Hadrian Peverell: High Lord of Skagos

Chapter 28: The Copying of Knowledge and Gathering of Owls

Hadrian stood in the dimly lit hall of Norhall, the torches casting flickering shadows across the stone walls. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of the sea and pine from the forest below. A sense of accomplishment coursed through him as he thought about his recent success at Winterfell. Lord Ellard Stark had officially recognized him as the Lord of Skagos, and House Peverell now stood among the noble houses of the North. But this was only the beginning.

He turned to Kreacher, who stood before him in his new human form, his expression solemn and attentive. The transformation had been a remarkable success; to anyone who didn't know the truth, Kreacher appeared as a stern and capable man in his middle years. The other house-elves, similarly transformed, hovered nearby, waiting for his orders.

"Kreacher," Hadrian began, his voice carrying an edge of excitement. "We have been recognized. Skagos is ours, and with that comes the responsibility to make this island a place of learning and strength."

Kreacher bowed, a slight smile touching his lips. "Master has achieved much. Kreacher is proud."

Hadrian allowed himself a brief smile in return. "We still have much to do. I want Norhall to be a center of knowledge, a place where our people can learn and grow. For that, we need books. More than what we have here. We need the knowledge stored in the great libraries of Westeros, starting with Winterfell."

The elves nodded eagerly, their eyes shining with anticipation. They had served Hadrian loyally for many years, and they understood the importance of what he was asking.

"Now, listen carefully," Hadrian continued. "I don't want you to steal the books. That would only draw unwanted attention. Instead, you will copy them—every single one. Use the duplication spell I taught you. It will create perfect replicas, indistinguishable from the originals."

The elves nodded again, understanding the delicate nature of their mission. Hadrian reached into his robe and pulled out a small, glowing crystal. He handed it to one of the elves.

"This will help you track your progress," he said. "Place it on the shelf of each section you complete. It will record every title, every scroll. I want a complete collection here in Norhall."

The elf holding the crystal nodded solemnly. "We will do as Master commands."

Hadrian turned his attention back to Kreacher. "You will not be joining them at Winterfell. I have another task for you. I need messengers—owls, to be precise."

Kreacher raised an eyebrow, curiosity mingling with surprise. "Owls, Master?"

Hadrian nodded. "In my old world, owls were used to carry letters across vast distances. They were more reliable than ravens and didn't require the presence of a maester to handle them. I want you to find at least thirty strong, healthy owls from across the North. Bring them here, and I will enchant them to serve us."

Kreacher's face split into a grin. "Kreacher understands. Kreacher will find the best owls for Master."

"Good," Hadrian said, his voice firm. "You have three days. After that, I will begin the enchantments. These owls will be vital for communication with the other lords. We cannot afford to rely solely on the ravens."

Kreacher bowed low, his eyes alight with determination. "Kreacher will not fail."

Hadrian watched as his faithful servant turned and left the hall, already planning his journey. The other elves gathered around, readying themselves for their own mission. There was a sense of purpose in the air, a feeling that everything was coming together as it should.

"Go," Hadrian said softly. "And return with the knowledge that will make Norhall the greatest seat of learning in the North."

With a wave of his hand, the elves vanished, disapparating to the libraries of Winterfell. Hadrian watched them go, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. He had come a long way since arriving in this world, but he knew that the road ahead was still long and fraught with challenges. For now, though, he had taken another significant step toward his ultimate goal.