51 AC
Winter Town
Theon Pov
A moon had passed since Theon and his family returned to Winterfell. The echoes of their journey to the island of ice dragons, the sight of those magnificent creatures soaring through the sky, and the weight of the secrets they now carried, still resonated within the walls of the ancient castle. But life in the North, with its daily rhythms and pressing needs, continued.
Theon now stood amidst a flurry of activity, the air filled with the sounds of hammers, chisels, and the shouts of laborers. He was on the construction site of the new university, located to the east of Winterfell, near the banks of the White Knife. The once-empty fields were now a hive of industry, a testament to Theon's vision and the North's determination.
The air around the construction site buzzed with a frenetic energy, a symphony of human endeavor amplified by the earth-shaking thuds of giant-wielded hammers. Under Theon Stark's watchful gaze, the university east of Winterfell, near the life-giving flow of the White Knife, was taking shape at an astonishing rate. The giants, their immense forms moving with surprising dexterity, hoisted colossal stones into place, their booming voices occasionally punctuating the rhythmic clang of human tools.
"Careful with that one, Borr," Theon called out, his voice carrying across the site. "We want it seated true. Master Mason, are the supports ready?"
"Aye, Lord Stark," the master mason, a burly man with calloused hands, replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "The supports are braced. We're ready when you are."
This unprecedented collaboration was compressing decades of labor into a mere handful of years, a testament to Theon's foresight and the unique resources of the North.
Theon envisioned a center of learning that would rival the Citadel of the South, yet bear the indelible stamp of the North's unique character. His mind often drifted to memories of previous life about University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world.
"Imagine, Master Mason," Theon mused, walking alongside him, "a place where knowledge is as valued as strength, where our children learn not only to wield a sword but also to wield their minds."
"A fine dream, Lord Stark," the mason grunted, hoisting a measuring tool. "A fine dream indeed. Though, if you'll pardon my bluntness, a bit... Southern, for the North."
"Perhaps," Theon conceded, a slight smile playing on his lips. "But we are more than just warriors, Master Mason. We are thinkers, innovators, dreamers. And this university will give those dreams a foundation."
Like Bologna, Theon's university would not be a monolithic entity controlled by the Church or a single noble house. Instead, he envisioned a more autonomous institution, one where scholars held significant sway over its governance and curriculum. He wanted to foster an environment of intellectual freedom, where diverse perspectives could clash and coalesce, leading to new discoveries and a deeper understanding of the world. The initial funding would come from the Stark coffers, but Theon hoped that other Northern lords, recognizing the immense value of such an institution, would contribute generously, ensuring its long-term financial stability.
The layout of the university grounds was inspired by Bologna's decentralized structure. Instead of a single, imposing complex, Theon envisioned a collection of specialized schools and colleges scattered across a sprawling campus, each dedicated to a particular field of study. There would be a Collegium Generale, the heart of the university, where foundational subjects like rhetoric, logic, and philosophy would be taught. Surrounding it would be specialized schools dedicated to medicine, law (both the laws of the North and the customs of other lands), mathematics, astronomy, history, and the art of warfare, encompassing both strategic thinking and practical combat skills.
"A school of warfare, you say, Lord Stark?" a passing wolfpack warrior, overseeing the security of the site, inquired, his brow raised. "Will it be like the training yards at Winterfell?"
"In part," Theon replied. "But it will be more than that, We will study not only the art of combat but also the art of strategy, the history of battles, the tactics that win wars. We will train leaders, not just soldiers."
Theon was particularly keen on establishing a robust school of healing, recognizing the constant threat of disease and injury in the harsh North. He intended to recruit the most skilled healers, apothecaries, and chirurgeons, not just from Westeros but from Essos and beyond, creating a center of medical knowledge that could serve the entire North.
"Imagine, Diana," he'd said to his wife, when discussing the plans, "a place where our healers can share their knowledge, where we can learn from the wisdom of other lands, and where we can develop new ways to care for our people."
Similarly, the school of warfare would go beyond mere swordplay and archery, delving into siegecraft, military strategy, and the history of battles, producing leaders capable of defending the North against any foe.
Drawing inspiration from Bologna's tradition of student involvement, Theon planned to give the students a voice in the university's affairs. He envisioned student guilds or associations that would represent their interests, organize debates and discussions, and contribute to the vibrant intellectual life of the campus.
"The students will have a say in how things are run," he explained to his advisors. "They will not be mere recipients of knowledge but active participants in its pursuit. This will foster a sense of responsibility and ownership."
The recruitment of faculty was already underway, a clandestine effort that stretched across the known world. Theon had dispatched trusted envoys, disguised as merchants or sellswords, to seek out renowned scholars and masters in their respective fields.
"Tell them," Theon instructed his emissaries, "that they will have the freedom to teach as they see fit, to pursue their own research, and to shape the minds of the future. And tell them that they will be honored and respected in the North."
He offered generous stipends, the promise of intellectual freedom, and the opportunity to shape a new generation of Northern thinkers and leaders. The allure of establishing a prestigious institution in a relatively untouched land proved surprisingly effective in attracting ambitious and forward-thinking individuals.
Theon also recognized the importance of a comprehensive library, the very heart of any great university. He had begun the arduous task of collecting scrolls and books, sending agents to the great libraries of the South and even venturing into the Free Cities of Essos in search of lost or forgotten texts.
"We will build a repository of knowledge," he declared to maester marrn, a wizened old man with a passion for ancient lore, "a place where the wisdom of the ages is preserved and made accessible to all who seek it."
The construction itself reflected a blend of Northern practicality and a burgeoning appreciation for aesthetics. While the buildings were sturdy and built to withstand the harsh Northern winters, incorporating thick stone walls and steeply pitched roofs, Theon also encouraged the inclusion of decorative elements – carvings of Northern beasts and mythical creatures, intricate woodwork, and large windows to maximize the precious daylight.
As the walls rose and the outlines of the various schools began to take shape, Theon could almost hear the murmur of scholarly debate, the rustling of parchment, the clang of the blacksmith's hammer shaping new tools of learning and warfare.
"Soon," he thought, gazing at the bustling site, "this place will be alive with the sound of learning, with the clash of ideas, with the forging of a new North."
He envisioned the courtyards filled with students engaged in lively discussions, the lecture halls echoing with the voices of learned masters, the libraries illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight.
The university was more than just a collection of buildings; it was a symbol of the North's ambition, its resilience, and its commitment to a brighter future. It was a testament to Theon's vision, a bold step towards intellectual independence and the cultivation of a new generation of Northern leaders, scholars, and protectors. Like the University of Bologna before it, this new institution by the White Knife had the potential to become a beacon of knowledge, illuminating the North and shaping its destiny for centuries to come. The giants continued their tireless work, their powerful movements bringing Theon's dream closer to reality with each passing day. The future of the North was being built, stone by painstaking stone.
Theon approached the main builder, a sturdy man named Warrek, his face weathered and etched with the lines of years spent working with stone. Warrek was overseeing the construction of the Collegium Generale, its massive walls already beginning to dominate the landscape.
"How goes the work, Warrek?" Theon asked, his voice carrying over the din of the construction.
Warrek wiped sweat from his brow with a gloved hand, his gaze following the line of the rising wall. "Steady, Lord Stark, steady. The giants are proving their worth, as you said they would. We're ahead of schedule, by a good margin."
"Good," Theon replied, his eyes scanning the intricate network of scaffolding and the flurry of activity below. "The foundation is solid, the stones are true. This building must stand for centuries, Warrek."
"It will, Lord Stark," Warrek assured him, his voice filled with a quiet confidence. "We're building it to last, as strong and enduring as the land itself. The giants are choosing the best stones, the masons are working with skill and care. This Collegium Generale will be a testament to Northern craftsmanship."
Theon nodded, his gaze lingering on the massive lintel stones being hoisted into place. "The acoustics of the main hall… have you considered them carefully?"
"Aye, Lord Stark," Warrek confirmed. "We've consulted with a master sounder from White Harbor. The hall will be designed to carry the voice clearly, even when filled with hundreds of students. The archways, the vaulted ceiling… they will all contribute to the resonance."
"Excellent," Theon said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "The lectures delivered here must be heard by all. And the lighting? The windows must be large enough to allow for ample daylight, even on the darkest winter days."
Warrek pointed to the massive windows being installed along the upper levels of the Collegium Generale. "We've used a special type of glass, Lord Stark. It's thinner and clearer than anything we've ever seen before, allowing for maximum light penetration. And the frames are made of sturdy ironwood, to withstand the strongest winds."
Theon walked alongside Warrek, observing the progress on the other buildings taking shape around the Collegium Generale. "The library," he said, his gaze fixed on the rising walls of the structure. "How is the work on the library progressing?"
"The library is coming along well, Lord Stark," Warrek replied. "The foundation is particularly strong, to support the weight of the many scrolls and books that will be housed within. We're also incorporating a system of ventilation, to keep the air dry and prevent the parchments from deteriorating."
"And the defenses?" Theon asked, his tone becoming more serious. "The university must be protected, not just from the elements, but from any potential threat."
Warrek pointed to the thick walls surrounding the entire campus, their construction proceeding steadily. "The walls are made of the strongest stone, Lord Stark, thicker than the walls of Winterfell itself. And we're incorporating strategically placed towers, with arrow slits and murder holes, to provide maximum defense. The university will be a fortress, as well as a place of learning."
Theon nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Good. The safety of the students and scholars is paramount. This university must be a beacon of knowledge, but also a stronghold against the darkness."