Sam is in the library reading various books and folios. He has been there most of the night. He finally gathers up a stack of books and scrolls and emerges from the tunnels beneath Castle Black. The Wall is abuzz with activity as men work to build a new stairway to replace the one destroyed when the wildlings attacked.1 Dolorous Edd hails Sam and tells him Jon wants to see him. Pyp and Grenn come around the corner as well and tease Sam about missing dinner and not showing up for archery practice with Ulmer. Jon has instituted daily archery drills for the entire garrison; he feels that the Watch pays to much attention to the sword and too little on the bow. They tease Sam about Val too, who often watches them from the tower where she is held, until Sam says he has to see Jon. Pyp and Grenn are unhappy with Jon because he never has time for them anymore. What little free time he has is always spent practicing the sword; Jon explained to Sam that he feels he must become worthy of Longclaw. Sam takes his leave. With the Lord Commander's Tower gutted and Stannis residing in the King's Tower, Jon has taken up residence in Donal Noye's old quarters behind the armory. As Sam approaches, Gilly rushes out of Jon's quarters looking wan and frightened. Sam tries to talk to her, but she runs off with tears in her eyes, leaving Sam perplexed.2 Hairy Hal and Mully stand guard outside Jon's chambers and tell Sam that the Lord Commander is waiting. As Sam runs through the armory, Ghost watches him pass. As he enters Jon's solar, Lord Commander Mormont's raven flies at him demanding corn. When Sam proffers some from a sack by the door, the crow pecks his hand hard enough to draw blood. Jon shows him a letter written by Maester Aemon addressed to King Tommen. It states that the Watch is not taking sides in the war for the throne and only helps Stannis to defend the realms of men then goes on to ask for aid. Jon does not think it will work. Sam worries that Tywin may march on Stannis and destroy the Night's Watch, while Jon hopes that Stannis can rouse the North and still win. Stannis has sent birds to all the great northern houses asking for support, but so far only the Karstarks have declared for him. Jon signs the letter and tells Sam to make sure it is sent. Sam asks about Gilly, and Jon says Val sent her to plead for Mance's life; rumor is that Stannis means to give him to the flames. Sam tells Jon a few things he learned in the library. He has found records of four Lord Commanders younger than Jon when they were chosen, though Jon points out that they were all sons, brothers, or bastards of the Kings in the North. Sam was researching the Others as well, but found very litttle information about them. He says he needs more time, but Jon says he must go to Oldtown with Gilly and Maester Aemon. Sam points out that Aemon is too old for travel, but Jon responds that if Melisandre needs king's blood for her spells then Aemon is in grave danger. Dareon will also join them at Eastwatch to begin life as a wandering crow. The Blackbird will take them to Braavos, where they shall arrange their own passage to Oldtown. Jon wants Sam to become a maester. Sam is terrified because he wanted to be a maester as a child and Lord Randyll chained him in the dungeon for three days and nights to dissuade him from that thought because a Tarly is not a servant. He tries to explain to Jon, but he does not care. He orders Sam to go and to no longer call himself craven. Sam goes to Maester Aemon and repeats his fears, but Aemon also says the plan is best. The next day, an hour before dawn, Sam joins a guard of a dozen rangers including Black Jack, Kedge Whiteye, and Left Hand Lew in the lichyard. Aemon arrives soon after, escorted by Clydas, followed by Gilly and the baby. Jon arrives with Dolorous Edd to see them off. Aemon tells Jon he marked a particularly interesting passage in the Jade Compendium for him to look at, while Gilly, eyes red from crying, tells Jon that he must find a wetnurse for Dalla's baby like he promised.2
