-Bautista's Pov-
As each day passed, I witnessed the growth of our group's unity.
The former imprisoned refugees bloomed under the influence of our community, becoming more energetic and engaged rather than their initial dependent self's.
Ser Kerith, our esteemed leader, took it upon himself to assign tasks to everyone, ensuring that both their minds and bodies remained occupied.
Coupled with the diverse and delicious food offerings, ranging from the peculiar KFC to burgers, and the comfortable shelter provided by the tents, everyone was given the dual treatment of work and rest.
Each day, a stable job or life was found in Travellers.
CLANG
Hearing the sound of metal bending under the incredible force, I turned to the sight in front of me.
I saw, Ser Kerith skillfully wielding his weapon, the Gada, as he struck down one of the guards during training.
Another one down for the count, I muttered to myself, "That makes it the 3rd victory."
With each victory, he earned more respect from our ranks. But still, I could see he is exhausted from the repeated spars.
"Time for training!" he bellowed out.
I immediately got to my feet to follow his command. Especially considering I need to oversee the refugees who joined the training recently.
I recalled the war books personally written by Ser Kerith, compiled from various historical texts spanning from the Dawn Age to the present.
His meticulous attention to detail, even in the lifelike diagrams he drew, never failed to impress me.
According to the training manual, I began the session by addressing the recruits.
"Alright, up until today, you were nothing but worthless. Like metal being crushed under a blacksmith's hammer. But now, you'll learn the value of discipline, teamwork, and respect. From this day forward, you will eat, sleep, and train together. In fact, you will shit and fuck together.
Each veteran here will guide you. Those who fail to grasp even the basics of wielding a weapon will be assigned to menial duties with the criminals. And if you cheat or break any of the following rules, you'll become the food for our pets."
I nodded towards the large cats present, who looked at me curiously. "No rape, no stealing, no abuse of power—whether in battle or otherwise."
"Now, begin your run!"
Right on cue, the master's pets roared and chased after the recruits. I couldn't help but wish they were available when I was first given this responsibility four years ago. With the excellent facilities provided, I knew we could shape these recruits into capable members of our community within a year.
"You, with the extra weight, I am taking about you fatso! You, the blond stick! And you, the fool! All of you are on shit-duty for dropping your weapons. And the cowards who wet themselves will be responsible for cleaning and tending to the lions and tigers," I announced sternly, enforcing the consequences of their actions.
-Garmond-
Wearing the cursed Compass around my neck, I glanced around discreetly to see if anyone had noticed it, but it seemed that no one had. It made me realize that Master was indeed correct in considering this journey.
Only in the populated cities and towns did we have a definite chance of encountering other magical talents.
I observed Master drawing various objects with his inhuman precision on the black board. He then went on with explaining letters and words to those who attended his lessons.
He made excellent use of examples present, such as using an apple to illustrate words beginning with the letter "A".
"You will work on these lessons today and come back prepared for my questions. Think of it as a test."
Waiting patiently until he had finished, I approached him later in the privacy of his tent. I presented him with the magic plant that I had grown. This discovery was brought back by Simba, who continually brought back various specimens from his excursions.
According to Master, who examined the thousands of varieties of herbs, this was the first magical plant he ever saw.
I had been tasked with cultivating them, using the wayward escapees from the captured prisoners and the plant magic rituals. Each plant's growth required multiple lives, leading me to ponder the immense sacrifices made by the original owner of this magic ritual.
After a few questions and answer from Master, I got the identity of the owner. It seemed that the Gardeners might have been the most brutal royalty in Westeros.
"Master, how does this plant work exactly?" I asked, curious about its properties.
"It was a truly remarkable specimen, known for accelerating the healing process without causing harm to the body's natural limit. If it breaks the limits, the body will die inside out from Cancer. Maybe, because of that the potency is not much and the side effects are intense. A night filled with intense fever, exhaustion, other symptoms of healing."
Master drank the liquid derived from the plant and sighed in relief as he felt it soothe his body. "It must be done to maintain my status as the youngest knight," he replied, acknowledging the necessity of his intense training.
As I went about my duty being Master's shadow.
I noticed Master moving among the various members of our group, engaging in conversations that were both purposeful and insightful.
Approaching Garhammer, I overheard Ser Kerith saying, "How are the craftsmen progressing, Garhammer? We need to ensure we have a diverse range of items to showcase in the next town."
Garhammer nodded, replying, "The craftsmen are rough and new, Ser. We could only manage some common place items like chairs, benchs etc. At least they are fit for sale among the common folk. As for the nobles in the Uplands, I will personally craft some Steel tools on reaching town."
Moving on, I saw Master discussing trade with Walder. "Walder, what are our prospects for trade?" he asked.
Walder responded, "It might not be much, but the rugs or clothes made by the womes will give some profit. We should resupply with the raw materials there. Though the Coats made from the lion fur and Tiger will fetch rains of Gold."
Continuing his rounds, Master exchanged words with Stevon, our logistics expert. "Stevon, how are the preparations for our journey coming along?" he inquired.
Stevon assured him, "Everything is on schedule, Ser. Supplies are being organized efficiently, and we should be ready to depart soon."
Finally, I witnessed Master meeting with Bautista, our leader of the guards. "Bautista, are the guards prepared taking the training well?" he asked.
Bautista replied confidently, "Yes, Ser. You will have them look good by Uplands. By Highgarden, they will be a novice."
Master thought for a while and asked, "When will they reach the regular guard's levels?"
Bautista honestly said, "It will take about a summer. Likely coinciding with the group's scheduled trip to Sunspear."
As I observed these conversations, I couldn't help but feel reassured by Master's versatile leadership.
-Uptown, at the foothill of Red mountains, Reach-
-Kerith's pov-
As we ventured into the Uplands, surrounded by verdant fields near the base of the Red Mountain, the potential for profit loomed large. Stevon and Clinton, our trusted organizers, estimated our potential profits at over 50%.
The merchants among us eagerly lusted after the opportunity to explore the new market and expand our wealth.
"Looks like our efforts are paying off," Stevon remarked, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
"Indeed, it's quite promising," Clinton agreed, nodding in approval.
Amidst the bustling trade, Leonis took center stage, breathing life into the tragic love story of William Gardener and Ellena Martell. His passionate portrayal drew the crowd in, evoking sighs of regret and tears from the audience.
At the climax of the performance, Leonis delivered his lines with heartfelt emotion, proclaiming his eternal love at the deathbed. The crowd was spellbound, hanging on his every word.
"Such passion," someone whispered in the crowd, moved by the intensity of the scene.
Meanwhile, I delegated tasks to my companions, assigning Smallfoot to scout potential investment opportunities in local inns and sending Garmond on an exploratory mission.
"Make sure to keep an eye out for any promising ventures," I instructed them, emphasizing the importance of our economic endeavors.
I on the other hand was fulfilling my personal objective. Increasing my reputation.
As Bautista silently guarded the entrance, I and the other healing maesters or apprentices tended to the flood of sick in a separate corner of the open field, maintaining a respectful distance from the entertainers.
"Next patient," Bautista announced quietly, ushering in another individual in need of medical attention.
As we waited for the next patient, I took the opportunity to explain to the various prospective healers of our group, including the women who expressed a desire to become healers, the importance of compassion, patience, and skill in the healing arts.
"Remember, healing is not just about treating physical wounds," I emphasized, addressing the eager faces before me. "It's about providing comfort, support, and hope to those in need. Each patient deserves our full attention and care."
As the next patient was brought before me, I took a moment to assess their condition. Bautista stood by my side, offering his own piece, probably from experience.
"Looks like a broken arm," Bautista observed, his voice gruff but compassionate.
I nodded, examining the injury carefully. "Yes, it seems like a clean break," I confirmed, mentally noting the necessary steps for treatment.
As I began to set the bone, I noted each and every single one, for the aspiring healers, who nodded in understanding. I could see they are grateful for the opportunity and listened intently to my words.
"Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others," I concluded, trying to establish a sense of purpose in them using my words. "Let's continue to learn and grow, so that we may better serve those who come to us in their time of need."
"Ser, It is a emergency. Lord Mulledore is arriving from his keep."
Clinton's panicked entrance disrupted the healing area, his urgency evident as he relayed the news of Lord Mullendore's impending arrival with his guards.
With a nod from Bautista, we quickly exited the healing area, leaving instructions for the maesters to continue their work uninterrupted.
Stepping outside, I made my way to the entrance of the field where the road connected, Simba faithfully accompanying me by my side. Lord Mullendore was already dismounting from his horse as we approached.
"Greetings, Lord Mullendore," I called out, extending a warm welcome. "Welcome to the Travelling Travellers."
An awkward silence fell as the newcomers laid eyes on, the unique mascot of our group, Simba. Meanwhile, I noticed a few astute individuals casting glances at Bautista and my guards, noting their full plate armor.
Lately, I find it easier to understand people, as if all my hard work and experience have suddenly click together.
"Can't you see that you must kneel before the Lord, Kid? Or has your fame and wealth gone to your head?"
One of his retinue members, brimming with arrogance and envy, interrupted the silence by demanding that I kneel before the Lord.
I rolled my eyes in response, and Simba let out a short growl, sensing the unnecessary tension. There was no protocol dictating my need to kneel here, as I hadn't pledged loyalty to Lord Mullendore nor was this, his court.
Indeed, I did him a favor by eliminating the bandits and enhancing his economy. Most importantly, his retainer challenged my Knighthood, which was bestowed upon me by his superior's superior, Lord Hightower.
Glancing at Simba to calm him, I observed the Lord Mullendore. He appeared fit with classic Andal Features-Blonde and jovial face and his next words only confirmed his intelligence.
"No need for that," Lord Mullendore interjected smoothly, diffusing the tension. "Ser Kerith has helped maintain the king's peace by apprehending the criminals. Not to mention, he is the most talented healer in Citadel's history and the youngest knight in history. Forgive my retainer for his jealousy; he will be punished accordingly. Hmm, ten whips will do."
Lord Mullendore then expressed his eagerness for a tour of the wonders within our Travellers, his demeanor shifting effortlessly from formality to geniality. "I heard many great things about this group here. I already saw one. Now, I want to see others."
Chuckling at his adept politicking, I found myself admiring his skill in turning an awkward situation into an opportunity to forge a relationship.
As the direct vessel of Lord Hightower, the one who knighted me, Lord Mullendore sought to extend his courtesy as a host, and I was more than willing to reciprocate.
Garmond's journal enchanted to secrecy.
Writtern in ? , at the death bed of Garmond, [Designation : ?]
Stored in ?
It was a successful trip to Uplands, where my fortunes turned with the discovery of another magical. Judging by his appearance, there might be a chance of him being a Warg.
Our journey then took us to Honey Holt, where we crossed a bridge over the Honeywine River. From there, we traveled to the coastal Bandallon, and then to Brightwater Keep, which rests at the end of the Honeywine River. Finally, we traversed the wild mountains to reach Horn Hill.
It was in these mountains that I found my warg partner, Red Hawk. According to my master, the perspective offered by him allowed me to improve my vision. Now, I could notice Leonis's flaws and even found a weapon as a result - a bow.
As for the group, it grew rapidly due to our growing reputation and the increased sense of safety we provided. It became a renowned place for finding fame, fortune, and skills, setting one up for life.
The magical population grew to 13 as we entered Highgarden. Among them, more than 7 are confirmed Wargs, highlighting the prevalence of First Men culture hidden among the Andal kingdoms.