Unexpected Surprise

When Theon and Blood Wind's party returned to Winterfell after completing their mission, half a month had passed since they set out.

Eddard was still accompanying Robert on the King's Road to King's Landing, and the military authority of Winterfell had been firmly grasped by Lord Robb in both name and deed.

At this moment, Robb was with Daisy on the west side of Winterfell, near the Maester's Tower by Hunter's Gate.

Maester Luwin faced them, introducing the medical supplies on the table: "Milk of the Poppy and Dreamwine—these two potions are used to relieve pain. But some weak-willed individuals become addicted to them.

This Myrish Ointment contains Mustard Seed, Nettle, and Bread Yeast. It can be applied to wounds to prevent infection.

Willow Bark and Silk Thread are generally used to stitch up larger wounds. These are the medicines we can use on the battlefield."

"Thank you for the explanation, Maester Luwin!

What are the costs of these medicines? Can they be used on a large scale for the soldiers?"

Robb listened patiently to Maester Luwin's explanation before raising the point that concerned him most.

"Milk of the Poppy and Dreamwine are relatively expensive and cannot be used for common soldiers. They are only suitable for officers or the knightly class.

Myrish Ointment is not costly, but the sea route from Essos to Westeros is long. If we want to order it in bulk, it will take a great deal of time.

As for Willow Bark and Silk Thread, their prices are low, and using them for all soldiers is entirely feasible."

Maester Luwin answered Robb's questions without any sign of impatience.

"Hmm, Maester Luwin, I feel that our army's post-battle treatment is far too backward right now. The mortality rate among the wounded is too high.

Many people who suffer sword wounds are treated by pouring boiling water directly onto the wound to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

So, I want to establish a dedicated Battlefield Medical Corps specifically for post-battle treatment."

Robb laid out his thoughts. After all, when it came to insight and knowledge, the maesters were certainly the most well-informed.

Maester Luwin nodded, thought for a moment, and said: "The south has the kind of Battlefield Medical Corps you mentioned, but it's rare in the North. For the impoverished northern nobles, these medicines are likely worth more than the lives of wounded soldiers.

If you want to establish such a medical corps, I can teach them some first aid and suturing techniques.

As for the ointment, you could write to Lord Wyman Manderly, the Count of White Harbor. As the 'Mouth of the North,' White Harbor trades with all nine free cities of Essos."

"Thank you for your advice. I will recruit Battlefield Medics, and when the time comes, I'll trouble you to teach them."

"It is only my duty, Lord Robb!"

"Then we'll take our leave, Maester Luwin."

After bidding farewell to Maester Luwin, Robb had just descended the Maester's Tower with Daisy when he saw Theon and his party coming to report their mission.

The swift Blood Wind was the first to dart to Robb's side, expertly shoving his wolf head into Robb's arms, waiting to be scratched.

Robb, of course, did not disappoint him. With both hands, he attended to the long-traveled Lord Blood Wind while exchanging pleasantries with the weary Theon and the other two.

After listening to Theon's brief report, Robb nodded and said to him: "You three have worked hard. The Winterfell army is now under the command of the Wolf Guard. I've already arranged your positions. Rest well today, and take up your duties tomorrow."

"Robb, what positions did you assign us? How many troops do we command?"

Theon, who had been travel-worn and weary, perked up instantly at this topic and asked without any hesitation.

"You and Owen are the two commanders of the Archer Infantry. Little Jon and Eddard are in charge of the Cavalry. Toren oversees the Logistics Support Unit.

As for numbers: the Archer Infantry consists of 500 Archers, 700 Spearmen, and 1,500 Infantry.

The Cavalry consists of 300 Lancers, 200 Horse Archers, and 800 Light Cavalry. Finally, there's a 300-man Logistics Support Unit.

Oh, and there will be a special Battlefield Medical Corps added later. I just confirmed it with Maester Luwin."

For the key commanders under him now, Robb was patient enough to explain the composition of their respective units.

"I'll train them well!"

Theon, who had always been an outsider at Winterfell, was holding military power of this scale for the first time. His blood surged with fervor, and he wished he could immediately win a battle to prove himself.

Owen and Little Jon were equally stirred, their expressions showing they would die for a lord who knew their worth.

"Alright, get some good rest today!"

"I'll be off, then!"

"We take our leave, Lord Robb."

Once the travel-weary Theon and the other two had been persuaded to rest, Robb finally had a moment to observe Lady and Nymeria, whose fates had already been changed.

Whether it was because Blood Wind had thoroughly disciplined them during the return journey, the two Direwolves, now the size of adult wild wolves, sat quietly beside him like well-behaved Alaskan Malamutes.

"Lady, Nymeria, come here! Psst, psst!"

Robb called out to them.

But the two aloof Direwolves showed no reaction at all.

"Make them come here."

Stopping his hands, which had been scratching Blood Wind for quite a while, Robb said to him.

"Woof!"

Lord Blood Wind, now thoroughly pampered, let out a low growl at them, and the two immediately scampered over to Robb.

It seemed they only obeyed the pack leader—Blood Wind!

Robb nodded to himself and reached his hand toward Nymeria's fluffy head.

But no blood script appeared!

He extended his other hand to stroke Lady's head, and the same result followed.

After that incident, Robb now regarded the Three-Eyed Crow as an enemy. The only thing that could counter supernatural power was, for now, the Blood Script Cheat.

So Robb had thought about changing the fates of Lady and Nymeria to unlock new changes in the Blood Script Cheat.

The result proved he was overthinking it!

Yet when he focused his gaze on Blood Wind, he discovered an unexpected surprise.

[Name: Blood Wind, Contractor: Robb Stark]
[Physique: 11, Speed: 10, Strength: 10]
[Species: Warg Direwolf (6)]
[Pack: Soldier Wolf: Nymeria, Servant Wolf: Lady]
[Blood Contract Points: 5]

The Blood Script Contract had gained a new entry: Pack. From the literal meaning, it seemed Blood Wind had incorporated Nymeria and Lady into his own pack.

As for the other three wolves in the species that still belonged to their master, they couldn't be merged into the pack.

Robb already had an answer for that in his mind, because not long ago, when he visited Brandon, he had just petted his wolf, Summer.

At the time, Rickon was in the room with Shaggydog, and he had petted that one too.

But today, their names weren't in Blood Wind's pack. As for Jon's Ghost, that was even more impossible.

As for the meanings of Soldier Wolf and Servant Wolf given by the Blood Contract, Robb guessed they referred to their status within the pack!

Though he didn't yet know what use this pack served, the Blood Contract wouldn't do anything pointless—he'd just have to wait and figure it out slowly.

After all, Robb had completely discovered the functions of this golden finger through his own trial and error.

Mm, we're currently on the recommendation list. I'm asking the esteemed readers for your votes and follows—thank you!

PS: The last few chapters have been relatively slow-paced, serving as plot setup. The passionate war storyline will follow.

Guess who it's aimed at!