Days later, at Castle Black, Gilly continues to tend to Samwell Tarly's wounds following the recent attack made on the couple by two aggressive Black Brothers. Samwell asks Gilly if she was scared, as she informs him that she was. Samwell then declares that was scared as well. Jon Snow’s steward, Olly, then enters with some food, having heard of the incident. Once Gilly leaves, excusing herself to check on Little Sam, Olly expresses his concerns at joining forces with the wildlings, particularly Tormund Giantsbane, who led the raid in his village in the Gift where his parents were brutally murdered, along with the rest of the villagers. Whilst not excusing the wildlings’ actions, Samwell insists that the Free Folk are people like anyone else and there are good ones and bad ones. He then reassures Olly that the Jon knows what he is doing, and that unless he is successful, neither the Night's Watch nor Westeros stands a chance fighting against the impending war with the White Walkers and their army of the dead. Samwell then explains this is a hard choice that Jon had to make, however unpopular, but tells him not to worry, as Jon always comes back. Olly, however, still appears unwavering in his disagreement.

Some time later, Jon, Tormund, Eddison Tollett and the surviving wildlings from the Hardhome mission return to the Wall, before the gates of Castle Black. For a tense moment from atop the Wall, Ser Alliser Thorne hesitates to let all of their old enemies through, but finally he gives the order to open the gate. Thousands of wildlings then come through the gate and into the courtyard of Castle Black itself, including many women and children, and even a giant named Wun Wun. Many men of the Night's Watch glare at them as they officially cross into the Seven Kingdoms. Thorne coolly declares to Jon that while he has a good heart to have saved so many people, that it may end up getting them all killed. Indeed, as Jon looks around, he sees almost all of his brothers looking at him scornfully, among them is his young and bitter steward Olly. Jon then reunites with Samwell, but is despondent, saying that the mission was a disaster and they only managed to save a small fraction of the wildlings at Hardhome, where the Night King, the leader of the White Walkers, has revealed himself to the participants of the battle. With the Night King’s abilities, tens of thousands of wildlings have been resurrected as wights who’ve now joined the army of the dead. Attempting to console Jon, Sam then points to different wildlings passing by and notes that each of them would have died if Jon had done nothing at all, so it wasn't a complete failure.

The following day, Jon discusses with Samwell the war against the White Walkers at Hardhome, including their lost stash of dragonglass and how his Valyrian steel sword, Longclaw, was able kill one them, now noting two effective weapons against the dead. When Samwell asks how many Valyrian steel swords are left in the Seven Kingdoms Jon replies by saying “not enough.” After discussing the Night’s Watch and their increasing hatred towards their new Lord Commander, Samwell finally asks for leave to take Gilly and Little Sam with him to Oldtown, where he will train with the Order of Maesters. Sam reasons that he is better suited to the life of a maester than a warrior, and that the Night's Watch needs to fill the gap left by the late maester, Aemon Targaryen. However, Jon is initially reluctant, as he states that he has few friends nowadays, and also points out that as a maester, Samwell's vow of chastity will be doubly prevalent. Sam takes this opportunity to informs Jon that he and Gilly have had sex already, much to Jon's amusement. Jon then expresses that he is happy the end of the world is working out well for someone. Jon eventually agrees to Samwell's request and they share a final drink to Sam’s eventual return. Outside in the yard, Jon then sees Samwell off as he leaves by horse and carriage with Gilly and her son, as they depart for the Reach, Samwell’s home region in the south of Westeros.

Some time later, in the Narrow Sea, Samwell, Gilly and Little Sam are sailing on a ship towards Oldtown, the oldest city in all of the Seven Kingdoms. Gilly and Samwell both have never been on a ship before, and while Gilly excitedly peers out the window during an intense storm, Sam himself is seasick and begins throwing up into a chamber pot. Gilly assures Samwell that it won't be long and says that she can't wait to see Oldtown, as the ship's captain told her that it's the most beautiful city in Westeros. However, while Samwell had originally planned to go and study at the Citadel, with intention of joining the Order of Maesters, he adjusts his plans since he cannot bring Gilly and her child along, as the Citadel only allows men within its walls. For their safety, Samwell decides to take Gilly and Little Sam elsewhere in the Reach- to his ancestral home of Horn Hill. While he does not get on with his father Lord Randyll Tarly, Samwell assures Gilly that his mother, Lady Melessa Tarly, and sister, Talla Tarly, are very kind. Samwell wants to do everything to protect Gilly and her child from harm. Despite some unease, Gilly promises to follow Sam and let him decide what is best for them.

Some weeks later, after their long voyage, Samwell and Gilly finally approach Horn Hill, the seat of House Tarly, by horse and carriage. During their journey, Gilly marvels at the lush landscape of the Reach, having never traveled to the south of Westeros before. As they near his family’s castle, Samwell then warns Gilly that they must claim Little Sam is his own son, and that Gilly should hide the fact that she is a wildling, since his father abhors the Free Folk. Once entering the castle grounds, Samwell reunites with his mother, Lady Melessa, and sister Talla, who are both overjoyed with his return. Melessa expresses her appreciation in stating that she thought she’d never see him again. Sam is in disbelief of how much his sister Talla has grown, as she then attempts to inform to Sam of her upcoming betrothal, but their mother shushes her. Samwell then introduces Gilly and Little Sam to them both, and in spite of her rough appearance, both immediately notice Gilly's beauty. Melessa is delighted to meet her first “grandchild”. Talla then takes Gilly under her wing, offering her a dress and a spare bedroom to settle into.

That evening, they all have dinner along with Samwell's father, Lord Randyll Tarly, and brother, Dickon Tarly.  Randyll criticizes Samwell for his weight and mocks his attempt to claim hunting and fighting skills, both of which Sam admits can actually be attributed to Gilly and Jon Snow, respectively. Talla is delighted to hear that Gilly can hunt for herself, and suggests that Randyll should be more like Gilly's father, Craster, a suggestion which makes Sam and Gilly wince. Gilly, defending Samwell from Randyll's verbal assault, mentions Sam's heroism on three different occasions, in which Sam proved himself to be a greater warrior than Randyll will ever be. However, in doing so, she inadvertently reveals her origins from north of the Wall. As result, Randyll doesn't seem to take in her point about Sam's qualities but instead only hears that she is a wildling. Randyll then reveals his prejudice towards wildlings and his continues displaying his contempt for his son. Melessa, thoroughly angered by Randyll's behavior, declares that Sam isn't the one dishonoring House Tarly, Randyll is. She then storms out, taking Talla and Gilly with her. Randyll eventually agrees that Gilly and Little Sam can stay at Horn Hill, with Gilly working in the kitchens. He notes that Little Sam will be acknowledged and raised as a bastard. However, this will be Samwell's last night at Horn Hill, forever. Later that evening, Samwell apologises to Gilly for not standing up to his father and begrudgingly informs that he will be leaving at first light. However, he shortly returns to Gilly, declaring that he has changed his mind, and insists that they need to stay together, as they belong with each other. He then declares that the three of them are leaving right now. On the way out of the castle, Samwell steals Heartsbane - the family's Valyrian steel sword.

Some time after leaving his family home at Horn Hill, Samwell, Gilly and Little Sam finally arrive at Oldtown, the oldest city of Westeros. After exiting their carriage, Sam and Gilly look out towards the view of the city and spot the Hightower, which is a hundred feet taller than the Wall itself. Suddenly they witness dozens of white ravens being released, signalling the official arrival of winter. Afterwards, the trio arrive at a bureaucrat's desk within the Citadel, as Samwell informs a maester that he has been sent by the Night's Watch's Lord Commander, Jon Snow, to be trained under the Order of Maesters. The bureaucrat, maintaining a deadpan expression, is hesitant because Jeor Mormont and Aemon Targaryen are still recorded as Lord Commander and Maester of Castle Black. Samwell then awkwardly informs him that both Jeor and Aemon died before ravens could be sent out. The maester then arranges for Samwell to meet with one of the Archmaesters, and allows Sam access to the Citadel's library, but sharply bars Gilly and her son from following as women and children are not allowed. Samwell then explores the extraordinary library, which stretches above and below for a number of floors. He gazes in amazement at all of the levels and books, greatly anticipating his training to commence.

Some time later, at the Citadel in Oldtown, Samwell is assigned with menial work under the Order of Maesters. His duties include serving the maesters' meals, emptying their chamber pots and shelving books in the vast library. While browsing through the library, Samwell curiously stares at a book behind a locked grate in the restricted section. Afterwards, Samwell helps Archmaester Ebrose to dissect a corpse in his laboratory. Samwell then asks the Archmaester if he has read his proposition. In light of what he has seen in beyond the Wall, his run-ins with White Walkers, Samwell asks for permission to read the restricted section, eager to further assist the coming threat. When Samwell insists that he has truly seen the army of the dead, the Archmaester responds that maesters are naturally critical. Still, he accepts Samwell's claim because the stories about the Long Night are corroborated in a number of sources. The Archmaester reminds him that maesters are guardians of knowledge and history. Still, the Archmaester believes that the Wall will not fall because it has stood for a millennia. He then tells Samwell to finish his job. Later that eveing, Samwell steals a sleeping maester's key and enters the forbidden section.

Later on, while Samwell studies in his quarters, Gilly entertains Little Sam, who is now a toddler. Gilly asks him about the book he is studying, named “The Legends of the Long Night”. Samwell mentions that the Targaryens were unaware that the First Men had used dragonglass against the White Walkers centuries ago. He then discovers a drawn map of the island of Dragonstone and recalls a previous conversation with Stannis Baratheon, who had informed that dragonglass could be found on Dragonstone. The book then reveals that there is a veritable mountain of obsidian just outside the island’s castle. With this discovery, Samwell excitedly prepares a letter to Jon Snow relaying the information. Gilly continues reading another book about White Walkers and she recalls once hearing her drunken father Craster tell his infant son that it was “time to meet your brothers.” Gilly then ponders if the White Walker she and Sam faced together recognized her as his former sister. The following day, during his assigned tasks, Samwell gathers empty bowls from the cells of the Citadel sanitarium. As he reaches out to collect a bowl from the open frame of the cell, Samwell is suddenly confronted by a shadowy figure whose arm is almost completely covered in greyscale. The figure asks if the “dragon queen,” Daenerys Targaryen, has arrived in Westeros yet. Samwell sputters, dropping the bowl, insisting that he does not know, as the figure then withdraws his arm and back into his cell.

Some time later, Samwell and Archmaester Ebrose examine the imprisoned knight, Ser Jorah Mormont, whose greyscale infection has spread to his torso. Ebrose informs the former Targaryen advisor that he should have cut off his lower arm instead of letting the infection spread and states that Mormont is beyond saving. While it is customary for infected smallfolk to be sent to live with the Stone Men in Old Valyria, Ebrose gives Mormont one more day, implying with a look at his sword that the knight could choose to commit suicide instead. That evening, a determined Samwell, understanding the risk of his own infection, decides to treat Ser Jorah and secretly visits his quarters after dark. He informs Jorah that: "You're not dying today," and reveals himself to be a brother of the Night's Watch who served under Jorah's father, Jeor Mormont. Samwell gives Jorah rum to drink after taking a fortifying swig himself, insisting that the process will be painful and that he's performing the procedure without permission. Samwell's plan involves using a scalpel to separate and cut away Jorah's infected skin and then applying an ointment plaster to the exposed layer, though Jorah gives him a look that tells Sam he shouldn't bother trying to explain it to him. Despite experiencing the pain of having a large patch of greyscale skin debrided, Ser Jorah nods his consent for Samwell to continue the debridement.

Some days later, Archmaester Ebrose examines Ser Jorah's wounds and surmises that the infection is no longer active. Ebrose realizes that somebody treated Jorah, but Mormont claims the belief that rest and the warm climate of the Reach healed him. Ebrose then releases Jorah but orders a private audience with Samwell later that evening, as it's obvious that he's in trouble. Ser Jorah then declares to Sam that he is returning to Queen Daenerys because she gave him hope and a sense of purpose. Jorah thanks Sam for saving him, as Samwell informs that it's the least he could do given everything that Jeor Mormont did for him. Jorah is clearly moved when he takes Samwell's offered farewell handshake, having expected to never touch another person again. Afterwards, in private, Ebrose chastises Samwell for embarking on an illegal healing procedure due to the high risk of infection. Nevertheless, he praises Sam for his success, noting that it was an extraordinarily difficult operation, and asks for the secret of his success. Sam replies that he simply read the books and followed the instructions. Ebrose "congratulates" Sam by telling him to make fresh copies of several old manuscripts and scrolls, so their knowledge can be preserved, explaining that Sam's reward is not being expelled from the Citadel.

Some weeks later at the Citadel, a conclave of maesters read a message from Winterfell that was sent by Jon’s half-brother Bran Stark warning of the army of the dead, but they are dismissive of his account. Samwell, who is present at the meeting, only to swap out some books, vouches for the Stark boy and insists that Bran spent several years surviving in the wilds alone. One maester mockingly tells Samwell to practice with inscribing instead of entertaining myths and fables. Samwell, however, counters that they should use their position as maesters to warn the people to prepare for the coming night. Archmaester Ebrose opines that Bran's message could be genuine, but also could be misinformation spread by the dragon queen Daenerys. The maesters agree to send a letter back to Winterfell to investigate Bran's claims further, but as they regard the White Walkers as legendary beings, akin to the Children of the Forest and the Drowned God, they clearly want to believe Ebrose's misinformation theory. While they agree to investigate Bran's message in further detail, they remain skeptical of his claims. After Samwell leaves, one of the other Archmaesters asks if it's true that Sam's father Lord Randyll and brother Dickon were recently burned alive by Daenerys Targaryen. Ebrose confirms this, but admits that he hasn't had the heart to tell Samwell yet.

Later that evening, in their quarters, Samwell inscribes as Gilly reads High Septon Maynard's diary aloud. Samwell is too distracted to take in everything Gilly informs him of within Maynard’s diary, inclusive of the man’s own bowel movements that was recorded. Gilly then lands on a passage and informs Samwell that the High Septon issued an annulment for Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell so that he could marry another woman in Dorne. The enormity of the discovery is lost on both of them, with Gilly ignorant of the events of Robert's Rebellion, and Sam being preoccupied with his own misery. Samwell complains about maesters having to inscribe annulments and bowel movements when the key to defeating the Night King is likely to be sitting in the library. In exasperation with his situation, Samwell makes his way to the library, grabbing several books and other items. After a contemplative look at the atrium of the library, he then meets Gilly in the courtyard of the Citadel where she and Little Sam wait for him in a wagon. When Gilly asks if Sam is sure whether he wants to give up his studies, Samwell replies that he is "tired of reading about the achievements of better men," quoting his father Randyll. The trio then ride off into the night and head towards Winterfell, the seat of House Stark.

Some weeks later, Samwell and Gilly arrive at Winterfell and he wastes no time meeting with Bran Stark, recalling their meeting along the Wall at the Nightfort some years earlier. Bran is glad to see Sam, but is surprised to find him here. When Samwell reiterates his loyalty to Jon Snow, Bran is unable to keep a secret that he’s been carrying with him any longer, revealing the truth of Jon's origins: he was born to Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark at a tower in Dorne. Samwell, who vaguely recalls the entry from Maynard's diary about Rhaegar's marriage annulment, encourages Bran to use his gift of greensight to confirm it. To his surprise, Bran easily finds the memory of the wedding in his mind, where he sees a joyous Lyanna marrying the Targaryen prince in a ceremony before a heart tree. Then moving forward in time to the Tower of Joy, Bran hears Lyanna's dying words to her brother Eddard Stark after giving birth. Piecing the truth together, Bran declares to Samwell that Rhaegar never raped Lyanna. She loved him and ran off with him and they bore a son named Aegon Targaryen. It’s at this point Bran realizes that Robert's Rebellion, which resulted in the deaths of thousands, was all for nothing and built on a lie. For the boy’s protection, Eddard Stark raised his nephew Aegon as his illegitimate child Jon Snow, who is, and always has been, the heir to the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, Jon is sailing towards Winterfell with his new ally Daenerys Targaryen, whom he has fallen in love with, and is unaware of their blood relation or his rightful claim.

Some weeks after Samwell has settled into Winterfell with Gilly and Little Sam, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, along with her two dragons and her united army, have arrived in time to prepare for the coming war against the army of the dead. The evening of Daenerys’ arrival, Samwell is studying in Winterfell's library when she and Ser Jorah Mormont come to visit him. Daenerys thanks the man that saved Jorah's life from greyscale and asks if she can offer him anything in return. Sam requests a pardon for stealing books from the Citadel, as well as "borrowing" his family's sword, Heartsbane. Hearing this, Daenerys realizes that Sam is the son of Lord Randyll Tarly and informs him that his father refused to bend the knee and was executed as result. Samwell is shaken by the news of his father's death, but jokes that at least his brother will allow him to return to Horn Hill. When Daenerys reveals that Dickon Tarly was executed alongside his father, however, Sam is visibly upset and chokes back some tears. He then asks to leave the library to gather his composure. Outside, Samwell runs into Bran Stark and asks why he's sitting in the courtyard. Bran states he's "waiting for an old friend," and reminds him it is time to tell Jon the truth about his true parentage and rightful claim to the throne. Bran insists that Sam must be the one to tell Jon, because Jon trusts him more than anyone.

Afterwards, Samwell finds Jon by himself in the crypts of Winterfell. He confronts Jon about the death of his father and brother, asking if he would have done the same thing in Daenerys' position. He then tells Jon about the diary entry he found from High Septon Maynard stating that he annulled the marriage between Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell. Sam then further explains that Rhaegar then married Lyanna Stark in Dorne and reveals that Jon is their trueborn son, all of which Bran confirmed using his greensight abilities. Jon, visibly shocked at the revelation, says that Lord Eddard Stark was the most honorable man he’s ever known and cannot believe that he would have lied to him his entire life. Samwell reminds Jon that Eddard lied to protect him from the usurper king, Robert Baratheon, who would have killed him if he ever found out the truth of Jon's true parentage, as Robert was married to Jon’s mother. Samwell goes on to state to the astonished Jon that he, as Aegon Targaryen, is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. He then asks rhetorically whether Queen Daenerys would give up her crown to save her people, as Jon has done.

Some days later, the sound of a horn blowing brings Samwell and Jon out into the courtyard, where to their delight, they find Eddison Tollett, Ser Beric Dondarrion and the rest of the Night's Watch dismounting from their horses. As Jon moves to greet them, he is unexpectedly tackled by Tormund Giantsbane, ecstatic to see his "little crow" again. Unfortunately, the new arrivals bring bad news: the castle of Last Hearth has fallen and House Umber are now part of the army of the dead, as is anyone who has not reached Winterfell by now, and the undead will reach Winterfell before daybreak. By nightfall, Samwell joins Jon in meeting with all the prominent commanders to discuss strategy, as Jon suggests the Night King as their primary target. He explains that given the fact that the Night King has raised every monster in the army of the dead, they should all die with him. Ser Jaime Lannister predicts that the Night King, knowing this weakness, will never risk himself on the battlefield, but Bran interjects that he will come for him. When Samwell asks Bran as to why he would be singled out, Bran informs them all of the Night King’s ultimate desire to erase all men from the memory of the world. As Bran has become the Raven, he now possesses all memory of the world. Arya Stark then asks if dragonfire will kill wights, to which Bran replies that he has no idea, as no one has ever tried it.

That evening, Samwell, Jon and Ghost stand along the battlements peering into the blackened sky as the army of the dead are hours from arrival. Samwell asks Jon is he’s informed Queen Daenerys of his birthright, as Jon sheepishly shakes his head no. Samwell attempts to put Jon at ease and Eddison then joins them on the battlements. Samwell asserts that while Gilly and Little Sam will be down in the crypts during battle, he himself will be out in the field fighting, much to Jon’s disapproval. Samwell again reminds them of the White Walker he previously killed. The trio then reminisce over their time together in the Night’s Watch and Eddison instructs that whoever is the last man standing will burn the rest. Afterwards, in the courtyard, Samwell approaches Ser Jorah and gifts him with his family’s sword, Heartsbane, knowing it'll be put to better use with Jorah wielding it, noting that the weight of it is too heavy for him to wield successfully during battle. Jorah insists that he will use it in his father Jeor Mormont’s memory. Before leaving, Samwell adds "I hope we win." In the middle of the night, Samwell and Gilly lay in bed with Little Sam, staring at one another as they are unable to sleep. Their moment of peace is then interrupted by the war horns that sound off for the arrival of the White Walkers and their vast army of wights. Meanwhile, Jon and Daenerys peer out into the night sky to see the undead army approach, as they then head off to mount their dragons and prepare for war.

A nervous Samwell holds a pair of dragonglass daggers, his hands trembling. As the rest of the castle hurry to their positions, with Gilly and Little Sam having made their way down to the crypts, Samwell exits the courtyard and heads towards the battlefield, as Bran Stark is brought to the godswood as bait. On the field, Sam readies himself next to Eddison, Tormund and other defenders, patiently waiting for command. The Red Priestess Melisandre then appears and asks Jorah to command the Dothraki to raise their arakhs. When they do, she starts praying to the Lord of Light and the arakhs suddenly burst into flame. Emboldened, the Dothraki cavalry then charge ahead into the night - until they crash into the seething undead horde of wights. The infantry can hear their shouts in the distance as the dead quickly take out the Dothraki and approach at a sprint. Samwell and the defenders are quickly overrun by wights, who swarm over them like a tidal wave. A savage melee ensues but the overwhelming numbers are against them. Jon and Daenerys join the battle on dragonback, make strafing runs on the undead, as thousands of wights are incinerated. For a short time this stems their tide, but more keep coming. A full retreat into the castle is then ordered and Samwell is nearly killed in the retreat, but Edd saves him - only to be killed himself. The Unsullied soldiers are on the verge of being overwhelmed when Melisandre appears again and repeats her prayers. At the last moment, the entire trench around Winterfell bursts into flames and thwarts the wights progression. However, the wights eventually concentrate their entry on one spot where enough sacrifice themselves for the rest to breach the inflamed defenses and start climbing the castle walls. Once the wights reach the top of the battlements, Samwell and the other defenders fight them off in a terrified frenzy, with Jorah using Heartsbane to save Sam’s life. The Night King then uses his gift of resurrection to revive every fallen defender into an undead wight, including Eddison. As Jon then purses the Night King, who is making his way to Bran in the godswood, he sees Samwell in the courtyard struggling to defend himself, as swarms of wights continue piling up around him. Convicted that killing the Night King will put an end to it all, Jon continues to pursue him but is also overwhelmed. Once the Night King enters the godswood and Bran’s defenders have all been killed, he walks up to Bran and begins to draw his sword for the killing blow. Suddenly, Bran’s sister Arya Stark then leaps out of nowhere with a Valyrian steel dagger and eventually drives it straight into his chest, shattering him into ice. With this, as predicted, the rest of the White Walkers and their entire undead army begin to shatter and fall until the remaining defenders, including Samwell, are all who are left standing. Thus ending the Great War.

Following the victorious battle against the White Walkers, Winterfell has been cleared of the thousands of corpses in and around it. The fallen are gathered into funeral pyres, as Jon then gives a eulogy that it is the duty of those who survived to keep them alive in memory for generations to come. He notes to the survivors in his eulogy: “Our fellow men and women, who set aside their differences to fight together, and die together, so that others might live. Everyone in this world owes them a debt that can never be repaid.” He also quotes the funeral speech used for members of the Night's Watch, he announces that they were the shields that guarded the realms of men, and they will never see their like again: “now their watch is ended.” The assembled leaders go forward with torches to light the pyres: A devastated Daenerys lights Ser Jorah Mormont's pyre, as Samwell lights the pyre of Eddison Tollett. Following the funeral, the survivors hold a victory feast in the great hall of Winterfell, though so many have died that the mood is somber. Daenerys calls on Gendry Baratheon, noting that he is the late King Robert’s bastard. She then appoints Gendry as the new Lord of Storm's End, as a reward for his heroism. Quietly at the main table, her Hand, Tyrion Lannister, notes to Daenerys of this political move. After the announcement, the hall becomes more celebratory, as Samwell and the rest start drinking heavily and discuss the battle. Daenerys then makes a toast: "To Arya Stark, the hero of Winterfell!" prompting an entire room of cheers, though Arya is not in attendance.

Some time later, Jon is getting ready to leave south with Daenerys and their remaining armies to face the tyrant queen, Cersei Lannister, in the capital of King’s Landing. Samwell, Gilly and Tormund join Jon in the courtyard to say their goodbyes, seeing him off to face another war. Tormund informs Jon that he and the surviving wildlings will travel to Castle Black, then after the winter snows have cleared, they will return to the lands beyond the Wall, free from the threat of the White Walkers. Jon's direwolf, Ghost, is also present: he was badly wounded in the battle but managed to survive. Jon instructs Tormund to take Ghost with him, as a direwolf would be happier in the Northern forests. Gilly then bids Jon farewell with a hug, and upon doing so he realizes that she is pregnant with Samwell's child. She gleefully informs that if it's a boy, she hopes to name it Jon. He, however, then expresses his hopes for a girl instead. Jon and Samwell then share a long hug and Sam tearfully informs Jon that he is the best friend he’s ever had. Jon is moved, and shares the same sentiment with Samwell. Jon then rides out of the castle, as Samwell, Gilly, Tormund and Ghost watch him depart.

Some days later, a messenger-raven informs Winterfell that Queen Cersei and Euron Greyjoy have ambushed Daenerys’ fleet outside of her home of Dragonstone, ultimately resulting in the death of one of her dragons, as well as her advisor Missandei. An all-out-war then commences in King’s Landing, as an enraged Daenerys and her last dragon scorch the entire city, along with the innocent civilians Cersei was using to block her castle from attack. The war eventually results in the death of Cersei Lannister, as well as Daenerys herself. Following the sack of the city, Jon assassinated Daenerys himself, having witnessed her brutal spiral into tyranny. Jon realized that after he informed Daenerys of his parentage and claim to the throne, he and his family would forever be in danger of her. Weeks following the assassination, Samwell and the other Great House leaders meet in King’s Landing to discuss Jon and Tyrion Lannister’s punishment for their joint treason against Daenerys. The imprisoned Jon is not in attendance, though Tyrion has been escorted to the trial in chains. When Sansa Stark asks where Jon is, Daenerys’ Master of War, Grey Worm, replies that he decides what to do with their prisoners, as King’s Landing now belongs to the Targaryen forces. Grey Worm insists his army needs justice for her assassination and insists Jon cannot go free. Tyrion reminds him that he does not get to decide that, the power rests with their new king or queen. When it's pointed out there currently isn't one, Tyrion insists that as the most powerful lords and ladies gathered, they can elect one of themselves. Samwell then suggests that everyone in the Seven Kingdoms be allowed to choose a new king under a democracy, but he is immediately mocked and met with laughter for this idea by all the lords and ladies. After some discussion, Tyrion is told that perhaps he is the one who wants the crown himself, however, Tyrion disagrees, as he is hated by half the people for serving Daenerys and the other half for betraying her. When asked his opinion, Tyrion declares that stories unite people. Proposing an elective monarchy, he concludes, "And who has a better story than Bran the Broken? A crippled boy who crossed the Wall and became the Three-Eyed Raven. He's all our memory. Who better to lead us to the future?" Bran’s eldest sister Sansa objects by mentioning that Bran can’t father any children. Tyrion asserts that this is a good thing, since sons of kings are often cruel, as history has shown. Tyrion then asks Bran if he will accept the crown, as Bran replies, "Why do you think I came all this way?" Samwell and the rest then start saying "aye" one by one. Sansa is hesitant, stating that while she believes Bran will be a good king, the North will once again claim themselves as an independent kingdom. Bran gives his assent to his sister’s demand and commands Tyrion to be his Hand of the King as atonement for his wrong-doings.

Several weeks later, following the election at the Great Council meeting, Samwell has been appointed as the new Grand Maester under King Bran Stark’s newly-formed small council. A pregnant Gilly and Little Sam have now moved south with Samwell and are settled into King’s Landing. On the day of the first small council meeting, Samwell gifts the Hand of the King, Tyrion Lannister, with a book he partly wrote with Archmaester Ebrose after he was elected as maester. The book, titled “A Song of Ice and Fire” documents all of the major events that have occurred following the death of King Robert, which started the War of the Five Kings. When King Bran is brought into the council room, Samwell and the rest greet him. Once all seated, Bran enlists his advisors to find a Master of Whisperers, Law and War, while he himself will look for Daenerys’ remaining dragon, Drogon, through his gift of greensight, who has last been spotted flying east. Upon King Bran’s exit, Tyrion recites “We serve at your pleasure, Bran the Broken. Ruler of the Six Kingdoms and protector of the realm. Long may he reign.” The council then repeat “long may he reign.” Grand Maester Samwell Tarly and the rest of the small countil then continue planning the reformation of a fractured Six Kingdoms, marking the dawn of a new era.