Horn of Winter 2

The morning sunlight struggled to pierce the heavy clouds above the Wall.

Mance Rayder...

Standing before the shabby narrow window, Lord Eddard's memories were instantly pulled back ten years...

Back then, this man had accompanied Qorgyle, the Night's Watch's 996th Lord Commander, on a visit to Winterfell.

He remembered that Mance Rayder was of average height and strong build, with long brown hair...

He often played the lute and sang at Winterfell's feasts, earning enthusiastic cheers from everyone present...

Lord Eddard also remembered Mance Rayder's gentle nature. Robb and Jon had played pranks on him several times, yet he kept the Young Wolves' secrets to spare them punishment...

Yet the ways of the world were unpredictable.

Later, Mance Rayder broke his vows, betrayed the Night's Watch, and became the King-beyond-the-Wall.

Now, his envoy threatened the Night's Watch: if they did not allow the Wildling forces to pass through the Wall, he would sound the horn and destroy it.

[The Horn of Winter is a legendary magical artifact said to be capable of bringing down the Wall.]

Roose Bolton walked over. "Lord Ned, do you believe that legend?"

Lord Eddard raised his eyes toward Roose. His gaze was deep and troubled. After a moment of silence, he said, "Perhaps it is an ancient lie, but we cannot afford to take chances. You and I both know that if the Wall collapses because of the Horn of Winter, it will be a catastrophe beyond measure."

With that, he could not help letting out a weary sigh.

Lord Roose narrowed his eyes slightly and said softly, "The Wildling envoy came to see you so suddenly. Clearly, this is another one of Stannis's tricks. His purpose is nothing more than to keep you trapped here, to make you remain here."

"The Stag knows the