Emmelyne began spending her time in Castle Black's library. She read everything of interest to her and even things that weren't. If she wasn't in the library, she was speaking to Maester Aemon in his room, and she learned he was a Targaryen. Aemon had had a chance to rule Westeros, to take the Iron Throne, but he had passed it on to his brother, Aegon. She quickly befriended Aemon. They talked about the histories of Westeros, and he answered all of her questions about the Targaryen dynasty. She quite liked the old man. Despite his near blindness, he always seemed to know which books were which when they walked the library together, her leading him along so he wouldn't fall. Sometimes their discussions shifted to Jon, and how he was doing as Lord Commander. Aemon's words were almost constantly filled with praise. Stannis would be leaving at some point, and the Lady Melisandre took visits to Emmelyne's room often, trying to convince her to join them. She refused. Emmelyne would visit Shireen almost nightly, and all the two did together was read. Emmelyne would show the young princess books she'd found in the library, and Shireen was always happy for new reading materials. The two began to work together to teach Gilly, a wildling girl, to read.
In the meeting room of Castle Black, the chatter was overwhelming. Jon sat in his proper seat at the head table, tapping his fingers impatiently as he waited for quiet. Emmelyne sighed, leaning against the wall. Jon caught Sam's gaze. "Sam?" he said.
Sam looked up. "Maester Aemon?" Jon questioned, glancing toward the empty seat beside him.
"He apologizes for not being here," Sam said. "He's not feeling well."
"Take good care of him."
Sam nodded. "Brothers," Jon said, and the chatter died down quickly.
"As you all know too well, it's long past time to dig a new latrine pit," Jon stated.
This brought forth some laughter. Jon continued. "First Builder Yarwyck and I have decided to appoint a latrine captain to oversee this crucial task."
Alliser stared at Jon, who smiled at him mockingly before speaking again. "Brian. Seems like a good job for a ginger," he chuckled.
The men broke in raucous laughter, joking with Brian. "Ser Alliser," Jon said. "You have more experience than any other ranger at Castle Black. You proved your valor many times over while defending the Wall from the wildling attack. I name you First Ranger."
A small cheer rose above Alliser's little group. Janos leaned forward, patting Alliser's shoulder. "Lord Janos," Jon stated. "I'm giving you command of Greyguard."
"Greyguard is a ruin," Janos replied stiffly.
"Yes, the fort is in a sorry state. Restore it as best you can. First Builder Yarwyck can spare 10 of his- -" Jon began.
"I was charged with the defense of King's Landing when you were soiling your swaddling clothes. Keep your ruin," Janos snapped.
Men began shouting. "All right, all right! Enough of that," Sam called.
Everyone went quiet again. Jon looked Janos in the eye. "You mistake me, my lord. That was a command, not an offer. Pack your arms and armor, say your farewells, and ride for Greyguard," he said.
Janos shoved back his seat, glaring. "I will not go meekly off to freeze and die," he stated. "Give it to one of the fools who cast a stone for you. I will not have it. Did you hear me, boy? I will not have it!"
"Are you refusing to obey my order?"
Everyone slowly turned to look at Janos, a deafening quiet overwhelming them. Emmelyne glanced between Jon and Janos. Finally, Janos gave his reply. "You can stick your order up your bastard ass."
Jon stared at Janos, a calm expression on his face. "Take Lord Janos outside," he instructed.
A few men stood at this command. Jon looked at his steward. "Olly, bring me my sword," he stated.
Olly stood next. Janos began to tremble. The men surrounded him, and a man Emmelyne knew to be called Edd, stepped up to him. Alliser moved in front of Janos, blocking Edd's path. But then he stepped aside. Edd grabbed Janos. "Get out," he said.
"You cannot do this!" Janos cried as he fought against his brothers.
They dragged him outside, Emmelyne following. Janos continued to protest, spewing forth all manner of insults. As Emmelyne walked, he caught her gaze. "Has the whore put you up to this?! She wants us all dead! She's a witch!" he shouted.
They led him up onto the steps, where someone placed a log. "I have friends. Important friends in the capitol."
"Kneel!" Edd stated, forcing Janos to his knees, the man's head slamming against the log.
R'hllor, frightened by all the confusion, raced over to Emmelyne's side from his spot in the dirt. He reached up to her waist, and she patted him as she stared at Janos. Jon stepped out, Olly handing him his sword. He made his way to Janos, staring the older man down. Without a word he drew his blade. Emmelyne saw Janos's eyes widen with fear. Jon lowered his sword, pressing it to the wood. "If you have any last words, my lord," he said, "now's the time."
Janos looked at him fearfully. "I was wrong. You're the Lord Commander. We all serve you. I'm sorry. Not only for this, for all I've done and said. I was wrong."
Jon started to raise his sword, and the pleas grew louder. "My lord, please! Mercy! Mercy! I'll go! I will!" Janos sobbed. "Please. I'm afraid. I've always been afraid."
Emmelyne saw anger in Jon's eyes, an insatiable anger. And he swung the sword. Janos's head toppled down, rolling toward the edge of the steps. Jon handed his sword over to another man. He looked up, to where Stannis stood, watching. The claimant king gave Jon a nod. Jon looked back at Emmelyne, who offered him a nod as well.