Contents
JON — Chapter 8
Overview
Jon orders Gilly to take Mance Rayder’s son south while leaving her own, then sends Samwell and Maester Aemon away to protect Aemon’s king’s blood and seek knowledge at the Citadel. He signs a cautious letter to King Tommen, plans new garrisons at Icemark and Greyguard, and appoints Janos Slynt to command.
When Slynt refuses, Jon asserts his authority by executing him, winning Stannis’s tacit approval and signaling a decisive shift in Jon’s leadership.
Summary
Jon Snow wrestles with a letter to King Tommen but finally signs it, seeking a “paper shield” to protect the Watch despite aiding Stannis. He summons Gilly and compels her to take Dalla and Mance’s son south to save the child from Melisandre’s fires, forcing her to leave her own babe behind under Jon’s protection.
Jon then orders Samwell to escort Gilly and Maester Aemon away by way of Eastwatch and Braavos to Oldtown, both to safeguard Aemon’s king’s blood and to have Sam forge a maester’s chain and search for knowledge on the Others. Despite Sam’s fears and protests, Jon compels obedience. At first light, Black Jack Bulwer leads the small column out through worsening snow as Jon bids them farewell.
Turning to Wall defenses, Jon assigns Bedwyck (Giant) to garrison Icemark and outlines a plan for way-castles, ravens, and beacons. He appoints Janos Slynt to restore and command Greyguard, giving him thirty men, including Stannis’s loaned troops.
Slynt rejects the order with open contempt. The next morning, he publicly defies Jon in the common hall. Jon first orders Slynt taken to the Wall, then changes the sentence and, before the gathered Watch and Stannis’s men, administers stark justice himself.
With Longclaw, Jon executes Janos Slynt after a last plea for mercy. Stannis silently acknowledges the act, and Jon’s uncompromising resolve establishes his authority and the new tenor of his command.
Who Appears
- Jon SnowLord Commander; signs Tommen’s letter, sends Gilly, Sam, and Aemon south, reorganizes Wall defenses, and executes Janos Slynt.
- Janos SlyntFormer gold cloaks commander; refuses Greyguard posting and is executed by Jon for defiance.
- Samwell TarlyOrdered to escort Aemon and Gilly south and study at the Citadel despite fear.
- GillyForced to take Mance’s son south and leave her own babe behind to save the prince from burning.
- Maester AemonElderly maester sent south to protect his king’s blood; counsels Jon to ‘kill the boy.’
- Stannis BaratheonObserves Jon’s execution of Slynt and gives a tacit nod of approval.
- Dolorous Edd TollettAids Jon; helps escort Slynt to the block; carries Gilly’s babe during departure.
- Iron EmmettEnforces Jon’s orders; seizes Slynt and holds him for execution.
- Bedwyck (Giant)Assigned to command the new garrison at Icemark.
- Alliser ThorneSits with Slynt; threatens by presence but stands aside during the arrest.
- GhostJon’s direwolf; present at Castle Black, a silent companion.
- Black Jack BulwerLeads the escort taking Aemon, Gilly, and Sam toward Eastwatch.
- ClydasSteward left to tend ravens and assist in Aemon’s absence.
- Kedge WhiteyeReports on Wall watch; notes southbound ‘wrong-way rangers.’
- DywenForester who spots Horpe and Massey riding south.
- Ser Richard HorpeQueen’s man; rides south on Stannis’s business.
- Ser Justin MasseyQueen’s man; accompanies Horpe south as envoy or messenger.
- Bowen MarshAlarmed by Jon’s severity during Slynt’s sentencing.
- Owen the OafObserves the execution; asks for Slynt’s boots afterward.