Chapter Seventy-Eight - Samwell 5 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

Sam and the men vying for Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch attend an audience with King Stannis. Stannis wants a Lord Commander chosen tonight. Sam hatches a plan to consolidate the votes between the leading contenders. Both men agree a new candidate might suffice. Sam knows just the guy. Simon and Mackelly pick up what he’s putting down.

Chapter Review:
Samwell Tarly assists Maester Aemon to a summons by King Stannis Baratheon. They are accompanied by the current vote-getters for Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. King Stannis has had enough of waiting for the brothers to agree on a leader. He wants this wrapped up today. When Janos Slynt suggests King Stannis offer guidance to the brothers, Stannis says anybody but Janos should suffice.

King Stannis has other needs from the Night’s Watch, and the Lord Commander should have a say in the matter. He wants the Gift and the abandoned castles. The brothers don’t take this news well. Stannis says he needs to rebuild the castles to garrison a force to stop the Others’ attack.

Before leaving, Maester Aemon asks to “see” Lightbringer. Sam describes the beautifully glowing sword to the blind maester. Afterward, Aemon finds it odd the sword gave off no heat. Later, Sam hatches a plan to stop Slynt from being voted Lord Commander. He asks Cotter Pyke to back Ser Deny Mallister. Pyke has no interest. Sam asks Ser Denys to back Pyke. Again, no interest. Sam suggests a different candidate. To Ser Denys he touts the mystery brother as well-educated, from old blood, castle trained, and highly trusted. To Pyke he describes the man as a good fighter but a bastard. Both men agree this unnamed candidate has potential.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Samwell Tarly - Brother of the Night’s Watch, friend to John Snow. Slayer of an Other.
Stannis Baratheon - Lord of Dragonstone, rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms.
Denys Mallister - Commander of the Shadow Tower.
Cotter Pyke - Commander of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
Janos Slynt - New recruit to the Night’s Watch. Formerly commander of the Gold Cloaks in King’s Landing and briefly Lord of Harrenhal.
Maester Aemon - 100 year-old maester of the Night’s Watch. 
The Gift - The lands south of the Wall that are owned by the Night’s Watch.