Chapter 79, Samwell Summary

Stannis is pressing the Watch to select a new commander. Janos wants Stannis to endorse him, but Stannis sees through him. Stannis plans to take all the abandoned castles along the Wall for his forces, once a new commander is selected. Stannis will also claim the land of the Night's Watch that is known as the gift. Melisandre and Maester Aemon speak of the War of the Dawn, the fabled war Melisandre has been predicting. Stannis questions Sam Tarly about the dagger that killed the Other. Aemon has Sam describe Lightbringer, a legendary sword, wielded by Stannis, to him.

Sam talks to Cotter and Ser Denys to try to get one of them to concede in the election for Lord Commander. Cotter will not listen, but Sam tells Ser Denys that there may be another man who can take the position...