The moon was high when the three men in black made their way die the interrogation chamber. Inside was a circular table lit by four candles and surrounded by five chairs. Alliser Thorne was already sitting while beside him stood the Lord Commander's servant, the boy Olly. Othell Yarwyck sat first while rubbing his hands together from the draught though he was wearing two layers of gloves. Endrew Tarth sat next while scratching his bald spotty head. Bowen Marsh looked out the door in case anyone saw them before shutting it and taking his seat.
"We need to discuss our situation. What to do with the wildlings outside our gates.", Thorne said. "Long as they are camped outside, they remain a threat to the realm."
"They seem to have been neutered. They're wandering about the Gift like lost pups in need of a home.", said Yarwyck. "I say let them stay there till they rot".
"Maybe we could send men out among them. To keep them on a short leash.", piped Marsh.
Fool, thought Tarth before speaking his mind. "Always with the half-baked ideas. It's only a matter of time before some other goat fucker starts agitating about storming the Wall. I say we drive them back to the frozen waste where they belong."
Olly served each man a cup of water but only Tarth drank. He gets thirsty during his tirades. Thorne again spoke up. "The long winter is upon us. The snow is falling more and the sun sets earlier than before. I have credible evidence that the Lord Commander plans to let the wildlings spend the winter in Mole's Town."
Credible evidence? Jon Snow's boy servant, you mean., thought Tarth.
"Is the boy mad?", said Marsh. "Letting wildlings past our gates?"
Yarwyck seethed. "Our brothers died defending this castle and the bastard is just going to throw away their sacrifice."
"Shameful. Shameful.", was all Tarth could muster.
"Brothers", Thorne spoke. "What if I told you we have the means to stop Jon Snow?"
Silence was the initial answer. Thorne added. "What if I said there are those in the rank and file that share our thoughts? That they are willing to go to great lengths to keep the realm safe. I am merely First Ranger and without the support of the other officers." He trailed off but the men knew what he was implying.
Marsh shifted forward in his seat. "Snow... has betrayed the Watch."
Tarth spoke. "Look what's become of us". He said with a chuckle at the absurdity of what is being plotted in the room.
Yarwyck finally said what was on everyone's lips. "Snow must die."
Thorne spoke again. "Brothers, I know what has been proposed is most extreme so we must do this in the way of the Watch. We vote on it. Raise your hand if you believe the Lord Commander must die."
Only Tarth refused.
"What are you all thinking?", he asked. "Raising our hands to the Lord Commander?"
"I thought you of all people...", said Thorne before Tarth cut him off.
"I joined the Watch to defend the realm but I didn't take a vow just so I can harm my brothers. No matter what he has done, nothing warrants the death of a Lord Commander! When were you planning to do it?"
Stone silence.
Tonight. Gods be damned. "I see. I'm an old done in man, but I'll not be party to treason. You're all coming with me to face justice."
The blade sneaked in from behind and just under his chin. Blood spurted forth from Tarth's throat. Yarwyck had to turn his head from the sight. Marsh buried his face in his hands. Thorne stood while wiping a little blood from his cheek. "Aye. Tonight we end the madness." One by one they left the chamber. Olly, while wiping the dagger, shut the door as he exited last.
