White Walkers and the Wildling Woman

In the vast open space of Castle Black, thousands of people were preparing.

The white vapor they exhaled from their mouths and noses almost formed a thin mist above their heads.

Some were talking, some were eating snacks, and others were admiring their new cloaks.

Jon brought a lot of supplies this time, including cloaks, bacon jerky, dried fruit, and cheese – all high-calorie snacks available for distribution.

After all, this is a formal battle against the Wights, and delicious food and uniforms are important means of boosting morale.

After all, serving in such a harsh and cold place as the Wall is a tremendous ordeal.

Needless to say, they can't compare to the Gold Cloaks of King's Landing, or even the guards of an ordinary lord.

At least they can go back to see their families from time to time.

Bringing prostitutes along wouldn't be in Jon's style, since he himself didn't bring any maids.

Since their sexual desires cannot be satisfied, then their appetites will be satisfied.

This approach did indeed work; the Night's Watch soldiers showed great enthusiasm after learning that they were going to capture the White Walkers alive.

Alliser kept checking her Dragonglass spear; in the sunlight, the black spearhead held a faint glow of cyan and blue.

His eyes were somewhat unfocused as he stared at the spearhead in his hand, as if he could see a bright future through the spear.

He gently rubbed the sharp edge of the spear with his hand, as if scratching an itch in his heart.

Seventeen years have passed; I've spent seventeen years on the Wall.

Soon we'll be able to leave this awful place where all we see is ice and snow.

Sir Alliser, after our ghost-hunting mission is over, you will come back south with me.

"Southern----" Just thinking of Jon's promise made Alliser's lips curl into a smile, and these days she even fell asleep with a smile on her face.

They had previously been discussing whether Jon would break his promise and allow them to remain at the Wall.

But before they could speak, Jon first approached the Night's Night's Watch who, like him, had been forced to come to the Wall by Tywin the Wall to inquire about the recent situation at the Wall, and also chatted about their past experiences guarding King's King's Landing.

After the two got to know each other better through conversation Jon said he would take them away from the Wall after the ghost hunt.

Although Alliser and her companions had over a decade of experience serving at the Wall, making it more appropriate for them to remain the Wall, it would still be a significant stain on Jon's reputation.

For rulers, credit is the most precious asset and needs to be carefully maintained.

Although Jon has not been crowned king, he is already the rightful Warden of the Seven Kingdoms, and it is only natural that he would break Alliser's oath.

Alliser had initially thought it would be a long and complicated process, but she never expected Jon's background to be so bizarre.

In short, things went much more smoothly than he had imagined.

Alliser wasn't actually that worried about this ghost-hunting mission.

Jon's 1,000 men, plus all the Ranger and elites of the Night's Watch, made a total of 1,500.

Not only was everyone equipped with horses, but supplies were also more plentiful than ever before.

Alliser had seen Wights before, and to him, there was nothing to be afraid of.

However, not everyone thought that way, such as Adam, who returned to the Wall with him.

Adam mingled with Grenn and Dumb Ox group, using Grenn's imposing physique as cover, as if a lion were watching them from the sidelines.

Adam was forced by Jon to serve at the Wall as atonement for killing Tywin.

This was not a dangerous task, and in fact, Jeor Mormont had not assigned Adam any dangerous missions in the past year, out of consideration for Jon.

The main problem lies with Jaime, the Kingslayer.

At this point, Jaime had lost the pride and composure of the Kingsguard.

His golden beard was streaked with silver, and he looked extremely sinister, as if he had transformed from a majestic lion into a vicious wolf.

Jaime polished his longsword expressionlessly, his emerald eyes gleaming with the same cold light as the sword itself.

To this Kingslayer, Adam was his father's killer.

When Adam first arrived at the Wall, Jaime left his Shadow Tower that very night and infiltrated Castle Black to attack Adam, who was still asleep.

Thanks to Adam's quick thinking, Jaime managed to prevent him from succeeding.

But his nose was still broken.

Jaime was later beaten with a military rod, but he didn't regret it. He knew he couldn't kill Adam, but he still beat him whenever he had the chance.

Adam and Jaime are both going to participate in this operation, Adam is very worried that Jaime will kill him on the battlefield.

However, after Jon arrived, Jaime wasn't so crazy anymore.

The reason is that Jon brought Cersei along as well. Jaime has been quite dutiful over the years, and Jon promised him that as long as he served well on the Wall, he would be allowed to reunite with his family from time to time.

Two days ago, Jaime and Cersei spent a long time on the ship and learned that Jon intended to make Tommen Tyrion's heir.

He also understood that Jon meant for Tyrion to stay in Slaver's Bay on behalf of the Lannister and not return.

Jaime accepted the arrangement, after all, it would be too much of a burden for Cersei to take care of the child. His brother, despite his carefree and irresponsible nature, was actually a very thoughtful person, and he felt much more at ease entrusting the child to him than to Cersei.

Jon did all this not because Jaime was particularly skilled in combat, but because he thwarted the Mad King Aerys's "Wildfire Plot."

Since that's the case, then I don't intend to exterminate the Lannister.

Exile would be just right.

Not long after, Jon and Jeor Mormont appeared together.

The soldiers and Night's Watch on the open ground assembled in their previously assigned groups.

The 1,200-strong force was divided into ten squads, with Jon leading the largest squad of 300 men, including the Night's Watch and the most elite soldiers.

He was originally going to lead the charge as usual, but the generals around him persuaded him to turn back.

Jon didn't insist on anything. It wasn't like before when he had to risk his life everywhere. With so many generals under his command, how could he not use them?

So Jon led three hundred men, along with a large amount of supplies, to follow behind the other squads, responsible for providing supplies and support.

For this mission, Jon again brought a large number of Raven to ensure that communication between the various squads remained uninterrupted.

Jon, standing on his high vantage point, looked down at the soldiers and Night's Watch and said, "Winter has come, but the ambitious are still fighting amongst themselves. The Night's Watch's duty is to watch over the kingdom, and protecting the kingdom requires everyone to step forward. But some are simply too stubborn to listen. What we must do is present the evidence to them!"

"For the Seven Kingdoms! Let's go!"

Jon gave a brief pre-battle pep talk, and the frozen gates of the Wall were blasted open with a thunderous roar.

Daenys, Jaime, and many Ranger.

Sigorn, Rattleshirt, Harma the Dog, Tormund, along with a group of Skinchanger, were also included.

As Free Folk, no one knew the environment Beyond the Wall better than them.

Jon selected the elite troops from the army.

This will be the first time in a long period of time that living people have actively charged towards death.

After four days of trekking, the group soon entered the Haunted Forest.

The forest is mostly filled with tall, cold-resistant trees like sentinel trees, and from the outside, it looks almost identical to Wolfswood.

"Your Majesty, you haven't been on the Wall for long. We all used to think the ghosts in Haunted Forest were just Wildlings. Who would have thought they were actually Wights and White Walkers?" To show his respect, Daenys offered to be Jon's guide.

"How many times have the Night's Watch brothers entered since I left?"

"Not many times. Shortly after Your Majesty left, we had to deal with the Wildlings invasions, and later we even helped Winterfell hold off the Wildlings army. The only real battle with the White Walkers was the one when you left."

"It's rather strange," Adam had remained silent until now, said, "Your Majesty, I haven't heard a single word about the White Walkers during my year at the Wall."

"It seems we need to go deeper. Let's continue in and have the Skinchanger release all their animal companions."

"Yes, sir."

Jon orchestrated the movement, Survey Corps of over a thousand men traversed the forest.

Although the terrain in the Haunted Forest was complex and slowed down the journey, the ample horses, supplies, and manpower did not frighten many people. On the contrary, they were all eager to try, especially some noble generals, who felt a hunting atmosphere.

The group conducted a thorough search of the Haunted Forest, but after the first week, they still hadn't seen White Walkers, which caused many to become complacent.

However, because Jon was present, no disciplinary issues arose.

Despite their continued ample supplies, the Free Folk haven't shaken their habit of relentlessly pursuing prey they see.

Soon a group of Free Folk set their sights on an adult caribou the size of a carriage.

The leader was a female Wildlings; she was rather thin, but her hair was bright red, like a dancing flame against the white snow.

"This king knows nothing. With such a large group of people coming out, not only will the White Walkers be scared away, but even the prey will run away." The Wildlings woman, along with a few companions, left the group during a break.

"But before we left, Mans specifically instructed us to strictly adhere to the military discipline of these kneeling men. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for us to leave on our own like this?" the female Wildlings's companion said with some concern.

The "Mans" mentioned by his companions was none other than Mance Rayder, the King-Beyond-the-Wall.

After submitting, Mance Rayder rested for a while before preparing to go to King's Landing to pledge allegiance to Stannis.

As a result, almost as soon as Jon returned to Casterly Rock, he had a silver-haired son.

Upon arriving in the Riverlands, Mance Rayder immediately returned to the Iron Islands via the same route.

Jon appointed Mance Rayder as the High Judge of the Iron Islands, partly to help the Free Folk better integrate into the Seven Kingdoms' culture, and partly to weaken the power of these new Free Folk lords.

First, Mance Rayder; after that, you can send others to govern the Iron Islands.

This is why Mans still possesses considerable authority and prestige.

After all, the soldiers around His Majesty the King were the most powerful they had ever seen, far more terrifying than those black crows.

"We're out hunting. What's wrong with Free Folk hunting?" the Wildlings woman said nonchalantly. Perhaps feeling a little guilty, she continued, "Look how beautiful that reindeer's pelt is! We can just give it to him later; he'll have to thank us."

The Wildlings woman tossed her hair; since migrating to the Iron Islands, their quality of life had improved dramatically.

Many people are grateful to Jon.

Although many parts of this place are bare, it is safe and secure, and there are no White Walkers around.

Even obtaining food is many times easier than before.

Not long ago, the Wildlings woman traded her earnings for soap pods to wash her hair. Her red hair had never been so flowing and smooth, so she loved to toss it around.

The other companions looked at her red hair, unsure what to say, but they all agreed that the Wildlings woman made sense.

The concept that discipline is more important than spoils of war has not yet taken root in their minds.

Having temporarily calmed the army's morale, the female Wildlings continued her pursuit.

The reindeer, the size of a carriage, was almost bigger than any camel they had ever seen before.

His steps were steady, and every now and then a plume of white steam shot into the sky from his mouth and nose.

They've been watching this reindeer for two or three days, driving it here by force; now is a perfect opportunity.

The red-haired Wildlings woman found a suitable spot, drew her bow, and prepared to shoot.

According to hunters' habits, the best placement is actually near the prey's eyes, because it won't damage the skin.

The Wildlings woman was chosen to come to the Wall with Jon for two reasons: her status Free Folk and her widely recognized Archery.

She could spend more time practicing archery in the Iron Islands, and the reindeer targets were so big, so she wanted to give it a try.

But just then, a javelin suddenly pierced the reindeer's body, and the reindeer cried out in pain before collapsing, with the mist still swirling around its head.

"Who is it!" the red-haired Wildlings woman said with displeasure.

"Could it be Tormund and his group?" another companion guessed.

They have no shortage of food now, so it's such a waste to damage their hides with this kind of hunting method.

The Wildlings woman left her hiding place in a huff, and there stood a person wearing strange armor. His armor was white, not the kind of white dyed or painted, but the color of white frost.

Besides his unusual armor, he was accompanied by two attendants, who were equally unusual as well. In the dead of winter, they weren't wearing pants! They simply walked out into the freezing cold wearing tattered, drafty overcoats.

The person in the frost-white armor bent down and placed their hand on the reindeer.

The reindeer were still exhaling, but the white vapor quickly disappeared.

The Wildlings woman didn't notice any of this and continued to argue with them.

"Hey! This is our prey! We drove it here!"

As the female Wildlings spoke, she stepped forward and quickly came within ten meters of the other party.

But those people seemed not to hear her, and only slowly turned their heads when she was about ten meters away.

The Wildlings woman looked closely and felt a surge of meaning flowing from the top of her head to her heels.

The eyes of all three people shone with a deep blue light.