Chapter 27: Eddard AKA Small Council, Big Minds & The Renly Gambit

This chapter opens up with the Small Council listening to the plea of the Captain of the City Watch Janos Slynt, who is requesting additional men to address the problem that the influx of people attending the Tourney of the Hand has caused.

Ultimately Ned tells him to hire fifty new men and that he will also loan him twenty men from his house to help keep the king's peace until after the tourney is over.

The council then turns to other matters, but in the course of conversation we learn that Stannis once proposed the banning of brothels. This notion was shot down by the King who asked he he’d like to outlaw eating, shitting and breathing while at it.

Once council business is finished, Ned returns to the Tower of the Hand where he resumes his investigation into the death of Jon Arryn. As requested from Grandmaester Pycelle, Ned now has the book Jon Arryn requested before he died. A large book entitled The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms, With Descriptions of Many High Lords and Noble Ladies and Their Children , by Grand Maester Malleon.

His reading is interrupted by Jory who as requested has followed up on the leads provided by Littlefinger. Jory reports that the stable boy who is now part of the city watch only reported that the former Hand of the King was in good physical shape, frequently went riding and often did so with Lord Stannis.

We also learn that Ser Hugh of the Vale refused to discuss anything with Jory as he is not a knight and his arrogance may simply be due to his recent elevation to Knighthood. But Ser Hugh did say he would be willing to talk to the Hand of the King.

The serving girl had nothing but simple common rumors and gossip, but the pot boy who was dismissed and is now working making shoes revealed that Jon Arryn had commissioned a new suit of armor and that Lord Stannis helped him in the design it. In addition the pot boy says the visited a brothel together.

This strikes Ned as very odd behavior as he had learned from the council that Stannis hated brothels. Ned decides to follow up on these leads, unfortunately they didn’t know which brothel they visited so he instructs Jory to start looking into it. A task that Jory solemnly sears he will perform and notes that he will have little problem finding other Stark bannermen to help assist him with.

We also learn that Ned is puzzled as to what could have caused Stannis, a man Ned knows to be nearly fearless to flee back to Dragonstone. Ned is also further perplexed by Renly who showed him a locket with the picture of Margaery Tyrell and wants to know if she looks like Ned’s sister Lyanna.

Ned muses that a young Renly who reminds him of Robert may be falling in love with a young girl that others think resembles a young Lyanna. I’ll post more on this after the chapter summary in a bit called “The Renly Gambit” as it’s really significant part of the story, that Ned completely misses.

Ned decides that he will follow up with the smith that Lord Arryn commissioned the armor from. He arrives at the smithy of Thobo Mott after a quick journey through the marketplace. Thobo makes a good showing of his wars and even notes that Ser Loras Tyrelle the Knight of Flowers buys all his armor from him.

Ned asks about Jon Arryn and Thobo indicates that when Lord Arryn came by he was more interested in his apprentice Gendry than any armor. Ned then asks to see the boy and is taken back into the foundry where he is working.

Gendry tells Ned that the former hand of the king asked about him, if he enjoyed his work, who is mother was and what she looked like. He also says that Stannis looked at him like “I was some raper who done for his daughter.”

Gendry goes on to say that his mother died when he was young, but he recalls she was blonde and worked in an alehouse. This causes Ned to take a really close look at his features.

Ned thanks him for his time and lets him get back to work. On the way out he gets Thobo Mott to reveal that Gendry’s apprentice fee was paid by some lord (Really Varris in disguise) who wore no sigil and paid twice the normal fee. Ned tells Thobo if Gendry ever decides he wishes to become a soldier then he is to send him immediately to him.

The chapter ends with Ned getting back on to his horse and wondering why Jon Arryn and Stannis took an interest in the life of one of Robert’s bastard born children, and why it would have cost him his life.

But as noted prior I’d like to go back to Renly and what his is up to in showing Ned the locket with the picture of Margarey Tyrell.

Essentially he is trying to get rid of Cersei and replace her with Margarey. In doing so Renly is showing his ability to maneuver politically using both the Tyrell’s desire for greater social standing and Roberts lust for young and beautiful women to solve problems.

Unlike his brothers who are great military leaders, Renly’s strengths lay in political maneuvering and being a visionary in the sense of forseeing how things will play out… So without any fuher ado I present to you:

The Renley Gambit

Should proof of the incest between Cersei and Jaime come to light and Robert to be convinced that Tommen, Marcella and Joffrey are not his Renly is predicting that this will plunge the realm into war with the Lannisters.

The Lannisters could easily deny this and claim that Robert is just drunk, lusting after other women, incompetent as ruler, looking for a way to get out of paying back the crowns largest debt holder, etc.

Renly is predicting that the following houses would back the King

Stark, Tully, Baratheon (Obviously), Greyjoys might be forced to aid them as they have Theon as a hostage, and maybe even House Martell of Dorne could join in as they really want to take revenge upon the Lannisters for the actions of the Mountain and Tywin during the Rebellion.

Lysa Arryn might side with the king, or remain neutral in the conflict as would some of the Targaryen loyalists.

This leaves the Lannisters only real potential ally as House Tyrell of Highgarden who fought against Robert in his Rebellion. Both houses have lots of money and could field sellsword armies. Highgarden is kinda like the breadbasket of Westeros, shares borders with the Lannister held lands, so they wouldn’t have to rely on outside trade for supplies. Just as we see in the story they could marry Joffrey and Margaery to seal the alliance.

But Renly’s plan to wed Margaery to Robert would see the Tyrell’s their ambitions to see one of their own become royalty. At the same time it would heal a political rift that was caused during Robert's Rebellion when the Tyrells fought for the Crown and kept Stannis in Storm’s End under siege.

Most importantly Renly’s plan would deny the Lannisters the only potential ally in the realm and would result in the Lannisters being surrounded on all sides by foes. The Tyrells are likely to go for it as either alliance would see Margaery made Queen, the only real difference to them is how difficult of a war they wish to fight.

Siding with the Lannisters would mean a long drawn out war that will drain a lot of resources and more than likely see them having to fight defensively and trying not to be invaded. Siding with Robert would likely mean a quick wedding and a much shorter war as it will boil down to everyone against the Lannisters.

The bottom line is Renly is showing his brilliance in addressing a solution to the issue of succession and is proactively working to get out ahead of it, unlike Stannis and Jon Arryn who are more concerned with finding evidence to support that will plunge the realm into a civil war over succession.

That's it for this chapter, next chapter Cat snaffles Tyrion.

Chapter 24: Bran

This chapter opens with Bran bitterly watching his little brother Rickon playing in the yard with the direwolves from the window in his room. He is being kept company by Old Nan who has been tasked with being his caregiver.

Prior to his fall Bran used to enjoy Old Nan’s stories but now he is somewhat bitter and lashing out a bit at her. Nan has been at Winterfell for as long as anyone living can recall. What family she had has either been killed in fighting wars or has long since moved away. The only exception being Hodor the simple minded giant of a man, who works in the stables.

In addition to being bitter at the loss of use of his legs, Bran is also dealing with feelings of abandonment. Prior to falling his dreams of riding to the capital with his father and becoming a knight seemed to be coming true. Now not only is that dream an impossibility, but many of the people who he cares about had to march south without him.

His mother, father, sisters, half brother Jon,  Jory, Rodrick, Varyon Poole, Hullen, Harwin, fat Tom along with a good number of house guards are all just gone upon his awakening. In fact the only family remaining to him is his younger brother Rickon and his elder brother Robb. Even Robb seems very much changed as Bran notes in the following passage..

Only Robb and baby Rickon were still here, and Robb was changed. He was Robb the Lord now, or trying to be. He wore a real sword and never smiled. His days were spent drilling the guard and practicing his swordplay, making the yard ring with the sound of steel as Bran watched forlornly from his window. At night he closeted himself with Maester Luwin, talking or going over account books. Sometimes he would ride out with Hallis Mollen and be gone for days at a time, visiting distant holdfasts. Whenever he was away more than a day, Rickon would cry and ask Bran if Robb was ever coming back. Even when he was home at Winterfell, Robb the Lord seemed to have more time for Hallis Mollen and Theon Greyjoy than he ever did for his brothers.

I think this is an important section as it shows the change in Robbs mentality and could also be Robb showing early signs of having insight and making preparations should things come to armed conflict.

At the very least Robb is clearly getting familiar with the various nobles and bannermen of the North as well as potentially strategizing with Maester Luwin. While nothing in the books states this specifically, it seems likely that Robb is at the least taking a good look at the board and where all the pieces are in the North so to be able to react to any moves that are made.

Nan, much to Bran’s annoyance keeps offering to tell Bran stories. We also learn that Old Nan is so old that she may be a bit senile as she apparently confuses everyone she’s known named Brandon over the many years thinking they are all one and the same.

Bran tells Nan that his favorite story isn’t the one of Bran the Builder, as she thought, and he tells her he likes the scary stories. So Old Nan begins to tell Bran of The Others.  and of the Long Night. I’ll break this down further a bit later on in this blog.

But to say the least the reader gets an idea of what the Others are and how long they have been in Westeros, as well as an idea of what the Long Night was and we also get a partial tale of a character whom Old Nan refers to as “the last hero.”, Bran is very interested in the story, but unfortunately it is interrupted by Maester Luwin and Hodor who have come to take Bran to the main hall as Tyrion Lannister and some men of the Night’s Watch have come calling.

Hodor carrie Bran with ease and when they enter Bran can sense the tension, in the room. He notices Robb is wearing armor and also notes that there are a dozen Stark house guardsmen present as well. Bran also notes that Robb has his blade unsheathed resting across his knees. This is a plain and outward display of hostility. Under normal circumstances a guest would never be greeted this way. As Robb suspects the Lannisters tried to kill Bran he is making is anger clear and Tyrion is perceptive enough to realize his hostility is directed towards him.  

Robb extends an offer of hospitality to the men of the NIght’s Watch but not to Tyrion and his retainers. Tyrion points this out, as well as the fact that Robb seems to be lacking the decency that his half brother Jon possesses.

Before anything can escalate things turn to Tyrion’s reason for calling on Winterfell and his business with Bran. Tyrion tries to get some information from him but Robb wanting the Lannister party out curtly tells him that Bran isn’t present to discuss his fall.

Maester Luwin does comment that Bran can’t recall anything regarding the accident.

Tyrion then presents plans for a modified saddle to Maester Luwin that should enable Bran to ride a horse. Something Bran thought he would never be able to do again. Luwin looking over the plans realizes that it should work. After providing some advice on what sort of mount they should use as well as the type of training that may be needed Robb, suspicious of Tyrion’s motives asks why he would help.

Tyrion replies with the following:

“Your brother Jon asked it of me. And I have a tender spot in my heart for cripples and bastards and broken things.” Tyrion Lannister placed a hand over his heart and grinned.

At that moment the Rikon and the Direwolves enter the hall. The Direwolves all snap at Tyrion, and Bran yells out “No” as the Lannister men begin to draw swords to protect him. Bran, Robb and Rickon call off the wolves who all come to heel at the sides of the Stark brothers.

Fortunately Tyrion isn’t harmed and even Robb seems surprised noting the Direwolves have never acted in such a way before.

Tyrion decides this is a good time to take his leave, but Maester Luwin asks him to wait a moment and quickly confers with Robb. Robb puts away his blade and does offer the hospitality of Winterfell to Tyrion if he wishes it noting the kindness he has done for his brother Bran.

Tyrion wanting none of what he calls Robbs false courtesies and opts to stay at the inn just outside of the walls of Winterfell. But before he and the other Lannister men leave he does mention to Yoren that they will be continuing the journey south come daybreak and he can meet up with them on the road.

Robb then offers the Night’s Watchmen to dine with him that that night. Hodor takes Bran back to his room where he has another dream.

This time he is climbing the broken tower and it goes to a great height. Bran notices the gargoyles who he thought may have once been lions, but were now grotesque and frightening with glowing red watchful eyes.  

He hears them whispering to one another and tells himself that he will be safe if he doesn’t listen. Unfortunately the gargoyles break away from the stone perches and begin climbing towards Bran. Bran panics and awakens repeating the words “I didn’t hear”  noticing a large shadowy figure in his room.

Thankfully it’s Hodor and Bran is safe. Hodor helps him get ready for dinner and they get an update on Jon and how he has been an annoyance to Ser Alliser Thorne.

When Robb asks how his uncle Benjen is the tone of conversation goes grim. But Yoren and the others tell him that Benjen went out to look for Weymar Royce who never returned at the request of Lord Commander Mormont and has not returned. Yoren relates that he thinks Benjen is dead and Robb gets angry at this news insisting his uncle isn’t dead.

One of the brothers comments that nobody knows the lands of the Haunted Forest better than Benjen, which reminds Bran of how the story Old Nan was beginning to tell him ended.

Bran says that the Children of the Forest will help out his uncle.This gets a laugh from Theon and a lecture from Maester Luwin who tells Bran that the Children have been gone for a thousand years and all that remains are the carved faces in the trees. Yoren points out that while Luwin may be right about how things are south of the wall, on the other side things aren’t always so certain.

The chapter ends with Robb tucking Bran into bed and promising him to find him a horse and together they will go on an adventure to the wall to visit Jon Snow. This is a really hard thing for Robb and Bran can hear him sobbing in the darkness, and reaches out to hold his hand.

While this chapter is from the POV of Bran there really is a lot in here about his older brother Robb. While at the beginning Robb seems to be showing some wisdom and foresight in getting things in order and keeping in touch with his bannermen should events lead to war, he also shows an amazing level of foolishness when Tyrion arrived in Winterfell.

His outward and obvious hostility towards a guest should be more than enough to tip off someone as smart and observant as Tyrion. In addition the following exchange is also tipping his hand and showing that House Stark is clearly angry with House Lannister.

The dwarf turned to look at him. “So it is true, the boy lives. I could scarce believe it. You Starks are hard to kill.” “You Lannisters had best remember that,” Robb said, lowering his sword.

This shows Robbs inexperience in dealing with others and politics in general. It is also surprising that Maester Luwin didn’t advise Robb to use a bit of guile with dealing with Tyrion. Clearly he had time to call a dozen men to the audience hall as well as decide to greet them with a drawn blade.

Perhaps Robb would feel it dishonorable to be deceitful, or at the least not direct when dealing with Tyrion. Regardless Robb chose to deal with Tyrion in this way, perhaps to do nothing more than send a message.

It’s also quite possible that Robb’s open hostility towards Tyrion caused the direwolves to come at Tyrion in the way they did. Greywind may have picked up the emotion via an empathic link and thus the others followed his lead. Even Robb was surprised in how they acted and claimed they had never acted as such before.

Regardless this is an example of Robb believing he is doing the right thing and not being able to repair the damage that is done by his actions. This is also a reoccurring theme with Robb as we shall see in future events. Robbs deeds end up defining him and how others come to view him. His words, simply aren’t enough for him to repair any damage that his hasty and ill conceived actions inflict.

One final thought on Old Nan’s tale about the Long Night and the Others. Clearly to some people like Tyrion who laughed at the notion of anything truly supernatural beyond the wall this tale would be nothing more than folklore, a legend with no basis in reality or fact.

In addition the way Nan tells it, it rings of a tale that has grown over the years in the telling. But being that this is the first real mention of the Others since we saw them killing Weymar in the Prologue let's try to separate some of the fact from the exaggerations of the tale and see what clues our author has left for us.

One thing we do get is a time frame. Nan states the Long Night occurs prior to the arrival of the Andals, but it’s after the First Men and the Children of the Forest have finished their conflicts. So sometime after the Pact, but before the arrival of the Andals who brought better weapons.

Now these were the days before the Andals came, and long before the women fled across the narrow sea from the cities of the Rhoyne, and the hundred kingdoms of those times were the kingdoms of the First Men, who had taken those lands from the children of the forest. Yet here and there in the fastness of the woods, the children still lived in their wooden cities and hollow hills, and the faces in the trees kept watch.

So at this point the Children of the Forest apparently still lived throughout some of the lands of Westeros and the Old Gods were the only Gods as the Seven wouldn’t be worshiped in Westeros until at least after the arrival of the Andals.

This also means that the Long Night happened well before the arrival of the Targaryens and the dragons they rode. So we can rule out the Others being defeated by riders instructing their mounts to rein down dragonfire upon them.

Nan also provides a description of the Others as well.

They were cold things, dead things, that hated iron and fire and the touch of the sun, and every creature with hot blood in its veins. They swept over holdfasts and cities and kingdoms, felled heroes and armies by the score, riding pale dead horses, and leading hosts of the slain.

Let's compare this to what Will in the Night's Watch noticed in the Prologue.

He turned his head, glimpsed a white shadow in the darkness. It was cold. Shivering... A shadow emerged from the dark of the wood. It stood in front of Royce. Tall, it was, and gaunt and hard as old bones, with flesh pale as milk. Its armor seemed to change color as it moved; here it was white as new-fallen snow, there black as shadow, everywhere dappled with the deep grey-green of the trees. The patterns ran like moonlight on water with every step it took.

So the description of the Others seems to be accurate; pale, gaunt and cold seems to either radiate from them or at the least accompanies them.

They hunted the maids through the frozen forests, and fed their dead servants on the flesh of human children.

In later chapters we can revisit this when we encounter the character Craster. But the “Dead Servants” certainly rings true as they did animate the corpse of Weymar Royce at the end of the prologue.

Lastly she begins to relate the tale of “The Last Hero”

So as cold and death filled the earth, the last hero determined to seek out the children, in the hopes that their ancient magics could win back what the armies of men had lost. He set out into the dead lands with a sword, a horse, a dog and a dozen companions. For years he searched until he despaired of ever finding the children of the forest in their secret cities. One by one his friends died, and his horse, and finally even his dog, and his sword froze so hard the blade snapped when he tried to use it. And the Others smelled the hot blood in him and came silent on his trail, stalking him with packs of pale white spiders big as hounds--

It’s at this point the tale is interrupted by Hodor and Maester Luwin.

Wait… The Others ride giant Ice Spiders?

Lets hope this is something that got added in as the tale grew in the telling. I mean it makes Brandon the Builder’s plan of making a giant wall out of ice to defend the realms of men a pretty bad one if the Others can just ride giant ice spiders over it.

Now I honestly have no idea if a spider can climb up an ice wall, but considering this is a fantasy story featuring dragons I’m gonna go with maybe. So perhaps they were all killed off after the first Long Night, or perhaps they are simply not able to survive in warmer climates?? Or maybe the Others are going to unleash the ice spider horde in one of the later books.Hard to say either way if they are real, or if they are something that was added in.

The tale of “The Last Hero” seems to foreshadow Brans adventures as we shall see going into future chapters. But for now let's keep in mind who the Last Hero took with him on his journey to find the Children of the Forest.

“He set out into the dead lands with a sword, a horse, a dog and a dozen companions.” It won’t be some time before Bran leaves Winterfell but for now it’s a pretty safe assumption that Summer will be filling in for the Dog the last hero took with him. But for now lets leave this here and pick up on the next chapter.

Game of Thrones: Chapter 19: Jon AKA Not Just a Bastard, but also kind of a Dick

This chapter is really our first look at life for Jon Snow as a new recruit to the NIght’s Watch. It opens with Jon training in the practice yard against a fellow new recruit Grenn. It’s pretty clear that Jon is far superior to Grenn as he strikes him cleanly a few times and ends up disarming him with a hit to his wrist.

Overseeing the training of the new recruits is Ser Alliser Thorne, the master at arms of Castle Black. Alliser takes a hard approach to training. He is verbally abusive giving nicknames to the trainees and insulting them when they fail.

Ser Alliser Thorne: “The bastard hamstrung you, opened your empty skull, and cut off your hand. Or would have if these blades had an edge. It’s fortunate for you the watch needs stable boys as well as rangers.”

Grenn has been given the nickname the Aurochs and Jon has been given the name Lord Snow, which much to his dismay has caught on with the other recruits. Jon is also being trained with about twenty other recruits, but hasn’t made friends with any of them as of yet. After the practice he finds himself walking back to the armory alone. Some of the other recruits are Jeren, Todder AKA Toad, Daeron, Pyp, and Halder. Jon has defeated them all in the yard and figured out their weaknesses in spite of most of them being two to three years older than he is.

As Jon is removing his armor back in the armory he notices how cold it really is at the Wall and briefly laments how nice it was back at Winterfell. This is only a minor passage but worth noting since it was also part of Bran’s dream sequence in his previous chapter, just as he had visions of the circumstances of his sisters, mother and father were all experiencing at the time. This is noteworthy as a few passages later Jon has a brief vision or an image in his mind of his uncle Benjen lying dead in the snow.

He thinks back to just three days after he arrived and noted his uncle Benjen didn’t pay him mind and is more focused on his duties as the First Ranger. Benjen even explained to Jon that at the Wall you have to earn everything, and since Jon is just a new recruit he’s not all that important at this point. Benjen even says he is nothing but a boy until he proves himself to be a man of the Night’s Watch, and further lets him know that family ties will not buy him any favors.

Jon even recalls one day he saw Benjen off at dawn before he went out ranging beyond the wall. Benjen reminded Jon that he has to prove himself he does tell Jon they will talk when he gets back.

Needless to say nether the Wall nor the Night’s Watch is what Jon expected and he is also feeling a bit homesick, missing his half sisters and brothers.

As Jon is musing over his new life his pondering is interrupted by Grenn, Toad and two others who are unhappy in how badly they have been getting beaten by Jon in the practice yard. A fight starts, where Jon seems to be giving as good as he is taking even though he is outnumbered four to one. Before any real harm can be done the fight gets broken up by Donal Noye the one armed blacksmith.

Donal dismisses the others to receive attention and to return to their quarters but instructs Jon to remain behind. He sits Jon down and explains a few things to him that Jon really hasn’t considered.

First he tells Jon to get over being disappointed.  He signed up and it’s too late to go back now. Noye also talks to Jon about his attitude. He tells him he is acting like he is better than everyone else and that he is not only bullying the boys in the yard but he is humiliating them as well and that is nothing for him to be proud of.

Jon is taken aback by the notion that he’s a bully. In his view he is easily superior and he does admit internally that besting people older than he is a source of pride. He also keeps in mind that he is younger than the other recruits he defeats in practice.

Noye points out to Jon that those he beats are scared of him, and most likely never held a weapon before arriving at the wall, unlike Jon who was trained by the master at arms Ser Rodrik Cassel. That realization does seem to bring Jon down to earth a bit.

We also learn a bit about Donal Noye. He was a blacksmith who forged Robert Baratheon’s great war hammer, and lost his arm during the siege of Storm's End during the rebellion. Donal then came to the wall in his thirties as his life as he knew it was over.

This is a sort of juxtapose with Jon as Donal is someone who has lived life, fought in wars, and really had a chance before coming to the wall to start a new life as a member of the Night’s Watch. Jon by comparison never did those things. He was raised and trained in Winterfell  and then went to the Wall without any other life experiences to speak of prior.

This is also something that Jon’s uncle Benjen warned him about and even tried to convince Jon to live life a bit before deciding to commit to the Night’s Watch. Jon has a bit of angst and some regrets that he never thought he would have when he was back at Winterfell.

As much as Jon doesn’t like the notion that the other recruits are now his brothers Donal reminds him that his commitment is for life and that Jon better be careful or else the other recruits might try to kill him in his sleep.

Essentially Donal’s advice is that regardless of how Jon may think or feel about the other members of the watch, he has to live with them and get along. Should he keep going down the road he seems to be set on he will find a lot more enemies than friends. Noye sends Jon off to go and think on his situation.

While looking up at the wall Tyrion strikes up a conversation with Jon. Tyrion asks if Jon wants to know what is on the other side and while he does wish to know what is beyond the wall Jon pretends he doesn’t as he has learned it’s not a good idea to let others know what your desires are. Unfortunately we are never given a good reason as to why.

Perhaps it’s due to being a new recruit and he fears Ser Alliser will use whatever he learns in training against him. He could also be a bit paranoid at being manipulated by the other members on the wall who might use such information for their own ends. Regardless Jon keeps quiet his true desire to go ranging beyond the wall.

Tyrion notices that Jon doesn’t like the nickname he has been given of Lord Snow and offers the following advice:

Tyrion: “Would you rather be  called the Imp? Let them see that their words can cut you, and you’ll never be free of the mockery. If they want to give you a name, take it, make it your own. Then they can’t hurt you with it anymore.”

The two go for a walk to the common hall and on the way they discuss that Ghost is being kept in separate stables from the horses and also the notable conditions of disrepair the castle has fallen into.

Castle Black apparently used to house 5,000 fighting men along with the mounts and servants. But now it’s home to roughly 500 men and they can’t keep up the repairs. We learn that there are nineteen castles/strongholds along the wall but only three of them are manned. Eastwatch by the sea, the Shadow Tower by the mountains and Castle Black in the middle. All the others are deserted.

That's a lot of empty castles!

Tyrion also mentions that Benjen has been gone too long and Jon recalls his vision of his uncle lying dead in the snow. We also learn that Benjen went out to find Ser Waymar Royce who was killed off in the Prologue by the Others.

When they sit down in the common hall they get mutton stew, but before they can eat Ser Alliser Thorne tells Jon that Lord Commander Mormont wishes to see him. Jon initially assumes it’s bad news about his uncle, but after Tyrion threatens Alliser he does reveal that the Lord Commander has news from Winterfell concerning Jon’s brother.

Assuming the worst Jon runs off to Lord Jeor Mormont. Mormont gives Jon the letter and he learns that Bran has awoken and will live. Jon is so delighted by this news that he runs back to the common hall and shares the news with Tyrion.

Jon at this point even apologizes to Grenn for the wound he inflicted and offers to help him get better.

Alliser Thorne decides to get a barb in by suggesting that Jon will have a harder time teaching Grenn to fight than he would teaching a wolf to juggle. Jon taking Tyrion's advice makes a joke of the situation and accepts the challenge claiming he would like to see his direwolf Ghost learn how to juggle.  

This gets a laugh from Tyrion, the trainees and even the cooks. Ser Alliser however is not amused at being made the butt of Jon's joke and tells him he has made a very grievous error.

This is the start of Jon’s evolution and also starts to bring in elements of him becoming into a leader. As we saw in prior chapters Jon is perceptive when it comes to others. He noticed the fear that had terrorized Gared the deserter in Brans first chapter, and also noted it wasn’t fear of punishment that Ned was about to deliver. Further he also noticed the sullen mood of both Ned and Queen Cersei at the dinner in Winterfell. Lastly he has also been able to break down individual tactics and fighting styles of his fellow recruits, suggesting a keen eye to detail that he has been able to meet with application of tactics.

By making a joke at Ser Alliser Thorne’s expense while offering to help his fellow recruits get better Jon is unifying people who all are dealing with the same problem.

Another thing that we shall see is that Jon seems to be taking to heart good advice provided to him by those around him that he trusts. He replied to Ser Alliser “Lord Snow” remark with a joke of his own, taking Tyrions advice, and is offering to help the other recruits to become better and face the challenges taking to heart the advice of Donal Noye.  

This also shows another quality of a good leader. The ability to think and adapt quickly. Thinking on one's feet is vital in a battle and being able to make quick adjustments on the fly can mean the difference between life and death.

One final thing I’d like to mention here is the “vision” that Jon has of his uncle Benjen lying dead in the snow. It’s interesting that Jon gets this vision and not Bran who until now has certainly had the most vivid dreams and visions with some sustenance.

But here is the question that I hope to  answer as things move forward. Are these “visions” prophecy or are they merely relating things that are happening or happened recently?

If it’s prophecy then one has to ask if it’s set in stone, or if it’s a prediction that may or may not come to pass depending on the actions of the person receiving the vision. .

Most all of Bran’s coma dream vision was of things that were happening at that point in time. Rob training, the maester practicing astronomy, Hodor moving an anvil, his mom traveling on a boat, his sister's troubles on the way to King's Landing, etc.

In fact very little of it seemed to actually be prophetic in nature and a lot of it were more like updates on current events. So we have to wonder about the nature of Jon’s vision. Is it a premonition or is it just a flash of insight of things that have occurred?

For now lets consider this, the visions that Bran received up to this point regarding his family members and people who he knows well have been pretty accurate. So we have no reason to believe that the vision Jon has of his uncle Benjen is any less accurate.

Visions, prophecy, dreams, premonitions and the significance and meanings behind them are all recurring themes through out the books and a topic we will visit time and again.

Now I fully realize that you can never be fully certain a character is dead in A Song of Ice and Fire unless it's confirmed on page and even then it's not 100% certain. But it's a pretty good bet that Benjen Stark has somehow met his end somewhere beyond the wall.