A Game of Thrones, Chapter 41, Jon
Summary
Jon and seven of his friends finish their training. Sam is not one of them. When they celebrate the end of the training Jon realizes that Sam is afraid. Without their protection he’s going to be a victim again. Jon doesn’t want to let that happen. He decides to go to Maester Aemon and ask him for help for Sam. He says that Samwell should be moved to Stewards. Maester says that he will think about it.
Quotes
Once he swore his vow, the Wall would be his home until he was old as Maester Aemon. “I have not sworn yet,” he muttered. He was no outlaw, bound to take the black or pay the penalty for his crimes. He had come here freely, and he might leave freely… until he said the words.
“The Lord Commander listens to you,” Jon told him. “And the wounded and the sick of the Night’s Watch are in your charge.”
“And is your friend Samwell wounded or sick?”
“He will be,” Jon promised, “unless you help.”
Maester Aemon closed his eyes, and for a brief moment Jon was afraid that he had gone to sleep. Finally he said, “Maester Luwin taught you well, Jon Snow. Your mind is as deft as your blade, it would seem.”
Commentary
Jon has doubts about saying the words, finally and once and for all leaving his past behind. Once the swords of Night’s Watch vow are spoken he is going to be a Black Brother until the day he dies. The bastard in him wakes and he remembers the facts. Those were his half brothers back in Winterfell and Lady Catelyn would never let him be the part of the family, would never let him be as close as he was with his Night’s Watch brothers.
Jon also feels responsible for Sam and although he’s happy that his training is done, he fears what could happen to his friend. Not knowing where to go, he visits Maester Aemon and in a very clever way presents his argument. By doing so he manages to achieve three things. He helps Sam to finish the training faster, makes enemies of two Maester’s stewards (he says that Sam would be able to help Aemon better than they can, because he can read and count) and finally brings his sharp wit to Aemon’s attention. This midnight meeting probably changed his assignment from rangers to stewards.
Tags: Jon
