222 ASOS 79 Samwell V: The Prince That Was Promised

When he takes it on himself to influence the election, Sam even finds himself brave enough to misrepresent his influence as Aemon's and then to lie outright to sway election results. Could bravery be double-edged?

Slayer

Just the maester's steward, Sam does not know why Melisandre is looking at him. It's because he's notorious for having killed an Other with a dragonglass dagger. Sam will gather the courage to speak to Pyke and Mallister partly from his knowledge he's faced worse and lived. There's the suggestion that Sam might be made of the type of stuff that could impress his father, afterall.

Liar

When Cotten Pyke assumes Aemon sent Sam, Sam encourages him to believe it. He does the same with Mallister, even daring to put forth the brazen lie that Stannis means to choose Pyke if the Watch does not decide tonight.

The Dragonglass on Dragonstone: Stannis has ordered the Castellan of Dragonstone to begin mining dragonglass to make weapons, though he does not expect to hold Dragonstone much longer.

Antagonism between Pyke and Mallister is like that between Martell and Oakheart. It should not be found in the Night's Watch, yet so much that is supposedly shed is retained.

Blow by Blow

Stannis portrait: Though his meager breakfast is cut short by business, Stannis is still impatient.

Stannis smacks Slynt down and denounces him as fawning and corrupt, stating he'd have had him executed and naming Littlefinger an enemy as well. Stannis owns. Slynt trembles.

Aemon challenges Melisandre and Stannis dislikes being named Azor Ahai

Aemon sneaks a peak at Lightbringer, boldly. "Everybody else has seen the thing, why not a blind man?"

Aemon coy with Sam, implying he can act to influence the election, where Aemon must refrain.

Cotter Pyke portrait: rocks

Ser Denys Mallister portrait: rolls "I must tell you about the time I unhorsed both your grandfathers in the same tourney."

Quotes

"If they caught me in this lie they would...what? Send me to the Wall? Rip my entrails out? Turn me into a wight? Suddenly it all seemed absurd. How could he be so frightened of Cotter Pyke and Ser Denys Mallister, when he had seen a raven eating Small Paul's face?" -1085

Page By Page

1 The Others

1074- Stannis is angry when he calls the Night's Watch leaders to a meeting. He says it's taking them too long to choose a lord commander.

1075- He has business to attend to with their Lord Commander.

1076- When Janos Slynt is too obsequious, Stannis brings up Slynt's corruption charges brought by Jon Arryn. Stannis has a war to fight.

1077- Denys Mallister says the Night's Watch can't help him win the throne. Stannis says that's fine but he wants the Gift and the abandoned castles. He'll man them, rebuild the ruins, start lighting nightfires.

1078- Melisandre says their war is for life itself. That stumps everyone but Aemon who says "It is the war for the dawn you speak of, my lady. But where is the prince that was promised?" Melisandre says Stannis is Azr Ahai while Stannis glowers.

2 Slayer

Stannis excuses all but Aemon and Sam. Melisandre--who has been making Sam uncomfortable by looking at him--calls him Sam the Slayer.

1079- Stannis says he knows Sam's father and asks if he killed the Other with an obsidian dagger. Yes. Dragonstone has boulders of dragonglass. Sam says it shattered against a wight, though. Melisandre says those are different, but fire will work.

1080- Stannis tells Sam he means to make his seat The Nightfort and requires to be shown the Black Gate. Aemon wants to see Lightbringer. Sam describes it as a sword full of sunlight. So lovely to behold. Later, on the stair, Aemon asks Sam pointed questions, saying he felt no heat from the sword.

1081- Sam says he's concerned about the choosing. Aemon says maesters remain impartial. Sam asks if he could do something and Aemon asks "Could you?"

3 Who Doesn't Get Chosen

1082- Sam goes first to Cotter Pyke, the more intimidating. Pyke assumes Aemon sent him to convince Pyke to drop out and support Mallister. He can't because Mallister is too old, not a fighter, and thinks all he has to do is write letters. Pyke prefers Eastwatch to becoming Lord Commander, but knows he's the best they have.

1083- Mallister says much the same, assuming Aemon sent Sam. Mallister says Pyke is too rogh and lowborn.

1084- He isn't even literate. Sam asks what Mallister thinks of Jon. Young but a good choice.

1085- Still, Mallister knows he's the best the Night's Watch has, this round. On an impulse, Sam tells Mallister Stannis means to name Cotter Pyke if they don't choose a Lord Commander tonight. It's a lie. After leaving, Sam panics. Then he realizes nothing so bad as a wight will come of having been caught.

1086- Sam returns to Pyke and asks what he thinks of Jon, mentioning he's bastard-born. Pyke loves that such a choice would anger Mallister, but still thinks himself the better choice. Sam tells Pyke that, if they don't settle on a Lord Commander tonight, Sannis will name Mallister.