Thank you to everyone who has favourited or is following the story.
ATP
Regarding the numbers, they have a good chance, but for now, they know really little about what the Others and wights are capable of or in what ways they can be killed (beside the fire).
An old dragon and a secret one
"Tarly."
The boy turns to Jon. His face is equally frightened and defiant. It was not Jon's intention to harm him in any way, now, however, he feels like he must apologize.
"Sorry for scaring you."
When he gives a tiny nod as a response, Jon steps closer to him.
An odd boy, he is. Not someone whom Jon would ever expect to find here, wearing the black.
Still, men arrive at the Wall, from time to time to take the vows and become brothers of the Night's Watch, willingly. Old men, after a long and whole life. Younger ones, without other possibilities to make their own way in the world.
But none of these describe Samwell Tarly, firstborn son and former heir of Lord Randyll Tarly from the Reach.
"I would like to ask something from you. About Maester Aemon."
His expression becomes wary. Actually, this is already an answer in a way.
"What do you want to know, my lord?"
"Which house did he come from?"
The name, Aemon, made him think first. Although, people could live, even now, all over the Seven Kingdoms with names like that. But then the Maester asked about Daenerys Targaryen. He got himself brought to the Lord Commander's chamber only to make sure that someone asks this exact question and he could hear the reply with his own ears.
Samwell Tarly hesitates. Finally, he sighs.
"I can't judge whether it is a secret or not, but if it is, it's not mine to tell."
"You are right, of course. I understand. Could I… could I talk to the Maester then?"
Again, he thoroughly considers Jon's request.
"Come."
"Aemon Targaryen, indeed, that was me once," he whispers and his mouth draws to a toothless smile. "I gave it up, again and again, until, at the end, the realm was willing to forget about me."
The old man sits in his bed, leaning on some pillows Samwell Tarly put behind his back.
He takes some heaving breaths and continues.
"I know young Sam doesn't like to hear it but in these last few years I was ready to go. But now… I want to wait for her. I want to wait for Daenerys."
Sam seems half relived, half annoyed about his remark.
"I have never believed… I have never hoped I can meet another one from my line in this world."
Jon is about to start speaking. He almost does it. But he cannot tell him his own story, it would be too risky regarding the Maester's age and state. However, he can hear his tales about a childhood in King's Landing, a beloved brother, and then, about choices and losses and regrets.
