Lynn did not return to his room.
He walked straight through the courtyard, where the discovery of the bodies had left everyone on edge, and headed toward the temporary barracks housing his hundred guards from the North.
Inside, Torrhen and several other squad leaders were handing out the evening meal: black bread and bland meat broth.
The soldiers huddled around the braziers, quietly discussing the day's events, their faces wary of the unknown.
"My lord!"
At the sight of Lynn, everyone rose at once, their movements perfectly synchronized.
"Sit down, all of you."
Lynn waved a hand and walked straight to the center of the barracks.
"Brothers."
His gaze swept over every face, still weathered from their time in the wilderness and filled with absolute faith in him.
"You all saw what happened today."
Lynn did not beat around the bush.
"Those two bodies-I can guarantee there's something wrong with them."
The soldiers' expressions instantly turned grave.
The barracks fell deathly silent, save for the crackling of wood in the braziers.
The soldiers exchanged glances, confusion in their eyes, but more than that, a reverence for ancient legends that ran in their blood.
They were men of the North. They believed in the Old Gods, and they believed in magic.
"Tonight, we have work to do."
Lynn walked over to a crude map showing the layout of Castle Black.
"Lord Commander Mormont has put one of the bodies in his room."
"The other is in Maester Aemon's room."
Lynn tapped two spots on the map.
"Torrhen."
"Here, my lord!"
"Take thirty men and stand guard outside Maester Aemon's door."
Lynn's tone left no room for argument.
"Remember, your job is to protect Maester Aemon."
"He's old and blind. You must not let any harm come to him."
"Yes, my lord!"