Lynn paid no mind to the stares.
He simply collected his portion of black bread and stew, just like everyone else.
Then, tray in hand, he walked toward the table where Jon Snow was sitting.
Jon was surrounded by Grenn, Pyp, Samwell, and a few other recruits.
Ever since Lynn had helped them sort out their differences, relations between them had thawed considerably. They were chatting animatedly.
It seemed Jon was fitting in quite well now.
At least among the recruits.
Seeing Lynn approach, they all stood up instinctively, their expressions a mix of awkwardness and respect.
"Lord Lynn," Grenn even used a formal title.
"Relax. Sit," Lynn gestured for them to sit down, taking a seat next to Jon.
As he sat, the new longsword at his waist clinked softly against the table leg, producing a clear, ringing sound.
Everyone's eyes were drawn to the sword.
A black scabbard with silver edging... and on the pommel, a lifelike white wolf's head carved from weirwood.
The wolf's eyes were two blood-red garnets.
"This... this is..."
The recruits' eyes went wide.
They stared at the sword, breathing quickening.
They recognized it.
They had seen Lord Commander Mormont wear it.
The ancestral sword of House Mormont—Longclaw!
Why... why was it here?
Why was it hanging from Lynn's waist?
And why had the bear's head on the pommel turned into a wolf's head?
Every brother of the Watch who recognized the blade was stunned.
Bowen Marsh's jaw dropped, oblivious as the bread in his hand fell into his soup.
And Alliser Thorne, upon seeing the sword, went deathly pale.
He shot up from his chair, pointing a shaking finger at Lynn and sputtering.
"Longclaw!"
"The Valyrian steel sword of House Mormont!"
"How did you get it?!"
"You thief! You shameless brigand! You stole the Lord Commander's sword!"
Thorne's roar echoed through the silent mess hall.
Everyone was shocked by this sudden accusation.
Stole the sword?
Did Lynn steal the Lord Commander's ancestral blade?
How is that even possible?
Lynn looked up, calmly meeting the gaze of the frantic Thorne. A trace of mockery curled at the corner of his lips.
He said nothing.
Because he knew he didn't need to explain.
Would a thief openly display his stolen goods?
Thorne regretted his words the moment they left his mouth.
Constant defeats at Lynn's hands had twisted him.
Thorne truly hated him; the man stuck to him like a leech, impossible to shake off.
Three strikes, you're out, Lynn thought. There won't be a fourth.
Lynn began calculating how to kill this troublemaker without anyone finding out.
It was difficult to do inside Castle Black.
Suddenly, a spark of inspiration flashed in Lynn's mind.
He remembered the assassination attempt on him earlier.
That assassin would be a perfect point of entry.
Just as Lynn was pondering this...
"Thorne!"
A loud, commanding voice boomed from the entrance of the mess hall.
Jeor Mormont, flanked by several stewards, strode in.
His cold gaze swept across Thorne's face.
"I gave it to him."
"What?"
Thorne looked at Mormont in disbelief.
"Lord Commander, you... what did you say?"
"I said, I gave Longclaw to Lynn."
Mormont walked to Lynn's side and placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.
Then, he looked around the room, declaring to everyone in a tone that allowed no question.
"Lynn saved my life. He saved all of Castle Black."
"He has proven his loyalty and courage through action."
"From this day forth, he is not only a benefactor to the Night's Watch but a warrior recognized by me, Jeor Mormont!"
"He is worthy of this sword!"
The entire mess hall was silent as a grave.
Everyone was stunned by the Lord Commander's declaration, their minds buzzing.
Giving away a Valyrian steel sword that has been in the family for centuries to an outsider?
This...
This is too... against the "rules"...
Everyone knew that a Valyrian steel sword was the heirloom of a House, usually held by the current Lord.
It wasn't just a sword; it carried centuries of history and stories, its significance to the family self-evident.
This wasn't a simple reward.
It was an endorsement!
It was a transfer of legacy!
It was almost equivalent to... Mormont viewing Lynn as his heir!
Everyone's gaze converged on Lynn once again.
Their eyes were filled with shock, confusion, and jealousy.
Jon Snow stared blankly at Lynn, then at the wolf-headed Longclaw at his waist.
There was envy, yes, but mostly a heartfelt admiration.
Alliser Thorne, on the other hand, seemed to have all the strength drained from him. He slumped back into his chair.
He had truly shot himself in the foot this time.
Lynn was unharmed, while Thorne had humiliated himself yet again.
Since meeting Lynn, nothing had gone right for him!
But the more he failed, the deeper his hatred for Lynn grew.
Lunch ended in an eerie silence.
The brothers of the Watch stole glances at Lynn from time to time.
Lynn acted as if nothing had happened.
He finished his black bread, drank his soup, and calmly left the mess hall.
From today on, his position in Castle Black was rock solid.
Aside from that suicidal clown Thorne, no one would dare challenge him to his face, nor would anyone dare whisper against him behind his back.
In the afternoon, Lynn went to the training grounds of Castle Black.
As the newly appointed commander of the expeditionary force, Lynn needed to select fifty of the most elite rangers from the Night's Watch.
This was the authority granted to him by Lord Commander Mormont.