Capítulo 183: CHAPTER 183
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CHAPTER 183
293 AC
POV THIRD PERSON
The Temple's training grounds were a beehive of activity, bustling with the smallfolk and noble attendees who had gathered for their daily training session. The air was thick with anticipation, and beneath it all, there flowed an undercurrent of tension, marking the stark differences between these two social strata. Among the assembled trainees stood Jorah Glover, the nephew of Lord Glover, his expression marred by disdain as he surveyed the smallfolk beside him.
"I refuse to be grouped with these peasants," Jorah declared, his voice heavy with arrogance. "I have no intention of lowering myself to their level."
The smallfolk exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes betraying a mixture of resentment and fear. They were acutely aware of their place within the hierarchical system, and challenging a noble's words was a risky endeavor, one that could result in dire consequences. However, as Jorah's disparaging words lingered in the air, a new presence emerged, one that seemed to rise from the very ground itself.
Druid Emrys, who was now known as Aermir among his followers, manifested with an air of authority that commanded immediate attention. Upon their entry into the Temple, he orchestrated an oath ritual, binding those present to his service. When they learned that the Sword of Winter and the Druid were one and the same, shock rippled through the crowd. They had always envisioned the Druid as an elderly figure, yet here stood an 18-year-old man with piercing silver eyes. His gaze fell upon Jorah, revealing a mixture of disappointment and anger.
"Do you truly consider yourself superior to your fellow Temple occupants? The moment you took your oaths, you became servants of the Old Gods and my people," he inquired, his voice carrying an immeasurable weight. Jorah's chin lifted defiantly, although a flicker of uncertainty danced in his eyes.
"My lord, I bear noble blood, chosen by the Old Gods themselves. How can I be equated to them?"
Aermir's gaze remained unwavering as he drew closer to Jorah, his very presence exuding an aura of power and authority.
"In the eyes of the Old Gods, all who possess magic are considered chosen. Your noble lineage does not grant you the privilege of demeaning those in my service," he declared.
The tension in the air grew thicker as both smallfolk and noble attendees observed the exchange. Aermir's words resounded through the temple grounds, transcending mere titles and social standings, delivering a rebuke that touched upon the essence of their beliefs.
"I am here to impart the wisdom of nature," Aermir continued, his voice now laced with an undeniable determination. "The power residing within each of you is not confined by birthright or social rank. It is a gift from the Old Gods, and it unites you all."
Jorah's face reddened, a turbulent blend of anger and embarrassment, his fists tightly clenched by his sides as he retorted.
"My Lord, please, they should have their own lessons."
Aermir's eyes blazed with an otherworldly intensity, and he called upon the very energy of the earth. Vines erupted from the ground, swiftly ensnaring Jorah's feet and wrists, rendering him powerless. The nobleman's struggles proved futile, his defiance against the Druid's might reduced to nothing.
"You shall be taught humility," Aermir proclaimed, his voice carrying an unassailable authority. Aermir declared, his voice ringing with unwavering determination.
"Outside of this Temple, you may hold noble status, and they would be bound to obey you. However, the moment they were chosen to become priests and priestesses, everything changed. In the eyes of the Old Gods, you are all equal, blessed with the gifts of wargs and skinchangers."
The smallfolk watched in a mix of amazement and anxiety as Aermir released Jorah from his entwining restraints. Aermir's attention then shifted to the assembled group.
"All of you possess the spark of magic, a connection to the essence of nature. You are the chosen ones, the very foundation of this Temple."
With Aermir's inspiring words, the lingering tension in the air began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of unity and newfound pride. Of course, the nobles' opinion didn't change right away, but they realized the futility of rebelling. The training sessions continued, guided by Aermir's patient and profound teachings.
...
In the ensuing months, marked progress was achieved, and a profound camaraderie blossomed, transcending the rigid boundaries of social status. The journey wasn't without its challenges, but as they began to perceive one another as kindred wielders of magic, a powerful bond grew among them. Amid their rigorous training and shared experiences, both smallfolk and nobles alike came to realize the strength inherent in their shared abilities. The barriers that had once separated them fell away, replaced by a deep-seated sense of unity and comradeship, indelibly linking them to the teachings and vision of Druid Emrys.
The wargs began to perceive the presence of their animal counterparts, their spirits entwining in a graceful dance of shared consciousness. However, their connection to these bonded creatures was fleeting, lasting only a short while. Arthos Tallhart, for instance, uncovered a profound connection with a wolf, while Ysilla, a smallfolk hailing from Clan Wull, found herself bound to a raven, her senses extending beyond her own body to encompass the raven's world of flight and freedom.
Concurrently, the skinchangers diligently refined their ability to merge with the spirits of the creatures they aspired to embody. Although they could not fully transform, their hands could take on the characteristics of claws, each one unique based on the animal they connected with. This distinction might be due to their inherent limitation of transforming into only one specific animal. As expected, the She-Bear of House Mormont possessed bear-like claws, and among the skinchangers, Dacey exhibited the most exceptional talent, mastering her abilities to a remarkable degree.
The Temple was a realm of transformation, not only for the individuals who had once viewed themselves through the narrow lenses of social division but also for the very essence of magic that flowed through its hallowed corridors. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the moon ascended, the temple's halls seemed to pulse with the rhythm of change.
Smallfolk and nobles, whose lives had once taken divergent paths, now shared a common purpose and destiny. The teachings of Druid Emrys had dissolved the barriers between them, blending their backgrounds into a harmonious tapestry of unity. With each passing day, their understanding of the intricate tapestry of destiny woven by the Old Gods deepened, and with it, their zealous connection to Aermir rose, too.
Within the moments of tranquil reflection and dedicated practice, they not only honed their unique abilities but also connected with the ancient magic that had existed long before their time. As wargs and skinchangers, they had unlocked the gates to a deeper connection with the natural world, but they also bore the mantle of protectors.
Their duty extended beyond mastering their powers; it was a commitment to safeguard the sacred domain of the Old Gods, to ensure that the bond between the realm of humanity and the realm of spirits remained unbroken, echoing a legacy that had thrived for countless generations.
...
Under the ever-watchful guidance of Aermir, the wargs and skinchangers became a potent force that embodied the untamed spirit of the North itself. Their collective bond grew with each dawn and dusk, transforming them into a unified and harmonious pack. Each member of this extraordinary assembly possessed a unique connection to nature and a fierce loyalty to their leader, ready to defend the Old Gods' sacred realm.
As the wargs and skinchangers honed their abilities, Harlik took it upon himself to prepare the Templar and Paladin forces for the challenging times ahead. His unwavering commitment to Aermir's teachings and the military strategies passed down from the Druid ensured that the soldiers under his command received rigorous and thorough training. They honed their combat skills, delved into the nuances of strategy, and mastered the intricate tactics that would be essential in the battles to come.
The renown of the Templar and Paladin forces, along with their dedication to the Old Gods, began to ripple across the North. News of their existence reached the ears of those eager to join a cause that resonated with their deep-seated beliefs. As recruits from various corners of the realm made the pilgrimage to the Temple, they brought with them not only their unwavering faith but also a shared sense of purpose, uniting under the banner of the Old Gods. Together, they prepared to stand as the vanguard against the impending darkness.
Under the skilled guidance of Harlik, the once-disparate group of recruits underwent a profound transformation. Their ranks, composed of both Templars and Paladins, evolved into a disciplined and cohesive fighting force. With each dawn, they became increasingly formidable, their hearts and minds aligned with an unwavering commitment to defend the faith and the lands of the North from any threat.
...
In the realm of shadows and secrets, Kegan's role as Aermir's spymaster proved to be an invaluable asset. Possessing a discerning eye for detail and a vast network of informants, he orchestrated a ceaseless flow of intelligence. Reports and information poured in from every corner of the North, extending into neighboring territories like the Riverlands and the Vale. This constant influx of knowledge granted Aermir a distinct advantage, allowing him to anticipate and outmaneuver his adversaries with a strategic edge that was second to none.
Aermir's own formidable abilities granted him a significant advantage in terms of spying and reconnaissance. He possessed the means to observe the actions and intentions of others, yet he recognized that his time was too valuable to be spent solely in passive observation. Thus, Kegan and his Ravenguard were entrusted with this crucial task, ensuring that Aermir's potent capabilities were used to their fullest extent.
Kegan's proficiency, however, extended far beyond the realm of espionage. He undertook the arduous responsibility of training the members of the Ravenguard in the shadowy art of assassination. This was a discipline that demanded the highest levels of precision, secrecy, and ruthlessness. Drawing upon the expertise of hired professionals from the distant lands of Essos.
Kegan personally oversaw their training, with the ultimate aim of forging the Ravenguard into a formidable force capable of eliminating threats from the shadows. Of course, he could always use an animal to assassinate someone, but it was always better to prepare for all occasions. If all of his enemies died because of animals, people would know it was him or the Druid, so it was better to have alternatives.
Nonetheless, the dark path of assassination was fraught with dangers. The very skills that were being cultivated came at a steep price, as the first mission assigned to the freshly trained assassins was to silence their former instructors from Essos. Faced with the potential exposure of their clandestine force, Aermir made a grim and resolute decision, ensuring the silence of those who possessed knowledge about the spy and assassin cadre. This grim act marked the initiation of further training, with the newly appointed assassins taking on the mantle of instructors, perpetuating the cycle of secrecy, skill, and the deadly art of the Ravenguard.
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