Everyone's eyes were fixed on the human-skin map, which exuded an ancient air.
The blood-red eye symbol looked like an ill omen.
It was etched not only into the map, but deep into everyone's heart.
Mormont's gaze returned to Lynn.
His eyes no longer held only gratitude and trust.
There was a new sense of reliance in them.
"Lynn, if this is true, you've done us a great service."
Mormont's voice regained its usual composure.
"You're right. We can't keep sitting here waiting to die."
"Passive defense will only lead us slowly to destruction through endless attrition."
He rose and walked over to the map, pressing his wrinkled fingers against it.
"From today onward, the Night's Watch must change its strategy."
"The Wildlings are still a threat. We need to know what they're doing."
"Bowen."
Mormont looked at the stout builder again.
"Organize men to reinforce Castle Black's defenses at once."
"And send ravens to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea and the Shadow Tower. Tell them to go on the highest alert."
"Yes, my lord!"
"Thorne."
"Here..."
Thorne's voice sounded feeble.
"Your task is to double the recruits' training."
Mormont's tone was stern.
"I don't care how you do it!"
"Within a month, I need those recruits ready to take up swords and stand on the battlements!"
"I... as you command."
Thorne answered through gritted teeth.
At last, Mormont's gaze settled on Lynn.
He fell silent for a moment, as though weighing an extremely important decision.
Everyone else in the room followed his gaze to Lynn.
"Lynn."
Mormont finally spoke.
"You will command the Night's Watch's first expeditionary force."
His words struck like a thunderclap in everyone's ears.
A commander so young?
This... this was unheard of!
Alliser Thorne sprang from his chair, his face full of disbelief.
**"Lord Commander! This is against the