"Madam," Ethan said carefully, choosing his words, "it depends on which rights we are discussing—the right to life, the right to education, or the right to marriage?"
Lady Catelyn pressed on, "The right to rule Winterfell. You know what I mean—please don't try to avoid the question."
Deep down, Ethan harbored doubts about the bloodline system of succession. Furthermore, he had never intended to raise Jon Snow as a feudal monarch, so he answered frankly, "My lady, I believe Jon Snow will not try to take the throne from the Young Wolf."
Lady Catelyn nodded slowly after hearing this. "I hope you will not plant any strange ideas in Jon Snow's mind, lest he develop inappropriate thoughts."
She paused, then continued, "Robb's generals have no objection to your Anshe faith. They believe that in the North the faith in the Old Gods is deeply rooted and unshakable.
But I know that no faith is absolutely unshakable. South of the Neck the Old Gods have been completely driven out by the Seven, and on the continent of Essos the sanctuaries of the Seven have almost disappeared. The succession of gods has little direct connection to us mortals. Yet the doctrines you preach are unacceptable to me."
Although Lady Catelyn was much smaller than Ethan, her aura at that moment was as imposing as a giant—impossible to ignore.
Faced with her firm attitude, Ethan asked helplessly, "Then what should I do? Please tell me directly."
Lady Catelyn softened her tone. "The Sun God's ability to display divine grace proves he is a true god. If you are willing to abandon the principles of 'freedom and equality,' retaining only the doctrine of universal love, I can allow your sect to spread in the North and the Riverlands."
Ethan did not respond, remaining silent.
Catelyn sighed. "If you are unwilling to abandon those principles, then you may continue to serve Robb as a mercenary. We need men like you.
However, you may continue to accept payment when healing the wounded, but you must no longer invoke the name of the Sun God, and you are absolutely forbidden from mentioning the Sun God's doctrines in front of any soldiers from the North and Riverlands—other than your own students."
A long silence followed. Then Ethan placed his hand over his chest and bowed. "I understand, Lady Catelyn. I will follow your wishes."
With that, Ethan turned and left.
Lady Catelyn stared intently at his retreating figure until he disappeared at the end of the corridor before returning to Duke Hoster's study to care for her father with her brother.
On the way back to the camp outside Riverrun, Ethan felt somewhat dejected. Lady Catelyn's warning echoed in his mind.
Originally he had thought that limiting his preaching to the Silver Hand would keep it beneath the nobility's notice. However, the nobles had still sensed the risk that the Anshe faith might threaten their rule.
Ethan knew that if his healing magic had not been valuable to the war effort, he would likely have been expelled—or assassinated—long ago.
Lady Catelyn's warning was clearly not just her personal opinion, but a widespread concern among the nobility about the Anshe faith.
Because she was a lady and did not fight, and thus seemed to have no direct demands of Ethan, the task of delivering the warning had fallen to her.
Ethan understood that if he did not restrain himself, the next person to "negotiate" with him might not be Lady Catelyn, but a troop of heavily armored infantry led by Greatjon Umber.
Having personally drafted the doctrine of the "Anshe Faith," Ethan knew better than anyone that it was merely a political doctrine disguised as religion—a political slogan from the French Enlightenment of the 18th century.
Inspired by that slogan, the French people had overthrown the Bourbon monarchy and established the French Republic. Meanwhile the French king and nobles had put on a bewildering show during that momentous revolution.
After the French Revolution, Napoleon established the Civil Code, laying the legal foundation for overthrowing aristocratic rule and placing himself in opposition to the old order across Europe. This ultimately led to his defeat, imprisonment, and death on a remote island.
Although Napoleon ultimately failed, once a window had been opened and sunlight seen, the people could no longer endure the darkness.
Although the common folk did not fully understand what freedom, equality, or fraternity meant, they knew that the noble lords who had once ravaged them were dead.
Countless commoners had been willing to join the army to fight for their country and to defend the fruits of the revolution—this was the best possible vote.
Saving this continent was no easy task. It could not be accomplished by a few responsible noble lords showing kindness and sending armies of conscripted militia.
The power of the people had to be mobilized—their voluntary strength gathered under the banner of the Sun—to achieve this arduous goal.
Therefore Ethan had long known that the nobles would eventually try to stop him, but he had not expected it to come so soon.
He decided that the spread of the Sun God's doctrine must be suspended for a while. At least until after the war he would seek out areas where the nobles' power was weaker to continue.
As for abandoning the principles of "liberty and equality," Ethan had never considered it.
Fraternity without liberty and equality was a castle in the air.
Leaving such a loophole in the doctrine meant that even if the Anshe faith developed into the largest church in Westeros, it might split into numerous branches—Theravada, Mahayana, Tantric, Zen—after his death.
Therefore Ethan preferred to slow down, ensuring the foundation of the doctrine was solid and leaving no hidden dangers for future generations.
However, recently the preaching work had been mainly undertaken by Kevin, and as they spent more time together Ethan became increasingly aware that Kevin was a strong-willed young man—particularly fervent in his spread of the Anshe faith—and needed appropriate guidance.
Currently Ethan's only bargaining chip to appease his students was the Seed of Light.
So upon returning to camp Ethan went into his tent, carefully considering how to convey his decision to his two students.
Seeing his teacher return with a somber expression, Kevin entered the tent carrying a bowl of steaming soup and asked cautiously, "Teacher—would you like some cheese soup? I made it the way you taught me—"
Ethan forced a smile. "I've already eaten. Lady Catelyn treated me to a sumptuous breakfast at the castle."
Seeing this, Kevin simply set the bowl aside and asked with concern, "Teacher, what's wrong? I rarely see you like this."
Ethan did not know how to answer. After a moment he instructed, "Call Jon over. I have something to tell you both."
Soon afterward Ethan's only two students—Kevin and Jon—entered the tent.
Kevin said, "Teacher, Jon is here. What are your instructions?"
Ethan sat silently on a small stool inside the tent. After a long while he finally spoke. "Kevin, Jon—since arriving on this continent you two are my only students. Tell me honestly: what are your thoughts on what I have taught you?"
Kevin answered without hesitation, "Teacher, isn't this the truth bestowed upon us by the Sun God Anshe?
As children of the Sun God we should naturally follow his teachings. I think this is beyond question."
Ethan nodded. He knew Kevin was a fanatical believer whose faith in the Sun God might be even more steadfast and fervent than his own.
"And what about you?"
Ethan's gaze turned to Jon, the bastard son of a great noble. He was very concerned about what Jon was thinking.
Kevin, who had always been somewhat wary of Jon, also turned his head and stared at his junior brother.
Jon organized his thoughts and said slowly, "Teacher, I believe what you say is true. I believe that under the light of the Sun God human 'freedom, equality, and fraternity' truly exist."
Ethan was pleased with both students' answers.
He summoned a resonance crystal from the void at his chest. Its golden light instantly illuminated the dim tent, astonishing the two young men.
Bathed in the golden light, Ethan spoke slowly:
"The night before last, during the battle in the Whispering Wood, my magical power erupted and caused me to fall into a coma.
In my dream the messenger of the Sun God gave me this crystal, telling me it possessed the power to bestow light upon others. The most basic requirement for mastering this power is that you must sincerely accept the Sun God's teachings and put them into practice. Now I ask you—do you truly accept the Sun God's teachings and wish to become 'Sunwalkers'?"
Kevin knelt on one knee without hesitation. "Teacher, I am willing. I have waited for this day for a long time, and I am willing to give my life for the cause of the Sun God!"
Jon also knelt on one knee and said, "Teacher, I am willing too!"
But Ethan shook his head. "Not so fast. This crystal is a universal object used across countless heavens and worlds. This is the first time it has been used in Westeros, so we must be careful. Go and catch some small animals for me—mice, rabbits, even dogs will do.
We will test it on animals first. If there are no harmful effects, then we will consider using it on you."
"Yes, Teacher!" Kevin was about to leave excitedly when Ethan stopped him again.
"By the way, Kevin—your preaching work will be suspended for now—"
"Why? Did I do something wrong?" Kevin asked, puzzled.
"No," Ethan shook his head again. "Just before I returned from Riverrun, Lady Catelyn—Robb's mother—summoned me and made a request: I may no longer spread the teachings of the Sun God within the Northern Army and the Riverlands, nor may I publicly invoke the name of the Sun God."
"What?!" Kevin was furious. "How could she make such a request?! You've spent these past few days healing her son's men, and you've only managed to collect less than ten golden dragons each!"
Jon frowned as well. Having grown up in a ducal household his political acumen was sharper. He guessed, "Lady Catelyn probably thinks the doctrine of the Sun God is detrimental to the lords' rule."
Ethan nodded. "Yes. Lady Catelyn believes the doctrine of the Sun God will cause those of lower status to develop inappropriate thoughts."
Kevin excitedly suggested, "Teacher, since Lady Catelyn despises our faith so much, why don't we simply leave?
With your martial skill, divine magic, and dozens of loyal brothers, where couldn't we survive!"
Jon panicked upon hearing Kevin's suggestion.
Although Lady Catelyn's demands were harsh, the Northern Army was after all under his brother's command, and he did not want Ethan to simply leave.
Yet Kevin's words left him speechless.
Ethan shook his head. "Don't be impulsive for now. Let us first help the Northern Army win this war so these thousands of men can return home safely.
The missionary work can wait—it is all right. If in the future you meet people of high moral character you may speak with them privately. If they are willing to listen, speak more; if not, then let it be."
Kevin kicked the ground in exasperation and said helplessly, "Teacher, you always put the greater good first, but the greater good does not always put you first!"
Ethan waved his hand helplessly and comforted him, "It is already quite good that Lady Catelyn did not lead troops to surround and kill me in Riverrun.
That is enough for now. Go catch the rats and carry out our experiments."
After saying that, although Kevin was unwilling he quickly left the tent—he was indeed eager to obtain the power of light.
After Jon Snow bowed to Ethan he left as well.
Ethan sat alone in the tent for a long time. Finally he collapsed onto a blanket with a sigh. "Ah… so tired."
Riverrun, the Tully family's capital, was currently situated between the Lannister army's headquarters and Tywin Lannister's supply lines, making it a crucial stronghold.
If Riverrun failed to hold, Tywin Lannister's army would struggle to obtain supplies from the Westerlands and would have to rely on King's Landing and the royal domains to levy resources from nobles still loyal to Joffrey.
However, with three kings vying for power this was not a wise move. Levying too little would be insufficient; levying too much could push potential allies to the opposite side.
Therefore Tywin Lannister adopted a more direct and brutal strategy—plunder.
He sent small forces to burn, kill, and loot throughout the Riverlands, resulting in the deaths of countless civilians. Many more, seeking temporary safety, flocked to Riverrun under the protection of the Northern army.
Within a week a large number of refugees had gathered in the open area outside Riverrun. Tents of all shapes and sizes sprang up like mushrooms after rain, gradually bordering the Silver Hand's encampment. These refugees, with their families, had left their homes and could only huddle in makeshift shelters built from scraps of building materials scavenged from the ruins of towns outside Riverrun.
Initially Kevin and Jon, seeing the refugees' plight, would hire some seven- or eight-year-old children to catch rats for them.
However this did not last long. Rats and rabbits within miles of Riverrun were quickly caught by the refugees to eat. Even with extra money no one could catch any live animals.
In the warm, humid weather of the Riverlands the refugee community began to fall ill.
Ethan was deeply worried about this, so he went to Riverrun and found Lord Rickard Karstark—the Northern noble he was closest to—and asked, "Lord Rickard, you see the number of refugees outside the city is increasing, and disease is spreading rapidly among them. Does the Young Wolf intend to take any action?"
Lord Rickard sighed. "Alas, Lady Catelyn has suggested to Edmure that he send troops to drive these civilians away. But Edmure is too kind-hearted and cannot bear to do it, so he can only let them gather here."
Ethan was taken aback. "Drive them away? That is not what I meant. I wanted to ask whether the Young Wolf intends to send people to help these refugees—such as distributing food, building temporary toilets, planning the camps, and restoring order?"
Lord Rickard shrugged. "These are Edmure's people; let him worry about it himself. Since you've come all this way, why don't we invite Greatjon for a drink?"
Ethan was in no mood for such things and could only politely decline. "I would love to, but there is simply too much going on at the camp. I have to go back and keep an eye on things."
Lord Rickard expressed understanding. "Ah, restoring military discipline is indeed important. You should go back first."
Before leaving, Ethan inquired again whether the next phase of the campaign had been decided.
Lord Rickard told him, "Not yet. The Westerlands army has been very active lately, and the local nobles, fearing for their territories, have already taken their soldiers back.
Edmure's direct troops are insufficient to help us conquer Harrenhal, so the Young Wolf has not yet decided on the next strategic move. You should focus on training your soldiers first—otherwise it is too clumsy for them to dismount and form ranks every time we fight."
Ethan could only reply helplessly, "Understood."
After leaving Riverrun, Ethan returned to the camp and saw several emaciated civilians clutching their stomachs gathered in a small open space outside.
He knew these were refugees begging him for medical help, so he walked over to them and softly prayed, "In the name of Light, may my power dispel your pain. Go."
Then he cast several Purification spells to cure diseases and kill germs. After feeling much better the refugees left with profuse thanks.
Ethan turned to Brother John, who was helping calm the crowd outside the camp, and asked, "John, which batch is this today?"
John replied, "This is the fifth batch. Since this morning forty-six people have come to you seeking treatment—seven more than yesterday."
As the number of refugees increased, sanitation conditions in the refugee camp deteriorated. At the same time, due to fuel shortages the refugees began drinking more raw water from the river, further increasing their chances of falling ill. Although Ethan could cast healing spells, he felt a deep fear at the thought of how limited the number of people he could save would be if a true epidemic broke out.
He could not delay any longer; he had to get Kevin and Jon to become Sunwalkers as soon as possible.
He went into his tent and asked Kevin, who was feeding the rats, "How is it going?"
Kevin replied, "This batch, like the previous two, has become healthier and more energetic after receiving the Seed of Light. Master, should Jon and I consider trying to receive the Seed of Light ourselves?"
Ethan shook his head. "No—the rats are too small and have almost no intelligence. We cannot observe the effects of the Seed of Light on their minds. To be on the safe side we should test with some larger animals."
Then he instructed Kevin to call Jon back—he was currently training with the soldiers.
After a while Jon returned to the camp and asked, "Master, did you call for me?"
Ethan nodded and said, "What did you think about having Ghost receive the Seed of Light, which I mentioned last time?"
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