 Benjen Stark 's horse returns from north of the Wall without him , much to the worry of his nephew , Jon Snow ( Kit Harington ) . Later , to Jon 's disappointment and anger , he is told he has been assigned as a steward to the Lord Commander instead of a ranger , like his uncle . Jon suspects Ser Alliser Thorne 's ( Owen Teale ) involvement , as revenge for Jon defying him ; however , Sam ( John Bradley ) believes that this assignment may mean he is being groomed for command . As Jon and Sam take their vows near a heart tree , Jon 's direwolf brings him a dismembered hand . 
