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Chapter 195: Daisy Resigns
🕑 Added 2025-03-09 13:08:03 +0000 UTC“Tilan from the Miracle Harbor Female Battalion has completed the loyalty trial. Issue an appointment document for her to return to Miracle Harbor and take over Dacey's position.”
In the study of the castle, Lynd glanced at the report in his hand and gave the order to Mus before asking, “Is there anything else today?”
Mus inquired, “Septon Zachery’s identity has been recognized by the church, and he is preparing to leave for the Miracle Sept. Would you like to meet him?”
Lynd shook his head. “Septon Hullen already brought him to see me before, and everything that needed to be explained has been taken care of. There’s no need for another meeting.”
After Septon Joseth was appointed as the executive septon of the newly formed secret society within the church, the position of the Miracle Sept’s septon was left vacant, and Lynd had to appoint a new one.
This time, however, rather than requesting a septon transfer from other church institutions like the Starry Sept, he chose a suitable candidate from within the ranks of the Miracle Sept’s own clergy.
The person recommended by Septon Joseth was his assistant, Zachery, a senior septon who had long been qualified for a septonship. However, due to his rigid personality, he had never been a popular choice and had thus been overlooked.
Since Joseth’s appointment as the Septon of the Miracle Sept, Zachery had served as his assistant and had become well-acquainted with the affairs of the sept. During Joseth’s trial of the Seven Gods, he had managed the sept’s operations as acting septon. Given his experience, it was only natural for him to be formally appointed to the position.
Lynd then turned to Balin. “How are people reacting to the military reforms?”
Balin’s response was brief. “The hedge knights approve, the mercenaries and freeriders like it as well, but the noble knights are a bit reluctant.”
Lynd was unfazed. “That’s fine. They’ll adapt. Those who can’t will be eliminated.”
Lately, Lynd had been focused on implementing military reforms across the territory of Summerhall.
These reforms not only refined the structure and functions of the Chosen Regiment, the standing army, but also overhauled the requirements for officer appointments.
Previously, capable knights were simply appointed as captains and led soldiers into battle.
Now, however, all knights were required to undergo standardized training in the army camp, learning command and strategy before they could qualify for even lower-ranking officer positions like captain.
As for senior officers, only knights who had distinguished themselves in battle and successfully passed the loyalty trials of the Redemption Sept or the Holy Sept could be appointed.
This system was a stark contrast to the military structures of the Seven Kingdoms, where most armies still operated on a mercenary basis. When war broke out, noble lords would hire hedge knights, mercenaries, and freeriders to form temporary armies, supplementing them with levies recruited from their own lands.
Once the battle was over, these armies would be disbanded, leaving only a small standing force to maintain order. Typically, a standing force ranged from just a few dozen to a few hundred men, with only major cities like Lannisport, White Harbor, and Oldtown maintaining garrisons of over a thousand.
Summerhall, however, had broken away from this system. It maintained a standing army of 5,000 men, with additional garrisons stationed in various towns. Furthermore, it employed hedge knights and other warriors on a permanent basis rather than hiring them short-term. This amounted to a complete restructuring of the Seven Kingdoms’ military order.
Many in the Seven Kingdoms were astute enough to recognize the advantages of this reform, understanding that it would significantly enhance the army’s combat effectiveness. However, they were skeptical about its sustainability. Maintaining such a large standing force required an immense financial investment, and few believed that Lynd had the resources to sustain it in the long run.
Only those closest to Lynd, who were privy to the true state of his finances, knew that military expenditures accounted for only a small portion of his wealth. Even the monthly profits from the sale of the Seven Gods’ Elixir, a special potion, were more than sufficient to cover the army’s expenses, with plenty to spare. And that was without factoring in the even greater profits from weapons sales.
On top of that, his gold and silver mines generated a steady stream of wealth. In just a short period, Lynd had accumulated enough fortune to rival even House Lannister of the Westerlands.
However, all of Lynd’s revenue was kept hidden, with only a few people knowing the total annual income. Others were only aware of portions of it, and local finance officials knew even less.
Thanks to this strong financial backing, Lynd’s sweeping military reforms in his territory faced little resistance. Without it, his personal reputation alone would not have been enough to suppress all opposition.
Half a month later, Dacey, having stepped down from her position, arrived at the castle to meet Lynd.
Because of Lynd’s current military structure, Dacey’s departure had little impact on the combat effectiveness of the women’s battalion.
However, to outsiders unfamiliar with the situation, her resignation was seen as a major event in Summerhall. Some even speculated that it might destabilize Lynd’s forces.
This misjudgment stemmed from an overestimation of Dacey Mormont’s role in Lynd’s army. Observers assumed that, since she had followed Lynd throughout the establishment of his power, held an important military position, and had recently achieved great merit, she must have been an irreplaceable figure within his command.
In reality, apart from Lynd himself, no one in his army was indispensable. Every officer, no matter their rank, could be replaced at any time.
Although the departure or replacement of a high-ranking commander like Dacey did cause some temporary disruption, the effects were minor and quickly stabilized.
The fact that Tilan had taken over Dacey’s position within just half a month, allowing Dacey to finish her transitional duties and return to Summerhall Castle for her final debriefing, was proof of how swiftly the situation had settled.
“This is my complete plan for Bear Island. Take a look.” Lynd handed Dacey a compiled scroll of documents and gestured to a nearby chair. “Take your time. No rush.”
Dacey accepted the scroll, sat down, and began reading carefully.
Before joining Lynd, Dacey had been illiterate. In fact, many lords and nobles could not read, as they relied on maesters to handle their correspondence, believing that decision-making was all that mattered.
However, Lynd required all of his officers to be literate and capable of reading military orders and intelligence reports. Because of this, every officer—Dacey included—had undergone literacy training, with formal exams in place to ensure compliance.
Although Dacey had passed the exam, she had only been learning for a short time. Reading lengthy documents remained difficult for her; she recognized many words by sight but often did not fully grasp their meanings, frequently pausing to ask Lynd for clarification.
It was not until evening that she fully comprehended the contents of the scroll.
“You don’t need to return it. This copy is for you. Keep it with you and refer to it if you have any questions after you return.” Lynd motioned for her to take the scroll and then asked, “What are your thoughts on the plan?”
Dacey considered for a moment before replying, “I don’t have any concerns—it’s well thought out. Although Bear Island is under Winterfell’s jurisdiction, as long as we pay enough taxes, Winterfell generally doesn’t interfere. Trade with the wildling tribes beyond the Wall will also benefit Bear Island. I can convince my people of that, but the Night’s Watch will need a letter from you. However, Bear Island doesn’t have enough ships…”
Lynd replied, “That won’t be a problem. I’ve arranged for twenty ships in Lannisport. Take them with you when you return. Once the Stepstones are secured, I will send Asha and Baelor back to the Iron Islands. When the time comes, they will coordinate with you.”
Dacey nodded, then added, “Establishing a forward base on Bear Island shouldn’t be an issue either, but it might be better to recruit personnel from Bear Island or the North rather than transferring people from Summerhall. That way, Winterfell won’t have an excuse to interfere.”
Lynd hesitated briefly before nodding. “That works. However, the appointed officers must still be transferred back for training in the army camp. Only those who have completed basic officer training will be allowed to assume command.”
Dacey had no objections—this was exactly what she wanted. After all, she had grown accustomed to leading well-trained officers and disciplined soldiers. Compared to them, the forces of the North seemed utterly disorganized.
It was like someone who had been dining on fine cuisine suddenly being handed a bowl of pig slop—there was no way she could stomach it.
Afterward, the two of them discussed trade route logistics. In the end, they made slight adjustments to the original plan.
If Asha and Baelor had not yet returned to the Iron Islands, trade with the lands beyond the Wall would follow a route through Blazewater Bay, Saltspear Beach, and Fever River, landing at Moat Cailin.
From there, goods would be transported through Moat Cailin to White Harbor, where Summerhall’s merchant fleet would be waiting. The cargo would then be loaded onto ships in White Harbor and transported across the Narrow Sea for trade.
Once Asha and Baelor returned to the Iron Islands and consolidated their power, another trade route would be established to transport goods either to Lannisport or further south to Oldtown for trade.
Additionally, Dacey requested that all of her military rewards and accumulated wages over the years be converted into grain. Bear Island was cold and barren, with very little arable land, and the scarcity of food had long been the main factor limiting its population.
Lynd agreed to her request and even promised to send an additional shipment of grain and weapons as a gift. Furthermore, he would cover all costs related to building the base and establishing trade routes.
The two of them continued discussing the details late into the evening. That night, Mus drafted an alliance agreement for Dacey—one slightly different from those signed with other lords. After signing it, Dacey departed Summerhall under the cover of darkness, leading thirty female battalion guards personally granted by Lynd. She headed for Lannisport, where she would board a ship back to Bear Island.
Before she left, Lynd asked if she wanted to become the first female knight in Westeros, offering to knight her himself. Dacey declined, as she followed the Old Gods rather than the Seven.
The mention of the first female knight in Westeros made Lynd think of Brienne. He summoned her from the Town of Redemption, where she had been patrolling with her men, and handed her a letter that had arrived by messenger earlier that day. The letter was from Evenfall Hall, likely sent by Lord Selwyn himself. The fact that it had been delivered by a messenger instead of a raven suggested it was of great importance.
Brienne took the letter and read it carefully, her brows knitting together as she absorbed its contents.
Though she was still in her teens, Brienne was already nearly as tall as Lynd. Since becoming his squire, she had corrected several of her bad habits—her teeth were straight, her nose had not been broken and left crooked, and thanks to regular care from her maid, her hair was no longer a wild, straw-like mess. Overall, she looked far better than the way she had been described in the books of Lynd’s previous life. At the very least, she could still be recognized as a woman at first glance.
But the biggest change in her was her confidence—the quiet, unwavering self-assurance of someone who no longer needed external validation. It was a trait she had never possessed before becoming Lynd’s squire.
“What does the letter say?” Lynd asked as he saw her lower the parchment.
Brienne handed it to him and replied, “My father is ill. He wants me to return and take over the responsibilities of Evenfall Hall to prepare for inheriting the lordship.”
Lynd scanned the letter, then looked up. “What do you think?”
Brienne hesitated before saying, “I don’t know.”
Lynd saw through her immediately. “You’d rather be knighted by me before returning to Evenfall Hall, wouldn’t you?”
Brienne, caught off guard, nodded slightly.
“Then tell me,” Lynd continued, “have you achieved enough to be worthy of my knighthood?”
Brienne hesitated, then shook her head slightly, her expression falling as she lowered her gaze.
“How about this?” Lynd rifled through the documents on his desk, pulling out an invitation, which he handed to her. “His Grace is hosting a grand tournament in King’s Landing five months from now, in March, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of his victory over Prince Rhaegar, his ascension to the Iron Throne, and the founding of House Baratheon’s rule. I was invited to attend, but with Nymeria expecting, I won’t be able to go. You’ll go in my place. If you win any of the competitions, I will personally knight you, making you the first female knight in Westeros.”
Brienne’s eyes lit up. “Are you serious?”
“Of course I am,” Lynd confirmed with a nod. “Think carefully about which competition you want to enter. I’ll personally train you over the next five months.”
Brienne didn’t even pause to consider. “Jousting! A knight should compete in jousting and win.” Then, she added eagerly, “Could I train under Lord Balin and Lord Lothor? They’re the best jousters I’ve ever seen.”
“No,” Lynd shook his head. “You’re my squire, so I’ll be the one to train you.”
“What? You train jousting?” Brienne looked at him in disbelief. Before she could say anything more, Nymeria entered the study, intending to discuss something with Lynd, but upon hearing his words, she immediately shot him a doubtful look.
“You? Jousting?” she scoffed. “You better not ruin Brienne’s training.”
Lynd frowned at the skepticism, but he couldn’t blame her. After all, none of the combat skills he had demonstrated so far had anything to do with jousting. He simply shrugged and said, “I can’t be bothered to explain. You’ll just have to wait and see.”
