Chapter Seventy-Nine - Jon 12 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

Jon decides that he will accept Stannis’ offer and become Lord of Winterfell. But at that moment Ghost returns, reminding him of his belief in the old gods and his outsider status to the Starks. He joins his brothers for the vote for the new Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and is surprised as anyone when he wins. Mackelly and Simon start drawing up a transition team.

Chapter Review:
Jon Snow spars in the yard of Castle Black with Iron Emmett. A ringing blow to the head brings back memories of Winterfell, sparring with Robb, and Catelyn’s enmity. When he is back in the present he discovers he’s viciously assaulted Emmett and is being restrained by several brothers.

Jon takes a bath to ease his muscles. While there he overhears Alliser Thorne, Bowen Marsh and a reluctant Orwell Yarwyck plotting to install Janos Slynt as Lord Commander. Jon heads north of Wall to consider Stannis’ offer of legitimacy, Winterfell, and Val’s hand in marriage. He admits to himself that it is all he ever wanted and that he’ll give up his vows and his gods for it. At that moment Ghost returns, his red eyes and white fur redolent of a weirwood. They reunite and Jon takes it as a sign that his decision was wrong.

He joins his brothers in the latest round of voting for the Lord Commandership. Stannis has promised to keep them sequestered until they have made a choice. Edd has put forward Jon’s name. Thorne invites Yarwyck to speak but is surprised when the First Builder advises every man to vote with his conscience. Jon’s case is bolstered by Mormont’s raven who lands on Jon’s shoulder announcing “Snow” over and over again. Jon wins in a landslide.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night’s Watch.
Robb Stark - Jon’s dead half brother.
Catelyn Stark - Robb’s mother. Never a fan of Jon.
Maester Aemon - Elderly, blind maester of the Night’s Watch.
Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night’s Watch.
Ser Alliser Thorne - Senior member of the Night’s Watch recently returned from King’s Landing.
Janos Slynt - New recruit to the Night’s Watch. Formerly commander of the Gold Cloaks in King’s Landing and briefly Lord of Harrenhal.
Stannis Baratheon - brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei’s children are not Robert’s.