As a modern youth who never served in the military—only attending military training in junior high, high school, and university—Aldric hadn't truly trained soldiers.
His only similar experience was explaining tactics and positioning to teammates as a raid leader in Azeroth.
Fortunately, the Silver Hand was currently a grassroots outfit. Aldric paid wages, provided food and drink, and had a hard fist. So, even though the training was harsh and hasty, with veteran Conrad's help, the soldiers persevered without question.
Next, Aldric spent two days teaching recruits to distinguish left from right and turn in place. He spent another day explaining the tactical essentials of the Mandarin Duck Formation against enemies: Aldric didn't expect everyone to understand, just hoping four out of ten would get it. In battle, don't scatter; just coordinate according to roles.
On the fourth day, Aldric had the two squads don gear for a mock confrontation. Perhaps because they were taught by the same teacher, spears poked back and forth without anyone falling; neither side could break the other's defense.
Helpless, he had Jon and Eddie join him to play the enemy personally.
To Aldric's surprise, although the recruits' movements were rough, reactions slow, and coordination stiff, unless he used Lich King-tier combat power, merely playing ordinary bandits couldn't get close to the squad's formation.
Though partly due to the few mock enemies, the combat power soldiers displayed relying on the Swan Formation couldn't be ignored.
Delighted, on the afternoon before departure, Aldric gave the captains and vice-captains two Silver Stags each, letting them take four men to Winter Town for fun. He, Eddie, and Jon returned to the courtyard to tally supplies.
Considering the distance and mission, Eddie bought lots of dried meat, hardtack, and dry cheese—solid stuff.
To better store and manage supplies, Aldric paid Brother John days ago to install cargo box boards on the two wagons.
With boards installed, once goods were loaded and covered, supplies wouldn't get wet from rain.
Thus, even if Purple Wisteria Village or surroundings lacked food, the team had reserves to last a while.
Done with supplies, Aldric squatted in the yard, petting the bear cub asking for apples, and asked Rennel, "Rennel, joining us on this mission?"
Rennel went to the Wall with Aldric. Though he saw the great artificial wonder, he lost over two months of livelihood. Aldric felt bad.
Rennel didn't mind the money but asked, "You're suppressing bandits. What would I do? Sing for morale?"
Aldric nodded. "Yes. Boost morale during battle, tell stories to soldiers at night."
"Didn't you say the Smoking Log Tavern lowered your pay? Join me. Might not earn as much as singing in the tavern, but it's stable."
Rennel hesitated. "I'm a bard... not a soldier."
Aldric explained, "Even in a mercenary group, not everyone needs to kill. I formally invite you to join the Silver Hand as my Liaison Officer, responsible for communicating with nobles and merchants."
"Your pay is Captain-level, ten Silver Stags a month."
"That's not much."
"With the Silver Hand behind you, at least no one will dare break your fingers easily again."
Perhaps this touched a spot in Rennel's heart. He extended his hand. "Okay, I join."
So, of the four who came to Winter Town and lived in this yard, three became Silver Hand members. Only John remained half an outsider.
Aldric probed Brother John's intent too. A mature craftsman would play a big role in the Silver Hand's future plans.
Siege ladders, battering rams, catapults, cheval de frise against cavalry... With John supervising, even if soldiers built them, Aldric would be much more assured.
Pity John was a septon with no intention of living in the mercenary circle.
Aldric didn't mind; everyone had their own aspirations.
Plus, as a servant of the Seven, John wasn't suitable for hearing Aldric chant "Sun God is greatest" or "Praise the Sun for longevity."
So, on the fifth morning after signing the bandit suppression contract, Aldric led the skeletal Silver Hand on a new journey.
The Silver Hand's roster: Grand Commander Aldric, Vice Commander/Quartermaster/Scout Eddie, Vice Commander/Captain of Squad 1 Conrad, Deputy Quartermaster/Comms Officer Jon Snow, Vice Captain of Squad 1 Vitaly, Captain of Squad 2 Philbert, Vice Captain of Squad 2 Kevin Turner.
Grand Commander took three shares; Vice Commanders and Liaison Officer took two; others and soldiers took one.
After packing the camp, the twenty-four men formed a neat column marching through Winter Town, attracting attention.
When this team of over twenty men and two wagons appeared before Roland, he squinted and praised, "Commander Aldric, your soldiers look imposing!"
Aldric wondered, why does that sound weird?
Since Aldric forced everyone to maintain "Swan Formation" while marching, the military appearance was indeed tidy at first glance.
Aldric responded humbly, "Of course, all good soldiers."
Roland nodded. "Then follow me."
Purple Wisteria Village lay at the southern foot of the Northern Mountains. From Winter Town, five days north along the Kingsroad, then turn left west for three days.
The continuous Northern Mountains were a natural barrier northwest of Winterfell. Blocking bone-chilling winds from beyond the Wall, they allowed the North's vast hinterland to grow crops and feed the First Men's descendants.
However, due to proximity to beyond the Wall, Wildlings crossing the sea under the Shadow Tower often settled in the mountains to gather strength if they planned a long stay.
Once numerous enough to raid, they'd surge down like a tide to drown nearby villages, then be wiped out by Stark or Umber soldiers.
Cycle repeats.
"Why not wait for House Stark to send troops?"
Jon, following Aldric as a comms officer, asked Roland.
Roland glanced at him, pouting. "Children who grew up in summer don't understand winter's fear."
"Yes, the old Lord will send troops. After a glorious battle, the raiding party will be destroyed."
"But by then, our village would likely be ruins, grass growing in houses."
Since joining as a Night's Watch envoy, Jon Snow was forbidden from mentioning his bastard status. Only Aldric and Kevin knew.
Others thought he was an unwanted bastard Aldric picked up from some noble.
Roland's words seemed to offend Lord Eddard's rule, but the logic was irrefutable. Jon, wanting to defend his father's honor, was speechless.
However, having experienced the Red Rock Village battle, Aldric noticed the local sheriff seemed inactive against Wildling raids. He asked, "If just dozens of Wildlings, can't Sheriff Gage lead men to wipe them out? Surely such bandits harass other sheriffs' lands too. Can't you unite?"
Roland sighed. "Sigh... you'll know when you see Gage."
There seemed to be hidden circumstances. Aldric didn't press, silently following Roland to Purple Wisteria Village.
The village lay at the foot of the Northern Mountains by a winding river. Over a hundred households, four to five hundred people—a large village.
Settling troops in a sheltered forest outside, Aldric took Jon and Rennel to visit Gage Solag with Roland.
Sheriff Gage's house stood on high ground northwest of the village. Thigh-thick logs formed a square wall enclosing a two-story brick-wood fortress, a stable, and a small drill ground.
Waiting outside, Aldric observed the terrain. Except for the sheriff's house, outer houses had no gaps between them. Only one road passed through the village center, with heavy gates. If Aldric attacked this village, he wouldn't have a good plan hastily.
Do Wildling bandits have the ability to breach this village?
With this doubt, Aldric entered the fortress hall.
Gage Solag was over fifty but looked like a seventy-year-old.
Seeing him, he wore a black bearskin coat, sitting in the main seat attended by a chubby woman. His shrunken body looked out of place in the wide chair.
Besides the chubby woman, a tall, strong middle-aged man attended, brown hair and black eyes, looking very capable but with lingering gloom in his eyes.
Seeing guests, Gage pointed at Rennel with a leaky voice. "Roland, my cousin, is this the reinforcement you hired?"
Roland shook his head. "No, Gage. The tall young man beside him is the Silver Hand's Commander."
Gage laughed. "Hahaha, I should have guessed. Pity I'm too old."
Aldric offered an out. "It's okay, Sheriff. Looking at my young face in the water daily, I can't believe this honest youth is the Silver Hand's leader."
"But fate pushed us here; surely it has its arrangement."
"Yes."
Gage Solag nodded. "Fate's arrangement is always best. Sit. Clary, have Martha prepare bread, salt, and fruit wine for guests."
The chubby woman sighed. "Father, I'm not Clary. I'm Anya. Clary married into Shelter Valley long ago."
Gage realized. "Anya? Oh, right. I attended your wedding recently. Is Nicholas bullying you?"
"Nick is right behind you. And we've been married almost fifteen years. Father, sit down."
The woman named Anya smiled apologetically at Aldric. "My father's memory hasn't been good these years; he often mistakes people."
She told the middle-aged man, "Nick, have Fenna bring guest refreshments quickly. Keeping guests waiting is improper."
"Okay."
Nick left the hall.
Anya helped the Sheriff sit. No one spoke; the atmosphere was awkward.
Roland cleared his throat. "Gage, Silver Hand is the mercenary group I hired from Winter Town. Witnessed by Howard