Jon Snow, longsword in hand, slowly circled the recruits, shouting, "Raise your shields!"Satin, a recruit from Oldtown, complied reluctantly. "It's too heavy," he complained.Jon gave a faint smile. "It's heavy precisely because it needs to withstand attacks." He stepped forward with his right leg and swung his sword. Satin blocked it perfectly with his shield.Quickly, Satin counterattacked, and Jon intercepted it with his own shield. "Good," he praised. "Quick reactions. But remember—you need to put your whole body into it, not just your arm. Only then can you deliver true power and speed in your thrusts.""Again!" Jon ordered. "Keep your shield up, or I'll use your head as a bell."Satin stepped back, lifted his visor, and blinked in surprise. "Behind you!"Jon turned just in time to see a large crowd gathered around the training ground. Some patted him on the shoulder, some smiled warmly, and others knelt on one knee, as if he were already their lord.Among them were his companions—Pypar, Grenn, and Sam—recently returned to Black Castle after being found by a patrol dozens of miles away, escorting a baby and Craster's wife. His friend Donal Noye, the blacksmith, and Eon Imett of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea were also there, alongside officers and rangers from other posts.The election for Lord Commander had just concluded."Lord Snow," Bowen Marsh approached, his ruddy face breaking into a smile, "if you permit it, I would be honored to continue serving as First Steward.""My Lord, it would be best if Lord Eddard Karstark could provide some ready-made tools—axes, nails, steel saws, and such," Chief Craftsman Othell Yarwyck added, lightly patting Jon's shoulder. "The storerooms are dwindling, and our steward is always eager to forge weapons and armor."Carter Pyke approached next, casually warning, "Although you have the King of the North's backing, if you fail in your duties, I'll dig out your liver and eat it with onions."Jon gave him a steady look.Dennis Mallister, ever polite, nodded. "Your uncle was a good man, your father was a good man, and your grandfather as well. I have high expectations of you, and I hope you will be the same—strong and capable."Jon's gaze swept across the bustling courtyard. The noise and energy overwhelmed him slightly, but he responded to every greeting with composure. Despite his youth, he exhibited the calm confidence of a natural leader. Being Jeor Mormont's steward had taught him much, and now he applied that knowledge effortlessly.For a brief moment, Jon glanced toward King's Tower, where Eddard Karstark stood watching from the balcony. His uncle's smile seemed to say, See? I told you could do it—and you did.---Beyond the Wall, the passage at the base of the Wall stretched wide and tall enough for an adult mammoth to pass. Massive stones, encrusted with ice, shimmered under torchlight.A team of heavily equipped soldiers occupied the passage, shields raised. Spears gleamed, arrows were nocked, and crossbows cocked. Murder holes and arrow slits were packed with defenders. Every movement exuded readiness and discipline.Eddard Karstark, despite his confidence, hesitated slightly at the thought of meeting Mance Rayder. Tens of thousands of Free Folk gathered beyond the Wall: nearly ten thousand infantry, close to a thousand cavalry, over a hundred mammoths, and several hundred giants. The King-Beyond-the-Wall's white tent awaited him, a symbol of both invitation and peril.Mance Rayder, too, was cautious. He would never ascend the Wall in an iron cage willingly. On top of the Wall, two thousand elite soldiers stood prepared to repel any attack, with another two hundred black-cloaked crows inside. Any misstep could be fatal.After careful consideration, Eddard decided to open the north gate and allow Mance Rayder into the passage for negotiations, separated by an iron grate. This way, either side could retreat if things went awry. Mance agreed, and the meeting was scheduled for the morning.---"Jon," Eddard said later, sitting on a pine stool beside a table draped in black cloth, a brazier of red-hot coal nearby warming the air, "you've spent time among the Free Folk. Tell me—who among them truly deserves safe passage and settlement?"Jon picked up a cup of steaming Arbor golden wine and took a long sip, feeling warmth flow down his throat. "All of them, if possible," he said. "They are as brave, strong, and clever as us. They just lack discipline and don't understand the value of obedience. But with guidance, they could serve well."Eddard leaned forward. "And your plan to deal with them?"Jon set the cup down. "The Wall has room to garrison them. Besides Black Castle, Shadow Tower, and Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, there are at least sixteen other castles. Repair them, and each can house hundreds of warriors. Their young men could defend the Wall; we'd supply them with food and equipment. Women and children would live safely within the Gift, supervised by a cavalry unit sent by Robb. Given time, we can build a stable coexistence."Eddard nodded. "A practical plan."Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed through the passage. Five humans and a giant, at least three meters tall, approached the iron grate, followed by a massive shield-cart pushed by three giants—ready to block any attacks.Jon introduced each one:"The man in the black cloak stitched with red silk is Mance Rayder.""The pockmarked woman holding a dog's head banner is Hama, leader of her Free Folk band.""The white-bearded giant with golden armbands is Tormund, the self-proclaimed Giantbane.""The shortest is Waramir, known as the Sixskins, who controls wolves, bears, a shadowcat, and an eagle.""The giant is Marga the Strong; they all speak the Old Tongue and command mammoths.""And finally, Styr, the Thenn leader."Mance Rayder stepped forward, dressed in wool and leather with raven-feathered helmet, exuding the air of a king and bard combined."I suppose introductions are unnecessary," he said, his gray eyes lingering on Jon. "That Winterfell bastard in your party—he's a chameleon who spent long among the Free Folk."Eddard scoffed. "A traitor accusing others? Jon Snow, now Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, has every right to speak here."Mance did not rise to anger. He merely studied Jon, skepticism flickering in his gaze, then settled cross-legged on the ice. "Eddard Karstark, Styr says you are generous. Tell me, who exactly are you?""I am the son of Rickard, Lord of Karhold," Eddard replied, "entrusted by King Robb Stark to oversee your preparations against the Wall." He offered a silver goblet of warm wine. Mance accepted it, savoring the rich flavor."The King wants me to drive you back," Eddard continued. "But I understand your people face powers beyond comprehension. I wish to discuss terms."Mance Rayder's voice was steady. "It won't be simple to stop us. I can send ten thousand rafts to attack Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, another ten thousand to bypass the Great Gorge, and still enough for Black Castle. My Free Folk are ready."Eddard handed over the wine, his calm unshaken. "Then you underestimate the Wall. Two thousand elite soldiers are stationed here, and ten trebuchets are ready in this section alone. Shadow Tower and Eastwatch-by-the-Sea are each defended by a thousand elite soldiers. Do you truly think you can succeed?"Mance Rayder did not respond immediately. Instead, Marga lifted a massive black horn, its runes glowing under the firelight. Eddard raised an eyebrow. "You intend to blow the horn of winter?"The giant nodded solemnly.Eddard shrugged. "Even if the Wall falls, I will lead my soldiers against you, and twenty thousand troops from Winterfell will march north. Can your people prevail?"The Free Folk murmured angrily, their confidence shaken. Styr remained silent.Finally, Mance sighed, drank the wine, and turned to his men. "Tell me, what do you want for us to pass?"Eddard's eyes swept the room. His soldiers were fierce, well-armed, and disciplined. One trained fighter could take on ten Free Folk; a thousand heavy cavalry could scatter tens of thousands. Stark prestige and skill were unmatched."Submission," Eddard said quietly. "But your customs will be respected, and a degree of freedom granted."Mance Rayder's eyes glimmered with interest. "Tell me more."---
Full book àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)