Game Of Thrones:Lady Blackthorne

CHAPTER 31

Beyond The Wall, the wind blows over the tundra. A dark cloud starts forming on the horizon, growing larger until it consumes everything. A white walker rides into view, accompanied by several other white walkers. The army of the dead files through the darkness. An undead giant walks into view.

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Outside Castle Black’s exterior gate, Bran is lying in his sled. His eyes are pure white. They wash to their normal color. Meera is standing in front of him, holding the ropes to the sled. The gate rises. Dolorous Edd walks through the gate, accompanied by several members of the Night's Watch.

Dolorous Edd said, “You wildlings?”

Meera said, “I'm Meera Reed, daughter of Howland Reed. This is Brandon Stark, son of Ned Stark.”

Dolorous Edd said, “How do I know that's true?” Bran raises his head and stares at Dolorous Edd.

Bran said, “You were at the Fist of the First Men. You were at Hardhome. You've seen the Army of the Dead. You've seen the Night King. He's coming for us. For all of us.” Dolorous Edd pauses and looks down, then looks to his men.

Dolorous Edd said, “Okay, come on. Let's get them inside.
Two Night's Watch men sheath their swords, approach Bran's sled, grab the ropes, and pull him inside the gate. Meera follows. Dolorous Edd lingers and stares out into the wild, then turns on his heel and walks through the gate. The gate closes behind him.

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In Winterfell's main hall, Jon stands at the high table. Sansa, Rickon, Davos and Aldarra sit at his sides. Brienne, Podrick, Tormund, Baelish, Yohn Royce, Lyanna Mormont, Robett Glover, and the lords of the northern houses are in attendance.

Jon said, “I want every northern maester to scour their records for any mention of dragonglass. Dragonglass kills white walkers. It's more valuable to us now than gold. We need to find it, we need to mine it, we need to make weapons from it. Everyone aged 10 to 60 will drill daily with spears, pikes, bow and arrow.”

Robett said, “It's about time we taught these boys of summer how to fight.” The northern lords laugh.

Jon said, “Not just the boys.” Brienne looks at Jon.

Jon said, “We can't defend the North if only half the population is fighting.” Robett stands.

Robett asked, “You expect me to put a spear in my granddaughter's hand?” Lyanna stands.

Lyanna said, “I don't plan on knitting by the fire while men fight for me. I might be small, Lord Glover, and I might be a girl, but I am every bit as much a Northerner as you.” Aldarra applauded her smiling. Lyanna smiled back at her.

Robett said, “Indeed you are, my lady. No one has questioned–”

Lyanna said, “And I don't need your permission to defend the North.” Davos smiles. Lyanna turns to Jon.

Lyanna said, “We'll begin training every man, woman, boy, and girl on Bear Island.” The men pound their tables and shout in agreement. Robett nods at Lyanna. Robett and Lyanna sit.

Jon said, “While we're preparing for attack, we need to shore up our defenses. The only thing standing between us and the Army of the Dead is the Wall and the Wall hasn't been properly manned in centuries. I'm not the king of the Free Folk.” Jon looks at Tormund. Tormund turns and looks at Jon.

Jon said, “But if we're going to survive this winter together…” Tormund grunts and stands.

Tormund asks, “You want us to man the castles for you?” The men murmur.