On Castle Black's training ground, the bitter wind swept up loose snow, stinging their cheeks.
One hundred and fifty Night's Watch rangers stood in a loose square in the center of the training ground.
Curiosity showed on their faces.
Lynn had been making quite a name for himself lately.
Even those of them recalled from other posts had heard something of him.
They were the Night's Watch's finest fighting force, the sharp edge of the Wall.
Every one of them was a veteran who had survived deadly battles with the Wildlings.
They were proud, they were arrogant, and they respected only true strength.
And now this young man had become their commander?
They were even supposed to let him pick them out like merchandise?
Did he have something special to offer?
Lynn stood before them.
He wore no heavy armor, only black leather armor that allowed him to move freely.
Longclaw, its pommel replaced with a weirwood wolf's head, hung quietly at his waist.
Behind him stood his hundred battle-hardened guards from the North.
Like a pack of silent wolves, they watched the black-clad men of the Night's Watch on the field.
Jeor Mormont stood on a raised platform beside the training ground.
His aged face betrayed no expression.
But his keen eyes remained fixed on Lynn.
This was Lynn's first day as commander.
It was also his first step toward taking true control of the expedition.
"I can see it."
"Many of you look down on me."
Lynn began to speak.
"You think I'm just some green boy who climbed into this position through luck and the Lord Commander's favor."
"You think I'm not fit to command you."
The training ground fell deathly silent.
No one objected, but their silence was agreement enough.
Alliser Thorne stood at the back