He saw the White Walkers.
He fled directly south from the Haunted Forest, but was caught in the New Gift.
Damn it, just one step away from The North!
He wasn't executed on the spot. His former brothers said they would use his head as a reminder to everyone: deserters would not have a good end.
He lived a few more days because of this, but he also suffered through such a long period of torment and fear.
The Gods, is waiting for death this painful?
Sometimes he thought it would be better to die in the New Gift, or even die a glorious death in the Haunted Forest, but sometimes hope would suddenly sprout, thinking something would come to stop his death.
And now, Castle Black was close at hand.
It was time.
He was dragged off the horse, the other end of the hemp rope binding his hands held by one of the brothers, a strong large hand behind him gripping him and pushing him forward.
He no longer struggled, instead staring blankly at everything around him.
The towers and stone walls were gray and dark, no Night's Watchman would call them beautiful, but now he only felt it was the best castle in the world.
The ice and snow were piercingly cold, the bonfire so weak it could go out at any moment, and almost every year brothers had fingers, toes, and ears frozen off, but now he was willing to live here for a thousand years, ten thousand years.
More and more brothers emerged from the rooms, none of them wasting any effort to speak to him, only cold, mocking, malicious, excited eyes and expressions.
But he really wished he had another chance to eat a meal with these brothers, and endure another cold night.
He also wanted to go to Mole's Town again, even just once, and this time he would definitely plant the seed deepest, no matter if she would raise him or not.
Thump~
Two right hands suddenly pressed him down, his knees hurt so much from hitting the ground, the snow was so cold.
But he didn't mind any of this anymore, it at least proved he was still alive, he could still feel pain, feel temperature, feel the warmth of the hands on his shoulders.
"Simon,"
He saw the Lord Commander's lips open and close, "The Gods have given you this right. Say your last words, quietly accept judgment, and go to meet The Gods like a good man."
His gaze turned to "Longclaw" in the Lord Commander's hand, a Valyrian Steel Sword, it would definitely be sharp for beheading.
An unspeakable force made him struggle again, "Lord Commander, I saw the White Walkers! The Others are real, not a story, they are real, not a story."
He wanted to stand up, but the two hands on his shoulders pressed him down firmly.
"Lord, I was just too scared, give me one more chance, I am willing to go Beyond the Wall again! I can find the Others for The Night's Watch!"
The Night's Watchmen watching the execution exchanged glances.
This wasn't the first time a deserter had said this this year, and patrol teams had been wiped out more than once, Wildlings didn't have this ability.
Could it be that something strange was really happening?
The Lord Commander's gray beard trembled, "You've finished your last words, haven't you."
He instantly lost all strength.
Those two right hands immediately pressed him onto the thick tree stump beside them. Large patches of dark red blood stained his vision, and the smell of mud and blood filled his nostrils.
"In the name of the King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, of the Baratheon family..."
He finally recalled the appearance of his hometown.
Golden wheat danced like waves, the strong floral scent that couldn't be avoided, his father who would hit his head at the slightest provocation, his mother who made sweet snacks and whose embrace was warm and soft, and the girl whose eyes could speak.
"...Jeor, hereby sentence you to death."
The Longsword was raised high, cutting through the air and making a faint sound.
He closed his eyes.
The sound of hooves gradually grew louder, it seemed to be ahead, am I already dead?
He opened his eyes, straining his neck to look forward.
Black clothes, gray clothes, red and gold clothes, he saw a small, chestnut-haired creature.
"Children of the Forest."
He heard the Lord Commander's voice murmur.
Hope reignited in him, "It's true! What I said is true! These are the Children of the Forest, the Others are just Beyond the Wall..."
Swish~
He saw blood spurting from his neck, the Lord Commander said, "Perhaps, but you shouldn't have fled The Wall."
His head rolled a few times, and in the instant before falling into permanent darkness, his eyes reflected the bare ankles of that Child of the Forest.
"Lord Commander, we are back."
Benjen glanced at the headless corpse, his voice hoarse, "Only us."
Jeor Mormont's gaze shifted back from Leaf, "What happened? Let's go, we'll talk in the hall."
Joffrey walked over, holding Leaf's hand.
"The secret passage was real. Who knew there were quite a few Wildlings outside chasing these poor little things? Of course, the Wildlings weren't willing to let us go. The result, well, Lord Commander, you saw it."
Joffrey gave Benjen a look, and Benjen remained silent.
"So that's how it is." The Lord Commander sighed. "Now large sections of The Wall will be left unguarded again."
"Your Highness, please, you and the court must take this seriously. Mance Rayder, who calls himself the King-Beyond-the-Wall, is gathering a Wildling army. And now it seems the Others are likely not just a rumor either."
Joffrey said solemnly, "That is certainly the case. I will give my full support. The Night's Watch will receive reinforcements of at least five hundred men within half a year."
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness."
The Lord Commander then looked at Leaf. "And this one, is she a Child of the Forest?"
Leaf bowed. "Lord Commander, I can speak your language. You may call me Leaf."
*Boom~*
The surrounding Night's Watchmen couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, as if they had seen an animal learn to speak.
Although all the stories depicted the Children of the Forest as powerful and intelligent beings, when suddenly seeing their vastly different appearance, who would regard them as equal beings?
The Lord Commander quickly motioned for everyone to disperse and led the Crown Prince and the others away.
The Night's Watchmen reluctantly watched the Child of the Forest walk into the room, and the solid wooden door closed heavily.
After a moment of silence, they completely exploded into a frenzy, jumping and shouting, hugging and spinning, venting the wild excitement in their hearts, as if they had just won an epic victory.
To see a Child of the Forest, something only found in stories, with their own eyes – this life was worth it!
...
"Your Highness, what are your plans next?"
Lord Commander Jeor brought the Crown Prince a cup of hot mulled wine with honey, his tone seeming to carry a hint of anticipation.
Joffrey smiled and said, "Life on The Wall is unforgettable. Unfortunately, my father has already traveled halfway. Before I came, I promised to catch up with the caravan before King's Landing. I have to set off as soon as possible."
The Lizard-Lion hadn't found an opportunity. He had to see the King off further south in the Riverlands. Before that, he had to reach a place within two days' journey to prepare to handle the situation.
"I'll leave first thing tomorrow morning."
The Lord Commander's expression softened slightly. "I wish Your Highness a smooth and successful journey."
Joffrey raised his cup. "Thank you for your kind words."
And the Red Keep, it was time.
Activating the Mirror Image Rune, Hannah, who was far away in the Red Keep, was still within his senses. He saw her sitting in front of a mirror.
He sent Hannah the final signal:
Action in seven days.
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