Contents
JON — Chapter 45
Overview
Queen Selyse reaches Castle Black with Shireen, her fervent Queen’s Men, and Tycho Nestoris of the Iron Bank. Jon negotiates ships and a loan to launch a Hardhome rescue, despite uneasy terms. Court tensions flare over wildlings and Wun Wun. Alys Karstark arrives, fleeing a forced marriage, and reveals Arnolf Karstark’s plot to betray Stannis to the Boltons, sharpening the Northern stakes.
Summary
Jon greets Queen Selyse, Princess Shireen, Patchface, Ser Axell Florent, and a retinue of Queen’s Men at Castle Black, noting that they truly serve Melisandre. He presents quarters and warns that the Nightfort is bleak, but Selyse insists on moving there to keep Shireen safe from an expected attack on Eastwatch.
In the yard, Wun Wun the giant startles the queen’s party. Ser Patrek nearly draws steel until Jon asserts guest right and defuses the confrontation. Jon then meets Tycho Nestoris of the Iron Bank, who has come to treat with Stannis regarding the Iron Throne’s unpaid debts.
In Jon’s solar, he haggles with Tycho for ships and coin. After hard bargaining (and mulled wine), they agree: Tycho will provide three ships and a loan, raising Eastwatch’s fleet to eleven for an urgent Hardhome rescue. Jon plans to dispatch the fleet immediately, knowing delays will doom the free folk gathered there.
At the crowded feast hall, Ser Axell crudely demands to see Val, hinting at Selyse’s overreach; Jon withdraws before tempers fray. Later, Mully wakes Jon: a highborn girl has been found south of Mole’s Town.
In Maester Aemon’s old chambers, Jon meets the exhausted girl and recognizes Alys Karstark. She begs protection from her great-uncle Arnolf and cousin Cregan, who intend to force her to wed Cregan to seize Karhold. Alys reveals Arnolf has long sided with Roose Bolton and means to betray Stannis at Winterfell. With Stannis in peril and Alys hunted, she implores Jon, “In your father’s name, protect me.”
Who Appears
- Jon SnowLord Commander; brokers Iron Bank loan and ships for Hardhome rescue; manages tensions with Selyse’s party; grants refuge to Alys Karstark.
- Alys KarstarkFlees Karhold to escape forced marriage to Cregan; reveals Arnolf’s plot to betray Stannis; begs Jon’s protection.
- Queen Selyse BaratheonArrives with Shireen and Queen’s Men; asserts plans to occupy the Nightfort; disdains wildlings and Wun Wun.
- Tycho NestorisIron Bank envoy; negotiates ships and a loan with Jon, enabling the Hardhome rescue fleet.
- Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun (Wun Wun)Giant guest of the Watch; startles the queen’s retinue, prompting Jon to enforce guest right.
- Ser Axell FlorentQueen’s Hand; overbearing and lewd about Val; symbolizes Selyse’s intrusive influence.
- Ser Patrek of King’s MountainQueen’s knight; nearly draws on Wun Wun, provoking Jon’s rebuke about guest right.
- Princess Shireen BaratheonStannis’s daughter; alarmed by Wun Wun yet curious; central to Selyse’s protective plans.
- PatchfaceShireen’s fool; odd antics unsettle Wun Wun and the queen’s party.
- Bowen MarshLord Steward; accompanies Jon to receive the queen, arranges quarters.
- SatinJon’s steward; fetches mulled wine; less diligent with the fire.
- LeathersWildling in the Watch; handles Wun Wun and leads him away to eat.
- MullyRanger who wakes Jon to meet the highborn girl found near Mole’s Town.
- ClydasMaester’s assistant; tends the chilled girl, advises slow feeding.