An hour later, at Castle Black's north gate.
An expedition of a hundred and fifty men had assembled.
A hundred grim-faced guards from the North stood silently in formation, like a silent forest of steel.
Alongside them were fifty Rangers of the Night's Watch, now dressed in lightweight leather armor.
Though their faces still bore traces of lingering shock, there was no longer any contempt in their eyes as they looked at Lynn.
No one wanted to place their life in the hands of some untried boy.
But Lynn had demonstrated his strength, giving them a little more confidence.
Arya was among them too.
Lynn had brought everyone with him. He would never leave Arya at Castle Black, afraid that she might run into danger.
The sleds behind them were piled high with weapons, dry rations, and vast quantities of oil prepared for the Wights.
Jeor Mormont stood beside the gate.
As he looked at the transformed force, a trace of satisfaction crossed his face.
Lynn had taken control of these men in the most direct-and most effective-way possible.
It seemed unlikely that any serious internal problems would arise during this expedition.
"Lord Commander."
Mounted on his horse, Lynn addressed Mormont.
"We're setting out."
Mormont nodded.
"Stay safe, Lynn."
He looked at Lynn, then added:
"Come back alive."
Lynn smiled without speaking.
He flicked the reins. His warhorse whinnied and led the way into the dark tunnel that ran beyond the Wall.
The others followed close behind.
When they emerged into the light again, an endless, desolate snowfield stretched before them.
As before, a biting wind howled down from the Lands of Always Winter to the north.
But this time, the mood among the men was entirely different.
Apart from the newly joined men of the Night's Watch, the Stark