The campfire burned low, its light flickering across the wary faces of the Wildlings. The tension was palpable, like the taut string of a bow ready to snap. Jon sat close to the fire, sharpening Longclaw with methodical strokes. Beside him, Ghost lay motionless, his eyes fixed on Thane and the other Wildlings. Katrina leaned against a nearby tree, her spear across her knees and Dream perched on her shoulder, purring softly but watchful.
Thane's eyes burned with hostility as he addressed the group, his voice loud enough to carry but low enough to drip with menace. "She's a danger to all of us. You've seen the shadows. They follow her like hounds to a scent."
"She's not the one summoning them," Jon said, his tone steady but cold. He didn't look up from his sword, but his voice cut through the camp like a blade. "If she were, we'd all be dead already."
Thane snorted. "You're blinded by whatever this is," he said, gesturing between Jon and Katrina. "But the rest of us see clearly. She's cursed. The fire that burns within her will kill us all."
Katrina stood abruptly, her golden eyes blazing. "Say that again," she snapped, stepping forward. "I dare you."
Thane rose to his feet, towering over her. "You want me to spell it out, Littlefoot? You're your father's daughter. The shadows follow you because you're one of them. And we're not going to let you bring them down on us."
"That's enough," Jon said, standing as well. Longclaw gleamed in the firelight as he rested it on his shoulder. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that silenced the murmurs among the other Wildlings. "If you want to leave, leave. But if you threaten her again, you'll answer to me."
Thane laughed, but it was bitter, humorless. "You think you can protect her from this? From her own blood? You don't know what she's capable of."
"Neither do you," Katrina shot back, stepping closer. "You talk like you know me, like you know what I've been through. But you don't. You don't know what it's like to carry someone else's sins."
"I know what it's like to watch my family die because of those sins," Thane said, his voice rising. "And I'm not letting it happen again."
The tension snapped as Thane drew his axe, pointing it at Katrina. "If you're innocent, prove it. Trial by combat. The old way."
Jon immediately stepped between them, Longclaw raised. "She doesn't have to prove anything to you."
"Stay out of this, crow," Thane growled. "This is between her and me."
"No," Jon said, his voice low but unyielding. "It's not. If you want a fight, you'll fight me."
Katrina grabbed Jon's arm, her fingers digging into his sleeve. "Jon—"
"I won't let him hurt you," Jon said, his gaze never leaving Thane's. "Not now, not ever."
Katrina hesitated, her jaw tightening. She wanted to argue, to tell him she could fight her own battles, but the look in his eyes stopped her. Reluctantly, she stepped back, her hand falling away.
Thane smirked, hefting his axe. "Fine by me. Let's see what the Night's Watch is made of."
The other Wildlings formed a loose circle around them, their expressions a mix of fear and anticipation. Ghost growled low in his throat but stayed where he was, his eyes fixed on Thane. Dream jumped down from Katrina's shoulder, curling protectively around her legs.
Jon and Thane squared off, the firelight casting long shadows as they circled each other. Thane struck first, his axe coming down in a heavy arc. Jon sidestepped easily, bringing Longclaw up to parry the next strike. The clash of steel echoed through the forest.
Thane was strong, but his movements were heavy, predictable. Jon stayed light on his feet, deflecting Thane's blows and waiting for an opening. When it came, he struck—quick, precise, his blade slicing through Thane's guard and forcing him back.
"Is that all you've got?" Jon asked, his voice calm but cutting.
Thane roared, charging forward in a blind rage. Jon ducked under his swing, pivoting and driving the hilt of Longclaw into Thane's ribs. The larger man stumbled, gasping for breath, but he didn't fall.
Jon pressed the advantage, his strikes coming faster now, each one forcing Thane further back. Finally, with a powerful swing, he knocked the axe from Thane's hands. The weapon skidded across the ground, coming to rest near the fire.
Thane fell to his knees, his chest heaving. Jon stood over him, Longclaw poised at his throat. For a moment, the only sound was the crackle of the fire.
"Do it," Thane spat, his voice defiant. "Kill me."
Jon hesitated, his grip on Longclaw tightening. Then he lowered the blade, stepping back. "No. Killing you won't change anything."
Thane stared at him, his expression a mix of confusion and anger. "Why?"
"Because you're not my enemy," Jon said simply. He turned to the other Wildlings, his voice rising. "The shadows are. The dead are. If we keep fighting each other, we're already lost."
The Wildlings murmured among themselves, their expressions shifting from distrust to reluctant respect. Thane picked himself up, his movements slow and deliberate. He didn't meet Jon's gaze as he retrieved his axe, but he gave a small, grudging nod.
Katrina stepped forward, her golden eyes locked on Thane. "You wanted proof?" she said, her voice steady. "There it is. I'm not my father. And if you're smart, you'll stop treating me like I am."
Thane didn't respond, but he didn't argue, either. He turned and walked away, the other Wildlings following him. The tension in the air eased, though it didn't disappear entirely.
Katrina looked at Jon, her expression unreadable. "You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did," Jon said, sheathing Longclaw. "And I'd do it again."
For a moment, Katrina said nothing. Then she nodded, her lips curving into a faint, genuine smile. "Thanks, Snow."
Jon nodded, his dark eyes softening. "Anytime."
As the fire burned low, the camp settled into an uneasy peace. But in the shadows beyond the firelight, unseen eyes watched, waiting for the moment to strike.
