Jon led the remnants of the Night's Watch into Castle Black.
He had just arranged treatment and rest for the wounded and was about to head toward the hall when a white shape suddenly sprang out and slammed into his arms, knocking him back a step.
Ghost.
The pure-white direwolf nudged his chin with his wet nose, his tail wagging furiously.
Jon wrapped his arms around Ghost's thick neck and pressed his forehead against the wolf's, feeling that familiar warmth and breath.
After a moment, he let go and patted Ghost's head. "All right, I have things to deal with now."
Ghost gave a low whine and followed quietly at his heels.
Jon stepped into the hall of Castle Black.
It was already crowded. Officers of every rank in the Night's Watch were there, along with Alliser Thorne and Davos Seaworth.
The moment he entered, every gaze turned toward him.
Jon kept walking, heading straight for the far end of the hall.
His destination was clear... the high-backed chair that belonged to the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.
The Old Bear, Jeor Mormont, had once sat there issuing orders.
Now it stood empty.
Jon reached the high-backed chair, turned, and sat down. Ghost lay at his feet, his wolf eyes surveying everyone in the hall.
A grating voice suddenly rang out.
Alliser Thorne shot to his feet, his voice shrill. "Snow, aren't you sitting in the wrong place?"
Jon turned toward him, his voice calm but carrying an unquestionable weight. "Before the Old Bear died, he gave me his family's ancestral sword, Longclaw, and appointed me the new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch."
"If you have any objections to that appointment, you can come speak to me privately after the meeting."
Alliser Thorne's expression froze.
He had not