Jeor Mormont left.
Only Lynn remained, along with the wobbling Three-Headed Little Monster at his feet.
Winter seemed curious about everything in this world.
With its middle head, the one with amber eyes, it cautiously sniffed the cooled ashes, then gingerly took a bite.
The ashes sent it into a fit of sneezing.
Its left head, with its icy blue eyes, surveyed the surroundings warily, occasionally letting out a low whine.
Meanwhile, its smallest head on the right, the one with blood-red eyes, impatiently tugged at Lynn's trouser leg with its teeth, as though urging him to do something.
Only when Nymeria pushed the door open with her dog... wolf head did the little creature's attention shift, and it went chasing after her.
They were living comfortably now.
Lynn paid it no mind. The three brothers would never get lonely, especially now that Nymeria and Ghost were there to play with them.
Maester Aemon's final words still echoed in Lynn's mind.
"Go... end this Long Night..."
Those words burned like a branding iron, leaving him unable to settle down.
Lynn hugged the thick stack of books Aemon had left him tightly to his chest.
These were more than books.
They were keys, a responsibility, and a Targaryen's final legacy.
"Torrhen, Jason."
Lynn's voice rang out through the empty smithy.
Two burly figures immediately entered from outside.
The shock had yet to fade from their faces.
"My lord."
"I'll be heading south soon, back to Winterfell, then on to King's Landing."
"While I'm away, the two of you will oversee everything at Castle Black in my stead."
"You must also follow Lord Commander Mormont's orders."
"If there is any news, send me a raven immediately."
Torrhen and Jason exchanged a glance, then dropped to one knee.
"As you command, my lord!"