The College of Winterfell
Winterfell-289AC
It had been a fortnight since Harry returned to Winterfell and it was only now that he was finally caught up with all that had happened during his absence. There wasn't too much he had to catch up on luckily. So most of his time was spent with his cousins making up for lost time and he spent the rest of his time settling minor disputes, that were outside of Catelyns or Luwins ability or authority.
Some of these disputes were due to numerous criminals or Nights Watch deserters who took the news of war as opportunity. Lady Catelyn and Maester Luwin did not have the authority to execute anyone except in exceptional circumstances.
So twenty three people sat in the dungeons of Winterfell, some for moons, waiting until someone could get around to giving them a trial or an execution. Harry got through those people in one day. He was still young enough that he wasn't expected to execute the men himself. He still had to give the order and witness the executions though, which wasn't present.
He also received a raven from his uncle Ned from Lannisport a week after his arrival. He just informed Harry that the tourney of Lannisport is finished and the Northern Army would be making their way back home.
Hadrian sent a raven back, telling him to call all the Lords to gather at Winterfell for the discussion about the formation of the Northern Army.
He spent significant more time speaking with various leaders of the Mountain Clans. Lord Liddle and Lord Wull had come had come to Winterfell in order to enquire about what the increases in food means for them and how they can best profit off of it. Normally Luwin would be more than able to explain the new farming practices and send a few farmers with them to their new land in the Gift, in order to get the farms started.
The problem was that no one in the Mountain Clans, least of all their lords, respected the Maesters authority or the authority of Catelyn. So they refused to listen to them and insisted on waiting for Hadrian or his uncle to return.
Harry couldn't even find it in himself to be annoyed with either of the Lords. The Mountain Clans had long been some of House Starks fiercest and most loyal supporters. For the Mountain Clans, House Stark is the only House in the North or South that was worth listening to and was the only House they would ever consider as their overlords. When past Starks called them to war, they always answered eagerly and without reservation. They might not have been the strongest force or the most well equipped but they never delayed when House Stark called on them. They never required any kinds of threats or bribes to follow House Starks will. For the Mountain Clans, House Stark are still the Kings of the North and their word was law.
He could appreciate that loyalty.
That's why he went the extra mile and gave them three dozen work horses that they could use either on their farms or to transport their food once it has grown and been harvested. He even organised a few trading caravans that would make their way to the farms to give them a bit of extra wealth. Harry couldn't help but smile to himself when he saw how much they appreciated it.
Harry then spent another day in their company, going on a hunt. During which Harry managed to deeply impress them, by tracking down and killing the largest game. It was almost trivial to track the deer with skinchanging. He was lucky he was allowed to use a crossbow for the hunt though. Afterwards he threw a feast in their honour.
He invited both Lords to stay in Winterfell until the rest of the lords joined them for the discussion about the Northern Army. Luckily the lords were understanding that Harry had a lot of work to do, so they took no offence when he spent the rest of the time going over some of his plans for the development of Winterfell. Instead of spending it in their presence.
He wasn't able to do much at the moment, but he designed a small building to act as a school. It wasn't going to be anything special. He would build it out of stone for now as that would give it some permanence. The building was going to be two floors. The first floor was composed of two different classrooms large enough to fit at least fifteen students each and another room on the side for storage of equipment or parchment. There would also be a small kitchen and living quarters for a few guards to keep the peace and protect the place. The building would be built on the very outskirts of Wintertown a decent distance away from Winterfell or any nearby building. This would give plenty of space for expansion in the future.
The top floor would have various research stations and a small living space that would eventually be for the person who he puts in charge of overseeing the place. Ideally, Hadrian is hoping to come across an educated man who is interested in pursuing knowledge. He hopes to then hire them to run the administration of the school and to do some research for him in the future.
Hadrian has a lot of projects and ideas that can help the North. Advancements in metalworking and medicine, the creation of concrete or glass and improvements in shipbuilding was just beyond his reach, as while Harry has some basic knowledge about those subjects, he doesn't know enough to advance The North in those areas. At least not without a significant amount of time spent of experiments that he needs to spend elsewhere.
Not everyone agreed with his decisions to make a school though. That's what lead Harry to his current predicament.
He was sitting in his solar in Winterfell with Maester Luwin and Catelyn. Harry decided when he got back to Winterfell that Catelyn needed some serious help integrating in the North, so he started including her in more of his councils. To get a better idea of her mind-set so he could see about changing some of her more….difficult aspects. He hoped she would feel more welcome if she was occasionally invited into his council, hopefully making her start to consider the North her home more than the South. He didn't really know how well it would work but he would try.
Unfortunately, Catelyn was educated to run a household and little else. She was also a very opinionated and stubborn about her opinions. To Harrys great frustration, both Luwin and Catelyn were united against him on his newest project.
Harry was massaging his temples with his eyes closed listening to the ongoing conversation. It wasn't about anything he hasn't thought of before. Both of them seemed unable or unwilling to help him come up with solutions to some of their budget problems, to help make the project easier on their coffers. Instead they seemed determined to change his mind."….citadel will take this as an attack my lord, I don't know how they would react."
He opened his eyes to see Catelyn nodding along with Luwins words. "The Citadel holds a lot of power, lords all over Westeros listen to their words. We can't afford to make enemies of them. House Stark is also already losing coin my lord. It will be a few short years before we are in debt at this stage. We must start saving coin my lord."
Harry opens his eyes and stares at the Maester, choosing to ignore Catelyn for now. "I wish to collect knowledge in Winterfell. Part of the reason is so that the North is no longer reliant on a Southern institution, whom we have no control over, an institution located in the centre of the Faith of the Seven in Westeros. So I don't really care if they react badly, it is something that has to be done. It will be much more difficult to gather the knowledge without their cooperation, but there are plenty of books out in the world, belonging to merchants or lords. I have no doubt that I can acquire a decent collection over time. The more important question is what will you do Maester? I have great respect and trust for you Luwin, but you need to decide where your loyalties lie first and foremost. To the Citadel or to House Stark?"
The Maester looks uncertain and when he opens his mouth to speak, Harry raises his hand and cuts him off. "I don't want any of the secrets behind any discoveries or inventions created to be given back to the South. Not without my blessing. So I need to know whether or not you will keep anything you learn away from the Citadel. This is no easy decision Luwin, so you are excused to your chambers to think about your answer. If you choose House Stark you will be given the opportunity to help me start this new institution in the North. You will not run it, as I will still need your services in Winterfell, but you will help me with it. If you choose the Citadel, then you will be provided enough coin to live the remainder of your life in comfort as thanks for your dedicated service and sent on your way. What you choose to do from there is up to you."
Catelyn spoke loudly. "You can't just dismiss the Maester my lord. The Citadel will not take it well."
Harry frowned annoyed. "That is exactly why I am doing this. I refuse to let the Citadel have power over me and the North." He then looked back at Luwin, who was remaining quiet. "You are dismissed Luwin."
The Maester got up to his feet and made his way out the door with a thoughtful frown on his face. Harry had already assigned someone to watch him and any letters he sends. His first Huntsman would use a bird to catch any ravens over the next few days. Trust, but verify.
When the door closed behind Luwin he looked at Catelyn to see her all but scowling at him. "That was incredibly foolish. We need a Maester. Who will help me give birth to my child?"
Harry looked at her blankly. "I have already sent a raven to Lord Manderly asking him to look for and send someone. He is also on the lookout for learned men and books. Other than that there is a midwife in Wintertown who has been helping woman give birth for thirty years. There are many options available."
Her scowl becomes even deeper. "You would trust an old peasant woman to help deliver my child, your cousin?"
Harry kept his emotions carefully controlled lest he lash out. "A woman who has helped bring many more children into this world than Luwin has. She is very experienced and she will not be alone, there will be other learned men there as well. Lord Manderly won't have a problem finding anyone. Besides, Luwin may decide to stay."
Her face didn't shift. "It was still an incredibly stupid thing to do. I will be having words with your uncle when he gets back. "
Harry had to control himself still so that he wouldn't leap over the desk and smack the woman. "Who do you think you are?" It came out in almost a growl.
Harry saw her shift uncomfortably but continued on. "You are Catelyn Tully. A Lady of a House in the Riverlands, who was handed their power and are still barely holding on to it. A House that seems to have an inflated ego, if you are anything to go by. You come here expecting to rule yet never try to get to know our peoples customs, history or traditions. You never tried to adapt to the North. I was content to hold my tongue. To try get along with you for the sake of my family but I will not be talked down to by you. It is time to hammer some facts into your head. "
He could see her face twisting but continued on before she could speak. "House Stark has worshipped the Old Gods for thousands of years. For as long as we have ruled the North. We have fought off invasions from the Faith for thousands of years. As almost every House south of The Neck was beaten and converted, House Stark stood strong. Protecting our gods, our heritage and our traditions. House Stark is basically the Champion of the Old Gods at this stage. I will not have any member of House Stark be raised to worship The Seven. My ancestors would curse me if I did. So you will stop taking Sansa and Robb to pray to The Seven."
She jumped to her feet. "They are my children! I should be able to raise them as I please!"
Harry just kept his face calm. "True, and for all your faults, you are a good mother. What you don't understand is that I am doing this for them. If they worship The Seven they will never be truly accepted in the North. Especially because they are Starks. Your children will also never marry outside of the North if I can help it. I can protect them more easily if they are in the North. In the South, there is not much I can do if anything does happen."
He could see her trembling with rage, but he had to give her credit, she kept her silence. "I do not do this to hurt you or harm your children, no matter what you may think. I'm doing this for them."
He took a deep breath and released it along with some of his rage before continuing. Catelyn was almost purple in the face by that point. "Try and –"
"You can't do this!" She screamed. "Ned will never agree-"
"I am Lord Stark!" Harry stood. "Ned may be my uncle and my regent, he may have my love and respect. But who his children marry affects House Stark and therefore the entirety of the North. I will not allow my uncle to marry my cousins to a House that would inevitably drag us into war, when the South inevitably goes to war again. They will stay in the North where they are safe, protected and can't be used against us."
He sat back down, ran a hand over his face and let out a sigh. He was about to try and stop the conversation, end it before it got any worse. Unfortunately Catelyn never gave him that chance.
"My father will hear about this!"
Harry couldn't help it. He tried to stop himself, he really did. He pressed his lips together as firmly as he could. Unfortunately, he just couldn't help himself. "Mmmp..mp…hp..ha..ha ha HA HA HA!" He laughed in Catelyns face. She just reminded him too much of a certain ferret with that remark.
Judging by the offended look on her face and the way she was slowly reddening, she didn't like the fact that he was laughing at her. It took a supreme effort of willpower, but eventually he managed to calm himself down. Eventually once his laughs trailed off Harry looked at the serious disposition on her face and calmed completely. "Your father has no power over me my lady. We will have this conversation again when my uncle gets back. Once we have both had time to calm down."
She didn't even bother to give a response before storming out of the room and slamming the door closed behind her.
Harry groaned and banged his head on his desk a few times while muttering to himself. "..stupid..fuc…"
After taking a bit of time to calm himself down, Harry sits up and admits to himself that both of those conversations could have gone better. He probably could have found better ways to go about discussing those topics with Catelyn and Luwin besides direct bluntness. He also probably shouldn't have laughed in Catelyns face.
He shrugged. What's done is done.
Hopefully they both actually thought on his words though. Hadrian really wants Luwin to choose to stay in Winterfell because he actually likes the Maester and he is a very useful man. Catelyn would make his families lives a lot easier if she just tried to adapt.
For now, Harry decides to focus on other matters. He decides to focus on doing what Catelyn and Luwin were originally supposed to be helping him with in the first place. Coming up with specifics of how the school will work and working out solutions to any problems there might be. It would be useful to have another point of view but he would just have to do it alone.
Even if Luwin stays in Winterfell, he would be too busy to coordinate and run the school full time. Harry would need to find someone who could do that for him. Someone who is smart enough to do some of his experiments for him. Someone who could lead the school and help Hadrian develop it into the centre of knowledge he hopes it will one day become.
As it stands, Harry was currently hoping to stumble across someone or have his uncle Benjen find someone on his voyage because a person like that was difficult to come by.
Another problem was actually making the place into the centre of knowledge in the world. A task much easier said than done. First he needed to gather knowledge and books at Winterfell. In order to attract those who might be interested in learning. Gathering so many books was a huge task, it would probably take decades or even centuries to gather enough books to rival the Citadel.
He has ideas that will no doubt give The North a large advantage over the Citadel. Such as creating a very basic printing press, to make the producing the books faster, cheaper and easier. From there, The North could sell off printed copies of the more common, less valuable, books in order to make some coin. Creating the printing press itself would be easy. All that Hadrian would do was modify a wine press, which already exists in this world. The far more difficult task was inventing the ink to make using such a press without smudging the page possible. As the normal ink used was simply too prone to smudging and running across the page.
Harry didn't have the chemistry knowledge to even know where to begin on such a task. He didn't have the time to try and figure something like this out either, as such a thing might take years to figure out for all he knows. So finding someone who could do this research for him was incredibly important.
The Alchemists Guild in Kings Landing would be perfect for such a task. Trying to move the guild North would create all sorts of issues though, as he is sure that some people in Kings Landing keep an eye on them. The King is known to have a distrust of them and might question why they went North. Anyone competent would notice they were missing, no matter how stealthily he managed to move them. Then when the Alchemists are inevitably found, he would have to answer some awkward questions and even greater scrutiny will be placed on the North in the best case scenario.
He would have to think on the matter more. Getting people who can work on those projects as soon as possible was incredibly important but he couldn't cut any corners and have the risk of his new inventions being leaked South before he was ready. If one of the individuals are corrupt and accept a bribe from the South, releasing details and specifics of his inventions and how they were made, it would take a huge advantage away from the North and give more power to the South. Harry would need to be extra careful and have some trusted people keep watch over those who will be researching on his behalf.
For now, all he could do was keep an ear open and hope he hears of someone who would suit his needs. Perhaps once his spy network was more developed he could send some them out to look for suitable people? A question for another time.
Harry finished writing some notes before moving onto the next issue.
As much as he disliked admitting it, Catelyn and Luwin had a point when they said building the school would add a large strain on their coffers.
Winterfell was now losing money at a steady pace. The cost of all the projects Winterfell was paying for, was now well above what Winterfell was bringing in with taxes. It was a concerning prospect but wasn't something that would have an immediate impact. Winterfell could afford to lose money at the current rate for another two or three years before they would truly be broke.
As more farms are set up and taxes increase and importing decreases, that number of years should stretch. The farms alone might be enough to bring Winterfells coffers back into the positive in half a decade if he is lucky. Unfortunately this means that House Stark has very little gold that could afford to be spent on any more projects at this time. Not without bringing House Stark to financial ruin.
Hadrian really hopes this trading voyage to Yi-Ti was going to be as successful as he thought it was. With any luck, it would bring a large amount of gold into House Starks coffers. Enough gold that he could continue developing The North without worry.
Harry knows that the school was incredibly important. The school would continue to shape and develop the North well after Harry is dead.
Unfortunately it is also probably one of the projects that would take many years to become successful. It would take constant investments of coin, time and resources. The larger the school grows the more it will cost to actually run it. There will be more teachers, more students, more guards, more books, classrooms and more experiments that cost more gold. He needed to start looking into alternate revenue streams for the North. The trading voyage will help his finances but he couldn't rely on only one thing to keep the North afloat.
Hadrian sighed as he finally closed the books on House Starks accounts deciding to take a break. He then called a servant and ordered some lunch. Hopefully that would help him get rid of his oncoming headache.
Next chapter 12 June 2023.
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