Just as Sam and the others were agonizing over how to keep Jon from acting rashly, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the castle. Many people were screaming in panic, as if under attack, followed by a very loud roar. What puzzled the people inside the stable was that the roar came from the sky.
The few of them exchanged glances, picked up their weapons, and rushed out of the stable. They then found that the Nights Watch outside were all looking up at the sky, so they too looked up.
"Dragon! It's a dragon!" Sam exclaimed excitedly when he saw the giant beast circling in the sky.
At this moment, the Old Bear also walked out of his room, and was shocked to see the giant dragon in the sky. He immediately recognized the dragon's origin and shouted loudly to everyone, "What's the commotion! Quiet down, everyone! This is not an enemy. It is Prince Linde's dragon. All of you, look more spirited, don't disgrace our Nights Watch."
Maester Aemon also walked out of his room. Although he was already blind, he still tried his best to look up, wanting to see the dragon clearly, while the Assistant Scholars beside him quietly described the dragon's appearance to Maester Aemon.
Lynd did not land directly in the Black Castle courtyard, but instead had Nessario land outside the Black Castle.
After landing, he dismounted from the dragon's back and comforted the Lava Dragon, which was feeling uncomfortable due to being too close to the Wall, before walking towards the Black Castle gate.
At this moment, the castle gate had already opened. The Old Bear, Maester Aemon, and other high-ranking Stewards and officers of the Black Castle, as well as Commanders and their deputies from other Wall castles, were all waiting at the gate.
Seeing Lynd, dressed in his Banished Knight Armor, approach, they, led by the Old Bear, all bowed to Lynd.
Lynd nodded to everyone and then said very directly, "There's no need for so much formality. I came this time mainly because I received the message you sent, saying that the Beyond the Wall Wildlings tribes are gathering and planning to attack the Wall. However, the content of the letter was too simple, so I needed to understand the situation firsthand."
Upon hearing Lynd's words, the Old Bear immediately felt a great burden lifted from his shoulders. For the past few days, he had been losing sleep over the Beyond the Wall Wildlings tribes. Now, Lynd's appearance undoubtedly relieved much of his pressure, so he suggested, "This is not the place to talk. Let's go to the Hall of Affairs."
Lynd nodded in agreement.
Then, surrounded by everyone, he walked into the Black Castle. However, Maester Aemon did not go to the Hall of Affairs with them. Instead, supported by the Assistant Scholars, he walked towards Lava Dragon Nessario, stopping only when he could smell Nessario's unique sulfuric odor, while other curious Nights Watch members stood further away, curiously observing the giant beast before them.
After entering the Black Castle, the group was walking towards the Hall of Affairs when someone suddenly shouted, "Lord Lynd, Lord Lynd!"
Lynd looked towards the source of the voice and saw a young man in Nights Watch black robes waving at him. There were also a few other Nights Watch members beside the young man.
He didn't immediately recognize who the young man was, but he quickly recognized the hand-and-a-half sword worn by the young man, and also recognized the stout Nights Watch member beside him.
So, he stopped, turned and walked towards them, saying, "Long time no see, Jon Snow."
"Lord Lynd." Jon was extremely excited to see that Lynd still remembered him, and quickly bowed to Lynd. The other Nights Watch members around him also followed suit.
Lynd reached out, drew the hand-and-a-half sword, looked at it, and nodded, "This sword is well-maintained. I didn't give it to the wrong person." As he spoke, he sheathed the hand-and-a-half sword and then said to Jon with a serious tone, "I have already sent Duke Eddard's body back to Winterfell."
"Thank you for your kindness." Jon was stunned, his eyes immediately reddening. He then lowered his head, not wanting his tearful appearance to be seen by others.
"Kindness?" Lynd shook his head and said, "You're mistaken, I am not kind. I could have saved Duke Eddard, but I didn't, because Duke Eddard's actions in some ways did betray King Robert, violating unforgivable laws. Even if his intentions were good, he shouldn't have done that. Since he made a mistake, he must be punished, so his death can only be said to be his own choice."
"Was father really a traitor?" Jon wiped away his tears, looking up at Lynd, his voice trembling.
"That depends on who's looking. At least in my eyes, he was not a traitor, nor a usurper. He was merely a loser who attempted to do a right thing in the wrong way and ultimately failed." Lynd offered his opinion, then said in a serious tone, "Are you planning to leave the Wall and go south to avenge Duke Eddard?"
Jon didn't answer, merely bowing his head slightly, not daring to meet Lynd's gaze.
Lynd said in a deep voice, "If I were you, I would abandon everything without hesitation and go to King's Landing for revenge. No Nights Watch rules could stop my desire for vengeance."
Upon hearing Lynd's words, not only Jon, but also the Old Bear and the Nights Watch Commanders behind him were stunned. They had all thought Lynd would persuade Jon to give up revenge, but they never expected Lynd to actually approve of revenge.
However, before they could recover from their surprise, Lynd continued, "But unfortunately, you are not me. Your strength is not enough to allow you to contend with the various laws and regulations of this world. My contention results in breaking all regulations, making them operate according to my will, while your contention results in being crushed to dust by the regulations." As he spoke, he pointed to the surrounding Nights Watch members and said, "Your biggest obstacle is not these people around you who follow Nights Watch regulations, but yourself. You have neither enough strength nor a high enough position. You are just Duke Eddard's bastard. You have no way to break the regulations. Jon Snow, do you know now who is preventing you from going to King's Landing to avenge your father?"
Jon stood completely still, his mind blank.
Lynd reached out and patted his shoulder, saying, "Work hard to climb up. Only when you become the Commander of the Nights Watch, and everyone in the Nights Watch loves and is willing to serve you, will you be qualified to avenge Duke Eddard."
After speaking, he turned and, along with the Old Bear and others, entered the Hall of Affairs. The Hall of Affairs door closed from the inside after all the senior scribes and officers of the Nights Watch had entered.
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