39.
BENJEN You don’t miss much, do you? (beat) We could use a man like you on the Wall, someday.
JON (a sudden rush)
Take me with you when you go back. Father will let me go if you ask him. I know he will.
BENJEN The Wall is a hard place for a boy.
JON I turn seventeen on my next name day. And Maester Luwin says bastards grow up faster.
BENJEN
(frowning) That’s true enough.
Benjen fills the wine cup and takes a long swallow.
JON I want to serve in the Night’s Watch. I’m ready to swear your oath. BENJEN You don’t understand what you’d be giving up. We have no families. None of us will ever father sons.
JON I don’t care about that!
BENJEN You might, if you knew what it meant. Come talk to me after you’ve dipped your wick a few times.
He stands, grips his nephew’s shoulder, and takes his leave.
Frustrated, Jon drains his cup, slams it on the table and rises from the bench. Too late he realizes how drunk he really is-- he lurches into a SERVING GIRL, sending a flagon of wine crashing to the floor.
Laughter booms all around. Jon flushes and runs for the door. Ghost follows at his heels.
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