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Maester Aemon's chamber smelled of herbs and old parchment.
Clutter filled every corner. Glass vials held liquids of every color. The ancient maester sat hunched at his desk, grinding deep green leaves with practiced hands.
Though his eyes were blind, his nose and fingers knew every plant.
"You're interested in herbalism?" Aemon's voice was gentle. He sensed Lynn's arrival without seeing him.
"My men keep getting injured. I want to learn basic treatment."
Lynn pulled up a chair. His gaze fell on the strange plants scattered across the table.
Aemon's hands paused. He turned his sightless eyes toward Lynn.
"That is a maester's work." He resumed grinding. "But healing wounds is only the surface of herbalism. The true field is far broader."
Lynn's brow lifted. He heard the deeper meaning.
"Such as?"
Aemon chuckled softly. "Such as... sleeping draughts. Potions that cloud the mind and loosen tongues. Herbs that strengthen the body. Or..." His voice dropped. "Poisons that rob enemies of their strength."
The last words were barely a whisper.
Silence. Only the crackle of the hearth.
Herbs that strengthen the body? Lynn's mind raced. Could I skip the tedious training?
"Will you teach me?"
No games. Direct.
Aemon's lips curved faintly. He poured the powder into a small porcelain bowl.
"Knowledge is neutral. What matters is the wielder's intent." He stood, feeling along the shelf for vials. "Herbs can save lives. Poisons can take them. Same plants. Different hands."
Lynn listened silently.
"Which do you want to learn?"
"Both."
No hesitation.
Aemon stopped. His blind eyes seemed to pierce Lynn.
"Interesting. Most people claim to want the righteous path. At least outwardly." He sat back down. "But you... you're honest."
Lynn waited.
"Very well. We'll start with the basics."
Aemon gestured to the ground powder. "This is nightshade. Mild paralytic. Alone, it causes dizziness. But combined with other herbs..."
He had Lynn pour white powder from another vial. They mixed.
"Add bitterroot extract. The paralysis multiplies."
Lynn memorized every step.
"What about coating weapons?"
Aemon paused, then continued stirring. "Weapon poisons need stronger penetration. Ordinary toxins take too long. In battle, you have one chance."
He had Lynn retrieve a black vial. Inside, dark green liquid reeked.
"Bloodthroat sap. Large doses kill. Small doses paralyze muscles near the wound instantly."
Lynn's eyes gleamed. Perfect.
"But remember." Aemon's tone turned grave. "Poison is a double-edged blade. Carelessness harms the wielder."
For hours, Aemon explained properties and formulas. Lynn absorbed every detail.
[Through Maester Aemon's guidance, you have learned a new skill.][Herbalism (Novice): 1/10]
The notification thrilled him. Mentorship accelerates learning.
"This foundation will serve you well." Aemon pushed several vials forward. "Memorize the recipes. You can craft them yourself."
Lynn pocketed them carefully. A clotting agent. Nightshade powder. Bitterroot extract. And one vial of dark green liquid—finished paralytic poison.
"Thank you, Maester."
Lynn stood to leave. Aemon called out.
"Lynn. Herbalism is a tool, not a goal. True wisdom lies in knowing when to use it... and when to stop."
Lynn nodded and left.
In the courtyard, Torren was cleaning equipment with several guards. He hurried over.
"My Lord, the men are ready. We'll go deeper this time. Find more wildling bands."
Lynn glanced at the setting sun. "No rush."
He pulled out the green vial. "First, treat the weapons."
Torren eyed the bottle. "My Lord?"
"Poison. Coat the blades. It'll cripple enemies fast."
Torren's eyes lit up. Northmen were pragmatic. If it gave an advantage, honor didn't matter.
"Give everyone a bit. Don't let it touch your own wounds."
Lynn handed over the vial. "Leave at sunrise."
That night, Lynn lay awake.
Seven days. Three squads rotating. A dozen wildling heads per day, on average.
[Current Experience: 170]
Enough to upgrade two skills.
Lynn closed his eyes.
[Upgrade Light Sword to Proficient for 36 XP?][Confirm.]
[Light Sword (Proficient): 0/500]
Warmth flooded his body. Every technique felt sharper. His understanding deepened.
[Upgrade One-Handed Sword to Proficient for 66 XP?][Confirm.]
[One-Handed Sword (Proficient): 0/500]
Another surge. His mastery of timing, angles, force—all refined. He noticed synergy between light and one-handed styles. They complemented each other.
[Upgrade Unarmed Combat to Proficient for 16 XP?][Confirm.]
[Unarmed Combat (Proficient): 0/500]
[Upgrade Archery to Competent for 4 XP?][Confirm.]
[Archery (Competent): 0/100]
[Upgrade Herbalism to Competent for 9 XP?][Confirm.]
[Herbalism (Competent): 0/100]
Name: LynnStrength: 5 (4%)Agility: 5 (0%)Constitution: 5 (0%)
Skills:
Remaining Experience: 43
Lynn grinned. "Time to test this."
He looked toward the courtyard, where the Watch still trained.
"Round two. I'll beat every last one of you until you shut up."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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