Snowflakes drifted lazily down over Black Castle, catching in the night wind and melting on the dark stone walls. Soldiers huddled around roaring bonfires, their faces flushed from the heat and their voices murmuring with cautious curiosity. Except for those patrolling the outer walls, nearly every man had gathered near the flames, exchanging rumors and theories in low, anxious tones.This was the Night's Watch's main stronghold, perched atop the Wall itself, a bulwark of stone and ice stretching across the northern horizon. Following the King's Road from the south, any traveler would inevitably arrive here. Eddard Karstark had chosen this location carefully, intending to negotiate with Mance Rayder in a place of maximum control. Black Castle not only commanded the only two gates through the Wall but also offered a defensible position should negotiations fail. If they succeeded, the Free Folk would be allowed entry; if they failed, the Wildlings would be turned away—or worse, hunted and burned, their bodies left as grim warnings to others.Within King's Tower, the scene was starkly different from the chaos outside. Eddard sat comfortably in a rough-hewn stone chair, his grey-blue eyes scanning the men gathered around a simple wooden table. It was not a table meant to impress—it was merely functional, crafted from wide oak planks nailed together, bearing the marks of age and wear.Around him were the senior officers of the Night's Watch, men of experience, reputation, and in some cases, long-standing grudges. Carter Pyke, Commander of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, was a man whose face alone could intimidate. Born in the Iron Islands, his small, close-set grey eyes gleamed with a cold ruthlessness, and his nose bore the flattened scars of many battles. His thin, spear-like forehead and pockmarked face were framed by a sparse, untidy beard, adding to his feral appearance.Dennis Mallister, Commander of Shadow Tower, was of noble birth, one of the few who had willingly traded the comforts of wealth for a life at the Wall. His long white beard, lined with wrinkles, swayed gently as he nodded respectfully, his blue-grey eyes reflecting wisdom and a quiet, steadfast loyalty.Janos Slynt, the former commander of the City Watch in King's Landing, now wore black instead of gold. Short, stout, bald, and double-chinned, his frog-like features gave him an almost grotesque air. When he rose, he resembled a small, stout barrel, his presence filling the space in a different, oppressive way.These three men were the prime candidates for the position of Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, though each represented very different philosophies and ambitions. Surrounding them were others, men who held roles both critical and ceremonial. Bowen Marsh, the Chief Steward, formerly interim commander of Black Castle, was red-faced and corpulent, resembling a pomegranate wrapped in black robes.Alliser Thorne, the former master-at-arms, carried a reputation for severity. With black hair streaked with grey and a stocky, muscular build, he had tormented generations of recruits, assigning nicknames that would follow them for life.Othell Yarwyck, the Chief Craftsman, was tall, gaunt, with long greying hair and a chest-length beard. He seemed mostly detached, his eyes wandering to the damp, uneven ceiling as if the proceedings were beneath him.And then there was Maester Aemon, the blind scholar of the Night's Watch, who sat quietly, offering an air of serene wisdom, though every word he spoke carried weight."My lord," Maester Aemon said softly, "the Night's Watch was founded to defend the realms of men against the Others. To now give a portion of the Gift to the Free Folk will not sit easily with many brothers."Eddard's gaze swept over the room. The tension was palpable; almost all of the officers' faces reflected indignation, a mixture of disbelief and anger directed at this Northern lord who had suddenly appeared in their midst. Karstark's three thousand soldiers had arrived with him, and he had taken control of King's Tower, declaring that the Night's Watch would elect a new Lord Commander and that a portion of the Gift would be offered to those Free Folk willing to submit.The very idea of giving land and resources to men who had been enemies for generations was almost sacrilegious. The Night's Watch had fought the Free Folk for centuries, and old grudges were not easily set aside."No, no, no," Bowen Marsh muttered, shaking his head.Eddard spoke calmly, his voice carrying over the murmurs. "When the Night's Watch was founded, its duty was clear: resist the Others. Later, false kings rose in the south, and the Free Folk became your primary adversaries. But now, the Others are back. Should we not return to our original purpose? To unite all forces capable of standing against this new threat?"Bowen Marsh's fists tightened. "The Gift was given to the Night's Watch forever. You cannot simply take it from us."Eddard's eyes were steady. "That is precisely why the men outside have not cut you down. Their numbers nearly quintuple yours. This is not about tradition. It is about survival."Maester Aemon smiled faintly. "Indeed, the King himself would never decree such a thing. Yet here we are, and your Northern lordship asks cooperation, not confrontation."Carter Pyke stiffened. "That is for the Commander to decide!"Eddard's response was polite but firm. "No problem. Let us decide now, immediately."Dennis Mallister spoke quietly, his voice carrying a subtle edge. "Lord Karstark has already influenced the outcome. Jon Snow has been nominated. Soldiers have been told that the King of the North wishes his brother to become Lord Commander. Supplies and recruits are promised in return. What choice do we have, truly?"The men exchanged uneasy glances. Every officer knew the truth: refusal could mean disaster if the Free Folk attacked before a proper defense was mustered.Janos Slynt tried to rally resistance. "This is outrageous! He would make a turncoat who murdered his own brother the Commander! We cannot accept this!"Carter Pyke scoffed. "And yet, when Karstark was present, you were silent. You hid under the table like a coward."Alliser Thorne sneered. "Do you think Karstark will slaughter all of us if we choose differently?"Dennis Mallister's blue-grey eyes narrowed. "Firstly, any brother may be chosen if he has taken the black. Jon Snow meets this condition. Secondly, Karstark arrived with three thousand soldiers. If we refuse, and are then sent to fight the Free Folk, how many of us will survive to choose again?"Carter slammed a fist on the table. "They are elite soldiers, seasoned and deadly. We cannot oppose them."Othell Yarwyck muttered, almost to himself, "Jon Snow is respected by many, even if he is young. Let us not drag this out longer than necessary."Arguments echoed until voices were hoarse. Finally, Maester Aemon spoke, his voice soft but commanding attention."Gentlemen," he said, "as a maester, my role is to advise the Commander. But I cannot ignore reality. Today, we face an unprecedented crisis. The defeat at the Fist of the First Men and the sacrifice of Lord Commander Mormont have left many in panic. Choosing a Commander with strength and vision is the wisest course."Silence fell. Every officer weighed the truth in his words, though pride and distrust lingered in their expressions."Remember your vows," Aemon continued. "The duty of the Night's Watch is eternal, to watch and guard. And now, the long night is coming."He rose, the candlelight glinting off his white hair. "I am the sword in the darkness, the watcher on the Wall, the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men."One by one, the senior officers rose, reciting the oaths they had taken in youth, each voice mingling with the others, forming a chorus of determination despite lingering resentment. Carter Pyke, Bowen Marsh, Dennis Mallister, Alliser Thorne, Janos Slynt—all stood, voices strong and resolute."Spread the word," Maester Aemon said at last. "The election begins now. Let each brother choose wisely, for the survival of the Watch, and the safety of all men, depends upon it."---
Full book àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)