A Game of Thrones-Chapter 41

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Jon V
A Game of Thrones chapter
AGameOfThrones.jpg
POV Jon
Page 371 US HC (Other versions)
Chapter chronology (All)
Jon IV
Catelyn VII  ← Jon V →  Tyrion VI

Jon VI

Ser Alliser anounces that he is passing eight recruits, including Jon. There is a celebration, but Jon notices that Sam is not there, and realizes that Sam will not survive without him and the others to protect him. Jon goes to Maester Aemon to ask him to allow Sam to become his steward since he can read, write, and do sums.

Synopsis

Ser Alliser tells the boys he is training that they are the most hopeless he has ever trained, but 5 new boys are being marched up the Kingsroad, and so he is passing eight onto the lord commander: they include: Toad, Stoney, Aurochs, Lover, Pimple, Monkey, Saloon, and the bastard.* He then tells the boys that some will call them men, but they are fools if they believe this, and in winter they will die like flies. Then Ser Alliser leaves.

The recruits gather around the those promoted offering congratulations. Jon notices Sam standing by himself, and Jon goes over and asks about him, and Sam replies that he is well, and the Jon will be first ranger someday like his uncle “was.” Jon corrects this to “is.” It is then that one Halder asks if Jon is going to drink the wine in the skin he is carrying himself, and then Pyp grabs the wine, squeezes the skin causing a stream to splash his cloths. In the meantime Sam had disappeared.

There was a marvelous feast that night to celebrate the promotion. The group discusses and jokes about their assignments: ranger, builder, woodsman, steward… The group is sure that Jon will be a ranger since he is the best sword and rider, and his uncle “was” the First Ranger. Jon corrects this to him still being First Ranger. Jon pushed his food away, and leaves. Pyp follows Jon and asks what is wrong, and Jon tells him that it is Sam, who had not been with them. Now Sam will remain in training with Ser Alliser. Pyp tells Jon that they did all they could, but that is not good enough for Jon. Jon goes to saddle his horse, and goes for a long ride.

As he rides he thinks about how the world is out there, he is not sworn yet. He longs to go back to Winterfell, where he could go back to be with his half-brothers, but Lady Stark would not welcome him. There is no place for him in Winterfell, or King's Landing, not even his mother had had a place for him. Who had she been and she must be something dishonorable, otherwise why was Lord Eddard too ashamed to speak of her? On the ride back he thinks about what he should do about Sam. Jon visits Maester Aemon despite the late hour. Aemon’s stewards, Chett and Clydas, are considered the ugliest men in the watch, and it is thought it is because the maester is blind. Chett meets Jon at the door and tells him that the maester is asleep and to come back in the morning. Jon puts his food in the door to prevent it closing, and refuses to leave since tomorrow will be too late, so Chett goes to get the maester. Jon goes to the library and starts a fire as instructed. When he arrives, he sits by the fire, and tells Jon he was not sleeping because he is so old; a midnight visitor is a welcome diversion. The Maester agrees to listen to him, and Jon tells him that he has come to ask that Samwell be accepted as a brother. Chett complains that it is no concern of the maester, and the maester states that training is the responsibility of Ser Alliser. Jon tells the maester all, finishing by telling the maester that they have been protecting Sam and he will not have that protection any more. Chett tells the maester that this man is a craven and that Ser Alliser will make a man of him or kill him as the gods will. Jon replies that that is stupid. Jon persuades him by recalling Maester Luwin’s words about why his maester’s chains has all sorts of metal that represent the different studies and all sorts of knowledge is required. The maester continues this is like civilization which needs men of all walks of life and all skills in order to function, and so does the Night’s Watch. Then he asks why Sam could not be a steward. Chett objects saying that he is a steward, and it is not easy work and not fit for cowards: they keep the Watch alive by hunting, farming, gather firewood, make clothing, and bring up supplies… The maester then asks if Sam is a hunter, drive a wagon… Jon has to admit no to all the questions, but then states that Sam could help the maester better than anyone else since he can do sums, read, write, has read every book in his father’s library, and is good with animals. The maester considers for a while and then tells Jon that he will think on it, tells Chett to show Jon to the door.

External links

References and Notes

  • The synopsis was copied from AOL member vbkorik27 previously at [1].