Stannis and Melisandre meet with Maester Aemon, Bowen, Lord Janos, Ser Denys, Cotter, Othell, Hobb, and Edd. Sam is there to help Maester Aemon up and down the steps. Stannis is displeased the Watch does not yet have a new Lord Commander. Lord Janos wants Stannis to endorse him, but Stannis despises that idea. Janos had given places and promotions in the city watch for money and killed two men ready to expose him. Lord Jon had presented the evidence to the small council], but Robert did not care, and Petyr was in on the corruption and taking the crown's share of the bribes. Stannis tells the assembled that he does not mean to involve them in his quest for the crown but needs them to defend the Wall. He also says he means to take the Gift and rebuild and garrison all the abandoned castles along the Wall. He prefers to do this legally with the consent of the Watch but will do so by force if necessary. The Watch will also begin lighting nightfires. He says he has not come to fight petty squabbles, but the fight for life itself. Maester Aemon states he means the war of the dawn and asks where the prince who was promised is. Melisandre declares Stannis is he. Stannis orders everyone to leave save Maester Aemon and Sam. Stannis quizzes him on killing the Other. He says there is much dragonglass on Dragonstone, and he will mine what he can before the castle falls. He also asks about the Black Gate at the Nightfort and says he will make his seat there. Maester Aemon asks to see Lightbringer before he goes, with Sam acting as his eyes. Stannis dismisses them with one final threat to choose a Lord Commander that night. After they leave, Maester Aemon points out there was no heat coming off the blade and it does not burn its scabbard. Back in the maester's chambers, Sam asks if Maester Aemon can do something to stop Lord Janos from being chosen. the maester is not allowed to show favoritism, and Sam realizes it is up to him.

Sam speaks to Cotter first. Cotter flat-out refuses to support Ser Denys and does not find any of the other candidates worth supporting either. Sam is dismayed and takes his leave. He talks to Ser Denys next, though while the knight is far more courteous, he is just as unyielding in his belief that Cotter is not fit to be Lord Commander. This time Sam is ready when he asks if there is anyone else that would serve. He speaks of a man who commanded the respect of Lord Commander Mormont, Donal Noye, and Qhorin, was castle raised and trained in the arts of war and diplomacy, and comes from noble blood. He is referring, of course, to Jon. Ser Denys is not entirely convinced due to Jon's age, but Sam sweetens the deal by lying that Stannis means to name Cotter if the Watch has not chosen someone by the end of the day. Sam returns to Cotter and asks if he would support the man Donal entrusted to protect the Wall and was squire to Lord Commander Mormont. Cotter thinks Jon would not be half bad, though he would be better. Sam lies that Stannis means to place Ser Denys in charge if the Watch cannot reach its own decision.