The men of the Night's Watch struggled to march through deep snow to the Fist of the First Men in a column formation. They were supposed to meet a scout named Qhorin Halfhand there.
"He must not be here yet," Mormont said to Brian. "Otherwise he would have sounded his horn."
"I can't believe I'm finally getting to meet the famous Halfhand!" Brian exclaimed. "They say he spent half of last winter beyond the Wall!"
"Actually, it was the whole winter," Mormont corrected. "The snows trapped him beyond the Skirling Pass."
"So, it's possible for someone to survive the frozen wilderness alone," said Brian.
"Possible for the Halfhand," said Mormont.
Steve sighed. "Look at the mists swirling around. So beautiful. Gilly would love it here."
"Koiwoshiteiru hito hodo kibun ga waruku naru mono wa arimasen," a boy named Toshi said in Japanese. This meant, "Nothing is more sickening than a man in love."
When they reached the Fist, the rangers prepared their camp. They were digging through the snow and unloading their gear.
"I read in a book that this place was fortified by the First Men thousands and thousands of years ago," Steve told Brian. "That was before the Targaryens conquered Westeros, even before the invasion of the Andals!"
Toshi put his hands over his ears. "Nantekotta,-banashi o yamero!" ("Oh my god, stop talking!")
"You're right, Toshi, that is interesting," said Steve. "What do you think the First Men were like?"
"Kashikoi hito wa kono yōna basho ni konainode, karera wa orokadatta ni chigai arimasen." ("They must have been stupid, because no smart person would come to a place like this.")
"I think they were afraid," said Brian. "They came here to escape something… but since they're not here anymore, I guess it didn't work."
A horn sounded, halting the rangers. Snot listened intently. "Is it a wildling attack?"
"A single horn blast is for rangers returning," said Brian. "A wildling attack is two blasts."
"And three blasts are used to signal White Walkers!" Steve put in. Brian turned to look at him. "It's been a thousand years, but the horn is only blown three times for White Walkers," he mumbled.
"How do you know that?" asked a boy named Barry.
"Watashi ni ate sasete kudasai. Anata wa sore o hon de yonda," said Toshi. ("Let me guess. You read it in a book.")
Brian peered over the horizon. "I can see someone coming!"
"It's Qhorin Halfhand," said Mormont.
"Watashitachiha-betsu no hi ni ikimasu," Toshi said. ("We will live another day.") "Hooray!" he added in English, earning some stares from the others.
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Dany was standing before Verdauga Greeneyes in his throne room. "What is it you want?" he demanded.
"I want to cross the Narrow Sea to Westeros and take back my Iron Throne," she said.
Tsarmina laughed nastily. "You want to conquer the Seven Kingdoms for the Dothraki?"
"I want to conquer them for myself," said Dany. "The Iron Throne is my birthright."
"Well, I'm something of a conqueror as well," said Verdauga. "I arrived in Mossflower with nothing, and now I rule the place. But why should I help you? What's in it for me?"
Dany fumbled for an answer. "You and your army can have your pick of loot from Westeros. Gold, jewels, you name it."
"I've got plenty of gold and jewels," said Verdauga. "If you expect me to help, you've got to offer me more than mere riches."
He stared into Dany's eyes. She felt uncomfortable, but did not avert her gaze. "What is it you want?"
"Dragons," said Verdauga. "I see you've got three. I'll assist you, if you give me just one."
Dany faltered. "I-I have to think about that. Let me talk with my friend Jorah."
"Don't take too long to decide," Verdauga warned. "I'm not a patient cat."
Dany went back outside with her dragons and told Jorah what had transpired. "What do you think I should do?" she asked.
"I'd advise against attempting to take the Iron Throne with a borrowed army," he told her. "What you really need is support from your own kingdom."
Dany bit her lip. "I can't imagine giving up one of my dragons. I love them all. But we've got to strike while the iron is hot and invade Westeros right now, or else we'll spend the rest of our lives rotting away at the edge of the world! This could be my only chance!"
"Rich men -and cats- always expect a return on their investments," Jorah cautioned. "If you take Verdauga's soldiers, he will believe he owns you. This isn't your only chance. You'll have plenty of others."
Dany flared up. "Don't talk to me like I'm a child!"
"Khaleesi, believe me, all I want is to see you seated on the Iron Throne! You would be a great ruler, feared, respected, and loved. You have a firm head, a gentle heart, and a valid claim to the throne. The perfect combination! Sometimes I look at you and I just can't believe you're real. I beg you, do not trust Lord Greeneyes. Something tells me you'll end up regretting it."
"But how else can I conquer Westeros?" Dany asked.
"All you need to get back home is a single ship. Once you're back in Westeros, you can gather all the allies you need among your own countrymen."
"Where can I find a ship?"
"I've got some ideas," Jorah said. "Places we could go."
Dany took a deep breath. "Okay. I've made my decision."
She brought the dragons back inside and stood before Verdauga and his children again. "So, will you give me one of your dragons, in exchange for me helping you conquer Westeros?"
"No!" Dany said boldly.
Verdauga smiled evilly. "In that case, none of you will leave alive. Guards! Seize her!"
As weasels and stoats came pouring into the room, Dany shouted, "Dracarys!"
