Task to Etinanui

Jon continued and wrote on the parchment.

Spy and Secret Services — Company

"A company of 500 men will be trained as spies," he said. "They will learn to infiltrate the circles surrounding rich lords, masters, and other influential people. They will enter major cities and form a network. I want every major news to reach me as fast as possible."

"Freydron," he continued, "it is not necessary that the men you pick for this company be typical weapon bearing soldiers."

"They could be common folk or merchants, a priest preaching his religion or a sellsword. What matters is their ability to adapt to different situations and gather information."

He added, "Choose them wisely. But remember, these spies would not be under the command of Army Commanders like you. The company commander leading this company will report directly to me."

"I will personally command the spies and oversee the information network," Jon said. "It might not seem as glorious, but accurate, reliable intelligence is the foundation of every good strategy and every successful campaign."

Freydron nodded. "Yes, my lord."

Jon then wrote on the parchment.

Battle

"The rest of the soldiers will continue their usual training and will prepare to fight in war."

Freydron nodded in understanding while Jon set the parchment aside.

"Freydron," Jon said, making the man straighten even more, ready for further orders.

"You will also select 100 soldiers, the best of the best, elite among the elites."

"They will serve as my personal guards. They will protect the mansion, my family if and when I have in future, and accompany me wherever I go."

"They will be known as Supreme Shadows," Jon continued. "They will be my shadow wherever I walk, loyal to me as my very breath."

Freydron was briefly astonished by the idea, but quickly regained his composure.

"Yes, my lord. I will select only the very best for this duty."

"You have two weeks to complete this structuring," Jon instructed.

Freydron looked excited, eager to begin. "Yes, my lord. I will have it done within the time you've given."

Jon nodded. Taking that as his dismissal, Freydron rose, bent on one knee in salute, and then left the room.

Without even turning, Jon said, "Call Etinanui."

Jelerion immediately obeyed and stepped out.

A few minutes later, Jelerion returned with the old translator woman following close behind. She resumed her place behind Jon's left side while Etinanui bowed.

"My lord, you summoned me," she greeted Jon.

"Take a seat," Jon said with a nod.

She nodded and settled into the wooden chair.

"I believe, since you are fluent in so many languages, you must also be skilled in reading and writing?" Jon asked.

"Yes, my lord," she answered with a small, proud smile. "I am fairly well-educated. I can read and write fluently, though not in as many languages as I speak. But I write the Common Tongue and Valyrian well enough."

"That is more than sufficient, Etinanui," Jon said. "I have a task for you."

"It would be my pleasure to serve you, my lord," she replied immediately.

Jon smiled. "I want you to select about 25 to 30 young girls and teach them reading and writing. You can start by teaching half of them the Common Tongue and the other half Valyrian."

Etinanui's eyes lit up. Even as a slave, languages had been her passion. Reading and writing had fascinated her since childhood. Her dedication was why she had managed to gain so much knowledge despite her status. Now, it seemed the gods had granted her another chance. She would train students many of them.

And she knew she would finally have the freedom to read widely, without the restrictions of slavery. Even with only so many years left, she felt invigorated.

"It will be done, my lord," she said with a bright smile. Then, after a small pause and with a hint of hesitation, she added, "My lord, I already have a young girl I have been teaching for some time. She could be called my disciple. Her name is Missandei."

Jon nodded, remembering how he had seen Missandei of Naath with the old translator when he first arrived to meet the good master.

"She is even more talented than I am with languages," Etinanui continued.

"Her ability to learn is remarkable. Even as a slave, to have such passion, it comes straight from the soul. Whatever you are hoping to build, she will serve you well."

"Good," Jon said. "Find more girls like her. You can pick from the slaves or from free common folk. They will all be paid accordingly."

"I trust you will have no problem with this."

"None at all, my lord," Etinanui replied. "I already know a few slave girls who have shown interest in reading and writing before."

Jon nodded and continued, "Also today, all the good masters and merchants will be coming to register the slaves who have chosen to continue working for them."

"I want you to record all the details carefully. And with your experienced eye, look for signs that someone is being forced to stay. Speak to them privately. Reassure them they will be protected and ask them to tell you the truth."

"Do this work carefully. Let no one interfere. All the records will come directly to me," Jon said, his voice turning serious.

"I will handle it with the utmost care and attention, my lord," Etinanui promised, resolve shining in her eyes.

"Jelerion," Jon added, "you will remain by Etinanui's side through the whole process."

"Yes, my lord," Jelerion replied at once.

"If a problem arises contact me directly," he added and both the ladies nodded in understanding.

Jon then dismissed the old woman and took a deep breath to steady himself. His reign had just begun and the most difficult task of all, building the administrative foundation of his rule, was only starting.

After this, he needed to look at the economic side too. Without wealth, everything he had dreamt off would crumble.

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