CHAPTER 78: SAMWELL

Summoned before Stannis, the Night’s Watch leaders endure his anger over their nine-day deadlock in choosing a Lord Commander. Janos Slynt flatters Stannis and suggests royal guidance, prompting protests from Cotter Pyke and Ser Denys Mallister. Stannis denounces Slynt’s corruption, but accepts that a recruit’s past is forgiven.

Shifting to strategy, Stannis declares he wants the abandoned castles and the Gift to secure the Wall, intending to rebuild and garrison them, and to light nightfires. Melisandre frames this as a war for life itself, proclaiming Stannis Azor Ahai with Lightbringer. At Aemon’s request, Stannis displays the glowing blade; later, Aemon notes it gave off no heat and did not scorch its scabbard.

After the audience, Stannis orders Sam to show him the Black Gate at the Nightfort when commanded. Aemon refuses to influence the election, but Sam, galvanized by duty and recent horrors, decides to act on his own to prevent a royal imposition.

Sam first petitions Cotter Pyke to withdraw for Ser Denys; Pyke refuses, deriding Mallister’s suitability and vowing not to cede the Watch to a courtly lord. Sam then appeals to Ser Denys, who politely declines to yield for Pyke, arguing the office requires noble training and diplomacy.

Pivoting, Sam proposes a third option to each: Jon Snow. To Mallister, Sam touts Jon’s lineage and trust from Mormont, Noye, and the Halfhand, then lies that Stannis will force Pyke upon them if they fail to choose. To Pyke, Sam highlights Jon’s fighting merit and claims Stannis will impose Mallister. Both men are left considering Jon as a compromise to avoid royal interference.