β
Your brother Robb has been crowned King in the North. You and Aemon have that in common. A king for a brother.β said Mormont.
βAnd this too,β said Jon. βA vow.β
The Old Bear gave a loud snort, and the raven took flight, flapping in a circle about the room. βGive me a man for every vow Iβve seen broken and the Wall will never lack for defenders.β
βIβve always known that Rob will be Lord of Winterfell.β
Mormont gave a whistle, and the bird flew to him again and settled on his arm. βA lordβs one thing, a kingβs another. They will garb your brother Robb in silks, satins, and velvets of a hundred different colors, while you live and die in black ringmail. He will wed some beautiful princess and father sons on her. Youβll have no wife, nor will you ever hold a child of your own blood in your arms. Robb will rule, you will serve. Men will call you a crow. Him theyβll call `Your Graceβ. Singers will praise every little thing he does, while your greatest deeds all go unsung. Tell me that none of this troubles you, Jonβ¦ and Iβll name you a liar, and know I have the truth of it.β
Jon drew himself up, taut as a bowstring βAnd if it did trouble me, what might I do, bastard as I am?β
βWhat will you do?β Mormont asked. βBastard as you are.β
βBe troubled,β said Jon, βand keep my vows.
β
β
George R.R. Martin (A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2))