54 AC
Winterfell
The initial shock gave way to a flurry of questions, the lords of the North crowding around Theon, their voices a mixture of awe and apprehension.
"By the Old Gods, Stark, what manner of weapon is this?" Lord Bolton demanded, his usual composure shaken. "Where did you acquire such a device?"
"And that… that substance you used," Lord Karstark pressed, his brow furrowed. "What is it? How does it generate such force?"
Lord Manderly, ever the pragmatist, focused on the implications. "The range… you said it can hurl projectiles over great distances? How far, precisely? And how many of these… cannons… do you possess?"
Lord Mormont, his voice strong and unwavering, saw the potential for defense. "Could such a weapon be mounted on the Wall?"
Lord Hornwood, his expression thoughtful, considered the impact on warfare. "This changes everything, Stark. Sieges, battles… nothing will ever be the same. How long would it take to produce more of these?"
Lord Flint, his pragmatic mind calculating the costs, asked, "The materials… the… 'substance' you use… is it readily available? How much would it cost to equip our armies with such weapons?"
Theon answered their questions patiently, explaining the principles of the cannon, the properties of the explosive substance (which he called "black powder"), and the potential for mass production. He spoke of the knowledge he had gleaned from ancient texts and his own experiments, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and a quiet determination.
Theon, having answered their immediate questions about the cannon, raised his voice slightly to address the assembled lords. The echoes of the demonstration still lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the potential he was about to describe.
"My lords," he began, his gaze sweeping over their faces, "what you have witnessed today is but a glimpse of what is possible. This steam engine, this cannon... they are not mere curiosities or weapons. They are the fruits of knowledge."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "Imagine," he continued, "if we were to educate not just our future lords and ladies, but also the most talented among our smallfolk. Imagine the countless minds, currently confined to the drudgery of daily survival, unleashed to explore the mysteries of the world, to devise new solutions to our challenges."
He gestured towards the workshop, towards the intricate machines and half-finished projects that filled the space. "This university," he said, his voice filled with a passionate conviction, "is not just about preserving the knowledge of the past; it is about creating the knowledge of the future. It is about fostering a culture of innovation, where new ideas are nurtured, where new technologies are developed, and where the North can forge its own path to prosperity."
"With educated minds," Theon continued, "we can develop more efficient ways to farm our lands, to navigate our seas, to defend our homes. We can discover new resources, create new industries, and open up new avenues of trade. We can transform the North into a land of abundance, a land of strength, a land of knowledge."
Theon's words hung in the air, the implications of his vision settling upon the lords of the North. A murmur of agreement began to ripple through the group, though with varying degrees of enthusiasm.
Lord Manderly, always keen to the promise of increased trade and wealth, nodded with genuine approval. "You speak sense, Stark," he boomed. "A North that innovates is a North that prospers. I will support this university."
Lord Mormont, ever mindful of the Wall, saw the potential for its defense. "If such knowledge can help us against the darkness," he growled, "then it is a worthy investment. I will lend my support."
Lord Karstark, while still wary of deviating too far from tradition, grudgingly conceded the potential benefits. "It... it could strengthen our lands," he admitted, his voice gruff. "If it leads to greater yields and more efficient ways to defend ourselves, then I will not stand in its way."
Lord Bolton, however, remained the most reluctant. His shrewd eyes narrowed as he considered the potential disruption to the established order. "Such radical changes... they could destabilize the North," he cautioned. "But... I cannot deny the power of what you have shown us today. I will not oppose this endeavor, but I will be watching its progress closely."
Even with some reluctance, the lords of the North, pragmatic as ever, recognized the potential value of Theon's vision. They understood that knowledge, innovation, and progress could be powerful tools in securing the future of their land.
Theon, sensing the shifting tide of opinion, addressed the lords with a renewed sense of purpose. "My lords," he announced, "the construction of the university is well underway. With the aid of the giants and the tireless efforts of our builders, we anticipate its completion by the end of 55 AC."
He paused, letting the news sink in. "Furthermore," he continued, "I am pleased to inform you that the recruitment of scholars is proceeding apace. We have successfully scouted some of the finest minds in Westeros and beyond, individuals eager to share their knowledge and shape the future of the North."
Theon continued, his voice resonating with a firm conviction. "House Stark will bear the burden of all salaries and funding for the university," he declared. "At least initially. We believe this is a vital investment in the future of the North, and we are committed to ensuring its success."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled lords, his expression softening slightly. "My sons and daughters," he announced, "will be among the first students to attend the university, beginning in 56 AC. The same goes for my brother Jonnos's children. We believe it is crucial for our own families to lead by example, to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to this endeavor."
He then addressed the lords directly, his voice filled with a persuasive earnestness. "I urge you, my lords," he said, "to send your own children to this university. Let them learn alongside my own, let them forge bonds of camaraderie and understanding that will transcend the boundaries of our individual houses. Let them become the future leaders of the North, united in knowledge and purpose."
Theon continued, his tone becoming more impassioned. "And it is not just the highborn who should benefit from this institution. I implore you to seek out the most talented individuals within your lands, regardless of their birth. Send your brightest and most promising smallfolk to the university, so that their gifts may be nurtured and their potential unleashed. We cannot afford to waste any talent, any spark of genius that could contribute to the betterment of the North."
He gestured towards the plans and designs for the university, his eyes gleaming with a visionary fervor. "This university," he said, "is not just about books and lectures. It is about fostering a new generation of Northern leaders, scholars, and innovators. It is about creating a place where knowledge is valued, where ideas are exchanged, and where the future of the North is shaped."
"It is about unity," he emphasized. "By bringing together the sons and daughters of our noble houses, and the most talented among our smallfolk, we can forge a stronger, more cohesive North. A North where the bonds of kinship and shared learning transcend the traditional divisions of birth and station."
Theon's impassioned plea, coupled with the demonstration of his remarkable inventions and the promise of a unified and prosperous future, resonated deeply with the lords of the North. After a moment of thoughtful consideration, a wave of acceptance swept through the assembled group.
Lord Manderly, always eager for progress and profit, spoke first. "Very well, Lord Stark," he boomed. "I will send my eldest son, and any talented individuals from my lands who show a thirst for knowledge. A stronger North benefits us all."
Lord Mormont, seeing the potential for a more resilient defense against the threats beyond the Wall, nodded in agreement. "If this university can help us stand against the darkness," he growled, "then I will send my grandson. And I will encourage my people to seek out any promising minds among them."
Even Lord Bolton, his skepticism tempered by the undeniable power of Theon's inventions, conceded the point. "I will send my son," he said, his voice grudging but firm. "And I will allow any talented individuals from my lands to attend, though I will be watching their progress closely."
One by one, the other lords of the North echoed their assent, each acknowledging the potential benefits of the university for their own houses and for the North as a whole. They recognized that this was not just about books and lectures, but about forging a new era of unity, innovation, and strength.
Theon, sensing the growing enthusiasm among the lords, seized the opportunity to solidify their support. "My lords," he announced, his voice filled with a renewed energy, "if you would indulge me further, I would like to show you the progress we have made on the university itself. The construction is proceeding at a remarkable pace, thanks to the tireless efforts of our builders and the… unique assistance… we have received."
He led them away from the clearing where the cannon had been demonstrated, back towards the bustling construction site east of Winterfell. The lords, their initial skepticism replaced by a burgeoning curiosity, followed him with a newfound eagerness.
As they approached the site, the sheer scale of the undertaking became apparent. Massive stone structures rose from the ground, their outlines stark against the Northern sky. The sounds of hammering, chiseling, and the rhythmic chants of the workers filled the air, a testament to the immense effort underway.
Theon began to guide the lords through the nascent university, explaining the purpose and design of each building. "This," he said, gesturing towards a large, rectangular structure, "will be the Collegium Generale, the heart of the university, where the foundational subjects will be taught. It will house lecture halls, study rooms, and common areas for students and scholars."
He then led them towards a series of interconnected buildings with large, glass-paneled walls. "These," he explained, "are the glass gardens. Within these climate-controlled environments, we will cultivate a variety of herbs and plants, both for medicinal purposes and for the study of botany. This will ensure a constant supply of vital resources, even during the harshest winters."
Next, Theon showed them the training area, a sprawling complex of open-air courtyards and covered halls. "Here," he said, "students will receive instruction in all forms of combat, from swordsmanship and archery to more… unconventional methods. We will train not just their bodies, but also their minds, instilling in them the discipline and strategy necessary to defend the North."
He then led them to the residential quarters, a series of sturdy stone buildings with comfortable, well-lit rooms. "These," he explained, "will be the dormitories, where students and scholars will reside. We have designed them to be both functional and comfortable, providing a conducive environment for learning and living."
Theon also showed them the communal kitchen and dining hall, a large and well-equipped facility capable of feeding hundreds of people. "A healthy body is as important as a healthy mind," he said, "and we will ensure that our students and scholars are well-nourished."
Finally, he led them to the library, a massive structure with thick walls and high, arched windows. "This," he announced with a touch of reverence, "will be the repository of knowledge, the heart of the university. It will house a vast collection of scrolls, books, and other texts, gathered from across Westeros and beyond. It will be a place of quiet contemplation and intense study, a place where the wisdom of the ages will be preserved and passed down to future generations."
As they toured the construction site, Theon emphasized the importance of creating a self-sufficient and sustainable institution. He spoke of the workshops where students would learn practical skills, the observatories for studying the stars, and the various other facilities that would make the university a vibrant and thriving community.
The lords, thoroughly impressed by the scale and ingenuity of the construction, expressed their admiration for Theon's vision. They marveled at the sheer scope of the undertaking, the meticulous planning, and the dedication evident in every stone laid.
Lord Manderly, his booming voice filled with genuine appreciation, clapped Theon on the shoulder. "By the gods, Stark," he exclaimed, "this is more than just a university! It's a city of learning, a testament to the ambition and resourcefulness of the North! You have truly outdone yourself."
The other lords echoed his sentiments, their initial skepticism replaced by a growing sense of excitement and anticipation. They recognized that this institution had the potential to transform the North, to usher in a new era of prosperity, knowledge, and strength.
As they stood amidst the bustling construction site, surrounded by the rising walls of this future center of learning, Lord Manderly turned to Theon with a curious expression. "And what will you call this place, Lord Stark?" he asked, his voice carrying over the sounds of the construction. "This grand institution, this beacon of hope for the North?"
Theon paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled lords, his face filled with a quiet pride. He met their expectant eyes, and with a voice that resonated with the ancient power of the North, he declared, "We shall call it... the College of Winterhold."