Jeor Mormont's arrival made the already heavy atmosphere in the room even more oppressive.
The Lord Commander of the Night's Watch glanced back and forth between Maester Aemon and Lynn.
His sharp, bearlike eyes seemed capable of seeing into people's hearts.
"Master Aemon."
Mormont's voice was low, with a trace of tension that was barely perceptible.
"What are you..."
Maester Aemon did not turn around.
He merely "gazed" at the Dragon Egg before the fireplace with his blind eyes, his voice frighteningly calm.
"Jeor, you've come at just the right time."
"I need you to bear witness."
Mormont's heart sank.
What he feared most seemed about to happen after all.
"Bear witness to what?"
Mormont's voice sounded a little dry.
"To a Targaryen offering this world his final act of loyalty."
Maester Aemon spoke slowly.
Mormont's breath caught for a moment.
He glanced at Lynn's livid face, then at Aemon's resolute expression, and finally let out a long sigh.
"Aemon, have you really... made up your mind?"
"I made up my mind the moment Lynn brought this egg back."
"This is no impulsive decision. I spent a long time thinking it over after I returned."
There was a fatalistic serenity in Maester Aemon's voice.
"This is the guidance the gods have given me, and a responsibility I cannot shirk as a Targaryen."
Honor, duty, destiny.
To Aemon, they mattered more than anything.
Those who came before them had known how precious life was, yet still faced death calmly. Perhaps that was what honor, duty, and destiny meant.
But Lynn could kill Viserys to hatch the dragon.
There was absolutely no need for Aemon to die.
"Master Aemon, listen to me!"
Lynn stepped in front of Aemon, trying one last time.
"You know the history of House Targaryen. You know how