Chapter Sixty-Nine - Jon 13 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

Jon Snow tries to arrange for a rescue mission to Hardhome, but his plans are derailed by a taunting missive from Ramsay Bolton. He now decides to go south to confront his tormentor, but this is the last straw for his critics who gang up on him and stab him repeatedly. Mackelly and Simon try to find reasons for hope.

Chapter Review:
Lord Commander Jon Snow describes his plan to rescue the free folk at Hardhome to Queen Selyse. She suggests the simpler solution, of letting them all die. Her men are to marry Gerrick Kingsblood’s daughters and she wants Val for Ser Patrek.

Jon explains his plans to Bowen Marsh and Othell Yarwyck, who disagree. He sends them away and welcomes Tormund Giantsbane, who has come with 50 men to help save the trapped wildlings. While they talk,Clydas brings a letter. It is signed by Ramsay Bolton, and details that Stannis is dead, Mance and his spearwives captured, and that Reek and his bride are to be returned immediately.

Jon presents a new plan to the assembled Night’s Watch: Tormund and his men to Hardhome while Jon rides south to deal with Bolton and free Winterfell. Many join his cause. Wun Wun, protecting Val from the unwanted advances of Ser Patrek, bashes the smaller man to death. Jon tries to calm the giant, demanding that the assembled men sheathe their steel. But instead several of them turn on Jon and stab him repeatedly.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.
Tormund Giantsbane - Leader of a large group of free folk.
Queen Selyse Baratheon - Queen to King Stannis.
Melisandre - Priestess of R’Hllor. Advisor to King Stannis Baratheon. 
Val - Sister to Mance Rayder’s wife Dalla.
Bowen Marsh - Lord Steward at Castle Black.
Othell Yarwyck - First Builder at Castle Black.
Hardhome - Once the closest thing to a town north of the Wall. Now home to thousands of Free Folk refugees.