened nobles and soldiers. I could even see this drink being popular in Dorne and Essos, their nights can be cold and this sweetfire can put a warm feeling in anyone's chest." Lord Manderly said as he leaned back in his chair. "First it was the re-creation of the Northern fleet, then the mines in Stark lands, then finding foods that can grow in the North, now it's a drink that will bloody the Reach when we start making these. That Stark boy is brilliant, he's changing the North, and for the better."
"Hmm," Wylis hummed as he folded his arms. "You know father, I wonder where Lord Nathan gets all these ideas. He's smart, but I know for a fact he isn't on a maesters level."
"Aye, that's because he is wise my sons." Lord Manderly said, grabbing his son's attention. "What makes a good leader isn't how strong, how rich, or how intelligent they are, but in making the right choices. Using their knowledge and asking the right questions for the best results. That is what makes a good leader. Young Nathan may not have fought in battle yet, but he already shows more promise than most Lords." Lord Manderly said, getting a nod from Wylis and a pause from Wendel. "Wylis, be honest, how would you feel if I offered a betrothal between Nathan and one of your daughters."
"I would be honored," Wylis said with no hesitation. "House Manderly has always been loyal to House Stark, for the past year I have seen Nathan grow. He is a kind and hardworking boy who will become a great man." Wylis said before blinking and looking at his father. "Is that why you had Nathan fostered here, you planned for a betrothed from the beginning?"
"Most of the lords in the North are planning to set their daughters up with Nathan Stark, even Robb Stark. I just got the head start." Lord Manderly said with a snort. "Though I doubt Ned Stark will agree to any betrothals. He will allow his nephew to choose, and Ned will only advise, but ultimately it will be Nathan Stark's choice on who he weds." Lord Manderly said as a smile grew on his face. "Even if Nathan chooses to wed another, House Manderly will form a close bond with House Stark thanks to the fostering and business."
"I wonder where the boy gets all his talent from?" Wendel said with a thoughtful look. "Brandon Stark was an amazing fighter and a good leader, but I doubt Brandon Stark could do what his son is doing. Not even Rickard Stark had such talent." Wendel said as his brother nodded in agreement.
"You two forget about the boy's mother, Rina Velaryon," Lord Manderly said as he grabbed his son's attention. "House Velaryon has always been rich thanks to their ships and business sense, once they were rich enough to rival House Lannister alone. Rina Velaryon was a rising star in House Velaryon, as she commanded over 20 ships to her name and had started to build a fortune for House Velaryon as a trader. If she had lived, I wouldn't be surprised if she became the richest lady in Westeros." Lord Manderly said as an amused look crossed his face.
"Who would have thought a union between the Starks and Velaryon would change the North for the better," Wylis said with a snort as he down the rest of the sweetfire. "I must go, I promised Wylla I would read to her tonight."
"And I need to write up a contract for the sweetfire business." Lord Manderly said as he brought up a piece of paper and started writing. "Now, be on your way so I may work in peace... and yes, Wendel, you may take the bottle."
Lord Manderly's second son happily took the bottle, much to the Lord's amusement. With his son's gone Lord Manderly got to work on his papers.
2 Months Later
For the next few weeks, Nathan continues to experiment with the distillers with his sweetfire business and see what else he could create, only this time Lord Manderly and his maester were also by Nathan's side, learning everything they could to make sweetfire.
Lord Manderly had written up the contract for House Manderly to take over Nathan's sweetfire business. The profits of the sweetfire business would be split up with 30% going to House Stark while 70% would go to Lord Manderly, and Lord Manderly would be in charge of maintaining and funding the sweetfire business with their profits, but House Stark would continue to receive 30% of the monthly profits every six months. In exchange for Nathan giving most of the sweetfire business to Lord Manderly, Nathan gained 50,000 gold and would be given 10 barrels of sweetfire every month for free.
After that, Nathan continued to experiment with the distillers to see what else he could create while he kept updated with his uncle on the mining projects. Ned had informed Nathan that the silver mines would be producing silver in just a few months since most of the mine was still held together by the Stark's ancestors. Ned also informed Nathan that he was also working on the Obsidian mine but was only putting in half the effort until the jewel arrived at Winterfell. Thus, the Obsidian mines only had half the number of the silver mines.
The Sapphire mine near Moat Calin was also going smoothly, though it would take much more time before it was operational.
Speaking of the jewel makers from Essos, Tycho Nestoris, and Irrio Vollel were able to acquire several jewelers and even a few glassmakers to come to the North just a few weeks ago. Most of the jewelers were sent to Moat Calin as the sapphire mine there while a few were sent to Winterfell for the obsidian mine, along with the glassmakers for the quartz mine. However, before the jewelers and glassmakers left Nathan pulled the two best and instructed them to teach Tobin how to cut gems and make glass, as the boy had asked Nathan once he agreed to come to Winterfell with him.
The men from Essos were a bit reluctant but after showing them some gold they quickly agreed. So, Nathan had his uncle send obsidian and raw sapphire for Tobin to work on and hone his skills, which the young blacksmith was very grateful for.
After the jewelers and glassmakers left for Winterfell and Moat Calin Lord Manderly informed Nathan of Lord Reed's request to come to White Harbor to speak with Nathan. The letter was somewhat vague, but Nathan agreed as he wanted to know the progress of the Rice farms in House Reed Lands.
"Lord Reed, I welcome you to White Harbor," Lord Manderly said as he and Nathan greeted Lord Reed and his party.
"Thank you for accepting my request," Lord Reed said before he turned to Nathan with a look of gratitude. "And it is good to see you again Lord Stark."
Nathan couldn't help but look at Lord Reed in shock. Months ago when Nathan saw the man he was thin and had a grim look about him as most nobles of House Reed. Now, Lord Reed seemed to be brimming with life and even seemed to gain some weight.
"And you as well Lord Reed," Nathan said as he shook Lord Reed's hand. "I admit I am shocked to see you like this, you seem almost brimming with life."
Lord Reed gave a hearty laugh, which shocked Nathan again as a few months ago would have been unimaginable Lord Reed laughing.
"It is thanks to you, Lord Stark," Lord Reed said as he looked behind and gave a nod.
Two guards came forward with a large barrel and placed it down in front of Nathan and Lord Manderly. The guards then opened the barrel to reveal it was filled to the brim with white seeds or rice.
Looking at the large amount Nathan looked to Lord Reed with a wide smile. "You've grown rice," Nathan stated this as a fact as he saw the barrel of dried rice.
"Aye, we have," Lord Reed said while brimming with pride. "I will tell you everything over dinner. I have brought a cook who has managed to make some dishes with the rice."
"Fortune has smiled upon you Lord Reed," Lord Manderly said with a booming laugh. He walked over and slapped Lord Reed's shoulder. "Come and let your cook prepare the meals, my people will listen to him."
Sometime later Nathan, along with Lord Manderly's family were sitting in the dining hall with Lord Reed's cook preparing a meal for everyone.
"As Lord Stark told me, rice does not have much flavor on its own, but amazingly it goes well with nearly anything." Lord Reed said as his cook presented several bowls and a large pot. "Salt alone can give the rice a nice flavor, and adding simple meat from any animal can fill a belly easily. But we are not having that today, as my cook has prepared stew."
True to Lord Reed's words the cook prepared several bowls of stew filled with meat, vegetables, and rice all mixed. Nathan didn't hesitate to taste the food with a smile on his face.
"This is amazing Lord Reed," Nathan said, getting a look of pride on the cook's face. "Have you found anything that goes well with rice?"
"Simple foods so far my Lord, but we are trying new things every day." Lord Reed said as he ate his food, and Lord Manderly's family quickly followed. "Speaking of new things, House Reed has recently found another food that can grow in bogs." Lord Reed said, making Nathan's head snap up.
"You found another food that can grow in bogs?" Nathan asked with shock in his voice.
"Aye, one of the smallfolks brought it to my attention while I was visiting one of the rice farms." Lord Reed said while nodding his head. "They are known as cranberries, a red berry that grows in bogs not too different from rice, but cranberries grow atop the bog water. Once I found out about the berries, I had my maester do as much research as possible and started to harvest them before starting a cranberry farm. It will take some time, possibly a year before we can figure out how to grow the cranberries in farms, but my maester is confident he can accomplish it."
"Fortune smiles on House Reed," Lord Manderly said with an impressed look. "The once grim lands of House Reed may soon grow the most food in the North."
"It is thanks to Lord Stark, who I am eternally grateful for." Lord Reed said with gratitude as he bowed his head to Nathan. "House Reed can never re-pay House Stark for the fortune they have given us, but we can try. I am already sending rice to Winterfell as you have requested."
"I and House Stark thank you for the gift," Nathan said as a thoughtful look crossed his face. "Lord Reed, may I ask you a question about the rice farms?"
"Of course," Lord Reed said with no hesitation.
"With the growing rice farms in your lands, how likely would it be for House Reed to supply rice to the whole of the North during winter?" Nathan asked in a serious tone.
Instantly, all eyes at the table were on Nathan and Lord Reed. All looking at the two with interest from Lord Manderly down to Wylla.
Lord Reed looked thoughtful before letting out a sigh. "Unfortunately, I don't see that happening soon, my Lord."
"May I ask why?" Nathan asked with some disappointment but kept it hidden well.
"The Greywater Watch simply lacks the numbers, our population is less than 20,000 and that is the most in recent years." Lord Reed said with a grim expression. "While the rice farms have given new work and staved off the hunger, we still lack the numbers for such a task of feeding most of the North with rice and the coin. We would need much greater numbers if we are to supply the whole North with enough rice to last through winter."
Nathan sighed at that and nodded his head. The Greywater Watch was a large but poor land and most smallfolk that could leave did as soon as they got the coin. Even if House Reed started to grow food and make coins, it would be years before their numbers started to grow.
"If House Reed has more numbers, they could make more rice farms, and produce more food that could feed the North." Nathan thought with a huff. "How the hell do you increase a population?"
Dinner continued smoothly for the nobles as Lord Manderly talked with Lord Reed about purchasing rice and entering a trade agreement to sell rice to Lords of the North, as House Reed had no access to traders. At the end of dinner, Nathan found himself walking with Lord Reed through the training yard.
"Lord Manderly keeps his men strong," Lord Reed said as he paid close attention to the guards training.
"He has the resources to arm and armor his men and a large population," Nathan said as he smiled at Lord Reed. "In a few years, you will be able to do the same."
"I find that hard to believe," Lord Reed said with a slight chuckle. "House Reed has only ever had 2000 men at once, even if we start growing food, I can't see my house growing to such heights."
"Ah, you think too little," Nathan said with a smile. "The rice you grow won't just keep your bellies full, but with what you sell to the other North Lords will gain House Reed much coin, even Lords from the South will want rice with how long it lasts, especially in winter. When word spreads that House Reed is opening its arms to more people with farming work, you should see an increase in migration from both the North and even the South."
"Perhaps in the coming years," Lord Reed said with a smile.
Nathan gained a thoughtful look on his face. "You know, recently Moat Calin has discovered an Iron Mine," Nathan said, grabbing Lord Reed's attention. "Ever since Moat Calin has started reconstruction, Lords of the North have sent men to show their support. Already 3000 soldiers occupy Moat Calin, along with 5000 smallfolk. To feed 8000 people is not cheap. Perhaps you can enter a contract with my uncle. House Reed will supply Moat Calin with rice, in exchange, Moat Calin will provide both wood and iron to help with housing and other construction needed in the Greywater Watch, maybe increasing the number of soldiers."
Lord Reed looked surprised before gaining a thoughtful look. "That is something to think about."
"Nathan!" A voice called out.
Turning, Nathan saw Jon run up to Nathan with a big smile on his face. Sweat ran down the young boy's face.
"Hello Jon," Nathan said with a smile as he looked at his younger cousin. "Lord Reed, meet Jon Snow, son of Nathan Stark. Jon, this is Lord Reed, an old friend of your father. He came back to the North with you and me when you were a baby."
"Hello Lord Reed," Jon said with a bow, making Nathan smile.
Nathan looked to Lord Reed and paused when he saw the shocked look on Lord Reed's face. It wasn't a look of disgust or contempt like some nobles had when meeting bastards, but a look of shock.
Lord Reed quickly hid his shock and smiled at Jon. "My, you certainly look like your father, you have his eyes."
Jon smiled at that before his face turned hesitant. "Lord Reed, you said you came back to the North with me when I was a baby, right?" Jon asked, getting a hesitant nod from Lord Reed. "Then... then do you know who my mother is?"
Nathan sighed at that. For a long time, Jon had asked who his mother was but for some reason, Ned always dodged the question. Never telling Jon or anyone who she was or how she looked. All Ned told Jon and everyone who asked was that she died giving birth to Jon and Ned took him in soon after. Even Nathan had asked and Ned revealed nothing.
"Why uncle avoids the question like the shivers I will never know." Nathan thought before looking to Lord Reed, and what he saw made him pause. "Now that's interesting."
Lord Reed looked stunned at Jon's question, as if not expecting it. Lord Reed then looked at Jon with some hesitation, worry... and fear.
"I am sorry Jon Snow, I do not know," Lord Reed said with a sad smile. "By the time I joined your father, you were already there."
"Oh," Jon said with a down expression.
"Hey, chin up," Nathan said as he lifted Jon's chin and smiled at him. "Remember you have a father who loves you, along with brothers and sister, and me," Nathan said as he rubbed Jon's head, getting a giggle from the boy. "Now I seem to remember you having lessons with the Maester later."
That got a pout out of Jon as he looked away. "I was going to..." Jon muttered, making Nathan snort.
"Go, or no sword training for a week," Nathan said in a warning tone, making Jon nod before he ran away.
"He seems like a good lad." Lord Reed said with an off tone as he watched Jon run away.
"He is," Nathan said before his eyes turned hard. "So, Lord Reed, do you mind telling me why you lied to my cousin?"
That made Lord Reed go stiff as he looked to Nathan with wide eyes, while the young Stark only gave him hard eyes.
"What... do you mean, my Lord?" Lord Reed asked, but it sounded too calm to Nathan.
"I know for a fact that you rode with my uncle to the Tower of Joy, and you rode with him on the way back," Nathan said while giving Lord Reed a raised brow. "I doubt you could have been gone long enough for him to pick up a baby and not know who the mother was, or have an idea of who Jon's mother is," Nathan said as his eyes turned sharp. "So, Lord Reed, who is Jon's mother?"
Lord Reed showed his worthiness of being a Northern Lord as his face didn't change from Nathan's question. The older Lord kept his face neutral for the most part, telling Nathan nothing from the question. However, because Lord Reed kept his face neutral told Nathan a lot.
"He knows exactly who Jon's mother is." Nathan thought as he stared Lord Reed down, who stared back. "The question is why is Lord Reed keeping it a secret?"
There was only reason Lord Reed would not tell Jon or Nathan who Jon's mother was if he was ordered to. The only person who could order Lord Reed to lie to the heir of Winterfell and the North, is Nathan's uncle, Ned Stark.
"Who the fucking hell is Jon's mother that it would require Lord Reed to swear to secrecy?" Nathan thought as confusion crept into his mind.
"...Lord Stark, I am sorry, but I cannot reveal anything." Lord Reed said while giving Nathan a deep bow, grabbing some attention in the training yard.
"..." Nathan sighed as he rubbed his face. "Raise your head, Lord Reed. I will not ask any further."
Lord Reed raised his head and the two continued to walk together, the two silent. As they walked Nathan thought to little Jon, his mind feeling confused.
"Ned Stark is the most honorable man in all of Westeros, yet he's still human. To fall for a woman in the heat of war is understandable, and he would even take care of his son when the mother died." Nathan thought as he walked next to Lord Reed. "Yet Uncle Ned never revealed Jon's mother. Is it the shame he feels, maybe to save the Mother's honor? Ned already revealed he had a bastard while married to Catelyn and brought the bastard to raise on his own. Aunt Cat makes Uncle Ned live in shame every time Jon is brought up, and Ned endures with no hesitation." Nathan thought as he tried to fit the pieces together. "Is it... fear?" That made the young Stark pause as he glanced at Lord Reed. "Fear to hide Jon's mother from Jon and other nobles would make sense if it would put Jon and the Starks in danger, but who could scare Ned Stark enough to hide that fact, or has the power to rival House Stark?"
These questions floated around Nathan's head for a long while before he put them to rest. He has too little information and only two people know the truth.
"I will talk to Uncle Ned when the time is right." Nathan thought as he looked at Jon, who was talking with one of the older boys. "It's cruel to keep Jon in the dark. I will convince Ned to tell him the truth one day."
With that thought tucked away, Nathan continued walking with Lord Reed, discussing a better future for the North.
4 Months Later
Over the next few months, Nathan continued his fostering under Lord Manderly, working on his various side projects and other business ventures.
Nathan continued to experiment with the distillers and stock up on a good number of sweetfires. Lord Manderly and Nathan agreed that they would wait one year before they started selling sweetfire, as they wanted to gain some gold before next winter, as the Maesters were already claiming winter was only a few years away. Lord Mandelry and Nathan agreed that before winter they would sell sweetfire to the nobles cheap so they get a taste of the hard alcohol and how it helped keep a person warm even in the gold. Once the nobles ran out of sweetfire they would want to buy more as soon as winter ended, bringing better awareness.
So after Lord Manderly bought a few more warehouses Nathan started stocking up the sweetfire, filling them with more and more barrels every week. After a few months of making sweetfire, Nathan ran out of rye from the farms outside of White Harbor, forcing the young Stark to wait until he could grow more. However, even with the Rye farms depleted Nathan had made over 500 barrels of sweetfire in several warehouses.
Feeling comfortable with the amount of sweetfire, Nathan started working with other foods to see what he could make with the distiller.
Other than rye, White Beets were the most grown on Nathans's farms. So, following the same process for Brandy, Nathan had his workers smash the white beets into mush and mix it with water and yeast before it was fermented for a few days. Once the fermentation was finished it was processed through the distiller.
What came out was not a brown liquid like Brandy or sweetfire, but a clear liquid like water with a very strong smell.
Giving the clear alcohol a taste Nathan found the taste clear and crisp, but with a faint sweetness. It has much less flavor than sweetfire, but from what Nathan saw from the guards and workers drinking it, they became drunk just as fast as with sweetfire. The only downside was it did not give a burning feeling in one chest as sweetfire did, but still got someone drunk fast.
When Nathan presented his new creation to Lord Manderly and his sons, only Wendel found the drink enjoyable.
"I fucking love this!" The Manderly Knight shouted as he downed his cup. "It is clear and hits strong, like a Northern Spirit."
Hearing that made Nathan pause. "Strong like a Northern Spirit, why don't we call it that? Northern Spirits, or Spirits for short."
Lord Manderly and Wylis told Nathan while they favored sweetfire, they didn't mind Spirits. Thus, Nathan started stocking up on spirits, and Lord Manderly bought another warehouse to hold the alcohol for the coming future.
Ned kept Nathan informed of the situations across the North. Sea Dragon Port was finally completed along with dozens of ships, from warships to trading vessels to fishing ships. Now the coin left over from the construction of the port was being used to create a castle for the new soon-to-be Lord, Larence Snow. In a few years, Sea Dragon Port may become another city in Westeros, and the North will be the only realm to have two cities.
Ned also informed Nathan that the silver mine was already producing silver, slowly increasing Starks's budget. Nathan was also informed that the obsidian mine was in operation and the jewelers brought in from Essos had already started to teach anyone willing to learn how to cut obsidian. It would be months before the North started to make obsidian jewelry, but everything had to start somewhere. Obsidian blades and arrowheads however were already being made and being sold to hunters and other sorts.
Speaking of Winterfell, Nathan continued to send and receive letters to his cousins twice every month. Robb continued to train with his sword and learn under Maester Luwin, and from what the old man said Robb had a knack for strategies from the talks they had. Arya continued to rebel against her mother, learning archery and horseback riding instead of sewing or elegance like in the South. Sansa however took everything her mother taught her like a fish to water, she constantly begged Nathan if he could gain more silk for dresses, much to Nathan's amusement.
Nathan wasn't the only one giving gifts, as he too was receiving gifts, specifically a gift from Lord Manderly on his last birthday. It was a board game known as Cyvasse, and Nathan found it fascinating. It involved several pieces on a board for each player, and each piece had its unique ability and move-set. The game required a deep understanding to play along with a mind for strategies. Lord Manderly explained how the game can be used to train lords how to think in times of war, such as who to attack and when to retreat.
Currently, the young Stark was playing the game with Lord Manderly, as he was the only person in the castle who understood the game.
"Lord Stark, your fostering is almost over," Lord Manderly said as he moved his Dragon across the board to intercept Nathan's ship.
"Time goes by quite swiftly," Nathan said as he moved his War Elephant to attack his Knight. "I learned a lot and did a lot in the two years thanks to House Manderly."
"We have also gained much from your fostering." Lord Manderly said as he looked out the window to see the port in the distance. "I'd say the expansion of the port and the Fleet in the East will be completed in half a year."
"To which you will start selling Sweetfire and Northern Spirits with a fleet of new ships and merchants all across Westeros and Essos," Nathan said as he moved his Tower to block Lord Manderly's Dragon.
Lord Manderly paused as he moved his Catapult to counter Nathan's Tower. "It will take time for word of mouth to spread how good your alcohol is."
"Not if we get the right people to spread the word," Nathan said as he used his Scorpion to shoot Manderly's Dragon, taking it out of the game. "Just before we start selling Sweetfire and Spirits, I will send at least two barrels of each to various Lords in the North and even the Riverlands, along with 10 barrels of each to King Robert. If King Robert shows favor for the drink other Lords will follow, such as Lords of the Vale, Stormlands, and Crownlands. The Westerlands may also follow suit as there are a lot of Lannisters in King's Landing at the moment."
Lord Manderly nodded as he used his Knight to take Nathan's Scorpion. "The Reach will be hard, they are very proud of their wine trade and will resist anything that might weaken it. For Dorne it can go either way, it mostly depends on the nobles." Lord Manderly said as he watched Nathan move his Dragon to take out Lord Manderly's knight. "Tell me Lord Stark, what do you plan to do once you return to Winterfell? Any other big plans or ideas for the North?" Lord Manderly said as he used his tower to block his Dragon.
"I always have ideas and plans to help the North Lord Manderly," Nathan said as he moved his Catapult to take Lord Manderly's Tower, making the older man click his teeth. "Do you know what I realize is one of the most important things to a good Noble House needs that most people don't even realize?" Nathan said, grabbing Lord Manderly's attention. "It's the Maesters," Nathan said with a chuckle. "Whenever I had a question or needed information, I almost always went to the Maester with any questions about anything. When I needed copies of documents the Maester was one of the few people in the castle who could do so. Without a good Maester, who will answer questions a noble asks, who will take care of the Ravens that send messages to other Lords? Maesters are a vital part of a noble household."
"Aye, I can't remember the number of times my Maester saved me from making a bad decision." Lord Manderly agrees as he sends his Rogue to take Nathan's Catapult.
"Yet even though they are so important, most Northern Lords lack proper Maesters as most Maesters are from the South and see no benefit in coming to the North, and the Citidel often sends Maesters bearly worthy of the title to the North," Nathan said with a frown as he moved his War Elephant to stop Manderly's Soldiers. "Most Northern Lords can't send their people to the Citadel since it's so expensive, not to mention politics play too big of a role in the Citadel where those with money and connections have an easier time while those who are poor struggle for years on how to make a single chain. It's why so few Northerners become true Maesters because they are undermined by those in the South."
"Hopefully with the new trade in rice and fish, most Lords will have some coin left over to invest in a Maester or send someone to the Citadel to become a Maester. Even a Maester not fully chained is more valuable than no Maester." Lord Manderly said as he sacrificed his Rogue to take Nathan's War Elephant with his Soldiers.
"But what if the Lords of the North didn't have to send their people to the Citadel to gain a Maester? What if they sent them somewhere else?" Nathan said with a knowing smile.
Lord Manderly blinked as his eyes slowly grew wide. "You plan to make your own Citadel?" Lord Manderly asked with disbelief in his voice.
"Well, we would have to call it something else, but essentially yes," Nathan said as he leaned back in his chair, giving Lord Manderly his full attention. "The North is different from the South. While the South has time and resources to squabble over petty arguments the North has always focused on survival. The Citadel has too many politics that hold others back, too many strict rules, and they demand too much coin where not even a poor Noble can get someone in, much less a merchant or peasant."
"You mean to make a place of learning that will take anyone in for free?" Lord Manderly asked with a raised brow.
Nathan snorted and waved his hand. "Nothing like that, I was thinking more along the lines of investing in those with a talent for being a Maester," Nathan said as he folded his hands. "If a person, say a peasant, had a talent for learning and reading, and showed great promise, wouldn't it be a waste just to send him, or her, away just because they are a woman or don't have the coin? Wouldn't it be wiser to invest in that person, and in a few years we gain a very skilled Maester whose knowledge may help many people? Take Tobin for instance, while being the grandson of an old knight he is not a noble, yet his blacksmithing skills are beyond question. So I am investing in him to gain a talented person who may help me in the future. It'd be stupid to ignore Tobin simply because he isn't a noble." Nathan said as he snorted. "Also, some of the Maester's vows are not appealing to most people, such as a Maester never taking a wife or having children. If a Maester had a child, wouldn't they push that child to become a Maester as well, bringing more knowledgeable people into the world? Even Knights are allowed to fuck."
Lord Manderly listened closely to Nathan's words and nodded his head slowly. "So if you were to start making your own Citadel, what would you need?" Lord Manderly asked out of curiosity.
"A fuck tone of books," Nathan said with a deadpan stare, making Lord Manderly snort. "The Citadel holds thousands of books which they guard more closely than most nobles guard their gold. Most books you can get copies of for the right coin, but a good amount of books in the Citadel are only available to the top members, and getting a copy is a real bitch."
"You've done your research," Lord Manderly said with amusement.
"Maester Luwin was more than happy to tell me all the ups and downs of being a Maester of the Citadel, and it's not hard to understand why not everyone would want to become one, despite Maesters being more important to Westeros than Knights," Nathan said as he rubbed his chin. "If the North is to have its own Citadel, we would need most of the books the Citadel has. A few lost here and there won't make that much of a difference, however, that is still hundreds or even thousands of books. And there is no way the Citadel will give so many books to a potential rival."
Lord Manderly nodded their head. "The Citadel has always been rivals with the Alchemists' Guild and it is known to everyone that each one is hostel to the other." Lord Manderly said while looking thoughtful. "How would you acquire said books for your own Citadel Lord Stark."
"By stealing them of course," Nathan said with a wide grin, making Lord Manderly blink. "I have a few ideas on how to get such a large number of books, but it will take time, maybe years before we even have half of the number of books the Citadel has," Nathan said before giving a long sigh as he rubbed his face. "Which I may have to put on hold for the time being. House Stark has already used a lot of gold in the past couple of years with the mines, reconstruction of Moat Calin, and the construction of two ports."
From the last letter his uncle sent him, most of the gold was used for all of Nathan's plans with only 1.7 million gold being left over. Ned was adamant that they hold all plans until the future winter comes to pass and use what gold we have left for food.
"Winter is Coming," Nathan thought the Stark words while looking out the window. "With two ports on both sides of the North fish and sea game will be brought in much larger numbers, Lord Manderly has even upped Sea Salt production to handle the rising number of dried food. As for grain Lord Reed is stocking up for the coming winter, rice has truly become a Boon for the North." Nathan thought as he rubbed his chin. "Though it may not be enough to stop the North from purchasing grain from outside the North, it will allow for Lords to purchase less. Perhaps during the next winter, the North will only buy grain from the Riverlands at most."
"Remember Lord Stark, you have done more than most noblemen can only dream of." Lord Manderly said in a severe voice, grabbing Nathan's attention. "The reconstruction of the Northern Fleet alone will put your name down in history. And the discovery of rice will forever be a boon to the North and House Reed, with Sweetfire and Spirits just making your name more well known." Lord Manderly said with a wide smile. "Perhaps it is time to enjoy your youth before you become the Lord of Winterfell. The last thing you need is for your white hair to become gray." Lord Manderly said with a hearty laugh.
Nathan paused before he sighed and nodded his head. Since Nathan came to White Harbor he has mainly focused on his studies, learning under Lord Manderly, learning combat from various knights, and pursuing his businesses and ideas. Nathan soon realized that he hadn't been enjoying his youth to the fullest. Even when he stopped doing business or working on his ideas, he was training in combat, working up a sweat even in the cold.
"White Harbor has many interesting shops and sights. I would like your last months in White Harbor to be interesting." Lord Manderly said with a kind smile.
Nathan returned the smile and moved his soldiers across the board. "Perhaps you are right Lord Manderly, there are several places I wish to see and experience."
"I recommend the Blue Gill Inn and experience their Sauna." Lord Manderly said as he moved his Knight to stall the Soldiers. "It is very well crafted and has a service that is fit for any Noble."
Not long into his fostering Lord Manderly introduced a Saunas to Nathan. They were rooms with a hearth in the center with hot coal or rocks. Water was then poured on the hearth to create steam that would heat the entire room. It was a simple idea but very effective, and Nathan had been to a Sauna several times during his fostering. Even Lord Manderly was looking to put a Sauna in his castle, and Nathan was planning to put a few in Winterfell.
"Perhaps I will," Nathan said as he moved his Soldiers and confronted the King. "Check," Nathan said with a grin.
Lord Manderly hummed as he nodded his head. "Impressive Nathan," Lord Manderly said as he moved his Priest to stop Nathan's Soldiers. Nathan blinked as he saw without his soldiers, Lord Manderly's Priest and Knight had direct access to Nathan's King, and he couldn't escape. "But you still have much to learn," Lord Manderly said with a winning smile.
Nathan clicked his teeth as he tipped his King over, ending the game. "Good game Lord Manderly," Nathan said as he got up and stretched. "It's still early, perhaps I will go to the Blue Gill for some time in the Sauna."
"Please make some memories in your store in White Harbor Lord Stark." Lord Manderly said with a chuckle as he started to collect the pieces of the game.
"I will be sure to do that," Nathan said as he exited the room, a thoughtful expression on his face. "What should I do first?"
21N: Winter is Coming, and this chapter has ended.
I hope everyone enjoyed how I started having Nathan already working on the North to make it better. I know there was not a lot of new content in this chapter, but I hope everyone found it entertaining. Now let's go over a few things.
1: Sweetfire/Spirits: As you have probably guessed, Sweetfire is Whisky and Sprits is Vodka... or just Spirits. The North can grow rye and white beets in the North despite the cold, which can be used by a distiller to create hard alcohol. As time goes on other Northern Lords will learn how to create their Hard Alcohol and create different varieties. Nathan himself will continue to create a better Sweetfire and Spirits as time goes on.
2: Creating a new Citadel: I'm surprised there is only one Citadel and no other noble has tried to create their own, considering how important Maesters are. If anything happened to the Citadel, say a fire that burned most of the books and killed a good number of the Maesters, then all the knowledge they accumulated over the years would be lost. Politics does play a major role in the structure of the Citadel, with those with connections and money getting better treatment while commoners are treated as only servants. Frankly, the other kingdoms should have invested in their Maesters as each realm is different with different living, customs, and problems that they face.
Well, that's all I have to say!
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