27 AGOT Jon IV: Brotherhood

When Samwell Tarly arrives at the Wall, Jon takes him under his wing and defends him as a brother.

Ser Alliser's abuse of Samwell Tarly, the newest recruit, crosses a line for Jon. He takes Sam under his wing, introducing him to the brotherly spirit of the Night's Watch. Jon is suprised to realize Benjen had told him true about the benefits of bonding with his brothers.

The chapter also reminds that Jon is friends with Tyrion, now. Jon wonders what Tyrion wuld think of Sam and his self-acceptance as craven. With the nickname "Lord Snow" having stuck, Jon is decidely more at home among the highborn. He'll make the mistake, soon, of recommending Sam help Maester Aemon with the ravens. It's a ajob that already belongs to lowborn Chett, who already knows it's better thn the kennels he's demoted to. The problem with looking out for your brother is that everyone should be your brother.

The emotional reveal that Sam was abused worse than Jon, though trueborn, and disowned in a rejection so total it will be as if Sam has died to his family puts Jon's own past and future in perspective. It aso sets up for Sam to face his fears, his potential and, eventually (speculatively) his father.

Scenes

1: Enter Sam: Thorne sets up an uneven match to beat down the new boy, who is quickly bloodied. Jon fights to protect Sam. Sam tells Jon he'll never improve as a fighter.

2: Why Sam is at the Wall: Sam tells his story and Ghost comforts him. Jon tells of finding the wolf pups. They bond as they tell of their pasts.

3: No bullying Sam: Jon terrifies Rast, using Ghost, to scare the boys away from bullying Sam.