Game Of Thrones:Lady Blackthorne

CHAPTER 22

The next day, in the library, Jon was telling Sam about what happened at Hardhome.

Jon said demonstrating with his hands at his sides, “He raised his hands. And they all stood up at once. Tens of thousands of them, the biggest army in the world.” The look on Jon's face was serious.

Sam asked curiously, “So what are you gonna do?”

Jon said, sighing, “I’m gonna hope they don’t learn how to climb the wall.”

Sam raised his eyebrow and asked, “But… the Dragonglass?”

Jon shakes his head and said, “No one’s ever getting that back, now. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway, unless we had a mountain of it.”

Sam was confused and said, “But… you killed a White Walker.”

Jon nodded and said, “With Longclaw. I saw them shatter steel axes like they were glass. But Longclaw…”

Sam said, “He’s made of valyrian steel. How many valyrian steel swords are left in the Seven Kingdoms?”

Jon shook his head and said, “Not enough. *pause* The first Lord Commander in history to sacrifice the lives of sworn Brothers to save the lives of Wildlings. How’s it feel to be friends with the most hated man in Castle Black?” Jon smiled at him.

Sam said, shrugging, “You were friends with me when I first got here. And I wasn’t winning any elections back then.”

Jon said smirking, “Here’s to us then. Long may they sneer.” Jon and Sam clink glasses and drink. Sam looks to Jon.

Jon asked, “What?”

Sam asked looking Jon in the eyes, “I wanted to ask you something? To ask something of you? Send me, Gilly, and the baby to Oldtown so I can become a Maester? That’s what I’m meant to be, not this.”

Jon said, “I need you here, Sam. If you leave, who’s left to give me advice I trust?” Jon knew he didn't have that many that he could trust around him. He was outnumbered.

Sam said, “Well, there’s Edd.” Jon gives Sam a look with his eyebrow up.

Sam stated his case, “I’ll be more used to you as a Maester. More use to everyone now that Maester Aemon’s gone. The Citadel has the world’s greatest library. I’ll learn about history, strategy, and healing. And other things. Things that will help when they come.” Jon stares at Sam, saying nothing.

Sam said, “If Gilly stays here then she’ll die. And the baby that she named after me will die. And I’ll end up dying, too, trying to protect them. Which means that the last thing that I’ll see in this world will be the look in her eyes when I fail them. *pause* I’d rather see a thousand White Walkers than see that.” Jon inhales, exhales, then nods somberly. Sam smiles.

Sam said, “Thank you.”

Jon said, “You know that The Citadel will make you swear off women, too.”

Sam said emphatically, “They’ll bloody try.” Jon looks at Sam incredulously.

Jon asked curiously, “Sam?”

Sam asked, “What?”

Jon said, pushing him, “Sam…” Sam smiles.

Jon said looking at him astonished, “Aldarra almost killed those two to keep them away from Gilly. How did you…?”

Sam said, smiling, “Very carefully.” Jon smiles and lets out a small laugh.

Jon said brooding, “I’m glad the end of the world’s working out for someone.” They sit in silence for a moment.