Chapter 34

The air was thick with tension, but Tyrion was no warrior, and no matter how heated their argument, Benjen Stark wasn’t about to physically clash with him. After some deliberation, Maester Aemon raised a frail hand to silence the growing disagreement between the Stark and the Lannister. With a slow turn of his head toward Lord Commander Jeor Mormont, he spoke in his measured, raspy tone:

“Lord Commander, Dragonstone has replied to our request. They’ve agreed to allow us to mine dragonglass from the island.”

“Dragonstone? Couldn’t we just send a few men and be done with it?” Mormont raised an eyebrow, then caught on to what Aemon was implying. “You’re suggesting…”

The blind maester nodded. “Since Lord Tyrion has so much faith in Aegor’s abilities, perhaps we could give the young man a chance to prove himself. He crossed the Sunset Sea to arrive in Westeros, only to be consigned to a lifetime on the Wall over a few stolen potatoes. Now, with an opportunity to leave, do we really want to block his path? He’d hardly remain content serving here after such a setback.”

Tyrion internally cheered at Maester Aemon’s reasoning, though he maintained a neutral expression. He turned toward Mormont, waiting for the Lord Commander’s response.

“Well, if that’s how you see it, I have no objections.” Mormont respected Aemon’s wisdom, though he added cautiously, “Let’s see if Benjen’s willing to release him.”

The decision now rested with Benjen Stark. The First Ranger’s face darkened as he weighed his options. He disliked the idea of letting Tyrion Lannister have his way, but going against Maester Aemon would be seen as disrespectful. With a sharp tone, he asked, “What happens if he leaves and never returns? Who takes responsibility then?”

“I will,” Tyrion said without hesitation. “Not only that, but if he fails to accomplish his task or doesn’t prove his worth to the Watch, you have my word: you can recall him immediately. And if he runs, it’ll be on my head.”

Benjen’s lips curled into a thin smile, cold and cutting. “On your head, you say? What does that mean, exactly? Will you come to the Wall and serve in his place? Or perhaps send the armies of House Lannister to bolster our numbers? Neither option seems likely, does it? Rather than playing word games, why don’t you offer something tangible? The Lannisters are the richest house in Westeros, after all. A generous donation to the Night’s Watch might be a more... convincing gesture.”

Tyrion’s eyes narrowed. He exhaled slowly, knowing he’d been cornered. House Stark’s straightforward pragmatism was infamous, and Benjen’s words left no room for ambiguity. Resigned to losing a significant sum, Tyrion decided to prioritize his pride over his purse.

“Very well,” he said, his voice tinged with irritation. “For the good of humanity, I won’t be stingy. Let’s discuss the specifics of the donation—and the details of Aegor’s new mission.”
----


Aegor didn’t linger idly while the negotiations played out. Instead, he stood not far from the Lord Commander’s office, eyes fixed on the door.

After Tyrion entered, it wasn’t long before the Lord Commander’s steward left the room, returning shortly with Benjen Stark and Maester Aemon. It was clear progress was being made, which only made Aegor’s heart race faster. He couldn’t help but compare the situation to standing outside a birthing chamber, waiting for news. Would Tyrion succeed in convincing the Night’s Watch leadership to let him leave? The outcome would determine whether Aegor had a chance at a new life in this world.

If the negotiations failed, he’d be left with little choice but to return to the dangerous monotony of patrols. Surviving another mission, if he was lucky, might mean promotions and a slightly better life as a ranger or even the First Ranger someday. But the risks were enormous, and the prospect of spending his life on the Wall filled him with dread.

If Tyrion succeeded, however, Aegor would leave with him. The vast world of Westeros, filled with opportunities and endless possibilities, would be open to him. Though the vow of a Night’s Watchman was a weight he couldn’t entirely shed, Aegor believed he could navigate the obstacles that came with it. After all, in this world, fate favored those with determination.
----


The negotiations dragged on. When the steward returned to summon the First Steward and the First Builder into the meeting, Aegor’s heart leapt. He realized what this meant: the talks had progressed to the point of discussing material support. Whether they were haggling over the amount or type of supplies, Tyrion’s willingness to pay had clearly secured the leadership’s interest.

Satisfied the outcome was leaning in his favor, Aegor decided it was best not to linger conspicuously. He made his way to the main hall, finding a seat to await the final verdict.
----


Nearly an hour later, the creak of the wooden doors broke the silence. Aegor turned to see Benjen Stark stepping into the hall, his expression as cold and inscrutable as ever.

For a brief moment, Aegor felt a chill of doubt, but Benjen’s words quickly dispelled it. “Aegor, you’re not going on the next patrol. The Lord Commander has assigned you to a more important task. Prepare yourself. When Lannister finishes his tour of the Wall, you’ll leave with him.”

“Understood, sir.” Aegor stood, struggling to keep the excitement from showing on his face. “But I was supposed to guide the next patrol—”
----


“Spare me the pretense,” Benjen interrupted coldly. The First Ranger knew better than to be fooled by feigned ignorance. “You found a way to curry favor with Lannister and strike your deal. I see no reason to deny you.

“As for the patrol,” he continued, “Wil can lead it. He’s just as capable as you.”

Benjen’s icy demeanor didn’t change, but his words carried an undertone of reluctant respect. “You’re a clever one, I’ll give you that. You found your way off the Wall. Just don’t forget where you came from.”

Though caught off guard by Benjen’s candor, Aegor managed a respectful nod. “I won’t, sir.”

Satisfied, Benjen gave him one last assessing look before departing the hall.
----


As the sound of Benjen’s boots faded, Aegor remained in place for a moment, allowing the weight of the situation to settle. The gamble had paid off. His path was set. And while the journey ahead was bound to be fraught with danger and political intrigue, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of hope.

This wasn’t just an opportunity to leave the Wall. It was a chance to rewrite his destiny.